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 and ATU staff
Cover photo: ATU honoured Mrs Mary Robinson with an honorary doctorate at a special ceremony at ATU Mayo campus on 2 December. Pictured with Mrs Robinson is Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President.
Contributors: ATU Communications team, Lauren Reynolds, Jessica Duffy, Orlaith Ní Mheachair, Richéal Burns, Carina Ginty, Mike Conroy, Turlough Rafferty, Fiona Watson, Kenneth Monaghan, Elaine Mears, Anushree Dwivedi, Jorden McMenamin, Fiona Kelly, Niamh Plunkett and Stephen Glennon.
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
01
Welcome from the Editor
03
University Updates
- ATU Awards Honorary Doctorate to Mrs Mary Robinson
- Winter Conferring Ceremonies
- ATU Launches new Accredited Architecture Programme
11 Research News
- Stroke Recovery Begins at Home
- Science Undergraduate Research Experience Conference
- Student-centred Team-building Day for Postgraduate Students
17
Innovation and Engagement
- Advancing Digitalisation and Data Driven Innovation
- EU GREEN Calls for People to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle during Waste Reduction Week
ATU Celebrates - 400 Transition Year Students Honoured at ATU STEM Passport Awards - New Calendar Featuring Wild Atlantic Animals - ATU Student wins Prestigious Culinary Competition - Apprentices of the Year Awards - Celebrating National Science Week - Everyday Objects Transformed by the Conflict - A First for ATU
- Climbing the UDL Ladder - ATU Undergraduate Open Days Attract Record Numbers
Welcome from the Editor, Anne Donnelly
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the Christmas 2024 issue of our ATU Magazine. The festive atmosphere is already evident in ATU with Christmas trees, lights and even some pop-up Santa Grottos on our campuses.
In October and November, we celebrated the achievements of over 5,000 graduates across a wide range of disciplines, from undergraduate certificates to doctoral degrees at our Winter Conferring Ceremonies. Our conferring celebrations concluded with a special honorary Doctorate ceremony on 2 December, where former President of Ireland, Mrs Mary Robinson, was honoured for her extraordinary contribution to society.
In her conferring address, Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President reminded our graduates of the transformative power of education, and their potential to be a positive influence in society. She added: “Whatever your field, remember that your education is a tool for positive change.”
We have many articles in this issue that highlight the transformative power of ATU’s activities.
Indeed, transformative accurately describes a new book written by ATU lecturer and researcher Dr Kenneth Monaghan, titled, ‘Lights, Mirrors, Action’. The book is a guide to
home-based rehabilitation for stroke survivors and is set to have a positive impact on the lives of caregivers and stroke survivors. You can read more about Dr Monaghan’s book on page 11.
Continuing the theme of transformation in this issue we bring you news about the Johnson & Johnson announcement to expand its WiSTEM2D programme to include ATU students. The scholarships on offer will provide a significant boost to female students in STEM courses and will support them to build a strong career.
Another transformative initiative ATU is involved in, is The Digital Academy for the Sustainable Built Environment (DASBE) project which is providing blended education in critical areas needed to upskill the construction sector. You can read more about DASBE on page 30.
Clipboards, bin lids and leather wallets are examples of everyday objects that were transformed by the conflict in Northern Ireland and are part of an exhibition, currently touring ATU Libraries. The exhibition contains objects that offer a glimpse into the lives and memories of those who lived through conflict in Northern Ireland. For more information on this unique exhibition please go to page 46.
There are many more interesting articles in this issue and whether you are a member of our student or staff body, or are one of our regional, national or international stakeholders, I hope you find something of interest here.
I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and a happy new year.
Best Wishes Anne Donnelly
Focal ón Eagarthóir
A chara,
Tá an-áthas orm fáilte a chur romhat chuig eagrán na Nollag d’Iris OTA.
Tá séasúr na Nollag le brath cheana féin san Ollscoil le crainn Nollag, soilse agus fiú pluais Dhaidí na Nollag le feiceáil ar fud na gcampais éagsúla.
I mí Dheireadh Fómhair agus i mí na Samhna, rinneamar ceiliúradh ar éachtaí breis agus 5,000 céimí thar méid leathan disciplíní, ó theastais fochéime go céimeanna dochtúireachta ag Searmanais Bronnta an Gheimhridh. Chríochnaigh an ceiliúradh le searmanas speisialta Dochtúireachta oinigh ar 2 Nollaig, áit ar tugadh onóir d’iarUachtarán na hÉireann, Mary Robinson, as an méid atá déanta aici don tsochaí.
Ina haitheasc bronnta, mheabhraigh an Dr. Orla Flynn, Uachtarán na hOllscoile, do na céimithe faoi chumhacht bunathraithe an oideachais, agus an cumas atá acu tionchar dearfach a imirt ar an sochaí. “Is cuma cén réimse ina bhfuil tú ag obair,” a dúirt sí, “cuimhnigh gur uirlis le haghaidh athrú dearfach atá san oideachas.”
Tá go leor píosaí san eagrán seo a chuireann béim ar chumhacht bunathraithe ghníomhaíochtaí OTA. Go deimhin, déanann an focal
‘bunathrú’ cur síos ar an leabhar nua atá scríofa ag an Dr. Kenneth Monaghan, léachtóir agus taighdeoir de chuid OTA, dar teideal, ‘Lights, Mirrors, Action’. Tugann an leabhar seo treoir maidir le hathshlánú baile do dhaoine a thagann slán ó stróc agus beidh tionchar dearfach aige ar shaol na gcúramóirí agus iad siúd a tháinig slán ó stróc. Is féidir tuilleadh a léamh faoi leabhar an Dr. Monaghan ar leathanach 11.
Ag leanúint leis an téama ‘bunathrú’, san eagrán seo tabharfar eolas maidir le fógra Johnson & Johnson chun a chlár WiSTEM2D a leathnú amach chuig mic léinn OTA. Cuirfidh na scoláireachtaí borradh suntasach faoi mhic léinn baineanna i gcúrsaí ETIM (STEM) agus tacóidh sé leo gairm bheatha láidir a chruthú.
Tionscnamh bunathraithe eile a bhfuil baint ag OTA leis, is ea tionscadal an Digital Academy for the Sustainable Built Environment (DASBE) atá ag cur oideachas cumaisc ar fáil i
“ Má tá nithe faoi leith ar mhaith leat a fheiceáíl sna heagráin atá le teacht, is féidir teagmháil a dhéanamh liom anne.donnelly@atu.ie ”
réimsí ríthábhachtacha a bhfuil gá leo chun scileanna na hearnála tógála a fheabhsú. Is féidir tuilleadh a léamh faoi leabhar an DASBE ar leathanach 30.
Samplaí d’ábhar a d’úsáidtí go laethúil, a d’athraigh an t-aighneas i dTuaisceart Éireann, is ea fásc-chláir, barr bosca bruscair agus sparán leathair agus tá siad mar chuid de thaispeántas atá ar camchuairt faoi láthair i Leabharlanna na hOllscoile. Tugann an taispeántas sracfhéachaint ar shaolta agus ar chuimhní cinn na ndaoine a mhair trí an t-aighneas i dTuaisceart Éireann. Le haghaidh tuilleadh eolais faoin taispeántas seo téigh chuig leathanach 46.
Tá go leor míreanna suimiúla eile san eagrán seo, mar sin, más ball foirne nó mac léinn atá ionat, nó dream dár bpáirtithe leasmhara réigiúnacha, náisiúnta nó idirnáisiúnta, tá súil againn go bhfeicfidh tú rud éigin a mbeidh suim agat ann.
Tá súil agam go mbeidh Nollaig Shona agus athbhliain faoi mhaise agaibh go léir.
Le dea-ghuí, Anne Donnelly
University Updates ATU Awards Honorary Doctorate to Mrs Mary Robinson
Mrs Mary Robinson with Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President and Dr Billy Bennett, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar at ATU.
ATU honoured one of Ireland’s most distinguished figures, Mrs Mary Robinson, with an honorary doctorate at a special ceremony at ATU's Mayo campus in Castlebar on Monday, December 2.
Mrs Robinson served as President of Ireland from 1990 to 1997 and as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997 to 2002. An Adjunct Professor for Climate Justice at Trinity College Dublin, Mrs Robinson was a member of The Elders, an independent group of global leaders working for peace, justice, and human rights. She had been widely celebrated for her leadership, including receiving the
Presidential Medal of Freedom from former U.S. President Barack Obama.
Between 2013 and 2016, she served as the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy in roles focusing on the Great Lakes region of Africa, climate change, and El Niño and climate resilience. Her advocacy extended through her foundation, the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice, which championed equitable solutions to the climate crisis.
Addressing the audience at the ceremony, Mrs Robinson said that receiving an honorary doctorate on a campus in her native Mayo was a particularly special honour. She
also called on the end of double standards in international law and the need for the world to do more in the fight against climate change.
ATU President Dr Orla Flynn said Mrs Mary Robinson was an inspiration to all:
"This was an extraordinary moment for Atlantic Technological University. Honouring Mary Robinson, particularly in her native Mayo, was an incredible privilege for us, and her achievements resonated deeply with our drive to empower future generations. Mrs Robinson has been an inspiring figure for decades both in Ireland and around the world. We were truly honoured to have such an icon of our country accept this recognition from ATU."
Mrs Robinson was nominated for the honour by a member of ATU staff, and her nomination was approved by the Honorary Doctorate Sub-Committee of the University’s Governing Body.
The ceremony marked the final conferring event of 2024 for ATU, following two months of graduations that celebrated the achievements of over 5,000 students across its campuses. This honorary doctorate was one of the largest events hosted by the University since its formation, highlighting the importance of the occasion for the ATU community and beyond.
To watch a recording of the ceremony, please click here.
Dr Justin Kerr, Vice President Mayo Campus and Head of School Health Science, Wellbeing & Society listening to Mrs Mary Robinson speak at the ceremony at ATU Mayo.
Left to right: Maura McNally SC, Chair of ATU Governing Body, Mrs Mary Robinson and Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President.
“Mary Robinson is a trailblazer whose legacy inspires us all. Her unwavering commitment to human rights, climate justice, and ethical global leadership made her a fitting recipient of this honour. We were privileged to celebrate her achievements as part of the ATU community.”
Maura McNally SC, Chair of ATU Governing Body
On 1 February 1991, Karen Symth, ATU Marketing Officer was in the first group of young people Mary Robinson invited to Áras an Uachtaráin following her inauguration. There were 32 young people in total, one from each county in Ireland. Karen presented Mrs Robinson with a St. Brigid’s Peace Cross from the group. She also presented her with a rug made by students from Loreto Convent Letterkenny, which was to be presented to the first lady astronaut, Valentina Tereskova, when she was to visit Áras an Uachtaráin the following week. Karen presented another St Brigid’s Cross to Mrs Robinson at the honorary doctorate ceremony at ATU's Mayo campus in Castlebar on 2 December.
