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 achievements for the Elche-based institution in the 2026 edition is its undisputed national leadership in SDG 7 (“Affordable and Clean Energy”). The UMH secured the top spot among all Spanish universities evaluated, while also ranking in the global 101–200 bracket 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 the UMH within the 301–400 band of universities with the greatest global impact, standing out internationally by ranking in the top tiers (101–200 and 201–300 globally) across a total of eight Sustainable Development Goals.

Global Ranking: The assessment places UMH in the 301–400 bracket of universities with the greatest global impact, standing out internationally by ranking in the top tiers (101–200 and 201–300 globally) across a total of eight Sustainable Development Goals. Excellence within the Spanish University System Beyond its top ranking in clean energy, UMH’s performance across Spain reflects a high level of consistency across a wide range of disciplines with human and environmental impact. The institution ranks among the national leaders in the following specific goals:

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

SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy | 1st Place | Band 101–200

SDG 2: Zero hunger | 2nd Place | Band >300

SDG 1: No poverty | 3rd Place | Band >300

SDG 10: Reduced inequalities | 3rd Place | Band 101–200

SDG 14: Life below water | 3rd Place | Band >300

SDG 3: Good health and well-being | 4th Place | Band 201–300

SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation | 4th Place | Band >300

SDG 15: Life on land | 4th Place | Band >300

Furthermore, on a global and international scale, the UMH solidifies its standing within the 101–200 worldwide ranking band for strategic goals regarding 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. In a highly competitive academic landscape where only two universities from the Valencian Community have secured a place in this rigorous global ranking, the UMH 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.