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������ researchers were among a select group of experts chosen to participate in an annual event focused on shaping the future of the North and West of Ireland. 

Dr Conor Carroll, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Management and Marketing at UL, and UL PhD candidate Ben Fitzgerald Kiely joined more than forty contemporaries for the Atlantic Futures Summer School 2025, held at Ulster University’s Derry-Londonderry campus this month.

Atlantic Futures is a €4 million joint research project between UL, University of Galway, Ulster University and Atlantic Technological University. The initiative is focused on providing actionable data, insights and cutting-edge research to regional and national policy and decision makers, on how to transform the 'Atlantic Corridor' region of the island. 

The programme focuses on six key themes: female entrepreneurship, business scaling, digitisation opportunities, freight connectivity, and mental health support. 

The Atlantic Futures Summer School is a flagship event of this cross-border academic collaboration, with academics from partnering institutions coming together to explore how research can drive social, economic, and infrastructural transformation in the region. 

Building on last year’s event in the Burren, Co. Clare, this year’s Summer School featured a packed three-day programme of masterclasses, field trips to key sites including the city walls and Foyle Port, and collaborative workshops designed to strengthen regional impact through research. 

Ben Fitzgerald Kiely, PhD researcher at UL and recipient of the Atlantic Futures Scholarship (Research Stream 2: Business Scaling on Atlantic Futures) gave an insight into the significance of the event.

“Atlantic Futures excels in bringing the best minds in the room to build impact-driven research,” said Ben.

“Over this engaging Summer School, we aligned and developed our shared synergies within our Research Streams. We also learned about the power of the North West community, and how placemaking has to be central to key takeaways in developing the Atlantic Corridor. 

“We are developing meaningful insights and fostering strong networks with a clear cross-border focus. It was truly wonderful to reconnect with our colleagues in Ulster and Galway Universities and meet some of the faces of local actors who will benefit most from our research. The future is bright, and Atlantic Futures will continue to shine!” 

One of the major outcomes of the event was a broad consensus among attendees on the importance of strengthening cross-border cooperation to accelerate progress across the West. Researchers and stakeholders alike recognised that greater alignment between communities, institutions and policymakers North and South is essential for unlocking the region’s full potential. 

A key structural development within the project is the creation of a Strategic Advisory Group – a panel of leaders from across business, policy, and civil society – which will offer ongoing guidance to ensure the work translates into meaningful action. 

Professor Malachy O’Neill, Director of Regional Engagement for Ulster University, said: “The Strategic Advisory Group is a vital link between our academic research and real-world impact. By listening to and working with those driving change on the ground, we’re ensuring this collaboration delivers for people and communities across the island.” 

Attendees also included representatives from organisations such as the NI Executive Office, Centre for Cross Border Cooperation, Donegal County Council, Galway Culture Company, North and Western Regional Assembly, The International Centre for Local and Regional Development, and Alcohol Forum Ireland. 

Atlantic Futures is funded by the Higher Education Authority through the North South Research Programme, part of the Irish government’s Shared Island initiative.