About us

The International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA) Secretariat is based at the University of Reading. The IUCA team is made up of a group of experts and coordinators managing the alliance. They support the member universities to promote climate research and drive climate education.

Rose Armour, Secretariat Operations Director, International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA)

Prior to joining IUCA, Rose worked with the U.S. Agency for International Development in Kazakhstan. Where she working on climate change projects addressing transboundary water issues in Central Asia from 2023 – 2025.

In 2023, Rose was seconded to COP28 as Head of Climate Education, where she worked closely and advocated for the involvement of higher education institutions at COP. She also served as Head of Sustainability at the American University of Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates where she oversaw the university’s climate action plan and promoted climate research and initiatives.

Earlier in her career, Rose worked with the Social Innovation Fund in Washington, D.C. and with the U.S. Peace Corps in Fiji, Burkina Faso and Cote d’Iviore. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography and Botany from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Oregon in the United States.

Nikki Morse,  Secretariat Operations Manager, International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA)

Having worked in the education sector for over 21 years, Nikki has been employed by the University of Reading for the past 15 years. She enjoys creating positive learning environments where people feel supported and confident to succeed and was awarded Fellow status of the Higher Education Academy in 2016 for her contribution to Teaching and Learning.  

In 2024, Nikki took on a 12-month secondment opportunity, within Readings Planning and Strategy Office, where she worked as a Strategic Projects Manager on the successful bid for Reading to host the IUCA Secretariat 2026-2028.

Nikki holds a BSc in Criminology and Psychological Studies and, outside of work, she enjoys crime novel writing and a range of creative hobbies. She is also a devoted nanny to two beautiful grandchildren and a much-loved grand dog.