Figure 1: SDG Classification in the CORE Dashboard

A Novel Tool for SDG Research Classification

We are pleased to announce the launch of the UN SDG Classification Module for the CORE Dashboard, a purpose-driven tool designed to streamline and automate the process of classifying academic research according to these goals. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 global objectives adopted in 2015 to address key challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. They aim to promote inclusive development, economic growth, and environmental protection, with the overarching goal of ensuring no one is left behind by 2030. Each goal includes specific targets to guide global action towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

The new CORE SDG Dashboard module allows institutions to gain rapid insights into the current mapping of their research outputs to the 17 UN SDG goals, significantly reducing the manual effort required to map research outputs to global sustainability objectives.

Enhancing CORE’s Role in Research Aggregation

The CORE Dashboard is a comprehensive set of tools that enables repositories to manage the discoverability of their content. With the addition of the SDG classification module, the dashboard now incorporates a sophisticated automated workflow capable of classifying research papers to one or more of the 17 SDGs . 

Figure 2: SDG Dashboard Displaying Goals and Classification in the CORE Dashboard

Addressing the Challenges of Manual SDG Classification

The development of this module responds to a current need within academia: the difficulty in systematically classifying research according to multiple SDGs which often leads to gaps in institutional reporting and a lack of insight into the broader impact of research. Manual classification is labor-intensive, error-prone, and typically fails to capture the full breadth of an institution’s  contribution to sustainability goals. By automating this process, the SDG classification module enables institutions to gain a more complete and comprehensive view of their research impact on global sustainability.

 Figure 3: Visual Flowchart of SDG Classification Integration with CORE Dashboard

Handling Complex Research Types and Topics

The system is designed to process a wide range of research types, including journal articles, datasets, and reports, by analyzing their content rather than relying solely on predefined keywords. This approach enhances classification accuracy, particularly for complex research topics that span multiple SDGs. By focusing on the substance of the research, the system ensures greater precision in mapping it to relevant goals. Additionally, its flexible design allows it to accommodate various research formats and disciplines, making it adaptable to different institutional needs and research contexts.

Seamless Integration with Existing Research Systems

The SDG classification module integrates seamlessly with the CORE Dashboard and API, enabling academic institutions to easily add SDG labels to their own research repositories, such as the Open University’s Open Research Online (ORO). This integration not only facilitates the tracking of research outputs in relation to the SDGs at the institutional level but also enhances the ability of institutions to collaborate with others. By providing a standardized framework for classifying research according to the SDGs, the system encourages interdisciplinary cooperation, helping institutions align their research with global sustainability goals. This collaborative approach fosters a more interconnected research ecosystem, where institutions can work together to address the world’s most pressing challenges.

Gaining Insights and Driving Strategic Research Alignment

The module’s AI-powered capabilities enable universities to identify gaps in SDG coverage within their research portfolios and better communicate their contributions to policymakers, funders, and the global academic community. Furthermore, it allows for comparative analysis between institutions, helping to benchmark SDG research performance across the higher education sector.

Supporting Open Access and Sustainability Goals

In line with CORE’s mission to support the global shift towards open access and sustainability, this new feature provides a timely and valuable tool for academic institutions to measure and map their contributions to the SDGs. By enhancing both efficiency and transparency, the CORE Dashboard’s SDG classification module transforms how research outputs are tracked, categorized, and reported, enabling more effective alignment with global sustainability goals

Professor Petr Knoth, Head of CORE, remarked:

“The SDG classification module will support academic institutions in better-identifying research aligned with UN SDGs. Automating classification provides an efficient, scalable solution that helps institutions understand and communicate their role in addressing global challenges. This alignment with the UN SDGs can potentially drive impactful research to tackle the world’s most pressing issues. It’s not just about data—it’s about creating actionable insights driving meaningful change.”

If you have any questions about CORE Membership for Data Providers or would like further details on any of CORE’s services, do get in touch.

FAQs for the SDG Classification Module for the CORE Dashboard

1. What is the SDG Classification Module?
The SDG Classification Module is a tool integrated into the CORE Dashboard that automates the classification of academic research according to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using AI and text mining techniques.

2. How does it work?
The module analyzes research content, not just keywords, to classify it across multiple SDGs. It supports various research types, including journal articles, datasets, and reports.

3. Why was it developed?
It addresses the challenge of manually classifying research for multiple SDGs, which is labor-intensive and prone to errors. Automation ensures more accurate, comprehensive SDG reporting.

4. What types of research does the module handle?
It handles journal articles, datasets, and reports, classifying research based on content to improve accuracy, especially for complex topics.

5. How does it integrate with CORE?
The module integrates seamlessly with the CORE Dashboard and API, allowing institutions to add SDG labels to their research repositories for better tracking and reporting.

6. Who can use the SDG Classification Module?
Primarily designed for academic institutions, it can also help individual institutions align their work with the SDGs and communicate its impact.

7. How does it support collaboration?
By standardizing SDG classification, the module fosters collaboration between institutions, enabling shared research insights and promoting interdisciplinary efforts aligned with the SDGs.

8. Can institutions benchmark SDG performance?
Yes, the module allows institutions to compare their SDG research performance, identify gaps, and improve alignment with global sustainability goals.

9. How does it support open access and sustainability?
The module enhances transparency, efficiency, and alignment with SDGs, supporting CORE’s mission of promoting open access and sustainable research practices.

10. How can institutions get started?
Institutions can integrate the module into their research systems via the CORE Dashboard and API. CORE provides resources and support for setup and implementation.

11. What are the benefits of automating SDG classification?
Automation improves accuracy, reduces manual effort, and helps institutions better track and communicate their SDG contributions.

12. What makes this module unique?
It combines advanced machine learning, integration with the CORE Dashboard, and the ability to classify diverse research types, making it a powerful tool for SDG alignment.