51±¾É«

UL Student Sustainability Challenge 2024/2025

Make an Impact: Contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals

Are you passionate about sustainability? Do you want to make a real-world difference while working on an exciting project that can help shape a more sustainable future? The UL Student Sustainability Challenge is calling on all 51±¾É« undergraduate and postgraduate students to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovative, impactful projects.

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability goes beyond just protecting the environment. It’s about building a future where we balance environmental, social and economic needs. When developing your project, think about how you can contribute to areas like:

• Environmental sustainability e.g. climate action, conservation, clean energy, biodiversity, clean air and water.
• Social sustainability e.g. education, gender equality, health and well-being, inclusive communities, cultural heritage, retention of local knowledge and experience for future generations.
• Economic sustainability e.g. green business, responsible consumption and production, circular economy.

What is the Challenge?

The UL Student Sustainability Challenge is an opportunity for you to propose and develop a project that addresses key sustainability challenges, whether locally, internationally, or in your community. Students can apply individually or as part of a team, with interdisciplinary projects encouraged.  Shortlisted applicants will receive mentorship, funding, and the chance to present their project during Research Week in April 2025. 

• Open to: All current UL undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Project Scope: Projects can focus on environmental, social or economic sustainability and can be locally focused or have international application. 

Below are some options to choose from:

(a) Propose your own project.

(b) Develop a project related to your study/research area.

(c) Choose from one of the proposed industry projects.  Please see a list of proposed projects by clicking the Kirby Group Engineering logo or Bidvest Noonan logo at the top of the page.

• Funding & Support: Selected teams will receive a budget of up to €5,000 to develop their projects over 4 months, plus mentorship from experienced professionals.  Funding can be used for items such as the purchase of goods, services and travel that are essential for the project. All spending must be in line with UL Finance policies and procedures and further guidance will be provided to shortlisted applicants.
• Final Presentations: Finalists will present during Research Week in April 2025.

How to Apply

Applications are open until 1st November 2024. To apply, simply follow these steps:

1. Develop a project proposal outlining your idea and how it contributes to the SDGs using the application form below.
2. Apply as an individual or in teams (interdisciplinary teams are encouraged!).
3. Need help coming up with an idea? Check out our bank of suggested themes and partner organisations who can help inspire your project by clicking the Kirby Group Engineering logo or Bidvest Noonan logo at the bottom of this page.

Download the Sustainability Application Form 

Application Process and Requirements 

The competition application form must be completed and sent to studentsustainability@ul.ie by 1st November 2024.  Applications must be submitted by email in PDF format.  

All applicants must be current 51±¾É« students. The lead applicant must be a current student of the 51±¾É« for the full academic year 2024/2025.

Evaluation Process  

Proposals will be evaluated by an independent panel. The independent panel comprises representatives from industry, community and academia. The five most promising project proposals will be shortlisted. Each will receive a mentor and up to €5,000 to develop and progress their projects from November 2024 - March 2025. 

The final stage of the Challenge will see projects presented, evaluated and a winner selected to be announced in April 2025 during UL Research Week. 

Proposal Evaluation Criteria 

a. Relevance and Alignment 

• Goal Fit: Does the proposal align with the broader objectives (e.g., UN SDGs).
• Target Audience/Beneficiaries: Is the project clearly aimed at the right group(s). Who will benefit, and is there a clear understanding of the need.

b. Feasibility 

• Clarity of Plan: Is there a clear, well-defined project plan including objectives, activities, and timelines.
• Resourcing: Does the proposal realistically account for required resources (for e.g. financial, human, technological).
• Risk Management: Does the project identify potential risks. 

c. Sustainability Impact 

• Environmental, Social, and Economic Impact: What are the projected positive impacts. Can the project sustain itself or grow after initial funding or implementation. Can the project be replicated or scaled up. 

Competition Timelines 

• Deadline for applications:  Friday 1st of November 2024.   
• November 2024: The applications will be shortlisted by an independent panel and will select the five most promising project proposals.  
• November to March 2025: Successful applicants will be notified, mentors assigned, student(s) work on their project. 
• March 31st 2025: Students submit projects. 
• April 2025: Students present their projects and winner announced during Research Week.  

Explore the to learn more about the goals your project could align with.

Enquiries  

Additional guidance can be provided by the team from the Centre for Sustainable Futures and Innovation.  

Please contact studentsustainability@ul.ie for further information. 

Competition Timelines 

• Deadline for applications:  Friday 1st of November 2024.   
• November 2024: The applications will be shortlisted by an independent panel and will select the five most promising project proposals.  
• November to March 2025: Successful applicants will be notified, mentors assigned, students work on their project. 
• March 31st 2025: Students submit projects. 
• April 2025: Students present their projects and winner announced during Research Week 2025 (28th April - 2nd May)