Monash Report 2024 – Goal 2

Monash University Report 2024 on the UN Sustainable Development Goals

2 ZERO HUNGER

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture

Research
Education
Engagement
Operations

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2024 Research Performance View

In 2024 Monash University researchers produced 127 publications related to SDG 2, with a mean Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) of 7.32.

What is Field-Weighted Citation Impact?

Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) refers to the ratio of the actual number of citations received by a research output and the total citations expected based on the average of the subject field. An FWCI value of 1 may be interpreted as having ‘world average impact’. Thus, a publication with an FWCI of more than 1 indicates higher than expected citations based on the global average for similar publications. As FWCI reflects citations received to date, a publication’s FWCI value may fluctuate over time.

New report unveils growing food insecurity among young Victorians View

Photo of fruit at grocery store

Dr Thuc Bao Huynh and Professor Lucas Walsh from the Monash Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice co-authored a report titled 'Young Australians’ Experiences of Food Insecurity: A Spotlight on Victoria'. The report highlights the struggles of Victorians aged 18-24 in accessing nutritious and culturally appropriate food, with a focus on the drivers and impacts of food insecurity. The findings reveal that a significant percentage of young Victorians experience food insecurity, with financial stability being a key driver. The report calls for more understanding and support to overcome the stigma associated with food insecurity and to ensure young people can access this basic human right.

Read the full article in Monash News

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1 in 4 infant and toddler supermarket foods fail WHO nutrition guidelines View

Photo of baby food in supermarket

Dr Alexandra Chung from the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food at Monash University conducted a study revealing that only 23% of infant and toddler foods in Australian supermarkets meet WHO nutrient content requirements. The study highlights significant issues with sugar content and misleading marketing claims, emphasising the need for stricter regulations. This research aligns with the Australian Government's recent public consultation on improving commercial foods for infants, presenting an opportunity for regulatory improvements to protect children's health.

Read the full article in Monash News

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Impact of diet on ageing and health View

Photo of assorted nuts

Monash University researchers have conducted significant studies on the impact of diet on ageing and health:

A study led by Holly Wild from the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine found that regular nut consumption is linked to a longer, healthier lifespan in older Australians, supporting sustainable dietary practices.
Another study by Dr. Barbara Cardoso from the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food and the Monash Victorian Heart Institute found that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with accelerated biological ageing, highlighting the need for dietary changes to promote healthier ageing.

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The role of dietary fibre in hypertension and cardiovascular health View

Credit: Getty Images

Monash University researchers, led by Associate Professor Francine Marques from the School of Biological Sciences, conducted studies emphasising the importance of dietary fibre in managing hypertension and reducing cardiovascular disease risk:

An international study published in Hypertension highlights the role of dietary fibre in reducing blood pressure and promoting cardiovascular health, recommending increased intake for effective hypertension management.
Another study published in Circulation Research found that a high-fibre diet during pregnancy can reduce cardiovascular disease risk in offspring, promoting healthier heart development through the production of short-chain fatty acids.

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Lab-cultured plant yoghurt rivals dairy creaminess View

Photo of lab-cultured plant yoghurt

Associate Professor Sushil Dhital and PhD candidate Damodar Dhakal from Monash's BioPRIA Institute have developed a lab-cultured plant yoghurt using Australian sweet lupins and oats. This 'super-yoghurt' rivals dairy in taste and texture while offering superior nutrition compared to typical plant-based yoghurts. The study, published in the Journal of Food Hydrocolloids, highlights the yoghurt's fast fermentation time, dairy-like texture, and unique nutritional profile, making it a significant advancement in the plant-based food sector. The research offers potential for commercial development and further exploration of texture and flavour enhancements.

Read the full article in Monash News

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Unit statistics and highlights View

In 2024, Monash offered 49 units directly related to SDG 2, with 6940 total enrolments.

Highlighted below are a few of the units at Monash related to Zero Hunger and Food Security:

BIO2030 Food security in a changing world
FSC5070 Future food supply and security
BEX5060 Challenges in global agribusiness

FST students lead the way with sustainable food innovations View

The Food Product Development Exhibition 2024, held at the Monash Sports Centre, showcased the innovative work of third-year undergraduate students from the Food Science and Technology (FST) program. The event, aligned with World Food Day, focused on sustainable food development using underutilised crops to address global challenges like food security. The exhibition featured food product prototypes that were both environmentally friendly and market-ready.

The event also included the 5th Food Science & Technology Competition 2024 Prize-Giving Ceremony, recognising achievements in categories such as the Food Bowl Quiz, Oratory, and Food Product Development.

