10 SDG Tracks Driving Global Change

Youth-led research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 Health
SDG 4 Education
SDG 5 Gender
SDG 7 Energy
SDG 9 Innovation
SDG 10 Equity
SDG 11 Cities
SDG 12 Circular
SDG 13 Climate
SDG 17 Partnership

Connecting young researchers worldwide to address humanity's most pressing challenges through interdisciplinary innovation, rigorous peer review, and publication-ready research.

SDG Research Tracks

Explore the 10 priority areas where your research can create measurable impact

SDG 3: Biomedical Innovation & Health Technologies

Advancing health outcomes through research and innovation

  • AI-powered diagnostic systems and medical imaging
  • Wearable health monitoring and telemedicine platforms
  • Biotech solutions for disease prevention and treatment

SDG 4: AI in Education & Digital Learning

Transforming education through technology and accessibility

  • Adaptive learning platforms and personalized education
  • Educational technology for underserved communities
  • Virtual labs and immersive learning experiences

SDG 5: Gender Equality & Inclusive Technology

Building equitable systems and empowering all voices

  • Digital tools reducing gender bias and discrimination
  • Women in STEM programs and mentorship platforms
  • Inclusive design methodologies for technology

SDG 7: Clean Energy & Green Engineering

Engineering sustainable energy solutions for the future

  • Renewable energy systems and smart grids
  • Energy storage technologies and efficiency solutions
  • Carbon capture and emission reduction technologies

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & AI Transformation

Revolutionizing industries through intelligent systems

  • Machine learning applications in industrial automation
  • IoT systems and Industry 4.0 technologies
  • Blockchain for supply chain transparency

SDG 10: Social Equity & Youth Empowerment

Creating opportunities and reducing inequalities

  • Digital inclusion and accessibility technologies
  • Youth entrepreneurship and skill development platforms
  • Social innovation addressing economic disparities

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Urban Innovation

Designing resilient and livable urban environments

  • Smart city infrastructure and urban planning tools
  • Sustainable transportation and mobility solutions
  • Green architecture and climate-resilient design

SDG 12: Circular Economy & Material Innovation

Reimagining resource use through sustainable practices

  • Waste-to-resource conversion technologies
  • Biodegradable materials and sustainable packaging
  • Life cycle assessment and circular business models

SDG 13: Climate Tech & Earth-Space Data

Monitoring and mitigating climate change impacts

  • Satellite-based climate monitoring and analytics
  • Predictive models for weather and disaster management
  • Carbon accounting and environmental sensing systems

SDG 17: AI-Enhanced Global Cooperation & Policy Innovation

Fostering partnerships through technology-enabled collaboration

  • Data-driven policy analysis and governance tools
  • Cross-border collaboration platforms
  • Digital diplomacy and international development tech

Explore Track Details

In-depth scopes, submission types, and interdisciplinary connections

SDG 3: Biomedical Innovation & Health Technologies

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Research Scope

Cutting-edge research in medical technology, public health informatics, biomedical engineering, and digital health interventions aimed at improving global health outcomes and accessibility.

Suitable Submission Types

  • Full research papers on clinical trials or device validation
  • Prototype demonstrations of medical devices or health apps
  • Posters showcasing public health campaigns or data analytics
  • Extended abstracts on telemedicine platforms

Suggested Keywords

AI diagnostics, wearable health tech, telehealth, biomedical sensors, medical imaging, mental health platforms, pandemic response

Interdisciplinary Links

Connects with SDG 4 (health education platforms), SDG 9 (health tech innovation), SDG 10 (equitable health access)

SDG 4: AI in Education & Digital Learning

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Research Scope

Innovative approaches to educational technology, adaptive learning systems, digital literacy programs, and AI-powered tools that democratize quality education globally.

Suitable Submission Types

  • Software prototypes for adaptive learning platforms
  • Research papers on educational impact studies
  • Digital art showcasing interactive educational content
  • Posters on educational equity initiatives

Suggested Keywords

Personalized learning, EdTech, virtual classrooms, gamification, learning analytics, accessibility tools, MOOCs

Interdisciplinary Links

Connects with SDG 5 (gender equity in education), SDG 9 (educational innovation), SDG 10 (inclusive learning)

SDG 5: Gender Equality & Inclusive Technology

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Research Scope

Technology solutions addressing gender bias, inclusive design practices, empowerment platforms, and research on digital equity across gender identities and expressions.

