As UCC continues to work towards its vision for 2028, we are very pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Sean O’Driscoll as Chair of our Governing Authority (formerly Governing Body) until 2027. A Commerce graduate of UCC and 2004 UCC Alumni Achievement Award recipient, Mr O’Driscoll is the former Chair and Chief Executive of the Glen Dimplex Group and a former Partner in KPMG.

University College Cork has moved up one place in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings which were announced today at COP28 in Dubai. UCC is now ranked the most sustainable university campus in Ireland and sixth in the World.

On 28 November the Duke of Devonshire and his son Lord William Burlington visited UCC to mark the donation of The Book of Lismore. We were delighted to have this opportunity to thank the Duke formally for very generously donating The Book of Lismore to UCC in 2020. This had not been possible at the time of the donation because of public health restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Former President of Ireland Ms Mary Robinson called for greater action on climate justice among the world's leaders and governments at UCC's Sustainable Futures Forum. This event at UCC’s Glucksman Gallery, was MCed by RTÉ presenter Miriam O’Callaghan and was hosted on the eve of UCC's partipation in the annual United National Climate Change Conference COP-28 which is taking place this year in Dubai. 

UCC and The Glucksman were among a number of Cork groups and organisations who were recently recognised in the city’s first in-person Traveller Ally Awards. The awards are aimed at acknowledging local allies of the Traveller community and honouring the work of organisations and individuals who have reached out the hand of friendship and solidarity to Travellers in the city, supporting Traveller rights and creating accessible services in the process.

University College Cork has become the first higher education institution in Ireland to launch a Proud Ally Student Network. Launched on 18 October, the network aims to educate and empower everyone to become effective and proud allies to the LGBTQ+ community.

UCC and My Canine Companion today launched a new pet therapy programme to support the wellbeing of students and staff at UCC. 

UCC has confirmed that the European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide €50m for the development of the new Cork University Business School (CUBS).

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD welcomed the third in a series of dialogue meetings between senior Department officials and institutional leaders aimed at driving stronger regional collaboration on some of the major challenges facing the country at UCC on 26 June.

President John O’Halloran recently visited the Alumni and Development offices in the Western Gateway Building, where the Fónathon engagement campaign is currently taking place, and met with students who are working as Fundraising Ambassadors for the campaign. Fónathon 2023 commenced 27 May and lasts until 18 June.