Atlantic Technological University Magazine - Issue 19

Issue 19 | April 2025

6 Where are we now with AI and what’s next?

23 Why do students vape?

19 Why does innovation need space to fail and to evolve?

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15 Research News - Major North Sea restoration programme on the Dogger Bank - ATU joins the ESA Space Solutions Ireland Consortium -E nhancing Space-based Communication

1 Welcome from the Editor

2 ATU Podcasts

3 Editor: Anne Donnelly Design: The Foundation Photography: Conor Doherty, Alison Laredo, Anna Leask, James Connolly, Jessica Priddy, Mike Shaughnessy, Clive Wasson, Aengus McMahon. Lauren Fitzgerald, Paul McGuckin, Brad Anderson, Katarina Rozvadska, Ugnius Brazdziunas, Niall Moran and ATU staff Cover photo: Visual artwork by Enda Burke as part of Ripple, an art exhibition exploring ocean literacy which opened in Galway on 28 March.

Contributors: ATU Communications team, Yvonne Kennedy, Orlaith Ní Mheachair, Stephen Glennon, Gavin Clinch, Dr Carina Ginty, Sinéad Ni Bhroin, Diolinda Coyle, Maria Gallagher, Dr Rita Melia, Deirdre Byrne, Noreen Henry, Annette Cosgrave, Aoife Petrie and Dr Jose M. Fariñas-Franco.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK: If there is anything you would like to see in future issues of this magazine, please email anne.donnelly@atu.ie

University Updates - Students Impress with Gourmet Dining Experience for Guests - Higher Education in the Age of AI: Where we are now and what’s next?

- €1.9 Million Contract for National Training Programme for Special Needs Assistants - Ministers Approve Major Land Purchase by ATU - €1m HEA Performance Funding for ATU Biopharma Industry and Education Partnership

-F unding for Projects aimed at Delivering Solutions to Environmental and Societal Issues

22 Spotlight on ATU Students’ Projects - Effects of Smoking and Vaping - Students Host Cancer Awareness Event - ATU Students Research Traveller Heritage - New Food Product Development Showcase

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28

43

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

ATU Celebrates

- Queer history in Ireland is Irish history

- ATU Wins Tomorrow’s Leaders Student Challenge

- ATU Celebrates International Women’s Day

- Invent for the Planet (Ireland) 2025 Winners

- Reflections on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

- ATU International Hotel School Team win in Arras, France.

36 Innovation and Engagement - Skunkworks: A Space for Innovation at ATU - ATU’s Change-Makers Club: A Tea Room for Ideas and Inspiration!

- ATU and Sligo County Council Work Together to Regenerate Town Centres

40 Sustainability - Green Week at ATU - ATU and Junk Kouture - ATU Students and Staff Plant 250 Native Trees in Connemara Community Woodland

- Unique North-South Collaboration Celebrates 20 Years - ATU Students’ Sports Success - ATU Celebrates 30 years of Heritage Programme - Play in Motion

52 ATU Conferences - Culture, Communications and Change in People Management - DICE Conference Explores Innovation in the Hybrid Working Era - ATU International Construction Management Conference

54 News in Brief

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Welcome from the Editor Dear Reader, I am delighted to welcome you to Issue 19 of our ATU Magazine. 1 April marked our third anniversary and on page four we bring you a message from our President, Dr Orla Flynn on how far we have come in just three years.

The collaboration between our campuses was evident at a recent dinner with some of the University's stakeholders in St Angela's campus. A team of students from across our campuses in Galway, Donegal and Sligo worked together to provide a fine dining experience for all our guests. The food and service were exceptional!

ChatGPT, has impacted higher education globally and in this issue, we look at its impact on learning and teaching, and what we are doing to preserve our high academic standards in a world where, according to a recent UK survey, almost all students (92%) now use AI in some shape or form.

We decided to devote space in this issue to highlight some of our undergraduate students’ projects, from the effects of smoking and vaping to raising awareness of various types of cancer to researching Irish Traveller heritage. You can read more on pages 22-27.

Is outer space the final frontier? If it is, ATU won’t be left behind. In March we joined ESA Space Solutions Ireland which is part of the largest space innovation network in the world.

You can read more about this on page 17 and we also look at an interesting project by ATU’s WiSAR Lab designed to enhance Spacebased communications on page 19.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), embodied by tools like

In our EDI section we examine why queer history in Ireland is an

I f there is anything you would like to see in future issues of this magazine, please email me at anne.donnelly@atu.ie

”

1 | Issue Nineteen April 2025

important part of Irish history and we also bring you coverage of the many activities run in ATU to celebrate International Women’s Day including the launch of our Period Promise campaign and a thought-provoking webinar exploring gendered practices in higher education Samuel Beckett’s words, “Try Again.

Fail Again. Fail Better,” came to mind when I read Gavin Clinch’s opinion piece on page 36. Gavin outlines a proposal for a dedicated experimental space in ATU. He writes: “Innovation doesn’t thrive in tightly controlled environments — it needs space to breathe, to fail, and to evolve.”

There are many more interesting stories in this issue and whether you are a member of our student or staff body, or are one of our regional, national or international partners, I hope you find something of interest here.

Best Wishes Anne Donnelly

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ATU Podcasts A Global Gaming Phenomenon Roblox is a global gaming phenomenon, with millions of daily players diving into a vast universe of interactive experiences. But beyond just playing, it has also become a launchpad for game developers, giving them the tools to create and share their own worlds. At the forefront of this movement is Irish developer Dáire Bohan, co- founder of Bura Games. With hits like Wizard Simulator and Anime Fighters, his games have attracted hundreds of millions of visits. In this podcast, Dáire joins Aidan Haughey to talk about his journey, the rise of Irish game development, and what it takes to succeed in the world of Roblox.

What is Adaptive Learning??

In the third episode of ATU’s HigherEd4Life podcast, Garry Sheahan, Regional Business Manager of McGraw-Hill Education, joins ATU’s Higher Education 4.0 Innovation Projects manager Noel Mulkeen, ATU lecturers Orla Warren and Aurora Dimache, and Higher Education 4.0 Communications Officer Stephen Glennon to discuss the hot topic of using Adaptive Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in third-level colleges and universities. To listen please click here.

Towards a more Connected and Attuned Humanity Dr Mark Garavan recently delivered the inaugural ATU Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care lecture titled, ‘On being moved – pathways to the other’, in which he spoke about contemplation, connection and care for the other.

Mark said: “The enriched human life is not the personal project of achievement where I control all the variables but is rather allowing myself to love and be loved, beloved by the truly other, the one who is not me.”

Mark hopes that: “Contemplation and care may offer safe pathways forward towards a more connected, more attuned humanity.”

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University Updates Students Impress with Gourmet Dining Experience for Guests

Dr Orla Flynn cuts the cake with ATU staff and guests at a recent dinner with some of the University's stakeholders.

In one of a series of lunches and dinners with stakeholders from across the region, ATU recently hosted a dinner at St Angela’s campus.

Guests included representatives from ATU Governing Body, Sligo County Council, Enterprise Ireland, THEA, Chamber of Commerce, the Ursuline Order, the Yeats Society, and An Garda Síochána.

They were treated to a gourmet feast provided by students from Galway, Sligo and Killybegs who converged at St Angela’s campus and worked seamlessly as a team to provide a fine dining experience to our guests. The food and service were exceptional!

A special highlight of the evening was the announcement of the "Seats of Learning" - a pair of bespoke wooden chairs to honour the enduring relationship between ATU and the Ursuline Order. These 3 | Issue Nineteen April 2025

Dr Orla Flynn with members of the Ursuline Order and Paul Leamy.

chairs, crafted from naturally fallen timber, will symbolise the rich legacy of education at St Angelas and the artistry nurtured at ATU. The timber - Yew from St Angelas and Oregon Maple from Trinity College Dublin - will be kiln-dried and prepared at ATU Connemara under the guidance of Paul Leamy, Head of Campus. The final pieces will blend functionality, beauty, and symbolism, representing education, sustainability, and heritage.

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ATU's student team who impressed guests with their food and service at St Angela's campus.

Message from Dr Orla Flynn on ATU’s Third Anniversary Three years ago, we came together to create Atlantic Technological University, one university for the west and north-west region of Ireland.

Today, ATU is one of Ireland's largest universities with almost 30,000 students. We're a university deeply connected to our communities, industries, and the wider world.

Through the EU GREEN alliance, we’re collaborating with universities across Europe to drive sustainability and innovation. Our research continues to expand through TU RISE with 60 PhD scholarships launched that will strengthen the links between academia and enterprise.

Our cross-border relationships are growing ever stronger. We’re a force for progress and regional development, and we’re a hub of opportunity for students, researchers and innovators.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to growing and evolving and leading the way for our region and beyond.

We are building a university that transforms lives, strengthens communities, and drives sustainable regional growth.

This is just the beginning. Together, we are shaping the future. Thank you for your continued support and commitment. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.

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Higher Education in the Age of AI: Where we are now and what’s next?

Image created by Chat GBT depicting a futuristic university classroom where artificial intelligence assists students and lecturers.

In this special feature on Artificial Intelligence (AI), we look at students’ current use of GenAI, redesigning student assessments, the innovative GenAI:N3 project, ATU’s Academic Integrity hub and an example of the effective use of AI in the classroom.

“ Artificial intelligence is

likely to be either the best or worst thing to happen to humanity.

”

Stephen Hawking (1942 - 2018) Dr Hazel Farrell from South East Technological University (SETU) reminded us of Stephen Hawking’s quote at a webinar on 5 March on ‘Higher Education in the age of AI’ which was part of a series of GenAI awareness webinars run in March at ATU.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not new, but its evolvement has implications for higher education in particular Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools such as ChatGPT, and higher education is now recognising their potential benefits in enhancing teaching and learning (NAIN, 2023).

Acknowledging the impact GenAI has on student assessment and academic integrity, many higher education institutions are reconsidering their assessment strategies to uphold academic standards and ensure that assessments accurately reflect students' knowledge and skills.

“ Student use of AI has

surged in the last year, with almost all students (92%) now using AI in some form.

”

UK Higher Education Policy Institute Survey, 2025

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Students’ current use of GenAI Dr Farrell gave us an overview of students’ current use of AI. A 2025 survey on student use of AI by the Higher Education Policy Institute in the UK, found that 64% of students use AI to generate text, a significant increase on last year’s survey which found that 30% of students had used AI for the same purpose.

Building on their 2024 AI Survey, the researchers surveyed 1,041 full-time undergraduate students in the UK. The survey report notes: “In 2025, we find that the student use of AI has surged in the last year, with almost all students (92%) now using AI in some form, up from 66% in 2024, and some 88% having used GenAI for assessments, up from 53% in 2024.

“ The main uses of GenAI

[by students] are explaining concepts, summarising articles and suggesting research ideas, but a significant number of students – 18% – have included AI-generated text directly in their work.

"

In an interesting article on RTÉ’s Brainstorm site, Barry Hayes, a lecturer in UCC’s school of engineering, writes about how he asked GenAI to attempt some of the exam questions he had previously given to his undergraduate students. GPT-4o mini, scored 90%, while DeepSeek-R1 scored 94%. In comparison, the average performance across the 61 UCC students that sat this exam in May 2024 was 63.8.

However, when he tested ChatGPT and DeepSeek on more advanced and specialised engineering topics (for example, Masters-level exam papers), the results were mixed. He notes: “Strange errors and logical inconsistencies emerged when they were presented with more challenging engineering problems.”

Designing assessment in the age of GenAI During her presentation Dr Farrell emphasised the importance of having an informed perspective, clear communication, transparency and a culture of integrity when reconsidering assessment in the age of GenAI. Dr Farrell was quick to point out the need to focus on the process, and not just the end product. She said: “Process-based assessments not only focus on an end product, but also on how the learners arrive at their conclusions. This is particularly valuable in preparing students for complex, real world challenges where

the journey is just as important as the destination.”

In her excellent article titled ‘Assessment Redesign Framework’, Dr Farrell notes: “The goal of assessment redesign is to develop robust, fair, valid, and effective methods that can withstand the potential misuse of AI tools, while also providing students with the opportunity to demonstrate their learning meaningfully.” Dr Farrell gives examples of assessments that are more difficult for GenAI to simulate such as assessments involving critical thinking, decision-making, and personal reflection.

Moving forward what do we need to do?

Dr Farrell concluded her webinar by emphasising the need for universities to collaborate rather than compete if they are to lead the way in technologydriven education and be successful in adapting to AI fully. She ended on a positive note by saying: “AI doesn’t replace our creativity, it empowers it.”

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Navigating the GenAI Revolution in Higher Education ATU lecturers Annette Cosgrave and Noreen Henry share their insights from the GenAI:N3 project, an initiative that unites educators, students, and technologists from seven partner institutions to explore the transformative potential of Generative AI in higher education.

The rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), embodied by tools like ChatGPT, has profoundly impacted higher education globally.

While these technologies unlock transformative potential for learning, they also challenge traditional academic integrity frameworks.

Conventional assessments like essays, unsupervised exams, and online quizzes are increasingly vulnerable to AI-generated content, compelling educators to rethink their approaches.

ATU lecturers Noreen Henry and Annette Cosgrave.

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To address these challenges, the N-TUTORR project (a collaboration across the technological higher education sector in Ireland to transform the student experience), established a GenAI:N3 National Network in September 2024, uniting expertise from across Ireland’s technological higher education sector.