Suitable Submission Types

  • Policy studies on gender and technology
  • Prototypes of bias-detection algorithms
  • Extended abstracts on women in STEM programs
  • Digital media projects promoting gender equity

Suggested Keywords

Gender bias in AI, inclusive design, women empowerment tech, digital gender gap, STEM equity, harassment prevention

Interdisciplinary Links

Connects with SDG 4 (gender in education), SDG 8 (workplace equity), SDG 10 (reducing inequalities)

SDG 7: Clean Energy & Green Engineering

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Research Scope

Renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency systems, smart grid solutions, and sustainable engineering approaches to ensure universal energy access.

Suitable Submission Types

  • Engineering prototypes of energy systems
  • Full papers on renewable energy optimization
  • Field research on community energy projects
  • Posters on energy efficiency innovations

Suggested Keywords

Solar power, wind energy, smart grids, energy storage, green hydrogen, energy access, carbon reduction

Interdisciplinary Links

Connects with SDG 9 (energy innovation), SDG 11 (urban energy systems), SDG 13 (climate mitigation)

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & AI Transformation

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Research Scope

Advanced manufacturing, automation systems, artificial intelligence applications, Industry 4.0 technologies, and infrastructure innovations that drive economic growth.

Suitable Submission Types

  • AI/ML software demonstrations
  • Full papers on industrial automation
  • IoT system prototypes
  • Extended abstracts on blockchain applications

Suggested Keywords

Machine learning, robotics, IoT, Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, predictive maintenance, digital twins

Interdisciplinary Links

Connects with SDG 7 (industrial energy), SDG 11 (smart infrastructure), SDG 12 (sustainable production)

SDG 10: Social Equity & Youth Empowerment

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Research Scope

Digital inclusion initiatives, accessibility technologies, youth entrepreneurship programs, and social innovation projects that reduce inequalities within and among countries.

Suitable Submission Types

  • Social impact research papers
  • Community development project reports
  • Posters on youth empowerment programs
  • Prototype platforms for skill development

Suggested Keywords

Digital inclusion, accessibility, youth entrepreneurship, social mobility, economic equity, community development

Interdisciplinary Links

Connects with SDG 4 (educational equity), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 8 (decent work)

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Urban Innovation

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Research Scope

Smart city technologies, sustainable urban planning, green architecture, resilient infrastructure, and transportation innovations for safer, more inclusive cities.

Suitable Submission Types

  • Urban planning research papers
  • Smart city system prototypes
  • Design proposals for green buildings
  • Posters on sustainable mobility solutions

Suggested Keywords

Smart cities, urban mobility, green buildings, public spaces, urban resilience, traffic management, sustainable transport

Interdisciplinary Links

Connects with SDG 7 (urban energy), SDG 9 (smart infrastructure), SDG 13 (climate-resilient cities)

SDG 12: Circular Economy & Material Innovation

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Research Scope

Circular economy models, sustainable materials, waste reduction technologies, resource efficiency, and innovative approaches to responsible production and consumption.

Suitable Submission Types

  • Materials science research papers
  • Prototypes of recycling technologies
  • Life cycle assessment studies
  • Posters on zero-waste initiatives

Suggested Keywords

Circular economy, sustainable materials, waste management, recycling tech, biodegradable packaging, upcycling, resource efficiency

Interdisciplinary Links

Connects with SDG 9 (sustainable production), SDG 11 (urban waste), SDG 13 (emission reduction)

SDG 13: Climate Tech & Earth-Space Data

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Research Scope

Climate monitoring technologies, satellite data analytics, carbon accounting systems, disaster prediction models, and innovative climate action solutions.

Suitable Submission Types

  • Full papers on climate modeling
  • Remote sensing data analysis projects
  • Prototype climate monitoring systems
  • Posters on carbon reduction strategies

Suggested Keywords

Climate monitoring, satellite data, carbon accounting, disaster management, weather prediction, climate adaptation, emissions tracking

Interdisciplinary Links

Connects with SDG 7 (clean energy), SDG 11 (climate-resilient cities), SDG 12 (sustainable consumption)

SDG 17: AI-Enhanced Global Cooperation & Policy Innovation

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Research Scope

Technology-enabled partnerships, data-driven policy analysis, international development platforms, digital diplomacy tools, and cross-border collaboration systems.

Suitable Submission Types

  • Policy analysis research papers
  • Collaboration platform prototypes
  • Extended abstracts on digital governance
  • Posters on international development projects

Suggested Keywords

Policy innovation, global partnerships, digital diplomacy, data governance, international development, cross-border collaboration

Interdisciplinary Links

Connects with ALL SDGs as it enables partnerships and knowledge sharing across all domains

Example Research Projects

Curated project abstracts demonstrating the breadth and impact of SDG-aligned research

SDG 3

AI-Powered Malaria Detection Using Smartphone Microscopy

Full Paper | Medical AI & Diagnostics

A low-cost diagnostic system utilizing smartphone-based microscopy combined with convolutional neural networks to detect malaria parasites in blood samples with 94% accuracy. Designed for resource-limited settings in Sub-Saharan Africa, enabling rapid diagnosis without laboratory infrastructure.

