University of York students present their research at sustainability conference in Leeds
Posted on 6 March 2025
Yesterday, students from the University of York took part in the annual Student Sustainability Research Conference (SSRC25) at the University of Leeds. The event featured a wide range of thought-provoking research projects from students across Yorkshire, all focused on key sustainability issues. Attendees also explored over 50 academic posters displayed in Parkinson Court, highlighting the breadth of student-led research.
The conference brought together students from 12 member institutions of Yorkshire Universities, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange. From arts and languages to environmental science, the diversity of research topics reinforced the importance of taking a multifaceted approach to sustainability challenges.
Student presentations
We were especially proud to support University of York students who delivered presentations and workshops, including:
Prasad Sandbhor (PhD student): how to design role-playing games that help in sensemaking of climate actions.
Harry Bennett (MSc student): changing with the seasons: change management in sustainable agriculture.
Isabel Navarro (PhD student): Investigating the impact of herbicide exposure on macrophyte community composition and long-term recovery.
Erin Clough and Rose Anne Mitchell (Masters students): Hosting a workshop on flood prevention – The Rising Tide: How Can We Slow the Flow of Flooding?
Suzie Eden (PhD student): reimagining sustainability in Key Stage 3 geography curriculum.
Deborah Mackenzie (student): How could an industrial transition to alternative plant-based textile biomaterials be sustainably achievable?
Savannah Davies (final year UG student): The influence of activism: an analysis of the impact of environmental activism on environmental policy development and implementation across the globe.
Sustainability Clinic student team contributions
A special highlight of the conference was the impactful work presented by the University of York’s Sustainability Clinic student teams. Their projects showcased real-world applications of sustainability research and demonstrated how student-led initiatives can drive meaningful change:
Sustainability Story Time - Collaborating with York Explore Libraries to engage children and families with sustainability storytelling (Katie Lamy, Abbey Reardon, Violet Wingfield, Harriet Preston, Nicole Swinnerton, and Jake Bennett).
Transforming Low-Income Areas with Environmental Initiatives – Partnering with Thirteen Group to enhance biodiversity in low-income urban areas (Emma Ralph, Eleanor Tullet, Abbie Moore, Josh Proctor, Dylan Shale, and Alec Joly).
Consulting for Sustainability Education in Sport – Working with the Rugby Football League (RFL) to develop sustainability strategies within the sports sector (Safiya Hussain, Charlotte Beale, Hannah Murray, Sakshi Rajeev, Emma York, and Emily James).
A huge congratulations to all our students who presented their research and contributed to the inspiring poster exhibition.
About the Student Sustainability Research Conference
Hosted annually at the University of Leeds, the Student Sustainability Research Conference (SSRC) provides a platform for students from all disciplines to present their sustainability-related research, projects, performances, and installations. Whether presenting solo or as part of a group, SSRC offers a fantastic opportunity to engage with new ideas and gain inspiration for future research.
Find out more about the conference and how you can participate next year.