A team of Leadership for Sustainable (Rural) Development students based in the Gibson Institute for Land, Food and Environment, Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS), have been awarded £2,000 from the Queen’s Green Fund to deliver Sustainability in Action – Connecting Campus, Community & Future Leaders, a major new initiative designed to inspire positive behavioural and cultural change across Queen’s University Belfast.

The Queen’s Green Fund empowers staff and students to design and deliver innovative projects that benefit the environment, the University, and the wider community. Funding is awarded to proposals that promote environmental awareness, support Queen’s net-zero vision, and encourage collaboration between Schools, Faculties, and student groups. The full award will enable the team to deliver an ambitious, high-impact sustainability symposium on campus.

The student-led event will feature a full day of activities, including swap shops, a food-waste demonstration, local business stalls, and an upcycled fashion showcase. The symposium aims to create an engaging, practical, and community-focused space where attendees can learn new skills, share ideas, and take meaningful action toward sustainability.

“We want to create a fun, practical way for students and staff to learn, connect, and take real, sustainable action,” said student Bethany Goudie. “Our goal is to help people realise that small habits, when shared across a community, can create meaningful environmental impact.”

The project is led by postgraduate students Bethany Goudie, Carla Keane, Carmen Victoria Zarate Azparrent, Harley Martin, Kerry Freud, Olajumoke Adenuga, Rangalage Perera, Thomas Voisin-McKelvey, Tomiris Sultanova, and Xiaoxuan Dai, with academic sponsorship and guidance from programme director, Dr Adewale Adenuga.

The initiative forms a core part of the students’ programme, enabling them to apply leadership and sustainability theories in real-world contexts. Through the development, planning, and delivery of the symposium, the team is putting into practice the skills taught throughout their degree, such as collaboration, strategic thinking, and community-focused leadership.

The event is expected to generate a lasting impact by encouraging re-use, reducing waste, strengthening community ties, and cultivating future sustainability leaders within and beyond the University.

Partners supporting the symposium include ‘Geoff the Chef’ from Henderson Foodservice and QUB Science Shop, alongside local sustainable businesses and community groups who will deliver talks, demonstrations, and workshops.

Reflecting on the project, Dr Adenuga praised the students’ dedication:

“This initiative embodies the purpose of the programme - equipping students to lead meaningful environmental change. I’m incredibly proud of their creativity, drive, and commitment to shaping a more sustainable future for our campus and community.”

Professor Alberto Longo, Director of the Gibson Institute and Interim Deputy Head of School, added:

“The passion and leadership shown by our students are truly inspiring. This award will enable them to deliver real impact, and we are delighted to support their efforts.”