Integrating sustainability into teaching and research practice at a higher education institution: A holistic approach

Higher education institutions play a fundamental role in training for sustainable development, recognized as key actors since 1990. Higher education institutions can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals through teaching, research, outreach and institutional management, but face challenges for a holistic integration, requiring a systemic approach. This research sought to identify areas and strategies for the integration of sustainability in the teaching and research practice of a higher education institution. Using a field methodology and quantitative approach, first key functional areas and sub-functions were defined, assessing their coherence with sustainability. Then, the opinion of professors was gathered, who pointed out main problems in teaching, especially in curriculum development and evaluation, evidencing the need for a comprehensive approach.