Recommendations for publishers around sustainability research

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Kudos, the service for increasing the impact of research, has published recommendations for how publishers should respond to the sector’s evolving needs around sustainability research.

The report explores how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are influencing research funding and scholarly practice based on: findings from a survey of over 4,500 researchers; teleinterviews with policymakers; and in-depth desk research on global funder policies.

The study’s findings show how market expectations, priorities and budgets vary, for example by subject area or region. Comprehensive information is provided about institutions and other communities of interest with which publishers might usefully engage in expanding or fine-tuning their sustainability strategies. The substantial data set has been supplemented with expert analysis and digested into actionable recommendations ranging from quick wins to longer term programs.

“The study shows high awareness of the SDGs within the research sector, and suggests sustainability issues are increasingly driving funding and publishing decisions,” said Charlie Rapple, Kudos co-founder and sustainability lead, who has led the research and written the report. “Publishers are uniquely placed to help boost the visibility and impact of research that will help solve the issues framed by the SDGs, and we’ve highlighted the strategic and operational opportunities for publishers, and the advantages to be gained by more active engagement.”

Findings from this report can be used by publishers to respond to market demand as funders increasingly prioritise research that aligns with SDGs; enhance their visibility and the impact of the research they publish; demonstrate corporate responsibility; develop partnerships to build trust and influence; and future-proof publishing strategy by staying close to changing academic priorities.

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