Winter Conferring Ceremonies at ATU
ATU’s winter conferring ceremonies took place in October and November celebrating the achievements of over 5,000 graduates across a wide range of disciplines, from undergraduate certificates to doctoral degrees.
Fields as diverse as science, engineering, health, business, and the creative arts were recognised, in one of the most important events in the University calendar year.
Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President, extended her congratulations to all graduates and said: “This year, ATU will have seen about 5000 graduates receiving awards – that brings a hugely positive impact on society and especially across this region.”
“Today is a day of celebration, reflection, and anticipation – it’s a day for you to look back on the challenges you've overcome, the growth you've experienced, and the memories you’ve made. As our new graduates, you are not just equipped with degrees, but with the power to be a positive influence in society. Whatever your field, remember that your education is a tool for positive change.”
Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President, speaking to graduands at our winter conferring ceremonies
Kelly Eves, first graduate of ATU’s winter conferring ceremonies 2024. She graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering at ATU Donegal.
Sarah Mitchell graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Software and Electronic Engineering from ATU Galway.
Graduates celebrate at ATU Donegal’s winter conferring.
Siblings Martin and Ciara Breen pictured at ATU Galway's conferring. Martin graduated with a Master of Science in Circular Economy Leadership for the Built Environment and Ciara graduated with Higher Diploma in Engineering in Civil Engineering.
The first ever graduates of the five-year RIAI accredited Bachelor of Architecture programme at ATU. The 11 students began their degree in 2018 and graduated on 31 October 2024. This programme is the only programme of Architecture in the west of Ireland and received RIAI accreditation on 18 October 2024.
Chris Burume from Kenya graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture and Design from ATU Sligo. Chris was orphaned at an early age and published a book “A Traumatised Orphan- No Parents no Excuses” about his experience in 2023.
Snow didn’t stop the ATU winter conferring ceremony at ATU Mayo from going ahead!
ATU lecturers Dr Janine McGinn and Dr Sheila McArdle added to their existing academic qualifications and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Art Practices at ATU Mayo.
Graduates celebrating in the melting snow at ATU Connemara’s conferring ceremony.
Graduates at ATU Connemara winter conferring.
ATU Alumni Network - Stay in Touch
Dear Graduates,
Congratulations on becoming graduates of Atlantic Technological University. You are now ATU alumni. Our alumni remain a core part of the ATU family, no matter where you are in the world. To stay connected and tap into the lifelong support of our alumni network, click here or scan the QR code.
ATU Launches new Accredited Architecture Programme
The Bachelor of Architecture at ATU officially became Ireland's newest Architecture programme, following the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) accreditation procedures and ratification by the RIAI Council on 18 October.
This designation positions ATU as the sixth university in Ireland offering an RIAI-accredited qualification in architecture. The achievement is a credit to the work and dedication of staff and students throughout the six-year process. The milestone was marked with an exhibition of graduate student work at The Canopy, O’Connell Street, Sligo.
“We extend our gratitude to the RIAI for their accreditation and their guidance throughout the process over the years. This accreditation not only enhances our academic offerings but also creates vital opportunities for our students to engage in a programme that is both relevant and responsive to contemporary architectural challenges. Having an RIAI accredited course will allow architecture students to study and work in the region.”
Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President
ATU Architecture graduate, Patrick McCaffery from Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal at the ATU Architecture Exhibition in The Canopy, Sligo.
Uniquely located in the northwest on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, Architecture at ATU Sligo draws deeply from its geographical setting. As the only architecture programme in Ireland not situated in an urban city centre, it benefits from its position on the Atlantic edge, an area known for its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural history.
Shane Santry, Chair of the RIAI Board of Architectural Education said: “I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to [the architecture staff at ATU] on behalf of the BAE. The successful transition of ATU to the state’s sixth university offering an RIAI accredited qualification in architecture is a significant achievement. This milestone will be celebrated across the profession and is particularly notable for its geographical inclusivity.”
The programme places a strong emphasis on the connection between architecture and place, exploring regional transformation, the regeneration of built heritage, and the human experience of space.
Architecture at ATU is a participant in the Building Change initiative, a national partnership of the six RIAIaccredited architecture schools in Ireland, aimed at reconfiguring architecture education to prioritise sustainability. This collaborative project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addresses critical issues such as climate change, housing, and resilient design.
For students, the new programme will provide an RIAI-accredited education in architecture, offering access to a qualification previously only available
in urban centres across Ireland. Architecture at ATU will give students the chance to develop their skills and knowledge within a programme that places strong emphasis on regional and societal relevance, blending technical competence with a deep understanding of architecture’s role in shaping communities. Graduates will be well-prepared to enter the workforce with qualifications that meet national professional standards.
By offering an accredited architecture degree in the northwest, ATU is addressing a long-standing geographical imbalance in access to architecture education in Ireland. Architecture at ATU will act as a catalyst for regional development, attracting students, faculty, and industry collaboration, while also addressing the specific needs of the area.
Left to right: Una Parsons, Head of College and Head of Department of Engineering & Design at ATU Sligo, Dr Emmet O'Doherty (ATU), Maša Ruane Bratuša, Acting Head of Department of Architecture at ATU Sligo, Bernadette Donohoe, ATU Architecture Director of Accreditation, Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President and Dara Burke (ATU).
Research News
Stroke Recovery Begins at Home
A new book by ATU researcher, Dr Kenneth Monaghan titled, ‘Lights, Mirrors, Action’ is a revolutionary caregiver guide to home-based rehabilitation for stroke survivors. The guide is set to transform the lives of caregivers and stroke survivors
Recovery after a stroke is an overwhelming and uncertain time. The journey to recovery doesn’t end when patients leave inpatient rehabilitation care; it’s just beginning.
“The Lights, Mirrors, Action model is innovative, and because there is a huge need for defined guidance when your stroke survivor arrives home, this program allows you to have confidence that what is being done is what should be done each day.”
Dr Kenneth Monaghan, Author of Lights, Mirrors, Action
But where to start with a recovery program at home? How can loved ones caring for stroke victims start to build effective home-based rehabilitation? For caregivers, this new guide is a pathway to confident, proactive rehabilitation management, dramatically improving the recovery process for stroke survivors.
As a leading expert in stroke rehabilitation, Kennth presents a compassionate guide specifically for caregivers of stroke victims. His revolutionary approach not only educates about the brain’s amazing capacity for recovery through neuroplasticity but also provides step-by-step guidance for implementing successful home therapy.
After a stroke, survivors and caregivers want to be in a safe space to recover and know they have the best shot at regaining mobility, strength, and functionality. ‘Lights, Mirrors, Action’, gives caregivers the tools to build a successful recovery program at home and feel confident in their new role as a crucial partner in recovery.
Kenneth says that we should not underestimate the benefit of being at home when recovering from a stroke. “When we enter our own homes, the sights, sounds, and smells that we encounter bring us back to the normality of routines and memories from our lives. In this situation we produce less of the stress hormone, cortisol and more of the important winner hormone, testosterone.”
Home therapy also cuts down on expense. By using inexpensive devices such as a mirror, resistance band, digital weighing scales the stroke survivor can start a daily morning and evening programme at home. Kenneth adds: “The caregiver leads the way because they have been instructed in how to supervise a simple programme. That’s the beauty of it.”
About Dr Kenneth Monaghan
Dr Kenneth Monaghan, PhD, a renowned expert in stroke rehabilitation, is revolutionising at-home recovery for stroke survivors. With over 32 years of experience, he leads cutting-edge research, develops innovative solutions, and empowers patients to optimize their home environment for physical rehabilitation.
As a lecturer in health science and director of the Neuroplasticity Research Group at ATU, he is at the forefront of developing innovative physical rehabilitation solutions that can be implemented in a patient’s own home.
A registered chartered physiotherapist specialising in musculoskeletal injuries, Kenneth holds a master’s degree in sports medicine from University College Dublin. Kenneth’s groundbreaking work, featured in media and recognised with patents, reflects his mission to provide the best possible care and support for stroke survivors.
This book is an essential companion for ensuring a successful stroke recovery at home and will help the reader:
• Understand the brain’s neuroplasticity to boost the recovery process
• Implement structured homebased programs with morning and evening activities
• Use techniques like mirror therapy and sensory substitution effectively and safely
• Foster improvement by tracking care plans through progressmeasurement tools
• Create a nurturing environment that promotes well-being for both the caregiver and the stroke survivor
A unique feature of the guide is that Kennth worked with three stroke survivors and their caregivers while writing it. He asked these patients to read his chapter drafts, and their feedback helped him structure the content so it would be more accessible. He says: “Sometimes it wasn’t what they [patients] said but the way in which they acted when asked about the draft chapters; this was hugely beneficial towards reaching the finished book.”
To learn more about Kenneth’s transformative approach to stroke recovery and to access valuable resources for stroke survivors and their caregivers, please click here Kenneth wants the guide’s messages to reach all stroke survivors and those assisting them and he will send a free PDF of the book to anyone who emails him at Kenneth.monaghan@atu.ie
“A book that every family affected by stroke should read. Uplifting, engagingly written, hugely practical and scientifically accurate. Every stroke clinic should recommend this to their patients and caregivers.”
Professor Ian Robertson, Trinity College Dublin, Author of How Confidence Works: The New Science of Self-Belief
Click here to listen to Kenneth talk about signs of a stroke and techniques, like mirror therapy, to help stroke recovery on RTÉ Radio One’s programme, Drivetime.
Why Stroke Survivors and Caregivers Should Know About 'Neuroplasticity'
Understanding neuroplasticity can be a game-changer in stroke recovery. Neuroplasticity is the brain's incredible ability to rewire itself by forming new connections, especially after an injury like a stroke.
For survivors, this means that lost abilities—like movement, speech, or memory—can often be regained through consistent, targeted exercises that encourage the brain to create new pathways.
Knowing about neuroplasticity empowers survivors to actively engage in their recovery, reminding them that progress is possible with patience and effort.
Every task, from gripping a cup to moving a finger, can stimulate these new connections. So, if you’re on this journey, embrace neuroplasticity—it’s your brain’s way of healing and adapting!
Important: Don't believe the MYTH that neuroplasticity stops after a certain number of months. It doesn't, it goes on forever.
Dr Orla Flynn with Dr Kenneth Monaghan at his book launch.
