Asian Journal of Environmental Research
Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): Available online

Mapping Global Research Trends on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Bibliometric Analysis using VOSviewer

Vika Puji Cahyani (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia)
Dewiyanti Fadly (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jun 2026

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a comprehensive global framework to address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. Despite the growing body of research, knowledge fragmentation and limited cross-disciplinary mapping hinder a holistic understanding of SDG research trends. This study aims to systematically map and analyze global SDG research developments from 2020 to 2026 using a bibliometric approach, with the 2025-2026 records treated as partial Scopus-indexed data rather than complete annual outputs. Data were retrieved from the Scopus database and processed with Publish or Perish, followed by scientific mapping in VOSviewer. The methodology included publication trend analysis, document-type distribution analysis, and keyword co-occurrence analysis to identify dominant research themes and emerging topics. A total of 186 publications were analyzed, revealing that comparable full-year research activity peaked in 2021-2022 and remained dominated by journal articles. Keyword analysis identified core clusters related to sustainable development, climate change, and food security, alongside emerging topics such as bioplastics, nanotechnology, low-carbon consumption, digital transformation, and sustainability education. These findings highlight both the evolution and diversification of SDG research, emphasizing the integration of technology, education, and practical applications. Understanding SDG research trends is essential for accelerating evidence-based environmental action, supporting climate mitigation strategies, and fostering interdisciplinary solutions to pressing ecological challenges such as biodiversity loss, pollution, and resource depletion. The study provides critical insights for researchers, educators, and policymakers to prioritize underexplored areas, foster cross-disciplinary collaborations, and guide evidence-based strategies for sustainable development.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ajer

Publisher

Subject

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Computer Science & IT Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Materials Science & Nanotechnology Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Asian Journal of Environmental Research (AJER) is an International journal with a frequency of 3 (three) times a year, published by the Science Tech Group. Manuscripts submitted must be original Research Articles and Literature Reviews that aim to contribute to and disseminate sustainable updates. ...