Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Ph.D. in Innovation Engineering

SDG Alignment for Doctor of Engineering Program in Innovation Engineering

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Doctor of Engineering Program in Innovation Engineering is fundamentally engineered to produce high-level researchers and innovators capable of addressing complex global challenges through the integration of diverse engineering disciplines. The program's core philosophy—to create and commercialize innovations ethically and sustainably—is powerfully aligned with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). It is a catalyst for developing resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. The curriculum has a profound emphasis on sustainable resource management and clean energy, making it a vital contributor to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Through specializations in bioengineering, environmental engineering, and civil engineering, the program directly tackles issues central to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). As a research-intensive doctoral program, it is a flagship for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and inherently promotes the global partnerships essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

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Alignment Summary: This program supports the goal of achieving zero hunger by training innovators to improve agricultural productivity and food systems. Courses focus on post-harvest technology to reduce food loss and on logistics and supply chain management to ensure efficient and sustainable distribution of food resources.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
EN 037 100	Bioresource Engineering	Contributes to sustainable agriculture (Target 2.4) by developing engineering solutions for the efficient use of biological resources in food production.
EN 327 201	Engineering Application for Postharvest Technology	Directly addresses food security by teaching technologies to reduce post-harvest losses, which is critical for maintaining stable food supplies (Target 2.1).
EN 427 403	Agricultural and Food Logistics and Supply Chain Management	Aligns with ensuring sustainable food production systems (Target 2.4) by optimizing the efficiency and resilience of food distribution networks.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to good health and well-being by advancing medical technology. Courses on biomedical instrumentation and biomaterials equip graduates to develop innovative diagnostic and therapeutic tools, directly supporting the research and development of new healthcare solutions.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
EN 227 730	Biomedical Instrumentation	Supports the development of new medicines and treatments (Target 3.B) by training experts to create advanced diagnostic and monitoring equipment.
EN 457 102	Biomaterials and Applications of Biomaterials	Directly contributes to health innovation by focusing on the development of new materials for medical devices, implants, and drug delivery systems (Target 3.B).

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As a doctoral program, this curriculum represents the pinnacle of quality education. It is designed to create expert researchers and innovators by providing advanced training in research methodologies and fostering a culture of lifelong learning, thereby contributing to the creation of new knowledge for sustainable development.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
EN 007 001	Engineering Research Methodology	This course is a cornerstone of quality tertiary education, equipping doctoral students with the high-level research skills needed for innovation and lifelong learning (Target 4.3 and 4.4).
EN 049 99X	Dissertation	The dissertation is a capstone educational experience that fosters independent research and advanced problem-solving skills, contributing significantly to the creation of new knowledge (Target 4.4).

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

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Alignment Summary: The program is central to ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water. Through specialized courses in hydrodynamics, water resources management, and water treatment, it trains experts to design and implement innovative solutions for water quality, sanitation, and efficient water use.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
EN 127 602	Hydrodynamics	Provides fundamental knowledge for managing water-related ecosystems and sanitation systems (Target 6.3, 6.6).
EN 327 301	Integrated Water Resources Management	Directly aligns with Target 6.5 by teaching the principles of integrated water resources management at all levels.
EN 627 000	Aquatic Chemistry	Supports Target 6.3 by providing the chemical knowledge needed to improve water quality by reducing pollution.
EN 627 103	Advanced Water Treatment Processes	Directly contributes to ensuring access to safe drinking water and sanitation by focusing on innovative water purification technologies (Target 6.1, 6.2).
EN 627 203	Water Quality Management	Aligns with protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems, a key component of Target 6.6.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

