Mary Immaculate College (MIC) has been named Education Provider of the Year at Ireland’s Climate Change Leadership Awards (ICCLA) 2025, recognising its exceptional commitment to sustainability, climate education, and community engagement.
The awards, which celebrate organisations leading the way in climate action, were held on Friday, 3 October, at a black-tie ceremony in the historic Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin. Hosted by comedian and broadcaster Colm O’Regan, the event also featured an address from Minister Roderic O’Gorman, Leader of the Green Party, who praised Ireland’s growing leadership in sustainability and climate innovation.
The award reflects the collaborative work of a dedicated team at MIC. Leading this effort were Paul Aplin, Head of the Department of Geography at MIC; Dr John Morrissey, Associate Professor in Geography at MIC; Dr Anne Dolan, Associate Professor and Lecturer in Primary Geography at MIC; Dr Maeve Liston, Director of Enterprise and Community Engagement at MIC; Dr Daniel Vasquez, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Philosophy at MIC; and Dr Julian Bloomer, Geography Lecturer at MIC, whose combined expertise in environmental science, education, and outreach has been instrumental in embedding climate action principles throughout the College’s academic and institutional initiatives.
The ICCLA Education Provider of the Year Award recognises institutions that demonstrate innovation and excellence in climate education, from curriculum design to research and community outreach.
MIC was shortlisted alongside the Institute of Public Administration, Bord na Móna, IRD Duhallow, and Dairygold Co-Operative Society, before being announced as the overall winner of the Education Provider category.
Reflecting on MIC's achievement, Professor Paul Aplin said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to receive the Education Provider of the Year award at the Irish Climate Change Leadership Awards. It’s a wonderful recognition of the work happening right across the MIC community to integrate sustainability and climate action into every aspect of what we do—from teaching and research to how we operate as a campus. This award reflects a collective effort by staff, students, and partners who are deeply committed to preparing future generations to meet the challenges of our changing world.”
Speaking about MIC’s ongoing climate action work, Dr Maeve Liston, added:
“MIC is proud to contribute to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan through innovative teaching, research, and outreach. Our interdisciplinary expertise in Environmental Sciences, Education for Sustainability, and STEM ensures that graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to address the impacts of climate change. Through collaboration, curriculum development, and community engagement, MIC is actively supporting a just transition to a more sustainable future.”
This achievement builds on the work outlined in the MIC Climate Action Roadmap 2030 (CAR/MIC 2030), a strategic plan aligning the College’s practice with the principles of climate justice, sustainability, and global citizenship. The roadmap prioritises measurable progress across teaching, research, operations, and community engagement—ensuring that MIC continues to lead by example in higher education.
Ireland’s Climate Change Leadership Awards, organised annually, honour individuals, organisations, and institutions making a positive impact through innovation, leadership, and measurable climate action.