Ken with Bernadette Crilly from the Neurology Support Centre.
Science Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Conference
Left to right: Dr Therese Montgomery, SURE Chair and ATU Lecturer; Minister Hildegarde Naughton, TD; Sharon Devine, winner of the 2024 SURE Network Award for Best Poster Spotlight Presentation, and Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President.
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to determine skin cancer and investigating student awareness of the damaging effects of vaping were just two research topics presented at the Science Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Network Conference on 18 October in ATU Galway city.
Students also presented their research on topics in nutrition, sport and health care such as the analysis of mouse stomach tissue and human blood cells to determine the effectiveness of personalised therapies in cancer.
Academics and researchers from universities across Ireland and
students presenting their final year research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) attended the conference.
Two of the four top prizes at the conference went to ATU graduates Sharon Devine and Jackie Kirk.
Sharon Devine, a 2024 graduate of the BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science, picked up the Best Poster Spotlight prize for her presentation titled, ’An Investigation into the Attitudes and Beliefs of Healthcare Practitioners on Exercise as part of Cancer Treatment – A Qualitative Study’. Sharon’s project was supervised by Dr Siobhan Leahy, ATU lecturer.
“Every year, it amazes me to see the vast breadth and diversity of undergraduate research taking place around Ireland at the annual SURE conference. It is fantastic to see such determined and successful graduands present their work on cutting edge issues in healthcare, AI and the environment. I have no doubt that these students will continue to add benefit to our society, regardless of which career path they take in the future, be it research, or industry based.”
Dr Therese Montgomery, ATU lecturer and SURE Network Chair
Jackie Kirk, a 2024 graduate of the BSc (Hons) in Medical Science received the Best Scientific Poster for her research titled, ‘Creation of a Tissue Microarray for use as a Positive Control in the Immunohistochemistry Laboratory’. Jackie’s project was supervised by Danielle Scally, University Hospital Galway and Terri Muldoon, ATU lecturer.
Alison Adriaansen from Munster Technological University (MTU) won the 2024 Audience Award for Best Scientific Communication for her presentation on ‘High-Tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication Apps for Children with Autism’. Alison’s research was supervised by Ignacio Castineiras, MTU.
Eve Foster from Technological University Shannon (TUS) won the 2024 Best Oral Presentation for ‘An investigation of the prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) and Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) carriage in Irish sheep’. Eve’s research was supervised by Lisa Murray and Mairead Quinn, TUS.
The students were presented with their awards by Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, and Government Chief Whip, Hildegarde Naughton and ATU President Dr Orla Flynn.
Minster Naughton said: “I was particularly pleased to present awards at a conference that promotes research - and research driven careers - both in academia and industry. Many TU/IOT graduates take up high tech research & development roles in large multinational companies from agri-food to biopharma to medical devices and clinical nutrition. The high standards of our graduates are vital to Ireland retaining its place as a leading destination for these companies and it was hugely
What is the SURE Network?
impressive seeing the formidable quality of research on display.”
Dr Des Foley, acting Vice President for ATU Research and Innovation opened the conference and spoke about Evidence Based Research, highlighting the importance of accurate and fact-based scientific communication in this digital age.
Conference keynote and ATU alumnus Brendan Allen spoke about the importance of learning from mistakes, using candid examples from his own career path, and finishing with a very impactful seven step guide to career success. Brendan is the co-founder and business development manager of Irish Agrisoftware company Senus.
Conference delegates also heard from Michael Gilmore, Senior Chemist with the pharma lab in Medtronic, Galway, who talked about his 10-year career in pharma, and James Garvey, 2024 graduand in Physics and Instrumentation, who spoke of his experience with the Graduate Career programme in Jaguar Land Rover, Shannon, Ireland, combining software engineering with fast cars.
The SURE Network was formed in 2016 by academics from across Ireland interested in enhancing and promoting undergraduate research across the emerging technological university sector. More information about the SURE Network and related activities may be found by clicking here
The final session was a postgraduate opportunities workshop and Q&A where recent ATU postgrads Anthony Adu-Gyamfi and Ryan McGowan and Trinity College postgrad Haley FoyStones each spoke about a day in the life of a PhD student, opportunities, challenges and future plans.
Jackie Kirk, winner of the 2024 SURE Network Award for Best Poster.
Student-centred Team-building Day for Postgraduate Students
ATU research supervisors across campuses came together to organise a team-building day for postgraduate students on 30 October. This semester saw the enrolment of 60 new PhD students as part of the TU Rise postgraduate research training programmes (PRTP’s).
Over 140 postgraduate research students, research supervisors and ATU research stakeholders attended the event in ATU Sligo. ATU colleagues including Dr Johanna Archbold, ATU Yeat’s library, Dr John O’ Callaghan, Academic Writing Centre and Dr Maria Gallo, expert in alumni engagement, presented at the event. The event also included student-led discussions on EU Green opportunities and engagement, PRTP strategy building and a scavenger hunt around the campus.
Participants gave the event an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5. Although travelling between campuses for a one-day event was highlighted as challenging, the postgraduate research student population at ATU welcome regular opportunities to network and have peer-led brainstorming. The overriding theme cited in the feedback surveys was ‘Networking’ which the attendees found very beneficial for their postgraduate journey.
The organising committee led by Dr Richéal Burns, Director of the Health and Biomedical (HEAL) Strategic Centre and co-lead of one of the new PRTP ‘THRIVE’ was supported by THRIVE co-leads, Dr Lisa Ryan and Dr Michael Mc Cann, the established PRTP co-leads, Dr Marion McAfee (MOCHAS) and Dr George Onofrei
(OSCAR) and Dr John Andy Bonar, ATU’s VP for Research, Equality and External Affairs.
The committee also had support from ATU Marketing Team, the EU Green leadership and N-TUTORR student champions. All seven ATU PRTP’s were represented at the team-building event. A student-led organising committee consisting of ten ATU postgraduate researchers were pivotal to the successful advertisement, development and implementation of the team-building event.
Innovation and Engagement Advancing Digitalisation and Data Driven Innovation
Hosted and led by ATU, Data2Sustain is a European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) focused on supporting a wide range of organisations and application domains to adopt digital, AI and advanced technologies and improve their innovative capacity.
Launched in October 2023 by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and the EU Commission along with three others nationally – Factory change, ENTIRE and CeADAR – the program has been busy increasing operations, developing innovation and sectoral ecosystem engagement services in collaboration with its consortium partners, which includes ATU, University of Galway, European Regions Network for the Application of Communications Technology (ERNACT) and national development agencies.
The program has supported over 200 organisations to date in 2024, developing and funding 115 innovation services to 77 organisations, including public bodies and not-for-profits.
Projects are typically digitally or data analysis themed and cross sectoral including the Tech Industry, Agri-Tech, sustainability and the environmental applications, construction and manufacturing, healthcare and MedTech, retail and tourism, with companies or with public bodies.
The program has enabled over 25 external events, ranging from the National AI Meeting and National AI Challenge to a multi-sector innovation showcase in October, together with a range of sector specific in-person or hybrid events and workshops.
EDIH funded Projects or events can be carried out in partnership with any ATU research or academic team or individual and of course the ATU Technology Gateways such as WiSAR Labs.
Mike Conroy is Director of the Data2Sustain program and joined ATU in 2023, after holding multiple Global Engineering VP and Ireland Site Leader positions in three US multinationals in the Tech Industry over a 25-year period, combined with periods in public ICT and AI research. Mike is also a member of DETE’s Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum (EDAF) and a Board member of ITAG (Innovation and Technology Atlantic Gateway).
Speaking on the strengths of the EDIH, Mike said: “The EDIH strength lies in its flexibility to fund many types of activities and innovation services and to flexibly engage multiple industry sectors and public organisations. The services are 100% discounted to clients and offset against their De Minimis State Aid or provided as an Open ACCESS engagement to multiple organisations. The core EDIH team
will manage or complement the client engagement, and it can be approved quickly. The approach can be exploratory and iterative, scale to €100,000 per client, complement existing client journeys and funding mechanisms
“We have been working hard with Enterprise Ireland and funders to evolve and maximize flexibility and eligibility. We want to continue to ramp up ATU wide engagement via Gateways, Schools, Facilities and individuals and fund new services and events into 2025. EDIHs are highly complementary to ATU’s 2025-2029 research and enterprise engagement strategic goals, both nationally and in wider EU or cross border consortia.”
National AI Meet
The National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Meet 2024 organised by Data2Sustain and ATU, in partnership with Tech Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland was held in the Hardiman Hotel Galway on 4 September.
The event brought together many industry leaders, researchers, academics and public policy makers to understand and influence the approach exploiting AI's opportunities and challenges across many sectors and application domains.
The event was well attended with 65% of attendees from businesses,
Pictured at the AI meet, left to right: John O’Dea, CEO Tech Ireland; Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President; Minister Dara Calleary; Jean Carberry, Assistant Secretary, Dept of Enterprise and Employment and Mike Conroy, Director, Data2Sustain EDIH.
17% public sector, 8% academic and 10% others. Experts from Google, Microsoft, OpenAI and AWS presented interesting AI business use-cases, with demos of their models.
Speakers included Minister Data Calleary, Brian Caulfied (Scale Ireland), Sharon Walsh (SVP Fidelity Investments and Chair of ITAG), Dr Patricia Scanlon (AI Advisory Council), Barry Downes (Sure Valley Ventures), John Durcan (IDA) and Mike Conroy (Data2Sustain EDIH).
Mike Conroy said: “This is a great example of using the EDIH model and ecosystem of partners to fund and achieve national impact, with a Technology or Sectoral theme.”
National AI Challenge
The theme of this one-week hackathon was the Ireland National Strategy - AI Here for Good.
Working with innovation hub partners across the country and with the major AI global platform players, Data2Sustain brought together teams from around the country at eight locations including Dogpatch Labs, GEC and Huckletree in Dublin, Alpha Innovation in Donegal, Portershed in Galway, Jaguar Land Rover in Shannon RDI at Hub Kerry and the Rubicon Centre in Cork
237 tech professionals and AI enthusiasts participated in the Challenge with the three national
winners coming from Donegal Alpha Innovation, Portershed Galway and Shannon – the west is awake to AI!
National AI Challenge Regional Winners pictured with Dr Orla Flynn, Minister Dara Calleary, Kevin Sexton, Alpha Innovation Hub and John O’Dea, CEO Tech Ireland.
Industry Access and Showcase Day
On 10 October the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), Data2Sustain and ATU organised a well-attended regional industry day which was hosted at the AIM Centre in Sligo.
This brought together a showcase of research and innovation from across ATU centres and the University of Galway, together with some realworld case studies of work to date. Over 120 attended, representing 40 companies and 30 public bodies.
