UEA in world top 100 in global sustainability rankings
By: Communications
The University of East Anglia (UEA) has improved its overall score in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026 – sitting in the world top 100.
The rankings measure an institution's ability to tackle the world’s greatest environmental, social and governance challenges.
Internationally, UEA ranks in the top 3% globally (61st out of 2,001 institutions) and top 6% in Europe (35th out of 620 institutions).
UEA’s combined score of 92.6 represents a rise from 91.4 last year.
The rankings are calculated based on three performance ‘lenses’ - environmental impact, social impact, and governance. The metrics underpinning these use a wide range of data types, including research data, survey data, reputation data, alumni data, and national-level statistics.
Focusing on the ‘lenses’, UEA’s Governance ranked particularly strongly, measuring in the world’s top 20. Environmental Research (Environmental Impact lens), and both Equality and Impact of Education (Social Impact) ranked in the UK top 15.
Prof David Maguire, Vice Chancellor of UEA, said: “I am proud that UEA’s commitment to tackle the world’s greatest environmental, social and governance challenges has been recognised as amongst the best in the world. Being ranked in the top-100, or top 3%, globally is a testament to the excellence of the research across the University of East Anglia.
“These world rankings are highly competitive, and the fact UEA remains firmly among the global leaders is a testament to the dedication of our staff, students and partners in driving meaningful change for a sustainable future.”
Here are a few examples that showcase UEA’s strengths and vision in these areas.
Environmental impact
This lens investigates areas including environmental research and environmental sustainability.
UK food needs radical transformation on scale not seen since Second World War:
Rapid and urgent action on food is needed if the UK is to reboot its flagging economy, save the NHS billions, ensure national food security, and meet climate commitments, according to a report led co-led by UEA.
Landmark report warns food systems breach planetary limits:
A major report found that shifting global diets could prevent approximately 15 million premature deaths per year.
Social impact
This lens investigates areas such as health and wellbeing, impact of education, and knowledge exchange.
UK’s first university-led Therapeutic Fostering course to strengthen foster care support across East of England:
In September this year, UEA welcomed its first cohort onto the first course of its type in the UK, offered at Higher Education (HE) level.
Revolutionary blood test for ME / Chronic Fatigue unveiled:
Scientists at UEA and Oxford Biodynamics developed a high accuracy blood test to diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS).
Norfolk pilot programme to tackle child-to-parent abuse proves a success:
An initiative to support Norfolk families experiencing child and adolescent to parent abuse or violence was hailed a success by UEA researchers.
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