Sir, the recent BDJ initiative to focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is commendable. Practising in our specialised fields as well as understanding the broader global challenges is crucial indeed.1 The UN SDGs acknowledge the interdependence of eradicating poverty, and improving health, education and economic growth while addressing climate change and preserving our environment.

Efforts have been made to link academic publications to specific SDGs. According to a 2022 report2 by Steering Research and Innovation for Global Goals (STRINGS), a consortium of researchers at the University of Sussex, University College London and the United Nations Development Programme, high-income countries and upper-middle-income countries dominate the global research agenda but only 20-40% of their research is focused on the SDGs. Low-income countries demonstrate a higher alignment with the goals; 60-80% of their research is related to the SDGs but they contribute 0.2% to the global research output.

The STRINGS project has compiled extensive datasets and detailed case studies to guide researchers, funders, and policymakers in directing efforts and resources towards SDG-related issues. By fostering appropriate prioritisation and empowering marginalised groups in global research and innovation, we can work towards solving, rather than exacerbating, the challenges of today.2