The event focused on digitalisation and data-driven innovation, showcasing how digital technologies can drive business growth. Participants also participated in one-on-one meetings to address their specific digital and innovation needs and engaged with research and industry experts. The event also hosted innovation thought leaders from a range of industries showcasing how AI, data, and digital tools are reshaping industries.
Working with Data2Sustain
European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) is strategic mechanism for ATU and academics to connect research and innovation with enterprise and public service organisations. Funded projects and services can be approved under four categories: Innovation (Testbefore-invest), ecosystems building, consultancy and skills, and business investment and transformation. If interested in exploring more, please get touch with Mike.Conroy@atu.ie
Attendees at the Industry Access and Showcase Day.
Pictured at the Industry Access Day, left to right: Julie Dowling, CEO AIM Centre; Brian Hanley, CEO Bright beam; Joe Dunleavy, SVP Endava and Karl Flannery, CEO Storm.
New WiSTEM2D Scholarships for ATU Students
Johnson & Johnson recently announced the expansion of its WiSTEM2D (Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Manufacturing, and Design) programme to include ATU and on 26 November 10 students from ATU’s Galway city campus were awarded scholarships as part of the programme. The initiative underlines Johnson & Johnson’s ongoing commitment to nurturing female talent in STEM2D fields, by supporting and empowering women at pivotal stages in their educational and professional journeys.
ATU lecturer, Dr Anushree Dwivedi, welcomed the new scholarships saying: “The Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Scholarship is a significant milestone in strengthening the foundation of female students in STEM2D disciplines in ATU.”
Dr Dwivedi founded ATU's WiSTEM Society, in September 2023 and it has been actively supporting female students. The society aims to bridge the gap and empower women pursuing STEM disciplines. The Johnson & Johnson scholarship opportunity will provide a significant boost to the female students in STEM courses and will support them to build a strong career in future.
“As a university we are committed to fostering diversity and excellence, and we are thrilled to work with Johnson & Johnson to expand the WiSTEM2D programme to ATU. In supporting women to pursue careers in STEM fields, we are also supporting the industry base across our region. By providing our students with access to invaluable resources, mentorship, and industry insights, we are empowering them to overcome barriers and excel in their chosen disciplines. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this programme will have on our students and the broader STEM community.”
Dr
Orla Flynn, ATU President
Research published by the CSO in February 2024 highlights Ireland’s leadership in STEM graduate output across the EU, with 40.3 graduates per 1,000 persons. However, the data also reveals a significant gender differential, with 53.0 male STEM graduates per 1,000 compared to 27.4 female graduates – the widest disparity in the EU. This underscores the urgent need for initiatives that focus on bridging this gap, like WiSTEM2D.
Speaking about the expansion of the WiSTEM2D programme, Michael Gilvarry, Head of Neurovascular R&D, Johnson & Johnson MedTech and General Manager, Galway, said: “Our continued expansion of the WiSTEM2D programme embodies Johnson & Johnson’s commitment to driving real change in STEM. We are honoured to support women as they navigate their careers in these vital fields, providing them with the resources and confidence needed to thrive. By investing in female talent today, we are ensuring a more vibrant and inclusive tomorrow."
Left to right: Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President; Dr Anushree Dwivedi, ATU Lecturer and Michael Gilvarry, Head of Neurovascular R&D, Johnson & Johnson MedTech and General Manager, Galway.
ATU Innovation Centres Highlights
Turlough Rafferty, ATU iHub Galway City Operations Manager writes about some of the latest advancements, collaborations and success stories from within the ATU Innovation Centres in 2024. ATU have innovation centres in Mayo, Galway, Sligo and Donegal.
From the Empower Cumasú initiative supporting female entrepreneurs in Gaeltacht regions to groundbreaking achievements in medtech innovation by SymPhysis Medical, Turlough captures some of the activities and developments within our innovation centres in 2024. He also updates us on sustainability efforts, such as the energy-efficient retrofitting of ATU Sligo's Innovation Centre, and the University's role in fostering regional growth through events like the Annual Demo Day and external engagements with international partner networks.
THENSA @ ATU
ATU iHub Galway recently hosted four representatives from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) as part of the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA) training programme. The programme featured an engaging series of talks delivered by experts across different sectors.
The diverse expertise of the speakers provided valuable insights into regional development, innovation, commercialisation, international engagement and knowledge transfer. It was a vibrant exchange of ideas and strategies that will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening collaboration and advancing technological higher education across regions.
Reflecting on the visit Dr Colin Stanley, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Partnerships, NUST said:
“The experience was nothing short of inspiring! From the deep dives into ATU iHubs' operational excellence to the vibrant entrepreneurial exchanges, we were captivated by the synergy of innovation, enterprise, and technical expertise that defines your institution. The Demo Day was a standout highlight, showcasing groundbreaking ideas and entrepreneurial ingenuity in action—an initiative that left us energized and filled with inspiration to elevate our own innovation landscape at NUST.”
Left to right: George McCourt, ATU iHub Galway with members of the University of Namibia THENSA delegation, Nadia Jansen (Research and Innovation Finance Manager), Moira Cloete (Industry Contracts Analyst), Dr Colin Stanley (Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Partnerships, and Peter O’Fegan, Enterprise Ireland.
Annual Demo Day
Members of the ATU iHub client company community, ATU Gateways, researchers, staff and several external vendors from across Ireland and even as far as the Netherlands came together to showcase technology, share ideas and foster new connections at our third annual demo day.
Attendees had the chance to explore a range of tech demonstrations from ATU’s research groups and client companies, creating a dynamic environment for knowledge exchange and collaboration. In addition to current members, the event welcomed past participants and prominent figures from the start-up community, broadening the scope for insightful discussions and potential partnerships.
Exhibitors and presenters on the day included Cumarsú, Data2Sustain, GHR Consulting, LifeTec Group, MyCareerPath, MET Centre, New Frontiers, PEM Technology Gateway, Rockfield Medical Devices, Salt Medical, Solid Solutions amongst others.
ATU Galway-Mayo Launches New Frontiers Phase 2 with 15 Promising Start-ups
The highly anticipated New Frontiers Phase 2 program at ATU GalwayMayo has officially kicked off, with 15 (10 Galway and 5 Mayo) dynamic entrepreneurs embarking on the next stage of their business journey. Designed to provide robust support, this phase offers participants access to tailored mentorship, free office space and a €15,000 grant to help transform their innovative ideas into scalable enterprises. To find out more about the New Frontiers program please click here
SymPhysis Medical Secures €2.2M
SymPhysis Medical, an ATU iHub Galway-based medtech company specialising in palliative care for advanced cancer patients, has raised an additional €2.2 million to advance its innovative Releaze device toward US regulatory approval. The company has grown to three incubation units at iHub Galway including a large R&D unit and fifteen staff.
Releaze is a drainage system designed to treat malignant pleural effusion, commonly referred to as "fluid in the chest," a condition affecting about half of end-of-life cancer patients. This complication causes significant discomfort, including pain and difficulty breathing, often requiring repeated hospital visits. Manufactured in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, by Phillips Medsize, the Releaze device offers a less invasive alternative to existing treatments and can be used at home, improving patient quality of life.
The €2.2 million injection will support the preclinical studies needed for US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, which SymPhysis Medical aims to secure by late 2025. SymPhysis Medical has also established collaborations with prestigious institutions such as the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, to support its efforts.
Launch of ATU Galway Mayo New Frontier Phase 2 2024/25
SymPhysis Medical co-founder and chief executive Tim Jones (right) with Gerard Ryan, Irrus Investments' lead investor, and Michelle Tierney, SymPhysis co-founder and chief scientific officer.
Photograph: Aengus McMahon
Empower Cumasú: Driving Female Entrepreneurship in
Gaeltacht Regions
The Empower Cumasú Programme, funded by Údarás na Gaeltachta supports female entrepreneurs in Gaeltacht areas. The programme is led by ATU iHub Mayo and has achieved significant milestones since its official launch in May 2024 by Minister Dara Calleary. Delivered by ATU Innovation Hubs in partnership with the Rubicon Centre at Munster Technological University (MTU), the programme aims to support 150 women over three years, focusing on startup and growth-stage businesses through its two strands: EMPOWER TÚS and EMPOWER FÁS.
Since its commencement in September 2024, Empower Cumasú has received 110 applications from seven counties, enrolling 40 participants across its two TÚS programmes and one FÁS programme. Weekly Irish classes are provided to participants, enriching their cultural engagement alongside business development.
ATU iHub Mayo Successes
2024 has been an exciting year for ATU iHub Mayo with many client and alumni successes. Cytidel, a client of the hub, raised an impressive €1.35M in seed funding, led by Elkstone Ventures with support from Enterprise Ireland, propelling its innovative solutions forward.
Elasan Solutions, an EMPOWER Programme graduate, partnered with Quickbase Inc., a global leader in low-code platforms, to transform project management and CRM solutions for the construction sector in Ireland and the UK. Elasan
EMPOWER Cumasú TÚS programme participants met in person for market research updates in ATU Innovation Centre Sligo and Tom Crean Business Centre at MTU Tralee.
EMPOWER Cumasú FÁS participants win at this year's Blas na hÉireann 2024 Awards. Joyce Country Bakery (Galway) wins GOLD for their teabrack. Kombucha na Dalaigh (Donegal) wins SILVER for their Bealtaine - Elderflower & Gooseberry Kombucha.
Recent highlights include in-person market research sessions in ATU Innovation Centre Sligo and MTU Tralee, as well as notable successes like Empower FÁS participants winning top accolades at the Blas na hÉireann 2024 Awards.
Recruitment for the 2025 programme intake begins early next year, with applications reopening in spring for women living in or planning to establish businesses in Gaeltacht areas of Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Meath, Donegal, Mayo, and Galway. For more information, visit CUMASÚ - EMPOWER or contact Michelle Lee at ATU.
Elaine Doherty and Sandra Ginnelly, co-founders of Elasan Solutions.
Solutions enables construction companies to eliminate manual, paper-based processes and replace them with real-time solutions, including mobile forms, customizable workflows, and advanced data analysis
Natural Power opened its 13th global office at the Mayo iHub, using the space as a launchpad into Ireland’s thriving green energy market while
ATU Sligo Innovation Centre
Building Retrofit 2024
After applying through the Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programme (EEDPP), ATU Sligo successfully secured funding to complete deep retrofitting on the Innovation Centre in Sligo. Works commenced in May and were completed by November 2024.
The EEDPP programme was launched to support the higher education sector in meeting departmental targets of a 50% improvement in energy efficiency and 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. To help
Nutri Jellies made waves at the National Ploughing Championships, sampling new products with thousands of attendees and attracting notable visitors such as Micheál Martin.
