ATU Research Showcase - Meet ATU's Bioeconomy Innovators

As Ireland marks Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2025, the new Research Coordinator team at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), funded through RISE@ATU, have produced a booklet showcasing the pioneering work of ATU’s researchers and innovators who are helping shape a more sustainable, circular and resilient future. From valorising waste into new value chains to reimagining farming systems and advancing solutions in marine, energy and engineering, this publication illustrates how ATU’s research is driving bioeconomy innovation across our faculties and Research Centres. As the technological university for the west and north-west of Ireland, ATU grounds this innovation in regional and national priorities. Through alignment with the National Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) for Innovation 2022 - 2027, ATU contributes to strengths in Agri-Food & Agri-Tech, the Marine & Blue Economy, Renewable Energy & Climate Action, and the wider 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 became members of BiOrbic, Ireland’s SFI-funded Bioeconomy Research Centre, a national collaboration dedicated to advancing Ireland’s circular bioeconomy through interdisciplinary collaborations that connect academic researchers with industry. At European level, ATU researchers lead and contribute to Horizon Europe Cluster 6 and ERA-NET BlueBio projects, positioning the university as a European bioeconomy hub on the Atlantic coast. This booklet presents a sample of 12 researchers whose profiles reflect the breadth of ATU’s expertise in the bioeconomy. The selection spans multiple campuses and faculties, demonstrating the diversity of ATU’s contribution to this field. Many other colleagues across the university are also making significant impacts, and their work is equally valued. The profiles featured here are intended to highlight a cross-section of ATU’s strengths, rather than provide an exhaustive list.