The MacKenzie NanoBioPhotonics Group’s research aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Our research into innovative biosensors to improve understanding of disease, and light-activated disease therapeutics aligns with SDG 3 as well as the 3Rs of biomedical research.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.

Our research into advanced nanomaterials, new sensing technologies, optical tools and instrumentation, and new accessible synthetic approaches aligns with SDG 9 because it drives technological innovation, enabling new industrial and biomedical technologies.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

We have invested in equipment to make nanomaterials with lower energy usage and less solvent waste. We collaborate and share our research equipment to broaden access and maximise utility. A major goal of our group from 2025-2033 is to make upconversion nanoparticles easier to produce, with the aim of broadening access to this exciting cutting-edge research field globally. We are pro-actively perusing collaborations to enable recovery and re-use of rare earth materials used in our research.

SDG 4: Quality Education

We are passionate about science communication and public outreach. The MacKenzie group has previously published high-impact publications on how worldwide freely available science media, i.e. podcasts, and YouTube Channels, are being used to disseminate science globally. Our group trains undergraduate students, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers, helping them develop their practical scientific skills, analytical skills, problem solving skills, broadening their horizons, and gaining confidence, situating them to participate in the advanced technological economy.