Latest news with #WesternSydneyUniversity
India Today
3 hours ago
- General
- India Today
Australian University's groundwater initiative transforms 20,000 Indian villages
Western Sydney University's work on the MARVI project in India has reached over 3 lakh households in more than 20,000 villages across seven states. The project focuses on improving groundwater use and irrigation security through local management. In Rajasthan's Dharta watershed, the Village Groundwater Cooperative model, based on the '4S' approach -- Scrutiny, Store, Share, Sustain—is helping farmers manage shared water university is also training NGOs, government staff, and water professionals, supporting long-term water management and capacity building. These efforts contributed to Western Sydney's 9th place global ranking for SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in the latest Times Higher Education Impact Professor George Williams described the repeated ranking success as proof of the university's role in delivering public good and effective community partnerships. He emphasised that the ranking measures real-world outcomes -- not just academic metrics .Chancellor Professor Jennifer Westacott also praised the MARVI program, highlighting its focus on female groundwater volunteers, known as Bhujal Jaankars, and its support for women-led water said the program empowers farmers to make informed crop choices based on water availability, reinforcing both community engagement and skill development.\HOW DID UNIVERSITY PERFORMadvertisement4th worldwide for SDG15 (Life on Land)7th for SDG5 (Gender Equality)8th for SDG13 (Climate Action) and SDG12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)9th for SDGs 17,6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and 11 (Sustainable Cities)10th for SDG14 (Life Below Water) and SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)The THE Impact Rankings assess universities on teaching, research, operations, policy, and outreach -- all tied to positive societal and environmental workThis year's No.1 positioning underscores Western Sydney University's position at the forefront of universities applying knowledge to service communities and the planet.
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Symptom that hits '3 times in 24 hours' could signal Covid
The latest figures also highlighted two of the most dominant Covid variants at the moment People should stay vigilant for signs of COVID-19 as there's been a marginal uptick in cases across the UK. Government data reveals that in the week up to June 15, there has been an increase in the number of confirmed Covid infections in England. This included people in hospital who were given PCR tests. Hospital admissions due to coronavirus also increased slightly compared to the previous week. The predominant strains circulating during that time were identified as LP. 8.1.1 and XFG, each contributing to 19.87 per cent of the reported cases. Also present was the "Nimbus" strain or NB.1.8.1, representing 3.97 per cent of infections. LP. 8.1.1 evolved from LP. 8.1 which itself is a descendant of Omicron, with the original LP.8.1 having surfaced in July 2024 and later categorised as a "variant under monitoring" by WHO in January. Symptoms Currently, it remains uncertain whether LP. 8.1.1 triggers specific symptoms distinctive from other strains. Thomas Jeffries, a senior microbiology lecturer at Western Sydney University, observed that LP.8.1 does not seem to be responsible for exceptionally severe symptoms. Writing for The Conversation, he said: "Notably, the symptoms of LP.8.1 don't appear to be any more severe than other circulating strains. And the WHO has evaluated the additional public health risk LP.8.1 poses at a global level to be low. "What's more, LP.8.1 remains a variant under monitoring, rather than a variant of interest or a variant of concern. In other words, these changes to the virus with LP.8.1 are small, and not likely to make a big difference to the trajectory of the pandemic." However, according to the NHS, one definitive symptom of Covid is a new or persistent cough, which may involve three or more "coughing episodes" in 24 hours. Other indicators on the list are: A high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Shortness of breath Feeling tired or exhausted An aching body A headache A sore throat A blocked or runny nose Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Feeling sick or being sick. The NHS guidance for those with symptoms of Covid suggests self-isolation until recovery. For those who receive a positive Covid test result, the NHS advocates staying home and away from others for five days, although it's not legally required. Further analysis of recent Covid statistics reveals that the weekly mean positivity rate for PCR tests in English hospitals was up slightly at 6.6 per cent for the week leading up to June 15, compared to 6.2 per cent in the prior week. The total weekly hospital admission rate for COVID-19 saw a slight rise to 1.53 per 100,000 from the previous week's 1.44 per 100,000. However, the overall rate of COVID-19 patients in ICU or HDU remained steady at 0.04 per 100,000, mirroring the previous week's figure.
