The University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh Earth Fellows: Student power in urgent climate research

How do higher education institutions meet the demand from students to collaborate with research staff on projects connected to climate change and sustainability? Many students seeking to address the climate crisis come to research intensive universities hoping to gain exposure and direct experience of academic research, through collaborations with academics. Historically however, on-campus collaborations between students and academic researchers working on climate, environment and sustainability projects are frequently ad hoc or focused around specific taught courses or units, with few truly cross institution schemes or programmes.

To address this gap, in 2022 the University of Edinburgh’s Edinburgh Earth Initiative launched a cross-institution fellowship programme that created paid, part-time work opportunities to undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students to lead and influence projects in collaboration with academics, professional services departments at the University of Edinburgh and local and global partners. Enveloping their employment, is a community building and skills development package that allows Earth Fellows to build personal and professional connections with students and staff across the institution and tailored skills sessions. Additionally, Fellows work in teams and participate in a growing network of diverse young people at the forefront of the climate crisis, often hailing from communities most impacted by climate change.

Top 3 Learnings

1. Utilising the diverse lived experience and expertise of students increases the impact of climate research.
2. Developing confident communicators is central to successful climate research and partnership working.
3. Our experience shows that when staff and students work together, both parties learn and grow.