Exeter students take part in Vice-Chancellor’s Climate Colloquium
Jasmine Kaur, Kiera O’Carroll and Haleema Khan present their idea, ‘RePlateOx’
Oxford University launched the Vice-Chancellor’s Colloquium in the 2023-2024 academic year as an interdisciplinary programme designed to connect humanities and STEM subjects. Its inaugural theme focuses on climate change, reflecting the University’s commitment to addressing global challenges. Through keynote lectures, group discussions, and collaborative projects, students explore the causes, effects, and solutions to climate change. This initiative provides undergraduates with opportunities to enhance their critical thinking, numeracy, data analysis, and communication skills.
This year, 20 Exeter students participated in the Vice-Chancellor’s Colloquium during Hilary Term. The main guest lectures were held weekly at the Mathematical Institute, featuring speakers from diverse disciplines. Meanwhile, smaller group sessions, involving students from Exeter and Worcester Colleges, focused on interactive activities and hands-on learning. These sessions took place in the Fitzhugh Auditorium, Cohen Quad, and were led by Exeter postgraduate student Maya Hollander (2023, DPhil in English) and James Somper (2023, DPhil in Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, New College).
In the final week, five groups of Exeter students presented their solutions to local climate challenges, brainstorming how student-led initiatives could enhance sustainability within colleges and the University. Some of the proposed projects included reducing food waste in college halls by redistributing surplus food to external charities like NishkamSWAT, raising awareness of AI’s environmental impact, and promoting local alternatives to long-distance travel to reduce carbon footprints.
The final project presentation ceremony will take place in Trinity Term, where three selected groups will deliver their ideas to a wider audience. Among the ideas being presented will be ‘RePlateOx’. Led by Exeter students Jasmine Kaur (2021, History & Modern Languages), Kiera O’Carroll (2023, Philosophy and Modern Languages) and Haleema Khan (2022, Earth Sciences), the project aims to reduce food waste.
Speaking at the end of Hilary Term, Jasmine described her experience so far:
‘The colloquium was an eye-opening opportunity to engage with topics beyond my field of study. Collaborating with like-minded yet diverse peers allowed us to craft practical climate solutions, blending creativity with real-world impact. The guest lectures were incredibly insightful, offering perspectives I would have never encountered otherwise. More importantly, this experience wasn’t just about ideas—it was about action. I now feel equipped to make meaningful changes in my daily life, from reducing waste to advocating for sustainability initiatives within the University. If you’re passionate about making a difference, the colloquium is the perfect place to start!’
