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Credit: Rhine-Ruhr 2025/Vera Loitzsch
Michelle Tanner, Trinity’s Director of Sport & Physical Activity, joined a distinguished international panel at the FISU World Conference in Böchum, Germany this July, sharing how Trinity College Dublin is linking health and sustainability in innovative and impactful ways. The three-day conference themed around “Competing for Change: Exploring Sustainability and (Mental) Health Through Sports” was attended by over 400 delegates from 40 countries. Michelle was joined on stage by Nomsa Mahlangu, Senior Director for Sport at the University of Johannesburg, and Anthony Martin, Director of Sport and Wellness at the University of Doha for Science & Technology, with the discussion moderated by Liesbeth van Vliet-Kruisifikx, President of the European Network of Academic Sports Services.
The panellists shared key insights into how the FISU Healthy Campus programme is serving as a powerful strategic tool to embed a holistic culture of well-being and sustainability across their institutions and into the wider community. The panellists also explored best practices for implementation, community engagement, and strategic alignment with global sustainability goals.
Speaking about Trinity’s journey to FISU Healthy Campus Platinum status, Michelle described the programme as a powerful framework for embedding a “whole campus” approach to health and wellbeing. “It’s not me in sport that’s driving this. It’s everybody that’s driving this,” she explained. Michelle went on to highlight how Trinity's model is built on nine thematic areas, each co-chaired by academic and operational leads. This collaborative structure breaks down silos, connects stakeholders from across the university, and ensures the initiative touches every aspect of campus life, Michelle explained.
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Credit: Rhine-Ruhr 2025/Vera Loitzsch
One of Trinity’s most impactful strategies has been integrating Healthy Trinity into the university’s wider sustainability agenda. “We linked Healthy Trinity into the sustainability agenda … on the basis that healthy people make healthy choices,” Michelle told the audience. The "healthy people, healthy planet” vision has made Healthy Trinity one of three core pillars of the university’s Sustainability Office thereby securing senior-level accountability, dedicated resources and a place at the heart of Trinity’s long-term strategy.
Michelle also stressed the importance of linking campus initiatives to the local and national community. From green space projects with Dublin City Council to partnerships with over 100 on-campus and external organisations, Healthy Trinity ensures that the benefits of its work are felt beyond the walls of the university. In doing so, it supports national priorities such as Healthy Ireland, while contributing to global goals including the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
For Michelle, the FISU Healthy Campus programme is not just a certification but a catalyst for cultural change: “The process of addressing the criteria together is essential - it’s about fostering a culture where health and sustainability are embedded in everything we do,” she said. That culture spans initiatives as diverse as smart travel schemes, addiction awareness campaigns, and mental health programmes, as well as the redesign of student spaces to enhance wellbeing through sustainable, inclusive and biophilic design principles.
Reflecting on the conference, Michelle said: “Universities have a massive role to play in shaping the future - not only for our students, but for the communities around us. At Trinity, we see ourselves as a neutral convener, bringing people together in a safe and collaborative environment to co-create healthier, more sustainable futures.”
Further information
Beyond the Gym: How the FISU Healthy Campus Programme is Redefining University Wellness