Enhancing universities’ contribution to the SDGs

Prof Jan Eloff

In terms of this ranking, the University achieved an overall placement in the 101–200 band of institutions, and was placed second in South Africa. The ranking includes 766 universities from 85 countries, and compares the broad areas of research, outreach and stewardship. It featured among the top 100 universities in three of the categories: Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). It was also placed in the 101–200 band of institutions for Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

For the Times Higher Education’s global ranking submission, the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology was tasked to champion SDG 9. It also participated in SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 17 (Partnerships).

In preparation for the University’s submission, an extensive audit was conducted in 2019 to gain insight into how well the research conducted in the Faculty supports the SDGs. This would also ensure that the research conducted in the Faculty is making an impact on society as a whole, particularly with regard to the most pressing challenges of the developing world. These include topics related to the economic development of South Africa and job creation, poverty, inequality, food security, climate change and quality health.

This audit revealed that the Faculty is addressing all but two of the 17 SDGs (SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 14: Life below Water). The Faculty’s research is focused on six broad research themes:

Water and Environmental Engineering Minerals and Materials Beneficiation The Fourth Industrial Revolution Smart Cities and Transportation Big Data Science, ICT and Technology and Innovation Management Energy

SDG 1 – No Poverty: Research in water and environmental engineering, and smart cities and transportation SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: Research in energy SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing: Research in water and environmental engineering, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, smart cities and transportation, and big data science, information and communication technology (ICT), and technology and innovation management SDG 4 – Quality Education: Research in smart cities and transportation, and big data science, ICT, and technology and innovation management SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: Research in water and environmental engineering, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, smart cities and transportation, and energy SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Research in water and environmental engineering, minerals and materials beneficiation, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and energy SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Research in minerals and materials beneficiation, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and energy SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Research in water and environmental engineering, minerals and materials beneficiation, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, smart cities and transportation, big data science, ICT, and technology and innovation management, and energy SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Research in water and environmental engineering, and smart cities and transportation SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Research in water and environmental engineering, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, smart cities and transportation, big data science, ICT, and technology and innovation management, and energy SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Research in water and environmental engineering, minerals and materials beneficiation, smart cities and transportation, and big data science, ICT, and technology and innovation management SDG 13: – Climate Action: Research in water and environmental engineering, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, smart cities and transportation, big data science, ICT, and technology and innovation management SDG 15 – Life on Land: Research in water and environmental engineering, minerals and materials beneficiation, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, smart cities and transportation, big data science, ICT, and technology and innovation management, and energy SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Research in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and smart cities and transportation SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Research in water and environmental engineering, minerals and materials beneficiation, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, smart cities and transportation, big data science, ICT, and technology and innovation management, and energy

This research project, conducted in the Carl and Emily Fuchs Institute for Microelectronics (CEFIM) in the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, will establish new electronic system design techniques and reliable packaging strategies that best exploit modern additive manufacturing technologies. These methodologies will be harnessed in the domains of health, water, wireless communication and climate sciences. The project aligns well with SDG 9 through consideration of low-cost and low-volume production technologies that will enhance scientific research and support domestic manufacturing infrastructure. Waste reduction is possible when opting for additive manufacturing processes and selecting environmentally friendly materials. Both approaches will also contribute considerably to the achievement of SDG 12.

This research project, conducted in the Energy Research Group of the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, will develop modern power systems by building networked microgrids with peer-to-peer (P2P) energysharing networks. As future power systems are expected to be affordable, reliable and smart for the development of sustainable cities and communities, the P2P energy-sharing network will offer opportunities to further optimise the design and operation of existing microgrids for enhanced reliability, improved self-consumption and reduced reliance on the main grid. The project primarily aims to support SDG 11, while it will also support SDG 9.

This research project, conducted in the Water Utilisation and Environmental Engineering Division of the Department of Chemical Engineering, aims to develop energy independent future water reclamation and desalination systems using forward osmosis membrane systems, the improved treatment of emerging pollutants through advanced oxidation, and water-free sanitation systems for sustainable future communities. The project primarily supports SDG 11 and SDG 9.