Skip to main content

Student Sustainability Research Conference 2023

Graphic with a black and white photograph of a woman presenting from a screen.

The 2023 Student Sustainability Research Conference (SSRC) took place on Tuesday 28 March in Parkinson Court at the University of Leeds.

The conference returned in person after two years of being online. For the first time it was open to students from 12 higher education institutions across Yorkshire, making the event more inclusive and collaborative than ever before.

It offered students the opportunity to share, learn and be inspired by each other. The day featured a mix of presentations, performances and exhibitions showcasing research at all levels.

Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability, the conference addressed all aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on the themes of Climate Resilience and Adaptation; Net Zero Carbon; Justice, Equality, and Inclusivity; and Protection of Nature and Biodiversity.

These four themes align with the aims of the Yorkshire and Humberside Climate Commission Climate Action Plan. Regional collaboration is vital to the YHCC Climate Action Plan, and core to the Supporting a Net Zero City commitments of the University of Leeds Climate Plan.

A carbon neutral event

The words 'Climate Plan' are shown in capital letters in a black trapezoid shape.

As part of our University Climate Plan we are working to make this our first carbon neutral conference. We are measuring and taking action to reduce the carbon emissions associated with each element of the event, including energy, catering and transport. The emissions associated with the event will be balanced using academically verified offsetting projects to deliver carbon neutrality.

The Student Sustainability Research Conference will in effect act as a ‘Living Lab’ to test approaches to reducing the emissions associated with events. We will be sharing what we learn from this process across the University of Leeds and with wider partners, to inform future events.

News

The Student Sustainability Research Conference 2024: an event with collaboration at its core

The University of Leeds Sustainability Service proudly hosted its annual Student Sustainability Research Conference on Wednesday 6 March 2024, with an unprecedented turnout that exceeded all expectations. The conference saw more than 500 people register to take part, including students, staff and community members. The event showcased the invaluable research of 108 student contributors from...

Student Sustainability Research Conference collaborates on London-Leeds exchange 

The 2024 Student Sustainability Research Conference kicks off on Wednesday 6 March, with students from across Yorkshire travelling to the University of Leeds to take part. But three of our conference presenters have already given a sneak preview of their research at the London Sustainability research Conference led by City, University of London and hosted...

Applications Open for the Student Sustainability Research Conference 2024

Applications for The University of Leeds annual Student Sustainability Research Conference are open to students across all levels and disciplines from the twelve member institutions of Yorkshire Universities. The conference presents the opportunity for students to be inspired, share their sustainability-related research, and learn from their peers from across the region in a professional conference...

View all News

Posts

Ashley’s experience at the SSRC22

We spoke to Ashley Victoria, one of our Student Sustainability Architects, about her experience presenting at the Student Sustainability Conference 2022 (SSRC22). Applications to present...

Behind the scenes at the 2022 Student Sustainability Research Conference

The 2022 Student Sustainability Research Conference was a great success! Student Sustainability Architect Eleanor shares her reflections on this year’s conference. If you missed the...

Ruaa's Student Sustainability Research Conference Experience

Hi, my name is Ruaa Hariri, and I’m an English language teacher and a PhD research student at the School of Education. I’m currently in...

View all Posts

SDG logo made up of a wheel with 17 different colours.We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to guide our activity. The Student Sustainability Research Conference is linked to all of the SDGs.

Find out more about our impact on the SDGs.