Behind the Scenes at Student Sustainability Research Conference 2026: My experience organising and presenting at this year’s conference.
Hello, I’m Lis, a master’s student in Ecological Economics and part of this year’s Student Sustainability Architects cohort. My project involves supporting the organisation, delivery, and post-event work of this year’s Student Sustainability Research Conference (SSRC).
This was the first time I contributed to an event of this scale, and it was undoubtedly a great team effort led by my supervisor, Rebecca Kinsella. Coordinating applications and presentations from students across an entire region was no easy task, but thanks to her leadership and the work of the Steering Group, the conference was a complete success. I am proud to say that I played a key role in representing the student voice and shaping elements of the event’s delivery. From the shortlisting stage, and contributing to programme design, to developing communication materials for presenters and attendees, assessing posters, and selecting winners, I was able to bring the student experience into the conference. In doing so, I helped to create an inclusive and welcoming environment, reflected in the strong engagement throughout the event. Being part of this process allowed me to strengthen key skills such as communicating with different stakeholders, time management, and teamwork. Whilst I enjoyed being part of it, I couldn’t wait to see the result of months of work become tangible. I was excited to see so many students from different universities, academic levels, and disciplines, all brought together by a shared commitment to sustainability.
When the day finally arrived, it was among the most exciting and inspiring experiences I have ever had, especially as I had the opportunity to facilitate the student panel “What does it mean to be a changemaker?” From the beginning of this project, I knew I didn’t want to contribute only behind the scenes; I also wanted to take an active role during the event itself. That is why I took the initiative to lead the panel, which became one of the most challenging yet rewarding moments in my time at the University of Leeds. Alongside three other students, we explored the experiences that have shaped our professional commitment to sustainability and reflected on the skills needed to drive change. Although each of us had followed different paths, we all agreed on one fundamental point: small actions matter and can have a significant impact. Personally, beyond challenging myself to speak in front of a large audience, this panel allowed me to share a message of hope:
Change doesn’t begin with grand gestures; it begins with a spark of purpose. And when that spark is shared, when we bring our knowledge into the world, inspire others, and build supportive communities, it grows into a powerful network of changemakers.
Between presentations, workshops, and opportunities to connect with our peers, the day flew by. A huge part of the event’s success was thanks to the hard work of everyone involved: the Sustainability Service team, the academics who facilitated sessions, the student ambassadors, and every contributor who shared their work. A special recognition also goes to the Yorkshire Universities partnership and its member institutions, whose support enabled the conference to have a broader impact across the region by bringing together more students to present their work and connect. These collective efforts reflect the University of Leeds’ commitment to creating spaces where students can reflect on global challenges and consider how they can contribute to meaningful solutions, as well as building partnerships that amplify a positive impact across the Yorkshire region.
Creating spaces where students can share their work is essential for both professional and personal development. Presenting research helps build confidence, strengthen public speaking skills, and encourages creating clearer and engaging communication. However, what makes this conference even more meaningful is its emphasis on showing that sustainability exists across all disciplines. This is especially important at a time when humanity faces complex and interconnected challenges, in which adopting a multidisciplinary, systems-thinking approach is essential.
The SSRC is not only a space for sharing research, but also for learning from one another and finding inspiration collectively. Seeing so many students committed to making a positive impact on the world, each from different disciplines and perspectives, has reaffirmed my motivation to continue acting towards this purpose. That, to me, is the true essence of this conference.
Without a doubt, the SSRC is a safe and supportive space to share, connect, learn, and be inspired. While a significant amount of work goes into its planning and delivery, the conference would not be what it is without the participation, enthusiasm, and engagement of the students who apply, present, and attend. That is why, whether you have a completed piece of work, a project in progress, an exhibition, or an idea for a workshop that showcases the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability, I would strongly encourage you to apply for SSRC 2027.
We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to guide our activity. Our work at the Student Sustainability Research Conference is linked to the following SDGs:
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