Finally, the Digital West 2024 event was a major highlight of the year, featuring renowned speakers and reaffirming the iHub’s status as a key driver of regional innovation.
achieve these targets, the following significant works were completed:
• Update of primary oil-fired boiler to air source heat pumps
• Installation of solar photovoltaic panels (177) on the roof
• Insulation of wall cavities
• Upgrade of roof thermal performance
• Replacing existing lighting with LEDs and occupancy detection
• Installation of new triple glazed windows
These upgrades have resulted in an improvement of the building's BER from B3 to A2 and will achieve an 80% reduction in carbon emissions and 52% reduction in primary energy use. Further upgrades to the building’s interior are planned for 2025.
Sligo Innovation Centre during deep retrofitting works in June 2024.
Sligo Innovation Centre after deep retrofitting works were completed in November 2024.
ATU CoLab Letterkenny Plays Pivotal Role in FinTrU Rapid Expansion
In just two years, FinTrU has gone from a modest office space in CoLab at ATU Letterkenny to a cutting-edge 21,000-square-foot premises with 259 desks.
This rapid expansion highlights not only the company’s ambitious growth trajectory but also the pivotal role that CoLab and ATU played in helping FinTrU establish and scale its operations in the northwest region.
FinTrU first arrived at CoLab in August 2022 with just 12 desks in a single room. Within months, the company had expanded to 32 desks, a testament to the dynamic environment fostered within CoLab. The innovation centre provided more than just office space – it created a network of like-minded businesses and entrepreneurs that helped FinTrU flourish in a collaborative and fast-paced setting.
The strong connection with ATU was instrumental in FinTrU’s rapid rise in Donegal. Of the company’s early career recruits this year, 75% were ATU graduates, reflecting the University’s role in providing a pipeline of talent that met the demands of a growing fintech company.
CoLab's proximity to ATU also enabled FinTrU to forge partnerships that went beyond recruitment, including collaborations with academic staff on curriculum development and work placements for students, ensuring they were well-prepared for the workforce.
Patsy Donaghy, CoLab Centre Manager said: "The CoLab ecosystem is designed to promote growth and innovation. Housing over
“
CoLab at ATU has been essential to our growth. It’s not just about the physical space; it’s the networking opportunities, access to top-tier talent, and the innovative culture that’s been built here. That combination allowed us to expand quickly and integrate into the local business ecosystem.”
Sylvester Clancy,
Site Lead FinTrU Ireland and Alumnus of ATU.
60 businesses, the centre serves as more than just an office space; it’s a hub where entrepreneurs, startups, and established companies can exchange ideas, mentor one another and collaborate on projects. This environment allowed FinTrU to gain crucial early momentum and establish a firm landing pad to expand its business in the Republic of Ireland."
In another collaboration between FinTrU, and ATU, the company sponsors two sports scholarships which supports students who are completing a finance or technologyrelated degree at ATU Donegal.
Left to right: Patsy Donaghy, Centre Manager ATU CoLab; Michelle Reynolds, ATU; Sylvester Clancey, Site Lead FinTrU Ireland and John Andy Bonar, ATU VP for Research, Equality & External Affairs.
More than 2,000 online learners signed up to ATU’s freecourses website following its relaunch by ATU President Dr Orla Flynn at the Higher Education 4.0’s Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) for Industry event at ATU Sligo on 4 November.
This brings the total number of registered users on the free courses site to an incredible 35,308 (as of 20 November), which underlines the demand for the diverse range of MOOCs offered by ATU.
In all, ATU offers over 30 free courses, with 22 of these created under the Higher Education 4.0 Project, which is funded by the Human Capital Initiative (Pillar 3).
Speaking at the relaunch of the freecourses.atu.ie website, ATU President Dr Orla Flynn noted that given the wide range of free courses, from Lean Construction to Fundamentals of Garden Design, there is something for everyone to “dip their toe in the water”.
“These short online courses will give those learners a little bit of confidence – and they will see that education is not all that scary and that they can come in and learn and enjoy it,” she said. “Maybe, they will
then come along and do another programme that has an accreditation attached to it, like a micro-credential or even a major award.”
Among the many courses on offer are Health & Safety, Introduction to Marketing, Social Robotics, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Ocean Pollution.
Dr Flynn said that developing online courses like these, be they free or accredited, has always been one of the strengths of ATU. The University has been able to cultivate these further since the merger in 2022 of the three former institutes of technology (and later St Angela’s College) across nine campuses in the west and northwest of Ireland.
The ATU President noted that in today’s world, anyone can set up a training programme and offer it online, but what makes ATU’s courses stand out from many others has been their proven track record in delivering quality, accredited programmes at every level within the National Framework of Qualifications.
“So, an organisation like ATU is coming at this with significant credibility, and therefore the approach we have to our MOOCs
should be no different. They should be valid and interesting and relevant and based on informed research,” she added.
Over the MOOCs for Industry evening, there were several guest speakers, including the Head of Innovation in the Online, Flexible, Professional Development team, Gavin Clinch, and Higher Education 4.0 Senior Instructional Designer Louise Kearins, both of whom explained the process and the value of the MOOCs, which, on this occasion, focused on industry.
There were also six elevator pitches from David Collery on Lean Construction; Edel Costello, Health & Safety; Perry Share and John Pender, Social Robotics; Lisa Dunne, Introduction to Marketing; Maria Dermiki, Repurposing Surplus Food Waste for Industry; and John Scahill on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr Scahill was also among the guest speakers at the MOOCs for the Environment evening at ATU Galway on 13 November, as were Higher Education 4.0 Innovation Projects (Theme II) manager Gavin Clinch and Senior Instructional Designer Louise Kearins.
Again, they outlined the educational value of these free, short, online courses to the University, the lecturer and the learner and to the external agencies, industries and businesses which have collaborated in creating MOOCs to meet a skills demand or gap in their respective sector.
Dr Scahill (Sustainable Development Goals), Dr Roisin Nash (Ocean
Pollution) and 2024 Bloom Gold medal winner Leonie Cornelius – all of whom have created short courses in their chosen fields of expertise – also presented and this was followed by a lively discussion, moderated by Higher Education 4.0 Communications Lead, Donal Loftus.
One of the topics discussed was the importance of the environmental
Attending the MOOCs for Industry event at ATU Sligo left to right: Maria Dermiki, guest speaker; Gavin Clinch, ATU's Online, Flexible, Professional Development (OFPD) Head of Innovation; Lisa Dunne, guest speaker; Edel Costellor, guest speaker, and Louise Kearins, Higher Education 4.0 Senior Instructional Designer.
At the MOOCs for the Environment event at ATU Galway left to right: Donal Loftus, Higher Education 4.0 Communications Lead; Louise Kearins, Higher Education 4.0 Senior Instructional Designer; Gavin Clinch, ATU's Online, Flexible, Professional Development (OFPD) Head of Innovation; Roisin Nash, ATU lecturer; Leoine Cornelius, awardwinning garden designer and John Scall, ATU lecturer.
MOOCs in educating people and creating awareness, with representatives from Kinvara Tidy Towns among those in the audience to recognise that these free courses can be an invaluable resource for community groups.
For more on ATU’s MOOCs, please click here.
Please click here to listen to Leonie Cornelius, 2024 Bloom Gold Medal winner and developer of ATU’s Higher Education 4.0 Fundamentals of Garden Design MOOC talk about designing a garden. Click here if you would like to explore this free course.
Upskilling the Construction Sector
The Digital Academy for the Sustainable Built Environment (DASBE) is providing blended education in critical areas needed to upskill the construction sector.
Focusing on three essential themes - energy efficiency, the circular economy and digital construction skills for sustainable buildingDASBE aims to upskill construction professionals to meet the sector's evolving demands.
DASBE is a five-year project (2020 –2025) funded by the government’s Human Capital Initiative Pillar 3 and is a partnership between ATU and the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), along with enterprise partners, the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) and Tipperary Energy Agency (TEA).
DASBE manager at ATU, Jimmy Fahy says: “DASBE has been critical for the future development of programmes within the School of Engineering and has far reaching effects on campus. DASBE has allowed current staff the time and space to explore and develop new ways of teaching with the built environment. We now have more accessible ways of learning and have enabled students to further their education at their own pace.”
Meeting Critical Skills Shortages
Recently published figures by the Build Up Skills 2030 initiative outlined that the construction industry would require up to 120,000 additional skilled construction workers and building professionals, as well as the re-skilling of 164,000 people already working in the industry, by 2030, to meet Ireland’s housing and climate targets.
In response, DASBE, in collaboration with its partner universities, has launched new programmes in key areas, including drones, Building Information Modelling (BIM), residential retrofit management, the circular economy, and heat pump technology. The full list of DASBE funded programmes can be viewed by clicking here.
Supporting Accessible Learning Pathways
DASBE is supporting 100 programmes in ATU and TUS, ranging from Level 6 to Level 9. Funding is provided by the government’s Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 3, covering 33% to 50% of costs. Most DASBE funded programmes are delivered in a blended or fully online format, tailored to support working professionals in an ever-evolving industry. A unique aspect of some DASBE programmes is that they offer learners the opportunity to stack their qualifications allowing a learner to complete a certificate and then progress to a diploma or a master’s at their own pace.
DASBE representatives at a partner meeting at ATU’s Galway city campus.
Expanding Opportunities with Micro-Credentials
Under the DASBE banner, additional funding has been announced for micro-credentials aimed at the construction sector. Microcredentials are short, accredited courses designed to offer a flexible and accessible upskilling option. Eight ATU micro-credentials, which are 80% funded will commence in January 2025. These include six Level 9 micro-credentials in circular economy, fire safety, BIM (Building Information Modelling) and visual programming. There are two Level 6 micro-credentials in domestic heat pumps also commencing in January. The full list of DASBE funded microcredentials in ATU can be viewed by clicking here.
Milestone Event: Transforming Construction Skills Conference
A major milestone for the DASBE project was the Transforming Construction Skills Conference held in Portlaoise in May. The event brought together over 100 attendees -students, industry professionals, and educators - to discuss DASBE impacts and explore the latest trends and emerging technologies. Featuring over 20 speakers from research, education, and industry, the conference also included an exhibition showcasing DASBE partners, HCI initiatives, and industry.
ATU’s Role in Digital Innovation with the Digital Twin Project
Beyond programme development, DASBE also supports projects like the ATU Digital Twin of the Galway Campus, where ATU plays a leading role in integrating digital technologies into construction education and practice.
