The Aga Khan University (AKU) has been ranked top 5% of higher education institutions globally for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, ‘Good Health and Well-Being’, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) 2024 Impact Rankings.
AKU is placed at an impressive 55th position out of 1,498 institutions worldwide.
The University has been acknowledged for its contributions to research, education, and health services.
AKU researchers have been particularly prolific in areas related to SDG 3, producing over 2,500 publications between 2017 and 2023, according to a bibliometric analysis conducted by the University.
AKU excelled in three key categories: research output, the number of students graduating in health-related disciplines, and collaboration with health services. This comprehensive approach has solidified the University’s reputation as a leader in advancing global health and well-being.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are deeply integrated into AKU’s academic framework. The University offers optional SDG courses at the Institute for Global Health and Development and the Institute for Educational Development.
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Additionally, the School of Nursing and Midwifery incorporates SDGs into its postgraduate curriculum, supporting national government policies and curriculum development.
The University’s impact extends beyond SDG 3, with significant scholarly contributions to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
“The global relevance of AKU scholarship is further demonstrated by the fact that nearly 80 percent of faculty publications in 2022 were aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” noted Dr. Salim Virani, AKU Vice Provost for Research, in the University’s Research Magazine.
“If we examine the past, we see that research at AKU has grown rapidly in volume, quality, diversity, recognition, impact, and reach. If we examine the present, it is clear that the University’s research capacity is impressive, especially given its youth compared to many universities and the fact that it operates in resource-limited environments.”
Through its academic programmes, the University encourages creative and critical responses to development issues, preparing students to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.
As part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), AKU collaborates closely with the Aga Khan Health Services to advance the goal of health for all in the regions it serves.
