Recent Trinity College Dublin PhD graduate Eleanor Mullen has been recognised as one of the Irish Times' 50 People to Watch in 2025 in the Environment category. This prestigious accolade highlights Eleanor’s innovative work in sustainable materials development and her broader contributions to environmental sustainability.
Eleanor’s expertise lies in the sustainable development of materials, a field critical to addressing the global challenges of resource management and environmental degradation. During her time at Trinity, she conducted groundbreaking research at the AMBER (Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research) Centre, where she explored innovative ways to reconcile human demand for materials with the planet’s ecological limits.
Beyond her academic achievements, Eleanor made a tangible impact on Trinity’s campus by founding the Urban Garden. This initiative has grown into a vibrant hub of sustainability and community engagement. The garden, maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers, regularly hosts plant swaps, workshops, and educational events that bring together staff and students. It serves as a model for how urban spaces can be repurposed to promote environmental awareness and foster connection.
Eleanor’s dedication to sustainability was further recognised when she was awarded the Sustainability Leadership Award during Trinity’s Green Week. This accolade reflects her tireless efforts to inspire positive change and her ability to lead by example in creating a more sustainable future.
As Eleanor continues her career, the spotlight is on her to drive meaningful progress in how society navigates the complex relationship between materials innovation and environmental stewardship. Her inclusion in the Irish Times’ list is a testament to her potential to shape a greener, more sustainable future.
For more on Eleanor’s research and her work with Trinity’s Urban Garden, click here...
