ATU Research Showcase series: Meet ATU’s Bioeconomy Innovators

About the Digital Launch

Interdisciplinary Research at ATU Powering Ireland’s Bioeconomy

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is proud to announce the launch of its new ATU
Research Showcase series. The first edition “Meet ATU’s Bioeconomy Innovators” will
coincide with Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2025 (13–19 October). The Showcase will consist of
a booklet publication, developed by ATU’s new Research Coordinator team and funded
through TU RISE, highlighting the pioneering work of 12 researchers and innovators across
ATU who are shaping a more sustainable, circular and resilient future.

From valorising waste into new value chains to reimagining farming systems and advancing
solutions in marine, energy, engineering, food systems and nanotechnology, the booklet
illustrates how ATU research is delivering real-world impact for communities, industries and
ecosystems.

“As Research Coordinators, we see first-hand the breadth of expertise and commitment
across ATU,” said Dr. Shane Conway and Dr. James Britton. “This campaign is about putting a
spotlight on the people behind ATU’s bioeconomy research. By showcasing just a sample of
our colleagues’ work, we aim to strengthen ATU’s profile as a leader in this strategically
important field, and connect our researchers with partners across Ireland, Europe and
beyond.”

National and European Collaboration

As the technological university for the west and north-west of Ireland, ATU grounds its
innovation in regional and national priorities. Through alignment with the Northern &
Western Regional Assembly’s Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3), ATU contributes to
strengths in Agri-Food ; Agri-Tech, the Marine & Blue Economy, Renewable Energy &
Climate Action, and the Circular Economy transition, while also connecting to emerging
opportunities in biotechnology, nanotechnology and digital transformation.

ATU’s role is further reinforced through participation in major national and European
initiatives. In July 2022, ATU researchers Prof. Graham Heaslip, Dr. Edna Curley, Dr. James
Moran; Dr. Trevor Clohessy became members of BiOrbic, Ireland’s Research Ireland-funded Bioeconomy Research Centre, a national collaboration of more than 100 researchers advancing the
circular bioeconomy through interdisciplinary academia–industry partnerships. At European
level, ATU researchers lead and contribute to Horizon Europe Cluster 6 and ERA-NET BlueBio
projects, positioning the university as a bioeconomy hub on the Atlantic coast.

Showcasing Interdisciplinary Expertise

The 12 featured researchers represent only a sample of ATU’s bioeconomy expertise. Their
selection spans multiple campuses and faculties, demonstrating the university’s
interdisciplinary strengths. Many other colleagues across ATU are also making significant
contributions to the bioeconomy, and their work is equally valued.

Featured Researchers and Areas of Expertise

The featured researchers include experts in areas such as :

• Circular economy and renewable energy (Leo Murray, Mel Gavin, Prof. Upaka
  Rathnayake, Dr. Yan Jiang)
• Marine biotechnology and aquaculture innovation (Dr. Nicolas Touzet, Dr. Colin
  Hannon)
• Sustainable construction and resource efficiency (Dr. Conan O’Ceallaigh, Dr. Mark
  Kelly)
• Food innovation and cultural acceptance of novel proteins (Dr. Maria Dermiki)
• Nanotechnology for clean fuels (Prof. Suresh C. Pillai)
• Digital transformation and blockchain (Dr. Trevor Clohessy)
• Sensor technology for agriculture and peatland restoration (Dr. Denis McCrudden)

Building a Sustainable Future Through Collaboration

Together, these innovators demonstrate how ATU research contributes to Ireland’s
bioeconomy transition, while connecting the university’s expertise to global sustainability
goals. In addition to its research and innovation efforts, ATU’s commitment to sustainability is
reinforced through its role in the EU GREEN European University Alliance, a network of nine
European universities dedicated to advancing sustainability, innovation, and societal
responsibility. This campaign not only connects researchers and innovators across ATU’s
campuses, but also strengthens links with colleagues across the EU GREEN alliance and the
wider international bioeconomy community, fostering collaboration, visibility and impact inone of the most strategically important fields for our shared future.

Booklet link https://www.atu.ie/news/atu-research-showcase-meet-our-bioeconomy-innovators