Research code: IR.IUMS.REC.1401.450
Ethics code: IR.IUMS.REC.1401.450
1- School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ,Pouriafarrokhi73@gmail.com
2- Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ,
Abstract: (149 Views)
Background: In a review of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) conducted on September 25, 2015, the United Nations determined the necessity for developing a new guideline. Consequently, a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was formulated and introduced as a successor to the Millennium Development Goals. These goals are collectively entitled "Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," which represents one of the most ambitious and significant global agreements in contemporary history. This guideline, comprising 17 core goals, provides a framework for addressing the world's most crucial challenges, including poverty eradication, economic prosperity, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, peace, and good governance, to achieve these goals in all countries and for all people by 2030. Sustainable development goals include 1. No poverty, 2. Zero hunger, 3. Good health and well-being, 4. Quality education, 5. Gender equality, 6. Clean water and sanitation, 7. Affordable and clean energy, 8. Decent work and economic growth, 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure, 10- Reduced inequalities, 11. Sustainable cities and communities, 12. Responsible consumption and production, 13. Climate action, 14. Life below water, 15. Life on land, 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions, 17. Partnerships for the goals. In achieving sustainable development goals, educational institutions play a pivotal role. Medical sciences universities, in particular, represent a significant proportion of any country's educational institutions. These institutions are directly associated with the attainment of goals 3 and 4 and indirectly contribute to the achievement of other SDGs. One of the most significant responsibilities of a university is cultivating human capital. Medical sciences universities can contribute to sustainable development by developing human capital through education. This encompasses training healthcare professionals who are capable of providing quality healthcare services, as well as training researchers who can conduct research aimed at addressing health challenges. Additionally, medical sciences universities can generate knowledge through research that can be utilized to address health challenges and contribute to sustainable development. For instance, research can be conducted to develop novel treatments for diseases, enhance healthcare delivery, and promote healthy behaviors. Furthermore, medical sciences universities can enhance capacity by providing training and support to healthcare workers and researchers in low- and middle-income countries. This can assist in strengthening healthcare organizations and improving health outcomes. In Iran, the role of medical sciences universities is of particular significance in achieving the goals of sustainable development. This is due to the unique system that positions these institutions as providers of both medical education and services, with responsibility for the health and well-being of the wider community. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluation of the performance of Iran University of Medical Sciences in achieving sustainable development goals.
Methods: The current case study was conducted in 2023. The data were extracted from the official database of Times Higher Education (THE) using the appropriate checklist. The data extraction checklist encompassed a number of key variables, including the number of universities that participated in the THE ranking according to SDGs, the score attained by Iran University of Medical Sciences in relation to each SDG, the total score achieved by each university, and the ranking of the top 10 universities in the country in the THE ranking based on SDGs. The time frame for the study was defined as 2019-2023. Finally, the data were analyzed and graphs were constructed using Excel 2023 software.
Results: The number of universities participating in the THE ranking to achieve SDGs has increased from 2019 to 2023. In 2019, the total number of universities in the world was 467. By 2023, this figure had risen to 1,591. Additionally, the total number of Iranian universities participating in the Times ranking has increased. In the initial year of the THE Ranking engagement with the SDGs (2019), 12 Iranian universities participated. Iranian universities participating in the THE ranking increased significantly for goal number 3. Eight universities were involved in 2019, while 17 were in 2023. In the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, the highest score was, respectively, associated with Goals No.3 (score= 83.5) No.17 (score= 91.9), No.3 (score= 90.9), No.3 (score = 95.6), and No.10 (score = 78.9), while the lowest score was associated with Goals No.15 (score = 30.4), No.9 (score = 52), No.15 (score = 42.9), No.11 (score= 38.4), and No.9 (score= 30.1). The greatest decline in score was observed in Goal 17, with the Iran University of Medical Sciences achieving a score of 69.9 in this goal in 2019. However, by 2023, the score for this goal had decreased to 45.2. Additionally, in comparison to the other goals, the average score for goals 11 and 16 has decreased significantly from 2019 to 2023. Iran University of Medical Sciences demonstrated the most notable increase in score for Goal NO.9, achieving a 30.1 score in 2019 and subsequently raising it to 60.2. To achieve the SDGs, The Iran University of Medical Sciences has been ranked 41st (score= 86), 55th (score= 88), 35th (score= 92.2), 101-200 (score= 82.1-88.5), and 201-300 (score= 76.8-82.1) in the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively. Over the past five years, the Iran University of Medical Sciences has consistently ranked first among Iranian universities. Additionally, three of the institution's goals—number 3, 4, and 10—have consistently ranked among the top goals and have achieved the highest scores. In 2022, the university was ranked first in the world for achieving goal number 3.
