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Research, Innovation, and Engagement Issue 2026
This hub brings together the discoveries, stories and researchers shaping our region.
Archaeologist uncovers Ireland’s first known wildcat from 5,500 years ago
The earliest directly dated wildcat ever found in Ireland has been identified, marking a breakthrough in understanding prehistoric wildlife.
Bringing memories to life
Immersive technology is helping care home residents reconnect with cherished memories from family farms to beaches in Donegal.
A new era for veterinary education
“As Ireland’s newest veterinary school, we have the opportunity to build something genuinely distinctive.” – Professor Patrick Pollock
Farmer’s Yards
By tackling isolation and promoting wellbeing, Farmer’s Yards makes the transition through farm succession easier for older farmers.
Enivronment and Sustainability
Ireland’s lost wildcat
The earliest directly dated wildcat ((Felis silvestris) ever found in Ireland has been identified by archaeologist Dr Marion Dowd.
The secret lives of humpback whales
Miguel Blázquez uncovers why Ireland became a key habitat for one of the world’s most iconic marine mammals.
Read his story
The rise of the endangered concrake
Dr Andrea Parisi, ecologist and researcher, talks to ATU’s Regina Daly about his research into the endangered Corncrake species which was once abundant in rural Ireland.
Paradise Found
Meet the Irish Irish marine biologist from Co Kildare supporting critical restoration work in the Maldives one coral fragment at a time.
Society and Enterprise
The untold story of Suresh Pillai
From a childhood in rural India to election to the Royal Irish Academy, Prof Suresh Pillai reflects on the people and discoveries that shaped his career.
Read his story
A Smart Bench
The newly installed An Binse Cliste (The Smart Bench) at Glenveagh National Park that allows visitors to experience bird activity, bird song recordings, night sky darkness and air quality insights.
The Farmer’s Yards
By tackling isolation and promoting wellbeing, Farmer’s Yards makes the transition through farm succession easier for older farmers.
Health and Wellbeing
The heart of it
Inside the story of CroíValve and the research lab working to change cardiovascular care.
Read
Nutrition overlooked after cancer survivorship
New research highlights the role of nutrition after cancer treatment.
Reducing the paperwork burden
The Donegal start-up helping transform medical notes from hours of work into minutes.
Bringing memories to life
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and residential care group Riada Care Ltd. have unveiled an innovative new project that uses Virtual Reality (VR) technology to enhance the quality of life for elderly residents
Technology and Innovation
Patrick Pollock on veterinary futures
“As Ireland’s newest veterinary school, we have the opportunity to build something genuinely distinctive”
Can timber solve carbon’s climate problem?
“Every timber building is effectively locking carbon away for decades.”
A second life for ‘ghost gear’
Dr Eimear Magee is recovering discarded fishing gear from the ocean into valuable resources for local industries.
Read the story
Can we power devices without batteries?
ATU researchers have developed battery-free smart sensor for structural health monitoring.
Can AI solve a legal problem?
When seeking legal advice that can have life-altering consequences, Joanna Frivet asks how we ensure the information people receive is accurate and trustworthy?
On the horizon…
Young cancer survivors overlooked
Leah Walsh has launched a study to develop tailored nutrition support for young adult cancer survivors aged 18-39.
Is sport a level playing field?
Luke Canavan Dignam’s research examines why women remain significantly underrepresented in sports concussion studies and explores whether AI and improved methodologies can address this imbalance.
Can robots catch the mistakes humans miss?
With over 3,600 device vigilance reports in Ireland and more than 1,000 global medical-device recalls in 2024, PhD researcher Dipshikha Das is teaching robots to support human inspectors in this demanding work.
Nutrition strategies to promote sleep in elite athletes
New research led by PhD student Gavin Rackard has identified specific nutritional interventions that may significantly enhance sleep and recovery in elite athletes.
When period pain becomes a workplace issue
Period pain is costing Irish workplaces more than many realise. PhD researcher Rebecca Tarpey is working to change that.
Are entrepreneurs the answer to Ireland’s economic growth?
PhD researcher Leigh Moran is investigating how entrepreneurial investment could suport local economies.
Research, Innovation and Engagement Issue 2026
ATU Magazine, edited by Anne Donnelly, is our bi-monthly publication featuring news, interviews, profiles, research, innovation activities, and updates on ATU alumni.
See all issues of the magazine here.
Research In Focus is funded by RISE@ATU. RISE@ATU is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-2027.