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Researchers in the field examine a bird wing

Engaged research for a sustainable future


Researchers collaborate in a lab setting at UCC Sustainability Institute

Research knowledge for a more sustainable world


Researcher examines a tree

Collaborative connections


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.

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research staff across 20 schools

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multidisciplinary PhDs

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collaborating countries across industry, academia and government

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industry collaborations including start-ups, SMEs and large enterprises

Stories of Impact

Dr Claire Scannell, Principal Meteorological Officer at Met Éireann: Dr Catriona Duffy, Climate Services Division, Met Éireann; Dr Rosa Rogers, Research Fellow and author of Chasing the Curlew’s Call; and Rosa Kelly, Visual Artist. Image: Clare Keogh.
10 Jun 2026

New resource for teaching climate change through storytelling launched for schools

UCC and Met Éireann collaboration combines science, creativity and education to support climate change learning in primary and secondary schools Classroom-ready lesson plans, graphic novel and activities developed through workshops with students and teachers.
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Photo: Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD. Image credit: Jason Clarke
10 Jun 2026

UCC anchors new frontier research network 'Rinn', leading key centres

Researchers at University College Cork (UCC) will lead three new Research Ireland centres. The announcement was made today by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, who also announced a new enhanced research national network, 'Rinn'.
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09 Jun 2026

Hannay Daly speaks at Joint Committee on Artifical Intelligence

Hannah Daly of the Energy Policy and Modelling Group at the Sustainability Institue/UCC briefs the Joint Committee on Artifical Intelligence on a new working paper which quantifies the potential energy and emissons from data centres into the future under the new Large Energy User Connection Policy, should 5.8 GW of new capacity (estimated through a market survey) emerge. 
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Photo: Dr Kian Mintz-Woo selected as member of the Young Academy of Ireland
04 Jun 2026

UCC/Sustainability Institute researcher selected as member of the Young Academy of Ireland

A University College Cork (UCC) philosopher and climate ethicist working on moral issues at the interface of climate policy has been selected as a new member of the Young Academy of Ireland (YAI), an all-island multidisciplinary network of researchers and innovators that aims to empower talented early-career researchers and future leaders.
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Sustainability Institute

Contact us

Ellen Hutchins Building, 6 Lee Rd, Sunday's Well, Cork, T23 XE10 and Beaufort Building, Ringaskiddy, Cork, P43 C573,

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