This page documents UHB's scientific research output and maps it to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It provides a structured overview of how faculty research, postgraduate studies, and collaborative projects contribute to the global sustainability agenda — supporting UHB's commitment to evidence-based impact.
SDG research mapping is the systematic process of linking published academic research to one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It enables universities to demonstrate the societal relevance of their scholarly output, track research priorities over time, and identify areas for growth and collaboration.
SDG mapping is conducted annually across all colleges using standardized keywords and subject classification aligned with internationally recognized research databases. Results feed directly into UHB's Research Dashboard and Annual Sustainability Report.
A structured 5-step process to track and validate our global impact.
All peer-reviewed outputs are compiled from academic databases and the UHB repository.
Outputs are assessed against validated SDG-specific keywords and classifications.
Mapped outputs are organized by college, department, and research theme.
The UHB Specialized Research Unit reviews all mappings for accuracy.
Final mapped data is published in the Sustainability Report and Research Dashboard.
An overview of primary research contributors and focus areas per global goal.
| SDG | Goal Title | Primary College(s) | Research Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDG 1 | No Poverty | Business Administration, Education | Economic development, social equity, financial inclusion |
| SDG 2 | Zero Hunger | Applied Medical Sciences, Pharmacy | Food security, nutrition science, agricultural sustainability |
| SDG 3 | Good Health & Well-Being | Applied Medical Sciences, Pharmacy | Public health, clinical research, mental health, disease prevention |
| SDG 4 | Quality Education | Education, Arts | Learning outcomes, curriculum innovation, access to education |
| SDG 5 | Gender Equality | Arts, Education, Business Administration | Women in leadership, gender equity policies, workplace inclusion |
| SDG 6 | Clean Water & Sanitation | Engineering, CS & Engineering | Water management, treatment technologies, smart irrigation |
| SDG 7 | Affordable & Clean Energy | Engineering, CS & Engineering | Renewable energy, solar systems, energy efficiency |
| SDG 8 | Decent Work & Economic Growth | Business Administration | Entrepreneurship, labor markets, economic performance |
| SDG 9 | Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure | Engineering, CS & Engineering | Smart systems, infrastructure resilience, digital transformation |
| SDG 10 | Reduced Inequalities | Education, Arts, Business Administration | Social inclusion, disability access, equitable policy |
| SDG 11 | Sustainable Cities & Communities | Engineering, Business Administration | Urban planning, smart campus, sustainable built environment |
| SDG 12 | Responsible Consumption & Production | Engineering, Applied Medical Sciences | Waste reduction, circular economy, sustainable procurement |
| SDG 13 | Climate Action | Engineering, CS & Engineering | Carbon emissions, climate modeling, environmental monitoring |
| SDG 14 | Life Below Water | Applied Medical Sciences, Pharmacy | Marine ecosystems, aquatic health, water quality |
| SDG 15 | Life on Land | Applied Medical Sciences, Education | Biodiversity, desert ecosystems, land restoration |
| SDG 16 | Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions | Arts, Education, Business Administration | Governance, anti-corruption, institutional transparency |
| SDG 17 | Partnerships for the Goals | All Colleges | Research collaboration, international networks, open data |
High-impact academic domains driving progress across the SDGs.
UHB researchers in the College of Engineering and College of Computer Science & Engineering lead applied research in solar energy systems, carbon emissions monitoring, and smart grid technologies — directly relevant to Saudi Arabia's renewable energy targets under Vision 2030.
The College of Applied Medical Sciences and College of Pharmacy contribute the largest volume of sustainability-linked research at UHB, spanning public health, pharmaceutical sustainability, clinical outcomes, and mental health — all critical to national health system development.
The College of Education and College of Arts produce research on equitable access to quality education, inclusive learning environments, and community-based social development — supporting both national and global equity goals.
Engineering faculty research addresses water conservation, treatment technologies, and environmental monitoring — particularly relevant to the arid Eastern Province context and Saudi Arabia's national water security agenda.
Research in artificial intelligence, smart systems, and digital infrastructure from the College of Computer Science & Engineering positions UHB as a contributor to the Kingdom's technology-driven development goals.