This collaborative initiative aims to equip institutions with strategies to harness GenAI’s opportunities while mitigating risks. Among its key achievements is the development of a GenAI:N3 website, scheduled for completion in May 2025, which will serve as a national centralised digital resource for educators and learners navigating this evolving landscape.

Hackathons The project's innovative approach included a series of hackathons hosted by N-TUTORR partners in November 2024. These events were held across multiple locations and included guest speakers, workshops, interactive activities, and a series of challenges. Guest speakers included Dr Rachel Forsyth from Lund University, and author of “Confident Assessment in Higher Education”.

The hackathons provided an engaging platform for staff and students to critically examine the integration of GenAI in the educational contexts. Participants explored how these technologies might reshape assessment models while upholding fundamental educational values, including sound pedagogical practice, authentic assessment principles, and the maintenance of academic rigour.

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The events proved highly successful, generating enthusiastic participation from staff across all ATU campuses and receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback.

AI Play workshops Complementing these efforts, the AI Play workshop has emerged as another cornerstone of the GenAI:N3 initiative. Delivered multiple times across five campuses and remaining available upon request, this experiential workshop offers participants an interactive environment to explore GenAI's capabilities and limitations.

Focusing on developing AI literacy as an essential skill for educators and students alike, the workshop addresses practical applications of AI tools in teaching, learning and assessment, ethical considerations for inclusive implementation, and strategies for assessment redesign.

The workshops have achieved exceptional engagement, with all sessions receiving an average satisfaction rating of 9.6/10.

Participant testimonials highlight the value of these sessions, with comments praising the opportunity to openly discuss GenAI's impact and the practical insights gained for assessment redesign.

Supplementary Resources The GenAI:N3 project has also developed supplementary resources to support the higher education community. A crowdsourced e-book compiles case studies from across the technological university sector, demonstrating how various

departments have adapted their assessment strategies in response to GenAI advancements.

Additionally, the GenAI in Education Chatbot serves as an interactive tool to assist educators in addressing AI-related challenges in teaching, learning, and assessment. This research-informed resource provides tailored guidance for developing AI-aware assessments, preserving academic integrity, and promoting student AI literacy.

As the global higher education sector continues to evolve in response to technological advancements, the GenAI:N3 project exemplifies the importance of collaboration, innovation, and adaptability. These initiatives not only address current challenges but also establish a framework for responsibly integrating GenAI into educational practices.

ATU’s Teaching and Learning Centre are continuing and expanding these initiatives through the development of ATU specific resources such as a the ATU GenAI Academic Guide and a dedicated programme of GenAI workshops and webinars.

Can GenAI Tools ethically support student learning?

Another project funded by N-TUTORR was the ‘GenAI Champions Project’. In February of 2024, 36 undergraduate students with learning differences from seven Higher Education Institutions in Ireland were brought together to enable students, lecturers and other key stakeholders evaluate and ethically adapt AI tools for the learning and benefit of all.

To watch a short narrative film by Max Jones which explores the students’ experience of the GenAI Champions project please click here.

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ATU’s Academic Integrity Hub ATU recognises the potential usefulness of AI in education.

However, the undeclared and / or unauthorised use of AI tools to produce work to earn academic credit is a form of academic misconduct. The University considers all categories of Unauthorised Content Generation (UCG) including the inappropriate use of AI as instances of academic misconduct.

The University has established two Academic Integrity Hubs, one dedicated to staff and the second, for all registered students in ATU. Each Hub (which is available on the ATU SharePoint) details comprehensive resources designed to support academic staff, professional support staff and students in understanding and upholding the highest standards of academic integrity.

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The Student Hub helps students understand how AI is transforming education and how they can use AI tools responsibly in their studies. It offers essential resources to guide students through key areas such as referencing, avoiding plagiarism, searching skills and research tools. Students can learn about the benefits and challenges of AI technologies, explore important topics like academic integrity and privacy, and discover how to assess the trustworthiness of AI-generated information.

Staff can access the Hub to explore materials and guidelines on incorporating academic integrity into their teaching and assessment practices, find support for implementing and upholding academic integrity policies within their programmes, engage in professional development opportunities that focus on

promoting academic integrity in higher education, and discover best practices for integrating AI tools into their teaching ethically and responsibly. Acknowledging the fact that AI is here to stay the Academic Integrity Hub provides an array of assessment redesign ideas.

ATU recommends that students and staff become familiar with the Hub and its resources to support them in the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for third level education and academic integrity.

Dr Maura Fitzsimons, Senior Lecturer in Academic Integrity at ATU, leads our efforts in promoting best practices and embedding a culture of integrity across the University and in this video she explains to students what that means.

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Using GenAI in Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Irish Universities The open access publication, ‘Using GenAI in Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Irish Universities,’ contains a collection of examples which showcase how GenAI has been used by educators across the Irish higher education sector in disciplines as diverse as arts, humanities, social sciences, technology and engineering.

The publication aims to promote AI literacy, inspire new teaching, learning and assessment approaches in higher education and is a worthwhile read for anyone working in the higher education sector.

In the publication K.C. O’ Rourke notes: “It is clear that AI has the potential to revolutionise the workplace and higher education for the better, making learning more personalised, accessible and effective, while also improving administration and supporting research processes.

He also advocates caution and says: "However, in a democratic society, attempts to achieve this should be made in a manner that is fair and transparent. We must address ethical concerns, data privacy and equity issues to ensure that AI technologies are deployed responsibly and inclusively, and not just for the benefit of the billion-dollar tech industry.”

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Using AI in the Classroom in ATU One example of how AI is used to improve a student’s learning experience is an initiative where AI is being used to enhance a Virtual Reality (VR) platform called Bodyswaps. In ATU Sligo, staff, undergraduate and postgraduate students in Business and Social Sciences are using Bodyswaps for interpersonal skills training immersing themselves in realistic scenarios that simulate real-world interactions.

Bodyswaps is an AI-powered experiential soft skill training platform, supporting skill acquisition, confidence building and enhanced student engagement. Available on VR, PC, and mobile devices, it is a dynamic and effective approach to learning, providing users with practical skills, personalised feedback, increased knowledge retention and improved performance, preparing them for the current and future world of work.

Participants have remarked on the depth of feedback from the programme allowing reflection on their current competencies and suggesting action on improving identified skills. Students were impressed with the insights provided

by Bodyswaps and that they could work on the Bodyswaps programme independently, which as one student said, “is great to keep me focused on my ongoing development.”

Diolinda Coyle, ATU lecturer, has been leading out on this creative pedagogical practice at ATU Sligo over the last two years. She also delivers the Bodyswaps Virtual Reality Workshops to staff, undergraduate and postgraduate students.

One of the lecturers involved in the workshops, Mary Gilmartin said:

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Students using the VR platform Bodyswaps.

“The students enjoyed using VR and thought it was 'cool'. They appreciated the chance to practice skills like active listening in a safe and supportive environment.”

Students on the Master of Leadership and Advocacy in the Early Years were delighted to have the opportunity to

work with Bodyswaps this semester.

Their lecturer, Sinéad Barrins said: “Role plays around staff supervision, dealing with team conflict, negotiating, and influencing were particularly beneficial to this cohort of emerging leaders and directly relevant to their daily professional roles.”

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€1.9 Million Contract for National Training Programme for Special Needs Assistants Minister Moynihan highlighted the practical focus of the course and its role in equipping SNAs with the most up to date skills and knowledge to support them in their vital frontline role. He added: “This will, overall, assist school communities to meet the needs of children and young people with special educational needs enabling them to attend school, engage in learning and gain independence to the greatest extent possible.”

“ We welcome the Ministers

ATU has been awarded a €1.9 million contract for the continued delivery of the National Training Programme for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), following a competitive procurement process conducted by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) on behalf of the Department of Education.

Minister for Education, Helen McEntee and Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan have confirmed that a contract has been awarded to ATU led by the School of Education at St Angelas for continued provision of the national training programme for SNAs from September 2025.

Further to a procurement process by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) on behalf of the Department of Education, ATU emerged as the successful tenderer to continue delivery of the course.

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announcement that ATU has A total of 2,962 SNAs have completed been selected to continue the course to date, while a further delivering this vital training 881 are enrolled for the current programme for SNAs. Our academic year. The course, which was colleagues at St Angelas first made available to SNAs in 2021, have a proud tradition of is accredited as a Level 6 Special excellence in education Purpose award on the National and training, particularly Framework of Qualification (NFQ). in special and inclusive The course, which is fully funded by education. This programme the Department of Education, will plays a key role in enhancing be offered between the School of Education and the School of Nursing, the skills and knowledge Health Sciences and Disability of SNAs, ensuring they are Studies at ATU St Angelas. well-equipped to provide high-quality support to Minister McEntee said: “I am pleased children and young people that this important training programme will continue to be available to train with additional needs. We and upskill SNAs. This purposefully look forward to continuing designed course will provide an our collaboration with the opportunity for more SNAs to enhance Department of Education and their knowledge, skills and expertise to the NCSE in delivering this provide the best possible support for impactful programme. children and young people with care needs attending schools around the country.”

”

Dr Orla Flynn

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Ministers Approve Major Land Purchase by ATU

Minister James Lawless with Dr Orla Flynn Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD and Minister of State Marian Harkin TD announced approval in February for ATU to purchase a parcel of land (16.35 acres) across the road from the existing ATU campus in Sligo.

The lands are currently owned by Sligo County Council and ATU has confirmed it will fund the purchase from within its own existing reserves.

Speaking at ATU’s Sligo campus, Minister Lawless said: “This is a major milestone in the development of ATU and will secure its future growth and advancement. This site is of significant strategic importance, allowing the Technological University to future proof their higher education provision in the region and deliver for Sligo as an integral part of ATU for decades to come.”

Minister of State Marian Harkin added: “This is wonderful news for Sligo, increasing educational opportunities in the region, while also allowing the Technological University to be a driver of economic and social development.”

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“ ATU is delighted to receive

Ministerial approval to close out the purchase of land from Sligo County Council. We look forward to seeing this progressing in due course.

Our thanks as always to the Ministers, the HEA and of course Sligo County Council for all their support to get this over the line.

”

Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President

Minister Lawless tries his hand at sewing during his visit to ATU St Angelas.

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€1m HEA Performance Funding for ATU Biopharma Industry and Education Partnership Minister James Lawless has also announced €1m funding to ATU “in recognition of the outstanding contribution to national strategic objectives”. Five institutions were awarded €1 million each to support and recognise exemplary performance by higher education institutions.

ATU has received this award in recognition of addressing skills needs in the biopharmaceutical industry sector through its long-standing partnership with the National Institute of Bioprocessing Research & Training (NIBRT).

Since 2008, ATU and NIBRT have developed a suite of accredited training programmes tailored to industry demands. Starting with one programme, the initiative has grown to 24 university courses by 2024, with over 5,000 students participating.

As NIBRT expands internationally, this partnership has great potential for global impact, supporting this vital and evolving life sciences industry sector.

Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President welcomed the Minister’s announcement: “The ATU-NIBRT partnership demonstrates how higher education can collaborate with industry to deliver impactful training.

By addressing skills gaps, we support the Irish life sciences sector and enhance Ireland’s global reputation in biopharma manufacturing. We thank the Minister for his support with this funding.”

Left to right: Dr Darrin Morrissey, CEO, NIBRT; James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Professor Jacqueline McCormack, VP for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and Online & Flexible Learning, ATU and Professor Neville McClenaghan, Head of Department of Life Sciences, ATU. Ireland is the third-largest exporter of pharmaceuticals worldwide. The sector employs over 85,000 people and includes 90+ manufacturing plants, 50+ FDA-approved. With an export value of €106 billion in 2023, biopharma remains key to Ireland’s economy.

Prof Jacqueline McCormack, VP for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Online & Flexible Learning at ATU, said the role of flexible education in industry growth was an important part of the continued success of the life sciences industry in Ireland.

The ATU-NIBRT initiative aligns with national policies, including the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) biopharma report and IDA

Ireland’s priorities. It aims to provide career development pathways, foster industry expertise, and support accessible learning.

Looking ahead, ATU and NIBRT are launching micro-credentials this year, offering exciting new targeted certifications for professionals seeking to efficiently upskill/reskill in target areas.

As Ireland continues to attract biopharma investment, partnerships like ATU-NIBRT ensure the country remains a leader in skills development and workforce excellence. ATU is committed to fostering collaborations that drive innovation and economic growth.

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Research News Major North Sea restoration programme on the Dogger Bank In a bid to restore and safeguard the ecological heart of the North Sea, an international coalition, including ATU, and led by the Doggerland Foundation will kickstart the new Rewilding Dogger Bank programme in 2025. This major initiative, set to transform offshore nature restoration, has secured in-principle approval for funding from the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme, and is among seven transformative ecological projects slated for launch across Europe.

The coalition partners are ATU, Blue Marine Foundation (UK), BUND (Germany), WWF (Denmark), ARK Rewilding (Netherlands), the Embassy of the North Sea and Doggerland Foundation (Netherlands).

What is the Dogger Bank?

The Dogger Bank is the ecological heart of the North Sea. This underwater sandbank is located in a shallow part of the central North Sea and covers an area of approximately 25,000 km2, spreading across the offshore waters of the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany and Denmark.

What makes the Dogger Bank so special?

The Dogger Bank hosts a wide variety of marine life, ranging from soft corals to sharks and rays. It is an important breeding ground for whiting, cod and sand eel, and a hotspot and foraging area for seabirds, seals and small mammals, such as the harbour porpoise, the white-beaked dolphin and the minke whale.

