Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH) has once again reaffirmed its strong institutional commitment to sustainable development and social responsibility. According to the recently published results of the 2026 edition of the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings (formerly known as the THE Impact Rankings), UMH ranks as the university with the sixth-highest social impact in Spain and places within the prestigious 301–400 band globally. This rigorous international assessment measures the actual contribution universities make to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. In this edition, the ranking evaluated a total of 1,646 universities from 116 countries and territories, assessing their metrics across four key areas: research, teaching, institutional management, and the social transfer of knowledge.

Leadership in Clean and Sustainable Energy

One of the most outstanding milestones for the Elche-based institution in the 2026 edition is its undisputed national leadership in SDG 7 (“Affordable and Clean Energy”). The UMH has secured the top spot among all Spanish universities evaluated, while also ranking in the 101–200 global tier for this category. This recognition acknowledges the university’s cross-cutting policies regarding energy efficiency, the use and promotion of clean energy across its campuses, and its firm commitment to an environmentally sustainable energy transition.

Global Ranking: The assessment places UMH in the 301–400 bracket of universities with the greatest global impact, standing out on the international stage by ranking in the top tiers (101–200 and 201–300 globally) across a total of eight Sustainable Development Goals.

Excellence Results in the Spanish University System Beyond its top ranking in clean energy, UMH’s performance across Spain reflects high-level consistency across a wide range of disciplines with human and environmental impact. The institution ranks among the leaders nationwide in the following sectoral objectives:

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL (SDG) | POSITION IN SPAIN | INTERNATIONAL RANKING BAND

SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy | 1st Position | Band 101–200
SDG 2: Zero hunger | 2nd Position | Band >300
SDG 1: No poverty | 3rd Position | Band >300
SDG 10: Reduced inequalities | 3rd Position | Band 101–200
SDG 14: Life below water | 3rd Position | Band >300
SDG 3: Good health and well-being | 4th Position | Band 201–300
SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation | 4th Position | Band >300
SDG 15: Life on land | 4th Position | Band >300

Furthermore, on a global and international scale, the UMH solidifies its standing within the 101–200 global range regarding strategic goals for socioeconomic development, such as SDG 8 (“Decent work and economic growth”) and SDG 9 (“Industry, innovation, and infrastructure”).

An Undisputed Leader in the Valencian Community. 

At the regional level, the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 confirms the university from Elche’s position of leadership within the territory. In a highly competitive academic landscape—where only two universities from the Valencian Community have succeeded in making the cut for this rigorous global ranking—the UMH truly stands out by leading the region across a total of eleven Sustainable Development Goals.

Specifically, the UMH ranks first in the region in the following areas:

SDGs 1 and 2: No Poverty / Zero Hunger.
SDGs 3 and 4: Good Health and Well-being / Quality Education.
SDGs 5 and 6: Gender Equality / Clean Water and Sanitation.
SDGs 7 and 11: Affordable and Clean Energy / Sustainable Cities and Communities.
SDGs 14 and 15: Life Below Water / Life on Land.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

This significant regional leadership indisputably reinforces the role of Miguel Hernández University as the Valencian benchmark for sustainability, proactive social responsibility policies, and a commitment to generating a direct, positive impact on its own territory and productive sector.

For more information and access to the full ranking tables:

Visit the official Times Higher Education portal: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/impactrankings