University of Galway has been recognised for its international reputation for marine and ocean research with the award of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence for Ocean Futures, Science and Diplomacy. The recognition from the European Commission has been announced following the Atlantic Summit Galway 2026, an international gathering of leading ocean strategists, researchers, policymakers, innovators and representatives of Atlantic communities jointly organised by University of Galway, the Marine Institute and Atlantic Technological University. The Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence seeks to strengthen understanding of the European Union’s role in shaping the future of Atlantic and global ocean and coasts through integrated education, research and policy engagement. Professor Frances Fahy, Director of the Ryan Institute at University of Galway, said: “We are honoured to have been awarded the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence for Ocean Futures, Science and Diplomacy. This prestigious European recognition builds on decades of marine, ocean and coastal research excellence at the Ryan Institute in University of Galway and recognises our position as a leading hub for research, education and collaboration in this field. ”The Centre also looks firmly to the future, directly supporting the University’s strategic ambition for ocean research. It also provides an important new platform through which to build on our expertise, strengthening the impact of ocean and coastal research on society, policy and business; creating new opportunities for teaching and intergenerational learning; and deepening collaboration between researchers, policymakers, communities and international partners. ”As a leading research-intensive university, we have a distinctive opportunity, and responsibility, to connect world-class research with policy, diplomacy and society, and to help shape a sustainable and inclusive future for our ocean and coastal communities. The Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence will play a huge role in that.” Sieglinde Gruber, Chair of the International Advisory Board for the Jean Monnet Centre for Ocean Futures and former Director-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission, said: “Jean Monnet understood that Europe is built not simply by institutions, but by bringing people together around common challenges. The ocean reminds us that this task has no borders - and intergenerational cooperation reminds us that it has no age. European added value lies precisely there: in connecting countries, knowledge and generations to achieve together what none of us can achieve alone.” The Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence for Ocean Futures, Science and Diplomacy at University of Galway is led by Professor Louise Allcock in Zoology and Dr Stefan Fritz, Adjunct Professor. It will bring together academics from across the university’s research disciplines, enabling University of Galway to further develop its international profile and leadership in ocean research by creating a unique space within the EU to teach, research and debate the roles of marine and coastal sciences in global ocean and coastal policy processes. It will also support the EU’s capacity to respond coherently to complex global challenges that intersect climate and biodiversity change, human pressures such as migration and maritime security and the pursuit of peaceful international relations. Professor Louise Allcock, Co-Director of Centre at the University of Galway, said: “The Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence for Ocean Futures, Science and Diplomacy will provide learning opportunities in ocean science, ocean governance and Atlantic policy-making, equipping a new generation of ocean leaders to build a sustainable and socially equitable ocean.” Dr Stefan Fritz, Co-Director of the Centre and Adjunct Lecturer at the Ryan Institute, University of Galway, said: “With the generous support of the EU and the University of Galway, we are working with local and international partners to make Galway a hub for science that supports peaceful, sustainable and community-led coastal and ocean futures across the Atlantic and beyond.” The Atlantic Summit was held over two days at University of Galway, as an Associated Event of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026, supported by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. It explored how research, data, technology, education and collaboration can progress the ambition of the EU Ocean Pact, adopted in 2025. It sets out a vision to restore ocean health, strengthen maritime security, support coastal communities and unlock sustainable economic opportunities at sea. Delivering on that vision will require a strong, well-resourced and connected marine knowledge system. Ends

University of Galway is to lead a European research initiative exploring how supporting parents and strengthening parenting capacity can contribute to protecting children and promoting their wellbeing. Coordinated by the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at University of Galway, the project, Supporting Parents to Protect Children (SUPAR), will bring together universities from Spain, Portugal, the UK, Serbia and Norway, alongside public bodies and organisations across Europe. Funded through the European Union's Horizon Europe programme, the €4.24 million SUPAR project will establish the first Doctoral Network dedicated specifically to parenting support in child protection and welfare. Over four years, the Doctoral Network will train 14 PhD researchers across a range of disciplines and professional contexts, providing structured research and training opportunities to develop specialist expertise through international and cross-sectoral collaboration. A central focus will be on collaborative and co-produced research, incorporating the experiences of parents, children, young people and practitioners, alongside translating research findings into policy and practice. Dr Carmel Devaney, Scientific Coordinator of SUPAR and Head of Discipline of Applied Social Science, UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, University of Galway, said: “SUPAR is particularly significant as the first Doctoral Network to focus specifically on supporting parents to protect children. I am fortunate to be collaborating with colleagues from across Europe to advance knowledge on how best to protect children and promote their wellbeing by supporting parents and strengthening parenting capacity. “This work is especially timely given the complex challenges facing parents, children and young people today.” Professor Laoise McNamara, Vice-President for Research and Innovation at University of Galway, said: “I would like to congratulate Dr Carmel Devaney and her international partners on being awarded Horizon Europe funding for this important research. Leading the coordination of this Doctoral Network reflects the research excellence being delivered by the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at University of Galway. "This award is strongly aligned with the University’s Strategy through the Creativity, Culture and Society research pillar and the work of the Centre in the Institute for Lifecourse and Society. The research will advance the University's commitment to generating knowledge that improves lives, informs public policy and contributes to more inclusive and resilient societies." The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network is funded through Horizon Europe and implement doctoral programmes in partnerships with organisations from different sectors across Europe and beyond to train highly skilled PhD researchers, stimulate their creativity, enhance their innovation capacities and boost their employability. Read more about the project here. Ends

