< PreviousSpace Student Satellite Launched Into Space - A giant step for space education in Ireland EIRSAT-1, a student-built satellite was launched into space, officially becoming Ireland’s first-ever satellite. A team of students in UCD, with support from academic and professional staff, and the European Space Agency Education Office, designed, built, tested and are currently operating EIRSAT-1 as it orbits around the earth. The spacecraft hosts novel experiments and technologies for space research in astrophysics and engineering. Sustainability Heat Resistant Cattle Criollo Cattle - ‘heat resistant cattle’ could be the agri-food industry’s answer to climate change. As the threat of rising temperatures puts the world’s food supplies at risk, new UCD research on a rare breed of ‘heat-resistant’ cattle that thrive in warmer climates could point towards a more sustainable beef industry. Scientific studies have shown that cattle better able to withstand hot weather are less likely to experience temperature-related stress, resulting in improved body weight and more efficient food production, as well as improved animal welfare in warmer climates. Making a difference - as a global community, we face major challenges and opportunities to create a healthier, more equal and sustainable world. Through research at UCD we aim to contribute to society and improve the lives of people by advancing cultural understanding and informing national discussion on many different topics. Here are some examples of our research; Research Drives our Teaching At UCD our academic researchers are passionate, motivated, and excited to share what they know. We make sure you are learning from the best experts in the world. 11 Treating Cancer with Digital Twins Scientists have created personalised computer models called ‘digital twins’ to help treat children with neuroblastoma, a type of cancer affecting children under the age of five. Doctors can now ‘test’ the best treatment on a digital copy of the child (digital twin), to see how a drug will work virtually, before giving it to them. These twins are helping doctors to monitor individual patients, reduce exposure to toxins to a minimum and reduce severe side effects for children with cancer. A consortium of universities, charities and industrial partners joined forces to develop this ground breaking research. Systems Biology Ireland in UCD is one of Europe’s larger research centres with a focus on childhood cancer. The ‘Ripple’ Effect - Creative Climate Action The Ripple project, led by UCD, brings together artists, researchers, and communities around the island of Ireland to tackle climate change using art to connect science with people. The project focuses on Irish towns facing economic challenges, aiming to create positive changes through community collaboration, respectful support, listening and engagement to generate a positive ripple-effect. Key Fact Research at UCD has received funding in excess of €720 million in the last 5 years Building a greener, sustainable future 13 UCD is ranked No.1 in Ireland for Sustainability (Source: QS Sustainability Rankings 2024) This means we are leading the charge in making a positive impact on the environment and society through our amazing researchers and graduates who are tackling the climate and biodiversity crises. University College Dublin has been chosen as one of Ireland’s latest Sustainability Development Goals Champions for 2024-2025. 20 organisations from across Ireland have been chosen to help drive forward Ireland’s progress towards the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) goals. These goals have been agreed by world leaders to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and address climate change. What does that look like? UCD researchers address challenges such as energy, humanitarian action and sustainable food from environmental, economic and social perspectives. Help us shape a more sustainable future for all? Our Green Campus initiative encourages students to be Project Coordinators, directly implementing the changes you want to see on campus. During Green Campus Week, students avail of recycling pop-ups, woodland walks and tree planting (UCD has 50,000+ trees!). Over 430 students in the Sustainability Society (Sus Soc) host clothes swaps, sustainability winter and spring formals and a sustainable fashion show, among other events. They have also set up a support group for anyone experiencing climate anxiety. In 2024, the first graduates from our BSc in Sustainability will join the working world, applying their knowledge and skills to meet pressing environmental and sustainability challenges. As a UCD student, you will be at the heart of this community that continues to strive for a healthier future for people and planet. We look forward to meeting you and hearing your ideas. Key Fact Did you know? UCD is the only library in Ireland to lend bicycles through its pilot bike scheme14 Unique Facilities UCD is unique amongst third level universities in Ireland by having its own farm (Lyons Farm) that provides students and academics with access to large animal and crop enterprises for the delivery of teaching and research programmes. UCD also has a fully functioning veterinary hospital, a meteorological station, an apiary, a state-of-the-art plant and environmental research facility on campus. State-of-the-Art Campus Students benefit from 253,596sqm of academic space for teaching, learning, research and innovation. Virtual reality headsets, break-out areas, an innovation hub and skills zones are just a few of the impressive facilities that expand collaboration and interconnectivity between our students, faculty and the business world. Academic facilities include state-of-the-art labs and active learning environments such as a moot court, a simulated health science ward, a trading room, media labs, a classics museum and a