College of Science Strategy

Source: https://www.ucd.ie/science/about/collegestrategy/ Parent: https://www.ucd.ie/science/

UCD College of Science Strategic Plan

The College of Science is implementing its strategic plan for the period leading up to 2030. This initiative directly aligns with 'Breaking Boundaries,' the University’s overarching Strategy to 2030, and is being shaped through extensive engagement with the College community, including faculty, staff, and students.

This College-specific plan is guiding the College of Science future output and strategic direction, ultimately ensuring the College's contributions support the successful realisation of the University's broader strategic objectives.

UCD Strategy to 2030

UCD Breaking Boundaries Strategy: Three Pillars

Mirroring the UCD ‘Breaking Boundaries’ Strategy to 2030, the College of Science plan is structured around three Central Pillars:

Transforming Learning
Advancing Research & Innovation
Engaging for Impact

UCD Breaking Boundaries Strategy: Six Initiatives

The three pillars will be guided by six cross-cutting Initiatives:

Learning for Life
Research with Ambition
Physical & Digital Campuses
OneUCD
Irish Roots, Global Reach
UCD Student Experience

Three Key Attributes - Globally Engaged; Fostering Inclusion; Driving Sustainability - underpin the 3 Central Pillars and 6 Initiatives. Based on engagement with staff and students the College has identified 12 specific actions that will inform its course and output to 2030.

Aligning with the Three Central Pillars

Open All Close All

Transforming Learning

Review, refine and articulate our teaching portfolio into a wider educational offering\ Offer a curriculum that equips graduates with the comprehensive skills and attributes essential for thriving in an increasingly connected global landscape. Our focus extends beyond traditional academics to foster a broader skillset that truly makes our graduates stand out; contributing to society, industry and academia alike.
Enhance Universal Design Principle teaching spaces\ Strategically enhance both our physical and digital campuses. This integrated approach ensures that our learning environments are state-of-the-art and fully supportive of our educational mission.\ With the addition of Universal Design principles, we aim to eliminate barriers to learning and unleash the full potential of every student; preparing them to excel in an ever-evolving world.
Offer an inclusive, cohesive, progressive environment for and reflective of all of our community\ Recognising the diverse backgrounds and individual journeys of today's learners, we will broaden access to our educational programs. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all students feel a profound sense of belonging and community.

Advancing Research and Innovation

Further develop our seed funding opportunities in research\ Create internal funding opportunities for innovative projects. This will encourage the exploration of novel ideas and provide valuable experience for future applications to major external grants.
Employ a College Research Support Officer\ Provide a dedicated College-based resource who will support our scientific and research community in securing funding (internal, national and international). Support will be offered through workshops on critical research skills such as grant writing, data analysis, and presentation techniques; tailoring these supports for different career stages.
Create a ‘home’ for every research story\ Acknowledge and celebrate research achievements, publications, and successful grant applications; creating a positive and motivating environment. Hold regular internal seminars where researchers present their ongoing work and receive feedback. "Idea labs" or brainstorming sessions can also foster interdisciplinary collaboration and new research directions.

Engaging for Impact

Adopt Universal Design principles\ Continue to offer a safe, inclusive, welcoming environment for all members of the College of Science community. Enhance the educational experience for students by embracing and integrating Universal Design principles which will promote an accessible, adaptable, and forward-thinking (progressive) environment that facilitates student engagement, learning, and expression.
Enhance student supports and the student experience\ Student well-being, academic success, and overall development are top priorities for the College, and we will continue to provide a range of supports to ensure students’ various needs are met – from academic to mental health support. The College will encourage student-led support initiatives, promoting peer-to-peer assistance, and leading to outcomes tailored to student requirements.
Establish a sustainable hub for the Science community\ The College of Science is committed to sustainability and has effectively integrated sustainability principles into its core values and practices. This is woven into its Science program curriculum and a focus of research undertaken across the College, as well as being evidenced in the Phase III Project. In addition, the College has a strong presence both locally and nationally. Through, both, education and practice around sustainability the College of Science is instilling a deep-rooted sense of responsibility and duty in its graduates/community.

College Strategy Group

Professor Jeremy Simpson\ College Principal, Dean of Science\ UCD College of Science
Associate Professor Patrick Orr\ Associate Dean of Science \ UCD School of Earth Sciences\
Jamie Wells\ Director, College of Science Office\ UCD College of Science\
Dr Orla Donoghue\ Science Outreach Manager (Communications, Marketing, Student Recruitment)\ UCD College of Science\
Mary Conneely\ College Finance Manager \ UCD College of Science
Maeve O'Connell\ Senior Project Officer\ UCD College of Science

UCD College of Science

Room E1.09/E2.09 UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. Location Map