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Horse mussel (Modiolus modiolus) reefs are one of the keystone ecosystems to be restored by the Rewilding Doggerland Project.

Credit: Dr Jose M Fariñas-Franco Despite its legally protected status in the British, Dutch and German parts, the area faces severe ecological threats from, amongst others, industrial fishing, energy extraction and heavy shipping.

Why does the Dogger Bank have conservation status?

The Dutch, UK and German governments have recognised the importance of conserving the Dogger Bank. They have each designated their part as a Natura 2000 area under the EU Habitats Directive.

These countries have acknowledged that the Dogger Bank sandbank habitats are in poor condition after years of degradation, and that they must now be protected and restored.

What is Natura 2000?

Natura 2000 is the umbrella term for areas that are protected under EU conservation law, the Birds and Habitats Directives. According to

these laws, Member States must protect specific natural habitats and animal species in order to preserve and restore biodiversity. The Dogger Bank is specifically protected for its sandbank habitats and for several species, including seals, sea birds, and the harbour porpoise.

What is the Doggerland Foundation?

The Doggerland Foundation is dedicated to the protection and restoration of the North Sea ecosystem. By pursuing legal action against governments and industries that fail to comply with laws and regulations, Doggerland actively combats harmful activities at sea. The foundation works to raise ambitions for marine protection through areabased interventions, including active nature restoration, and advocates for better representation and legal rights for nature in decision-making processes concerning the North Sea.

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What is the Doggerland Foundation’s position on wind parks in Marine Protected Areas?

Renewable energy, such as wind technology, is needed to mitigate effects of climate change, just as well functioning and resilient marine ecosystems are necessary to buffer climate change effects. That is why effective and recovering Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are needed.

The way offshore wind industry is being developed is causing harm to marine natural systems: large scale infrastructure already underway and planned in the future in the UK part of the Dogger Bank MPA will significantly modify the habitat and hydrology and harm threatened marine species (impacting a broad range of species, including fish, marine mammals and seabirds and changing natural ecological processes).

Wind energy inside a marine protected area is very difficult to justify in law and knowledge of natural ecosystem dynamics. The cumulative effects of wind parks in combination with other damaging activities like oil and gas extraction, industrial fishing and heavy shipping are detrimental to the – already severely degraded – Dogger Bank and North Sea ecosystems.

Will the Dogger Foundation work on nature restoration in wind parks?

The Dogger Foundation says that they will not work directly on nature restoration in industrial sites like wind parks, because they do not consider attracting marine life to industrial sites is the best investment of their resources.

Ecosystems that develop in wind parks are less complex and rich in comparison to effectively protected Marine Protected Areas. Wind parks cause underwater noise and pollution

and require constant traffic from maintenance vessels and personnel.

Eventually wind parks need to be decommissioned which will harm or destroy marine life and degrade the ecosystem once again. When wind parks are decommissioned, it will be very important to make sure infrastructure is removed carefully to minimise impacts to the Dogger Bank ecosystem.

The Dogger Foundation’s perspective on rewilding is long-term which allows ecosystems to become rich in diversity, complex and therefore robust. That’s why the Foundation are starting nature restoration in core areas that are well protected pockets of hope where they can expect reefs to grow which will form the basis for rich and complex ecosystems.

The Foundation will develop a vision and plan to restore the Dogger Bank marine protected area, to phase out damaging industrial activities, and enable Dogger Bank MPA to maximise its contribution to the North Sea MPA network, which is key to combat the biodiversity crisis and restore the North Sea ecosystem.

Emilie Reuchlin, co-founder and director of Doggerland Foundation says: “All too often, offshore ecosystems are ignored – what’s out of sight is out of mind. We have been working in the Dogger Bank for over one and a half decades and the challenges in restoring this ecosystem are immense. It has been degraded over centuries, and it is not easy to get to – it takes almost a day to travel to the site by boat. But it is a vital breeding ground and nursery in the North Sea that needs protection and restoration. With the funding provided by the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme, we will finally have the opportunity to scale up our efforts to bring back the species and habitats that the Dogger Bank has lost.”

“ After years of enduring

relentless fishing, naval battles, and pollution, and with new threats on the horizon, the Rewilding Doggerland project plans to shift our baselines and restore the Dogger Bank to its former, more biologically diverse past, with thriving and biodiverse biogenic reefs as one of its keystone ecosystems… we are delighted to be Irish partners in this international coalition, providing sound, evidencebased advice to help realise the Doggerland Foundation’s vision for a wilder, and healthier Dogger Bank.

”

Dr Jose M. Fariñas-Franco, Lecturer in Aquatic Ecology at ATU and Principal Investigator at the Marine and Freshwater Research Centre

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ATU joins the ESA Space Solutions Ireland Consortium

Left to right: Conor Sheehan, Deputy Head of National Delegation to ESA; Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President; George McCourt, Head of Innovation and Enterprise, ATU; Finola Howe, Head of Enterprise & Engagement, ATU and Peter Finnegan, Manager ESA Space Solutions Centre Ireland.

The Tyndall National Institute, based at UCC, recently announced ATU as the newest member of the European Space Agency (ESA) Space Solutions Ireland Consortium. The announcement was made at the West and North-West Space Industry Event held at ATU iHub Galway on 24 March.

Peter Finnegan, ESA Space Solutions Ireland Manager welcomed ATU to the consortium and said: “Their [ATU] addition to the consortium provides us with additional world-class incubation facilities and associated support services in the west and north-west of Ireland. ATU’s strong reputation for innovation, research excellence, and industry collaboration makes them an invaluable addition to our consortium. This partnership

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will undoubtedly strengthen our capacity to support early-stage client companies in a broad range of market sectors.”

ATU brings a wealth of expertise and a strong track record in areas such as engineering, applied sciences, and business, aligning perfectly with ESA Space Solutions Ireland’s mission to accelerate growth and competitiveness in early-stage ventures. The synergy between ATU’s research strengths and ESA Space Solutions Ireland’s resources and networks is expected to generate significant new opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs.

As part of the ESA Space Solutions Ireland Consortium, ATU will play a critical role in sourcing, supporting,

and scaling suitable start-ups that leverage the capability of spacerelated technologies for new terrestrial markets and expand the innovation ecosystem in Ireland.

Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President signalled the significance of ATU joining the ESA Space Solutions Ireland Consortium, saying: “We are excited to join this prestigious network. ATU is committed to driving innovation and entrepreneurship, and our participation in the ESA Space Solutions Ireland Consortium will further amplify our impact.

We look forward to collaborating with Tyndall National Institute and the other consortium partners to support the next generation of space entrepreneurs.”

THE FUTURE IS HERE

About the ESA Space Solutions Ireland Consortium ESA Space Solutions Ireland was established in 2016 and is part of the largest space innovation network in the world. Across ESA Member States, the ESA Space Solutions network supports European start-ups and SMEs in developing businesses that use space technology and data.

It provides funding, business, and technical support to foster successful businesses and create sustainable jobs.

The consortium supports innovative space-focused start-ups and is a collaborative initiative designed to foster innovation, facilitate the transfer of space technology to non-space sectors, and nurture the development of high-potential companies.

The inclusion of ATU in the consortium marks a significant milestone in the expansion of this dynamic consortium, which is currently led by the Tyndall National Institute in collaboration with Dublin City University, Maynooth University, Munster Technological University, Technological University of the Shannon and University College Dublin.

Panel discussion at the West and North-West Space Industry event held at ATU iHub Galway in March.

Ireland and the Global Space Economy The global space economy was valued at $630 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, growing at an average rate of 9% per year, far exceeding global GDP growth. Ireland is positioning itself to capitalise on this high-growth industry, and the West and NorthWest Space Industry Event held at ATU iHub Galway on 24 March highlighted how the country’s space sector is expanding and creating new opportunities.

Attendees at the event learned how they can access the Space market and the business and financial supports on offer. Speakers included members of ESA Space Solutions Centre Ireland, the Irish Space Industry Skillnet, the Irish Space Association and Irish companies working in the sector.

Industry experts discussed the future of Ireland’s space sector and the opportunities available for Irish companies. In 2023 alone, the European Space Agency (ESA) placed contracts worth €9.9 million in Ireland, with industrial co-funding reaching €2.2 million. Twenty-five companies, including three new entrants, were supported to develop high-tech products in Ireland, demonstrating the sector’s growing strength.

Ireland’s space sector has seen remarkable milestones, including the successful launch of EIRSAT-1— Ireland’s first satellite—designed and built by students from UCD with ESA support. Companies like Ubotica Technologies and Realtra Space Technologies are also making waves with innovative solutions for spacecraft and satellites.

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Enhancing Space-based Communication “ This project represents

ATU researcher testing a component for CubeSat communication technology.

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) has appointed ATU’s WiSAR Lab to a new European Space Agencyfunded project, 'Enhancing CubeSat Communication: Beam Steering Antenna Systems’. The project is focused on advancing CubeSat communication with advanced beam-steering solutions.

CubeSats are small, lightweight satellites which make them valuable tools for Earth observation, telecommunications, scientific research, and education. The increasing demand for CubeSats from governmental and private sectors has driven significant growth in the CubeSat market.

Despite their advantages, CubeSats face challenges in communication due to their limited power supply and constrained coverage areas. To address these issues, beam-steering technologies offer a viable solution by dynamically adjusting signal directionality, thereby improving transmission and reception efficiency.

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The primary goal of the 'Enhancing CubeSat Communication: Beam Steering Antenna Systems’ project is to enhance CubeSat communication circuitry by leveraging beamsteering technologies to overcome size and power limitations. The project will focus on identifying and implementing the most effective beam-steering solutions tailored to various CubeSat applications and aims to enhance data transmission rates, extend communication range, and improve reliability, unlocking new potential for CubeSat missions.

The successful integration of beamsteering technologies into CubeSat systems will revolutionise smallsatellite communications, making them more capable and efficient for scientific, commercial, and educational applications.

By advancing CubeSat communication capabilities, this project will contribute to the broader development of space technologies, paving the way for more efficient and adaptable small-satellite missions.

a significant step forward in CubeSat communication technology. By leveraging advanced beam-steering solutions, we aim to overcome key challenges in space-based communication, enhancing data transmission efficiency and reliability…we are excited to contribute to the future of space technology.

”

Dr Nick Timmons, Director of the WiSAR Lab, ATU

About WiSAR Lab WiSAR Lab is a strategic Internet of Things (IoT) research centre located at ATU Donegal.

Specialising in wireless embedded systems and software solutions, the lab focuses on applied research and product development across various industries, including medtech, healthtech, manufacturing, marine, and agritech.

THE FUTURE IS HERE

Funding for Projects aimed at Delivering Solutions to Environmental and Societal Issues Two ATU academics, Dr Amaya Vega and Dr Niall Maloney, have been successful in securing National Challenge Funding for research projects in two thematic areas, Sustainable Communities (transport) and Future Food Systems (aquaculture). The National Challenge Fund provides ambitious researchers with the chance to make a difference by developing solutions to key challenges in the areas of Green Transition and Digital Transformation.

Dr Amaya Vega, lecturer in Transport Economics, ATU Galway School of Business and Dr Myra Lydon, University of Galway, are working on a project titled EMBRACE – Mobility: Equitable Management of Bridges for Resilient Accessible Communities to Ensure Mobility.

Dr Vega explains the aim of the project: “We all remember Storm Bert last November, which caused widespread flooding and landslides resulting in over 100 road closures across the west coast of Ireland, with the majority in rural areas. This extreme weather event highlights the major role that our road network plays in the resilience of rural communities in the aftermath of storms.

Dr Amaya Vega

“EMBRACE Mobility develops a new decision support tool for bridge asset managers to prioritise the mobility vulnerability of rural communities by integrating spatial accessibility metrics into decisionmaking. EMBRACE Mobility supports a holistic evaluation of societal impacts, enables community-level bridge risk assessment through stakeholder engagement, interdisciplinary insights, and a scalable, transferable approach.”

The EMBRACE project is supported and advised by Dr Helen McHenry, Policy Analyst, Western Development Commission, as the Societal Impact Champion.

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Dr Niall Maloney, lecturer in Physics and Instrumentation, ATU Galway School of Science and Computing, and Professor Enda McGlynn, School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, are working with Societal Impact Champion Catherine McManus (Mowi Ireland) on a project titled “NanoSA – Using Nanostructures for Sustainable Aquaculture”.

Dr Niall Maloney

Dr Maloney explains the project: “Regular biological testing is essential to maintaining high standards of animal welfare in aquaculture. However, current methods for detecting bacterial and viral pathogens can take several days, as samples must be sent to centralised laboratories, often outside of Ireland. Many aquatic diseases present with similar symptoms, making rapid and accurate on-site detection critical for effective disease management. Reliable point-of-care diagnostic tools are lacking in this sector, yet they are crucial for enabling faster, more precise treatment decisions.

“We are developing innovative nanostructure-integrated lateral flow assays that will deliver on-site results in just 60 minutes. These tests will not only provide rapid detection but also offer quantitative insights into infection levels, allowing biologists and veterinarians to make informed, timely interventions. Developed in close collaboration with aquaculture producers and fish health experts, we are confident that this technology will enhance animal welfare and reduce losses at the very first stage of the food supply chain.”

