UCC School of Chemistry recognised in prestigious sustainability handbook

28 May 2026

University College Cork’s (UCC) School of Chemistry has been featured in a new handbook published by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), highlighting leading efforts to advance sustainability in chemical research and education. 

The Environmental Sustainability: Heads of Chemistry UK (HCUK) Handbook brings together practical insights from Chemistry Schools / Departments across the UK and Ireland, showcasing actions to reduce environmental impact, from energy and water efficiency to embedding sustainability in teaching.  

By capturing and sharing these insights, the handbook supports a collective effort across universities to deliver impactful, scalable change. 

The inclusion of UCC’s School of Chemistry in the handbook is a significant recognition of its leadership in green chemistry and sustainability. Notably, it is a remarkable achievement to partner with leading UK Schools/ Departments on this initiative, as the only School of Chemistry from outside the UK represented. 

In line with University strategy, the School of Chemistry at UCC has a strong track record in sustainability, integrating green chemistry principles into its research and teaching, and contributing to global efforts to address environmental challenges.  

This recognition reinforces UCC’s role in shaping a more sustainable future for the chemical sciences. It highlights the university’s achievements while contributing to a growing network of institutions committed to more sustainable research and education practices. 

Professor Anita Maguire, Head, School of Chemistry, UCC commented: “We are delighted to work with our colleagues in HCUK and the Royal Society of Chemistry to share experience in embedding sustainability in research and teaching activities.  Many of the staff and researchers in the School have made significant contributions over the years, which collectively add up to substantial impact. Our role in shaping and developing future generations of chemists to play a key role in addressing sustainable approaches is a very high priority in School.’  

Professor Brian Ó Gallachóir, Associate Vice President of Sustainability at UCC, added: “This acknowledgment highlights the importance of integrating sustainability across all disciplines. The School of Chemistry’s work is a strong example of how research and education can drive climate action and support UCC’s broader ambition to advance sustainability.” 

Professor Sarah Culloty, Head, College of Science, Engineering and Food Science at UCC said: "Congratulations to the School of Chemistry on their inclusion in this publication. International recognition of their leadership in embedding sustainability across teaching and research demonstrates how our academic community is actively contributing to solutions for global environmental challenges.”