About
H2O Heroes is a research-informed environmental education initiative that bridges the gap between education and action by connecting schools, higher education, and communities through citizen science.Operating on an all-island basis across Northern Ireland and the North-East of Ireland, the programme has engaged over 5,000 participants. It supports children and teachers as active citizen scientists in water quality and biodiversity monitoring, while involving third-level students as mentor scientists, linking education with research and community engagement. H2O Heroes combines place-based, experiential learning with real-world scientific methods to build environmental literacy, confidence, and stewardship. The programme demonstrates measurable increases in knowledge, engagement, and pro-environmental behaviours, alongside strong intergenerational impact. It fosters social capital by strengthening connections between schools, families, communities, and institutions, building trust, collaboration, and shared ownership of environmental issues. Using innovative digital tools and gamification, it sustains engagement within a community-based framework, providing a scalable model for environmental action.
Top 3 learnings
- We learned that place-based learning using local rivers significantly increases engagement and environmental understanding.
- We found that hands-on citizen science builds confidence, science identity, and long-term participation.
- We discovered that partnerships strengthen social capital and enable sustained, community-led environmental action.
What it would mean to win
Winning a Green Gown Award would mean so much to us at DkIT. H2O Heroes has grown from a small, research-led idea into a programme that is now making a real difference in communities, and one that we are so passionate about. This recognition would really validate the commitment and dedication of everyone involved, from staff and students to teachers, children, and community partners.
SDG
SDG
| 2026 | |
| Benefitting Society | |
| Finalist, UK and Ireland |
More from the 2026 awards
Charles Sturt University
Restoring Nature, Inspiring Futures: 20+ Years of Biodiversity Leadership
Read More
Finalist, Nature Positive
Green Gown Award Regions
Australasia
