Enhancing universities’ contribution to the Prof Jan Eloff The University of Pretoria has been ranked among the top universities in the world for its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN). The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings assess the performance of universities across the globe against the UN’s SDGs in terms of their social and economic impact.
In terms of this ranking, the University achieved an overall placement in the 101–200 band of institutions, and was placed second in South Africa. The ranking includes 766 universities from 85 countries, and compares the broad areas of research, outreach and stewardship. It featured among the top 100 universities in three of the categories: Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). It was also placed in the 101–200 band of institutions for Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE For the Times Higher Education’s global ranking submission, the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology was tasked to champion SDG 9. It also participated in SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 17 (Partnerships).
The Faculty’s research is focused on six broad research themes: • Water and Environmental Engineering • Minerals and Materials Beneficiation • The Fourth Industrial Revolution • Smart Cities and Transportation • Big Data Science, ICT and Technology and Innovation Management • Energy
In preparation for the University’s submission, an extensive audit was conducted in 2019 to gain insight into how well the research conducted in the Faculty supports the SDGs. This would also ensure that the research conducted in the Faculty is making an impact on society as a whole, particularly with regard to the most pressing challenges of the developing world. These include topics related to the economic development of South Africa and job creation, poverty, inequality, food security, climate change and quality health. This audit revealed that the Faculty is addressing all but two of the 17 SDGs (SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 14: Life below Water). 50
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