This study analyzed how universities can promote the individual contribution of academic staff to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the first phase, the strategy documents of various faculties of a Croatian university were analyzed to identify those that emphasize sustainable development as a key aspect of institutional activity in their strategy documents. Based on these results, the faculties that systematically integrate sustainability into their teaching, scientific and organizational practices were selected. In the second phase of the research, semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with the academic staff from the above faculties to gain insight into the ways in which institutional policies and organizational cultures focused on sustainability are shaped. Motivating factors, institutional incentives and barriers that employees encounter when engaging in activities related to the SDGs were analyzed. The results show the importance of clear strategic guidelines, inclusive management practices and the recognition of individual contribution as key elements for strengthening the role of academic staff in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals at the university.

Authors:
Nena Vukelić, University of Rijeka, Croatia

About the Presenter(s)
Nena Vukelić is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Education at the Faculty of Philosophy in Rijeka, University of Rijeka. She graduated in Psychology in 2013 and obtained her PhD in Pedagogy at Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Rijeka in 2021. The focus of her scientific work is on Education for Sustainable Development. She is the leader of a scientific project in the field of Higher Education for Sustainable Development.

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