Lakehead University Ranks in the Top 10% of Global Universities with Real-World Impact
Lakehead University has once again been recognized among the world’s leading universities for sustainability and global impact, maintaining its status as the top-ranked university in North America with fewer than 10,000 students, in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings.
For the seventh consecutive year, Lakehead remains among the top 10 percent of universities worldwide for societal impact, ranking in the 101-200 category among 1,603 participating institutions from 116 countries.
"Our faculty, students and staff are committed to research, education, and community partnerships that support the global sustainability agenda, including poverty, climate change, access to clean water, and Indigenous reconciliation," said President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gillian Siddall. "The Sustainability Impact Ratings shine a light on the work happening in our classrooms, campus labs, and through community-engaged research that is changing lives and contributing to the development of sustainable communities and societies, locally, nationally, and globally."
The Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings evaluate universities based on their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (or SDG’s) through research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching. The rankings measure how universities are helping to address global challenges from poverty and food security to health equity, climate action, and sustainable development. Lakehead's performance reflects key operational initiatives, curriculum development and research projects that address complex societal challenges.
"This recognition reflects the strength of an education that connects learning with real-world impact," said Dr. Gillian Balfour, Provost and Vice-President, Academic. "Through our Strategic and Academic Plans, Lakehead is embedding sustainability across teaching, research and community partnerships, preparing graduates who are ready to address today's most pressing social, environmental and economic challenges."
Lakehead ranked among the top 100 universities in the world for SDG 1: No Poverty. The rankings also placed Lakehead among the top 200 universities in the world and top 10 in Canada for SDG 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being; SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 13: Climate Action; SDG 14: Life Below Water; SDG 15: Life on Land; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Quick facts:
Lakehead is ranked 101-200th overall among 1,603 universities from over 116 countries in the Times Higher Education 2026 Sustainability Impact Rankings.
For the seventh year in a row, Lakehead remains in the top 10% of global universities for social impact.
Lakehead is one of 20 participating Canadian universities, and the top ranked Canadian primarily undergraduate university.
Lakehead is the top ranked university in Canada with under 10,000 students.
Lakehead is the top ranked university in North America with under 10,000 students.
Lakehead is ranked 69th in the world and 5th in Canada in SDG 1: No Poverty, for its work to address poverty reduction.
Lakehead is ranked in the top 200 universities in the world for 10 of the 17 SDGs.
To view Lakehead's full results, visit the University’s Times Higher Education profile at: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/lakehead-university.