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Dr Shane Loughlin Recognised at Atlantic Technological University’s First-Ever Alumni Awards
Atlantic Technological University proudly recognised Dr Shane Loughlin, Founder and President of the ESE Academy, as the recipient of the 2025 Alumni Award in Engineering & Computing during its inaugural ATU Alumni Awards.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) proudly recognised Dr Shane Loughlin, Founder and President of the ESE Academy, as the recipient of the 2025 Alumni Award in Engineering & Computing during its inaugural ATU Alumni Awards.
Dr Loughlin was recognised for his pioneering work in engineering innovation and advancing cutting-edge technologies within the global life sciences sector. With more than 30 years of experience in automation, digital transformation, and systems integration, he has worked at the intersection of engineering research, mentorship, and practical application. A co-founder of the former software integration firm SL Controls, Dr Loughlin helped grow the company into an industry leader in software integration before its acquisition by Danish multinational IT firm NNIT in 2021.
He was one of seven alumni recognised by ATU as part of its first-ever Alumni Awards, which celebrated graduates who have demonstrated determination, ambition, and impact across a wide range of sectors. Other recipients included leaders in journalism, business, engineering, sport, and health sciences:
- Breege Conroy Walsh, Founder & Managing Director, BWC MedTech Consulting – Alumni Award in Science & Health
- Enda Mc Guane, Head of Asset Management, Land Development Agency – Alumni Award in Business
- Evelyn O’Toole, Founder & CEO, Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS) – Alumni Award in Science & Health
- Lauren Cadden, Record-breaking Irish Sprinter and Paris 2024 Olympian – President’s Alumni Award
- Lisa Lynch, Senior Manager R&D, Boston Scientific – Alumni Award in Science & Health
- Pat McArt, Journalist, Author, Former Editor, Derry Journal – Alumni Award in Design, Education & Humanities
The awards were formally presented during ATU’s Spring Conferring Ceremonies, held on 29 April (ATU Donegal), 30 April (ATU Sligo), and 01 May (ATU Galway Mayo), in a celebration that brought together graduates, their families, and the broader university community.
ATU President, Dr Orla Flynn, commented: “The Alumni Awards reflect the determination, ambition, and impact of our graduates. Dr Shane Loughlin’s dedication to innovation and mentorship is shaping the future of engineering in Ireland and beyond. We are proud to recognise his achievements and those of our alumni who continue to lead with vision and purpose.”
This first-of-its-kind celebration marked a major milestone in ATU’s growing alumni engagement, highlighting the university’s commitment to recognising graduates who make meaningful contributions in Ireland and around the world.
