The Engaged Research Design for Sustainability programme, led by UL’s Centre for Sustainable Futures & Innovation, wrapped its residential component last week, providing 26 early-stage doctoral researchers from institutions across Europe with four days of immersive learning and collaboration in Limerick City and the surrounding region. Despite being curtailed by Storm Eowyn, the week showcased the power of engaged, place-based research to address pressing global challenges.
The decision to convene an international group in one location was made with careful consideration of its value. The overarching goal for the week was to ensure the time was spent meaningfully, building connections and relationships that will enhance the group’s collaborative efforts moving forward. While much can be accomplished online, the in-person gathering established a solid foundation for the programme. This shared experience provided the group with essential context, creating a common ground for understanding each other’s work.
Gathering in-person also allowed for place-based exploration, offering participants an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Limerick and the surrounding region. By experiencing the opportunities and challenges of implementing sustainability locally, participants could draw lessons that are transferable to other contexts.
Kicking off the week, the group engaged in a collaborative mapping session, where participants explored their research interests, identified interdisciplinary overlaps, and found synergies in liminal spaces between disciplines. This exercise was critical in fostering connections and meaningful relationships among the group. Additionally, students had the chance to meet with doctoral graduates from UL who had completed sustainability-focused research. These alumni shared valuable insights from their experiences, further enriching participants’ understanding of how to approach their work.
Goals for the residential week included fostering collaboration, building a shared understanding of engaged research, and connecting individual research areas to the broader themes of sustainability and societal impact. These aims tie directly into the next phase of the programme, where participants will continue to develop their place-based projects in an online learning environment.
While the initial exercises focused on understanding each other’s contexts, field trips into Limerick City and the wider region were equally important in grounding the group’s work. By engaging with local communities, projects, and initiatives, participants gained firsthand insight into the sustainability challenges and opportunities unique to this area, further emphasising the importance of place-based research.
Immersive, Place-based Learning Across Limerick and Beyond
Highlights of the week included a visit to St. Mary’s National School in Limerick City, where they learned about the HAPPEE programme, a UL Engage initiative delivering in-school interventions in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy. This innovative community partnership aims to improve outcomes for children and families in Limerick’s regeneration communities, highlighting the importance of local collaboration in driving societal change.
A visit to Irish Seed Savers in Tipperary demonstrated the critical role of preserving agricultural biodiversity in a rapidly changing world. The team’s dedication to protecting heirloom seeds and promoting sustainable agriculture resonated deeply, underscoring the importance of safeguarding food systems for future generations.
At Cloughjordan Eco Village, participants explored sustainable living on a community-wide scale. From passive solar homes to resource-sharing initiatives, the village provided an inspiring example of regenerative practices in action. Special thanks to the tour guides who offered honest and insightful perspectives on the challenges of bringing the Eco Village vision to life.
Looking Ahead
While Storm Eowyn brought the week to an early close, its arrival was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of climate change. The storm’s impact highlighted the urgency of sustainability-focused research and the need to build resilience in the face of increasing climate-related challenges.
As the programme transitions to its online phase, the lessons and connections from the residential week will guide students in their ongoing work. Engaging with researchers, educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders not only deepens understanding of sustainability but also emphasises the importance of collaboration.
The Engaged Research Design for Sustainability programme continues to reflect the University of Limerick’s commitment to fostering impactful research and empowering a new generation of researchers to address the challenges we all face.
More information on the programme https://www.ul.ie/doctoral-school-2025-engaged-research-design-for-sust…