THE names GCU among UK universities best placed to meet pandemic challenges

Times Higher Education awards
Times Higher Education awards

GCU has been recognised by Times Higher Education as one of the eight UK institutions best positioned to meet the challenges thrown up by the COVID-19 pandemic.

GCU is one of just two Scottish institutions shortlisted for the DataPoints Merit Award in this year’s THE Awards. The nominaton is based on non-research based data submitted by GCU to THE's University Impact Rankings and the winner will be announced at the virtual THE Awards ceremony on November 26.

The University is ranked forty-third in the world of 766 universities in the 2020 University Impact Rankings, the only global performance tables that assess universities against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). GCU is ranked second in Scotland and eighth overall in the UK, with very strong performances in key areas of decent work and economic growth, gender equality, good health and wellbeing, and reduced inequalities.

Every year, THE’s data team delves into the mine of information that underpins the World University Rankings for fresh insights into the performance of UK universities to determine the winner of the award. This year, they explored which universities were best positioned to face the challenges of COVID-19.

GCU is nominated for the award alongside Dundee, Worcester and Leeds universities, King’s College, London Southbank, Queen’s University Belfast, and the University of Surrey.

Professor James Miller, Deputy Vice Chancellor Strategy, said: "We are delighted that Glasgow Caledonian University has been shortlisted for this prestigious award. It recognises the expertise of our Strategy and Planning team alongside the collaborative work they lead across all parts of the University.”

THE editor John Gill said: “This has been a year like no other, and universities have faced unprecedented challenges as a result of the pandemic. While we are by no means through the crisis, the response over the last six months has been immensely impressive, and served yet again as a reminder of the dedication and commitment that exists across UK higher education."