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ATU to welcome emerging researchers from across Europe
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) will welcome over 80 early-stage researchers from nine EU GREEN European University Alliance partner universities across Europe to its Sligo campus for the 2026 EU GREEN Early-Stage Researchers Conference.
Taking place from 2 to 6 November, the conference will bring together over 80 Master’s students, PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers for a week of interdisciplinary research exchange, professional development and international collaboration.
The conference will officially open on Tuesday, 3 November, at 9 am, with an address from Professor Brendan Jennings, Chief Officer for Research, Innovation & Engagement at ATU.
The conference programme will include workshops designed to support researchers at the early stages of their careers.
Researchers will also have opportunities to present their work, develop new skills, exchange ideas across disciplines and establish connections with colleagues from partner universities.
The opening keynote will be delivered by Cora Keane, Acting Senior Executive Planner with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.
She has 25 years’ experience in the planning sector and currently leads strategic spatial and economic planning for the West Region, working across Mayo, Roscommon, Galway City and Galway County.
Her previous local government roles have spanned development management, forward planning and community development within Galway and Mayo County councils, giving her extensive experience of both planning policy and its practical implementation.
Frances Lucy, ATU lead for the EU GREEN University Alliance, said:
The conference will give early-stage researchers from across the EU GREEN Alliance the opportunity to share their work, learn from one another, and develop skills, including sustainability, that will support them throughout their research careers. They will also network with Irish professionals in their fields to brainstorm on future directions for research and career paths.
Bringing researchers from different countries and disciplines together also creates valuable opportunities for new sustainable collaborations that can continue long after the conference concludes.”
The EU GREEN European University Alliance comprises nine universities working together to advance sustainability in education, research, innovation and engagement.”
As part of the conference, members of the public are invited to attend AI- Fast, Furious and Sustainable?, a panel discussion exploring the opportunities, risks and future of artificial intelligence. The event takes place at ATU Sligo on Thursday, 5 November, from 6pm to 7.30pm. Advance registration is required:https://www.atu.ie/news/is-the-rapid-rise-of-ai-sustainable-public-invited-to-join-discussion
Photo caption:
- Participants attending the EU GREEN conference at Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
- Cora Keane, Acting Senior Executive Planner with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, who will deliver the opening keynote address at the 2026 EU GREEN Early Stage Researchers Conference at ATU Sligo.
For media enquiries, contact:
Ivana Hanjs
Communications Officer
Tel: 089 963 9559
E: ivana.hanjs@atu.ie