Impact: Potential to reduce diagnostic time from hours to minutes, improving treatment outcomes in rural communities.
SDG 4

Adaptive Learning Platform for Dyslexic Students

Software Prototype | Educational Technology

An adaptive e-learning platform that adjusts text presentation, pacing, and content structure based on individual dyslexic student profiles. Uses real-time eye-tracking and engagement metrics to personalize the learning experience, reducing reading barriers by 40% in pilot studies.

Impact: Supports inclusive education by making digital content accessible to neurodiverse learners.
SDG 5

Bias Detection Framework for Hiring Algorithms

Extended Abstract | AI Ethics & Gender Equity

A comprehensive framework for auditing automated hiring systems to detect and mitigate gender bias in resume screening algorithms. Includes open-source testing tools and standardized metrics for measuring algorithmic fairness across demographic groups.

Impact: Promotes equitable hiring practices and accountability in AI-driven recruitment systems.
SDG 7

Solar-Powered Water Purification System for Off-Grid Communities

Engineering Prototype | Clean Energy & Water Access

An integrated solar photovoltaic system powering advanced filtration technology, providing clean drinking water to communities without grid access. The modular design allows for scalable deployment and requires minimal maintenance, operating entirely on renewable energy.

Impact: Addresses dual challenges of energy access and water security in rural regions.
SDG 9

Blockchain-Based Supply Chain Transparency for Ethical Manufacturing

Software Demonstration | Industry Innovation

A decentralized ledger system tracking product components from raw materials to final assembly, ensuring supply chain transparency and ethical sourcing verification. Smart contracts automate compliance checks and enable consumer verification of product origins.

Impact: Enhances corporate accountability and empowers conscious consumer choices.
SDG 10

Digital Literacy Training Platform for Refugee Youth

Poster | Social Impact Project

A mobile-first digital skills training program designed for displaced youth, offering courses in coding, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship. Content is localized in multiple languages and optimized for low-bandwidth environments, providing pathways to remote employment.

Impact: Creates economic opportunities and reduces inequalities for marginalized communities.
SDG 11

IoT-Based Flood Prediction System for Coastal Cities

Full Paper | Smart Cities & Climate Resilience

A network of interconnected sensors monitoring water levels, rainfall, and tidal patterns to predict urban flooding events 6-12 hours in advance. Integrates with city emergency systems to enable proactive evacuations and infrastructure protection measures.

Impact: Reduces flood-related casualties and economic losses in vulnerable urban areas.
SDG 12

Biodegradable Packaging from Agricultural Waste

Materials Innovation | Circular Economy

A novel biodegradable packaging material derived from rice husks and corn starch, offering comparable strength to conventional plastics while decomposing within 90 days. Manufacturing process converts agricultural waste into value-added products, creating circular economy opportunities for farming communities.

Impact: Reduces plastic pollution while creating economic value from agricultural byproducts.
SDG 13

Satellite-Based Carbon Emission Tracking for Industrial Zones

Research Paper | Climate Tech & Remote Sensing

A machine learning system analyzing satellite imagery and atmospheric data to monitor carbon emissions from industrial facilities in real-time. Provides independent verification of corporate emission reports and identifies unauthorized pollution sources.

Impact: Strengthens climate accountability and enables data-driven environmental policy enforcement.
SDG 17

Multi-Stakeholder Platform for SDG Data Sharing

Digital Platform Prototype | Global Partnership

An open data platform enabling governments, NGOs, and researchers to share SDG progress indicators and collaborate on evidence-based solutions. Features standardized data formats, visualization tools, and collaboration workspaces fostering international knowledge exchange.

Impact: Accelerates SDG achievement through enhanced coordination and data-driven decision making.

Interdisciplinary Approaches & Youth Participation

Building portfolios and publication pathways through SDG-aligned research

Cross-Domain Innovation

Combine insights from multiple SDG tracks to create holistic solutions. Example: Merge SDG 4 (Education) with SDG 9 (AI) to develop intelligent tutoring systems that also address SDG 10 (Equity) by targeting underserved communities.

Youth Leadership Focus

ISDGF prioritizes youth voices by providing structured pathways for high school and undergraduate students to contribute original research, develop professional portfolios, and gain international recognition through peer-reviewed publication opportunities.

Publication Routes

All accepted submissions go through EasyChair double-blind peer review. Full papers are considered for conference proceedings and partner journals. Extended abstracts, posters, and prototypes receive formal presentation opportunities and certificates of recognition.

