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Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 – Programme unveiled and pre-registration now open for flagship ocean event of Ireland’s EU Presidency
Landmark international gathering in Galway to shape the future of EU and Atlantic Ocean Research
The Marine Institute, University of Galway, and Atlantic Technological University, with the support of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, today unveiled the programme and opened pre-registration for Atlantic Summit Galway 2026. Taking place on 8-9 October 2026 at University of Galway, the Summit is an Associated Event of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026.
Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 will bring together Europe’s leading ocean strategists, researchers, policymakers, innovators, and communities to shape the future of the Atlantic and Europe’s ocean research agenda. Under the theme “Advancing Europe’s Ocean Research, Innovation and Skills Agenda during Ireland’s EU Presidency”, the Summit will provide a unique forum for dialogue, collaboration, and strategic exchange at a pivotal moment for European ocean policy and international cooperation.
The Atlantic connects us, it drives our economy, it shapes our climate and it holds enormous potential for Europe’s future. At a time of growing environmental, economic and geopolitical challenges impacting the Atlantic, the Summit will focus on several strategic objectives, including:
- Defining priorities and raising the ambition for the next chapter of Atlantic Ocean research and innovation;
- Advancing knowledge-based implementation of the EU Ocean Pact and Ocean Act;
- Accelerating innovation to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and global leadership in ocean science and technology;
- Addressing future capacity, training and skills requirements to support sustainable blue economy development.
The Summit will convene senior representatives from the European Commission, national governments, research organisations, industry, regional authorities, civil society and international ocean initiatives, creating a unique opportunity to strengthen Atlantic cooperation, foster new partnerships and help shape future priorities for ocean research, innovation, and governance. At a time when ocean challenges increasingly transcend national boundaries, the Summit will provide a vital platform for collaboration across disciplines, sectors and countries, enabling shared solutions to shared challenges.
Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, said:
“Ireland’s Presidency of the EU Council falls during the second half of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. For many years Ireland has played a leading role in advancing Atlantic Ocean research and we are proud to make Galway the location yet again to set future ocean research and policy priorities. The Summit will help build the partnerships and solutions needed to address shared challenges for a healthy, resilient, and productive Atlantic Ocean.”
Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said:
“As Europe looks to address increasingly complex ocean challenges, robust scientific knowledge and evidence-based decision-making have never been more important. Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 will provide a vital platform for connecting research, policy and practice, helping to inform future priorities for ocean sustainability, resilience, and innovation.”
Dr Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University, said:
“The Atlantic region has enormous potential to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and societal benefit. Realising that potential will require investment in people, skills, and collaboration alongside research and technological advancement. Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 will bring together diverse expertise from across Europe and the wider Atlantic region to explore how we can build the talent, partnerships and solutions needed for a sustainable and competitive blue economy.”
Located on Europe’s Atlantic seaboard, Galway is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence for marine and ocean science, research and innovation, making it an ideal location for this important gathering. The event represents a unique opportunity for ocean leaders to strengthen Atlantic cooperation and ensure that ocean policy remains at the forefront of Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience agenda.
Over two days, participants will engage in a dynamic programme of keynote addresses, high-level policy dialogues, plenary discussions, and networking exchanges. The Summit will explore some of the most pressing opportunities and challenges facing Europe and the wider Atlantic region, including resilient coastal communities, the future of Atlantic economies, ocean observation and innovation, healthy and productive oceans, and the role of science diplomacy, governance and geopolitical change in shaping the future of the Atlantic.
Reflecting the Summit’s commitment to international cooperation and intergenerational engagement, the programme will also examine the future role of the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance as a model for ocean science diplomacy, partnership, and collaboration across the Atlantic basin.
At a pivotal moment for Europe’s ocean agenda, the insights and recommendations emerging from the Summit will contribute to implementation of the EU Ocean Pact and Ocean Act and help inform Europe’s future ocean priorities. The summit will build ambition among European decision-makers and stakeholders for stronger and more targeted investment in ocean research and innovation under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10).
Pre-Register Now Atlantic Summit 2026 | Atlantic Summit 2026
Pre-registration is now invited from individuals and organisations seeking to contribute to discussions shaping Europe’s ocean future. To ensure balanced representation across policy, research, industry and society, places will be allocated through an application process. Given the strong level of interest anticipated from across Europe and beyond, prospective participants are encouraged to submit their applications early.
For media enquiries, contact:
Regina Daly
Communications and Press Officer
Tel: 087 961 8355
E: regina.daly@atu.ie
Further Information:
Atlantic Summit 2026 | Atlantic Summit 2026
Atlantic Summit 2026 Programme
Atlantic Summit 2026 | Atlantic Summit 2026
