BY ZAHID AKHTAR
Lucknow: The international peer-reviewed journal Virus Disease, the official publication of the Indian Virological Society and published by Springer Nature, has been honoured with the prestigious “Springer Nature SDG Programme Badge” for its remarkable contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The recognition highlights the journal’s global scientific role in connecting virology research with society, public health policy, and global welfare.
Prof. Shailendra Saxena, associated with King George’s Medical University, described this achievement as the result of the journal’s strong editorial commitment. He said that the journal has always aimed to ensure that virology does not remain confined to laboratories alone, but also plays an effective role in policymaking, better diagnostics, and strengthening public health services. He added that the honour belongs collectively to the authors, reviewers, and editorial board members associated with the journal, who have consistently prioritized social relevance along with scientific quality.
He further said that this recognition for Virus Disease is not only a matter of pride for the Indian scientific community, but also evidence that Indian research is now playing a decisive role in global health and sustainable development. In an official letter sent to Editor-in-Chief Prof. Shailendra Saxena, Dr. Nicola Jones, Director of the Springer Nature SDG Programme, confirmed that more than 50 percent of the research articles published in Virus Disease during 2025 were directly related to one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Nicola Jones stated that the journal has played a remarkable role in linking scientific research with global social needs and that this achievement deserves public recognition. Following this honour, the official website of Virus Disease will now display the Springer Nature SDG Programme Badge. A message accompanying the badge states that more than half of the journal’s research papers published in 2025 were connected to the Sustainable Development Goals. Springer Nature launched this initiative under the SDG Publishers Compact to promote scientific research that contributes to addressing challenges related to health, clean water, innovation, infrastructure, and global partnerships.
The Virus Disease journal publishes research related to human, animal, plant, and environmental viruses. Most of the studies published in 2025 were specifically linked to SDG-3, “Good Health and Well-being.” In addition, research related to SDG-6, “Clean Water and Sanitation,” SDG-9, “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure,” and SDG-17, “Partnerships for the Goals,” was also prominently featured. The Springer Nature SDG Programme identifies research and academic publications that contribute to advancing the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Journals meeting the prescribed standards are awarded the SDG Badge, giving them special recognition at the global level.
