RESEARCH PROJECT

Themes for Year 2025-26

This year, research projects have to fit within given themes to qualify for the conference.

Students ask an original question, collect data and offer insights through a written paper. Selected groups present their papers at the next CaL conference in 2025-26. This is a great project for science or social studies teachers to mentor.

 

SDG No SDG Description Strands
2 Zero Hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

a. Food Security & Accessibility

b. Urban Farming & Local Food Production

c. Policies & Community Solutions

5 Gender Equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

a. Safety in public places

b. Political Representation & Leadership

c. Equal Rights to Economic Resources

8 Decent Work and Economic Growth Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

a. Employment Trends & Job Market

b. Informal Economy & Gig Work

c. Promote Entrepreneurship and Small Businesses

11 Sustainable Cities and Communities Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

a. Safe and Affordable Housing

b. Affordable and Sustainable Transport

c. Access to Green and Public Spaces

15 Life on Land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

a. Conservation of Terrestrial and Inland Freshwater Ecosystems

b. Reduce Biodiversity Loss

c. Native and Alien Species

 

Given below are some examples of questions students can ask under each strand. These are for guiding purposes only. Students can come up with their own questions related to the strand they are interested in.

 

SDG and Strand Examples of Research Questions
2a
  • How accessible are fresh fruits and vegetables in low-income neighbourhoods compared to high-income areas? How does urban poverty affect access to nutritious food in slum communities?
  • How do my city’s street food vendors contribute to food availability for low-income communities?
  • How do food prices in Mumbai affect the ability of families to eat a balanced diet?
  • What are the consequences of conflict/displacement on food availability and access?
  • What challenges do beneficiaries of government food security schemes face in accessing food benefits?
2b
  • Are there any individuals, schools, or community groups already practicing urban farming in your area? What is their production efficiency?
  • What challenges do small-scale farmers in or near my city face in growing and selling their crops?
  • What are the major challenges faced by local farmers in producing and selling food in my area?
  • Are there any government policies, subsidies, or schemes promoting urban farming or home gardens in your city?
2c
  • How effectively are government food security programs (like PDS, Mid-day Meal Scheme, or PM Poshan) being implemented in my locality?
  • Are government-run food distribution centres (like ration shops) accessible and sufficient in providing food to those in need?
  • How effective are government food subsidy programs in supporting low-income families in our city?
  • What role do local NGOs, religious institutions, or community kitchens play in reducing hunger in my area?
  • How do schools/communities support malnourished children in low-income neighbourhoods?
  • Does the quality and quantity of mid-day meals in government schools meet the basic nutritional requirements of children?
5a
  • How safe do women in my city feel safe using public transport (trains, buses, autos) during the day and at night?
  • Is there an income discrepancy when it comes to women feeling safe in my city? Why or why not?
  • Are women robbed of certain career opportunities due to safety concerns in public spaces?
  • How aware are women in my city about existing services designed to make them feel safe?
5b
  • What percentage of leadership positions in local businesses and government are held by women?
  • How do people in our city perceive women in leadership roles compared to men?
  • How do Mumbai families feel about women working in politics?
5c
  • Do girls and boys in my school have equal financial literacy (understanding of savings, banking, etc.)?
  • How many girls in my community receive pocket money compared to boys?
  • How many women in my community own property or land, and what challenges do they face?
  • Does the gender pay gap actually exist in certain professions?
  • Are women’s opinions equally valued in family decision-making in Mumbai households, especially with respect to financial decisions?
8a
  • What percentage of young people (18–25 years) in our city/community are unemployed, and what are the reasons?
  • How do wages vary across different job sectors in our city?
  • How many college graduates from my city want to go abroad versus work in India?
  • What trends do we see among recent college graduates in my city with respect to job preferences?
  • What kinds of hazardous jobs are people in my community doing?
8b
  • What challenges do gig economy workers face in terms of income stability and benefits?
  • What impact does AI have on jobs in the gig economy?
  • Is there a gender or age gap with respect proportion of people working in the informal sector/gig economy?
  • What opportunities exist for physically challenged persons in the informal or gig economy?
8c
  • What percentage of youth in my city/community are interested in starting their own business, and what support do they need? 
  • How many young people in our city are interested in starting their own businesses, and what barriers do they face?
  • How do rising costs (e.g., rent, wages, inflation) impact small businesses in our city? 
  • What are the biggest challenges faced by small business owners in our city?
11a
  • What is the average monthly rent for a 1BHK or 2BHK apartment in my neighbourhood? How does it compare to the average income of residents?
  • What are residents’ perceptions about safety, sense of community etc. in various types of housing in my city?
  • Have any older residential areas in my city been demolished or redeveloped to build high-end apartments? How has this impacted the culture of that neighbourhood?
  • Are families in flood-prone or heat-vulnerable areas receiving any government support for improving housing safety in my city?
11b
  • What is the average daily transportation cost for a working person or student in my community?
  • What percentage of a family’s monthly income is typically spent on transportation and how is this different across income groups?
  • Do public transport services (buses, trains, metros) offer a comfortable and dignified travel experience for women, elderly, and disabled individuals?
  • Are bus stops and train stations in my area equipped with adequate seating, shade, and security measures?
11c
  • How many public parks, gardens, or open spaces are available within walking distance of residential areas in my neighbourhood?
  • Is there a difference in the availability of green spaces between high-income and low-income neighbourhoods in my city?
  • Who uses public parks in your area the most?
  • Are public spaces in my area wheelchair accessible and accommodating for people with disabilities?
  • How many accessible public green spaces (like beaches, promenades, community gardens, or nature trails) are there within a 2 km radius of my community?
  • How clean are various public spaces in my city?
15a
  • What types of trees and plants are most common in local parks or school premises? 
  • How does urbanization affect the population of birds and insects in a neighbourhood?
  • What is the water quality of a nearby lake or river, and how does it affect biodiversity?
15b
  • What are the common bird species found in the neighbourhood, and how has their population changed? 
  • What is the awareness level of local communities about endangered species in their region? 
  • What role do urban gardens or community forests play in biodiversity conservation? 
  • How does air pollution affect plant health in different areas (e.g., near roads vs. inside parks)? 
  • What is the impact of plastic waste on Mumbai’s coastal biodiversity? 
  • How does construction activity affect bird or insect populations in urban neighbourhoods?
  • How does construction and land reclamation impact the size of mangrove areas over time? (Comparing satellite images, Interviewing environmental experts)
15c
  • What invasive plant species are found in a nearby park or green area, and how do they affect local biodiversity? 
  • What types of invasive plants are growing on roadsides, and how do they differ from those in parks or gardens? 
  • Which native species of birds, plants, or small animals can be commonly observed in my area?
  • Do farmers, fishermen, or gardeners in my area report any negative impact of invasive species on local plants, crops, or fish?