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Application Deadline extended for Phase II of SPARK, Cross-Border Mobility Initiative
The application deadline for phase II of the Mobility Initiative, between Ulster University (UU) and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has been extended.
This collaboration rebranded as SPARK – Student & Staff Partnership Across the Region for Knowledge will expand opportunities for student and staff exchanges between the two universities. The scheme welcomes participation from all staff—academic and professional—in both UU and ATU.
Three broad strands of activity will be supported:
- Exploratory staff visits aimed at deepening understanding of ongoing work across both institutions and identifying new avenues for collaboration, including seminars and small‑scale academic events.
- Student mobility initiatives, such as field trips, shared access to facilities, and collaborative project work.
- Mobility linked to larger-scale collaborative endeavours, including joint research activity, engagement with external partners, programme development, and shared administrative initiatives.
Phase I of the initiative concluded successfully in 2025. Following a competitive selection process, the fund supported ten diverse mobility projects across the two institutions, demonstrating the strong appetite for partnership and the transformative potential of cross‑border collaboration.
Phase I of the SPARK initiative showed just how much is possible when people come together with a great idea and the determination to make it happen. The projects highlighted below represent real change and meaningful improvements for our teams and those we support.
Now, we’re excited to extend the Phase II deadline, and we want you to be part of this next chapter. If you have an idea that could make a difference in your area, this is your opportunity. Let the successes of Phase I spark your imagination and inspire your proposal.
Dr Maria Faulkner, Lecturer in the Department of Sports Science and Performance at ATU Donegal and Lead Researcher on the SPARK funded project Forward Momentum: Physical Activity during Preconception, Pregnancy and Postpartum, said:
“SPARK funding has been pivotal in advancing our research on movement and wellbeing across preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. In partnership with Dr Lizzy Deery from Ulster University, we’ve developed a strong cross-border led collaboration, bringing together colleagues from institutions across the island of Ireland through a series of symposium events.
This support has enabled the creation of an all-island research collective, strengthening partnerships across research, teaching, and innovation. Our work is generating and sharing knowledge to improve health outcomes, while challenging misinformation and engaging diverse communities and professionals. By connecting academia, industry, and communities, we aim to influence policy, support inclusive dialogue, and deliver impactful, evidence-based solutions for intergenerational health and wellbeing.”
Talking about their project, Shaping Food Futures: Public Policy and Strategic Collaboration Project Dr Phil Ramsey, School of Communication and Media Lecturer at Ulster University said: “Professor Lynsey Hollywood and I were delighted to win funding under the UU-ATU Mobility Scheme. We are running an event on 21 April 2026, to bring students together from the two Universities — in conjunction with colleagues from St Angelas, ATU. The event, Shaping Food Futures: Public Policy and Strategic Collaboration Across Northern Ireland and Ireland, will see students collaborating on a set of tasks in relation to better communicating of food policy. A number of external groups, including the Ulster Farmers’ Union and Safefood, will attend and support the event. This funding allowed for innovative cross-border working and sees Ulster University expand the opportunities on offer to students.”
The application form and further details on the initiative can be found through the North West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC) website: https://mynwtec.com/nwtec-initiatives-mobility-initiative/
The extended deadline for submitting applications is Thursday 30 April 2026 at 12pm.
Photo caption: Atlantic Technological University Ulster University High-Level Strategic Working Group. Standing (L-R): JohnAndy Bonar (ATU), Prof Liam Maguire (UU), JoAnne Kilmartin (ATU), Dr Paddy Hannigan (ATU), Prof Malachy Ó Néill, (UU), Sitting: Paul Hannigan (ATU), Dr Orla Flynn (ATU), Prof Paul Seawright (UU).
For media enquiries, contact:
Aidan Haughey
Communications Manager
Tel: 086 086 6913
E: aidan.haughey@atu.ie
