Courses
ATU joins the Irish Ocean Literacy Network to strengthen leadership in marine and sustainability research
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is now a Voyager member of the Irish Ocean Literacy Network (IOLN), an all-island network dedicated to building an ocean-literate society through collaboration, education, research, and community engagement.
With deep roots in coastal communities and a strong portfolio in marine and environmental science, engineering, fisheries, climate action, and education, ATU’s membership of IOLN reflects a shared commitment to advancing ocean literacy for future generations.
As a maritime university, ATU recognises that understanding the ocean is fundamental not only to environmental stewardship, but also to sustainable economic development, safe navigation, climate resilience, and the wellbeing of coastal societies.
Membership of the IOLN further strengthens ATU’s contribution to national marine education and research through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and partnership. As a university embedded across Ireland’s Atlantic coast, ATU is uniquely placed to contribute to, and benefit from, a coordinated national approach to ocean literacy that reflects Ireland’s strong maritime identity and ocean-dependent economy.
The IOLN provides frameworks and tools that support collaborative public engagement initiatives, encouraging active participation from communities, schools, and stakeholders. With the IOLN, ATU will collaborate with communities, educators, policymakers, and industry to co-design inclusive ocean literacy initiatives that connect scientific knowledge with local experience, enabling shared stewardship of marine resources. ATU can work alongside coastal communities and maritime stakeholders to share research, local knowledge, and practical experience in ways that support mutual learning and sustainable outcomes.
The IOLN also provides a platform for collaboration between higher education institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and industry partners focused on the ocean. For ATU, this creates tangible opportunities to connect applied research with national priorities such as marine spatial planning, fisheries sustainability, offshore renewable energy, coastal resilience, and climate adaptation.
Through its research centres and applied projects, ATU can contribute research, case studies, and expertise while also fostering opportunities for shared learning and collaborative dialogue with diverse ocean stakeholders on topics such as coastal resilience, offshore renewable energy, marine safety, and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, supporting informed national dialogue on ocean issues. ATU can also pilot and showcase community engagement initiatives, working with schools, industry, ports, and local organisations to translate ocean literacy into real-world impact.
The membership reflects ATU’s established strengths in marine science, environmental science, climate action, coastal policy, ocean literacy and sustainable development. It also provides a national platform to showcase the University’s work, while supporting broader collaborative efforts in advancing ocean literacy across multiple sectors.
Dr Róisín Nash, Senior Lecturer & Researcher at the Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), ATU, said:
“For ATU, joining the Irish Ocean Literacy Network is a natural step. As a university shaped by coastal regions, ocean literacy underpins how we educate future maritime professionals, engage with communities, and support the sustainable use of Ireland’s ocean resources. IOLN membership strengthens collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the reach of our work, reinforcing ATU’s role as a maritime university.
Dr Ian O’Connor, Head of School of Veterinary, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at ATU, said the membership reflects the depth of expertise across the University in marine and environmental education and research.
“It also strengthens our contribution to national discussions on climate action, coastal management and marine sustainability, while supporting a more integrated approach across research, education and public engagement.”
As a maritime university, ATU brings a strong regional and applied perspective to the network, with a focus on connecting research, education and community engagement to contribute to tangible “on-the-ground” actions to help address UN SDG 14, the Decade of the Oceans and Mission Ocean Seas and Waters.
Catherine McCann, Executive Officer for the IOLN, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Atlantic Technological University to the IOLN. ATU’s strong connections to coastal communities, applied research, and marine education make them a valuable addition to the network and reflect the growing momentum behind collaborative approaches to ocean literacy across the island of Ireland.
By bringing together higher education, communities, industry, government, and civil society, IOLN aims to support shared understanding and collective action around the sustainable future of our ocean, and ATU’s expertise and regional reach will make an important contribution to that work.”
For media enquiries, contact:
Ivana Hanjs
Communications Officer
Tel: 089 963 9559
E: ivana.hanjs@atu.ie
