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Atlantic Technological University Signs Strategic Agreement with University of Illinois Chicago to Advance Urological Innovation
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Ireland and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) in the US have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) supporting a cross-institutional partnership focused on Urological Innovation, furthering bilateral collaboration in research, clinical training, and innovation at the intersection of urology and medical technologies.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Ireland and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) in the US have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) supporting a cross-institutional partnership focused on Urological Innovation, furthering bilateral collaboration in research, clinical training, and innovation at the intersection of urology and medical technologies.
The agreement is a significant development in international academic cooperation between ATU and UIC, creating opportunities for joint research programmes, faculty exchanges, co-hosted scientific events and translational research in minimally invasive surgery and medical technologies, supported by Enterprise Ireland, in areas such as urology and digital health platforms.
Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, stated, “This partnership signals our commitment to global collaboration and impactful research. UIC’s strengths in urology and health sciences complement our own strategic priorities in medical technology and clinical innovation. This agreement paves the way for tangible advances in urological care and research, supported by a dynamic innovation ecosystem of co-creation and exchange.”
The collaboration will also facilitate access to research infrastructure and clinical trials across both institutions, while also creating new professional development pathways for postgraduate and early-career researchers. It supports the ambitions of both universities to contribute to patient-centred, innovation-led healthcare solutions with global relevance.
UIC is home to one of the leading public medical schools in the United States, and the Department of Urology is internationally renowned for its expertise in urological health innovation spearheaded by the UR*Lab, as well as robotic surgery, uro-oncology, and men’s health. The ATU-UIC partnership is underpinned by a shared vision for academic excellence and impact-driven research in health innovation. Professor Eamonn Rogers, a Consultant Urologist working with the HSE in Ireland, and Professor Craig Niederberger, Head of the Urology Department at UIC, were central to developing this unique partnership. Prof. Rogers and Prof. Niederberger have been working closely with Dr Eugene McCarthy and George McCourt at ATU to establish a specialised team with colleagues at UIC, where Prof. Rogers is also a visiting Adjunct Professor in Urology.
George McCourt, Head of Innovation & Enterprise at ATU, emphasised the importance of this strategic collaboration with UIC stating;
“This international agreement enhances existing synergies based on the expertise and capabilities of ATU & UIC. Together, we will identify unmet medical needs and develop technology transfer of innovative solutions, resulting in novel urological medical device products which can compete on a global scale.”
Dr Eugene McCarthy, Head of Department of Analytical, Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences and Academic Director of the Medical and Engineering Technologies (MET) Gateway at ATU, commented on the new collaboration said: “Partnering with UIC’s experts in the College of Medicine and Innovation Centre will ensure our collaboration will deliver innovative technologies which will improve patient outcomes. The partnership with UIC also presents a significant opportunity for our regional enterprises to engage with ATU and UIC experts in expanding their product offering to address unmet clinical needs”
Peter Pfanner, Executive Director, UIC Innovation Centre and Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation at UIC, remarked:“UIC is honoured to join with ATU in this forward-looking collaboration. Together, we aim to accelerate innovation in urological care and other medical fields to support the next generation of clinician-scientists and through them, improve patient outcomes and foster meaningful global impact through innovation and education.”
Prof. Neal McCrillis, Vice Provost for Global Engagement at UIC added;
“UIC looks forward to working with ATU to advance our common goals in research and innovation, particularly in the medical and biomedical fields. UIC has an extensive research portfolio with close to $USD 500 million in funding annually and centralized support for global engagement with more than 100 international university partners. The new ATU-UIC partnership will play an important role in UIC’s comprehensive internationalization strategy ( https://oge.uic.edu/internationalization/) going forward.”
This academic agreement supports the internationalization and research strategies of both institutions and is part of broader efforts to connect Irish and U.S. higher education through high-impact collaborations in health and science.
During a high-level visit to UIC, led by Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, the Memorandum of Agreement was signed at UIC’s main campus in Chicago on the 30th May 2025. During the visit a range of high-level meetings took place between ATU and UIC staff from the Innovation Centre, College of Medicine, College of Business Administration, Academic Programme Review and Assessment / The Provost’s Office.
From Left to Right: Matt Rogers, Dr Rachael Shaw (ATU), Padraig Manning (Irish Consulate in Chicago), Dr Bob Barish, Charles Frisbie (UIC), Cyril Regan, George McCourt (ATU), Dr Marie Lynn Miranda (Chancellor of UIC), Dr Eugene McCarthy, Dr Orla Flynn (President of ATU), Prof. Petter Pfanner, Dr Michael Young, Grace Dyer (UIC), Aidan McKenna (Enterprise Ireland), Dr Sean Duignan, John Joe O’Farrell (ATU), Dr Mark Rosenblatt, Prof. Craig Niederberger (UIC) and Prof. Eamonn Rogers (HSE Ireland)
PHOTO CAPTION:
Photograph 1: From Left to Right: Dr Marie Lynn Miranda (Chancellor of UIC), Dr Orla Flynn (President of ATU)