Portfolio Development

Conference participation builds tangible portfolio assets: peer-reviewed publications, presentation experience, international networking, and documented contributions to SDG-aligned research valuable for university applications and career advancement.

Mentorship Networks

Connect with experienced researchers, industry professionals, and fellow innovators across tracks. ISDGF facilitates mentor matching, collaborative research opportunities, and lasting professional relationships that extend beyond the conference.

Global Impact Visibility

Your SDG-aligned research gains international exposure through conference proceedings, digital platforms, and partner institution networks. High-impact projects may be featured in policy briefs, media coverage, and innovation showcases reaching global audiences.

Submission Guidelines by Track

Choose your submission type and align with your selected SDG track

Full Research Papers

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Best for: All SDG tracks with substantial empirical research, experimental results, or comprehensive literature reviews.

Format: 6-8 pages in IEEE or ACM conference format, including abstract, methodology, results, and references.

Review Process: Double-blind peer review via EasyChair with feedback from 2-3 reviewers per submission.

Outcome: Accepted papers published in conference proceedings with ISBN. Select papers may be recommended for partner journal publication.

Track-Specific Tips:

  • SDG 3, 7, 9, 13: Include experimental validation data, statistical analysis, and reproducibility considerations
  • SDG 4, 5, 10, 17: Emphasize qualitative insights, case studies, and social impact metrics
  • SDG 11, 12: Balance technical innovation with practical implementation considerations

Extended Abstracts

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Best for: Work-in-progress, early-stage research, pilot studies, or conceptual frameworks across all tracks.

Format: 2-4 pages summarizing research question, approach, preliminary findings, and next steps.

Review Process: Single-blind review focusing on potential impact and methodological soundness.

Outcome: Accepted abstracts receive poster presentation slots and inclusion in the conference abstract book.

Ideal Scenarios:

  • Master's thesis proposals or dissertation chapter previews
  • Undergraduate capstone projects demonstrating SDG alignment
  • Initial findings from ongoing longitudinal studies
  • Theoretical frameworks for future empirical investigation

Posters

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Best for: Visual communication of research, community projects, field studies, and data-driven narratives.

Format: 1-page abstract (500-750 words) + A0 or A1 poster design (digital submission).

Review Process: Evaluated on clarity, visual design, and SDG impact alignment.

Outcome: Virtual poster gallery with interactive Q&A sessions and poster awards for excellence in design and impact.

Recommended Tracks:

  • SDG 3: Public health campaigns, epidemiological data visualizations
  • SDG 10, 11: Community-based research, participatory design projects
  • SDG 13: Climate data storytelling, environmental monitoring results

Prototypes & Demonstrations

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Best for: Working systems, engineering prototypes, software applications, and hardware innovations.

Format: 2-page technical description + demo video (3-5 minutes) + optional live demonstration link.

Review Process: Evaluated on technical feasibility, innovation, and real-world applicability.

Outcome: Live demonstration sessions, innovation showcase, and potential investor/partner introductions.

Track-Specific Expectations:

  • SDG 3, 7: Functional prototypes with clear use cases and testing results
  • SDG 4, 9: Software with user interface, API documentation, or system architecture
  • SDG 11, 12: Design prototypes with sustainability assessments or scalability plans

Digital Art & Interactive Media

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Best for: Creative technology, data visualization, interactive installations, and multimedia narratives.

Format: 1-page artist/designer statement + portfolio submission (images, videos, or interactive links).

Review Process: Evaluated on creative merit, technical execution, and SDG message effectiveness.

Outcome: Virtual exhibition space, creative showcase, and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities.

Creative Applications by Track:

  • SDG 4: Educational games, interactive learning experiences
  • SDG 5, 10: Advocacy campaigns, social awareness installations
  • SDG 13: Climate data art, environmental storytelling

Policy & Impact Studies

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Best for: Policy analysis, impact assessments, governance research, and social science investigations.

Format: 4-6 pages including policy context, analysis framework, findings, and recommendations.

Review Process: Double-blind review with emphasis on policy relevance and evidence quality.

Outcome: Policy brief publication opportunities and direct engagement with public sector professionals.

Particularly Relevant for:

  • SDG 5, 10, 17: Social equity policy, governance innovation, international cooperation
  • SDG 11, 13: Urban policy, climate regulation, environmental governance
  • All tracks when addressing regulatory, ethical, or implementation policy dimensions

Ready to Make an Impact?

Join researchers worldwide in addressing global challenges through SDG-aligned innovation. Choose your track, select your submission type, and contribute to building a sustainable future.

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