Griffith University is now one of the world’s top two universities for impact, also taking out the number one spot in Australia in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings.
The ratings, which assess Griffith’s performance against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflect the immense work Griffith has carried out over many years, and which has meant the University continued to improve from equal fourth in the world in the last round.
The 2026 ratings have Griffith as equal first in the world for SDG 14 Life Below Water, after achieving a rank of fourth in 2025.
Griffith ranked first in Australia for four SDGs:
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 14 – Life Below Water
- SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans said: “To be recognised as one of the world’s top two universities for impact is an outstanding achievement and a testament to the dedication of our staff, students and partners.”
Dean (Sustainability and Rankings) Professor Jennifer Boddy said: “As a values-led university, Griffith is committed to sustainability across our campus operations, research and teaching, and global partnerships.”
“Our staff, students, researchers and partners help bring this commitment to life by advancing knowledge that strengthens community resilience and working globally to drive sustainable development.”
A few highlights which contributed to Griffith’s sustainability impact include:
– Griffith’s Integrated Water Management Plan, which guides how water is managed across campuses to protect downstream waterways and marine ecosystems
– Griffith’s landmark study revealing Queensland could produce enough renewable biomethane each year to supply around 73 per cent of the state’s gas demand
– Griffith’s ARC Centre of Excellence for Transforming Human Origins Research, one of only eight centres funded nationally in 2025
– Griffith’s nest box program, which supports native wildlife at Brisbane South, Logan and Gold Coast by providing habitat for species such as possums, gliders and the endangered powerful owl
– Griffith’s strategic partnership with Westpac Banking Corporation to strengthen Australia’s response to financial crime through workforce upskilling and applied research
The 17 UN SDGs provide a framework to achieve a better and more sustainable future by tackling climate change, providing health and education for all, eradicating inequality and oppression, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
The Sustainability Impact Ratings represent a relaunch of the previous THE Impact Rankings framework.
