2025 Sustainability Conference

2nd Sustainable Futures Conference

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Envisioning a Healthier Future: The Second Sustainable Futures Conference at Ulster University

On Thursday 8 May 2025, Ulster University Business School will once again bring together changemakers, thought leaders, and innovators for the Second Sustainable Futures Conference — this year under the banner of ‘Good Health and Wellbeing’, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3).

Hosted by the UUBS Sustainability Committee and PRME Team, the conference will take place from 10:00am to 4:00pm in the Orpheus Lecture Theatre at Ulster University’s Belfast Campus. The day promises to be a vibrant celebration of interdisciplinary research, practical initiatives, and bold ideas driving the transformation toward healthier, more equitable communities.

What to Expect

Before the main conference kicks off, early-career researchers are invited to a Networking Breakfast at 9:00am, hosted in collaboration with the UU Researcher Network — a valuable chance to connect, collaborate, and build networks for future sustainability research.

The formal programme begins at 10:00am with a warm welcome and a reflection on the past year in sustainability at UUBS, followed by an inspiring lineup of keynote speakers:

  • Professor Una McMahon-Beattie, Head of AACSB Accreditation at Ulster University, will open the morning.
  • Dr Jenny Mack, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the Institute of Public Health, will explore the concept of a Wellbeing Economy and its profound implications for public health and climate change.
  • Dr Shqiperim Reka from Sheffield Hallam University will deliver a powerful address titled ‘From Refugee to PhD’, sharing his personal journey and work on strategic tourism development in post-conflict Kosovo.

Midday Inspiration: Posters, People & Practical Ideas

At 12:00pm, enjoy a Networking Lunch and Poster Exhibition, showcasing diverse projects that highlight creative, data-driven, and community-led approaches to health and sustainability. It’s the perfect opportunity to browse new research, meet colleagues, and explore ideas that transcend disciplines.

Breakout Sessions: Track Your Interests

The afternoon sessions feature two tracks of parallel presentations, diving deep into themes such as wellbeing in education and the workplace, inclusive research methods, climate health, and sustainable innovation:

Breakout Session 1 (1:00pm)

  • Topics include AI for wellbeing, systems thinking, organizational scaling, intergenerational care, and economic models beyond GDP.

Breakout Session 2 (2:00pm)

  • Themes include sustainable food systems, stakeholder engagement, youth mobility, marine plastic pollution, and alternative business models.

Final Thoughts and Recognition

As the day winds down, our final speaker will present their work on enhancing wellbeing in the tertiary education sector, followed by an interactive session, ‘Resilience and Wellbeing – What can YOU do?’ hosted by Cathy Moore and Drew Neill.

The conference will close with the 2025 Student Writing Competition Awards Ceremony at 3:45pm — a celebration of emerging voices in sustainability and wellbeing.

Why You Should Attend

  • Free to attend, with refreshments provided throughout the day.
  • A rich mix of academic, creative, and practice-based contributions from staff, students, and professional colleagues across Ulster University.
  • Opportunities to network, present, and engage with national initiatives, including the UK PRME Conference at Queen’s University Belfast.

“This conference is as much about good practice and wellbeing as it is about research,” says Dr Marc Duffy, PRME Lead at Ulster University Business School.

“In Dr Reka and Dr Mack we have two excellent speakers with a great story to tell, so we hope to see you all at the conference on the day.”

Secure Your Spot

Register now to be part of this inspiring day of learning, sharing, and imagining a better future:
👉 Click Here

For more information, contact:
📩 uubssustainability@ulster.ac.uk

Or reach out to the organising team: Dr Marc Duffy, Dr Stuart Henderson, or Dr Rachael Singleton.

Let’s create a future where health, wellbeing, and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do. See you on 8 May