The AIB Trinity Climate Hub at Trinity College Dublin aims to unite researchers in tackling some of the most pressing global challenges: maintaining a stable and liveable climate, safeguarding biodiversity and vital ecosystem services, adapting to climate change, and addressing water degradation.
Recognising the critical role of education and innovation in building a sustainable future, AIB has pledged over €20 million to support sustainability-focused education and research initiatives. This includes a €10 million investment in the AIB Trinity Climate Hub.
Addressing Climate and Nature Crises
As the lead industry partner, AIB is committed to supporting research that identifies and develops solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises. This partnership will also build capacity for addressing these challenges through the AIB Climate Leaders programme. The research undertaken will focus on scaling up existing solutions and fostering the rapid development of new ideas, technologies, social structures, and economic tools essential for the transition to a sustainable future.
In addition to its investment in the AIB Trinity Climate Hub, AIB has committed €10 million to Innovate for Ireland, a flagship initiative under Ireland’s Global Talent Strategy. This public-private partnership aims to attract and retain world-class researchers to address future challenges, including climate change.
AIB Chief Executive Colin Hunt, pictured alongside Dr Linda Doyle, Provost and President of Trinity College Dublin, said:
“Education and knowledge are vital to building strong and resilient economies and societies. The transition to a low-carbon future presents significant opportunities for learning and innovation. That’s why AIB is investing over €20 million to support quality education and research in this area. The work of the AIB Trinity Climate Hub and our partnership with Innovate for Ireland will benefit society and help shape a better, more sustainable future for all.”
Dr Linda Doyle expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration:
“The scale and depth of our partnership with AIB will drive meaningful impact in this crucial area of research. Rigorous academic research, the foundation of the AIB Trinity Climate Hub, is central to addressing the climate challenge. This work informs public policy, fuels innovation, and deepens public engagement. It is a vital investment in the future.”
Professor Yvonne Buckley, Director of the AIB Trinity Climate Hub, added:
“Our collaboration with AIB will foster a dynamic community of researchers across disciplines, dedicated to solving the intertwined crises of climate, biodiversity, and water. Research will enable us to scale up known solutions while accelerating the development of new technologies, social structures, and economic tools for the transitions ahead. Education and research together will cultivate the brilliant minds needed to secure a sustainable future.”
Karen Wiltshire, CRH Chair of Climate Science at Trinity, highlighted the importance of AIB’s support:
“This commitment from AIB strengthens Trinity’s focus on Climate and Biodiversity Education. Sustainability is a core value of our university, and we are fully committed to providing top-tier climate education and fostering innovative, equitable solutions for a climate-resilient, carbon-neutral future.”
Above: (from left) Dr Linda Doyle, Mary Robinson, AIB CEO Colin Hunt and Trinity's Prof. Yvonne Buckley at the conference
The announcement coincided with AIB’s 8th Annual Sustainability Conference on Monday, 25th November. The event featured high-profile speakers, including environmentalist, entrepreneur, and actor Edward Norton, and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, who also served as Chair of The Elders and as a UN Special Envoy on Climate Change.
This ambitious initiative underscores AIB and Trinity College Dublin’s commitment to tackling global sustainability challenges through education, research, and innovation.