UNIC UCC Student Engagement Case Study Features in UCD-led Publication

9 Mar 2026

UNIC Programme Manager in University College Cork (UCC), Aoife Dowling, and UCC Greenshoots Co-ordinator in UCC, Irene Ní Shúilleabháin, contributed a case study to the 'EngageAll' publication showcasing student engagement in European Universities Alliances.

The publication was produced via the 'EngageAll' student engagement community of practice, led by University College Dublin (UCD) and Atlantic Technological University (ATU). The community of practice received funding from Student Affairs Ireland.

The UNIC UCC contribution is entitled 'Fostering student leadership in environmental sustainability' and focused on Irene and Aoife's productive collaborative work in the academic year 2024/25 with UNIC UCC student representatives Maddalena Fortune-Brandi and Ella Barrett. Maddalena and Ella developed and delivered the UNIC Sustainability Week on UCC campus, hosting the UNIC student board and aiming to prompt new sustainability initiatives across UNIC campuses.

Irene and Aoife reflected that their work with Maddalena and Ella "highlighted... what outcomes can be achieved when student leaders are given the trust, resources and support to deliver on their own initiative and creativity... students are already so knowledgeable on environmental issues; they have a deep desire to see systemic change demonstrated by their universities, communities and government leaders."