Explore the Sustainability Institute
The Sustainability Institute, a UCC Futures Institute and formerly the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) at University College Cork was established in 2000 as a flagship University Institute to bring together researchers to address complex global sustainability challenges using a transdisciplinary approach. UCC Futures is an ambitious new programme of research prioritisation coupled with an innovative academic recruitment strategy across ten indicative areas of strategic importance that will build a foundation for economic, societal and cultural resilience and prosperity. The Sustainability Institute constitutes an important part of UCC’s strategy to develop interdisciplinary research institutes that have a critical mass of world-class researchers in prioritised research areas to enable a more strategic approach, create an interdisciplinary research environment, develop capacity, and engage coherently with industry and society. The Sustainability Institute is recognised for its expertise in environmental, marine, energy, sustainable materials and sustainable food research, and is focused on addressing three global environmental challenges: Climate Action, Circular Economy and Healthy Environment.
Research Challenges
The Sustainability Institute uses a global challenge-based approach to respond to, and find research solutions for, the three core environmental challenges of Climate Action, Circular Economy, and Healthy Environment.
Scientific Excellence
The Sustainability Institute at UCC brings together over 400 researchers from 20 different academic disciplines and 4 research centres.
We use our core expertise in Marine, Energy, Environment, Materials and Agri-Food research, working in a transdisciplinary approach, to address the global sustainability challenges of Climate Action, Circular Economy and Healthy Environment.
research staff across 20 schools
multidisciplinary PhDs
collaborating countries across industry, academia and government
industry collaborations including start-ups, SMEs and large enterprises
Stories of Impact
UCC researchers receive €1.1m to address national and global societal challenges
UCC researchers receive €6.2m to lead groundbreaking discoveries
UCC Researcher to Shape Global Climate Policy Through IPCC Appointment
UCC Sustainability Institute Research Warns: 1.5°C Climate Target ‘Impossible’ U
Sustainability Institute
Contact us
Ellen Hutchins Building, 6 Lee Rd, Sunday's Well, Cork, T23 XE10 and Beaufort Building, Ringaskiddy, Cork, P43 C573,