UCD Innovation Academy

As we close out SDG Week, we’re proud to introduce this year’s Shackleton Scholars: Sebastian Ruff and Lauryn McDermott.

The Shackleton Scholarships support emerging changemakers with a demonstrated commitment to sustainability, covering 90% of EU course fees for the UCD MSc in Design Thinking for Sustainability.

As part of their introduction, Sebastian and Lauryn each share the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) that speaks to them most and why it matters to them.

Swipe through to meet our 2026 scholars and discover the SDGs that inspire them. 💚

Read more about Sebastian, Lauryn and the Shackleton Scholarships on our website. Link in bio.

🌍 Step into 2030 and see what kind of world your choices create...

As part of SDG Week, join UCD Innovation Academy for the 2030 SDGs Game. It is a fast-paced, interactive simulation where your decisions shape the balance between People, Planet, and Prosperity.

Work with others, make decisions, run projects, and discover how individual and collective choices can create unexpected outcomes. Expect plenty of collaboration as well as plenty of new insights along the way!

📅 Friday, 25 September
⏰ 1–3 p.m.
📍 L2.04-LEA, O’Connor Centre for Learning
👥 Facilitated by certified 2030 SDGs Game facilitators from UCD Innovation Academy

Both UCD students and staff are welcome to participate. Places are limited. Register now via the link in our bio or find the event on the UCD Innovation Academy Eventbrite page.

🎮 We hope you enjoyed Fresher’s Week! 🎲✨

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at UCD Innovation Academy for Open House Game Day! We hope you had a brilliant time playing games, trying out VR, exploring our spaces, and catching up with friends — or making some new ones. 💜

A special shoutout to for partnering with us and to for keeping everyone refreshed with delicious bubble tea! 🧋🙌

And, of course, we hope you enjoyed the pizza, snacks and matcha too! 🍕🍵

It was great to see the Innovation Academy buzzing with energy as we kicked off the new school year. Thanks for celebrating with us, and we hope to see you again soon! Do register on our Undergrad page (link in bio) to get the latest on events, electives, and more ✨

🌱 A Saturday well spent with our sustainability community!

Last Saturday, we brought together alumni from our Design Thinking for Sustainability and Innovation for Sustainability classes for a day of connection, learning and creativity.

From networking and inspiring presentations to hands-on ideation sessions, it was a great opportunity to reconnect, share ideas and explore new ways of tackling sustainability challenges. 🌍💡

Our students may finish the programme, but the community, conversations and collaboration continue.

Thank you to everyone who joined us! We loved having you back! 💚

🎓 What can universities do to help students feel ready for an ever-changing world of work?

With technology, industries and the job market changing so quickly, employability is understandably on the minds of many students.

That's why we're delighted to celebrate the launch of UCD's Embedding Employability in the Curriculum case study book, showcasing how educators across UCD are building employability into the student learning experience.

We're especially proud to see UCD Innovation Academy facilitator Rosie Leonard-Kane featured with two case studies exploring how immersive learning, Design Thinking and reflective practice can help students develop and recognise transferable skills.

We're also delighted to see Dorcas Réamonn, who facilitated our Design Thinking elective for UCD undergraduates in Spring 2026, featured as co-author of one of the studies.

Because employability isn't just about preparing students for their first job. It's about giving them the confidence, skills and experience to keep adapting throughout their careers. 💡

Congratulations to Rosie, Dorcas and everyone involved in this important work! 👏

📖 Read the full case study book via the link in our bio.

Welcome back, UCD students! How was week one?

If your timetable's feeling a little light (or you just want to try something new), our Weekly Studio Classes are still open... but only for a few more days. 🎨🌱🕹️

Creative thinking, sustainability, VR, global challenges & more. Pick what fits your schedule and start building skills (and your CV) this term.

YOU ASKED. WE LISTENED. 👏

Missed our previous intake for the Professional Diploma in Innovation for Sustainability?

Good news: due to demand, we're opening a new October intake! 🍃

Whether you're looking to bring sustainability into your current role, explore a new career direction or develop the skills to drive change in your organisation, this could be your next step.

Learn how sustainability, innovation and design thinking can help you tackle complex challenges and create meaningful impact.

October intake now open.

🔗 Find out more and apply via the link in our bio.

Here's our event for Fresher's Week!

Reconnect, play, and explore at UCD Innovation Academy’s Open House Game Day! Enjoy VR and board games, pizza, bubble tea, and more.

Sign up using the QR code or with the link in our bio!

🌾 Thank you for celebrating with us!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at UCD Greenacre for our Lúnasa Festival. We loved seeing our community come together to celebrate our planet, the harvest and each other. 🌍💚