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From environmental education to equality and knowledge exchange, sustainability and sustainable development is becoming a major consideration for many top universities. Our sustainability rankings feature many institutions from all over the world who make this a priority. Canada’s University of Toronto ranks highest this year, followed by University of California Berkeley in the US and University of Manchester in the UK.
Students are more interested in sustainability principles than ever before and are eager to get involved in research. However, many have questions: what is the best way to find out what sustainability research is being conducted at their university and how can they get involved?
Ask your tutors and other members of faculty
One of the more obvious ways to find out about sustainability research and how you, as a student, can get involved is by simply asking members of faculty. Faculty members from a range of different subjects may be involved in sustainability research, either environmental or social sustainability, and may be looking for students to take part or to aid them in the process.
For social sustainability research, students might be able to help by becoming part of the focus group and answering questions about their experiences. Alternatively, they may be the ones conducting a survey designed by the primary researcher. They may be expected to go into a specific environment and conduct a field study. They may also be tasked with organising and processing data once the study has been completed so that the primary researcher can begin looking for trends and drawing conclusions.
For environmental sustainability research, students may be tasked with conducting surveys, collecting background research, organising data, aiding the primary researcher with admin or other tasks, as needed.
Even if your tutor is not involved in any research at this time, sustainability is becoming a subject of increasing interest for many universities around the world so they will likely be able to refer you to a colleague who may be interested in your help. Alternatively, by following the research output of your university, you will be able to identify the members of faculty who most often work in this area and ask them for guidance as to how you can get involved with future projects.
Check the university website
In some universities, aiding in student research is considered an employment role. All employment opportunities should be advertised on the university website.
These advertisements will usually outline the project, the level of qualification they are looking for and the responsibilities required. The requirements will vary depending on the role and responsibilities it includes. Some roles will specify that applicants will need to have completed their bachelor’s qualification and may only be open to other postgraduate researchers. Other roles will be open to undergraduate students.
If your university is not currently conducting any sustainability research, it may be a good idea to look at the websites of other universities. Student research assistants do not necessarily need to be a part of the university they are working for. All applications should be considered equally.
Networking at sustainability conferences
Sustainability conferences such as the UN Climate Change Conference and ChangeNOW have become major events for political leaders, businesses, and researchers alike. However, there are also many conferences which students can attend.
At these events students can meet members of faculty and postgraduate students who are able to connect them to research opportunities.
Get involved in sustainability student unions
Universities have a wide range of organisations, clubs, and societies: from sports clubs to film enthusiast meetings and musical groups to sustainability initiatives. There is usually something for everyone. Beyond putting you in contact with other students who share the same passion for sustainability, these clubs and societies can also help you get involved in research. Any faculty member or research student at the university looking for a student volunteer or assistant will often look for those who might be interested in sustainability. The first people they will consider will be students of a sustainability degree or those who are actively involved in sustainability societies and initiatives.
When attending meetings and events as a part of these student unions and societies, remember to network as much as possible and really get to know the people who are involved. They may be able to lead you to opportunities which you otherwise might not have been aware of.
Finally, there are plenty of external organisations that can aid students who want to get involved in sustainability research. Our Future17 initiative, co-founded with the University of Exeter, puts students into contact with university partners and organisations from around the globe. It allows them to be part of projects that aim to make a real change by working towards the Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN.
The exact topic of research will vary from year to year and person to person; they are heavily dependent on the sustainability issues that have been identified by the Future17 team and the ways that students can make the most significant impact. Topics could include natural landscapes and biodiversity, agriculture and farming methods, business and commerce, oceanography and more. There are several Future17 stories and testimonials on our Top Universities website for you to explore.
Future17 and other similar initiatives allow students to not only get involved in research but be a part of the solution. They allow students to gain work experience by partnering them with other students from universities around the world and allowing them to work as a team, a major strength in today’s global business market.
Conclusions
To be able to find and get involved with sustainability research, students should focus on networking. Meeting and speaking to professors and postgraduate students at your university and other universities will give you the best insight into ongoing sustainability research and the opportunities available for you to get involved.
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How to get involved in sustainability research while at university
Holly Hemmings
Updated Dec 02, 2024Save
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Table of contents
From environmental education to equality and knowledge exchange, sustainability and sustainable development is becoming a major consideration for many top universities. Our sustainability rankings feature many institutions from all over the world who make this a priority. Canada’s University of Toronto ranks highest this year, followed by University of California Berkeley in the US and University of Manchester in the UK.