A digital building twin is a virtual replica of a physical building and all associated technologies, systems, equipment, sensors and actors. The applications for this digital asset include preventative maintenance, future planning and an educational tool such as living labs.
DASBE partners are exploring some digital tools in developing the Digital Twin including:
• Lazer scanning
• 3D photography
• Digital twin platform
• Energy simulation
• Sensors and IOT
• Asset tagging
• Model authoring software
• Information management systems
DASBE Manager Jimmy Fahy with John Kerrigan, Leica Geosystems at the DASBE Transforming Construction Skills Conference in May.
Explaining how Digital Twin Project can be harnessed for education, Jimmy Fahy, DASBE manager says: “The Digital Twin can also be used by staff to raise awareness of BIM Process and technology and by the facility management team to maintain the building. As digital maturity
improves more possibilities will become available, with the potential to unlock new opportunities for research and learning”.
DASBE is funded by the Higher Education Authority's HCI Pillar 3, a government programme designed
“By providing students with access to a Digital Twin as a Living Lab, lecturers are offering hands-on experience with Building Information Modelling (BIM) and other digital tools, exposing students to cuttingedge technologies before entering the workforce.”
Jimmy Fahy, DBASE manager
to meet priority skills needs, by increasing collaboration between higher education and enterprise with a focus on innovations in teaching and learning.
By using reality capture technology, a more accurate model was created for a complex ATU Library.
Sustainability ATU Hosts EU GREEN Board of Rectors Meeting
Strategic discussions on implementing joint degree programmes and exploring new sustainability metrics that track the alliance’s environmental and educational impacts were just some of the highlights at the EU GREEN Alliance’s Board of Rectors meeting hosted by ATU at its Galway City campus from 13-15 November.
Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, welcomed her peers and said: “EU GREEN is now midway through the first four years of the project. This is an important opportunity to reflect on our key achievements so far and deliberate on our future plans and commitments as an alliance.”
The meeting brought together the rectors and senior leaders from research, quality assurance, finance and academic offices in the nine EU GREEN Universities to consider shared challenges, establish strategic direction, and enhance coordination across alliance projects. The agenda emphasised a collaborative approach to expanding internationalisation efforts, enhancing digital infrastructure, and launching sustainable initiatives that reflect EU GREEN’s core values of inclusivity, engagement and environmental stewardship.
Recognising the need for seamless cross-institutional engagement, the meeting also facilitated bestpractice exchanges with insights by Irish universities who are partners in other longer-established European University Alliances.
Pedro Fernández, Rector of Estremadura University, leaders of the EU GREEN consortium, said: “This meeting at ATU is crucial in
About EU GREEN
shaping our collaborative efforts toward a resilient and connected future for European education. Together, we are advancing sustainable innovation and building strong, lasting partnerships.”
The event proved to be a key gathering for advancing the alliance’s commitment to sustainability, digital innovation, and interconnected European education.
EU GREEN is a European University Alliance, which is co-funded by the European Union, and is dedicated to sustainability, inclusive education, and environmental stewardship. The alliance spans nine universities across Europe from Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Poland, Romania, and Germany, united in a shared mission to foster sustainable growth and educational practices. Together, these universities engage students, staff, and regional stakeholders to work towards a sustainable future. For more information, please click here
EU GREEN Calls for People to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle during Waste Reduction Week
As part of the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR), the EU GREEN University Alliance hosted a series of events from 16-24 November, focusing on reducing food waste. With local workshops, clean-ups, film screenings, and a collaborative online webinar, EU GREEN united students, staff, and communities to address waste through the principles of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.”
The volume of waste generated today is a significant environmental, social, and economic challenge. It
reflects unsustainably high levels of consumption, tied to greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and subsequent climate impacts. EU GREEN’s initiatives during EWWR aimed to inspire sustainable habits, reduce waste at its source, and foster healthier communities and ecosystems.
Professor Frances Lucy, EU GREEN Lead for ATU said: “Our collective action this EWWR reflects our alliance’s commitment to instilling environmental responsibility in our communities.”
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion International Men’s Day at ATU
ATU celebrated International Men’s Day on 19 November with a series of events across our campuses. The theme for 2024 is ‘Positive Male Role Models’.
In ATU Donegal’s Sport Centre, An Dánlann, we hosted a men’s health activity day, with activities like a Crossbar Challenge, Table Tennis, Grip Strength, and a Basketball Free Throw Challenge for all genders.
ATU Mayo shone a light on men’s health with a special lunchtime seminar. Speakers included Keith Higgins, ex-Mayo footballer, Dr Mark Garvan from ATU, Stephen Coyne from Mindspace and ATU Student, Zac Wright.
ATU Galway-Mayo Student Services, Students’ Union, and EDI staff members partnered with Galway City Council ‘Healthy Ireland’ coordinator Aisling Colreavy to deliver an event to celebrate and connect the men in our community.
The campus welcomed Mairtin Óg Mc Donagh, author, coach, and founder of Mind Over Mountains (an initiative that combines coaching, mentoring and the great outdoors); Stephen Murphy, poet, reciter and author; Kevin Nugent entrepreneur, local business owner, and community activist/founder of café connect for a lively discussion on this year’s theme ‘Positive Male Role Models’.
On 20 November staff were also able to tune into an online conversation with Brent Pope on ‘Positive Male Role Models’. In addition to his rugby career, Brent is the author of a bestselling book on wellness, a qualified psychotherapist and a mental health and wellness ambassador. The event was organised by the Staff Developers’ Network, with the support of Cornmarket. Brent was joined by Seán O’Connell, Head of Student Counselling in the Mid-West for TUS.
Orange the World
As part of the UN 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the ATU RESPECT team raised the Orange the World flag on ATU campuses on 25 November, the first day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Students and staff were
joined by representatives from Rape Crisis Centres, Domestic Violence Services, Sexual Assault Treatment Units, Gardaí and Soroptimists. We also lit up our campuses in Orange for the 16 Days which ended on 10 December (Human Rights Day).
N-TUTORR Update
New Book Showcases
Student-staff Partnerships
The N-TUTORR Student Empowerment national work stream recently launched a book of impact case studies, titled ‘Student Empowerment in the Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology in Ireland: a collection of impact case studies from the N-TUTORR students as partners in innovation and change fellowship programme 2022-2024.’
This collection of case studies demonstrates the impact of student-staff partnership in the Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology in Ireland and showcases the impact of the N-TUTORR Students as Partners in Innovation and Change Fellowship Programme (SaPICF) 2022-2024.
Dr Carina Ginty, ATU Institutional Lead for N-TUTORR and sectoral colead for the Student Empowerment work stream explains: “The book is being released as we come to the end of the N-TUTORR national funding programme, supported by Next Generation EU (20222024). This collection provides an opportunity, for all involved across the technological higher education sector in Ireland, to celebrate all that has been achieved under the N-TUTORR work stream of student empowerment and partnership.”
“Genuine student-staff partnerships have the power to bring about transformational change in higher education in a way that is meaningful and sustainable, and this is certainly evident in the outputs achieved across the sector.”
Dr Carina Ginty
The impact of the fellowship programme has been powerful, and the evidence suggests that it has contributed to an evolving culture of engagement and partnership across the technological sector. Over half of the projects reviewed in this case book (n = 42) plan to sustain impact over the next one to three years by increasing reach (e.g. rolling out resources to new student groups) or by integrating resources into the curriculum. In fact, 22% of the projects analysed cited that project outputs were designed to be re-usable over mid to long-term, demonstrating the intentional sustainable design of their resources and the future-forward thinking of fellowship partners.
Congratulations to student partners and staff across the sector involved in delivering 175 fellowship projects. You can download the book by clicking here
ATU delivers National N-TUTORR Lecture on Education for Sustainable Development
ATU delivered the national N-TUTORR lecture on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) on 24 October. This national event was one of seven lectures running across the N-TUTORR partner institutes this semester.
Education for Sustainable Development is a key theme in the national work of N-TUTORR and an area ATU has delivered on across several sustainable development goals. A special video was produced for the national lecture showcasing a sample of the initiatives underway across ATU. You can watch it by clicking here
Dr Orla Flynn opened the lecture and was followed by a keynote address delivered by ATU’s Dr Mark Kelly who is currently on secondment as National Policy Advisor with the National Forum for Teaching and Learning. He delivered an inspirational keynote calling on all Higher Education Institutes to act and transform our teaching and learning experience.
The National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) to 2030 calls on higher education to transform learning environments, build capacities of educators, empower and mobilise young people to become agents of change, and accelerate and support local-level actions.
The national lecture at ATU explored how a holistic ESD approach can act as a catalyst towards re-imagining and creating conditions for possible sustainable futures by empowering learners with knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to take informed decisions and act responsibly for environmental integrity, economic viability, and a just society while respecting cultural diversity.
Part two of the lecture shared an ATU wide media showcase on ESD, and a panel discussion closed the event. The panel included ATU N-TUTORR Student Champion, Chethaka Gamage, Prof. Frances Lucy, Dr John Scahill and Dr Noelle Higgins.
Dr Carina Ginty, ATU N-TUTORR Institutional Lead chaired the national lecture. The event was organised by the N-TUTORR team in ATU, the Teaching and Learning Centre and the Centre for Education for Sustainable Development. All outputs from the national lecture series are available to access by clicking here
Speakers and panel at the National N-TUTORR lecture in ATU.
ATU N-TUTORR
GenAI Hackathon
The N-TUTORR GenAI:N3 national network ran a series of Hackathon events in November across the technological universities in Ireland. The GenAI in Education Hackathon events ran alongside a series of AI Play workshops to provide an opportunity to explore the limitations and capabilities of Generative AI in a collaborative context.
The GenAI Hackathon explored AI literacy for teaching staff and student partners. It was designed to offer practical guidance to help navigate the growing world of AI in higher education and re-imagine assessment strategies considering these new technologies and ensure ethical and inclusive use of AI in education. This session was led by Dr Rachel Forsyth, Senior Educational Developer at Lund University, Sweden, alongside Annette Cosgrove and Noreen Henry, ATU N-TUTORR Transforming Learning academic team.
Left to right: Noreen Henry, Annette Cosgrave and Dr Rachel Forsyth at the GenAI Hackathon.
ATU Celebrates 400 Transition Year Students Honoured at ATU STEM Passport Awards
In a celebration of innovation, diversity and achievement, 400 transition year students from Roscommon, Mayo, Galway, Sligo and Donegal were honoured at the ATU's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Passport Awards Ceremony held at ATU’s Sligo campus on 4 November.
The students successfully completed the STEM Passport Programme achieving a Certificate in 21st Century STEM Skills.
The STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme was created by Dr Katriona O’Sullivan of Maynooth University and is supported by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), Microsoft and Optum. ATU is a partner on the programme to provide students with hands-on experience in programming and technology as well as mentoring on various STEM careers.
In Ireland, according to the Higher Education Outcomes report, only 19.6% of ICT graduate degrees are awarded to women. ATU has been working hard across all nine campuses to increase the number of women in their STEM courses.
Local role models such as Kay McNulty, originally from Donegal and fondly known as the “Irish Mother of Programming” and Mary Carthy a key figure at the Outbox Incubator, from Sligo, serve as inspirations. However, more than just role models are
needed and ATU hopes to provide pathways for students into STEM courses through initiatives such as the STEM Passport Awards.
Speaking at the awards Prof Jacqueline McCormack, VP for EDI and Online & Flexible Learning at ATU said: “We have seen students move from lacking confidence to believing in themselves. It takes time and effort to help a student gain that confidence which is down to the work of the teachers in their schools, parents, and ATU staff across many areas. This year we will provide awards not only to the successful students but to a number of exceptional teachers in our region. On behalf of ATU I extend my congratulations to the teachers and students on their success.”
As ATU’s STEM Passport programme continues to grow, DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity In Schools), schools are encouraged to apply for spaces on the programme for the 2024/2025 and also the 2025/2026 school year. Interested schools can contact the STEM Passport team at stempassport@atu.ie
New Calendar Featuring Wild Atlantic Animals
Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President recently launched a unique Wild Atlantic Wildlife calendar for 2025. The calendar, brainchild of Fiona Watson, a maths lecturer in ATU Galway, features artwork by Fiona.
The calendar contains 12 of Fiona’s paintings of wild creatures found along the Wild Atlantic Way. The paintings range from a puffin who migrates to breed along The Great Blaskets, Co Kerry in February to the treasure that is our Irish robin in December.
Fiona has worked as a maths lecturer in the ATU Galway campus for over 25 years. Her interest in painting stemmed from a hobby she took up 12 years ago as part of a cancer therapy group. She started with watercolours and quickly moved from painting once a week in the therapy group to buying supplies and moving
to oils. She says: “Each paint medium has its own unique values and techniques; I love the variation.”
Fiona paints female forms expressing freedom, love, aspiration, meditation and mindfulness and she also paints animals, nature and some landscapes from the Wild Atlantic Way.
Fiona spent years gifting her paintings until an artist friend convinced her to run a solo exhibition in Brazzco, Oranmore for the month of August 2023. Delighted with its success she agreed to a second exhibition in Brazzco Francis Street, Galway in January 2025 and in the larger premises in Braxzzco, Oranmore towards the end of 2025.
Fiona says she finds humour on the play of words between her surname, the Wild Atlantic Way and Atlantic Technical University.
Since her first solo exhibition, Fiona has included an element of philanthropy to her work. Choosing Galway Hospice Foundation as her charity, she raffled a print last year and raised almost 400 euro. This year, Fiona is donating a minimum of three euro to Galway Hospice from the sale of her 2025 Wild Atlantic Wildlife calendars.
Calanders are available to purchase in ATU Galway City SU shop or can be purchased via Fiona’s website by clicking here
One of Fiona’s paintings (puffin) from her Wild Atlantic Wildlife Calendar.
Left to right: Fiona Watson with Dr Orla Flynn at the launch of the Wild Atlantic Wildlife Calendar.
ATU Student wins Prestigious Culinary Competition
ATU Culinary Arts student, Lance Andrew Lumanlan was recently presented with the overall Irish Food Writing Award, sponsored by Kerrygold, for his winning dishes served up at the live cook-serve final, held on 7 November at the Neff Inspirational Kitchen Airfield Estate, Dublin.
The cook-serve was judged by Jess Murphy, Kai in Galway and Gareth Mullins, executive chef at Anantara the Marker Hotel, Dublin and was overseen by organiser Suzanne Campbell, food and farming journalist and Paul O’Connor.
Second year student in the Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts programme at ATU Donegal Killybegs campus, Lance said: “I had seen the awards on display in the college which other culinary student have undertaken, so this
year I decided I should give it a go. The cook serve was nerve-racking, but I was confident with my dishes and the ingredients. I was even more delighted to win my first culinary competition.” ATU Culinary Arts lecturers Tim Dewhirst and Jonathan Sultan mentored Lance for this competition.
The competition is held annually and open to culinary students nationwide. Following the release of the competition criteria, candidates submit in writing two starters, main dishes and or two desserts depending on the criteria. Each entry must be supported with recipes and full menu description to match.
Candidates are later advised if they have made it to the next round; the live cook-serve, where the judges select an overall winner for the
dishes prepared in the two-hour cookoff. The dishes presented must have a regional connection and in the case of Lance’s submission, credit must go to Molloy’s Fish Killybegs for the fresh scallops used in the starter and to Mr Seamus Heraty for the venison used in the main course.
“Lance is a confident young student with plenty of drive, it was fantastic result for him and thanks to the event organisers and sponsors Kerrygold for the competition. This was a great opportunity to build self-confidence for the competitors while raising their awareness of the importance of local seasonal produce and suppliers.”
Tim Dewhirst, ATU Culinary Arts lecturer
Apprentice of the Year Awards
Jodie Whyte accepting her award pictured with Mary-Liz Trant, Director National Apprenticeship Office, and Barry Comerford of Freudenberg Medical and Chair of Ibec’s Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship Consortium.
The National Apprentice of the Year Awards 2024 held in the Mansion House, Dublin in October proved to be very successful for ATU.
Two of our apprentices, Jodie Whyte, an apprentice on the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and Leah Magauire, a second-year apprentice on the BA (Hons) in Insurance Practice (Life) picked up awards.
Jodie was joint winner of the ‘Engineering - Apprentice of the Year’ award. She shares the award with Peter Duffy, who is undertaking an
Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) apprenticeship with Turmec Teoranta. Leah won the ‘Finance and Insurance Apprentice of the Year’ award.
The awards celebrate apprentice talent across 70+ Generation Apprenticeship training programmes in Ireland, and places a spotlight on the talent, skills and contributions over 28,000 apprentices provide to workplaces and diverse industries across Ireland. This year, out of a pool of 28,400 potential candidates, 400 apprentices were nominated for awards across 77 disciplines.
“I am deeply honoured to have received this award in the Engineering category, and I strongly encourage more women to pursue the apprenticeship route, especially in STEM fields.”
Jodie Whyte, Engineering Apprentice of the Year joint winner
Leah Maguire with her Finance and Insurance Apprentice of the Year Award.
Celebrating National Science Week
From the mysteries of black holes, to moon walks to the role of Vitamin D in the evolution of life, attendees at some of National Science week (10-17 November) events had much to explore. Science Week is a national celebration of science with hundreds of events for people of all ages taking place across Ireland.
During the week ATU staff and students joined launch events on ATU Sligo campus and also participated in the opening of the Galway Science and Technology Festival at the University of Galway.
Sligo Science Festival
Organised by ATU and sponsored by Science Foundation Ireland and pharmaceutical company AbbVie, this year’s Sligo Science festival offered an exciting array of events, celebrating the theme of "Regeneration."
The festival featured interactive science shows, talks, and demonstrations aimed at sparking curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of science across all age groups.
The Sligo Science Fair sponsored by Abbvie, was held on 10 November at ATU Sligo. Families enjoyed hands-on science experiences, demonstrations, and presentations that made complex scientific concepts accessible to everyone.
Dr Eamon Laird, ATU lecturer and 2024 festival organiser said this year’s line-up aimed to inspire: “The festival is a unique opportunity for people of all ages to engage with science in an accessible, fun way. With our theme of regeneration, we aim to inspire people to think about the ways science can renew and shape our world for future generations.”
Throughout the week, events were held in various venues across Sligo, including evening talks for adults and families on topics ranging from microscopic life to the mysteries of black holes. Activities like Moon Walks and Kayak Trails were available to those seeking a more hands-on experience.
Science talks specifically tailored for local schools, offered students the chance to learn about topics such as the science behind sports and the role of Vitamin D in the evolution of life on Earth.
On 13 November in ATU Sligo, Dr Kevin Cradock presented the ‘Science of Sport Stars’ which was an interesting panel discussion with Johnny O’ Connor (Rugby), Kelly McGrory (Athletics), Lauren Cadden (Athletics) & Gearoid McDaid (Surfing). The discussion delved into the science of their success and how we can learn from their knowledge.
Galway Science and Technology Festival
In Galway, ATU continued its support of the Galway Science and Technology Festival which ran from 10-22 November. This year's event theme was "The Power of Regeneration," and focused on exploring biological, technological, and environmental regeneration, aiming to inspire curiosity about how science can impact society and the environment.
The festival brought together a wide variety of engaging Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) events, including handson workshops, science shows, and public talks designed to make science accessible to all ages.
ATU attended the festival's launch event at the University of Galway on 10 November. The event was packed with interactive exhibits, STEM showcases, and familyfriendly activities with ATU providing many interactive displays. These displays provided information about programmes at ATU to attendees and sparked their curiosity in STEM related areas.
The launch was a collaborative event, bringing together industry and educational providers showcasing the best that the west has to offer in the areas of Medtech, Technology and Engineering.
Everyday Objects Transformed by the Conflict
A bullet proof clipboard carried by police at vehicle checkpoints in ‘high-risk’ areas during the conflict in Northen Ireland is just one of the objects on display in an exhibition currently touring ATU Libraries. The clipboard was to give protection to officers if threatened with a handgun.
ATU Library joined with the Northern Ireland organisation ‘Healing through Remembering’ to honour the ‘Everyday Objects Transformed by the Conflict’ exhibition at its launch in the ATU Donegal Letterkenny campus.
The launch on 21 October was introduced by ATU President, Dr Orla Flynn, and ATU Donegal Head Librarian, Michaela Campbell, who spoke about the organisation and the potential for future cross-border activity in partnership with the ATU North South Engagement Centre led by Paul Hannigan, VP for Cross Border Engagement and Head of College ATU Donegal.
The exhibition centres around objects and accompanying labels that recognise the lives and memories of those who lived through the conflict in Northern Ireland. It showcases multiple perspectives rather than a singular version of history to allow people to speak for their own experiences.
Cate Turnner, director for the Healing Through Remembering organisation said that the exhibition has been travelling for over 10 years and accepts objects by various collectors and members.
Cate noted that as many of the pieces are personal donations and collectors may sometimes wish for them to be returned, there can be different objects on display as the exhibition tours. During her talk, she passed around a heavy bullet proof clipboard used by security forces and leather wallets made by prisoners, as examples of some of the diverse range of objects on loan.
