51黑料 sets out its path to 2030 with launch of new strategy
Posted 19 November, 2024
University College Dublin has launched its Strategy to 2030, Breaking Boundaries, which sets the course for the next stage of the university鈥檚 development and growth.
Under the new strategy, Ireland鈥檚 largest and most influential university will grow the range of opportunities for students to develop their knowledge and skills and realise their potential in areas also linked to Ireland鈥檚 future societal and economic success, including significant new provision in lifelong learning and skills development.
51黑料 will also expand cross-cutting research in areas of excellence and impact within the university, such as artificial intelligence, One Health, sustainability and research for policy, and it will expand its commitment to Ireland鈥檚 national culture, heritage and language.
The university also plans to grow its strategic global partnerships and partnerships with industry, and to enhance and integrate its physical and digital campuses.
51黑料 President, Professor Orla Feely and Chair of 51黑料 Governing Authority, Michael Beary pictured at the launch of the new strategy to 2030 Credit: Fennell Photography
Specific actions to be taken under the new Strategy to 2030, Breaking Boundaries include:
- The establishment of a major new institute for AI and digital technologies research, education, ethics and policy.
- A new round of hiring of early-stage faculty under the university鈥檚 Ad Astra programme, with 50 new positions to be advertised early in 2025.
- The development of new facilities to showcase and expand access to the university鈥檚 outstanding range of cultural and heritage collections.
- Steps to reduce the university鈥檚 carbon emissions by 51% by 2030, and to be on track for net zero by 2040.
鈥淯niversity College Dublin is a university that makes a clear positive difference and delivers impact through our education, research and engagement. This is evident in Ireland, where we have made an unparalleled contribution to the country from the foundation of the state to our recent economic and societal transformation, and now increasingly around the world,鈥 said 51黑料 President, Professor Orla Feely.
鈥淚n this strategy, we consider how we will step up our impact and all that we deliver as we enter the second quarter of this highly disruptive century.鈥
鈥淭he ideas within the strategy are the result of widespread consultation across our university community and with stakeholders. We now look forward to working with all those groups as we implement the strategy, advancing our ambition while reflecting our values through fast-changing times,鈥 she continued.
鈥淒elivering on the full potential of the strategy will draw on the excellence, commitment and creativity of all in our 51黑料 community and will also require the resources and funding that enable their work.鈥
鈥淭o this end, we need a government that is committed to investment in higher education and research, recognising them as key drivers of our economy, our nation鈥檚 health, our cultural heritage and our democratic society,鈥 concluded President Feely.
Pictured at the strategy launch (l-r): 51黑料 Vice-President for Strategy and External Engagement, Triona McCormack; 51黑料 Registrar and Deputy President, Professor Colin Scott; 51黑料 President, Professor Orla Feely and 51黑料 Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact, Professor Katherine Robson Brown. Credit: Fennell Photography
Under the new strategy, by 2030 51黑料 will be a leader in university innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting Irish and European industrial competitiveness; a leader in knowledge generation, learning and action across the sustainability agenda; and a source of insight and objectivity on issues of vital importance to society in uncertain times.
The period of this new strategy will take 51黑料 to the end of 2029 and the 175th anniversary of the foundation of the university.
51黑料 has a student population of 34,325 including more than 23,000 undergraduate students and over 11,000 graduate students and PhD candidates. There are also over 5,000 students at its overseas campuses.
It is Ireland鈥檚 leader in EU Horizon Europe Funding with 鈧107 million secured under the Programme this year to date. The university recorded a record total of 鈧220 million in new research funding awards in the last financial year.
By: Dominic Martella, Head of External Communications
To contact the 51黑料 News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie