Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Doctor of Philosophy Program in Plant-Based Food Technology and Innovation

SDG Alignment for Doctor of Philosophy Program in Plant-Based Food Technology and Innovation

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Plant-Based Food Technology and Innovation is strategically positioned at the intersection of food science, nutrition, and sustainability. The program's philosophy is to produce high-level researchers and innovators who can lead the transformation towards a more sustainable and healthy global food system. This focus creates a powerful and direct alignment with several key Sustainable Development Goals. By advancing the science of plant-based foods, the program makes a significant contribution to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by developing alternative protein sources and promoting resilient agricultural value chains. It directly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through research into functional foods, nutraceuticals, and healthier food processing techniques. As a research-intensive doctoral program, it is a cornerstone of SDG 4 (Quality Education) and drives the development of new technologies and sustainable industrial practices, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Furthermore, the program's emphasis on sustainable processing, byproduct utilization, and food safety is central to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). As an international program, it inherently fosters the collaborations required for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

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Alignment Summary: This program directly addresses food security and sustainable agriculture by focusing on the development and innovation of plant-based foods. Courses are designed to improve food production systems, enhance the nutritional value of plant-based products, and reduce post-harvest losses, all of which are critical for creating a resilient and sustainable food supply to end hunger.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
FT83 701	Advanced Plant-Based Food Chemistry	Supports sustainable agriculture (Target 2.4) by providing the chemical knowledge needed to improve crop quality and develop resilient food production systems.
FT83 703	Advanced Plant-Based Food Processing	Contributes to ending hunger by teaching advanced processing techniques that reduce food loss and improve the stability and availability of plant-based food products (Target 2.1).
FT83 801	Functional Plant-Based Foods and Nutraceuticals	Addresses malnutrition (Target 2.2) by focusing on the development of plant-based foods with enhanced nutritional and health benefits, helping to end all forms of malnutrition.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to good health and well-being by advancing the science of nutritious and safe plant-based foods. It focuses on developing functional foods and nutraceuticals that can help prevent non-communicable diseases. Additionally, a strong emphasis on food safety and quality management ensures that food products are safe for consumption, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
FT83 801	Functional Plant-Based Foods and Nutraceuticals	Directly promotes health and well-being (Target 3.4) by focusing on research and development of foods that can prevent non-communicable diseases.
FT83 803	Food Safety and Quality Management	Contributes to good health by ensuring the safety of the food supply chain, which is crucial for preventing foodborne illnesses and reducing health risks from contaminated food (Target 3.9).

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As an international Doctor of Philosophy program, this curriculum is the epitome of quality education. It is designed to produce expert researchers and innovators in a rapidly growing scientific field. The program provides inclusive, high-level education and fosters the advanced research and critical thinking skills necessary for high-level employment and lifelong learning in food science and technology.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
FT83 791	Research Methodology in Food Technology and Innovation	Directly supports Target 4.4 by equipping students with advanced technical and vocational skills in research design and data analysis, which are highly relevant for employment and innovation in the food industry.
FT83 897	Seminar in Plant-Based Food Technology and Innovation	Enhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by providing a platform for doctoral candidates to engage with, critique, and present cutting-edge research in their field.
FT83 998/999	Dissertation	Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical skills for employment and entrepreneurship (Target 4.4) and generating new knowledge.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: This research-intensive program is designed to drive innovation in the food industry. Through advanced courses in food processing, chemistry, and microbiology, it fosters the development of new technologies and sustainable practices that can upgrade the technological capabilities of the food production sector and promote sustainable industrialization.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
FT83 703	Advanced Plant-Based Food Processing	Contributes to upgrading industrial infrastructure (Target 9.4) by teaching advanced and clean technologies for food processing, which supports sustainable industrialization.
FT83 791	Research Methodology in Food Technology and Innovation	Supports Target 9.5 by enhancing scientific research and upgrading the technological capabilities of the food industry through rigorous training in research and development.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

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Alignment Summary: The program strongly promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns by focusing on the efficient use of resources and the reduction of waste in the food sector. It includes courses on food processing and byproduct utilization, which are aimed at achieving the sustainable management of natural resources and substantially reducing waste generation.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
FT83 703	Advanced Plant-Based Food Processing	Promotes the efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) by developing advanced processing technologies that minimize waste and energy consumption in the food production chain.
FT83 802	Byproduct Utilization from Plant-Based Food Industries	Directly aligns with Target 12.5 by teaching methods to substantially reduce waste generation through the prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse of byproducts from food processing.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: As an international program, it inherently fosters partnerships for sustainable development. The curriculum's focus on advanced research, seminars, and scientific writing requires engagement with the global scientific community, promoting knowledge-sharing and the multi-stakeholder collaborations essential for addressing the complex challenges of the SDGs.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
FT83 791	Research Methodology in Food Technology and Innovation	Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by training researchers who can contribute to and collaborate on science, technology, and innovation on a global scale (Target 17.6).
FT83 897	Seminar in Plant-Based Food Technology and Innovation	Promotes partnerships (Target 17.16) by requiring students to engage with and present on the latest global research, fostering a culture of international knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
FT83 998/999	Dissertation	Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.17) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to help solve critical sustainability challenges in food systems.