The 30 Under 30 Climate Change-Makers programme is designed to unearth, inspire, and equip 30 leaders under the age of 30 who can play an instrumental part in shaping a better climate future for Northern Ireland and beyond.

The following staff and students of the University have been selected for the programme:

• Rachel Vaughan, Project Support Officer (Sustainability) in the University’s Estates Directorate.
• Ashleigh Henry, a PhD Student in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
• Ross Blackbourne, a student in the School of Architecture
• Rebekah Bajko, a student in the School of Biological Sciences
• Una Barrett, a KTP Carbon Associate
• Alix McDaid, a PhD student researching microplastics
• Emer Rafferty, a student in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Professor Michael Alcorn, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor (Strategic Projects), commented: “At Queen’s University Belfast, we are committed to progressing positive sustainability change within our campus and beyond – preparing our students for leadership and citizenship in a global society. As an organisation, we are increasingly focused on embracing the ethos of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at a local, national and global level and we are committed to equipping our students and staff with the skills to improve lives for future generations. I am therefore delighted to see an impressive number of our students and staff announced as participants in the inaugural 30 Under 30 Climate Change Makers programme. They are all exemplars of the Queen’s community’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.”

Launched for the first time in 2022, the 30 Under 30 Climate Change Makers initiative draws on the international EE 30 Under 30 initiative introduced by the North American Association for Environmental Education.

The programme is delivered by environmental charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, in partnership with the North American Association for Environmental Education and Podiem. Financial support for the programme has been provided by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Pacem, Pinsent Masons and Danske Bank.

Rachel Vaughan, Project Support Officer (Sustainability) in the University’s Estates Directorate and 30 Under 30 Climate Change-Makers participant, commented: “I am delighted to be part of the 30 Under 30 Climate Change-Makers Programme as it provides an opportunity to further develop the skills and knowledge needed to drive climate action within Queen’s University and beyond. The programme provides an opportunity for young people in a wide range of sectors to collaborate around key global challenges, and to take their learnings into their own areas to drive change and address key challenges facing our society.”

Sara Lynch, Head of Sustainability, Estates Directorate, commented: “As a global institution, Queen’s University Belfast has an important role to play in making a positive impact on our environment, and our staff and students are passionate about our planet and its people. It is therefore fantastic to see Queen’s staff and students so well represented in the inaugural 30 Under 30 Climate Change Makers cohort. They represent the next generation of leaders and policy makers who will help shape our future.”