Ulster University Derry~Londonderry became the meeting place for a groundbreaking all-island academic collaboration, as more than 50 academics and researchers from across Ireland descended upon the Maiden city to discuss important research focused on improving the social, economic and infrastructural future of the North and West of Ireland.
Atlantic Futures, a €4 million cross-border joint research project partnership between Ulster University, University of Galway, Atlantic Technological University and University of Limerick, is working to guide transformation in the North and West of Ireland by creating new insight, knowledge and connections to empower policy makers and decision takers across the region.
After a hugely successful event in the Burren, Co Clare last year, Atlantic Futures chose Derry~Londonderry for this year’s annual ‘Atlantic Futures Summer School’ – which brings together academics from across the four partner universities, collectively working on six diverse research areas, including female entrepreneurship, business scaling, digitisation opportunities, freight connectivity and mental health support.
Across the three-day event researchers took part in workshops, masterclasses and field trips, taking the opportunity to discuss and present their work, review their findings and explore new pathways to unlocking regional transformation in the years ahead
Some of the events included:
- A civic reception at the Guildhall with the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane
- A two day conference at Ulster University Martha Magee Building at the Derry~Londonderry Campus
- Field trips to key sites around the city including, the city walls, Ebrington and Foyle Port
Professor Malachy O’Neill, Director Regional Engagement at Ulster University said:
“I am delighted to welcome Atlantic Futures colleagues to Derry~Londonderry for the second Atlantic Futures Summer School. This is a hugely exciting project with much potential to guide regional transformation across the North and West of Ireland and we are thrilled to bring everyone to the city for this year’s conference as work continues across our six research streams.”
A recent milestone for Atlantic Futures was the formation of a new Strategic Advisory Group – a panel of business leaders, policy makers and sector leaders from across the island, many of whom were in attendance. The Strategic Advisory Group was established to provide high-level guidance and insight in Atlantic Future’s mission to drive regional transformation through research-led collaboration.
Professor O’Neill added:
“The Strategic Advisory Group brings deep, practical expertise and influence to our work. It ensures our research doesn’t just generate ideas, but has the potential to shape real, meaningful change across the region.”
As well as those representing the four academic institutions, the event was also attended by representatives from organisations and agencies across the region, including Ni Executive Office, The Centre for Cross Border Cooperation, Donegal County Council, Galway Culture Company, North and Western Regional Assembly, The International Centre for Local and Regional Development and Alcohol Forum Ireland.
Atlantic Futures is funded by the Higher Education Authority as part of the North South Research Programme – a Shared Island initiative by the Irish government.
