Integrating Sustainability in the Engineering and Computer Science Curriculum
Thu 6 Mar 2025 10:30 - 16:30 GMT
Aula Maxima, Quadrangle Building, University of Galway, H91 WY1F
Description
Conference exploring the integration of sustainability in engineering and computer science programmes in Ireland.
Urgent and transformative action is needed on the climate emergency. The integration of sustainability in the engineering and computer science curriculum is gaining increased attention among academics, students and accreditation agencies, however, there is divergence in the method of integration, measurement and interpretations of sustainability.
In collaboration with Engineers Ireland, the Royal Irish Academy Engineering & Computer Sciences and Climate Change & Environmental Sciences Committees are organising a one-day conference to explore the integration of sustainability in engineering and computer science programmes in Ireland. The event and resulting report aim to shine a spotlight on successful programme development, identify gaps and blockers, and outline what best practice for embedding sustainability could look like.
The day will start with two keynote speeches that will offer perspectives on the current state of play in the intersection between sustainability, engineering and computer science. Following that, we will hear a variety of case studies before breaking into groups in the afternoon to explore topics such as curriculum, accreditation, and assessment, in more depth.
This event will be geared towards third-level academic and teaching staff but also hopes to engage policy makers, funding agencies, and representatives from professional bodies and the engineering and computer industries. In bringing stakeholders together to share and exchange experiences, ideas, successes, and learnings, we hope that this event will be a catalyst to encourage further development in this important area.
Provisional Programme:
10:30-11:00 Registration and networking
11:00-11:05 Welcome
11:05-11:25 Keynote 1: Laura Burke, Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency and President of Engineers Ireland
11:25-11:45 Keynote 2: Jennie Stephens, Professor of Climate Justice at the ICARUS Climate Research Centre, Maynooth University
11:45-12:00 Q&A
12:00-13:30 Case studies (5 x 12-minute presentations and Q&A)
- Dr Mark Kelly, Head of ATU Centre for Sustainability, Atlantic Technological University -
Building Futures: Embracing Futures Thinking in Built Environment Education
- Dr Elizabeth Hurley, Lecturer in Sustainability & Education for Sustainable Development, University of Galway - Designing a Microcredential for Embedding Sustainability in the Curriculum
- Dr Harun Šiljak, Kinsella Assistant Professor, Electronic & Elect. Engineering, Trinity College Dublin -
Sustainability after destruction: engineering education and reconstruction of Gaza
- Dr Abeer Eshra Post-doctoral fellow, Hamilton Institute, Maynooth University - DNA Computing: A Sustainable Approach to Engineering, Computation, and Storage Challenges
- Dr Beatrice Smyth, Senior lecturer in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Queen's University Belfast - Bottom up and top down approaches to embedding sustainability in engineering education
13:30-14:30 Lunch
14:30-15:45 Breakout session
15:45-16:30 Closing session (including breakout reports)
Queries
If you have queries relating to this event, contact Fionnuala Parfrey by email: f.parfrey@ria.ie
Access requirements
Have you got any access requirements that we can assist you with, so that you can fully engage with our event? Please let us know by contacting our access officer, in advance of the event, by email at accessofficer@ria.ie.
Location
Aula Maxima, Quadrangle Building, University of Galway, H91 WY1F