Atlantic Technological University launch ATU Global at European Association for International Education (EAIE) in Rotterdam

The ATU Global team welcomed guests from Europe, Canada, Asia, Africa, and America to the launch event, speaking about the importance of building networks and working collaboratively to address global challenges.  

With over 6,000+ in attendance, EAIE is the largest gathering of higher education professionals in Europe. The theme of this year’s conference “Connecting Currents” focuses on the importance of water as a source of economic opportunities as well as an existential threat. International education actively connects ‘currents’ of thought, areas of expertise, disciplines, and cultures. 

Reflecting on the theme, ATU President Dr Orla Flynn commented about the global positioning of ATU, with deep connections to the opportunities and threats posed by the Atlantic, which stretches across the 8 campus locations.  

"Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we come together to address global issues through partnership and collaboration. Located in the west and north-west of Ireland, ATU leads the way in higher education across Tourism, Hospitality, Outdoor Education, Marine Economy, Conservation, and Environmental Science with a wealth of natural resources to support applied learning, advanced research informed teaching and fostering growth in research and innovation in these dynamic global themes. " 

Ambassador Mr Brendan Rogers, The Irish Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands was in attendance and spoke about the importance of international education for our communities; 

" This institution, born from collaboration and a shared vision, marks a new chapter in the journey of education in Ireland. It is a testament to the power of bringing together diverse talents, ideas and perspectives. Education knows no boundaries, it is a force that transcends geography and brings us together as a community. I extend my sincere congratulations to all those who have contributed to making this day a reality – the educators, researchers, students and supporters. May ATU become a new hub of innovation and a symbol of Ireland’s continued commitment to the importance of interconnectedness and education." 

Professor Frances Lucy, ATU Coordinator of the EU GREEN European University Alliance of which ATU is a proactive member, has been extensively involved with environmental science issues regionally, nationally and internationally for over 20 years. 

EU GREEN is our European University alliance, standing for responsible growth, inclusive education, research and environment.  

ATU is one of nine universities from Spain, France, Italy, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Germany and Portugal to form a 'super campus' with more than 158,000 students and 18,000 staff. EU GREEN will allow students, staff and researchers to work together across the EU. It will also bring social and economic benefits to the regions through an educational environment committed to sustainability. 

Speaking at the launch event, Professor Lucy commented 

"Our mission through EU Green is to drive responsible growth, research and innovation, and to nurture an educational environment that actively supports environmental sustainability. Through ATU Global we will be able to build networks to enable us to collaborate with universities across the globe." 

At the Conference, the ATU Global team were delighted to meet with existing partners and foster new relationships, signing academic agreements with Canadian Colleges; Douglas College in BC, and Centennial College in Ontario  

 “Through these partnerships, ATU aims to further international cooperation between Canada and Ireland through joint applied research activities, new programme development, shared transnational education activities, credit transfer pathways and student & staff exchange. We value the support of Enterprise Ireland and the Embassy of Ireland in Canada, particularly Ambassador Dr Eamon McKee and we look forward to progressing the internationalisation objectives of both institutions through this partnership” 

For further details on EU Green, visit https://eugreenalliance.eu/