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Aligning Research

Aligning Our Research

McMaster has been consistently recognized as Canada’s most research-intensive university. Our researchers work collaboratively across disciplines to tackle the world’s greatest challenges. These are the same challenges driving the Sustainable Development Goals, and our transdisciplinary approach is integral to our commitment to achieving these goals.

Leading practices for aligning research with the Sustainable Development Goals

Research has the power to shift policy, impact organizations, and improve people’s lives locally and globally. When research is aligned with the SDGs, it has the potential to combat the most pressing challenges facing our communities and our planet.

Universities have a central role to play in achieving these goals – because there’s an urgency to make them a reality by 2030.

At McMaster, we’ve been leaders in connecting our research to the SDGs for years. We are 17th in the world in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which assesses universities globally against the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Our commitment to research excellence is informed by six core values, outlined in our Strategic Plan for Research. With these values in mind, we’ve developed these leading practices as a guide to aligning research with the SDGs.

the global goals: how we’re meeting them

Much of the research taking place at McMaster is directly tied to the 17 SDGs and their targets. Click on any of the 17 SDGs below to find out more about how McMaster researchers are meeting these global goals through their work.

1: No poverty
2: Zero Hunger
3: Good Health & Well-Being
4: Quality Education
5: Gender Equality
6: Clean Water and Saniation
7: Affordable and Clean Energy
8: Decent work and economic growth
9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
10: Reduced Inequalities
11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
12: Responsible Consumption and Production
13: Climate Action
14: Life below water
15: Life on Land
16: Peace, Justice, and strong institutions
17: Partnerships for the Goals

Let’s meet the goals together

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McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada