Leading ocean researchers, policymakers, innovators and industry representatives from across Europe and the wider Atlantic region gathered in Galway today for the opening of Atlantic Summit Galway 2026, a flagship event of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Hosted by the Marine Institute, University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University, the two-day Summit is bringing together international leaders in science, policy, education and industry to help shape Europe's future ocean research, innovation and skills agenda and strengthen cooperation across the Atlantic region. Delegates from across disciplines, sectors and countries are examining the environmental, economic and geopolitical challenges facing the Atlantic and the communities that depend on it. Under the theme Advancing Europe's Ocean Research, Innovation and Skills Agenda, participants are exploring how international cooperation, scientific excellence and strategic investment in people, infrastructure and innovation can strengthen Europe's competitiveness while supporting a sustainable and resilient ocean future. Opening-day discussions underscored the critical role of ocean knowledge in addressing climate, economic and geopolitical challenges, while reinforcing Europe's ambition to remain a global leader in ocean science, innovation and sustainable blue growth. Minister Timmy Dooley Welcomes Delegates to Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD, welcomed delegates to Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 and highlighted the importance of international cooperation, scientific knowledge and innovation in supporting a sustainable and resilient future for the Atlantic region. The Minister's participation reflected Ireland's commitment to advancing ocean research, innovation and skills during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and to strengthening collaboration across governments, research organisations, industry and coastal communities in addressing shared ocean challenges. From Ocean Knowledge to Action The Summit comes at an important time for European ocean policy, with discussions addressing the implementation of the EU Ocean Pact and the proposed Ocean Act, as well as future investment priorities for ocean research and innovation. Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, said: "The Atlantic is one of Europe's greatest strategic assets. It sustains our environment, supports our economies, connects our communities and plays a critical role in addressing global challenges from climate change to food security and energy transition. The decisions we make today will shape the future health and productivity of our ocean for generations." "Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 brings together the expertise, partnerships and ambition needed to turn knowledge into action, strengthen Europe's ocean leadership and ensure the Atlantic continues to create opportunity, resilience and prosperity for society. Galway's position as a recognised centre of marine science and innovation makes it an ideal location for these important conversations about our shared future." Professor Frances Fahy, Director of the Ryan Institute at University of Galway, said: "As a university at the heart of Europe's Atlantic region, we are proud to convene the partnerships, expertise and ambition needed to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our ocean. Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 reflects the vital role of higher education and research in generating the talent and knowledge that informs policy, drives innovation and delivers real-world solutions." "By working together across borders and disciplines, we can help shape a healthier ocean and a more sustainable future for communities across the Atlantic and beyond." Dr Brendan Jennings, ATU Chief Officer, Research, Innovation & Engagement, said: "The future of the Atlantic region will be shaped not only by scientific discovery and technological innovation, but by people. Building the skills, talent and capabilities needed for a sustainable blue economy is essential if we are to create lasting economic opportunity while protecting our ocean environment." "Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 demonstrates the power of collaboration across education, research, industry and government to deliver impact at regional, national and European level." Discussions will continue on Friday, 9 October, focusing on how shared priorities can be translated into action through future collaboration, investment and policy development. The Summit will conclude with a renewed commitment to strengthening Europe's ocean research, innovation and skills ecosystem and to deepening cooperation across the Atlantic in support of a sustainable, resilient and prosperous ocean future. Ends  

Analysis of more than 450 snake species finds many use striking colours to advertise danger to predators   Researchers at University of Galway have found that venomous snakes are significantly more likely than non-venomous species to have colours that stand out against their natural surroundings. Animals use colour for many purposes, including camouflage, attracting mates and warning predators. For some animals, however, being conspicuous can be a survival strategy. Wasps, poison dart frogs and coral snakes are among the best-known examples of species whose bold colours warn potential predators that they are dangerous. While warning colouration has been studied in individual species and small groups of animals, it has remained unclear whether conspicuous colouration is generally associated with venom across a large number of snake species. Published in the Journal of Animal Ecology, the researchers examined more than 450 snake species from around the world, comparing how their colouration appears against the natural environment in which they live. The team compared snakes in their natural habitats by sourcing thousands of photographs through the citizen science platform iNaturalist. They examined whether venomous species were more visually distinct from their surroundings than non-venomous species, in particular looking at red and yellow colouration, two colours commonly associated with warning signals in the animal world. The study confirmed that while many venomous snakes are not brightly coloured, a large number have evolved distinctive colours and patterns. It is further evidence of a link between venom and warning colouration, suggesting that the two traits may have evolved together in some snake species and that being highly visible may have been the survival strategy and warning of danger to potential predators. Amy Duclaux from University of Galway’s School of Natural Sciences and a lead researcher on the project, said: “Our findings show that venomous snakes stand out from their natural background more than non-venomous species, supporting the idea that warning colouration has evolved to signal danger to potential predators. “Rather than hiding from predators, some venomous snakes appear to advertise that they're dangerous. Their striking colours likely evolved as warning signals that discourage attacks before they happen. “We also found that red and yellow colouration is particularly effective at helping snakes stand out against their natural background, suggesting these colours play an important role in visual signalling." Dr Kevin Healy, Head of the Macroecology Lab at the University’s School of Natural Sciences, said: “Citizen science initiatives such as iNaturalist are transforming ecological research by providing images of animals in their natural habitats at a scale that would otherwise be impossible for individual research teams to achieve. Museum collections allow us to measure colour accurately, but photographs taken in the wild are essential for understanding how those colours appear in the environments where they evolved." The findings offer new insight into the evolution of warning signals, suggesting that for some venomous snakes, conspicuous colouration may be less about hiding from predators and more about making sure they are seen. The research also highlights how citizen science and large-scale image datasets are transforming the study of evolution across the animal kingdom. The full study in the Journal of Animal Ecology is available at https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2656.70351  Ends

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has awarded Accredited Planning School status to University of Galway’s School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies. The award also includes accreditation of the University's MA in Planning and Development, which means students on the programme will earn an RTPI-accredited qualification, supporting graduates seeking to build professional careers in planning in Ireland, the UK and internationally. The one-year, full-time, MA in Planning and Development combines practical planning skills with critical planning theory and regulatory knowledge. Rachel Fisher, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “Planning has a critical role to play in tackling some of the biggest challenges facing communities, from housing and infrastructure to climate change and economic growth. Ensuring that the profession has a strong pipeline of highly skilled planners is therefore essential, and this accreditation is an important addition to planning education in Ireland.” John Sturzaker, Director of Careers and Education at the RTPI, said: “RTPI accreditation recognises planning programmes that meet the high academic and professional standards needed to prepare students for a career in planning. “The University of Galway’s MA in Planning and Development combines the theoretical, practical and regulatory understanding that future planners need. We look forward to working with the University and supporting its students as they develop their careers in the profession.” President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn, said: “University of Galway is very cognisant of its vital role in promoting and facilitating planning development for the region and more broadly. This professional accreditation award from the RTPI reflects an endorsement of the quality and success of the University’s contributions in this regard, and of its ongoing commitment to planning education.” Professor Rebecca Braun, Dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies at University of Galway, said: “University of Galway welcomes this partnership with the Royal Town Planning Institute. We look forward to the opportunities it presents to deliver professionally-accredited graduates to the growing range of industry sectors seeking planning professionals here and abroad, and to address this identified critical skills gap in the region and nationally.” Read more about the MA in Planning and Development course here. Ends