International ocean community unites behind Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement, setting priorities for ocean knowledge, cooperation, and future leadership Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 concluded today with the release of the Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement - a shared commitment to strengthen ocean knowledge, deepen Atlantic cooperation and invest in the next generation of ocean leaders. Representing the collective voice of the European Union and the Atlantic Ocean research community, the Statement positions the Atlantic as a strategic asset for Europe's future resilience, sustainability, security, and competitiveness. Jointly organised by the Marine Institute, University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University, Atlantic Summit Galway was an Associated Event of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union. More than 350 policymakers, researchers, scientists, industry leaders, innovators, educators, international organisations, coastal stakeholders and early-career ocean professionals from across Europe and the wider Atlantic region attended the event.  Over two days, participants explored how research, innovation, skills, and international cooperation can support a sustainable, resilient, and competitive Atlantic future. Discussions culminated in the Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement outlining three priorities for Europe's ocean future: making ocean knowledge a strategic investment priority, strengthening Atlantic partnerships and cooperation, and investing in skills and leadership. A shared statement for Europe’s ocean future The Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement recognises that the Atlantic Ocean remains central to Europe's environmental, economic, and strategic interests while facing growing pressures from climate change, biodiversity loss, geopolitical instability, and increasing demands on ocean resources. The Statement calls for strengthened action across three priority areas:   Make Ocean Knowledge a Strategic Investment Priority for Europe Delegates called for ocean knowledge to be recognised as a strategic capability and a cornerstone of Europe's future competitiveness, resilience, and maritime security. The Statement highlights the importance of sustained investment in ocean knowledge systems under the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework and Horizon Europe programme. Ocean knowledge systems comprise ocean observations, data systems, data products and services, research and innovation, expertise, infrastructures, networks, partnerships, and programmes.   Strengthen Atlantic Partnerships and Cooperation The Summit reaffirmed the value of the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance and called for deeper cooperation across the Atlantic basin to address shared environmental, economic, and geopolitical challenges. Stronger international partnerships were recognised as essential to accelerating innovation, strengthening ocean governance, and maximising the benefits of research and investment.   Invest in Skills and Leadership for Europe's Ocean Future Recognising that Europe's ocean ambitions will depend on people as much as infrastructure, delegates highlighted the need for continued investment in education, training, mentoring, and capacity-building. Particular emphasis was placed on empowering Early Career Ocean Professionals and creating stronger pathways into ocean research, innovation, policy, and governance. Taken together, these priorities reflect a shared recognition that Europe's future prosperity, sustainability and resilience will depend on its ability to generate, share and apply ocean knowledge through stronger partnerships, strategic investment, and skills development. Speaking at the release of Atlantic Summit 2026 Outcome Statement Dr Fiona Grant, Marine Institute and Chair of the European Marine Board, said:  "From Galway, on Europe's Atlantic edge, a clear message has emerged: the ocean is not separate from Europe's future. It is central to it. Europe's prosperity, resilience, security, and competitiveness will depend on our ability to understand, protect, and sustainably manage our ocean. That is why the Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement calls for action in three areas: making ocean knowledge a strategic investment priority, strengthening Atlantic cooperation and investing in the next generation of ocean leaders.  What has been achieved in Galway is more than a statement of intent. It is a commitment to collective action. The Atlantic has always connected our nations. Today, it connects us through a shared responsibility to shape its future and ensure it remains a source of opportunity, sustainability and prosperity for generations to come."  Professor Frances Fahy, Director of the Ryan Institute at University of Galway, said: "We are sending a powerful message: investment in ocean knowledge is an investment in Europe's future. At a time of growing environmental, economic, and geopolitical uncertainty, the ability to understand our ocean and act on that knowledge has never been more important. Meeting the challenges facing the Atlantic will require world-class research, international collaboration, and a shared commitment to turning evidence into action.  University of Galway is proud to be part of a community helping to shape that the ocean future. Galway has become an internationally recognised centre of ocean research and innovation, and the Atlantic Summit has reinforced our region as a place where knowledge and ambition comes together to make a global impact.” Dr Deirdre Brophy, Strategic Lead, Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Atlantic Technological University, said: "Europe's ocean ambitions will only be realised if we invest in people. The Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement rightly recognises that skills, leadership, and talent are among our most important ocean resources. Delivering a sustainable and competitive blue economy will require graduates who can work collaboratively across disciplinary boundaries to address complex challenges. To drive change, they will need to develop skills in research, innovation and entrepreneurship, and be strongly connected to policy and to communities. We must empower the next generation to secure a sustainable future for our ocean by providing clearly defined and attractive career pathways and by investing in world-class marine education and training programmes.  The Atlantic Summit has established an important international partnership. Through our continued co-operation we will create opportunity and deliver impact across the Atlantic region."   From Galway to Europe and the Atlantic  The message from Galway is clear: the ocean is not separate from Europe's future. It is central to it. By investing in ocean knowledge, strengthening Atlantic partnerships, and empowering future leaders, Europe can build a sustainable, secure, and competitive ocean future. The Atlantic has always connected us. Through the Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement, participants have committed to helping shape its future together.  ENDS