Lakehead University is solidifying its presence on the national and global stage, ranking among the top 100 universities in the world addressing global challenges in the Times Higher Education 2025 Impact Rankings.
Lakehead is in the top 100 again this year, ranking 90th overall among 2,318 participating institutions worldwide, while maintaining its status as the top-ranked university with under 10,000 students in Canada and North America.
"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," explained Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University. "The Impact Rankings 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 (THE) Impact Rankings assess a university's success in delivering on the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the areas of research, stewardship, outreach and teaching using a range of quantitative and qualitative measures.
Lakehead's ranking reflects key operational initiatives, curriculum development and research projects that focus on addressing societal issues such as responsible resource extraction, sustainability, agriculture, and health equity, among others.
"The future of our communities, countries, and world, depends on the next generation of talented graduates," said Dr. David Richards, Interim Provost and Vice-President (Academic). "At Lakehead University, we offer one of the best educational experiences in the world with innovative academic programming including concentrations in social justice, climate leadership, and Indigenous law and education, empowering students to find solutions to society's biggest challenges."
Of the 2,318 post-secondary institutions evaluated, THE ranked Lakehead as a world leader in:
23rd in the world and 2nd in Canada for SDG1: No Poverty. Lakehead University's campuses are located in regions where the median income is below the provincial and national average. As one of the largest employers, post-secondary institutions and economic hubs in Northwestern Ontario and Simcoe County, Lakehead has a direct impact on the economic and social resilience in the regions it serves. This ranking also reflects the many initiatives Lakehead offers to support students who face barriers to accessing university education, including financial barriers, as well as the innovative research being done by faculty related to poverty in rural and remote communities in northwestern Ontario.
26th in the world and 5th in Canada for SDG14: Life Below Water. Healthy lakes, rivers and oceans are essential to human existence and Lakehead is a world leader in conservation and sustainable use of fresh-water ecosystems. Through strategic partnerships, Lakehead is leveraging collective expertise to drive innovation and impact marine conservation initiatives to foster environmental stewardship. Lakehead supports healthy aquatic ecosystems through community outreach programs, research initiatives, and degree programs such as undergraduate studies in water resource science.
The Impact Rankings also placed Lakehead University as 65th in world and 7th in Canada for SDG 2: Zero Hunger; 58th in the world and 7th in Canada for SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation; 98th in the world and 7th in Canada for SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; 65th in the world and 7th in Canada for SDG 15: Life on Land; and 101-200 in the world and 7th in Canada for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Lakehead performed in the top 200 universities in the world in 11 of the 17 SDGs.
"This ranking shows that Lakehead isn't just a place to learn about the world - it's a place where people can change the world," Dr. Siddall stated. "This is an exceptional achievement that students, faculty and staff can all take pride in."
This year's Impact Rankings evaluated post-secondary institutions from over 300 countries including 24 Canadian universities.
To view Lakehead's full results, visit the university's Times Higher Education profile at: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/lakehead-university
Quick facts:
- Lakehead is ranked 90th overall among 2,318 universities from over 300 countries in the Times Higher Education 2025 Impact Rankings.
- For the sixth year in a row, Lakehead remains in the top 10% of global universities for social impact.
- Lakehead is one of 24 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.
