Congratulations to our 2025-26 Grants for Advancing Sustainable Development Goals Recipients
Global Affairs offers Grants for Advancing Sustainable Development Goals as part of a partnership with Aggie Square, Grand Challenges, Inclusive Excellence and Sustainability. These team-focused grants fund global and multidisciplinary programs that enhance UC Davis’ connections to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A set of broad yet ambitious goals that address the universal need for sustainable development, the SDGs were adopted by all UN member states in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 17 goals—such as ending hunger, ensuring clean water, and combating climate change—provide a common global framework to achieve sustainable development across economic, social and environmental dimensions.
On campus and around the world, UC Davis faculty, students, and staff are addressing all 17 SDGs in various teaching, research, and service activities. The Grants for Advancing SDGs support work already underway and spark new partnerships. This year’s four selected projects contribute to nine of the 17 SDGs—locally and globally—bringing together more than 11 faculty members and researchers from across UC Davis and collaborating communities, government organizations, and academic institutions worldwide.
2025-26 Grant Recipients
Assessing Environmental Justice Impacts of California Data Centers’ Water Use
Sweden (Europe: Western Europe)
Their work supports progress toward SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
Ali Moghimi
Assistant Professor of Teaching, Biological and Agricultural Engineering
UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Marina Mautner
Stockholm Environmental Institute, Sweden
Sustainable Public Transportation Research in Sub-Saharan Africa
Kenya (Africa: Sub-Saharan Africa)
Their efforts will advance SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Kari Watkins
Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Institute of Transportation Studies
UC Davis College of Engineering
UC Davis Office of Research
Aditya Ramji
Institute of Transportation Studies
UC Davis Office of Research
Siphila Mumenya, Simpson Osano
University of Nairobi
Interdisciplinary Teacher Training to Support SDGs in Tanzania: Teaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals Through Environmental Community Science: A UC Davis–Tanzania Teaching Partnership
Tanzania (Africa: Sub-Saharan Africa)
Their work will advance SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 15: Life on Land and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Heidi Ballard
Professor
Education
UC Davis School of Education
Peggy Harte
Founder and Faculty Director, Center for Community and Citizen Science
UC Davis School of Education
Catherine Njau
Kuleana Youth Empowerment
Water Stress, Water Quality, and Economic Sustainability of Dairy: A Comparative Study of U.S. and Ireland
Ireland (Europe: Western Europe)
Their project will support SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Luis Peña-Lévano
Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension
Population Health and Reproduction
UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine
Luis Fernando Garcia-Covarrubias
University of Galway