The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are the basis of the UN’s 2030 agenda and aim to support people, planet and prosperity. Their focus on economic, social and environmental issues, draw together the threads of the climate & nature emergencies, equality & diversity, poverty & hunger, economic development, peace & justice, and the collaborative approaches required to tackle these intersectional issues. Launched in 2015, their aim is to focus global attention on the major problems facing peoples around the world.
Since 2020’s launch of Aberdeen 2040, the University of Aberdeen has adopted the SDGs as a framework through which to articulate the positive contribution our community makes in tackling society’s biggest challenges, with annual reports showcasing examples of activity across all aspects of institutional endeavour.
Our 2024/25 SDG Report is no exception. In this year’s report you’ll find links to more than 70 stories that cover all 17 goals. As our new Principal, Professor Edwards, notes in his welcome to the report, the document serves as “a celebration of collective achievement, innovation, and shared purpose”.
With something of interest for everyone, we encourage you to take a look. From medical diagnostic innovations that include the development of new uses for our Field Cycling Imagery technology, the respectfully observed repatriation of ancestral remains to their rightful indigenous custodians, the development of tools and apps that support those with chronic health conditions, new sustainability-forward degree programmes, or even a story about attaching a tiny backpack to hummingbirds to help inform landscape and habitat management … we’re sure there’s something here to delight and intrigue you.
As always, the report also takes the opportunity to showcase the work of our student body. The Student Union’s portfolio of sustainability themed objectives for year is shared, while the endeavours of our students also feature - from spectacular, global para sport success to national recognition for a team of student botanists, as well as numerous postgraduate research contributions.
We are thrilled to share this year’s report with you here.
Fraser Lovie (Head of Sustainability)