Also achieves top rankings in Germany for all submitted Sustainable Development Goals
World leader in innovation and technology transfer: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) has once more achieved outstanding results in the “Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026” from the British education magazine Times Higher Education (THE). For the Sustainable Development Goal “industry, innovation and infrastructure”, the University has once more come in first place both nationally and internationally. In all other submitted Sustainable Development Goals, FAU was among the most highly ranked universities in Germany, significantly improving its position in several areas. Internationally, FAU has been ranked among the top 100 for a total of four times. The rating evaluates how universities across the world contribute to the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
World leader in innovation and technology transfer
FAU once more performed outstandingly in the Sustainable Development Goal “industry, innovation and infrastructure” (SDG 9). Like in previous years, FAU was once again number one in the world. The decisive factors behind its top ranking are FAU’s outstanding performance on innovation, intense collaboration with industry, successful spin-offs and influential patents. Programs such as the Entrepreneurial Innovation Hub, the FAU Digital Tech Fellows Program or the FAU Digital Tech Academy encourage the transfer of research findings to industry and society. At the same time, in initiatives such as SHARE at FAU or in Medical Valley, FAU works closely with companies and partners from the region to advance future technologies.
Top rankings for environmental protection, energy and responsible consumption
In the Sustainable Development Goal “sustainable consumption and production” (SDG 12), FAU was ranked 29th in the world and first place in Germany. Special mention was made of measures for conserving resources, avoiding waste and recycling, as well as the University’s commitment to being a fairtrade university.
FAU participated in the Sustainable Development Goal “climate action” (SDG 13) for the first time this year and immediately achieved rank 50 worldwide. The evaluation included the University’s climate action plan with the goal of achieving climate neutrality, the integration of sustainability topics into teaching, and the transparent recording and publication of energy consumption data.
FAU is also one of the leaders in the area of “affordable and clean energy” (SDG 7), gaining rank 68 in the world ranking. This is based on extensive measures to increase energy efficiency, such as converting lighting systems to LED technology and optimizing heating and ventilation systems.
Significant improvements in health, education, and sustainable communities
FAU improved in the areas of health, education, and the sustainable development of cities and communities.
In the Sustainable Development Goal “good health and well-being” (SDG 3), the University rose from being included in the group 201–300 to enter the group 101–200. Key factors behind its success included the research achievements of the Faculty of Medicine, such as new projects investigating rare diseases, the work of the WHO Collaboration Center, and health programs for employees under FAU Gesund.
FAU also improved significantly in the area of “sustainable cities and communities” (SDG 11), reaching the rank group 101–200. Positive factors contributing to this assessment included free access to the University’s collections and museums, the diverse cultural events offered by University Music and FAU’s mobility concept.
In the Sustainability Development Goal “quality education” (SDG 4), FAU even jumped from rank group 401–600 to 201–300 worldwide. Public and free educational offers, such as lecture series, and the FAU Academy’s continuing education programs for various age and target groups were recognized.