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ATU Research Showcase: Meet Our Bioeconomy Innovators
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is launching a new booklet “Meet ATU’s Bioeconomy Innovators” as part of Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2025 (13–19 October). The publication, developed by ATU’s new Research Coordinator team and funded through RISE@ATU, highlights the pioneering work of 12 researchers and innovators across ATU who are shaping a more sustainable, circular and resilient future.
From valorising waste into new value chains to reimagining farming systems and advancing solutions in marine, energy, engineering, food systems and nanotechnology, the booklet illustrates how ATU research is delivering real-world impact for communities, industries and ecosystems.
As the Technological University for the west and north-west of Ireland, ATU grounds its innovation in regional and national priorities. Through alignment with the Northern & Western Regional Assembly’s Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3), ATU contributes to strengths in Agri-Food & Agri-Tech, the Marine & Blue Economy, Renewable Energy & Climate Action, and the Circular Economy transition, while also connecting to emerging opportunities in biotechnology, nanotechnology and digital transformation.
This campaign is about putting a spotlight on the people behind ATU’s bioeconomy research. By showcasing just a sample of our colleagues’ work, we aim to strengthen ATU’s profile as a leader in this strategically important field, and connect our researchers with partners across Ireland, Europe and beyond – Dr. Shane Conway and Dr. James Britton, Research Coordinators.
“As Research Coordinators, we want to showcase the breadth of expertise and commitment amongst the research community here at ATU,” said Dr. Shane Conway and Dr. James Britton.
ATU’s role is further reinforced through participation in major national and European initiatives. In July 2022, ATU researchers became members of BiOrbic, Ireland’s SFI-funded Bioeconomy Research Centre, a national collaboration of more than 100 researchers advancing the circular bioeconomy through interdisciplinary academia–industry partnerships. At European level, ATU researchers lead and contribute to Horizon Europe Cluster 6 and ERA-NET BlueBio projects, positioning the university as a bioeconomy hub on the Atlantic coast.
The 12 featured researchers represent only a sample of ATU’s bioeconomy expertise. Their selection spans multiple campuses and faculties, demonstrating the university’s interdisciplinary strengths. Many other colleagues across ATU are also making significant contributions to the bioeconomy, and their work is equally valued.
The featured researchers include experts in areas such as:
• Circular economy and renewable energy (Leo Murray, Mel Gavin, Prof. Upaka Rathnayake, Dr. Yan Jiang)
• Marine biotechnology and aquaculture innovation (Dr. Nicolas Touzet, Dr. Colin Hannon)
• Sustainable construction and resource efficiency (Dr. Conan O’Ceallaigh, Dr. Mark Kelly)
• Food innovation and cultural acceptance of novel proteins (Dr. Maria Dermiki)
• Nanotechnology for clean fuels (Prof. Suresh C. Pillai)
• Digital transformation and blockchain (Dr. Trevor Clohessy)
• Sensor technology for agriculture and peatland restoration (Dr. Denis McCrudden)
Together, these innovators demonstrate how ATU research contributes to Ireland’s bioeconomy transition, while connecting the university’s expertise to global sustainability goals.
In addition to its research and innovation efforts, ATU’s commitment to sustainability is reinforced through its role in the EU GREEN European University Alliance, a network of nine European universities dedicated to advancing sustainability, innovation, and societal responsibility. This campaign not only connects researchers and innovators across ATU’s campuses, but also strengthens links with colleagues across the EU GREEN alliance and the wider international bioeconomy community, fostering collaboration, visibility and impact in one of the most strategically important fields for our shared future.