She also explained how the symbol of the exhibition focuses on a bin lid which was used as a shield and street communication tool.
Ex British Army member and contributor to the exhibition, Lee Lavis, also shared his experiences as part of the presentation, including a beret currently on display.
The exhibition welcomes stories, beliefs and experiences from all viewers, not just those who lived through the conflict. To prompt memories and reflections, the organisers designed a feedback tree for people to place their thoughts on the branches.
The exhibition travels to mostly non-museum venues to capture wide audiences and includes visitor feedback forms.
This exhibition left ATU Donegal for ATU Sligo on 3 December and will arrive on the ATU Galway city campus on 23 January 2025.
A First for ATU
Dr Niamh Plunkett, Head of Teaching & Learning at ATU Sligo, has achieved the prestigious Principal Fellow award from Advance HE. This accomplishment is a significant milestone, as Niamh becomes ATU’s first Principal Fellow, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing teaching excellence.
Advance HE is a member-led charity of and for the higher education that works with partners across the globe to improve higher education for staff, students and society. They are experts in higher education, with a particular focus on teaching and learning, governance, leadership development and equality, diversity and inclusion.
Niamh’s attainment of the Principal Fellow status demonstrates her vital contributions to education, as she has consistently driven initiatives that elevate teaching and learning standards across our university.
This recognition will further support the goals of the ATU ENGAGE Programme, which guides our faculty in attaining Advance HE Fellowships and fostering professional growth in academia. Currently, ATU proudly supports a community of 4 Associate Fellows, 25 Fellows, 29 Senior Fellows, and now, our first Principal Fellow.
As part of ATU’s ongoing commitment to educational quality, Dr Niamh Plunkett and Dr John O’Callaghan have submitted an application to become an Advance HE Accredited Institution. Once approved, this status will enable ATU to award fellowships internally at Associate, Fellow, and Senior Fellow levels, amplifying our support for academic staff pursuing professional recognition.
“Being awarded Principal Fellow is a personal honour and a testament to the incredible work we are doing here at ATU. It emphasises the value we place on teaching and learning and strengthens the ENGAGE Programme as we strive to empower staff across our campuses.”
Dr Niamh Plunkett, Head of Teaching and Learning, ATU Sligo
Dr Michele Glacken, Registrar & Vice President, Students, Teaching & Learning extended her congratulations to Niamh and said: “Dr Niamh Plunkett’s work in developing an inclusive, innovative teaching and learning culture in ATU, has been recognised by Advance HE in awarding Niamh the first Principal fellowship in the University. Niamh spearheaded the initiation of the ENGAGE Programme which supports colleagues in making submissions to Advance HE, to have their teaching and learning excellence recognised. The University have committed in the current Systems Performance Framework (Compact) to growing the number of staff who become fellows.”
ATU President, Dr Orla Flynn praised Niamh’s achievement and said: “Niamh is the first in ATU to achieve this distinction, but no doubt will not be the last. There has been strong engagement in ATU with the Advance HE Fellowship programme, with 60 staff members achieving Fellowship status at one of four levels. Enhancing the quality of our teaching is one of our objectives in our Performance Agreement with the HEA, and I am delighted to see growing numbers of staff engaging in this self-reflective process as part of their own staff development and improvement journey.”
Climbing the UDL Ladder
ATU recently hosted the 4th Annual National Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Conference, a gathering of educators, innovators, and advocates focused on embedding inclusive practices across tertiary education.
This year's theme, ‘Climbing the UDL Ladder: Practical Approaches to Embedding UDL in Tertiary Education,’ brought a diverse audience together to exchange actionable strategies for inclusive teaching and learning. In addition to workshops and panel discussions, the event featured the John Kelly Awards, celebrating excellence in UDL.
ATU, the inaugural winner of the Collaborative Award in UDL were especially honoured to recognise the new award recipients. This year, City of Dublin ETB received the Collaborative Award for their initiative, ‘UDL and our ETB: Moving beyond learning, teaching, and assessment.’
In the individual category, Martha Stewart from UCC was celebrated for her outstanding contribution to UDL integration at her institution.
The conference featured a range of interactive workshops, from using Lego to foster creativity in higher education to designing UDLaligned programmes from inception. Reflecting on the day, Dr Niamh Plunkett, Head of Teaching and Learning at ATU said: “The energy and dedication from our colleagues nationwide are incredibly inspiring. Together, we are building a culture of inclusion where all learners can thrive, and the work celebrated here truly exemplifies the impact of UDL on educational equity.”
Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President was delighted to open the conference and said: “Universal Design for Learning is an area of strength in ATU, with excellent engagement from both academic and PMSS staff across all
campuses. My congratulations to all the winners and I look forward to continued engagement across ATU!”
The event demonstrated ATU's continued leadership in inclusive education, offering a platform for educators to collaborate, innovate, and transform the learning landscape.
“This year’s UDL conference was a resounding success. It provided a forum for the Further Education and Higher Education sectors to share exemplars of good practice in relation to UDL while ATU shared many exemplars of excellence in UDL practice.”
ATU Undergraduate Open Days Attract Record Numbers
Saturday 30 November marked the end of the first term Open Days at ATU. ATU’s campuses in Donegal, Sligo, Mayo and Galway welcomed over 10,000 visitors to the events in October and November, a 16% increase in attendees when compared with the same period last year.
The continued growth in attendee numbers at ATU Open Days is a strong indicator of the University's rising appeal and reputation. Increasing participation reflects greater interest in ATU's diverse programmes, modern facilities and the University’s focus on fostering innovation and career-readiness among students.
Expanding programme offerings, positive word-of-mouth, and enhanced market engagement
has led to growth in attendances, commented Fiona Kelly, ATU Marketing Manager.
Fiona said: “We are thrilled to have welcomed a record number of attendees to our Open Days this semester. The record-breaking attendance underscores the University’s growing prominence and appeal. This milestone can be attributed to a successful combination of strategic outreach, expanding and engaging programme offerings, and a reputation for delivering quality education and student experiences which can be seen when you visit an ATU Open Day event.”
Fiona added: “This growth not only benefits ATU but also contributes to our local economies and supports community engagement across our
region. ATU’s semester one Open Days attracted visitors from across Ireland, as well as attracting visitors from as far away as the United States. Our diverse programme offering, continued growth in student numbers, and strong alumni network are key factors contributing to increased attendance at the University events. ATU Open Days continue to inspire future students and showcase the University's dynamic and innovative spirit.”
To find out more about upcoming ATU events, please click here.
Snapshots from ATU’s Open Days
ATU Connemara
ATU Sligo
ATU Galway City
ATU Mountbellew
ATU Donegal
ATU Mayo
News in Brief
First ever Integrated 7's Gaelic games tournament
History was made with the first ever Integrated 7's Gaelic games tournament held at the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome on 20 November.
Connacht GAA in partnership with ATU Sport Galway hosted the tournament which featured teams made up of both female and male players.
Second-level schools from Galway, Sligo, Roscommon, Leitrim, and Mayo competed in the tournament. Each school was represented by panels of 10 players made up of five male and five female Transition Year students.
The history-making tournament is the brainchild of ATU Galway’s GAA Development Manager, Damien Coleman, who hopes it will show how integration can work in a novel, real-life setting.
Postgraduate Dissertation of the Year
Mariam Elmofti, a graduate from the MSc in Supply Chain Analytics at ATU, has been awarded the Postgraduate Dissertation of the Year by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT). Her research on the impact of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) on supplier selection in online B2B marketplaces has set a new benchmark in the field.
Mariam’s dissertation, which leverages Signalling Theory, sentiment analysis, and machine learning, presents a novel framework for evaluating suppliers based on customer feedback. Her work addresses the often-overlooked unintentional signals and subjective opinions in B2B settings, providing a comprehensive ranking system to aid buyers in making informed decisions.
Significant Investment in Digital Skills in the North West
Funding for the North West Digital Employment Pathway Training Hub (NW DEPTH) initiative was included in a total of €46,064,915 of PEACEPLUS funding announced recently to improve equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
This project, supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), will be led by ATU in partnership with Ulster University, North West Regional College, and Donegal Education and Training Board via their well-established strategic collaboration, the North West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC). To find out more please click here
Major Marine Mammal and Underwater Noise Survey
A group of Galway marine scientists led by Dr María Pérez Tadeo (Chief Scientist), postdoctoral researcher at ATU, recently completed a major sea survey off the south coast of Spain titled “Acoustic Monitoring from Ireland to Gibraltar Oceanic Waters Survey” or AMIGOS survey, on board the RV Celtic Explorer.
Funded by the Marine Institute Shiptime Award the group commenced the survey in Lisbon, Portugal, on 20 October. They followed transects around the Gulf of Cadiz, passing through the Strait of Gibraltar and on to the Mediterranean before traveling back to Ireland on 30 October. To find out more please click here
ATU Poetry Pillar Competition 2025
ATU is inviting Transition Year students from across Connacht to participate in its 2025 Poetry Pillar Competition.
Each year, the Poetry Pillar competition challenges students to engage with an environmental theme through poetry and for 2025, the theme is Water.
Submissions are open until Monday, 3 March, 2025. Entries should be emailed to poetrypillartransition. galwaymayo@atu.ie
To find out more about the competition please click here.
Roddy Gaynor, a lecturer on the Sport with Business degree programme at ATU Sligo was recently inducted into the Pittsburgh State University (PSU) Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
Gaynor earned his place in the PSU Hall of Fame for his achievements as a three-time All-American competing as a middle-distance track athlete in the early 1980’s. To read more please click here.
Irish Athlete Roddy Gaynor Honoured in Hall of Fame in US
ATU in the Media
ATU researchers in top 25
ATU’s Dr Saritha Unnikrishnan, Dr Joanne OBrien and Dr Philip Long feature in Silicon Republic’s list of 25 scientists based in Ireland who are innovating across STEM. To find out more please click here. Silicon Republic published the article to celebrate Science Week 2024 in November.
Cave of the Cats
Digital Heritage Expert and ATU lecturer, Gary Dempsey writes on RTÉ Brainstorm about Oweynagat, the Cave of the Cats which is situated on his paternal grandparent’s land and is linked to many Irish folklore caves. To read the article please click here
An Irish Civil War Dugout
November saw the launch of a book titled, ‘An Irish Civil War Dugout: Tormore Cave, Co Sligo’. ATU lecturer Marion Dowd along with James Bonsall and Robert Mulraney are the authors. The book centres around a cave that had been used as an IRA dugout during the War of Independence and Civil War and details many aspects of Sligo’s involvement in the Civil War and the key players. To find out more please click here.