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THE FUTURE IS HERE

Spotlight on ATU Students’ Projects Students Research the Effects of Smoking/Vaping on our Physiological Systems Vaping has increased in recent years and while some people think it is less harmful than smoking, it does not mean it is harmless. The amount of nicotine you inhale from a vape can vary and some vape liquids sold as 0% nicotine have been found to contain nicotine.

Students on the BSc (Hons) in Clinical Measurement Physiology at ATU Sligo recently designed a poster on the effect of smoking and vaping on physiological systems.

The poster was an assignment that their lecturer, Tanya Byrne Pratt, set them for their module titled, ‘Introduction to Professional Practice’. The group of students included Brona Mulrennan, Katie Hargadon, Jane Mc Auliffe, Shauna Cullen and Ella Ryan.

They displayed their poster at a Healthy Campus event in ATU Sligo in the hope that it would increase awareness amongst students and staff around the effects of both smoking and vaping. The poster highlighted the effects on our neurological, vascular and cardiac, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems. They also noted a frightening statistic that approximately 8,000 people who die from stroke annually are due to second-hand smoking.

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The five students took some time out of their busy schedule to share their thoughts on vaping and its side effects.

Why do you think students vape?

A mix of reasons - stress relief, social pressure, curiosity, and the idea that it’s a “healthier alternative" to smoking. The flavours definitely make it more appealing.

Is vaping cheaper than smoking?

It depends. If you’re only vaping socially, it might seem cheaper, but if you’re doing it daily, the cost adds up just like smoking.

Is vaping considered cool?

For some, yes. Curiosity and influence play a big role. People see others doing it and want to try it for themselves.

Do students think vaping is less harmful than smoking?

A lot of people do, but the research shows it’s not as safe as it seems.

The long-term effects aren’t fully known, but early studies show serious risks.

The poster you produced on the effects of smoking and vaping physiological systems is very informative and comprehensive.

What sources did you use for your research?

We used information from the HSE, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Medical News Today, Mayo Clinic, and the American Heart Association.

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Were you shocked by any of your findings?

A few findings really stood out. 90% of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. Vaping can cause brain damage because of the lead in it. Just two weeks after quitting smoking, your lung function begins to improve.

The impact on mental health was also striking, as smoking can worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and even interfere with certain medications, e.g. it can stop some anxiety and depression medications from working.

Smoking can decrease cognitive function and increases risk of dementia and multiple sclerosis.

Your heart can enlarge because of smoking which leads to other problems.

Has what you’ve learned changed your views on smoking or vaping?

Not really - we already knew it was bad, but researching it made us even more aware of how much damage it actually does to the different systems in our body.

What do you hope students will take from the findings you presented?

We hope students will think twice before they vape or smoke and be more aware of the risks. Many people assume vaping is harmless, but our research suggests otherwise.

We also want to highlight the impact of second-hand smoking and vaping on others, as many don't realise how much it affects the people around you too.

THE FUTURE IS HERE

Students Host Cancer Awareness Event At a recent cancer awareness event at ATU Mayo, one of the students said they founded it shocking that people who smoke 20 cigarettes a day spend 6570.20 euro a year on them.

Third year general nursing students hosted the public information Cancer Awareness event on 27 March as part of their Oncology, End of Life and Palliative Care module.

The students organised the event in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society.

Early detection and intervention significantly improves cancer survival rates and the students did an excellent job in raising awareness and educating people about cancer during the event.

Aoife Petrie, lecturer in Nursing, Health Science and Integrated Care praised the students saying: “They confidently engaged with others to share the knowledge they had learned in class around signs and symptoms and screening available for breast cancer, bowel cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and skin cancer.”

Reflecting on their experience of researching and organising the event the students noted the benefits of the project in terms of learning how to organise and communicate effectively, and educating themselves about cancer.

They were surprised at how many people didn’t realise the importance of self-checking their breast, how few men didn’t know that they can get breast cancer and how many people didn’t know all the different types of symptoms of breast cancer.

Students highlight the symptoms of breast cancer.

They also found it shocking at how many men didn’t know where their prostrate was and how most women didn’t realise the importance of screening for cervical cancer. One student said: “It was surprising that after all Vicky Phelan’s efforts there’s still not enough resources for cervical cancer,” while another said: “Five minutes of discomfort during a cervical smear screening can save your life.”

“ Our main goal was to

enhance knowledge to support early detection, informing others and empowering them to take proactive steps in the fight against cancer.

”

Aoife Petrie, ATU lecturer

The passion of the students for improving cancer awareness was palpable at the event, and attendees came away with an increased knowledge of the symptoms and screening available for breast, bowel, cervical, lung, prostate and skin cancers.

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ATU Students Research Traveller Heritage A recent student exhibition celebrated the cultural identity and heritage of the Irish Traveller community to mark Traveller Ethnicity Day. In the research presented at the exhibition, the History and Geography students at ATU Mayo noted that travellers have been and are among the most misunderstood and discriminated against people in Ireland.

An example of this comes from the Schools Folklore Collection, within which they are called “dishonest folk, who beg, cheat and steal without scruple”. (National Folklore Collection, n.d.).

The History and Geography students included Sam Deane, Caroline O’Connor, Séan Livesley and Mark Morley and their exhibition provided valuable insights into Traveller history and culture. The exhibition was supported by the National Museum of Ireland.

Topics covered in the exhibition included language, music, storytelling, religion and culture, metalworking: tin and copper smithing, and horses and the Traveller community.

Language, Music and Storytelling Caroline O’Connor in her project on language says that whilst the Traveller community speak English, they, “also have a distinct language of their own that is known as Cant, Gammon, Minceirtoiree or Shelta.”

There are fears that this oral

25 | Issue Nineteen April 2025

language is disappearing and groups like the Meath Travellers Workshop, Irish Traveller Movement and Pavee are making efforts to address this.

On the topic of music Caroline tells us that: “the Travelling community played a central role in developing traditional Irish music by bringing their music and songs from town to town.” They have a unique style of singing, storytelling, and playing musical instruments.

Caroline concludes her project with these wise words: “There is a need for the education curriculum to be broadened to address the deficit in knowledge about the Travelling community, the importance of their history and heritage and the need to accept that there is no single narrative about how people should or should not live.”

Religion and Culture In his project on religion and culture, Sam Deane notes: “Irish Travellers are deeply religious, perhaps more so than the country people. Being Roman Catholics, Irish Travellers take their beliefs and rituals with the utmost seriousness.”

Sam’s project talks about some of the physical items the Irish Travellers use in their religion like the Saint Philomena Cord. Sam explains: “This cord, tied to one's wrist, waist, kept under a pillow or kept in a pocket, is commonly worn … as a means of protection, connection and respect, but young women who wish to become pregnant can also wear it around their bellies as a sort of blessing.”

Metalworking: Tin and Copper Smithing In his project on Metalworking: Tin and Copper Smithing, Séan Livesley explores the metalworking process and enhances our understanding of tin smithing saying that it is, “not just the mending of pots and cans, but an intricate, skilful craft which is on the verge of extinction".

Unfortunately, as the economy of rural Ireland changes, there is no longer a need for the work of tinsmiths. Séan concludes his project by asking: “When the last Traveller tinsmiths pass, will we be looking to it as a museum piece, rather than a living craft?”

Horses and the Traveller Community In his project on horses and the Traveller community, Mark Morley talks about the economic and cultural importance of horses and emphasises the need for more resources to preserve the connection between horses and the Traveller community.

He notes: “While not all Traveller families may own horses, they have become a part of the cultural

THE FUTURE IS HERE

identity of the Traveller community as the care of horses has created a collective sense of unity among the families through shared ownership of the horses.”

Interestingly horses often play a role in supporting the mental health of Travellers. Séan says: “Horses have provided an anchor for many in the Traveller community. They have been stated to be central to positively impacting those working with animals, and they are often used as a form of therapy.”

About Traveller Ethnicity Day Traveller Ethnicity Day, celebrated annually on 1 March, honours the distinct cultural identity and heritage of the Irish Traveller community, officially recognised as an ethnic minority in Ireland since 2017.

The day highlights the community’s rich traditions, language, and history, while promoting awareness and combating discrimination.

The students said they gained a fresh perspective on the Traveller community, particularly around the community’s values and beliefs.

Praising the students ATU lecturer, Niamh Hearns says: “The final year history and geography students undertook significant self-directed research for this task. We are very grateful to Keith Maughan, Mayo North East’s Traveller Link Person who mentored us throughout the project.”

ATU continues its work to provide an inclusive, welcoming campus for all students, including members of the Traveller community.

“ It is an honour to witness

the continued celebration and exploration of Traveller heritage by the students at ATU. I am hopeful that the community voice and cultural exchange will remain at the heart of this ongoing journey and vital process of reclamation and shared understanding.

”

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New Food Product Development Showcase

Final year students from BSc (Hons) in Nutrition, Food and Business Management programme at ATU St Angelas, with their innovative food product creations.

Students in St Angelas in Sligo recently pitched their business ideas and food products to industry experts, highlighting the creative and entrepreneurial skills gained through their degree.

sensory attributes of the product, its nutritional value, branding and costing. Students get a real sense of how food businesses operate and how everyday products make it to the marketplace.

Final year BSc (Hons) in Nutrition, Food and Business Management students undertake a New Food Product (NPD) module in year four which allows them to develop a product from idea concept, right through to prototype development and product launch. Students create original food products which they believe offer true market potential, while meeting realistic demands for the average consumer. Alongside developing the food product itself, they develop food packaging, labelling and a business plan.

Aurivo were the main sponsor for the event and Quality Manager, Marie Reynolds said: “Through their individual market research, these BSc students continue to impress us year on year…It is clear that their passion for food and sustainable practices will contribute greatly to the industry and these inspiring professionals are exactly what we need in today’s world.”

From conception, these ideas follow every step of the NPD process towards establishing a real food business from trialling the

27 | Issue Nineteen April 2025

Helen Walsh was the overall winner with her Mochi Nua – Ice-cream mochi with an Irish twist. Runners up prizes went to Liam Dobson for his Whey Protein Seasoning ‘Seasoned Strength’ and Olamide Adeleke for her Plant-Based Savoury Nuggets ‘Plantified’.

THE FUTURE IS HERE

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Queer history in Ireland is Irish history To celebrate LGBTQ+ history month in February, ATU Library partnered with ATU’s EDI Office, the EU Green Alliance and UCD to host a webinar on the stories of ordinary people, who did extraordinary things to change queer Ireland and Irish culture.

At the event, author and academic Páraic Kerrigan, spoke and read from his book, ‘Reeling in the Queers: Tales of Ireland’s LGBTQ Past’, which explores the lesser-known stories of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights since 1974.

From 1990s boy bands to the AIDS priest, Fr Bernárd Lynch, from the Belfast Lesbian Line to proud parenting, from the earliest Pride events to the last days of Alternative Miss Ireland, fourteen distinct moments map the changing social and cultural landscape of Ireland.

Why did Páraic write ‘Reeling in the Queers’?

During his PhD research into Ireland’s contemporary LGBTQ+ rights movement, Páraic became frustrated with the fact that the same people were mentioned repeatedly and the wider movement of ordinary people who did extraordinary things got lost between the cracks.

Páraic wanted to ensure that the stories of these ordinary people were not forgotten and documenting their stories in ‘Reeling in the Queers,’ ensures they have their rightful place in Irish history. To quote Pádraic, “Queer history in Ireland is Irish history.”

Publishing the book in 2024, was highly significant as 2024 was the fiftieth-year anniversary of the first gay Pride in Ireland as well as the founding of the Irish Gay Rights Movement (IGRM). Páraic pointed out that the gay rights movement developed as an all-island movement with the north influencing the south as both communities developed initiatives together.

Pink Carnations and Pink Triangles: The Emergence of Pride in Ireland ) Páraic began his talk with one of those lesser-known stories and read from a chapter in his book, titled, Pink Carnations and Pink Triangles: The Emergence of Pride in Ireland (1974 – 1982). The extract he read told the story of John Calnan who in June 1985 was ready to come out and contacted Gay Information Cork.

Subsequently he met Cork gay rights pioneer Arthur Leahy and his then partner Laurie Steele who invited him to Dublin for the Pride parade.

Páraic writes: “John had no sense of what a Pride parade involved, so he decided that he might walk around Dublin for the afternoon and watch it from the edges. Those best-laid plans were quickly overturned when Laurie picked up one pole of the Cork Gay Collective banner to start marching in the parade and, turning to John, pointed at the other pole and said, ‘Well, I can’t carry it on my own!’

During his presentation Páraic reminded us of the many ways in which discrimination manifested itself in Irish society. For example, in

“ Reeling in the

Queers by Páraic Kerrigan is a timely take that will ensure many of the heroes in the long battle for rights do not fade into history.

”

— Irish Independent

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1982 four gay men were beaten to death in four separate occasions in homophobic attacks over the course of six months: Declan Flynn, John Roach, George Leonard and Charles Self.

Even though there was no evidence or suspicion that Charles Self was killed by a member of the LGBTQ+ community the Gardaí used the murder to collect the fingerprints of gay men across Dublin to track and profile the community. This has been well documented, and the hurt caused for that generation of men remains today.

Pride in Parenting Whilst there is sadness in some of the stories in ‘Reeling in the Queers’ there is also joy. Like that of Toni Burgess who in 1992 became one of the first known women to maintain custody of her children following coming out as a lesbian. Lesbian mothers were routinely denied access and custody of their children in cases of separation. In the book Páraic writes of that significant moment: “Toni immediately left the courthouse and stood outside her children’s school. She was early and had to wait a little bit longer than usual until the school bell rang. At 3 p.m., her children ran out of the building and gave her a hug. As she gathered them into her arms, she told them, ‘You’re going to get to live with me’.”

Even though the book is a history book, it reads like a book of short stories; it is very accessible and readable even to the non-history reader, which was Páraic’s intention.

The book is available to borrow in all ATU Libraries and if you would like to purchase a copy please click here.

“ Through poignant

storytelling and profound humanity, Páraic illuminates the quiet courage of

ordinary individuals whose unwavering actions have forged a kinder, more inclusive island, reminding us how their struggles and triumphs shape the freedoms we directly and indirectly all benefit from today.

Sinéad Ní Bhroin, EDI Administrator, ATU

”

About Dr Páraic Kerrigan Dr Páraic Kerrigan is an Irish Times bestselling author, researcher and assistant professor in the School of Information and Communication Studies in UCD. His research interests cover predominantly social media and identity management, media industries and production cultures, and the intersections of gender and sexuality identities with data cultures.

29 | Issue Nineteen April 2025

THE FUTURE IS HERE

ATU Celebrates International Women’s Day

ATU marked International Women’s Day (8 March) with a week-long series of events to celebrate the achievements of women, spark meaningful conversations, and come together as a community to champion equality.

Women, Business and the Irish Language First up on 3 March, EMPOWER Cumasú hosted an online webinar to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge and International's Women’s Day. This online event brought together like-minded entrepreneurs to hear firsthand experiences from successful women in business.

The event focused on building confidence, consistency, and selfbelief, as well as authenticity, while panel discussions offered valuable insights into maintaining resilience.

EMPOWER alumna and ATU iHub Mayo client, Lorraine Corcoran, Co-Founder and CEO of Nyrah Beauty, gifted some samples to the businesswomen of ATU iHub Mayo to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Participants of the EMPOWER Cumasú Fás programme met inperson later in the week. Traveling from counties Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry and Cork, this group meets monthly. The group was joined by guest speaker Louise Foody, Managing Director, Kingspan Ventures.

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ATU Period Promise Launch On 4 March, ATU launched its Period Promise campaign, our first campuswide Healthy Campus initiative dedicated to menstrual health, dignity, and equity. With over 160 free period product dispensers now installed across all nine campuses, ATU are ensuring that the campus community always have access to free period products.

This initiative goes beyond providing free products. It aims to change the conversation around menstrual health through: • Ethical and sustainable period care by providing ethically sourced, toxin-free, and ecofriendly products.

• Menstrual dignity and awareness by normalising conversations and eliminating stigma.

• Menstrual health education by empowering all genders with knowledge about menstrual health.

• Menstrual health policy advocacy by pushing for meaningful policy changes such as menstrual leave and flexible work arrangements.

At the heart of Period Promise is #NailTheStigma, a student-led social media campaign designed to challenge taboos and start essential conversations about menstrual health. #NailTheStigma is a campaign aimed at breaking the stigma around periods, promoting open conversations and encourage period positivity.

This campaign is spearheaded by ATU Public Health and Health Promotion students – Esther Odumosu, Chloe Carleton and Aine Brennan, and it encourages individuals to paint a nail

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#NailTheStigma student team: Esther Odumosu, Chloe Carleton and Aine Brennan. pink as a visible show of support for period equity.

As part of this campaign, ATU has partnered with Sligo Rovers women’s soccer team to bring the conversation into the world of sports.

Speaking about the partnership, Yvonne Kennedy, Wellbeing Officer/ Healthy Campus Coordinator, ATU Sligo says: “By joining forces, we’re bridging the gap between campuses and communities, ensuring that menstrual health is recognised, supported, and never a barrier to participation.”

With the backing of ATU Period Promise, Sligo Rovers will now provide free period care to their women’s teams. In addition, a dispenser has been installed in the Showground’s facilities ensuring fans can also access free period care.

Together, ATU and Sligo Rovers are challenging outdated taboos and ensuring that women feel supported in their menstrual health, both on and off the pitch. Periods Don’t Stop Sport – So Why Should Stigma?

THE FUTURE IS HERE

Healthy Campus Charter and Framework Also on 4 March, Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President, Yvonne Kennedy from the Healthy Campus team and Rhianna Foley McGuire, President of the ATU St Angela’s Students Union signed the Healthy Campus Charter and Framework.

Signing and committing to the Healthy Campus Charter represents a collective pledge to prioritise the wellbeing of everyone on ATU’s campuses. By endorsing the charter, the University actively promotes healthier lifestyles, mental and physical wellbeing, and a supportive environment that benefits students, faculty, and staff alike.

About Pat O’Connor Pat O’Connor is an emeritus Professor of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Limerick, and Visiting Professor, Geary Institute, University College Dublin (having previously held visiting professorships at London, Linkoping, Deakin and Melbourne).

Continuity or Change? Exploring Gendered Practices in Higher Education On 5 March, ATU's EDI team hosted a webinar featuring author Pat O’Connor who spoke about her experiences over a 46-year career in five academic organisations in Ireland and the UK. Reading extracts from her memoir, A ‘proper’ woman? One Woman’s Story of Success and Failure in Academia, she described the subtle and relentless processes of devaluation, marginalisation and disempowerment that are often ‘normalised’ in academia.

A self-confessed straight talker Pat recognises the substantial changes that have occurred in academia: these changes challenging assumptions that women are ‘the problem’. Yet many of the processes and attitudes remain largely unchanged.

Written in a clear accessible style, with flashes of humour, her memoir asks whose interests are served by taken-for-granted ideas about what it is to be a woman - ideas which deny the reality of many women's

day-to-day experiences. Pat asks the questions: Who wants us to think that all women find identity and satisfaction in housework and childcare? Who wants us to think that universities are meritocratic institutions?

In one of the extracts Pat read from the book, the topic of what to wear came up in a conversation she had with a colleague. “You need to wear smart casual to work, or at least to soften your image,” her colleague said. Apparently, her outfits were unconventional and not feminine enough. So, she ditched her petrol blue jumpsuit and worn-out black leather jacket to boost her promotional prospects.

Pat was quick to emphasise that she doesn’t hate men, and is very optimistic. She acknowledges that, “huge changes have happened in the last 40 years but we’re not where we should be yet.” Bureaucratic inertia can happen and ticking the boxes is not good enough. We still have a lot of challenging and difficult work to do. She finished the webinar by urging her audience to create change and make a better world for the next generation.

She was the first woman full Professor of Sociology in Ireland; and the first woman to be a full Professor in any discipline and faculty Dean in the University of Limerick.

She has published 120 academic publications including eight books.

Author and Academic Pat O'Connor Issue Eighteen February 2025 | 32

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International Women’s Day Seminar

seminar with a presentation on ‘Lady Dudley's District Nursing Scheme’.

At our Mayo campus on 5 March, ATU lecturer Dr Sheila McArdle chaired an interesting seminar which addressed a variety of topics from women in medieval Ireland to one woman’s adventures on the sea.

Powering the Future: Women in Engineering and Sustainable Energy

The speakers included Dr Edel Bhreathnach, Historian and Author (joining via video link) who gave a presentation on ‘Thinking about Women in Medieval Ireland’. She was followed by ATU lecturer, Dr Yvonne McDermott, who spoke about ‘Maggie in Mayo: The Childhood of Soprano Margaret Burke Sheridan’.

ATU lecturer, Pauline Jordan gave a fascinating presentation on her journey through sea and adventure, and Dr Fiona White rounded off the

On 7 March, ATU Library, ATU EDI and the EU Green Alliance hosted an exciting webinar celebrating the Yeats Library's (Sligo campus) current exhibition which marks 50 years of renewable energy at Turlough Hill.

Turlough Hill Station, Ireland's only pumped storage power station, located in the Wicklow Mountains, was brought into commercial operation by ESB in 1974. This innovative project was the largest civil engineering operation ever undertaken in the country when construction began in 1968.

Pictured at the International Women’s Day Seminar in ATU Mayo, left to right: Pauline Jordan, Dr Fiona White, Dr Yvonne McDermott and Dr Sheila McArdle.

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2024 marked 50 years of renewable energy generation at Turlough Hill. Today, the station continues to play an integral role in the delivery of clean energy. The photographic exhibition tells the story of this power station, and the feats of engineering achieved in its construction and operation.

The webinar also celebrated International Women's Day and Engineers Week. Speakers at the webinar included Úna Parsons, Retired Head of College Sligo and Head of Faculty of Engineering & Design at ATU, Chartered Engineer FIEI FIAE, and Órla Burke, Sustainability Manager, Engineering and Major Projects, ESB, Chartered Engineer and Fellow Electrical Engineer.

THE FUTURE IS HERE

ATU PhD Student’s inspiring journey

Showcasing excellent research led by women

In ATU Donegal, WiSAR celebrated Engineers Week and International Women’s Day with a special spotlight on Mahbloos Khan, a TU Rise PhD scholar at ATU. Her inspiring journey embodies resilience, determination, and the power of breaking barriers in STEM.

Also, in celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, the Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics (PCCP) Journal published a special collection bringing together articles by women as first or corresponding authors published in PCCP in 2024.

It highlighted some of the excellent women conducting research in physical chemistry, chemical physics and biophysical chemistry. Amongst these were ATU lecturer, Dr Judith Wurmel.

Coming from a small village in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Mahbloos defied societal norms where women’s education is not always prioritised, and STEM fields remain male-dominated.

Her passion for engineering and design led her to pursue electrical engineering, earn a master’s in communication technologies, and embark on her PhD research as a TU Rise scholar at WiSAR Lab, ATU Donegal.

Mahbloos's journey has been filled with challenges, but her parents remained her greatest support system. Inspired by her father’s words, "Where there is a will, there is a way," she persevered and became the first female engineer and philosopher in her family.

Mahbloos Kkan, TU Rise PhD Scholar at ATU.

“ I am proud to be the

first female engineer and philosopher in my family.

Mahbloos Khan

”

Dr Wurmel, a computational chemist, is interested in chemical reactions that take place in the interstellar medium (ISM), particularly those reactions that occur via the extremely unusual phenomenon called ‘quantum mechanical tunnelling’. She applies complex computational chemical methods to determine the stability of molecules and rates of reactions that take place under the extreme conditions in the ISM. The ultimate question to which she is contributing is whether the peptide bond, crucial to human life, was originally formed in the ISM.

Trailblazers like Mahbloos are paving the way for the next generation of innovators by driving change in STEM and shaping a more inclusive and diverse future.

Her message to young women in STEM is to: “Believe in yourself, work hard, and never give up—no matter how tough the journey may seem.

You will find your way.”

ATU lecturer and computational chemist, Dr Judith Wurmel.

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Reflections on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination What actions can we take to foster a more just and equitable society?

This was one of the questions asked in a webinar titled ‘Conformity or change?’ hosted by ATU to mark International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21 March).

David Friel, ATU lecturer spoke with Anastasia Crickley, former Chairperson of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racism. 2025

marks the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), and in their discussion David and Anastasia explored the progress made in combating racial discrimination, the challenges that remain, and the lessons Ireland can learn from global efforts to address racism.

They examined how international

cooperation can strengthen antiracism initiatives, as well as the crucial role of education, academics, and students in driving meaningful change. We must ask ourselves how can we, as individuals and institutions, contribute to the eradication of racial discrimination?

What every day opportunities can we take to create a sense of belonging for all? The challenge starts with each one of us.

Race and ethnic equality at ATU In a recent ATU Going Global podcast, Sinéad Ní Bhroin, EDI administrator in ATU sat down with Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President to discuss race and ethnic equality at ATU. They explored the University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive community and the launch of ATU’s new Race and Ethnic Equality Pledge. To listen and learn more about the pledge and how students and staff can contribute to meaningful change please click here.

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ATU is a multicultural university with over 93 nationalities represented in the student and staff population. In February and March, ATU Global organised a series of events across our campuses to celebrate diversity and showcase the many different cultures in ATU through food, music, dance, art, poetry, national costume and poster displays. This annual event is a mainstay within our academic calendar.

THE FUTURE IS HERE

Innovation and Engagement Skunkworks: A Space for Innovation at ATU

Skunkworks

In this thought-provoking opinion piece, Gavin Clinch, Head of Innovation at ATU outlines a proposal for a dedicated innovation space or “skunkworks” at ATU. This initiative has not yet been approved or established but presents a forwardlooking vision for how ATU could further its role as a leader in EdTech innovation.

“ Innovation doesn’t

Innovation is the cornerstone of progress, and as an institution committed to excellence in education and research, ATU must continue to foster a culture of innovation to remain at the forefront of the rapidly evolving education technology (EdTech) landscape.

To address this challenge and unlock the full potential of innovation in EdTech, I am proposing the establishment of a ‘skunkworks’ – a dedicated, agile, and experimental space where a selected ‘skunkworks team’ could freely explore, experiment, and innovate outside the confines of existing ATU policies and procedures.

With the emergence of transformative technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), we now have an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionise the way we deliver education and support lifelong learning. However, traditional policies, procedures, and IT governance frameworks can inadvertently stifle creativity and impede the exploration of cuttingedge technologies and bold new ideas.

thrive in tightly controlled environments — it needs space to breathe, to fail, and to evolve. That’s what a skunkworks is all about: giving good ideas a space to play in.