Conclusion: Notwithstanding Iran Medical University's commendable performance in 2021 and 2022, the score it has achieved for the goals of sustainable development has been on a downward trajectory in recent years. Consequently, the university's ranking in 2023 falls within the 201st to 300th percentile of the world's top universities. It is recommended that managers and policymakers of Iran University of Medical Sciences implement appropriate strategies, including investing in high-quality research, improving the quality of education, integrating sustainable development goals into educational programs, increasing communication with industry, and providing fair services. Additionally, it is advised that the university engage in activities related to climate change, enhance international cooperation, and strengthen its commitment to achieving the goals of sustainable development.
Methods: The current case study was conducted in 2023. The data were extracted from the official database of Times Higher Education (THE) using the appropriate checklist. The data extraction checklist encompassed a number of key variables, including the number of universities that participated in the THE ranking according to SDGs, the score attained by Iran University of Medical Sciences in relation to each SDG, the total score achieved by each university, and the ranking of the top 10 universities in the country in the THE ranking based on SDGs. The time frame for the study was defined as 2019-2023. Finally, the data were analyzed and graphs were constructed using Excel 2023 software.
Results: The number of universities participating in the THE ranking to achieve SDGs has increased from 2019 to 2023. In 2019, the total number of universities in the world was 467. By 2023, this figure had risen to 1,591. Additionally, the total number of Iranian universities participating in the Times ranking has increased. In the initial year of the THE Ranking engagement with the SDGs (2019), 12 Iranian universities participated. Iranian universities participating in the THE ranking increased significantly for goal number 3. Eight universities were involved in 2019, while 17 were in 2023. In the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, the highest score was, respectively, associated with Goals No.3 (score= 83.5) No.17 (score= 91.9), No.3 (score= 90.9), No.3 (score = 95.6), and No.10 (score = 78.9), while the lowest score was associated with Goals No.15 (score = 30.4), No.9 (score = 52), No.15 (score = 42.9), No.11 (score= 38.4), and No.9 (score= 30.1). The greatest decline in score was observed in Goal 17, with the Iran University of Medical Sciences achieving a score of 69.9 in this goal in 2019. However, by 2023, the score for this goal had decreased to 45.2. Additionally, in comparison to the other goals, the average score for goals 11 and 16 has decreased significantly from 2019 to 2023. Iran University of Medical Sciences demonstrated the most notable increase in score for Goal NO.9, achieving a 30.1 score in 2019 and subsequently raising it to 60.2. To achieve the SDGs, The Iran University of Medical Sciences has been ranked 41st (score= 86), 55th (score= 88), 35th (score= 92.2), 101-200 (score= 82.1-88.5), and 201-300 (score= 76.8-82.1) in the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively. Over the past five years, the Iran University of Medical Sciences has consistently ranked first among Iranian universities. Additionally, three of the institution's goals—number 3, 4, and 10—have consistently ranked among the top goals and have achieved the highest scores. In 2022, the university was ranked first in the world for achieving goal number 3.
Conclusion: Notwithstanding Iran Medical University's commendable performance in 2021 and 2022, the score it has achieved for the goals of sustainable development has been on a downward trajectory in recent years. Consequently, the university's ranking in 2023 falls within the 201st to 300th percentile of the world's top universities. It is recommended that managers and policymakers of Iran University of Medical Sciences implement appropriate strategies, including investing in high-quality research, improving the quality of education, integrating sustainable development goals into educational programs, increasing communication with industry, and providing fair services. Additionally, it is advised that the university engage in activities related to climate change, enhance international cooperation, and strengthen its commitment to achieving the goals of sustainable development.
Keywords: Iran University of Medical Sciences, Sustainable development goals, Performance, Case study
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
medical education
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