Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) in the area of gender equality is among the 201-300 universities globally making the largest impact, according to recently released rankings by the “Times Higher Education” (THE).
THE Impact Rankings 2023 rated universities assessing their progress in meeting United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). There were 1,591 universities from 112 countries that were evaluated in the rankings that have been conducted since 2018. MRU was highly-evaluated for the second time.
Evaluation criteria included scientific research dealing with gender equality and research publications in the Elsevier Scopus databases as well as the share of older female lecturers and researchers, accessibility to studies and the share of female students successfully completing studies.
In 2022, MRU – the largest social sciences university in Lithuania, admitted 61% female students and 39% male students to Bachelor’s Degree studies. Of those admitted to Master’s Degree studies, 70% were females and 30% males. Women made up 65% share of those in doctoral studies compared to 35% for men. Of those PhD students successfully defending their dissertations, 58% were women and 42% were men. Among lecturers and researchers, 57% were women and 43% were men. Women comprised 65% of administrative staff compared to 35% for men.
“Greater inclusion and more active promotion of diversity, a commitment to sustainability, social welfare, and the community are the core principles, which guide our University. This is the direction that the most progressive universities are heading,“ said MRU Rector Prof. Inga Žalėnienė.
According to Rector Prof. Žalėnienė, it is important to ensure that women and men would have equal opportunities to participate in scientific research and academic activities, to encourage women not only in Lithuania, but also in other countries to actively contribute to the creation of science-based knowledge and technologies and to actively take part in activities in society.
“Only the voice of a united international academic community and active participation can quicken societal changes, especially in those countries where women still must defend their rights,” noted Rector Prof. Žalėnienė, who is a Council member of the European Women Rectors Association and Vice-President of the International Association of Universities (IAU).
In the area of reducing inequalities, MRU is among the top 301-400 universities. Scientific research and research publications in the Elsevier Scopus databases were evaluated along with institutional measures helping thwart discrimination. The share of students from developing countries was taken into consideration as well as support for students and staff with disabilities.
"In 2022 MRU awarded 122 scholarships to students from developing countries,“ noted MRU‘s Adviser to the Vice-Rector on Issues of Sustainable Development and Internal Auditor Dr. Nomeda Gudelienė. "48,330 Euros were allocated for social support to community members," she added. "MRU has a perfectly adapted and constantly expanding infrastructure based on universal design, allowing students or staff with disabilities to move through University spaces without difficulties. In the near future there are plans to upgrade and reconstruct the Student House facilities that would allow a better accessibility to the building for students with disabilities or special needs,“ said Dr. Gudelienė.
In addition, seeking closer ties with students who have disabilities or special needs, an electronic survey has been prepared (in Lithuanian and English languages) which is accessible in the electronic students‘ booklet. There are also special hand-outs prepared for students, lecturers and staff.
In 2021, the MRU Senate approved the Gender and Diversity Policy, which enshrines the fundamental University principles of non-discrimination, inclusion, and a healthy and safe university environment on campus and the rules for their implementation. This year international experts visited MRU and evaluated highly MRU's efforts to ensure gender equality and reduction in equalities.
MRU operates in accordance with the Council's-approved Sustainable Activities Strategy, which considers a whole-institution approach: studies, scientific research and experimental activities as well as services to society and MRU’s daily organizational activities.
In the "Times Higher Education“ Impact rankings, MRU was ranked in all 17 areas of Sustainable Development Goals. The University was highly-ranked in the areas of gender equality, reduced inequalities, responsible consumption and production, life on land, and peace, justice and strong institutions. MRU is the only University in Lithuania that was ranked in the area of peace, justice and strong institutions. More information about the rankings here.