“Since its launch in 2019, the THE Impact Ranking has provided a valuable framework for evaluating universities based on their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG”s)” writes the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) in a letter addressed to Phil Baty, THE’s Chief Global Affairs Officer.
German rectors believe that “ the announced shift to a subscription-and membership-based participation model threatens its inclusive foundation. Such a model would effectively turn the relationship between THE and participating universities into a client-based one, undermining the core principle of equal access.”
HRK expresses deep concern about a further commercialization of the ranking system.