ATU academic appointed Chair of the Operational Board of the World Technology Universities Network

Founded in 2017, the WTUN is the global network of technology universities. The network is committed to conducting innovative, challenge-led research with direct benefits for society, while educating the next generation of global citizens to tackle the 21st century's most pressing challenges. 

The activities of the network are focussed on contributing to the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), with many activities of technology universities related to all 17 SDG and their 169 targets.  The world in the 21st century is facing major challenges.  Problems such as demographic change, poverty, climate change, energy and water supply, food security and terrorism are global, systemic and complex, requiring, for their solution, a deep understanding of science, engineering, and social, political and cultural behaviour. 

Universities are essential to undertake the research which will provide this understanding, and to educate the next generations of global citizens who will work towards solutions to these problems.   

During his membership of the operational board, Dr Ó hAnnracháin has worked closely with the WTUN Secretariat and General Board on increasing membership of the network, as well as encouraging engagement and participation of ATU staff and students in the network’s activities. This include hackathons, student competitions, PhD student research bursaries and staff research exchanges.  

“Participation in these activities allows staff and students to engage with colleagues around the world, giving a real and important global dimension to their work and studies.  It allows us all to look beyond our Euro-centric view of the world and work with students and staff from across the globe, many of whom may have different experiences and perspectives but share a common goal of addressing the 17 SDGs.  I am firmly committed to ensuring that as many staff and students have these opportunities while working and studying at all our ATU campuses”, said Dr Ó hAnnracháin. 

Welcoming the announcement, Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, expressed her support: "Dr  Ó hAnnracháin’s appointment as Chair of the WTUN Operational Board demonstrates ATU’s commitment to the WTUN and its aims. His work will further strengthen our university’s engagement with innovative international collaborators." 

Dr Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin will commence his role in September.