ESD Capacity-Building in Curriculum Design with CRAFTS
Dr Kieran Higgins and Dr Alison Calvert, Queen’s University Belfast
Invite Only Workshop
Join Dr Kieran Higgins and Dr Alison Calvert as they introduce the CRAFTS methodology for embedding Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into curricula.
CRAFTS uses Design Thinking principles to support collaborative, values-driven curriculum design.
The approach includes key stages like Co-Design, Theoretical Alignment, Learning Design, and more.
It aligns with ESD theory and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, promoting active, transformative learning.
The workshop will explore how this framework can support Schools and programme teams at Trinity.
Following a successful 10 year career in the national and international dairy industry, Dr Alison Calvert transitioned into education. She is currently a Senior Lecturer (Education) in Food Chemistry at Queen’s University Belfast, with a passion for making complex food science concepts accessible and engaging for her students. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in authenticity thus creating a dynamic and enriching learning experience for her students.
Alison’s current pedagogical research interests are focused on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). She has a particular interest in curriculum design strategies and teaching methodologies essential for developing sustainability competencies in graduates, plus the development and delivery of ESD programmes designed to educate and support academics embed ESD principles into their practice.
Alison is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST). Her active participation in industry organisations such as the IFST UK Education and Professional Development Committee and the UK Food Safety Research Network Innovation Board reflects her commitment to professional growth and making meaningful contributions to both the food industry and academia.
Dr Kieran Higgins is a Lecturer in Higher Education Practice at Ulster University, specialising in the development of ESD in the curriculum and upskilling lecturers to support this work.
Kieran was previously a Lecturer (Education) in Sustainable Development at Queen’s University Belfast, where he was Programme Director of the MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development, the university’s 25-year flagship programme on sustainability.
As an internationally recognised scholar in the field of ESD, Kieran is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities for students to develop as change agents for a more sustainable future. Kieran is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.