With global challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and social inequities, sustainability can no longer afford to be an afterthought. Instead, sustainability has to be the very first principle considered during the brainstorming and ideation stages of all research projects.

Traditionally, the evaluation of research projects relied mostly on novelty, scientific excellence and industrial application. But today, the message is increasingly clear that the value of research also depends on its wider impacts on society and environment. Not just ethical but this shows a much higher relevance to application of research outcome because sustainability integration can only happen if integrated from inception stage.

Why prioritize sustainability early?

Sustainability-oriented thinking at the outset provides clarity and direction, prompting researchers to consider critical questions such as:

• How does this research contribute to sustainable development goals?
• Can this project help mitigate ecological or societal challenges?
• What long-term impacts might the findings have on communities and the environment?

Considering sustainability early in research design fosters innovations that are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable.

The alignment with global sustainability frameworks

Embedding sustainability aligns research with major global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For instance, a researcher in textile science who begins their work by considering sustainable methods—such as utilizing natural dyes, eco-friendly extraction methods, or resource-efficient technologies—actively supports multiple SDGs, including responsible consumption (SDG 12), innovation (SDG 9), and climate action (SDG 13).

Furthermore, incorporating sustainability-driven thinking resonates with broader social business theories, such as Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus's "Triple Zero" vision—achieving zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions. Research initiatives that deliberately embed these principles in their ideation and methodology can create tangible, transformative impacts beyond academia, directly addressing real-world problems.

Real-world examples: Sustainability embedded from the start

Consider a scenario where researchers prioritize sustainability when developing a new textile dyeing technology. Traditional methods often involve toxic chemicals and massive water usage. By incorporating sustainability from the outset, researchers might employ innovative approaches like ultrasound-assisted natural dyeing with renewable, non-toxic plant-based materials. Such initiatives not only reduce ecological footprints but also boost local economies and employment, highlighting how initial sustainability-focused brainstorming can produce holistic societal benefits.

Moving forward: Embedding sustainability as standard practice

For sustainability to effectively shape future research, institutions, funding agencies, and academic publishers must advocate for its central placement at the ideation phase. Springer Nature, for instance, is committed to championing research that places sustainability at its core, showcasing work that pushes beyond conventional boundaries to deliver meaningful environmental and social impacts.

Researchers and innovators must likewise embrace sustainability as a fundamental guide in their work, recognizing that the greatest innovations arise when ethical responsibility and scientific curiosity converge. It is only through sustainability-focused thinking from the very beginning of the research process that transformative, impactful, and truly valuable scientific discoveries can emerge.