USTP ranks in 3 WURI Categories for 2024
By Kristine Jane M. Laid, Lea May N. Caburatan, and Anne Lorraine R. Sitoy, USTP System STRATCOMM
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) has achieved recognition in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2024. This accomplishment was announced at the WURI Conference 2024 on June 7, 2024. The hybrid conference, hosted by the Institute for Policy and Strategy on National Competitiveness, took place alongside the 4th Hanseatic League of Universities (HLU) Conference at Franklin University Switzerland in Lugano, Switzerland, and was also available online via Zoom.
USTP reached a significant milestone by ranking among the top 100 universities in multiple WURI 2024 categories, highlighting the university’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
The university secured rankings in three (3) out of thirteen (13) WURI categories: Top 55 in Student Mobility and Openness (A2) out of 84 ranked, Top 24 in Support for Global Resilience (A8) out of 36 ranked, and Top 56 in Symbol/Promotion (B4) out of 71 ranked.
Student Mobility and Openness
USTP actively promotes collaboration with other institutions to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources. The university’s exchange programs, such as the Learning Express (LEX) Program with Singapore Polytechnic International and Hamburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany, are prime examples of this effort.
The International Internship Program, initiated by USTP’s International Affairs Office, significantly contributed to the WURI 2024 rankings in student mobility and openness. A partnership established in 2020 with GALAB Laboratories in Hamburg, Germany, expanded to include Hamburg University of Applied Sciences in 2021. This collaboration led to the creation of the International Internship and Student Exchange Programs, which began in 2022 and continued in 2023, with GALAB Laboratories fully funding the outbound student mobility expenses.
Additionally, several agreements with national and international schools have been established to provide more opportunities for student research and internships.
Photo Courtesy: GALAB Laboratories GmbH
Support for Global Resilience
USTP engages in numerous community extension projects aimed at addressing the community’s needs in areas such as energy sufficiency, food security, and entrepreneurship. These efforts are made possible through collaborations with various organizations, both local and international.
The WURI 2024 rankings recognized USTP’s GSK: Towards a Food-secure, Resilient, and Sustainable Urban Community initiative under the Center for Human Development Studies. This project establishes urban community micro farms (UCMs) in local communities and involves youth as young farmers, promoting a hyperlocal food system. This initiative addresses the issue of aging farmers and aims to mitigate the impact of climate change in urban areas while ensuring resilience and sustainability against disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of urban centers to disaster risks, making access to healthy and nutritious food crucial for societal resilience.
The project aimed to tackle food insecurity and the problem of aging farmers by engaging Sangguniang Kabataan youth leaders, Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) Federations, and out-of-school youths in hyperlocal food systems in Cagayan de Oro City.
Symbol/Promotion
Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, the University’s virtual magazine program, USTP LunChat, strategically addresses and acknowledges the institution’s significant milestones, including research and innovation. Now in its fourth season, the program plays a pivotal role in maintaining effective communication and engagement with the audience.
Highlighted in the WURI 2024 rankings under symbol/promotion, the program was conceptualized by USTP’s Strategic Communication Office (STRATCOMM) to emphasize the 7-point agenda, D-Y-N-A-M-I-C, of University President Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II. This agenda is a comprehensive framework guiding the university’s strategic direction and overarching goals toward its vision of becoming a nationally recognized Science and Technology (S&T) University.
Shaping the Future of Education
The World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) prioritize innovation, differentiation, and long-term impact on industry and society. USTP’s success in these rankings is a recognition of its efforts and a testament to its commitment to shaping the future of education. By continuing to innovate in instruction, extension, and research, USTP ensures that these innovations have a real-world impact, aligning with the university’s vision of becoming a nationally recognized Science and Technology (S&T) University.
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