Satellite view of storm over the British Isles

UCD Earth Institute

UCD's institute for environmental, climate and sustainability research

About the UCD Earth Institute

Our multidisciplinary community of researchers work on topics relating to climate, water, biodiversity, plants for the future, sustainable communities, people, work and society, and the built environment.

We foster interdisciplinary research through an active programme of projects, initiatives and events designed to bring researchers and stakeholders together, to start new conversations, spark new ideas and support new collaborations.

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Research

Learn about the Marine & Energy Social Sciences & Humanities Interdisciplinary Research Group (MESSAGE)

News

02Oct

Climate storytelling: How to spread the word in a time of denial

“There’s a lot of misinformation and disinformation around, particularly coming out of the United States. There are a lot of policies being reversed.”

These were among the comments made by Irish Times Environment and Science Editor Kevin O’Sullivan when he appeared as a panellist at a special climate storytelling event co-hosted by the Earth Institute and Athena Media in Dublin last week.

23Sep

UCD and Met Éireann launch new AI centre to bolster Ireland’s preparedness for changing weather and climate

A major new centre launched last Friday at UCD will harness artificial intelligence to transform weather forecasting, supporting Ireland’s preparation for the growing risks posed by climate change. The first of its kind in Ireland, the AIMSIR (AI for Meteorological Services, Innovation and Research) Centre was established with a €5 million investment from Met Éireann.

$Embedding Creative Practice as Research: workshops as part of new research culture project\n$ 27Aug

Embedding Creative Practice as Research: workshops as part of new research culture project

New UCD Research Culture ReCLAIM funded project on interdisciplinary collaboration and creative practice as research

27Aug

Catchments 2025: The environmental awareness project bringing artists, scientists and communities together

Two artists whose work has been showcased in some of Europe’s most famous galleries have been sharing their creativity on home turf through an Earth Institute-supported community project.

13Aug

International experts set to stream into UCD for fluid dynamics conference

An upcoming conference being hosted by UCD will bring together leading global researchers to explore the role of fluid dynamics in tackling the world’s biggest challenges.

06Aug

Coffee, walks and practical tips help inspire at Earth Institute Writing Retreat

If time and coffee are a writer’s best friends, there was no better place to be last month than the Earth Institute Writing Retreat, which was organised by Dr Dara Stanley and Dr Jon Yearsley.

05Aug

Food for thought: Catch up on our podcast collaboration with the Irish Farmers Journal

Interested in food culture? Hungry to learn more?

A recent podcast collaboration between the Irish Farmers Journal and the Earth Institute might just sate your appetite.

22Jul

Open Call for Satellite artist in residence

Open Call for Satellite Artist in Residence
Mayo Dark Sky Park | November 2025-2026

24Jun

That’s a wrap! One of the busiest years at the Earth Institute comes to an end

We’ve just wrapped up one of the busiest years in the Earth Institute.

Our numbers have grown to over 200 academic members drawn from 31 of UCD’s 38 schools and all colleges, with our community’s disciplinary mix continuing to expand to encompass new areas.

Decline in ground-nesting birds in Europe: What are the implications?

A recent study across 10 European countries found that ground-nesting birds, particularly those nesting in agricultural areas, are at a significantly higher risk of decline than other birds. Not only does this trend signal major challenges for biodiversity, writes Dr Barry McMahon, Associate Professor at UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, it could have serious consequences for humanity itself.

Events

Aisling Reilly Coffee Morning orchid pic

02Oct

Ireland's orchids the focus of our next coffee morning research talk

In Ireland, there are approximately 31 native species of orchid, with the Western Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza occidentalis) being unique to the island. Find out more about these orchids and what is yet to be discovered about these plants.

29Sep

Tell us a Story! Communications Training sessions

Join this online science communication training programme for early-career researchers to enhance your communication and research outreach skills through storytelling.

29Sep

ReClaim project | TRAIN Networking: “eTEAcally: Research Integrity Afternoon Tea”

Event focussing on research integrity co-hosted with the Humanities Institute as part of the ReCLAIM project TRAIN: Transnational Research and Interdisciplinary Networks.

25Sep

Coffee morning research talk: Sustainable food systems in education

The second Earth Institute research talk of the academic year will be presented by Sarah Browne, and will focus on her research in the secondary school food environment setting and ongoing work to develop excellence in sustainable food systems education for nutrition and dietetic programmes in higher education.

22Sep

The importance of storytelling in a warming world

How do we tell climate and environment stories that connect with people and drive positive change? Join us for a lunchtime event on Monday 22 September, featuring writer and broadcaster Ella McSweeney, Irish Times Science and Environment editor Kevin O'Sullivan, nature poet Jane Clarke, biodiversity officer and podcaster Ricky Whelan, and UCD lecturer Dr Treasa De Loughry as they delve into storytelling and its power to inspire.

18Sep

Our coffee morning research talks are back (and ready to fuel some lively discussions)

Earth Institute coffee morning research talk with Gary Boyd

27Aug

Christoph Glaser - Practical strategies for self-management and boosting performance

Interactive guest lecture on Tuesday 2 September organised as part of the MSCA C-NEWTRAL Doctoral Summer School, supported by the UCD Earth Institute. This interactive session, open to all UCD academics, researchers, and professional staff, will explore self-management and striving for excellence, offering participants practical techniques and insights on resilience, self-management, and well-being.

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