Insubria in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026 – Excelling in Good Governance and Environmental Research

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Insubria

For the fourth consecutive year, the University of Insubria appears in the QS Sustainability ranking, the latest league table published by the prestigious British agency Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). The fourth edition of the QS Sustainability Ranking saw the participation of 2,002 universities from 108 countries, including 621 European institutions, 57 of which are Italian. 

The University of Insubria once again confirms its position among institutions committed to promoting sustainable development, ranking in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026 as follows:

  • 1021–1030th place worldwide out of 2,002 universities
  • 372nd place in Europe out of 621
  • 34th place in Italy out of 57 universities assessed

The ranking, produced in collaboration with Elsevier, Yale University and the Academic Freedom Index, [ZM1] represents a global benchmark for students and the wider public to measure universities’ contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Performance is assessed using an ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) approach, divided into three key areas: 

  • Environmental impact (education, research, green policies) – 45%
  • Social impact (inclusion, health and wellbeing, education, employability) – 45%
  • Governance (transparency, leadership, engagement) – 10%

The University of Insubria appears in the rankings for all three key areas:

  • Environmental Impact – position 1251+
  • Social Impact – 975th position
  • Governance – 708th position

In the Good governance area, Insubria has gained more than 250 places compared with last year, reflecting recognition of the University’s commitment to high-quality governance focused on transparency and engagement with both internal and external stakeholders. In the Social Impact area, improvements can be seen in the Equality performance lens (669th place worldwide), acknowledging the policies and actions implemented for gender equality, equal opportunities, inclusion and the fight against discrimination. Excellent results were also achieved in the Health and Wellbeing indicators (559th place), which assess the University’s efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of staff, students and the wider community. In the Environmental Impact area, the University stands out for environmental research, ranking 597th worldwide, but needs to strengthen education on environmental issues, partnerships, strategies and green policies.

“The results achieved,” comments Adriano Martinoli, Delegate of the Rector for Sustainability, Green Areas and Energy Efficiency, “represent an important incentive for the University of Insubria to continue with determination in strengthening its research and teaching activities and its inclusive and sustainable policies, consolidating its role in the national and international academic landscape. The University therefore intends to make constructive use of the information and position derived from this international ranking as a lever to constantly improve its performance in sustainability in the broadest sense, promoting a participatory approach and the active involvement of all stakeholders in the academic community.”

On the dedicated page Uninsubria sostenibile the University’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda is documented.

Overall ranking https://www.topuniversities.com/sustainability-rankings