Our work
We have several ongoing strands of work, coordinated by a small steering committee.
Through our activities, we aim to showcase the UK’s efforts on climate change to the international community, demonstrate the power of UK universities and world-leading science in innovation in contributing to the changes necessary, and exemplify how UK universities can work together on this important shared priority.
Our work areas
Policy engagement
Conduct outreach and consultation with policymakers, such as UK government officials, to facilitate the dissemination and development of evidence for climate action
Support capacity building across the academic community, through ad hoc training and secondment opportunities
International
Promote international knowledge sharing, collaboration and capacity building to expand the impact of universities in the context of UNFCCC negotiations, through engagement with other academic networks and host country institutions.
Strengthen engagement with international climate and nature fora across the UK research and higher education community
Education and skills
Raise the profile of university in supporting green jobs/future jobs
Promote collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening action across the higher education sector
Innovation
Showcase and facilitate knowledge sharing on the role of universities in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship
Develop innovative opportunities to engage the broader UK public in climate solutions
Net zero universities
Foster collaborative activities to develop guidance, share and realise good practice across the network and key sector bodies focused on HEIs delivering a resilient net zero transition for their own institution
Connect people supporting our institutions net zero transition and seek to facilitate alignment between operational and academic approaches
Briefings
We coordinate and publish briefing papers to share evidence on key climate change topics, written by more than 100 authors from across our member universities.
Case studies
We highlight case studies of best practice in climate action from our member universities.
Latest news
Blog: Academia-policy partnerships to combat climate crisis
In this blog, Yasemin Didem Aktas, Associate Professor of Applied Materials and Structures at University College London, reflects on her recent secondment at the Government Office for Science and the value of academia-policy partnership. Read more
UUCN panel event for London Climate Action Week
The UUCN is hosting a panel event at London Climate Action Week 2024! Join us on Tuesday 25 June, 4:00 - 5:30pm at the Royal Institution. As a hub for knowledge, training, and innovation, the ... Read more
Climate innovation: what role can universities play?
Ahead of Innovation Zero, UUCN co-chair Alyssa Gilbert shares her perspective on the importance of universities in climate innovation. Read more