Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences among the country’s top universities in the QS Sustainability Rankings
QS is one of the leading international university ranking systems, built on 10 distinct lenses. One of its major processes, the QS Sustainability Ranking, evaluates universities based on sustainability factors with a detailed focus on environmental and social impacts, as well as governance practices.
Within the environmental impact category, the sub-metrics include Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Education, and Environmental Research. The university’s strongest performance came in Environmental Research. For social impact, the sub-metrics are Equality, Knowledge Exchange, Impact of Education, Employability & Opportunities, and Health and Wellbeing. The university achieved its highest score in Impact of Education, which directly aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” (QS Support, accessed January 5, 2026).
The good governance lens considers elements of best practice such as ethics, fair hiring, transparent decision-making, and student representation. By demonstrating strong performance in these areas, the university secured its position in the good governance competition. (QS Support, accessed January 5, 2026).
In the latest QS Sustainability Ranking results released in 2025, out of 2,020 participating universities and academic institutions worldwide, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences was ranked in the 1300–1400 band globally and placed fifth among 17 national universities. Notably, only two medical sciences universities appeared in the national list, with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences ranked first among them.
Dr. Mortazavi, Vice-Chancellor for International Affairs, expressed his satisfaction with this achievement, the university’s first recognition in the QS Sustainability Ranking. He highlighted the institution’s academic, research, and executive initiatives in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting social responsibility, and strengthening governance. He emphasized that with the university’s existing capacities, there is hope for further improvement in future rankings.
Dr. Mortazavi also acknowledged the crucial contributions of the Deputy for Health, Deputy for Management and Resources, the School of Health, and affiliated research centers and staff, recognizing their dedicated efforts in making this accomplishment possible.
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