Research and Innovation

Much of our research is carried out in collaboration with companies, communities, and other stakeholders in our region. We also participate in large-scale international networks, often bringing companies, communities, local authorities, and others from our region into those networks.

We have recently introduced a range of taught Masters (Level 9 programmes) with a particular focus on research activity. These have allowed us to extend our reach into the workplace, with the research completed by individual students being co-designed with employers.

There are now 60 PhD Scholarships available at ATU through the TU Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise Scheme (TU RISE)

Our research track record

We compete and win international funding based on excellence and originality.
We publish at the highest levels in the peer-review system.
We invent and deliver to market products, processes and systems.
We inform the design and delivery of our undergraduate teaching with the outputs of our Research, Innovations and Engagement (RIE) activities.
We graduate externally examined Masters and PhD students.

ATU Community Engagement Activities

Community-based research projects

We lead, collaborate, and support many community-based research projects. Projects are undertaken to support community development, inform social issues that may exist in communities, provide an evidence base for community development, and enhance the community for its citizens.

Work Integrated Learning

Over 200 of our programmes have community supported learning placements.

Volunteering Activities within Communities

Across all our campuses, large numbers of team members and students use their knowledge, skills, and competencies to support community initiatives and actions. They often raise much needed funds for local organisations such as the NW Simon Community, Focus Ireland, and Special Olympics Ireland.

Knowledge Transfer and Sharing Activities

These are embedded across all campuses. Knowledge sharing initiatives make an ongoing contribution to the economic, social, and cultural future of our society.

Examples of recent activities include Heritage Tourism and Social Value Creation, Inishowen Development Partnership, and Situational Health Needs Analysis.