Business Upturn
a day ago
- General
- Business Upturn
Western Sydney Beats the World Four Years in a Row for Community Impact
New Delhi, Delhi, India: For an unprecedented fourth year in a row, Western Sydney University has emerged as the world's number one university for community impact awarded by the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. The University outranked 2,300 international universities in the evaluation process. The University's deep-rooted commitment to improve lives and safeguard the planet through local and global initiatives is gaining huge recognition across markets. Spotlighting India's MARVI (Managing Aquifer Recharge and Sustaining Groundwater Use through Village-level Intervention) project – a collaboration between the University and its valued partners, the transformative community-led program has been commendable. The mission works on improving the security of irrigation water supplies and enhancing livelihood opportunities for rural communities. The project has reached over 3 lakh households in over 20,000 Indian villages across seven states in India. The University is also actively involved in educating and training NGOs, government agencies, and Indian water professionals working directly on the ground, as part of our commitment to delivering world-class education and supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, 'Our University is youthful, diverse, dynamic and entrepreneurial. We reflect our community locally and globally, and we are part of it. These rankings recognise the work we are doing together to take Western Sydney – and our wider global partnerships – to the next level. We can all be proud of this result. Our mission is to ensure our students are successful, our teaching and research have impact, and we are contributing to stronger communities.' Highlighting the University's impactful work in India, Chancellor Professor Jennifer Westacott AC, said, 'By training local women as Bhujal Jaankars – ground water informed volunteers – and promoting female leadership in village cooperatives, MARVI is helping communities make informed choices about which crops to plant based on the availability of water. As one of our flagship community-led projects in the region, Western Sydney University is deeply invested in this project. We are also committed to delivering world-class education that aligns with India's skill needs.' Sharing his perspective on this landmark achievement, Professor Williams says, 'Western Sydney University is showing the world the way. Universities around the world are being urged to return to their primary role as public sector organisations delivering public good. The Impact Rankings recognise that Western Sydney University is the world's best at delivering public good in the communities we serve. It's in our DNA.' Western Sydney University works in partnership with communities in Western Sydney and globally including in India and its offshore locations in Indonesia and Vietnam to deliver on its commitment to the 17 United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The rankings assess what universities are doing to improve lives based on the SDGs and assess our research, teaching, campus operations, policies and community engagement and outreach. These include climate action, gender equality, ending poverty, providing affordable and clean energy, reducing inequality, industry innovation and producing sustainable cities and communities. In addition to the overall world number one ranking, the University was highly ranked in the following categories: 4th in the world for SDG 15 Life on Land 7th in the world for SDG 5 Gender Equality 8th in the world for SDG 13 Climate Action and SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production 9th in the world for SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals, SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities 10th in the world for SDG 14 Life Below Water and SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings assess universities based on their contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting their real-world social and environmental impact. Unlike traditional rankings, they recognise institutions for driving positive change in areas like health, education, and climate action. About Western Sydney University Advertisement Western Sydney University prides itself on challenging the traditional notion of what a university should be. We put students at the heart of everything we do. Embedded in the communities and region we serve, our university is fundamental to the economic, cultural and social life of Western Sydney – one of the fastest-growing, most economically important and most culturally-diverse regions within Australia. We have a network of sites and teaching campuses across Western Sydney and beyond. Western Sydney University has 50,000 students, 3,000 staff, and over 1300 International Indian students, and a strong cohort – both locally and globally – of more than 200,000 alumni. The University has a long and proud history of increasing higher education participation and opening educational opportunities to students who have the drive, ambition and dedication to succeed, particularly for individuals from diverse and lower socio-economic backgrounds. At the forefront of education innovation, our programs are designed to help address Australia's current and future workforce needs, with our expanding short courses and micro credential offerings helping people rapidly upskill or reskill in their careers and stay competitive in a fast-changing workplace. The University has been named number one in the world for its social, ecological and economic impact in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings four years in a row. We are globally focused, research led and committed to making a positive impact on the communities we engage with. Click here for Media Contact Details Submit your press release Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Hans India
a day ago
- General
- Hans India
Western Sydney beats the world four years in a row for community impact
Bengaluru: For an unprecedented fourth year in a row, Western Sydney University has emerged as the world's number one university for community impact awarded by the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. The University outranked 2,300 international universities in the evaluation process. The University's deep-rooted commitment to improve lives and safeguard the planet through local and global initiatives is gaining huge recognition across markets. Spotlighting India's MARVI (Managing Aquifer Recharge and Sustaining Groundwater Use through Village-level Intervention) project – a collaboration between the University and its valued partners, the transformative community-led program has been commendable. The mission works on improving the security of irrigation water supplies and enhancing livelihood opportunities for rural communities. The project has reached over 3 lakh households in over 20,000 Indian villages across seven states in India. Farmers in Rajasthan's Dharta watershed discuss their Village Groundwater Cooperative, a pioneering initiative for shared groundwater management. Developed by the MARVI project, it empowers