SWPS University: Making a positive difference in the world
Universities have always played a crucial role in driving societal progress. They disseminate knowledge through teaching and generate new insights through research. In recent years, universities have expanded their role to include social responsibility as a third mission. With their ability to drive innovation, economic development, and societal well-being, universities are uniquely equipped to address global challenges such as climate change and inequality, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations.
The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024 showcase the positive contributions made by universities worldwide, demonstrating how they leverage their unique capacities to promote sustainable development and advance global progress. This year, THE evaluated 2,152 universities from 125 countries and regions, including 25 from Poland.
SWPS University has significantly improved its standing. Overall, we have moved up to a ranking between 401 and 600 from last year's position beyond 1000. We secured second place in Poland, tying with Gdańsk University of Technology, Jagiellonian University, and the University of Warsaw. The University of Gdańsk secured first place.
The ranking is based on universities' scores for SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals and the three other goals for which they received the most points. SWPS University has been recognized for contributing to SDG 5: Gender Equality, ranking 74th globally, up from the 101-200 range last year. The university also stands out for its commitment to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, achieving a position between 201 and 300. The third category in which we received the highest notes is SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, where we ranked between 401 and 600. For SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, the university is positioned 601-800 out of 2,031 institutions.
For a comprehensive review of the rankings, visit the official Times Higher Education website
Eliminating gender discrimination and enhancing gender parity
When assessing universities' efforts toward achieving SDG 5 (gender equality and empowering all women and girls), the ranking creators consider several factors, including the gender balance among students and staff, the percentage of women receiving degrees, the number of women in senior academic positions, and research on gender equality. SWPS University received 70 points in this category, securing second place in Poland, with the University of Gdańsk ranking first.
SWPS University is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all. We are committed to promoting equality and preventing discrimination in all areas of our operations.
Seventy percent of SWPS University's employees are women. They constitute a majority in the most senior management roles. Women's representation is particularly noticeable in the university's governing bodies, where five out of eight members are women. This distinguishes SWPS University from many other higher education institutions in Poland.
SWPS University also actively conducts gender-related research, primarily through the Youth Research Center and the Center for Research on Social Relations.
Ensuring equal opportunity and inclusion
The SDG 10 (reduce inequality within and among countries) ranking focuses on universities' research on social inequalities, their anti-discrimination policies, and their commitment to recruiting staff and students from underrepresented groups (e.g., developing countries or those with disabilities). SWPS University achieved 62.8 points in this category, securing first place in Poland, tied with five other universities.
We are committed to making learning opportunities accessible to students with disabilities by eliminating architectural barriers, installing appropriate equipment, and introducing improvements for easier campus navigation. Students with disabilities have access to various forms of support offered by our Office for Students with Disabilities.
SWPS University researchers conduct projects on social protection, migration policies, and strategies to reduce income and social inequalities, such as:
Addressing mental health challenges
The SDG 3 (ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) ranking evaluates universities' contributions to activities that impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities. SWPS University scored 62.3 points in this category, securing third place among Polish universities. This score reflects our strong performance in key indicators such as the number of graduates in health-related studies, research conducted in this field, collaboration with external partners, and access to health services.
SWPS University's research centers conduct advanced projects on a wide range of health-related topics, including:
Forging partnerships that support sustainable development across various sectors
For the mandatory qualifying SDG 17 (strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development), THE measures research related to the goal, regional and international relationships for SDG policy, the number of published reports on each of the SDGs, and commitment to meaningful education about the SDGs.
SWPS University received 65.2 points in this category, ranking third in Poland along with four other universities.
Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
THE Impact Rankings identify and celebrate universities that excel across multiple United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These goals address the most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges of our time.
This year THE evaluated 2,152 universities from 125 countries/regions. The rankings grow each year as many more universities seek to demonstrate their commitment to delivering the SDGs.
Universities are assessed in four broad areas:
research
stewardship
outreach
teaching
The rankings were created by leaders in higher education analytics and creators of one of the most renowned global university rankings, THE World University Rankings.