by Nikita Sukhadeve, Isadora Mendes and David von Brück
We had the privilege of attending an insightful workshop by Richard Klepsch, which focused on the SDG Hub at the University of Pretoria. This innovative platform is designed to make SDG-related research more accessible and impactful for students, researchers, and policymakers.
The South African SDG Hub maps out the relative frequency of SDGs in South African institutes
The SDG Hub uses a machine learning-based classification tool to aggregate and categorize research from South African and selected global universities, making it easier for users to find relevant studies. During the workshop, Richard and his team demonstrated how to navigate the platform, from using keywords effectively to refining searches. This hands-on experience was invaluable, providing us with the skills to access a wealth of research for our projects, particularly those within the Transcultural Social Research Group (TSRG).
One of the most impressive features of the SDG Hub is its ability to bridge the gap between academia and real-world application. By making SDG-relevant research more accessible, the platform enables policymakers to make informed decisions that drive sustainable development. This aligns perfectly with the Hub’s mission to make research impactful and actionable.
In addition to its research database, the SDG Hub offers various training resources and visualizations that enhance the user experience, making complex data more comprehensible and accessible.
This workshop not only deepened our understanding of the SDG Hub but also emphasized the importance of accessible research in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDG Hub is a vital tool for anyone committed to advancing sustainable development.
