Courses
New lunchtime series offers an informal way to discover research at ATU
A new monthly series will give researchers at every stage an opportunity to share their work, develop their presentation skills, and connect with colleagues.
From sustainability and nutrition to advanced healthcare technologies, the new Science Lunch & Learn series, starting on 16 September 2026, will highlight the breadth of research taking place at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sligo Campus.
Open to all staff and students, the informal lunchtime sessions will bring together speakers from different departments and at different stages of their research careers.
The series has been organised by Barry Brennan,Staff Researcher, with support from various Heads of Departments in science and engineering and the Research Office.
The idea grew out of a desire to increase awareness of the research taking place across campus. Barry was struck by the depth of expertise within the university and how much of it remains unfamiliar to the wider ATU community.
“Even within academic circles, it can be difficult to know about the experience and research interests of colleagues working alongside each other,” he said.
We also have many postdoctoral researchers, contract researchers and staff researchers who may not receive much exposure across the wider university, partly because of the short-term nature of their projects. This series is an attempt to bridge that gap.
The sessions will take place monthly during term time and will feature research from a variety of disciplines. The organisers hope the mix of subjects will encourage attendees to encounter ideas outside their own areas of expertise.
“Sometimes the most interesting questions and ideas come from discussing your research with people who are unfamiliar with your field and who bring different knowledge and perspectives. We hope the sessions will tap into people’s curiosity, stimulate new ideas, and help colleagues build connections that may lead to future collaborations,” Barry added.
The series will also provide an encouraging environment in which researchers can develop their communication and presentation skills.
Each presenter will have between 10 and 15 minutes to speak, leaving time for questions and informal discussion. Sessions will begin at 1 pm and run for about an hour. Attendees are welcome to bring their lunch, and questions and discussion are actively encouraged.
The first event features three researchers on the Sligo Campus.
- Dr Ehiaze Ehimen: Turning Sustainability Research into Impact: Insights from Selected Projects
- Dr Eamon Laird: Beyond the Plate: What Nutrition Can Tell Us About Health and Ageing
- Lokesh Yadav: Developments and Advanced Technologies for Continuous Blood Pressure Monitoring
The next Science Lunch & Learn is on Wednesday, 14 October at 1 PM in room D1031.
Sign up here if you would like to give a talk during a Lunch & Learn session: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/hAB4HSFm8K
Photo caption: (L-R) Barry Brennan, Staff Researcher at ATU and organiser of the new Science Lunch & Learn series, pictured with event speakers Dr Ehiaze Ehimen, Dr Eamon Laird and Lokesh Yadav.
For media enquiries, contact:
Ivana Hanjs
Communications Officer
Tel: 089 963 9559
E: ivana.hanjs@atu.ie
