Doctoral School 2025 Engaged Research Design for Sustainability

The aim of this training programme is to facilitate you in building transdisciplinary relationships with peers and mentors, to enable collaborative learning, and to introduce you to the ways and means that you can develop more stakeholder engagement in your research. In doing so, we hope to encourage and provoke critical thinking and reflection in an active learning environment, in what we hope will be a meaningful, challenging, and above all, practical, learning experience.

By the end of this training programme you will be able to:

Develop a Systems Perspective:

Students will be able to analyse complex sustainability challenges through the lens of living systems theory, recognising the interconnectedness of global ecosystems and human activities.

Apply Regenerative Practices:

Students will demonstrate the ability to design and implement research projects that incorporate regenerative principles, aiming to restore and enhance environmental and social systems.

Develop an Engaged Research Approach:

Students will apply the principles of engaged research. learning how to create ‘impact by design’ to achieve greater involvement and societal impact.

Understand the dynamics of Place-Based Research:

Students will experience place-based research that integrates local contexts into global sustainability efforts, ensuring that their work is both relevant and impactful.

Collaborate Across Disciplines:

Students will work effectively in transdisciplinary teams, leveraging diverse perspectives to tackle 'wicked problems' and contribute to sustainable solutions.

Communicate their Research:

Students will refine their communication skills, enabling them to articulate complex concepts and research findings to a variety of stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and the public

The program combines immersive, in-person workshops with flexible, self-paced learning. It begins with an intensive week of face-to-face sessions, where students engage in interactive lecturers, group discussions, and hands-on activities. These sessions are designed to build a strong foundation in systems thinking, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Programme design is based on the principles and best practice in universal design for learning. Resources are available in different formats to suit different learning styles.

In-Person Residential Week (Physical)

The residential program offers an immersive experience combining expert-led interactive conversations on key topics such as systems thinking, sustainability principles, and the UN SDGs. Participants will engage in small group discussions to explore complex issues from diverse perspectives, alongside hands-on activities like practical exercises, simulations, and case studies that address real-world sustainability challenges. The program also includes place-based visits to explore local sustainability initiatives and opportunities for outdoor, nature-based physical activities.

Asynchronous Learning Phase - (Online / Digital)

Following the initial week, the program transitions to an asynchronous format, allowing students to explore the material at their own pace. Weekly virtual touch points, led by international experts, provide opportunities for students to participate in guided discussions, share insights, and receive feedback on their progress. Throughout the program, students will work on place-based projects, applying their learning to real-world challenges. These projects culminate in a final presentation, where students will showcase their research and propose solutions to sustainability issues. The delivery approach is designed to foster deep engagement, critical thinking, and the practical application of knowledge.

Weekly Plan

• Introduction: a short synopsis of what’s coming up in this week’s workshop.
• Activity Planner: at a glance summary of the week’s workshop, resources and tasks. Workshop Presentation: workshop content presented and recorded by the subject specialist and available in a variety of forms (audio visual, audio, ppt,written).
• Workshop Resources: a combination of required and further reading, plus any other useful written, audio or visual resources for this workshop.
• Workshop E-tivities: information and instructions about the week’s practical and peer group activities.
• Feedback Friday: online or in-person meeting to share experience, insights and learning, including your feedback to us – a simple check-in to let us know how you’re getting on with the week’s workshop and associated materials that we are providing.

This training is designed to supplement your individual academic supervision and will be delivered online in four parts as follows:

Part 1 – Principles and Practice of Sustainability

1. Workshop 1 Tackling Wicked Problems
2. Workshop 2 UN SDGs
3. Workshop 3 Living Systems

Part 2 – Principles and Practices of Engaged Research

4. Workshop 4 Practice and Principles of Engaged Research
5. Workshop 5 Planning for Impact in Engaged RESEARCH
6. Workshop 6 Methodological Approaches for Engaging Diverse Stakeholders

Part 3 – Knowledge Production and Exchange for Research

7. Workshop 7 Orienting Research for Policy Impact
8. Workshop 8 Open Research Data Management and Access
9. Workshop 9 Communicating Strategically in the Public Sphere

Part 4 – Regenerative Futures  

10. Workshop 10 Expanding Worldviews
11. Workshop 11 Acting Regeneratively
12. Workshop 12 Plenary – Putting Learnings into action

This module is not like other classwork. The action research / challenge-based pedagogy allows you to learn by doing. You should regard the time spent with this module as time carved out for your PhD planning and research. he learning and activities Training Programme provides the equivalent of 12 ECTS credits, and can be used as part of your professional development or elective training in your graduate programme. In order for credits to be awarded, you must complete the e-portfolio of activities that accompany this workshop series.

*Optional ECT Credits

This Training Programme provides 12 ECTS credits, and can be used as part of your professional development or elective training in your graduate programme. In order for credits to be awarded, you must complete the e-portfolio of activities that accompany this workshop series.

This training is for motivated doctoral students who are curious to explore the potential for engagement and sustainability in their research design. Early stage PhD Students from all disciplines are welcome and encouraged.

Physical Component:

• Arrival 19th January 2025
• Commencing 20th January - 24th January 2025 Departure 25th January 2025
• University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick Ireland.

Online Component:

• 3rd February 2025 - 25th April 2025

Application Deadline:

• Monday 11th of November, 2024

Please send a short bio and summary of your research area to vicky.kelly@ul.ie

Please reach out to your local Erasmus+ coordinator to discuss potential funding for travel, as the physical component of the program will take place at the University of Limerick, Ireland.

YERUN

The Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN), founded in 2015, brings together like-minded young research universities in Europe, with the primary objective of raising the voice of young universities in Europe via a dedicated strategic representation and lobbying action and strengthening their cooperation, maximising opportunities to collaborate in areas of mutual interest and benefit.

