Promoting Sustainability in Higher Education: A Case Study Analysis

The aim of this study is to analyze the role of universities, and in particular the University of Catania, in promoting sustainable lifestyles, with a specific focus on food and nutrition. By examining the syllabi of degree programs and applying text mining tools (Voyant Tools), the present research analyzes the frequency and distribution of concepts related to sustainability and nutrition across various disciplinary areas. This study thus underlines the need to promote a systemic and interdisciplinary perspective within academic curricula, one that can overcome traditional disciplinary boundaries and contribute more effectively to the goals of sustainability. The results reveal a heterogeneous distribution: while the medical and scientific fields tend to focus more on nutrition, the technical- scientific, economic-legal, and humanities areas address greater attention to sustainability and the goals of the 2030 Agenda. The analysis also highlights specific correlations between key concepts and disciplinary sectors, revealing the persistence of fragmented approaches. However, the transition towards sustainable models of life and consumption requires stronger integration of themes related to health, food, and environmental and social sustainability inside education.