Mapping and visualizing faculty research outputs to the UN sdgs: a case study of Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar

This case study illustrates a systematic approach to map faculty research output to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a higher education context, while describing methodological challenges and strategic implications. SDG mapping was implemented in Fall 2023 with the intention to showcase faculty research specifically linked to SDGs through the development of a visualization dashboard. Our findings suggest that CMU-Q’s research concentration in education and clean energy aligns with CMU-Q’s academic mission and regional priorities, while the gaps in poverty reduction and partnership development may represent opportunities for future research expansion and collaborative initiatives. We, therefore, attempt to present a replicable framework for other higher education institutions seeking to implement similar SDG research mapping projects. This case study contributes to the growing discourse on operationalizing SDGs within academic institutions and offers practical insights for sustainability-focused campus initiatives. The authors anticipate that these mapping initiatives will contribute to institutional transformation in the mid to long term by: (1) facilitating strategic dialogue with faculty regarding SDG alignment in current and future research; (2) enhancing institutional transparency through interactive digital dashboards; and (3) fostering cross-departmental collaboration among stakeholders, including students, staff, administrators, and faculty.