Centre for Sustainable Futures and Innovation, University of Limerick, Ireland The Centre for Sustainable Futures and Innovation is a dynamic hub dedicated to advancing sustainability through interdisciplinary research, innovation, and education. It plays a pivotal role in supporting the University of Limerick's Sustainability Framework 2030 by driving research and practical solutions aligned with the framework's goals, such as carbon neutrality, sustainable development education, and community engagement. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers, the Centre contributes to addressing complex global challenges, promoting innovative solutions that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and translating the vision of a sustainable future into tangible outcomes for 2030 and beyond.

UL Engage, University of Limerick, Ireland

UL Engage aims to integrate civic and community engagement into the University's core missions in research and teaching. It serves as the hub for civic engagement activities across campus and works with all divisions and faculties to amplify the various ways that students, faculty and staff in UL can work to make a difference. UL Engage was established in September 2015 and in 2018 joined the UNESCO- sponsored Knowledge for Change (K4C) global consortium of Higher Education Institutions committed to best practice community-based learning and research.

Doctoral College University of Limerick

The UL Doctoral College oversees the administration and support of doctoral programmes, ensuring high standards of research training and academic excellence for UL postgraduate researchers (PGRs) at PhD and Research Masters levels. Its responsibilities include admissions, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration, the provision of regulations, and the provision of resources such as scholarships, workshops, and professional development programmes. By advancing a supportive and resource-rich environment, the Doctoral College enhances the research experience of PGRs and their supervisors by promoting academic growth, innovation, and the successful and timely completion of doctoral studies. This structured support helps PGRs navigate their research journey more effectively, while also aiding supervisors in providing effective guidance and mentoring to their PhD and Research Masters candidates.

Where to stay?

Participants are responsible for booking their own accommodations for the duration of the physical meet-up in Ireland, but we highly recommend the following suggestions as we have worked with our local hotels who have kindly provided discounted rates for the University of limerick students attending this programme. Please reference this programme when booking.

Two closest hotels to the University of Limerick: 

Castletroy Park Hotel: Distance for UL campus is approx. 1.3km

Castletroy Park Hotel, one of Limerick’s finest four star hotels. Recently awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, Castletroy Park Hotel is proud to be named amongst the top 10% of hotels worldwide for delivering fantastic customer experiences.

The Castletroy Park Hotel is the ideal place to stay to visit all that Limerick has to offer including landmarks such as King Johns Castle, Thomond Park and the Milk Market. Located close to Limerick city, in the leafy suburb of Castletroy and just minutes off the M7 Dublin motorway, the hotel is adjacent to the flagpoles entrance of University of Limerick. 

UL Rates

• €114 B&B per night – single occupancy 
• €124 B&B per night – twin occupancy 
• €134 B&B per night – triple occupancy 

These rates cannot be reserved online, please contact the hotel directly and reference the number 550539.

E: reservations@castletroypark.ie

T: +35361335566

W: https://www.castletroypark.ie/

Kilmurry Lodge Hotel:   Distance for UL campus is approx. 2km

The Kilmurry Lodge Hotel is a charming family run 3-star hotel located in Castletroy, just a 5-minute drive or a short 10-minute walk from the University of Limerick. Its close proximity to the university makes it a popular choice for visitors attending events or conferences on campus. Surrounded by lush gardens, the hotel offers a peaceful retreat while still being near local amenities and Limerick city centre. With its welcoming atmosphere and convenient location, the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel is ideal for both leisure and business travellers.

For those choosing this hotel please click on their official website and use the code provided to get discounted rate. The code which is case sensitive is ULMK25 or the rate can be accessed by following the link below.  Click here to access discounted hotel rates

E: info@kilmurrylodge.com / faye@kilmurrylodge.com

T: +35361331133

W: www.kilmurrylodge.com

City Centre recommendation: The Absolute Hotel: Distance from UL campus is 5km can be accessed through city centre bus, hire a bike, walk on the green way.

For those who would prefer a city centre location, one of our local city centre hotels are  happy to offer our 10% discount code: LOVEABSOLUTE and long stays more than 3 nights can get 15% discount. Put the code in the Promo Code area on the homepage and search the dates. They offer good rates in January.  If you want to share a Twin room, will work out at €59 per person sharing per night.

The Absolute Hotel Limerick is the perfect base from which to get the best out of Limerick. The hotel is conveniently located about 4 km from the University of Limerick (UL). Students can choose from several transport options to reach the campus:

1. Bus:
   • The Bus Éireann route 304A is a direct option that runs from Limerick City to the University of Limerick. You can catch this bus just a short walk from the Absolute Hotel at the Sarsfield Street stop, or at Henry Street, depending on your preference.
   • The journey by bus typically takes around 15-20 minutes and drops you directly at UL's main entrance.
2. Greenway Walk:
   • For those who enjoy a more scenic route, you can walk or cycle via the Riverside Greenway along the River Shannon. This walking and cycling path offers a peaceful, traffic-free route that takes you through nature and ends near the university campus.
   • The Greenway is accessible just a few minutes from the Absolute Hotel and offers a great way to enjoy Limerick’s natural beauty while commuting to UL. The walk will take approximately 40-50 minutes.
3. Bike Hire:
   • Cycling is another popular option for students. You can hire a bike from Limerick Bike Hire, located near the city center, or look for other nearby rental options such as Cycling Solutions.
   • Cycling from the Absolute Hotel to UL typically takes 15-20 minutes, and the Riverside Greenway provides a safe and enjoyable route for cyclists as well.

E: info@absolutehotel.com

T: +353 61 463600 

W: https://www.absolutehotel.com/