Sustainability Report 2024 Sustainability Report 2024

Founded in 1956, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) aims to be a leading research-led liberal arts University in Asia for the world delivering academic excellence in a caring, creative and global culture. HKBU is dedicated to nurturing the future generations of civically engaged community members, and shouldering the responsibility to foster them with humanity and care for the natural world through a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes up to the doctoral level. As one of Asia’s finest institutions of higher education, the University prides itself on the attraction for talents from all around the world, as well as having a vibrant and active alumni network. 

HKBU is committed to integrating sustainability into every aspect of our education, research, day-to-day operations, and continuous development. This report provides an overview of our current academic and research endeavours that are aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, it showcases our operational initiatives and engagement activities aimed at fostering a greater integration of the SDGs into the fabric of university life.

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SDG MAPPING APPROACHES
ABOUT THE REPORT

HKBU’s contributions to the SDGs have been mapped through a diverse range of methodologies. This approach ensures a comprehensive mapping of our efforts, allowing us to effectively measure and evaluate our progress in achieving the SDGs. This report covers the period from 2023 to 2024.

 

Course mapping
 

HKBU has implemented a comprehensive mapping exercise to evaluate the integration of the SDGs within in our curriculum. Through a systematic review of our courses, this mapping exercise showcases our commitment to equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to address global challenges and complex societal issues both now and in the future.

To conduct this mapping exercise, HKBU has adopted an SDG keyword mapping approach. Leveraging text-mining techniques and methods, we have expanded upon SDG-related keywords sourced from the Elsevier’s Scopus database, as well as documentation provided by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the United Nations. By analysing course titles, aims, objectives, and course outlines, we have identified a total of 572 courses at HKBU that incorporate SDG-related keywords.

 

Research mapping
 

HKBU has implemented a structured approach to mapping research contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the year 2024. This process involves leveraging both SciVal and the Integrated Research Information and Management Systems (IRIMS) to identify scholars and their publications that align with specific SDGs. SciVal, an integral tool within the Elsevier Research Intelligence ecosystem, uses a machine learning model to link publications to the corresponding SDGs. Conversely, within IRIMS, research outputs are tagged with relevant SDGs using an algorithm tested and validated by Elsevier. This algorithm uses a targeted keyword search mechanism to determine the alignment of research outputs with individual SDGs.