The World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), a global ranking system which recognizes universities for their real-world impact, has catapulted the University of Northern Philippines as one of the best universities in the world. The WURI results were announced in Switzerland on June 7.

UNP ranked 290th among the Most Innovative Universities in the World University Rankings on Innovation (WURI).

In contrast to the previous years of the said ranking with fewer categories, this year’s assessment system or framework has widened to 13, eight of which focus on innovation target (innovate for whom?) and innovation means (innovate how?). 1,072 universities worldwide participated in the WURI 2024.

Across the 13 categories worldwide, UNP was among the top 100 in three categories: ninth best along student support and engagement, 17^th best along social responsibility, and second best along culture/values.

In these three categories, UNP is the best in Region 1. It is also the best in the promotion of culture and values nationwide with the first spot grabbed by Tra Vinh University, Vietnam.

Notably, UNP is the sixth best in the country along student support and engagement and fifth best along social responsibility.

The University’s ranking concretizes its vision of being a “globally recognized university by 2030.” Its place on student support and engagement testifies to the ways in which the administration prioritizes student well-being through various activities and programs. Moreover, its extension services are always responsive to community needs.

Above all, its incredibly high rank in culture/values is an offshoot of Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna’s development goal on the promotion and preservation of cultural heritage.

According to Dr. Tae-hyun Kim, the WURI Ranking chairperson, WURI foregrounds “innovative impacts on the real world,” rather than university rankings based on academic tradition. The results passed through three phases, namely: evaluation, judgment, and final review.

Article by Mark Louie Tabunan. Photos by Irene Abigail Guerrero.