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Alignment Summary: The program is a major driver for the transition to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy. It offers deep expertise in renewable energy technologies, including biomass and biogas, as well as the critical engineering systems like power electronics and electric vehicles needed to build a modern, clean energy infrastructure.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
EN 037 100	Bioresource Engineering	Supports the increase in the share of renewable energy (Target 7.2) by engineering systems for bioenergy production.
EN 037 103	Biorefinery Development	Focuses on clean energy research and technology (Target 7.A) by developing sustainable methods to produce fuels and chemicals from biomass.
EN 037 104	Biomass and Bioenergy Technology	Directly contributes to Target 7.2 by training experts in the conversion of biomass into clean and modern energy.
EN 227 715	Fuel Cell Technology	Promotes access to clean energy research and technology (Target 7.A) by focusing on an advanced and clean energy conversion technology.
EN 227 724	Applied Power Electronics	Essential for increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (Target 7.2) by providing the technology to integrate and manage renewable power sources.
EN 227 744	Electric Vehicle	Contributes to energy efficiency (Target 7.3) and the adoption of clean energy technologies in the transport sector.
EN 327 203	Power and Renewable Energy	Directly supports Target 7.2 by focusing on the generation and application of renewable energy in agricultural contexts.
EN 627 400	Anaerobic Treatment for Biogas Production	Focuses on producing biogas from waste, directly increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix (Target 7.2).
EN 739 600	Biomass for Renewable Energy	Contributes to ensuring access to affordable and clean energy by exploring biomass as a key renewable resource (Target 7.1, 7.2).

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship and ensuring safe working environments. It prepares innovators to create new technology-driven businesses and trains engineers in system safety to protect labor rights and promote secure workplaces.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
EN 007 000	Research to Business for Engineering Entrepreneurship	Directly supports entrepreneurship and the creation of small- and medium-sized enterprises, which are key to creating decent jobs (Target 8.3).
EN 427 104	System Safety Engineering	Aligns with Target 8.8 by focusing on protecting labor rights and promoting safe and secure working environments for all workers.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: This program is at the core of building resilient infrastructure and fostering industrial innovation. The curriculum provides deep expertise in a wide range of engineering disciplines, preparing graduates to lead scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of all industries, and develop the sustainable infrastructure of the future.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
EN 007 000	Research to Business for Engineering Entrepreneurship	Promotes inclusive and sustainable industrialization by fostering innovation and supporting small-scale enterprises (Target 9.2, 9.3).
EN 007 001	Engineering Research Methodology	Enhances scientific research and innovation (Target 9.5) by providing doctoral students with the core skills to conduct high-impact engineering research.
EN 037 103	Biorefinery Development	Supports upgrading the technological capabilities of industrial sectors by developing clean and environmentally sound technologies (Target 9.4).
EN 037 104	Biomass and Bioenergy Technology	Drives innovation in the renewable energy industry by enhancing scientific research into bioenergy (Target 9.5).
EN 227 715	Fuel Cell Technology	Fosters innovation (Target 9.5) by focusing on research and development in an advanced clean energy technology.
EN 227 724	Applied Power Electronics	This technology is fundamental to building resilient and modern infrastructure for renewable energy systems (Target 9.1).
EN 227 744	Electric Vehicle	Promotes innovation in the automotive and transport industries, contributing to sustainable industrialization (Target 9.2, 9.4).
EN 427 106	Engineering Systems Design	Provides the skills necessary to design and build resilient and innovative infrastructure systems (Target 9.1).
EN 457 102	Biomaterials and Applications of Biomaterials	Enhances scientific research and innovation in the medical and materials industries (Target 9.5).
EN 457 104	Science and Technology of Nanomaterials	Supports scientific research (Target 9.5) by providing expertise in a cutting-edge field with applications across numerous industries.
EN 739 700	Biochemical Engineering	Upgrades the technological capabilities of chemical and biological industries through innovation in process engineering (Target 9.4).
EN 049 99X	Dissertation	Represents a significant contribution to enhancing scientific research and innovation across all engineering disciplines (Target 9.5).

