October Todhchaí Ghorm - Blue Future marks 50 years of marine excellence at Carna Research Station

Two-day national marine bioeconomy event celebrates historic milestone while shaping Ireland's blue economy strategy

University of Galway has launched a 50th anniversary celebration of Carna Research Station with the Todhchaí Ghorm - Blue Future event.

Two-days of innovation, workshops and networking are being held on October 7^th and 8th, combining five decades of marine research excellence with strategic planning for Ireland's marine bioeconomy future.

Todhchaí Ghorm - Blue Future brings together marine entrepreneurs, researchers, fishers, community members and policymakers to shape strategy.

The anniversary celebration, to be opened by Professor Frances Fahy, Director of the Ryan Institute at University of Galway, is also being held as plans progress to develop Ireland's Marine Innovation and Development Centre at Crumpán, Connemara. The planned development is being supported by Enterprise Ireland and will fulfil a key objective of the strategic partnership between University of Galway and Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Máire Ní Éinniú, Head of Nua na Mara, said: "The timing couldn't be better. We're honouring 50 years of marine research excellence while actively pioneering the future of Ireland's ocean economy. The Marine Innovation and Development Centre represents this bridge perfectly, where decades of scientific discovery meet tomorrow's entrepreneurial innovation, creating opportunities that will transform our coastal communities and establish Ireland as a global leader in the blue bioeconomy. The Todhchaí Ghorm- Blue Future workshops will directly contribute to national policy development.”

Professor Frances Fahy, Director of the Ryan Institute at University of Galway, said: "Carna has been at the forefront of marine research for half a century. This collaboration with Nua na Mara, where cutting-edge marine innovation facilities will complement our ongoing fundamental research, creates a unique ecosystem at the Carna site. Together, we're building a powerhouse that bridges academic research with commercial innovation, ensuring real economic and social benefits for the Gaeltacht community and Ireland's blue economy."

Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta, emphasised the regional impact: "The transformation of Carna Research Station exemplifies our strategic approach to sustainable development in the Gaeltacht. This facility will create high-quality employment opportunities while acknowledging and building on the deep knowledge within the cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht and positioning the region as a global hub for marine innovation."

Since its establishment in 1974, Carna Research Station has been instrumental in advancing Ireland's marine sciences, supporting hundreds of researchers, producing ground-breaking research, and contributing significantly to Ireland's €1.4 billion marine economy.

The planned new Marine Innovation and Development Centre will build on this foundation, representing a cornerstone in the ambitious development of Páirc na Mara in Cill Chiaráin.

The development is supported by multiple organisations including BIM, Enterprise Ireland, the Marine Institute, and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Teagasc, Atlantic Technological University, Laurentic Forum.

Registration for the Todhchaí Ghorm - Blue Future event is open at https://lnkd.in/et6MWpb5

Day 1 (October 7^th):

• Cutting-edge research presentations on seaweed innovation and marine biotechnology
• Practical workshops with funding bodies including Údarás na Gaeltachta, BIM, Hatch Blue, and Restore Ventures
• International perspectives from the Canadian Embassy
• 50th Anniversary celebration with networking reception

Day 2 (October 8^th):

• Interactive strategic planning sessions where participants directly contribute to Ireland's Blue Bioeconomy Strategy

• Guided seaweed tour showcasing local marine resources

Ends