17.2.3
Policy on International Collaboration in Data Gathering for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
1. Purpose
This policy defines the institutional framework for the University of Thessaly’s participation in international collaborations focused on gathering, analysing, and sharing data that support the monitoring and achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It aims to ensure the University’s contribution to evidence-based policymaking, scientific transparency, and global reporting processes on sustainability metrics.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
– All academic and administrative units involved in data collection or research projects related to the SDGs.
– University collaborations with international organisations, networks, and consortia that focus on SDG data.
– Participation in national and international data partnerships, open data initiatives, and global indicator frameworks.
– Research activities that contribute quantitative or qualitative data relevant to SDG targets.
3. Definitions
– SDG Data Collaboration: Joint initiatives involving multiple institutions and international bodies for collecting, standardising, and analysing sustainability data.
– Indicator: A measurable variable used to assess progress toward one or more SDG targets.
– Open Data: Research or administrative data that can be accessed, shared, and reused according to legal and ethical standards.
– Metadata: Contextual information describing the methods, sources, and limitations of collected data.
– Data Integrity: The accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data used in SDG monitoring and reporting.
4. Policy Statement
The University of Thessaly recognizes its scientific and civic responsibility to contribute to international data ecosystems supporting sustainable development. Accordingly, the University shall:
1. Participate in international collaborations that collect, analyse, and report data relevant to the SDGs.
2. Share research findings and datasets, where appropriate, through open-access and interoperable platforms.
3. Align data collection practices with UN, EU, and national SDG indicator frameworks.
4. Ensure data quality, reliability, and transparency in all institutional reporting activities.
5. Support capacity building and training for staff and researchers in data management and international standards.
6. Engage with partners such as UN SDSN, Eurostat, OECD, and UNESCO to enhance data comparability and impact.
7. Promote cross-disciplinary collaboration within the University for integrated data generation.
8. Incorporate outcomes and partnerships into the Annual Institutional Sustainability Report.
5. Implementation Responsibilities
The Rector’s Office shall coordinate the implementation of this policy. Responsibilities include:
– Identifying international data initiatives and establishing participation agreements.
– Overseeing data collection and validation processes within institutional projects.
– Managing the University SDG Data Repository, ensuring data consistency and accessibility.
– Facilitating researcher participation in international SDG data consortia.
– Ensuring compliance with GDPR, national data protection laws, and ethical guidelines.
– Reporting progress and partnerships to the University Senate and relevant external stakeholders.
6. Ethical and Data Governance Standards
All activities under this policy must adhere to the highest standards of integrity, security, and transparency. Specifically:
– Data sharing must comply with GDPR and institutional ethics protocols.
– Personal or sensitive data must be anonymized before sharing.
– The University shall maintain data documentation and metadata in line with international best practices.
– Any collaboration agreement must specify data ownership, rights of use, and confidentiality provisions.
– All contributors shall receive due recognition in publications and reports.
7. Monitoring and Reporting
The Office of Public Relations shall produce an Annual SDG Data Collaboration Report summarizing:
– International partnerships and data-sharing initiatives.
– SDG indicators and datasets contributed by the University.
– Joint research publications or reports generated.
– Training and capacity-building activities completed.
– Challenges, recommendations, and impact metrics.
This report shall be integrated into the University’s Annual Sustainability Report.
8. Review and Amendment
This policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years or earlier if required by institutional or legal developments. Amendments shall be proposed by the Rector’s Office and approved by the Governing Council.
9. References and Compliance Frameworks
– Greek Law 4957/2022 on Higher Education Governance and Research
– EU Regulation 2021/2115 on SDG Monitoring and Reporting
– United Nations Global Indicator Framework for the SDGs
– OECD Data Governance and Open Science Guidelines
– UNESCO Open Data for Sustainable Development Framework
– HAHE ESG 1.3, 1.4 (External Engagement and Reporting Standards)
– University of Thessaly Data Governance Policy