drama theatre to name but a few. World Class Amenities One of Europe’s largest urban campuses with the most diverse range of world class student amenities of any university in Ireland 15 Sports & Fitness Centre UCD Students have access to three large state-of-the-art gyms and over 100 fitness classes per week free of charge. Students can also avail of the centre’s 50m Olympic swimming pool and tepidarium on a pay-as-you-go basis, or have instant access annually by purchasing a cost-effective swim membership package. The centre’s full suite of facilities include: • 50-metre Olympic swimming pool • Three state-of-the-art gym floors with dance and spinning studios • Sauna, steam room and jacuzzi • Three multi-purpose sports halls • Four squash courts and a climbing wall • Handball/racquetball alley • Performance and squad gyms • Numerous natural grass pitches on campus • Six synthetic five-a-side pitches • Synthetic rugby pitch • Synthetic GAA pitch and an 11-a-side soccer pitch • National hockey stadium • 8-lane athletics track Coming Soon: • 4G hockey training half-pitch • Two 3G Uefa soccer pitches • Indoor tennis centre • Multi-purpose sports halls Student Centre The UCD Student Centre provides a relaxed meeting place for students while offering a large suite of wellbeing and social facilities. • State-of-the-art 3D cinema • Drama theatre • Debating chamber • 600-seat auditorium • Meeting rooms for student clubs and societies • TV studio • Radio pod • Seminar room • Student health services • Student counselling service • Pharmacy • The Belfield Barber • The UCD Clubhouse (bar and function room) • Students Union • SU Shop • Poolside café www.ucd.ie/studentcentre www.ucd.ie/sportNew Student Orientation Student orientation is a timetable of fun and engaging events. It takes place the week before the academic year begins and is aimed at helping new students settle into life at UCD. Annual orientation traditions include societies, club performance groups, comedy, tapas, movie nights, music nights, sports tournaments, scavenger hunts and more. www.ucd.ie/newstudents Sports Clubs UCD sports clubs are for the most part student-run and student-led, so you can play your sport and if you wish also lead and develop your club. With nearly 50 sports clubs to choose from, ranging from team sports, adventure sports, water sports to martial arts, there is something for everyone! www.ucd.ie/sport/clubs Student Societies The university experience is all about getting involved and getting active, trying something new, having fun and making some great friends and memories along the way. You can join any of the 90+ student societies throughout the year by attending their events and getting in touch. www.ucd.ie/societies Our Community Your Experience “A place where you belong” Life at university is not just about lectures and study, there is so much more to being a student at UCD. You will find that sports clubs, societies and an active social life are vital ingredients of your university experience and being part of the UCD community. 17 25 formal balls every year 4,000 campus events every year With 24 cafes, delis and restaurants located around the campus you will never go hungry or thirsty. Performing Arts Our resident performance ensembles are the UCD Choral Scholars, UCD Gamelan Orchestra, UCD Philharmonic Choir, UCD Symphony Orchestra, and the newly founded Ad Astra Chamber Orchestra. They give frequent concerts on campus and at prestigious Dublin venues, such as the National Concert Hall, the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Christ Church Cathedral. For our theatre goers, UCD DramSoc is one of the most active societies on campus. DramSoc has staged all manner of theatrical performances, from Shakespeare to Conor McPherson and more, including hundreds of works written by our own members. Student Centre UCD has the most diverse range of student facilities of any university in Ireland. All designed to encourage you to get involved, meet new people and have fun all in the one place. From a cinema, to a TV studio, radio pod and debating chamber there is something for everyone. See page 15 for a full list of facilities. Volunteering Opportunities There are a wide range of volunteering opportunities for students on campus in UCD and in the community. UCD Volunteers Overseas provides students, staff and graduates with the opportunity to participate in a volunteering and global citizenship programme. This includes four weeks volunteering with one of the UCDVO’s overseas partners in Cambodia, Tanzania and Uganda. The programme includes a structured series of global citizenship education workshops, relevant training and debriefing. www.studentvolunteer.ie/ucd www.ucdvo.org Students’ Union The UCD Student’s Union is the representative body for students. Looking for nights out and partying? The SU organise big student gigs. Interested in campaigning? You can join national campaigns and protests. Want to polish your CV? The SU has workshops, guest speakers and volunteer opportunities. If you have an issue with your academics, finances or mental health, the SU is there to help. www.ucdsu.ie Follow MyUCD on TikTok and Instagram to learn more about student life at UCD.18 Sports Clubs With nearly 50 official sports clubs, excellent facilities and a huge programme of fitness classes, there’s something for everyone. So make the most of your time at UCD, get involved, get active and have fun. www.ucd.ie/sport 19 American Football Archery Athletics Badminton Basketball Boat Boxing Camogie Canoe Caving & Potholing Cricket Cycling Equestrian Fencing Gaelic Football Golf Handball Hockey Hurling Judo Karate Lacrosse Mountaineering Olympic Handball Orienteering Rugby Sailing Shaolin Kung Fu Snowsports Soccer Sub Aqua Surf Swimming Table Tennis Taekwon-Do Target Shooting Tennis Trampoline Triathlon Ultimate Frisbee Volleyball WindsurfingNext >