MAPUA INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY

 RESEARCH AGENDA

1. About the Institute

The Mapua Institute for Global Sustainability (MIGS) is a groundbreaking center of excellence dedicated to advancing sustainable development through interdisciplinary research, innovative education, and collaborative partnerships.

2. Mission Goals

Consistent with the vision of Mapua University, our mission is to address complex global and local sustainability challenges by fostering an integrated approach that combines scientific knowledge with practical application. We prioritize urban sustainability, resource management, and policy advocacy while embedding sustainability into campus operations. Committed to shaping a sustainable future, MIGS is a hub for thought leadership, community engagement, and cultivating future leaders equipped to drive transformative change.

3. Objectives

To realize the Mission Goals of MIGS, we developed the following objectives:

a. To engage in basic and applied research on sustainability based on the needs of the university, the country, the region, and the globe.

b. To require undergraduate and graduate students to address relevant Sustainable Development Goals in their respective studies.

c. To forge mutually beneficial research-related linkage or partnerships with other research institutes, universities, government and non-government organizations, and local, national, regional, and international industries.

d. To use relevant research outputs to support the other functions of the university, such as instruction, extension services, and lifelong learning.

4. Research Areas

Consistent with Objective 3a, MIGS shall engage in both basic and applied research in the following areas:

a. Affordable and Sustainable Energy

b. Carbon Footprint Reduction

c. Circular Economy

d. Clean Water and Sanitation

e. Climate Solutions

f.  Community Engagement and Awareness

g. Discipline-Related Studies with Sustainability Component

h. Education for Sustainable Development

i.  Ethical Aspects of Sustainability

j.  Healthy Communities and Workplaces

k. Resource Use Optimization

l.  Sustainable Development Goals

m. Sustainability Metrics

n. Sustainable Practices

o. Other Sustainability-Related Problems

5. Thesis and Publication

Consistent with Objective 3b, the following schemes shall be an integral part of the agenda:

5.1 Undergraduate

All undergraduate theses shall contribute meaningfully to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by addressing at least two (2) specific SDGs.

Students shall prepare and submit an article derived from the thesis, then submit it to a relevant Scopus-indexed journal or present it in a conference with a Scopus-indexed conference proceedings.

5.2 Graduate

All master’s thesis and doctorate dissertations shall contribute meaningfully to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by addressing at least three (3) specific SDGs.

Students shall prepare and submit articles derived from the thesis, then submit them to relevant Scopus-indexed journals.

6. Collaboration and Linkage

Consistent with Objective 3c, MIGS, with the assistance of the International Linkages, Relations, and Development Cooperation (ILRAD) and the academic departments, shall forge mutually beneficial sustainability-research-related partnerships with other universities, institutes, government and non-government organizations, and industries at the local, national, regional, and international levels.

The activities and programs that go with these partnerships can be, but not limited to, as follows:

a. research colloquia

b. joint research projects

c. co-authorship in papers derived from the joint research projects

d. student research internship

MIGS shall also assist the academic departments in seeking funding agencies supporting sustainability research.

7. Dissemination of Research Outputs

Dissemination refers to “sharing the research results with the relevant audience.” The audience includes the following:

a. Academic Community

Publication of a paper derived from the research in reputable journals is the most common form of dissemination. Not only shall the publication promote the research influence of the authors, but it shall also contribute to the literature on the research area (i.e., sustainability).

b. Public

Presentation in regional and international conferences also serves the same purpose as publication in reputable journals.

c. Policy Makers

Results of studies on sustainability and related problems shall be made available to policymakers at the university, local, national, and global levels, when applicable.

8. Effectivity

The Mapua Institute for Global Sustainability Research Agenda was presented at the Academic Council Meeting and was approved on May 8, 2024. The effectivity is June 1, 2024.