National Taiwan University (NTU) this year placed 14th in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, the best result ever achieved by a Taiwanese university.
The rankings, which evaluate the contributions made by universities toward the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), assessed 2,526 institutions in 130 countries and territories this year.
NTU rose 41 spots from 55th last year, according to the rankings, which were released by UK-based higher education data provider Times Higher Education today.
File photo courtesy of National Taiwan University via CNA
NTU was the top-ranked university in Taiwan, ahead of National Cheng Kung University (31st), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (41st) and National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (77th).
"In recent years, NTU's efforts in teaching, research and social sustainability have received recognition and awards at home and abroad," NTU President Chen Wen-chang (陳文章) said in a statement.
"While rankings are only one of many assessment indicators, NTU will continue to center its mission on the Sustainable Development Goals and strive to create a positive global impact," Chen said.
NTU said it placed in the top 20 globally for five of the SDGs, including a ranking of second in "Good health and well-being" and ninth in "Life below water."
Western Sydney University in Australia topped the rankings for a fourth consecutive year, while the UK's University of Manchester placed second and South Korea's Kyungpook National University ranked third.
"Asian universities claim more than half of all places in the rankings," with institutions from the region also leading 10 out of the 17 individual SDG categories, Times Higher Education said.
"The overall Impact Rankings table identifies and celebrates universities that demonstrate comprehensive excellence in contributing to global sustainable development," it said.
The rankings reflect performance in areas such as environmental sustainability, social inclusion, economic growth and international partnerships, based on a methodology that aggregates scores across multiple SDGs, Times Higher Education said.
PROCEDURE: Although there is already a cross-strait agreement in place for the extradition of criminals, ample notice is meant to be given to the other side first Ten Taiwanese who were involved in fraud-related crimes in China were extradited back to Taiwan via Kinmen County on Wednesday, four of whom are convicted fraudsters in Taiwan. The 10 people arrived via a ferry operating between Xiamen and Kinmen, also known as the “small three links.” The Kinmen County Prosecutors’ Office yesterday said that four of the 10 extradited people were convicted in Taiwan for committing fraud and contravening the Money Laundering Control Act (洗錢防制法), and were on the wanted list. They were immediately arrested upon arrival and sent to Kinmen Prison to serve their sentences following brief questioning, the office said.
Taipei and Kaohsiung have extended an open invitation to Japanese pop star Ayumi Hamasaki after Chinese authorities abruptly canceled her scheduled concert in Shanghai. Hamasaki, 47, had been slated to perform on Saturday before organizers pulled the show at the last minute, citing “force majeure,” a move widely viewed as retaliation for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remark that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could draw a military response from Tokyo. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) yesterday said the city “very much welcomes” Hamasaki’s return and would continue to “surprise” her. Hamasaki, who has a large global fan base, including
‘REGRETTABLE’: Travelers reported that Seoul’s online arrival card system lists Taiwan as ‘China (Taiwan),’ the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday urged South Korea to correct the way Taiwan is listed in its newly launched e-Arrival card system, saying the current designation downgrades the nation’s status. South Korea rolled out the online system on Feb. 24 to gradually replace paper arrival cards, which it plans to phase out by next year. Travelers must complete the electronic form up to 72 hours before entering the country. The ministry said it has received multiple complaints from Taiwanese travelers saying that the system lists Taiwan as “China (Taiwan)” in dropdown menus for both “place of departure” and “next
VIGILANT: Enterovirus activity remains in the epidemic phase, with the CDC urging caregivers of infected children to be on the lookout for signs of severe illness Influenza activity is rising in neighboring countries, and, with temperatures forecast to drop this week, flu cases are expected to increase in the next two weeks, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. Hospitals reported 87,162 visits for flu-like illnesses between Nov. 23 and Saturday, which remained about the same level as the previous week, but nine deaths and 24 cases with serious flu complications were also confirmed last week, CDC Epidemic Intelligence Center Director Guo Hung-wei (郭宏偉) said. Flu activity reached a peak in late September before declining for eight consecutive weeks, CDC Deputy Director-General and spokesman Lin Min-cheng (林明誠)