Four Mission Oriented Challenges:

Its research is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and focus on four mission orientated challenges:

• Sustainable Society – Materials science, energy, environment, circular economy, food security.
• Healthy Society – Digital health, integrated care, public health.
• Inclusive Society – Education, languages, creativity, social inclusion.
• Smart Society – Software, data science, AI, manufacturing, communications.

Global Rankings & Recognition

Global Rankings & Recognition Top 500 globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings QS World University Ranking: 421st globally:

• Top 75 in THE Impact Rankings (focused on UN Sustainable Development Goals)
• Top 200 in QS Graduate Employability Rankings
• Top 5 in Europe for Career Preparation
• Top 75 in Europe for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
• UL ranks in the Top 200 for Graduate Employability and has a 5-star QS rating

Awards & Accreditations

• Winner of The Education Awards for:
  • Best Student Campus
  • Student Engagement & Communications
  • Overall Excellence
• Kemmy Business School is Triple Crown accredited — among the top 1% globally with EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA accreditations.
• First Irish university to achieve Silver Athena Swan Institutional Award for gender equality.
• Multiple departmental Athena Swan awards (Physics, Business School).

Research Strengths:

• Strong in Software Engineering, Sports Science, Engineering Management, and Health Sciences
• Over 4,000 research collaborations in 130 countries
• Home to leading research centres like :
  • Bernal Institute – Advanced materials and pharmaceutical science
  • Lero – Irish Software Engineering Research Centre
  • SSPC – Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre
  • MSSI – Materials & Surface Science Institute
  • Stokes Institute – Fluid dynamics and biofluidics
  • Health Research Institute (HRI) – Health systems and clinical research
  • EPI-STEM – National Centre for STEM Education

Campus & Student Life

• 340-acre scenic campus split by the River Shannon, connected by the iconic Living Bridge
• Glucksman Library – one of Ireland’s most advanced academic libraries
• UL Sports Arena – Olympic-sized pool, climbing walls, and elite gym facilities
• On-campus accommodation in student villages
• Vibrant student life with 40+ clubs and societies
• Students from 100+ countries
• Strong support for international students including co-op placements, career services, and cultural integration