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Student Sustainability Research Conference 2020

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Thank you to all who presented at the Student Sustainability Research Conference #SSRC20.

On Wednesday 26th February 2020, over 200 staff, students and visitors attended the fourth Annual Student Sustainability Research Conference.

Building knowledge of sustainability is fundamental to our teaching strategy here at Leeds, and as part of the University’s Seven Principles on the Climate Crisis, we committed to give opportunities to students to take part in activities to promote sustainability.

This event celebrated and highlighted the critical role that student research plays in finding innovative interdisciplinary solutions.

The day consisted of student presentations, an all-day exhibition, networking sessions and a keynote panel, and began with a welcome address from Professor Lisa Roberts (Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation) and Dr Louise Ellis (Director of Sustainability).

Welcome Address - Professor Lisa Roberts and Dr Louise Ellis

Research showcased on the day, from the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University and Leeds Arts University students ranged from turning brewery waste into energy to using oranges to solve dental caries; making freshers’ fairs more sustainable to creating a “Green Guide” for the city. Students also linked their research back to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A few of the presentations can be viewed below.

Rosanna Flett - Colour Hyde Park - Measuring the Impact of University-Community Partnership Art Projects on Community Cohesion

Rosanna Flett Slides

Fei Liu - Measuring Earthquakes Across the Global Continents From Space and Seismoloigcal Observations

Fei Liu's Slides

Robert Silkstone - Made to Last: Product Life Extension Through Emotional Durability

Robert Silkstone's Slides

Melissa Brill - Refreshing Freshers'

Melissa Brill's Slides

Mai Brightling - Green Guide Leeds

The day culminated with a motivating keynote panel discussion from Sustainability Manager James Dixon-Gough, SRI Associate Professor Dr Alice Owen, Natural Capital Valuation and Woodland Creation Officer at the United Bank of Carbon (UBoC) Anna Gugan and Student Sustainability Architect Negar Nagshinehpour. The group discussed questions about the climate crisis submitted by the audience and the greater university community, emphasising local opportunities for action. Thank you to Student Sustainability Architect Dr David Mihell for chairing the panel.

Keynote Panel

The panel was followed by an awards ceremony, which celebrated the excellent poster entries as part of the conference exhibition, an inspiring performance by Meegan Worcester (President of the Spoken Word Society) and a closing address delivered by Director of Sustainability Dr Louise Ellis.

We were delighted with the strong turnout and a show of great enthusiasm from delegates and would like to thank everyone involved with making the event a success including all of the presenters, panellists, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Lisa Roberts, MeetinLeeds, Great Food at Leeds and the Facilities Directorate Marketing and Communications team.

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United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to guide our activity. Our work on getting involved is linked to all of the SDGs.
Find out more about our impact on the SDGs.