Real-world impact: The use of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and targets for solving wicked problems in Academia

This paper questions how impact is measured in academic research and proposes that the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an effective framework for determining real-world impact. Bibliometrics used to assess the quality of academic work are mostly quantitative and self-referential, and often adopted by funding bodies, putting additional pressure on academics and schools to increase compliance, thereby reducing focus on real-world impact. Beginning on the ambitious agenda of SDGs, data were collected on how researchers, institutions, and network organisations (such as ANZAM) can contribute to, and measure research aligned with SDGs. Results were generally positive toward using SDGs. Suggestions included aligning funding opportunities, changing KPIs, increasing cross-disciplinary work, aligning mission/vision statements, and legitimising SDG-focused projects at conferences.