Students are more interested in sustainability principles than ever before and are eager to get involved in research. However, many have questions: what is the best way to find out what sustainability research is being conducted at their university and how can they get involved?
Ask your tutors and other members of faculty
One of the more obvious ways to find out about sustainability research and how you, as a student, can get involved is by simply asking members of faculty. Faculty members from a range of different subjects may be involved in sustainability research, either environmental or social sustainability, and may be looking for students to take part or to aid them in the process.
For social sustainability research, students might be able to help by becoming part of the focus group and answering questions about their experiences. Alternatively, they may be the ones conducting a survey designed by the primary researcher. They may be expected to go into a specific environment and conduct a field study. They may also be tasked with organising and processing data once the study has been completed so that the primary researcher can begin looking for trends and drawing conclusions.
For environmental sustainability research, students may be tasked with conducting surveys, collecting background research, organising data, aiding the primary researcher with admin or other tasks, as needed.
Even if your tutor is not involved in any research at this time, sustainability is becoming a subject of increasing interest for many universities around the world so they will likely be able to refer you to a colleague who may be interested in your help. Alternatively, by following the research output of your university, you will be able to identify the members of faculty who most often work in this area and ask them for guidance as to how you can get involved with future projects.
Check the university website
In some universities, aiding in student research is considered an employment role. All employment opportunities should be advertised on the university website.
These advertisements will usually outline the project, the level of qualification they are looking for and the responsibilities required. The requirements will vary depending on the role and responsibilities it includes. Some roles will specify that applicants will need to have completed their bachelor’s qualification and may only be open to other postgraduate researchers. Other roles will be open to undergraduate students.
If your university is not currently conducting any sustainability research, it may be a good idea to look at the websites of other universities. Student research assistants do not necessarily need to be a part of the university they are working for. All applications should be considered equally.
Networking at sustainability conferences
Sustainability conferences such as the UN Climate Change Conference and ChangeNOW have become major events for political leaders, businesses, and researchers alike. However, there are also many conferences which students can attend.
ON Sustainability Research Network hosts a large conference in a different university from around the world each year which is popular with students. The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education conference and expo is another popular option which is hosted in the US. Furthermore, universities will host their own conferences which aim to highlight their local sustainability leaders and the research their institution has done and is planning to do in the next year. The London Student Sustainability Conference is hosted by City University of London in partnership with other institutions in and around the city. The University of Birmingham, The University of Leeds and the Utrecht University each have their own sustainability research conference showing their institution's achievements.
At these events students can meet members of faculty and postgraduate students who are able to connect them to research opportunities.
Get involved in sustainability student unions
Universities have a wide range of organisations, clubs, and societies: from sports clubs to film enthusiast meetings and musical groups to sustainability initiatives. There is usually something for everyone. Beyond putting you in contact with other students who share the same passion for sustainability, these clubs and societies can also help you get involved in research. Any faculty member or research student at the university looking for a student volunteer or assistant will often look for those who might be interested in sustainability. The first people they will consider will be students of a sustainability degree or those who are actively involved in sustainability societies and initiatives.
When attending meetings and events as a part of these student unions and societies, remember to network as much as possible and really get to know the people who are involved. They may be able to lead you to opportunities which you otherwise might not have been aware of.
Testimonials
Future17 and other initiatives
Finally, there are plenty of external organisations that can aid students who want to get involved in sustainability research. Our Future17 initiative, co-founded with the University of Exeter, puts students into contact with university partners and organisations from around the globe. It allows them to be part of projects that aim to make a real change by working towards the Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN.
The exact topic of research will vary from year to year and person to person; they are heavily dependent on the sustainability issues that have been identified by the Future17 team and the ways that students can make the most significant impact. Topics could include natural landscapes and biodiversity, agriculture and farming methods, business and commerce, oceanography and more. There are several Future17 stories and testimonials on our Top Universities website for you to explore.
Future17 and other similar initiatives allow students to not only get involved in research but be a part of the solution. They allow students to gain work experience by partnering them with other students from universities around the world and allowing them to work as a team, a major strength in today’s global business market.
Conclusions
To be able to find and get involved with sustainability research, students should focus on networking. Meeting and speaking to professors and postgraduate students at your university and other universities will give you the best insight into ongoing sustainability research and the opportunities available for you to get involved.
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