Staff
Overview
There are many ways to get involved in sustainability at UCD, whether you want to volunteer, launch an initiative, lead a campaign, or simply connect with like-minded colleagues.
Our UCD Sustainability Plan outlines our approach and objectives and lists a range of actions that may be of interest, spanning research, innovation, education, student experience, operations, engagement and the integration of all of these. No matter your interests or background, there is a place for you in our growing community.
If you would like to become a member of one of UCD Sustainability’s Core Working Groups, please contact us on (opens in a new window)vpsustainability@ucd.ie. Places are not always available, but we will note your interest and contact you if/when a place arises.
UCD Sustainability also works with a series of affiliated groups to further our sustainability agenda, including Smarter Travel, Sustainable Research Initiative, Sustainable Energy Community and Healthy UCD. If you are interested in getting involved with any of these groups, please email their points of contact directly, which are available on our Affiliated Groups webpage.
Research Institutes
UCD staff can get involved with the University's research institutes by applying for membership, attending events and workshops, joining mailing lists or contacting institute directors to express interest.
UCD Earth Institute hosts 70 events annually, spanning public lectures, panel discussions, workshops, weekly 'coffee-morning' research talks and springtime campus walks - all aimed at exploring the intersection of environment, climate, biodiversity, sustainable communities and the built environment.
Next Generation Energy Systems ((opens in a new window)NexSys) is an all-island, multidisciplinary energy research programme, hosted by the UCD Energy Institute in partnership with eight other research institutions. NexSys's recent public events included the Pint of Science Ireland Festival 2025, where researchers presented findings on electric vehicles, water conservation and the impact of Brexit on shipping. At the Wind Energy Ireland Trade Show in 2023, its researchers discussed the future of wind energy. The Geary Institute for Public Policy has a seminar series which has tackled subjects such as housing precarity, migration and the gender pay gap. The UCD Institute of Food and Health public lecture series has covered issues like sustainable diets and food waste.
Pictured left: UCD Earth Institute 2024 event with John Bell, the European Commission’s ‘Healthy Planet’ Director.
Research Centres
UCD staff can get involved with research centres by becoming a member, attending events or contacting a specific centre's director or department to inquire about opportunities.
The UCD Centre for Irish towns (CfIT) brings together researchers and stakeholders from across the island of Ireland to support the revitalisation of Irish towns.
The UCD Centre for Sustainable Development hosts talks and seminars on global development issues ranging from gender equality and community peacebuilding to food security, international relations, and political leadership.
The iCRAG SFI Research Centre for Applied Geosciences organises a dynamic (opens in a new window)range of activities - from research showcases and public exhibitions to interactive science festivals, artistic collaborations, and educational outreach - bringing geoscience to diverse audiences through immersive, community-centred engagement.
Pictured right: Artist AlanJames Burns speaks at the iCRAG Foram event during Science Week 2024.
UCD Centre for Business and Society ((opens in a new window)CeBaS) explores the intersection of business and societal well-being in the context of sustainability. The(opens in a new window) BiOrbic research centre focuses on biotechnology, often contributing to sustainability through bio-innovations.
UCD Centre for Humanitarian Action collaborates with governmental and non-governmental organisations around the globe for applied research and policy analysis.
Dooge Centre for Water Resources Research (CWRR) explores issues like water quality modelling and pollution control. UCD One Health Centre tackles global health challenges by recognising the deep interconnection between humans, animals, plants and the ecosystem as a whole.
UCD Centre for Peace and Conflict Research carries out world-leading research on the themes of peace and conflict. The Centre for Critical Infrastructure Research works to safeguard and futureproof critical infrastructure from physical, cyber and natural threats.
UCD Equality Studies Centre runs an annual programme of equality-related events and invites scholars and students from around the world to join them for study, research and discussion.
Initiatives and Innovations
UCD Earth Institute Coffee Mornings are a weekly tradition since 2017. These Thursday gatherings are a central part of the UCD Earth Institute’s community life. Each week during term, you can hear short, informal talks on new environmental, climate and sustainability research and initiatives—featuring speakers from UCD and beyond.
Pictured left: Earth Institute journalist-in-residence Lauren Boland, news reporter at The Journal, speaking at a 2024 coffee morning.
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The UCD (opens in a new window)Citizen Science Community of Practice is a network for students, staff, and researchers interested in involving the public in meaningful, participatory science. This community provides a space to share ideas, hear from practitioners and experts, access resources and collaborate on projects that connect research with real-world impact. Join the (opens in a new window)mailing list.
NovaUCD is UCD's innovation and technology transfer hub that supports a wide range of sustainability-related start-ups and spin-outs.
Pictured right: Teagasc tree improvement specialist Dheeraj Rathore leading citizen scientists on an 'ash walk' on campus in 2025.
(opens in a new window)UCD Greenacre Sustainability Hub is a shared space where staff, students and alumni grow vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowers - while building community and learning sustainable living skills. Opportunities include composting, planting, harvesting, signage design and running workshops. Explore the mushroom-growing project, plastic recycling, biodiversity projects and other interactive activities. Sign up to volunteer by contacting Thomas Macagno, Head of Greenacre Sustainability Hub on (opens in a new window)thomas.macagno@ucd.ie or Head of the Community Garden, Kirsten Southard on (opens in a new window)kirsten.southard@ucd.ie.
Pictured left: Thomas Macagno with a volunteer at the Greenacre community garden, July, 2025.