communities to implement "4S" strategies: Scrutiny, Store, Share, and Sustain groundwater at the village level. This collaborative model is being considered for broader adoption across India and Southeast Asia for water security. Photo Credit: Distinguished Professor Basant Maheshwari The University is also actively involved in educating and training NGOs, government agencies, and Indian water professionals working directly on the ground, as part of our commitment to delivering world-class education and supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, 'Our University is youthful, diverse, dynamic and entrepreneurial. We reflect our community locally and globally, and we are part of it. These rankings recognise the work we are doing together to take Western Sydney – and our wider global partnerships – to the next level. We can all be proud of this result. Our mission is to ensure our students are successful, our teaching and research have impact, and we are contributing to stronger communities.'' Highlighting the University's impactful work in India, Chancellor Professor Jennifer Westacott AC, said, 'By training local women as Bhujal Jaankars – ground water informed volunteers – and promoting female leadership in village cooperatives, MARVI is helping communities make informed choices about which crops to plant based on the availability of water. As one of our flagship community-led projects in the region, Western Sydney University is deeply invested in this project. We are also committed to delivering world-class education that aligns with India's skill needs.' Sharing his perspective on this landmark achievement, Professor Williams says, 'Western Sydney University is showing the world the way. Universities around the world are being urged to return to their primary role as public sector organisations delivering public good. The Impact Rankings recognise that Western Sydney University is the world's best at delivering public good in the communities we serve. It's in our DNA.' Western Sydney University works in partnership with communities in Western Sydney and globally including in India and its offshore locations in Indonesia and Vietnam to deliver on its commitment to the 17 United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The rankings assess what universities are doing to improve lives based on the SDGs and assess our research, teaching, campus operations, policies and community engagement and outreach. These include climate action, gender equality, ending poverty, providing affordable and clean energy, reducing inequality, industry innovation and producing sustainable cities and communities. In addition to the overall world number one ranking, the University was highly ranked in the following categories: . 4th in the world for SDG 15 Life on Land . 7th in the world for SDG 5 Gender Equality . 8th in the world for SDG 13 Climate Action and SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production . 9th in the world for SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals, SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities. .10th in the world for SDG 14 Life Below Water and SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings assess universities based on their contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting their real-world social and environmental impact. Unlike traditional rankings, they recognise institutions for driving positive change in areas like health, education, and climate action.
Scoop
a day ago
- Science
- Scoop
Australia Leads Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings For Fourth Year In A Row
18 June 2025 Western Sydney University in Australia is number one overall for fourth consecutive year Australia has more universities in the global top 10 (three) than any other nation In joint fourth place overall, Australia's University of Tasmania is also the world's top institution in both SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 15 (life on land) Papua New Guinea makes its debut in the ranking in 2025 34 universities from four countries in Oceania ranked (Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea) Kyungpook National University in South Korea is third globally and top in Asia Indonesia's Universitas Airlangga is top institution from an emerging economy, in joint ninth place Universities ranked across 18 tables: one overall ranking and 17 tables representing each SDG Record 2,526 universities ranked globally from 130 countries/territories The only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Universities in Australia are leading the global race towards sustainability, the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, released today, reveal. Western Sydney University tops the overall table for the fourth consecutive year, while Griffth University and the University of Tasmania are tied in fourth place globally. Australia has more universities in the global top 10 (three) than any other nation. However, one Australian university has fallen out of this elite group (UNSW Sydney), as Asian universities make rapid advances in sustainability. While the University of Tasmania's overall rank has also dropped slightly amid intensifying global competition, the institution is number one in the world in two of the individual SDG rankings: SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 15 (life on land). Across the 18 rankings, which are released this week at the Global Sustainable Development Congress in Istanbul, there are 34 universities ranked from Oceania, from four countries (Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea). Manchester University in the United Kingdom retains second place in the overall ranking and Kyungpook National University in South Korea is third overall and number one in Asia. The University Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Universities are ranked across 18 tables: one overall ranking and 17 tables representing each individual SDG. This year a record 2,526 universities from 130 countries/territories are ranked. This year's rankings are released 10 years after the creation of the SDGs and amid scepticism that the goals will be met by the target year of 2030. However, the data show that universities are highly focused on delivering on the sustainability agenda and demonstrating public impact. Phil Baty, THE's chief global affairs officer, said: 'The THE Impact Rankings are the world's only rankings to explore universities' contribution to each and every one of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, across the full range of their activities: teaching, research, outreach and stewardship. And this comprehensive analysis clearly shows that universities worldwide are stepping up to help the world take on its most pressing grand challenges, from the climate crisis to delivering economic growth to supporting peace and justice across the world. This huge piece of research highlights the real-world impact that universities make, and their contribution to the public good. 'Our evidence is clear: universities in Oceania are leading the way on helping the world to a more sustainable future, taking high-ranking positions across a wide range of individual Sustainable Development Goals, and leading overall.'
