Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) has been ranked 49th worldwide in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, entering the global Top 50. It is 7th among domestic universities and 3rd among flagship national universities.

The evaluation assessed universities' sustainability across research, education, community engagement, international cooperation, and overall university operations based on the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, 1,603 universities worldwide participated, competing based on quantitative and qualitative indicators across the 17 SDGs.

JBNU has made a significant leap from the global 101–200 band last year to 49th this year, demonstrating its growing global influence. This improvement is regarded as international recognition not only of its education and research but also of its social value creation, contributions to the local community, and achievements in sustainable university management.

It also showed balanced performance in detailed indicators. It recorded world rankings of SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) 6th, SDG2 (Zero Hunger) 10th, SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) 19th, SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) 26th, SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals) 41st, and SDG9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) 59th.

In particular, in the SDG8 category, efforts such as employment and start-up support, expansion of field training, creation of a stable employment environment, and development of member capabilities received high evaluations, propelling JBNU from the 200 band last year to 6th in the world.

This achievement is considered the result of JBNU's ESG-based university management and sustainable development strategies. JBNU has continuously implemented carbon neutrality practices, community co-prosperity programs, the establishment of student support systems, expanded SDG-linked education, and strengthened Industry–University Collaboration linked to regional industries.

Centered on the Glocal University 30 Project, JBNU is building an innovation model in which the region and the university grow together. It is also working to create a sustainable regional development ecosystem through student-centered educational innovation, industry-tailored talent development, and the advancement of Industry–University Collaboration.

JBNU is also strengthening global cooperation. It established the JBNU-Purdue Research Institute (JPRI) jointly with Purdue University in the United States to carry out collaborative research. It is accelerating efforts to secure future growth engines through initiatives such as constructing a Physical AI demonstration lab in cooperation with KAIST, operating a semiconductor joint research center, and expanding the recruitment of outstanding international talent.

This trend is reflected in other global rankings as well. JBNU recently saw a 3.3-point increase in its sustainability indicator score in the 2027 QS World University Rankings compared to the previous year, indicating continuous improvement across Environment, Social, and Governance domains.

President Yang O-bong said, 'Entering the world Top 50 is the result of all members working together for a sustainable future,' and added, 'We will continue to advance as a research-focused university and a leader in sustainable development that grows with the region and contributes to solving the problems facing humanity.'