As part of RCSI Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Week 2026, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences invites you to join us for Health for Humanity: Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, a half-day symposium exploring how education, research, policy and institutional action can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.

Bringing together experts from academia, government, healthcare and the not-for-profit sector, the symposium will consider how we can move from ambition to action and accelerate progress towards the United Nations SDGs.

The symposium forms part of RCSI SDG Week, 21–25 September 2026, which will bring together students, staff and partners through a series of events and activities focused on the SDGs.

RCSI was appointed an SDG Champion for 2025–2027, recognising the University’s commitment to advancing the goals through education, research, healthcare, operations and engagement.

Speakers and sessions

• Professor Paul Walsh, UN SDG Academy and UCD –
  Education for the SDGs: Preparing the Next Generation for a Sustainable Future
  Exploring how education can equip the next generation to tackle global sustainability challenges

• Dr Graeme Kelly and John O’Brien, RCSI –
  From Commitment to Action: Delivering Ireland’s First Institution-Wide My Green Lab Certification
  A practical look at how RCSI turned sustainability ambition into measurable action across its research laboratories.

• FoodCloud –
  From Action to Policy: Using the SDGs to Drive System Change 
  Exploring how action on food waste and food insecurity can influence policy and drive lasting system change.

• Professor Matthew Chersich, Trinity College Dublin –
  Research, Climate and Health: Turning Evidence into Impact
  Exploring the health impacts of climate change and how better evidence and long-term monitoring can inform policy, healthcare and climate action.

Student poster competition

The symposium will also showcase entries from the RCSI Student SDG Poster Competition, giving students an opportunity to present research, innovations and ideas that could contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Who should attend?

The symposium is open to healthcare professionals, academics, researchers, students, policymakers, sustainability practitioners and anyone with an interest in health, climate action and sustainable development.

Whether you are already working directly with the SDGs or are interested in understanding how they relate to your own area of work, the symposium will offer practical examples, new perspectives and opportunities for discussion and collaboration.

Registration

Attendance is free, but registration is required. Places are limited and early registration is encouraged.