A message from Professor Orla Feely 

University College Dublin is a university that seeks to make a difference to the world around us.

I experienced this first as a UCD engineering student in the 1980s, when I was a beneficiary of the University’s drive to provide a world class education well beyond the requirements of our country at that time. The talent forged in UCD became a driving force in the remarkable transformation of the Irish economy and society since that time.

We must now plan UCD’s response to the challenges and opportunities of today. That is the goal of this strategy.

The ideas underpinning our strategy arose from extensive consultation across our university community and with external stakeholders, and I am very grateful to all who shared their ideas through that process.

These ideas, and the actions that will bring them to life, are presented here in a strategy that is distinctively and recognisably belonging to UCD, and focused on advancing our ambition and reflecting our values through these fast-changing times.

The strategy reflects a dynamic and engaged university that is global, inclusive and sustainable, delivering positive transformation through mutually reinforcing research, educational and engagement actions and a commitment to excellence. It will guide us in supporting new skills formation, industrial competitiveness, and the use of Artificial Intelligence and other digital technologies. It will also support us to enhance the sense of belonging and community across our university and among our alumni, and to build pride in what we achieve together.

The period of this strategy will take us to the end of 2029 and the start of the fourth decade of this highly disruptive century. Towards the end of this period, we will celebrate the 175th anniversary of the foundation of our university. By then, it will be clear how this strategy has supported us to build on our great tradition to advance with ambition our positive impact on Ireland, on the world and on the lives of our students.

I look forward to working with all of the UCD community, and with our committed partners, to deliver on the ambition in this strategy.

Professor Orla Feely
President, University College Dublin