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Alignment Summary: The program is essential for creating sustainable cities and communities. It provides the engineering expertise needed for sustainable urban transportation planning, reducing the environmental impact of cities through pollution control, and managing urban waste, thereby making human settlements more inclusive, safe, and resilient.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
EN 127 502	Urban Transportation Planning	Directly supports inclusive and sustainable urbanization by focusing on the planning of safe, affordable, and accessible transport systems (Target 11.2).
EN 227 744	Electric Vehicle	Contributes to making transport systems more sustainable, which is a key component of sustainable cities (Target 11.2).
EN 627 104	Air Pollution Technology and Management	Directly addresses Target 11.6 by focusing on reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality.
EN 627 108	Solid Waste Disposal and Management	Aligns with Target 11.6 by training experts in municipal and other waste management, a crucial service for sustainable cities.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum is fundamentally aligned with ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. It trains experts to design processes that achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, reduce food and material waste, and create value from by-products, promoting a circular economy.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
EN 037 100	Bioresource Engineering	Focuses on the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2).
EN 037 103	Biorefinery Development	Promotes environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes (Target 12.4) by developing sustainable production methods.
EN 037 104	Biomass and Bioenergy Technology	Directly supports Target 12.2 by developing technologies for the efficient conversion of biomass resources.
EN 327 201	Engineering Application for Postharvest Technology	Contributes to reducing food losses along production and supply chains (Target 12.3).
EN 427 403	Agricultural and Food Logistics and Supply Chain Management	Aligns with Target 12.3 by optimizing supply chains to minimize food losses.
EN 457 102	Biomaterials and Applications of Biomaterials	Promotes sustainable production patterns by developing renewable and biodegradable materials (Target 12.2).
EN 627 108	Solid Waste Disposal and Management	Directly addresses Target 12.5 by substantially reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
EN 627 400	Anaerobic Treatment for Biogas Production	Contributes to the environmentally sound management of wastes by converting them into energy (Target 12.4, 12.5).
EN 739 600	Biomass for Renewable Energy	Supports the efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) by converting biomass into valuable energy products.
EN 739 700	Biochemical Engineering	Promotes sustainable production patterns by designing efficient and environmentally sound biochemical processes (Target 12.2, 12.4).

SDG 13: Climate Action

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to climate action by training experts in air pollution control and management. This knowledge is crucial for mitigating climate change by reducing emissions and improving education and awareness on climate-related issues.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
EN 627 104	Air Pollution Technology and Management	Directly supports climate change education and awareness (Target 13.3) by providing deep knowledge on the sources, impacts, and control of air pollutants that contribute to climate change.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

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Alignment Summary: This program supports the conservation and sustainable use of aquatic ecosystems. Through courses in hydrodynamics, aquatic chemistry, and water quality management, it prepares graduates to address marine and freshwater pollution and protect water-related ecosystems.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
EN 127 602	Hydrodynamics	Provides essential knowledge for managing and protecting marine and coastal ecosystems (Target 14.2).
EN 627 000	Aquatic Chemistry	Directly contributes to preventing and reducing marine pollution of all kinds (Target 14.1).
EN 627 203	Water Quality Management	Aligns with Target 14.1 by providing the skills to manage and mitigate land-based activities that cause water pollution.

SDG 15: Life On Land

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems. By teaching the principles of bioresource engineering, it provides the tools to use land-based resources more efficiently and sustainably, supporting the conservation of forests and biodiversity.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
EN 037 100	Bioresource Engineering	Supports the sustainable management of forests and other terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.1, 15.2) by engineering more efficient uses for biological resources.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum helps build strong and effective institutions by focusing on safety engineering. This knowledge is crucial for developing accountable and transparent industrial and public systems that are resilient, safe, and protect fundamental freedoms.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
EN 427 104	System Safety Engineering	Supports the development of effective, accountable and transparent institutions (Target 16.6) by providing the skills to design and manage safe and resilient engineering systems.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: This research-intensive program inherently builds partnerships for sustainable development. The creation and dissemination of advanced engineering knowledge promotes the international knowledge-sharing and collaborations essential for addressing the interconnected challenges of all SDGs.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
EN 007 001	Engineering Research Methodology	Enhances capacity-building for sustainable development (Target 17.9) by providing students with the skills to conduct and report research, which is essential for monitoring SDG progress.
EN 049 99X	Dissertation	Represents a significant contribution to the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) by creating new, publishable engineering knowledge that is shared internationally to solve critical sustainability challenges.