Increased research output

The second goal in our Sustainability Strategy centres on our research output related to sustainability, and here we present our 2020 data as a benchmark from which we aim to to grow our research.

Published papers

As an example of a strong baseline from which to build under Goal 2, we published a total of 103 unique papers linked to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2020.

Diagram showing the number of papers published by ARU academics in 2020 relating to one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The diagram above shows the number of papers published by ARU academics in 2020, by SDG. The largest group of papers (38) relates to SDG 3, Good Health and Wellbeing. More than ten papers are also recorded against SDG 13, Climate Action; SDG 2, Zero Hunger; SDG 5, Gender Equality; and SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Co-authors

Our published papers include co-authors from 105 different countries, with the heatmap below showing their locations by country. 

Map of the world showing locations of co-authors of published research papers

Our heatmap was generated on 12 May 2021 through the Web of Science website. It covers the time period 2020, publications related to the Sustainable Development Goals, and all locations outside of the UK. The strongest concentrations of co-authors (between c. 10 and 25 co-authors) are seen in Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Italy, Spain and the USA. Significant contributions (between c. 5 and 10 co-authors) also come from Brazil, China, Germany, India, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, and Turkey.

REF impact case studies

In the UK the Research Excellence Framework (REF) is used to provide accountability in public investment in research and provide a benchmark across the higher education sector. The REF is conducted every six years with the latest round in 2021. Institutions need to submit examples of the publications, a statement about their research environment and a number of case studies outlining the impact of their research. Our REF impact case studies have been mapped to provide a baseline for research impacts against the SDGs.

Diagram showing ARU's Research Excellence Framework impact case studies for 2021, mapped to provide a baseline for research impacts against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The diagram above shows REF impact case studies, mapped against the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The largest group of case studies (7) relates to SDG 3, Good Health and Wellbeing. SDG 4 has 5 case studies recorded against it, followed by SDG 5 (3). SDGs 1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16 and 17 all have 2 case studies; and SDGs 2, 6, 7, 8 and 13 all have 1 case study.