Professor Frances Lucy Appointed as ATU's EU GREEN Alliance Co-ordinator

ATU is one of nine universities from across Europe to take part in the multi-million euro programme which aims to build strategic alliances between universities in the European Union (EU) and increase international competitiveness within the European Higher Education Area.  

The alliance has been selected with a score of excellent by the European Commission as one of only four winners of the "European Universities Alliance" initiative across Europe in 2023 to start their collaborative journey and received funding of more than €14 million over 4 years.  

ATU is joined with universities from France, Italy, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Germany, Spain and Portugal to form a 'supercampus' with more than 158,000 students and 18,000 staff. The 'European Universities Alliance ' initiative is a significant political priority and is funded by the European Union.

Professor Frances Lucy, currently Head of the Department of Environmental Science and Director of CERIS (Centre for Environmental Research Innovation and Sustainability) at ATU Sligo, brings a wealth of expertise and experience to her new role. With a strong background in environmental science and a passion for sustainability, Professor Lucy has dedicated her career to tackling pressing environmental challenges.

The EU GREEN Alliance is a collaborative network that unites the staff and students from nine universities, leveraging their combined expertise to drive positive change. Through this consortium, Professor Lucy and her team will actively engage with industry, agencies, and society to develop innovative solutions that address the pressing environmental concerns of our time.

Commenting on her appointment, Professor Frances Lucy said, "The EUGreen alliance network brings together a wealth of relevant expertise and talent across the staff and students of nine universities. Our consortium will engage with industry, agencies, and society across Europe on solutions for a sustainable future."

Professor Lucy's distinguished career also includes serving as the Environmental Sciences Association of Ireland (ESAI) Chairperson from 2016-2019 and is a Board member of Loughs Agency and President of Invasivesnet, the International Association for Open Knowledge on Invasive Alien Species.

She is highly regarded as a leading environmental expert and has been instrumental in advancing research and policy both nationally and internationally. Her research interests encompass aquatic invasive species, fisheries science, water quality, sustainability and citizen science.

Additionally, Professor Lucy has been appointed to the Advisory Committee of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Ireland, further demonstrating her commitment to shaping environmental policies and initiatives at a national level.

President of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn said the alliance is an incredible opportunity not only for ATU but for the region as a whole:

“ATU is delighted to be part of this ambitious European alliance which will change the landscape of third-level education for universities based in rural and smaller urban areas. It will open up opportunities for students to study common degrees across multiple universities in 9 countries allowing students, staff and researchers to engage across the EU.  It will also bring social and economic benefits to the region through a sustainable educational environment. The appointment of Professor Frances Lucy as the EU GREEN Alliance Co-ordinator for ATU is a testament to our commitment to EU Green.  

With her extensive knowledge, leadership skills, and dedication to environmental research, Professor Frances Lucy is well-positioned to drive the EU GREEN Alliance's efforts towards a sustainable and greener future for Europe.”   

Professor Frances Lucy will begin in her new role in the coming weeks.  To find out more about the EUGreen programme, please visit www.eugreenalliance.eu.