Associate Professor Emily Goh Joo Kheng, Head of the School of Science, highlighted the importance of the students' contributions to global sustainability goals.

Read the full article in Monash Malaysia News

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Little Food Festival View

Photo of Little Food Festival participants

Monash Education is organising the Little Food Festival, Australia's first and only food festival for kids, aimed at educating children about food, nutrition, and the environment. The festival includes activities such as planting seedlings, exploring bush food, and preparing nutritious meals.

It partners with organisations like the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation and Oz Harvest to instill healthy food habits in children, shaping their future understanding of food and sustainability.

Read the full article in Monash Education News

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Monash Business talent excels at ASEAN DSE View

Ong Yun Yi, a final-year Bachelor of Business and Commerce student at Monash, and her teammate won 1st runner-up at the ASEAN Data Science Explorers 2024 Regional Finals with their project 'HarvestOptima Suite.' This project addresses information gaps in sustainable agriculture, providing tools and resources to support smallholders and farmers in adopting sustainable practices. The competition, sponsored by the ASEAN Foundation and SAP, challenged participants to use data science to tackle pressing issues in ASEAN. The team's success highlights the importance of data-driven solutions in promoting sustainable agriculture.

Read the full article in Monash Malaysia News

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Dr Julia McCartan receives the Above and Beyond award View

Dr Julia McCartan, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, received the 2024 Monash Student Association (MSA) Above and Beyond Award. This award recognises educators who provide exceptional learning experiences, highlighting Dr. McCartan's commitment to her students in nutrition and dietetics.

Her recognition underscores the importance of quality education in advancing food security and nutrition, aligning with the SDG 2 focus on ending hunger and ensuring access to nutritious food.

Read the full article in Monash Medicine News

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Monash Collaborates with Food Innovation Australia to grow national food sector View

Monash University, through Monash Food Innovation, has formed a strategic partnership with Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL) to enhance enterprise and sustainability in the national food sector. This collaboration aims to drive industry-led innovation and equitable growth in the Australian food industry.

The partnership was announced at the 'Accelerate Australian Food Sector Growth through Innovation' event, which gathered over 100 participants from various sectors to discuss the future of food in Australia. The event featured a panel of experts, including Professor Louise Bennett from Monash University's School of Chemistry, who contributed to discussions on nourishment and sustainability.

Read the full article in Monash News

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4 in 10 Residents in Australian aged care homes are malnourished View

Photo of ageing woman in wheelchair

Dr. Jonathan Foo from Monash University's Department of Physiotherapy co-authored a large-scale study revealing that 40% of residents in Australian aged care homes are malnourished. The study, published in Healthcare, highlights the lack of systematic processes to detect and treat malnutrition in aged care facilities. The research emphasises the importance of regular screening and improved nutritional care to address this issue, which costs the Australian Government approximately $9 billion annually. The study's findings align with the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety's call for improved nutrition in aged care.

Read the full article in Monash Medicine News

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Monash University's Food Security Inquiry in Victorian Parliament View

Monash University's Department of Nutrition, Dietetics & Food and the Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice (CYPEP) collaborated on the Food Security Inquiry, which was highlighted in the Victorian parliament. The inquiry addressed food insecurity at household and community levels in Victoria, recommending a comprehensive Victorian Food Security Strategy, investment in a dedicated food security workforce, prioritization of food security in health plans, and improved monitoring of food insecurity.

This initiative aims to end hunger and ensure access to nutritious food, supporting SDG 2, while also promoting good health and well-being, reducing inequalities, and fostering partnerships.

View the submission on the Monash CYPEP website

Related SDGs

Right to food on death row View

Dr. Leavides Domingo-Cabarrubias, a post-doctoral researcher at Eleos Justice, highlights the right to food for individuals on death row, emphasising the additional punishment of food insecurity they face. Her PhD research at Monash Law focused on the right to food, particularly in the context of development work by the Asian Development Bank.

Dr. Domingo-Cabarrubias's work aims to raise awareness about the food experiences of death row prisoners, a topic often overlooked in discussions about their conditions. This initiative is part of Eleos Justice's mission to address human rights issues related to the death penalty.

Read the full article in Monash Law News

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Monash Sport wins 2024 ARV Nutrition and Healthy Choices Award View

This initiative aims to end hunger and ensure access to nutritious food, supporting SDG 2, while also promoting good health and well-being, reducing inequalities, and fostering partnerships.

View the submission on the Monash CYPEP website

Related SDGs

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Monash Sport wins 2024 ARV Nutrition and Healthy Choices Award View

This initiative aims to end hunger and ensure access to nutritious food, supporting SDG 2, while also promoting good health and well-being, reducing inequalities, and fostering partnerships.