Actioning 'Be Good' : how Torrens University Australia's research contributes to sustainable development goals and impacts communities and practices

Abstract

Sustainability is an important agenda embedded in Torrens University Australia (TUA)'s research strategy. To illustrate how Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets are addressed by Torrens University researchers, this chapter identifies real-world problems and reports on research that has delivered sustainable change. The four case studies presented in this chapter demonstrate impactful research on education, health, and business contexts. These studies show how to address challenges unique to these contexts and implement sustainable improvements. A strategic priority of TUA is to provide research and education outcomes that improve people's health and wellbeing. To 'be good' and 'be well' are core TUA values. These institutional values influence the research process and assessment of research impact at TUA. The 'Be Good' agenda shapes the university's interdisciplinary approach to addressing quality education (SDG 4). Notably, TUA's intentional prioritisation of access and equity values in research enables multiple SDGs to be addressed, as identified within the case studies reported in this chapter. TUA's research strategy encourages such studies that develop sustainable solutions, by promoting research focused on helping people and their communities enact positive and enduring change.