As this year draws to a close, I am delighted to share our end of year Climate + Co-Centre newsletter and to reflect on what has been an exceptionally busy and rewarding year. From hosting our Annual Symposium and supporting creative and interdisciplinary research, to influencing national policy conversations and strengthening industry and student engagement, the breadth and impact of our work continue to grow.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our researchers, students, staff and the generosity of our funders, collaborators and partners across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain. Thank you for your continued support, commitment, and shared ambition. I wish you all a restful break and a very happy new year, and I look forward to working together again in 2026.
Raquel Harper, Executive Director
Climate + Biodiversity + Water Co-Centre
Latest News & Announcements
In September, we hosted our 2025 Annual Symposium at Queen’s University Belfast, bringing together more than 130 researchers, policymakers, funders, and industry partners from across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain.
Over three days, participants shared cutting-edge research, took part in interactive workshops, and explored new collaborations at the nexus of climate, biodiversity and water. Opening the event, Minister Andrew Muir emphasised the urgency of collective, science-led action and the strength of cross-border partnerships. The symposium highlighted a thriving research ecosystem and the vital role of events like this in accelerating real-world impact. Read more here
Research Highlights
Climate Creation: Collage and Zines in a Changing World
As part of ROI Science Week, Dr Cormac Cleary & colleagues hosted a series of creative workshops in Bettystown Library exploring how art and craft can open new ways of engaging with climate change. Rather than relying on data or graphs, participants used collage and handmade zines to express personal experiences and emotions around the climate crisis.
Dr Cormac Cleary has shared his reflections on the creative process and workshops in a short article.
Making A Difference
National Emergency Briefing on the Climate and Nature Crises
On the 27th of November, more than 1,200 people gathered at Westminster Central Hall, including ~150 Parliamentarians, senior civil servants, business leaders, faith representatives, cultural and sport figures, and community leaders.
This event was the first-ever official-style National Emergency Briefing on Climate and Nature. Nine experts, including Professor Hayley Fowler (a Climate + Co-Centre lead) presented a powerful account of the interconnected threats facing the UK, alongside the actions that science suggests are necessary.
Hayley Fowler said:
“This event showed that Britain is ready for a hard reset in how we confront this crisis. The age of warnings is over. We are already living with the impacts, and it is time to step up and rise to the challenge.
The aim now is to ensure every community and every household can access the same trusted, unfiltered evidence without delay or distortion. With your support, we can carry this message far beyond Westminster.”
What can you do now?
1. Sign the letter – At the event, a letter was read out by actor Olivia Williamson, calling for a televised emergency briefing: Add your signature
2. Share this information with others – Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky, X.
3. Subscribe to the NEB YouTube channel: NEB are producing short films of each of the expert talks: Subscribe here
A film is also in production and will be launched early next Spring.
UKCEH hydrologist Jamie Hannaford shares expert insight with the Lords Committee on preparing England for drought
Jamie Hannaford, Principal Hydrologist at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and Climate + Co-Centre Principal Investigator, gave expert evidence to the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee on 12 November 2025, as part of its inquiry into how England can better prepare for future droughts.
Appearing alongside experts from the Met Office and the British Geological Survey, he highlighted the need for science-led planning, strong collaboration, and clear public communication. Read more about the enquiry or watch the enquiry session here
Climate + AI Sustainability Sandbox: Student Innovation in Action
Many of our Co-centre PhD students took part in the Climate + AI Sustainability Sandbox in November 2025. During the week-long event, two Irish companies, Zinto Labs and ODOS Technologies, presented real industry challenges for students to tackle. The event was held at Trinity College’s new Portal Venue in the Dublin Docklands.
Working in two teams, the students developed impressive solutions, delivering high-quality presentations, reports, and code for the companies to build on as they take these new ideas forward.
The Sandbox will return on the 23rd of March 2026. Stay tuned for details on how to get involved.
Opportunities
The University of Reading is hiring a Research Scientist in Historical Windstorms. For more information and to apply, click here
Innovating Together: Industry Partnerships at Climate +
Climate + has a strong, industry-focused research portfolio within our Spoke Research Programme. Through this, businesses in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain can access match funding that reduces the cost of conducting research into the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and declining water quality across these islands.
We work with a diverse range of industry partners, from financial services to agri-tech, transport to energy, developing tailored research projects that meet the specific needs of each organisation. We are always keen to hear about the challenges you’re facing and your ambitions for developing actionable, science-based solutions.
We are impact-driven and outcome-focused, and we recognise that businesses play an essential role in achieving net zero and building resilience beyond it. To learn more or to discuss a potential collaboration, please contact us at the emails below to arrange a call to start your next innovation piece.
Contact: Gary Clarke or Simon Leyden
In The Media
- Will EU let big businesses off the corporate responsibility hook? – RTE, by Aideen O’Dochartaigh
- Medicinal properties of nature not to be underestimated – The Irish Times, by Yvonne Buckley
- New buildings must present ‘no net loss’ to nature says Climate Change Council – The Irish Times, by Caroline O’Doherty
- Why so many companies are investing in weather forecasting – RTE, by Andrew Parnell
- How can Lough Neagh’s blue-green algae problem be solved? – Mark Emmerson BBC NI
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