”

The skunkworks would act as a catalyst for disruptive innovation, providing a ‘safe’ environment for staff to push boundaries, challenge assumptions, and pioneer new approaches to teaching, learning, and student engagement. The key objectives of the proposed skunkworks would be:

The term “skunkworks” originates from a 1940's Lockheed Martin project that broke conventional rules to develop pioneering aircraft technology.

Since then, it has been widely adopted in both industry and academia to describe agile, experimental environments for innovation. In this opinion piece, Gavin uses the term inclusively to reflect a forward-thinking, experimental space that empowers all staff to innovate openly and collaboratively.

Unrestricted Exploration By operating outside of ATU’s existing policy and IT governance frameworks, the skunkworks would empower its team to explore a wide range of technologies and tools, including those not currently approved or supported by existing protocols. This unrestricted exploration could fuel creativity and inspire new solutions to address the evolving needs of learners and educators.

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Rapid Prototyping

Collaborative Ecosystem

The skunkworks could facilitate rapid prototyping and iterative development of innovative EdTech solutions. The team would have the flexibility to experiment with new ideas, develop proof-of-concept projects, and iterate based on feedback and real-world testing. This agile approach would accelerate the innovation cycle and allow for quick validation of ideas before any mainstream adoption.

The skunkworks could act as a collaborative ecosystem, where staff work with interdisciplinary teams, industry partners, and external stakeholders to co-create innovative solutions that address complex challenges in education. This open and inclusive approach would encourage the cross-pollination of ideas, diverse perspectives, and collective intelligence.

Risk-Tolerant Environment

saying yes to curiosity. It’s about empowering our staff to test what’s possible and translate ideas into tangible outcomes for learners.

Innovation inherently involves risk, and the skunkworks would provide a risk-tolerant environment where failure is embraced as a natural part of the process. Staff would be encouraged to take calculated risks, learn from failures, and iterate towards successful outcomes. This culture of experimentation would foster resilience, creativity, and a growth mindset among participants.

“ By stepping outside the usual rules, we’re giving staff permission to think differently, take risks, and prototype the future of education before it’s fully written.

”

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“ The skunkworks is about ”

Mainstream Integration Any successful innovations emerging from the skunkworks would undergo evaluation, validation, and scaling to ensure alignment with ATU’s strategic objectives and educational priorities. Innovations that demonstrate significant value could then be integrated into the University's formal policies, procedures, and IT governance frameworks, enabling broader adoption and sustainable impact.

To conclude, the establishment of a skunkworks at ATU would represent a bold and forward-thinking initiative to catalyse innovation in EdTech and drive positive transformation in teaching, learning, and student engagement. By providing a space for experimentation, collaboration, and rapid prototyping, a skunkworks could empower staff to pioneer the next generation of educational solutions – shaping the future of ATU and contributing to the evolution of higher education more broadly.

THE FUTURE IS HERE

ATU’s Change-Makers Club: A Tea Room for Ideas and Inspiration!

• Eve-Anne McCarron, External Engagement Manager and Grace Latham, Student Entrepreneurship Officer, on fostering ATU’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Gavin Clinch presented his Skunkworks proposal at a recent ATU Change-Makers Club event. The tea room for ideas and inspiration has also explored topics such as, how our brain works in a real or VRsimulated natural environment, and ATU’s Power to Change Campaign which is transforming local communities.

These are just a few of the fascinating topics explored at The Change-Makers Club, an informal online gathering where ATU staff from all sectors and campuses come together every six to eight weeks to share ideas and inspiration.

Originally launched as The Innovators Club, the initiative was created by Eamon Walsh, Áine Friel, and Noel Mulkeen as a collaborative space for teams working on the €12.4 million Higher Education 4.0 Project. Funded by the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 3, this ambitious project spans over 120 sub-projects, and the club quickly became a vital virtual ‘tea room’ for innovators to exchange insights.

Recognising the broader culture of innovation across ATU, Higher Education 4.0 Communications Lead Dónal Loftus and his team expanded the club’s reach.

“The Innovators Club was a fantastic starting point, but we knew there was potential to bring even more voices into the conversation,” said Dónal. “By rebranding as The Change-Makers Club and opening it to all ATU staff, we wanted to celebrate not just technological innovation, but every form of positive change happening across our University.”

• Gavin Clinch, Head of Innovation, OFPD, on the proposal to establish a skunkworks team.

• Dr. Celia Keenaghan, WNW Cluster Coordinator & ATU Participation Officer, on mentoring for access, retention, and student success.

Left to right: Stephen Glennon and Dónal Loftus.

• Dr. Yvonne Lang, ATU lecturer & Power to Change Project Manager, on partnering for climate action.

Now coordinated by Higher Education 4.0 Communications Officer Stephen Glennon and Dónal Loftus, the club has hosted a dynamic lineup of presentations since autumn 2024, featuring contributions from:

Each session sparks lively discussions, creating a space where colleagues from diverse disciplines connect and collaborate.

• Sinéad Ní Bhroin, ATU Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Team Administrator, on EDI initiatives and their impact on students and staff.

• Louise Kearins, ATU Higher Education 4.0 Senior Instructional Designer, on designing more engaging teaching and learning platforms.

• Tianran Zhang, PhD student, on how the brain responds to VRsimulated natural environments in a comparative study on cognition, well-being, and brain activity.

• Bridie Killoran, Manager, Higher Education 4.0 Career and Learning Pathways, and MyCareerPath, on how MCP is reshaping career journeys.

“The response has been incredible,” said Stephen Glennon. "In just a few months, we've grown from fewer than 50 members to over 150, showing how much ATU staff value this space to learn, share, and connect. The informal lunchtime format makes it easy for people to drop in, discover new ideas, and bounce their own ideas. Given this momentum, we expect The ChangeMakers Club to continue expanding."

Dónal Loftus added: “The club’s growth reflects ATU’s collaborative spirit. Whether in STEM, operations, entrepreneurship, or beyond, every staff member has insights worth sharing, and The Change-Makers Club is where those conversations thrive, and ideas take flight.” Want to present, join, or learn more? Contact Stephen.glennon@atu.ie or donal. loftus@atu.ie Issue Eighteen February 2025 | 38

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ATU and Sligo County Council Work Together to Regenerate Town Centres Brian Flynn, Town Regeneration Officer with Sligo County Council is working with Dr Ruth Quinn and Dr Deirdre Byrne and a team of post-graduate researchers to complete a Town Centre Health Check in four County Sligo towns: Ballymote, Enniscrone, Ballisodare and Collooney.

These rural towns and villages like many more across Ireland are social and economic hubs, as well as key points for accessing services, transport, and other local amenities. However, towns and villages throughout the country are facing significant challenges such as issues with vacancy and dereliction, lack of employment opportunities and online shopping resulting in businesses struggling to stay open.

Town Centre First aims to address this by regenerating town centres and making them attractive places to live, work and visit again.

The Town Centre First Policy was launched in 2022 to support the regeneration and redevelopment of rural towns and villages. The policy was jointly created by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The first stage in the process is to conduct a baseline study in the towns and villages to increase awareness and understanding of the socio-economic, environmental and cultural impact of town centres.

The ATU researchers will be spending a minimum of two days

39 | Issue Nineteen April 2025

in each town. Their main task is community engagement with residents, visitors and businesses in the towns collecting their views of their town centre.

The team will also complete an observational health check of the town centres. This includes accessibility, access to public transport, traffic and parking, natural/green space, play and recreation, facilities and services, work and local economy, housing and community, social interaction, feeling safe, care and maintenance and vacancy/dereliction.

On 5 March, the ATU research team presented preliminary findings on the Ballymote baseline study at the Town Centre First National Town Regeneration Officers Network Training Event in Ballymote.

Reflecting on her involvement in the project, Beth Browne one of the Post Graduate team of researchers and TU RISE PhD student who arrived in Sligo from England last September said: “The Town First Centre project provided a good insight into the needs and perspectives of local people in Sligo's towns. It was also a great way to get to see more of this amazing part of Ireland.”

THE FUTURE IS HERE

Sustainability Green Week at ATU ATU celebrated Green Week (3-7 March) with a series of events. ATU Mayo ran a successful office bin removal campaign which invited staff to consent to the removal of their office bins. Office bins are not segregated and the waste from these bins goes into the general waste stream without recycling.

Instead of using an office bin, staff can now use one of the centrally located bins on campus.

Other events on the Mayo campus included a litter pick-up, an interesting event on Bokashi composting, and the screening of the film, ‘The Ants and the Grasshopper,’ which tells the story of Anita Chitaya, a woman from Malawi and her journey to America to convince Americans of the reality and urgency of climate change.

Concluding the week on 7 March

ATU Outdoor Education graduate, Georgia MacMillan gave a talk on Mayo’s Dark Skies. Her passion for the night sky led her to establish Mayo Dark Skies community group.

She is now a wilderness guide and the development officer for Ireland’s first dark-sky park. Georgia encourages people to explore the night sky and their senses beyond what they can see.

ATU Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Academy Also, during Green Week, the Teaching and Learning Centre and the Centre for Sustainability announced the ATU Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Academy. The academy is supported

by Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement Funding in Higher Education (SATLE) from the Higher Education Authority and the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning.

The ATU ESD Academy responds to the priority action areas of transforming learning environments; building capacities of educators, empowering, and mobilising young people; and accelerating local level actions as outlined in the National ESD Strategy to 2030. It aims to support

At the launch of ATU’s ESD Academy, left to right: Dr Mark Kelly, Dr John Scahill, Dr Carina Ginty and Dr Orla Flynn. and empower staff and students to engage with sustainability, climate action/justice, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an action-oriented way using a 6Cs framework focused on Curriculum, Campus, Community, Collaborative Research, Culture, and Care.

The ATU ESD Academy will facilitate a range of programmes and learning opportunities for both student, staff,

and local communities including the Postgraduate Certificate on Education for Sustainability, a Level 6 Certificate on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), open courses on ‘Education for Sustainability’ and ‘Embedding the SDGs across the Curriculum’, Carbon Literacy training, Climate Fresk and the Radical Sustainability Lab. To find out more please click here.

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ATU and Junk Kouture ATU presented the STEAM award at this year’s Junk Kouture World Finals, which took place at the Helix, Dublin, on 4 March. The STEAM Award, recognises designers who seamlessly integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into their sustainable creations, further bridging the gap between innovation and sustainability.

Over the past three years, ATU and Junk Kouture have forged a dynamic partnership to promote sustainable fashion and innovation among students aged 12 to 19 years. The partnership between the University and Junk Kouture, a global sustainable fashion competition that challenges young designers to create high-fashion outfits using only recycled and upcycled materials, now includes several impactful initiatives and collaborations.

Students and staff from ATU’s Department of Design and Creative Media’s Bachelor of Arts in Fashion with Promotion programme designed and crafted trophies for Junk Kouture’s World Finals, using upcycled materials which harnessed students’ design skills and underscored a commitment to sustainability.

Many ATU graduates have transitioned into roles within the Junk Kouture organisation.

Megan Kelly, an ATU alumna and Director of Global Events and Production at Junk Kouture, has been pivotal in nurturing the relationship between ATU and Junk Kouture by providing students with platforms to engage in sustainable fashion projects.

41 | Issue Nineteen April 2025

Jack Burke, ATU presents Hasseena Atariwa with her award at the Junk Kouture World Finals.

Speaking about the ATU and Junk Kouture collaboration, Fiona Kelly, ATU Marketing Manager said: “This partnership exemplifies how academic institutions and industry competitions can collaborate to inspire and cultivate the next generation of eco-conscious designers, fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation in the fashion industry.”

She added: “ATU has an incredible reputation for delivering programmes focused on sustainability. Many of our past graduates work in the creative industries, we integrate sustainability into our creative, arts, theatre, and design programmes, ensuring that students develop environmentally conscious practices alongside their artistic and technical skills.”

The winner of the STEAM Award presented by ATU was a creation titled, ‘La Voix Du Congo’ by Hasseena Atariwa and Nassima Achiba from High School of Fashion Industries, New York City.

Inspired by the ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ‘La Voix Du Congo’ sheds light on the link between modern technology and the struggles over minerals that fuel instability. The silhouette represents the weight of conflict, while vibrant African fabrics from Benin honour cultural identity and resilience. Every detail is a powerful statement for peace and justice. Weighing 30kg, this design reflects the burden of war while standing as a call for awareness and action.

THE FUTURE IS HERE

ATU Students and Staff Plant 250 Native Trees in Connemara Community Woodland Students and staff from ATU’s Connemara campus planted 250 native trees on 19 March as part of Tree Week. The trees were planted within the existing Community Native Woodland, established by the University in 2013. To date, more than 6,000 trees have been planted on the five-acre site on the grounds of the Connemara National Park, including alder, birch, whitethorn, guilder rose, holly, pendunculate oak and scots pine.

This event was coordinated by the Green Campus Committee in conjunction with the Power to Change project, which aims to develop the woodland as a living and learning environment for students and the wider community. Faculty staff are also developing learning resources to maximise the potential of the woodland from an educational perspective.

Students at ATU Connemara specialise in the use and manipulation of timber in furniture design and technology projects.

This initiative is helping the students to understand how woodlands develop, and it shines a light on the inherent value of Irish-grown trees from environmental, social, and economic perspectives. The project forms part of ATU’s response to support the aims of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. By planting trees, students are also helping to replenish and expand Ireland’s stock of native trees and forest cover, which is one of the lowest in Europe.

