New report showcases Surrey's continued progress in UN's Sustainable Development Goals

By Georgie Gould

From advancing education on renewable energy to pioneering innovative technology in healthcare, the University of Surrey's latest Sustainable Development Goals Annual Report highlights research, innovation and practical action contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This year's report spotlights Surrey's commitments across all 17 SDGs, covering initiatives including the use of AI to analyse challenges faced by women farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SDG 1: No Poverty), community gardens and food partnerships to promote food sustainability (SDG 2: Zero Hunger), and the Together Project aimed at improving maternity care for parents with learning disabilities (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being).

With the United Nations' COP29 upon us and heightened focus on the urgent need for progress, we are proud of the impact we have on helping society with the challenge of living on a sustainable planet.

Now in its third year, the SDG report demonstrates the University’s tangible impact locally in Guildford, across the UK, and internationally through research, innovation, teaching, learning, and campus operations. Professor Bob Nichol, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and Executive Board lead for Sustainability at the University of Surrey

Selected highlights from the report include:

AI and women's empowerment in agriculture: Researchers are using artificial intelligence to analyse social media data to understand the challenges faced by women farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Surrey is aiming to uncover barriers such as limited access to resources and discriminatory practices, which can exacerbate poverty among women farmers. The insights gained from this research will help guide policymakers and aid organisations in designing targeted interventions to empower these farmers and enhance their livelihoods.
Sustainable practices in maternity care: The University of Surrey is leading the "Together Project," which seeks to improve maternity care for parents with learning disabilities. This project brings together parents, researchers, and healthcare professionals to produce resources and training aimed at enhancing maternity services. Key outcomes include the development of a maternity passport for individuals with learning disabilities and a toolkit for maternity professionals to better address the needs of these parents. This initiative highlights the importance of inclusivity in healthcare and aims to ensure equitable access to care.
Regional approach to air pollution in India: This a collaborative effort led by the University of Surrey's Global Centre for Clean Air Research, which addresses the pressing issue of air pollution in Indian cities. The project advocates for a regional approach that includes monitoring pollution sources beyond urban areas, such as rural agricultural practices like crop burning. This comprehensive strategy aims to improve air quality and public health by suggesting new legal and regulatory frameworks to combat illegal fishing and other harmful practices.

The University continues to lead in innovative research and sustainable practices that address critical challenges, helping to envision a future where communities worldwide thrive within planetary limits.

The Sustainable Development Goals report showcases our unwavering commitment to addressing global challenges through innovative research and collaborative efforts. It is becoming challenging to keep the report succinct, given the incredible number of activities that colleagues a Surrey are leading on, across all of the SDGs. Each of them are equally important in our transition to a better world and we hope to inspire other organisations to do no harm. We are delighted to support external organisations in shaping their own impact reporting, via the Sustainability Innovation Hub. Leaders are waking up to the fact that net zero is only the beginning of the sustainability journey. Nathalie Hinds, Director, Institute Operations, Innovation and Partnerships

Read the full SDG report (PDF).

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Notes to Editors

Professor Nichol is available for interview upon request.
For more information, please contact the University's press office via mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk