2. Our contribution to a sustainable world

we contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, the global framework for sustainability to which we are committed. At the same time, as a scientific institution, we want to continue to view the SDG framework critically, which is why it is not explicitly included in our value creation model. What concrete results emerged from the value creation model in 2021? How did we contribute to a sustainable world this year? And how can we show that our education and research are meaningful, both globally and in our immediate environment and on the campus itself? We will discuss this in the various chapters.

At the behest of Universities of the Netherlands (UNL), efforts were made to map out how the publications of all Dutch universities relate to the SDGs. An overview can be found in the chapter on our research, which also includes a selection of research activities that are expanding boundaries and contributing to societal challenges.

Radboud University trains its students to be critically-minded scholars capable of taking on responsible positions that make a positive contribution to society. In 2021, this ambition took shape through efforts to include sustainability in all our curricula. Which sustainability aspects or SDGs are emphasised, and how sustainability is represented, are determined in collaboration with stakeholders in the various disciplines.

Thanks to our wide range of scholars, the university can respond to many relevant issues, especially when scholars from various disciplines work together to shed light on them. The chapter about our impact offers a selection of research with social relevance. On Radboud Impact Day, the university called on internal and external partners to contribute to creating a more sustainable world.

As an inclusive university, our goal is to have all staff and students inspire and challenge each other, supported by continuous personal development. This presented everyone with additional challenges in this second coronavirus year, and it led to new sustainable insights about working and studying after the pandemic.

Every year, we take steps to make the campus an example of a green, sustainable and diverse environment. We do this by building more sustainable new buildings, by working towards greater biodiversity on the green campus, and by promoting sustainable behaviour.