Dr Dermot O’Donovan, Green Campus Committee member and Head of Department of Creative Education said: “We see this project as an investment in the community and a resource that benefits our students, our region and the local environment. The Community Native Woodland is a haven for biodiversity, providing habitats for wildlife, birds, invertebrates, flora and pollinators.

Native trees and woodlands can be regarded as climate warriors as they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, regulate water quality, and enhance soil health. Furthermore, the project helps to inform our students on the environmental impacts of their procurement decisions when they will be specifying timber materials in their professional lives.”

Power to Change The Power to Change project is led by ATU in partnership with the Sligo Public Participation Network and is funded under the Community Climate Action Programme.

The project will facilitate connection/reconnection with nature and build capacity within community groups to lead on change across four initiatives.

A key focus of the project is to engage with groups that have been under-represented in the Climate Conversations and will be guided by the principles of universal design for research to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.

A repository of case studies, good practice guides, and a virtual learning environment will be developed to aid capacity building within community groups and ultimately establish lasting connections and networks.

ATU students, Louis Oakes and Harry Jones at the tree planting event.

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ATU Celebrates ATU Wins Tomorrow’s Leaders Student Challenge ATU students won first place in the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) “Tomorrow’s Leaders Student Challenge Ireland” competition which took place in Dundalk IT on 27 February.

The team from the ATU Galway Dept of Building & Civil Engineering beat 10 other university teams including teams from Belfast Metropolitan College, Dundalk IT, Munster Technological University (MTU) Cork, South East Technological University (SETU) Carlow, SETU Waterford, Technological University Dublin (TUD), University of Limerick (UL), University of Ulster and teams from ATU Sligo and ATU Donegal.

The challenge involved coming up with a strategy or methodology for tackling the global housing crisis.

Sarah Hallinan, Regional Manager Ireland at CIOB congratulated the ATU team and said: “This incredibly difficult challenge really puts aspiring construction professionals’ minds to the test, asking them to come up with complex sustainable solutions which they must present to a panel of experts in a very short space of time. I was delighted with the level of professionalism and awareness of environmental sustainability on display, and how well the students were able to communicate their ideas – these talents will stand them in good stead for their future careers.”

John Hanahoe and Michelle Fahey, ATU lecturers and mentors paid

43 | Issue Nineteen April 2025

The winning ATU team: Tony Conlon, Kerrie O’Flaherty, Dylan Hanly, and Kevin Kenneally. Photo: Paul Sherwood. tribute to the students: “We have competed in this event for many years and have been fortunate to win it on many occasions. We know that our students find working with other disciplines useful and relish the challenge on the day. They also enjoy meeting and interacting with their colleagues from the other universities”

THE FUTURE IS HERE

Invent for the Planet (Ireland) 2025 Winners A multidisciplinary team of students from colleges across Ireland won the Irish leg of Invent for the Planet (IFTP) 2025 for their plastic brick prototype solution titled ‘Creating sustainable housing solutions for expanding poverty areas’.

Team IRIS, (Innovation Recycling Infrastructure Solution), named after their prototype consisted of Joyce Mathew, ATU Galway, Christopher D’mello, DKIT, Gabriela Rodrigues, University of Galway, Camillo Murgia, ATU Galway, Harish Sampathkumar, ATU Donegal, Dipshikha Das, ATU Galway, and Kajal Bhapkar, ATU Donegal.

Their winning prototype collects plastic waste, adds local clay, sand, basalt fibre and coconut fibre, putting them inside a container and melting them, converting them into bricks to use to build houses in the poorest, plastics stricken hot spots in developing countries. The prototype brick can also store water.

The team has developed a kit to enable local people, once trained, to build their homes themselves. The prototype is modular, scalable, and reduces building costs by up to 70%.

“ Our ‘Invent for the Planet

2025’ journey was more than just an innovation sprint - it was about teamwork, creative problem-solving, and a shared vision for sustainability. Our Replast Kit is designed to empower communities to cultivate self-sufficiency. These 48 hours proved that when technology meets purpose, real change happens. This is more than just technology; it’s about fostering local entrepreneurship, handling environmental impact, and enabling a future where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.

”

IFTP Winning Team, IRIS

IFTP Ireland 2025 winning team IRIS, left to right, back row: Joyce Mathew, ATU Galway; Christopher D'mello, DIT; Gabriela Rodrigues, University of Galway; Camillo Murgia, ATU Galway; Harish Sampathkumar, ATU Donegal.

Front row, Dipshikha Das, ATU Galway and Kajal Bhapkar, ATU Donegal.

34 students from seven universities participated in the 48-hour intensive competition aimed at finding solutions to global challenges.

IFTP Ireland is led by Dr Jack Saad, Fulbright Scholar, Texas A&M (PhD Robotics, Genova University, Italy) who lectures in industrial and mechanical engineering in ATU Galway. The local competition is sponsored by Thermo King, EU Green, Marine Institute and Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency.

Speaking at the event, Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President, said: “The Invent for the Planet weekend is one of those magical events that reminds us all of why we are in education – to see groups of students coming from different backgrounds, disciplines and universities working together to solve huge global problems, having fun, engaging with external mentors and judges – the energy is always truly infectious. This year was no exception, and I want to say a big thank-you to the ATU team who managed this event, led by Dr Jack Saad and supported by Dr Carine Gachon, Prof Frances Lucy and EveAnne McCarron. Go raibh maith agaibh – the future is surely in wonderful hands!’’

IFTP 2025 was hosted across 36 universities, with approximately 1,500 students participating worldwide from 22 countries. Team Iris travelled to Texas to participate in the Global Invent for the Planet Finals, which took place from 14-18 April. They were one of only six teams invited to the finals, a fitting recognition for their plastic brick prototype.

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ATU International Hotel School Team win in Arras, France Two students from the Galway International Hotel School, ATU won the FICAHT strand two competition in France on 12 March. Caitlyn Valerie, a third year Gastronomy Science & Food Innovation student and Chloe Costello, a second year International Hotel Management student represented ATU at the annual France Ireland Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism event.

The FICAHT network brings together French and Irish Higher and Further Education Institutions delivering education and training in Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, encouraging student mobility, developing EU-wide programmes through the Erasmus+ scheme and exchanging good practices.

This year the competition also included competitors from Spain and Italy. Chloe and Caitlyn with their French colleagues from Argelles sur le Mer, held off stiff competition from other French, Italian and Spanish colleges. Each team were invited to produce and serve a three-course menu celebrating Irish and French produce.

This year’s theme required the creation of dishes that met the highest standards of quality, creativity, and innovation while incorporating modern interactive elements to enhance the client's meal experience. Judges remarked on the quality of the food produced, the technical skills and the collaboration between the chefs and the front of house team.

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Left to right: ATU winning students, Chloe Costello and Caitlyn Valerie, with ATU lecturers, Colin Gilligan, Mary Reid and Anne O’ Leary.

THE FUTURE IS HERE

Unique North-South Collaboration Celebrates 20 Years A unique North-South collaboration between ATU and University of Ulster (UU) celebrated its 20th anniversary at a special event in the Mansion House, Dublin on 12 February. The two universities came together in 2005 to launch the Masters in Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector. Established in the wake of the Good Friday Agreement, the programme is supported by government partners at the Office of An Taoiseach and at the Department of Finance, in Northern Ireland, and has over 250 graduates since its launch in 2005.

Graduates from the very first cohort attended and shared their experiences, recounting the impact the programme had on their career, the development of their professional network and the positive impact on the public sector reforms.

Speaking at the event, ATU President Dr Orla Flynn praised the vision of those who established the programme: “By marking this milestone, we are taking time to reflect on the vision of those who established this unique programme, shortly after the Good Friday Agreement in 2003. We are delighted to be joined by so many past participants, as well as the academic teams who were involved in the formative years of the programme.

“In terms of impact, the programme has successfully graduated 250 participants from 60 departments and agencies across both jurisdictions, supporting civil

Left to right: Professor Paul Seawright, Deputy Vice Chancellor UU; Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President; Mr Barry Lowry, Graduate and Government Chief Information Officer, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; Dr Anne Burke, Senior Lecturer, ATU; Mr John O’Sullivan, Graduate and Commissioner of Valuation (Retired), Valuation Office; Mr Bill McCluggage, MC and Non-Exec Chairman; Ms Joanne Timoney, Graduate and Deputy Departmental Solicitor, (Deputy Head of Government Legal Services); Mr Eoghan Duffy, Director of the Shared Island Initiative, Department of an Taoiseach. and public servants to address shared challenges, while building cross-border relationships. I am also delighted to be joined by our partners in Ulster University, as we have a common mission to advance knowledge by providing teaching and learning of the highest standard to meet the needs of our region and beyond.”

Professor Paul Seawright, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Ulster University said: “Programmes like this are successful because of the people who have created and delivered them and the academic staff who have the passion to drive and reinvent the programme year after year, keeping it up to date and industry relevant. At Ulster our strategy is based on People, Place and Partnership and this programme is the perfect embodiment of that, allowing graduates to lead transformation in the public sector

using the knowledge they gain from the programme. It is a great example of how both institutions are working together to deliver for the North West region, where we are committed to growth, and also wider – to addressing challenges faced on both sides of the border.”

In addition to academic learning, the programme provided the space and time for those in leadership roles to drive innovation and change within complex organisations, embedding a culture of transformation within their departments. Speakers at the event reflected on significant challenges faced throughout their careers, from the economic crash to the Covid 19 pandemic. They credited the skills and toolkits developed during the programme, as the blueprint for empowering them to lead significant projects and teams through periods of change.

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ATU Students’ Sports Success

Congratulations to the ATU Galway Men's Basketball team on becoming the D3 Champions 2025 after taking on DCU in the Colleges Leagues Finals at the National Basketball Arena on 12 March.

ATU Galway Ladies GAA team celebrate after beating Marino Institute of Education in the 2025 AIG Ladies HEC Championship - Donaghy Cup Final on 14 March.

Team players, Aisling Costelloe and Kelli McGrath were recently awarded AIG Ladies HEC Rising Stars 2025 awards at the 2025 AIG Ladies HEC All-Stars and Rising Stars evening at the Dublin Bonnington Hotel.

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Also, in March the ATU Galway Boxing Club won five titles at the Irish Athletic Third-level Boxing Association (IATBA) intervarsity boxing championships.

Title winners were: Zac Collins (JN72KG), Diarmuid Gillard (SN71KG), James Basquille (SN91KG), Ruairi O’Donnell (MI67KG) and Naoise McManus (MI71KG).

ATU’s inaugural Atlantic games took place on 12 March at the Knocknarea arena in Sligo. The event, whose focus was on inclusion and participation rather than elite competition brought over 200 students from Mayo, Galway, Sligo and Donegal together with teams competing in events such as tag rugby, volleyball, basketball and soccer.

A unique aspect of the games was the student-led approach, with learners from various sporting disciplines taking active roles in planning, managing, and delivering the event.

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Play in Motion

Left to right: Dr Rita Melia, Dr Orla Flynn, Prof Amanda Pintore, Dr Dara Fitzgerald and John Joe O' Farrell at the Mayo launch of Amanda’s book.

ATU recently welcomed back Professor Amanda Pintore, a Fulbright Specialist who spent time in ATU in October 2023. She returned to launch her book, ‘Theatre and Dance with Children as Artistic Partners: Devising Performance for the Very Young’, at both our Mayo and Donegal campuses.

Amanda is a director, choreographer, and educator with a particular focus on movement and dance education, devised theatre, and making theatre and dance performances with young children. She is an Assistant Professor in Theatre for Youth and Community and Acting at Arizona State University.

The book which was completed during Amanda’s Fulbright specialist stay in Ireland, offers a methodological framework for developing research-based theatre and dance for the very young, performances in which artists

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collaborate with children aged 0-6 years and their caregivers and/or educators as creative partners in the process.

The main themes addressed in the book are innovative methods for devising and collaboration, the translation of research into performance, and the integral bonds between early childhood development and artistic experiences. The final chapter of the book speaks to Amanda’s time at ATU, and the shared learning and relationships developed with colleagues in the University.

During the Mayo launch participants were invited to stretch their play muscles in a movement session.

The children from Curious Minds preschool in Castlebar were also treated to a magical play lab where they spread their beautiful butterfly wings and flew.

Colleagues from Sligo, Donegal, Galway and Mayo had an added

treat to their day at ATU Connemara where Amanda conducted a short movement session, before heading to the hills of Donegal to reconnect with ATU colleagues there.

In Donegal, Amanda spent time with the students in the Department of Early Education and Social Studies in ATU Letterkenny and ran creative workshops. The students engaged in play and creation, learning about the creative process that occurs during the Play Labs, Amanda runs with young children to build collaborative performances.

At the Donegal launch, Amanda spoke about the importance of engaging in play no matter what your age and encouraged everyone to exercise their play muscles. Dr Nigel McKelvey presented Amanda with a photograph of Dooey taken by local photographer Emma-Lou Kerr of Celk and some local coffee and chocolates to remember her time in ATU.

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ATU Celebrates 30 Years of Heritage Programmes Since its inception in 1995, the Heritage Studies programme at ATU has been dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and experience for a rewarding career in the heritage sector or related areas. The focus is applied, dynamic, and interdisciplinary – drawing insights from heritage (built, cultural, natural and digital) and related fields such as history, archaeology, geography, ecology, literature, creative & cultural industries, digital humanities, museology, and tourism.

