The World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) announced its 2024 rankings: WURI Ranking 2024. Among 292 global projects, the project "Empowering Futures: International Collaboration in Education and Sustainability," led by Professor Yen-Ling Lin from the Department of Economics, ranked 47th worldwide. It is the only project from Taiwan to enter the Top 100 in the "Social Responsibility" category, demonstrating Tamkang University's exceptional achievements in implementing University Social Responsibility (USR) initiatives.
WURI, established by the Hanseatic League of Universities (HLU) in Europe, focuses on universities' tangible contributions to society and launched its first rankings in 2020. This year, 8 universities from Taiwan made it into the Top 100. This marks Tamkang University's first participation, making it the only private university among the ranked institutions. Other universities on the list include National Chi Nan University, National Tsing Hua University, National Dong Hwa University, National Sun Yat-sen University, National Cheng Kung University, National Taipei University of Technology, and National Taiwan Normal University, all of which are public universities.
Professor Yen-Ling Lin, the Principal Investigator of the project and also the Executive Secretary of the Center for Sustainable Development and Social Innovation, stated that Tamkang University has shown steadfast commitment and relentless efforts in advancing USR initiatives. These achievements have brought great pride to the university. Tamkang not only roots itself deeply in the Tamsui region, promoting local connections and social innovation but also extends its social impact internationally, showcasing remarkable practical results in overseas settings and gaining global recognition. These accomplishments are the collective efforts of all participants, including faculty and students, and collaboration with various sectors. Tamkang University aims to continue breaking new ground in the USR field, bringing about positive changes and impacts for society.
The project "Empowering Futures: International Collaboration in Education and Sustainability" began in 2018, with students from the Department of Economics forming the "Economics & Education" and traveling to Cambodia. They launched an impactful international service-learning initiative aimed at improving and transforming educational opportunities for underprivileged children in Po Village, Siem Reap Province. The project collaborates with the local nonprofit ECC School, focusing on integrating educational technology, clean water resources, environmental conservation, and community engagement to promote sustainable development. This ongoing overseas initiative provides essential skills to local youth while fostering their sense of environmental responsibility and cultural identity. It is a journey of empowerment that narrows the educational gap and inspires sustainable change, fully demonstrating the collaborative power of transformative education and international cooperation.
The 2024 WURI rankings evaluate universities across 13 categories, with 8 Taiwanese universities distributed across 9 categories in the Top 100. Rankings are based on 3 criteria: uniqueness, implementability, and impact, assessing each category's contributions and rankings with a focus on whether universities' research and education exhibit creativity and innovative approaches.
