Science of solutions at the UNSW SDG showcase
UNSW Science demonstrates how collaboration is key to creating impact and advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
Published on the 08 October 2024 by Melissa Lyne, UNSW Science
UNSW Sydney recently hosted its first SDG Showcase – a full-day event celebrating .
Held on September 23, the showcase on Kensington campus brought together a diverse array of work from across the university, emphasising a combined commitment to advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
More than 50 exhibitors shared posters, demonstrations, simulations and videos. Attendees enjoyed more than 20 short talks and presentations on the main stage, along with workshops and masterclasses in nearby rooms.
Adopted by the United Nations in 2015, the SDGs represent a call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. Comprising , they recognise that progress in one area can impact outcomes in others and underscore the need for a balanced approach to social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
UNSW Science played a prominent role in the showcase. The faculty provided many examples of how a collaborative approach to developing real-world solutions fosters progress and creates impact. This approach to partnerships is encapsulated in the UNSW Science Pact for Impact. Along with a set of ‘Impact Indicators’, the initiative launched earlier this year with the aim of leading global efforts to define, create and measure impact.
The Impact Indicators were designed to show the breath and depth of impact across the Faculty of Science’s broad range of research areas and collaborations. The SDGs were developed with the aim of being reviewed to ensure that progress is being made. The Indicators include a measure of impact that observes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure that we, as a University, are considering our application of the SDGs in the work we do.
Pact for Impact on display at the UNSW SDG Showcase
ʰǴڱǰJes Sammut, Deputy Dean of External Engagement for UNSW Science, highlighted some of these partnerships in his Pecha Kucha presentation on ‘SDGs in Science’.
“Some of our well-known projects, like ,The Wild Deserts Project, and Veena Sahajwalla’s recycling innovations, all contribute significantly to the SDGs,” Prof. Sammut says. But, he says, there are “surprising links between SDGs and science”.
One example is how the School of Aviation’s Transport and Road Safety Group (TARS) informs road safety policy in NSW and nationally. Their evaluation and proposals for new approaches to driver training led to improvement in some components of the Graduate Licencing System, particularly in Queensland and NSW.
“This aligns with , which aims to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents, and , which focuses on providing access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems,” Prof. Sammut says.
He also highlighted work from the School of Chemistry, where scientists developed a catalyst system that effectively breaks down branched PFAS, known as ‘forever chemicals’, in the lab.
“The catalyst system can potentially eliminate PFAS from contaminated water sources,” he says. “This work is significant for , as it offers a promising solution for removing harmful contaminants from water, ensuring safer and cleaner water for communities.”
Prof. Jes Sammut at the UNSW SDG Showcase
Prof. Sammut profiled a range of other significant work out of UNSW Science, from addressing refugee trauma, to advancing hydrogen production for clean energy, to monitoring Antarctic sea ice from space using innovative satellite technology and AI.
He says the UNSW Faculty of Science is not only advancing knowledge but contributing to a sustainable future.
“Quantum computing alone can impact all ," Prof. Sammut says.
“By aligning our research with the SDGs, we are making a tangible impact and inspiring future scientists.”
Other UNSW scientists presented at the showcase:
- Dr Aaron Eger from the Centre for Marine Science and Innovation led a Kelp Forest Challenge focused on .
- Dr Dhanushi Abeygunawardena from the School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences and Associate Professor Bryce Kelly from the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences discussed integrating SDGs into UNSW’s education offerings, which addresses .
- Dr Jose R. Ferrer-Paris from the Centre for Ecosystem Science presented a Pecha Kucha on ‘Tracking Ecosystems and Adapting Landscape Management to Change,’ focusing on .
The showcase provided a valuable opportunity for the UNSW community to connect with experts and learn more about the SDGs and how our research contributes to these global goals.