The programme has fostered a community of scholars and practitioners committed to applying

Annual Heritage Fieldtrip to Berlin Students on the BA (Hons) in Heritage recently visited Berlin for a five-day fieldtrip. This annual visit forms part of the European History Field Studies module, taught by Dr McCarthy and Dr John Tunney, Department of Heritage and Tourism.

During the visit from 10–14 February, the class explored the public history, memory, and heritage of

historical insights to contemporary and future contexts. The Heritage Research Group at ATU exemplifies this commitment through collaborative research with partners in the cultural, heritage, historic environment, and tourism sectors.

The 30th anniversary celebration will take place on 7 May at 4pm in the Wine Geese Training Bar on the ATU Galway City campus.

The celebration will feature keynote addresses by Senior Lecturer and Programme Chair in Heritage, Dr Mark McCarthy, and a renowned archaeologist, historian and author, Paul Duffy and will include reflections on the programme’s history,

the German capital, from medieval to modern times. The class visited many historic sites including Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall at Niederkirchnerstraße, the site of Hitler’s bunker, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and the Brandenburg Gate.

Dr McCarthy said: “This international visit, combined with regular fieldtrips to heritage sites, interpretative centres, and museums around Ireland for other modules, provides our students with a practical handson learning experience – highlighting links between the past, present, and future.”

Heritage student and participant on the field trip, Timea Jurčová said: “In a span of five days we were able to understand the impact that a world conflict had on a city, causing it to be divided for nearly half a decade.”

achievements, and future directions, as well as opportunities for alumni, students, and faculty to engage in discussions about the evolving field of heritage studies.

Reflecting on the success of the programme, Dr Mark McCarthy said: “ATU’s BA (Hons) in Heritage, which is the only one of its kind in Ireland today, is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills for a rewarding career in the heritage sector or other areas such as teaching. Students can also progress to an MA or PhD (by research) in Heritage Studies, under the guidance of supervisors from the Heritage Research Group.”

“ As students we came away

with a deeper appreciation of Berlin's complex history and the lasting scars left by the Holocaust, World War II and the Cold War. Seeing some of the historical locations in person made the stories we read in textbooks and watched on TV feel more real and immediate. The trip was eye-opening, leaving us with a newfound respect for Berlin’s resilience and the importance of learning from history.

”

Timea Jurčová, ATU Heritage Student

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ATU Unites Against Domestic Violence ATU has joined the Irish One Million Stars initiative, a global community arts project that promotes hope, courage, and solidarity in the face of domestic violence and coercive control.

In collaboration with Donegal Volunteer Centre and Donegal County Council, ATU hosted the striking ‘LOVE’ installation on its Letterkenny campus, while also rolling out a series of star weaving workshops on multiple campuses.

Amber’s One Million Stars Ireland project is part of the international One Billion Stars initiative, originally founded in Australia in 2012. This initiative invites individuals and communities across Ireland to weave eight-pointed stars as symbols of light, resilience, and unity. These stars are then gathered into public art installations that advocate for a safer and more compassionate society.

over the past five years. The initiative has been embraced across the county, particularly in rural areas where volunteer opportunities can be limited. In 2024 alone, Donegal Volunteer Centre volunteers wove 10,000 stars to create unique installations, which were showcased in partnership with the Donegal Arts Service in Letterkenny, Buncrana, Lifford, and Bundoran.

Throughout March and April, ATU students and staff participated in star weaving workshops, collectively contributing hundreds of handwoven stars to the initiative.

These workshops fostered creativity, connection, and reflection on the role individuals and institutions can play in promoting positive change.

is more than just an art exhibition – it is a powerful symbol of unity across Ireland, standing together against violence.

Since August 2023, Donegal Volunteer Centre has been leading the initiative in Donegal, becoming the first organisation to introduce the project to the region. Since then, Women’s Collective Ireland and Donegal Domestic Violence Service have also joined the movement.

To date, 14,020 stars have been woven in Donegal, contributing to the 500,000 stars woven nationally

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“ The LOVE installation ”

Roksana Oliinyk, Volunteer Support Officer with Donegal Volunteer Centre Dr Sharon McLaughlin, ATU EDI Manager in Donegal, highlighted the initiative’s significance in fostering inclusion: “The One Million Stars project is a powerful demonstration of what equity, diversity, and inclusion mean in action. At ATU, we are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels safe and respected, and this initiative brings that commitment to life. Each woven star represents connection

“ These stars send a clear message: survivors are not alone—we see them, we support them, and we stand with them.

”

Caitríona Gleeson, ATU Respect Manager and care, especially for those who have been silenced or marginalised by domestic violence and injustice.

By coming together to engage in this creative collective action, we’re showing that EDI is not just a policy— it’s something we actively build, live, and stand for.”

Caitríona Gleeson, ATU Respect Manager, emphasised the initiative’s relevance in the context of domestic abuse in Ireland: “Domestic violence and coercive control remain deeply pervasive in Ireland, affecting individuals in every community including in ATU. Abusers often isolate victims, cutting them off from support and sources of hope.

Creative initiatives like One Million Stars provide an accessible and powerful way to raise awareness, spark conversations, and visibly support those suffering in silence.”

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ATU Conferences Culture, Communications and Change in People Management HR managers from public and private organisations in the west and northwest gathered in ATU Mayo on 7 March, for a workshop event titled “Culture, Communications and Change in People Management.”

Organised by the staff and Programme Board of ATU’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Resource Management, the event explored the theme of managing people through the upheaval of major organisational change, emphasising the importance of nurturing a culture of openness to change through authentic communication with staff.

Patricia McLoughlin, Head of Business Preparedness at AstraZeneca delivered the keynote address. She spoke about the interdependence between the successful execution of change and fostering an organisational culture that is conducive to change.

Patricia highlighted the ‘change paradox’ whereby as many as 60% of change initiatives fail to achieve their objectives due to cultural misalignment, poor communications and insufficient stakeholder management.

Kevin Neary, CEO of Orcawise, discussed AI’s potential in promoting a positive culture in an organisation, contrary to the impression of employees who are often suspicious, or worried, about such technologies.

Organisations and their people need to be ‘consistently in change mode’ and to be ‘known for embracing change’ and should be constantly

Michael Gill, Head of Department of Organisational Development, ATU at the Culture, Communications and Change in People Management Event. learning and educating them in this space.

The panel of speakers also included Laura McHugh, Vantive Manufacturing Ltd; Fiona Keane, Corrib Oil; Maria Ferguson, HSE West and North West; Declan Sheridan, Hollister and Pat Howley, Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board.

Speaking after the event, Michael Gill, Head of Department of Organisational Development, said: “Having an event such as this and programmes such as the BA

(Honours) in Human Resource Management and the Certificate in Supervisory Management in the region are key to our future so that people of this region can develop from continuous learning. Our people define our future and our region. The insights gained today were excellent with our highly qualified speakers bringing a much deeper level of thinking to what we are truly about: good people and their development / Daoine maithe agus a bhforbairt.”

ATU offers a part time honours degree in Human Resource Management. The part time nature of the programme makes it accessible to students who are working or who have other commitments and cannot attend the University five days a week. There is also the option of completing a Certificate in Supervisory Management before advancing to the third year of the honour’s degree programme.

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DICE Conference Explores Innovation in the Hybrid Working Era The Design, Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (DICE) annual conference took place recently at ATU, bringing together industry leaders, academics, and innovators to its Letterkenny campus for a series of keynote speeches and interactive panel discussions.

This year’s event focused on the evolving landscape of hybrid work, offering insights into its impact on businesses, employees, and the future of the workplace.

Dr Lorna Ross, Head of Department of Design and Creative Media at ATU Donegal and keynote speaker at DICE 2025, shared insights on the potential of design driving human-centred innovation. During the ‘Creativity in a hybrid environment’ session, Lorna said: “The human-machine relationship is a story deeply connected to our evolution and there’s a need for balance between technological investments and human capital to ensure sustainable progress.”

Speaking at the conference, Joe Dunleavy, European CTO at Endava highlighted the benefits of hybrid working, “many people can work on the same thing from many parts of the world, the best creativity often comes when we are together, but it doesn’t mean we always have to be in the one place all of the time.”

Michael Margey, Head of the Faculty of Business at ATU Donegal concluded: “It was tremendous to see such a highly engaged panel and audience, it was definitely one of the most impactful DICE conferences with key areas such as AI and remote working attracting a lot of attention, reflecting the rate and scale of change we are facing.”

Dr Lorna Ross, Head of Department, Design and Creative Media, ATU Donegal speaking at the DICE conference.

ATU International Construction Management Conference On 13 March, ATU hosted the 14th International Construction Management Conference, a dynamic event which focussed on the latest trends and innovations in construction management. Attendees had the opportunity to network with industry professionals, attend insightful sessions, and explore cutting-edge technologies shaping the construction industry.

The conference offered both the seasoned professionals and students

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the opportunity to gain valuable insights, exchange ideas, and expand their knowledge in the field of construction management.

ATU was delighted to welcome back Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) as the main sponsors of the conference.

THE FUTURE IS HERE

News in Brief New Tertiary Degree in Social Care Practice ATU, in partnership with Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board recently launched a new Tertiary Education degree at Cavan Institute, the BA (Hons) in Social Care Practice. The programme which already exists at ATU Sligo’s campus, now provides a one year plus three-year study opportunity for learners interested in studying year one of the honours degree programme at Cavan Institute and provides a flexible and accessible pathway to a university degree for students in the Cavan region and beyond.

Free Financial Readiness for Life Course A newly developed ‘Financial Readiness for Life’ free online course launched by ATU and MABS aims to equip students with essential financial literacy skills to navigate college life and beyond.

The ‘Financial Readiness for Life’ course is the first of its kind in Ireland targeting higher education students and those preparing to go to third level. Developed in collaboration with MABS, it provides an accessible and interactive platform for students to develop critical financial skills.

ATU’s Medical and Engineering Technology Gateway Secures €961,000 ATU has secured €961,000 for a Fibre Optics Medical Imaging System, led by Dr Eugene McCarthy, Head of Department of Analytical, Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences and Academic Director of the Enterprise Ireland funded Medical and Engineering Technology (MET) Gateway in ATU Galway.

The capital equipment funding will enable the acquisition of state-of-the-art fibre optics medical imaging systems which will complement MET’s existing medical imaging suite, which is extensively used by the Medtech sector.

The fibre optics medical imaging system will allow Medtech companies test their devices using a radiation-free guidance system, design novel devices with compatibility to all modes of medical imaging systems providing a competitive edge to companies operating in Ireland.

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ATU Library Celebrates Love Data Week ATU Library hosted a week of informative and interactive webinars to mark Love Data Week 2025, which took place in February. The initiative provided a unique opportunity for students, researchers, and professionals to engage with experts in open data, research data management, and digital policies.

Exploration and Fun at ATU ATU welcomed over 2,500 visitors to its sixth annual Sligo Engineering Fair, held on 2 March. The event, organised in collaboration with Engineers Ireland NW and global healthcare leader Abbott, offered an exciting day filled with exploration, innovation, and hands-on activities for all ages.

New eMobility eHub Trinity College Dublin (TCD) together with ATU, ESB and Enterprise Car Club recently launched the first of four shared eMobility eHubs at Westside Library Car Park at the heart of the decarbonisation zone in Galway City. The eHub sites will allow people to select the most suitable mode of transport for their needs, aiming to provide a range of shared public travel options. By providing alternative solutions, it will help to encourage people to try different mobility options when travelling to work or getting around the city.

Long-standing partnership between Mountbellew Agricultural College and ATU is formalised ATU and Mountbellew Agricultural College have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) deepening academic collaboration and advancing research and educational opportunities in the agricultural and environmental sectors.

The MOU signed at Mountbellew Agricultural College sets out a framework for further cooperation in programme development, research initiatives and student engagement opportunities.

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Ripples – a wave of change of ocean literacy through art

ATU PhD Researcher Receives Dervilla Donnelly Postgraduate Award 2025

On 28 March, the Waves of Change team, led by Dr João Frias, launched Ripples, an art exhibition exploring ocean literacy. The event took place in Bushy Park, Galway, from the culmination of a day trip in Galway Bay on board of RV Tom Crean, and of a one-month residency in Watershed Studio’s.

ATU PhD researcher Keerthi M. Nair has been awarded the Dervilla Donnelly Postgraduate Award 2025 by the Institute of Chemistry Ireland. Keerthi’s PhD research, conducted as part of the EU Horizon 2020 PANIWATER project, focuses on the development of Fe-based functional nanomaterials, particularly Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives, as advanced catalysts for wastewater treatment. Her work addresses critical water contamination challenges and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all.

The showcase featured the work of both established and emerging artists in Ireland including Aisling Roche, Amy Kramer, Enda Burke, Kat Austen, JD Whitman and Róisín Clothier. Waves of Change is a research project funded by the Marine Institute, in partnership between the ATU and the Galway Atlantaquaria.

Blended intensive programmes The EU GREEN Alliance has published the Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) for 2025, offering students and staff the opportunity to participate in innovative shortterm mobility experiences. These programmes combine online learning with in-person sessions, fostering international collaboration, interdisciplinary learning, and sustainability-focused education across EU GREEN universities..

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www.atu.ie @atu_ie ATU Donegal Letterkenny ATU Donegal Killybegs

ATU Sligo ATU St Angelas

ATU Mayo

ATU Connemara ATU Mountbellew ATU Galway City

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