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Introducing Atlantic Technological University (ATU): A Key Partner in the PEARL Project

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We are excited to introduce Atlantic Technological University (ATU), a vital partner in the PEARL project. Located in the north and west of Ireland, ATU is a newly established university formed through the merger of three Institutes of Technology—Letterkenny, Galway, and Sligo—along with St Angela’s College. As a leading institution in the region, ATU plays a crucial role in both the educational and economic development of Ireland, offering over 600 study programs and serving more than 20,000 students from 93 countries worldwide.

Why ATU is Relevant for the PEARL Project

ATU’s vast expertise in sustainability, digital transformation, and SME development makes it an ideal partner for the PEARL project. The university has a strong commitment to aligning its work with the 2030 Global Agenda and championing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ATU’s focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) is particularly relevant for the PEARL project, as they actively incorporate ESG principles into their business curriculum and encourage students to engage with sustainable practices in their professional lives.

ATU’s extensive experience in leading and coordinating EU-funded projects, including Erasmus+, and their proven track record in skills development and employability initiatives, positions them as a key contributor to the project’s success. Their past involvement in projects such as SECure—which focused on identifying and mitigating business crises for SMEs—demonstrates their expertise in addressing real-world challenges and developing practical solutions for businesses. Additionally, ATU’s interdisciplinary approach, combining expertise in engineering, business, and research, ensures a well-rounded contribution to the PEARL project.

ATU’s Role in the PEARL Project

In the PEARL project, ATU will be actively involved in several critical areas. They will contribute to the development of training resources and the Toolbox in WP3, focusing on creating resources that will enhance ESG literacy for SMEs and VET providers. Additionally, ATU’s expertise in crisis management and risk analysis will be invaluable in the development of the ESG Risk Assessment Application under WP4.

ATU’s knowledge and experience in research and innovation will also contribute to the dissemination of the project’s results. Their strong research network and knowledge transfer capabilities will ensure the project's impact reaches a wide audience, helping to embed ESG principles in educational and business practices across Europe.

Meet the Key Staff Involved

ATU brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the PEARL project, with a multidisciplinary team of experts:

  • Dr. Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin, Strategic Projects Manager at ATU and Chair of the Operational Board of the World Technology Universities Network (WTUN), is committed to advancing global partnerships and contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ciarán is also the Principal Investigator of the Design, Innovation, Creativity, Entrepreneurship Innovation Academy (DICE). His leadership in the WTUN and focus on global sustainability and innovation make him a key asset to the PEARL project, fostering international collaboration and ensuring the project’s alignment with global challenges.
  • Juanita Blue, ATU’s European Project Officer, has extensive experience in managing and coordinating Erasmus+, Interreg, and Horizon Europe projects, with a focus on AI, machine learning, and business continuity.
  • Dr. Pádraig Gallagher, Head of Research and Innovation, brings expertise in crisis management, SMEs, and educational research, and has over 15 years of experience managing EU projects.

Stay Connected with Atlantic Technological University

To learn more about Atlantic Technological University and their role in the PEARL project, visit their website. Stay updated and follow them on their social media channels:

We are thrilled to have ATU as a key partner in the PEARL project, and we look forward to their significant contributions towards promoting ESG literacy and driving sustainable change across Europe.

Written by Kathryn O’Brien (EUEI)

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