Archive for ERINN Innovation Team
Building Meaningful Connections at INORMS 2025
The ERINN Innovation team had an unforgettable week at INORMS 2025 in Madrid, and the energy is still buzzing! From the inspiring setting at the Industrial School of Engineers to the warm Spanish sun, this year’s INORMS (hosted in collaboration with EARMA) offered the perfect backdrop for engaging with the research management community from around the world. Workshops to Deepen Impact-Driven Proposal Design Rochelle Caruso, Project Manager, ERINN Innovation, delivering one of the ‘Impact-Driven Proposal Design for Horizon Europe’ workshops at INORMS 2025 in Madrid. We were thrilled to deliver two workshops on Impact-Driven Proposal Design for Horizon Europe. Although we had intended to run just a single workshop, due to overwhelming interest we added a second to accommodate more participants who were full of energy and questions. There was a lot of international collaboration in both workshops, which was great to experience, as Rochelle Caruso, ERINN Innovation Project Manager explained. “Delivering the Impact-Driven Proposal Design [for Horizon Europe] workshops at INORMS 2025 was a real highlight. The engagement from participants shows just how committed the research community is to designing meaningful, results-oriented projects. It was a great opportunity to share practical tools, real-world examples, and connect with professionals from across the globe.” Tara Murphy, ERINN Innovation Learning and Development Manager added: “The excitement and enthusiasm in the room made it such fun for us to deliver. It’s always a privilege to share what we’ve learned and see how it resonates with people trying to turn powerful ideas into funded projects.” Forging Connections at the Pop-In Proposal Helpdesk The ERINN Innovation team at INORMS 2025 (L-R): Tara Murphy, Rochelle Caruso, Michael Papapetrou, and Pamela Cardillo. In addition to the workshops, we ran a Proposal Helpdesk at the booth in the exhibition hall, where we chatted with attendees about their Horizon Europe challenges, from consortium building to that tricky ‘Impact’ section. We happily shared advice (and a few sweet treats), and were genuinely delighted by the curiosity and openness of everyone who stopped by. “For me, the best part is always the conversations at the booth and figuring out how we can really help people move forward”, said Pamela Cardillo, ERINN Innovation Project Manager. “What stood out to me was how willing people were to open up about the challenges they face with proposals. Everyone has a unique story, and it’s a joy to be part of that journey.” Feeling Inspired by a Week to Remember Highlights from INORMS 2025. The week was jam-packed between delivering workshops, attending conference sessions, chairing panels, and soaking up the atmosphere at the Palacio de Cibeles and the gala dinner. We barely stopped moving, but wouldn’t have it any other way! “We delivered two training workshops on the first day, while also attending the EARMA General Assembly, setting up our booth, and joining the welcome reception. It was very busy! From there, the week only got better. The energy throughout the whole event was just fantastic.”– Michael Papapetrou, ERINN Innovation Executive Director. These events are never just about business, they’re about connecting with peers, celebrating the work we all do, and remembering why we do it. We left feeling inspired by the many research managers, support organisations, and other behind-the-scenes heroes committed to turning research into real-world impact. Now that we’re all safely home, we’re already looking forward to what’s next. Thank you to everyone who made INORMS 2025 such a success—and a special thank you to the EARMA team for putting on such a warm and vibrant event. Have you read our Top 5 Tips for Writing a Winning Horizon Europe Bid? Let’s start building your path to success! Learn more about our services.
Plan Early, Win Big: Horizon Europe Proposals 2025
As the September 2025 Horizon Europe deadlines approach, now is the time to start preparing your proposals. With funding opportunities becoming more competitive, early preparation is key. Here are our top three tips to ensure your submission is as strong as possible. 1. Stay Updated on Draft Work Programmes Currently, only Draft Work Programmes are available, meaning official deadlines and call details are still subject to change. Keeping up to date with the latest versions is crucial, as there have been discussions about some September deadlines shifting to a two-stage proposal process. What to do? Regularly check for updates from the European Commission, your National Contact Point (NCP), and relevant contacts. If two-stage proposals are introduced, this will impact your planning and timeline, so start mapping out your proposal strategy now. Tip from Michael Papapetrou (Executive Director, ERINN Innovation): “We’ve seen last-minute changes before. If you’re working on a proposal now, don’t assume the draft details are final — stay flexible and informed.” 2. Factor in Summer Holidays When Planning Writing a Horizon Europe proposal is a significant undertaking, often taking around six person-months to complete. With key deadlines in September, July and August can be challenging months for collaboration due to summer holidays. Scheduling meetings, securing input from partners, and refining key proposal sections can be delayed if not planned early. What to do? Lock in key writing and collaboration sessions before July. Set clear internal deadlines, and don’t rely on August as an intensive working month. If needed, schedule a proposal-writing sprint in June to ensure all partners are aligned before summer breaks. Advice from Rochelle Caruso (Project Manager, ERINN Innovation): “Every year, we see teams underestimate how slow things move in the summer. Start early, and plan with these delays in mind.” 3. Build Your Consortium Now Many Horizon Europe consortiums are already forming, and securing strong partners early gives you a strategic advantage. A well-balanced team with the right expertise, geographic coverage, and stakeholder representation is crucial for a winning proposal. What to do? If you’re leading a proposal, start securing your core team now. Engage with potential partners, attend networking events, and leverage existing collaborations. If you’re looking to join a consortium, get in touch with coordinators and express interest early — many teams are finalising their partners by spring. Tip from Pamela Cardillo (Project Manager, ERINN Innovation): “Networking is key. The best teams come together months before the deadline, not weeks. If you’re still searching for partners, start now.” Final Thoughts September may seem far away, but a successful Horizon Europe proposal requires long-term planning. Stay informed, plan around holidays, and build your consortium early to give yourself the best chance of securing funding. Need help navigating the process? ERINN Innovation can support you with expert guidance, training, and proposal development strategies. Let’s get started – September will be here before you know it! Have you read our Top 5 Tips for Writing a Winning Horizon Europe Bid? Let’s start building your path to success!
What Makes a Successful Team Retreat?
April 2025 Retreat: A Growing Team, Together in One Place At the beginning of April, the ERINN Innovation team swapped desks and screens for a retreat filled with sunshine and fresh thinking in Cloughjordan, Tipperary. With a team of 35—a milestone that reflects just how far we’ve come—it was a rare and valuable opportunity to step back, reconnect, and look ahead together. As a largely remote organisation, face-to-face time is precious. This retreat gave us space to reflect on our shared journey, spark new ideas, and deepen the collaborative culture that underpins everything we do. Across workshops, brainstorming sessions, and plenty of informal chats, we challenged ourselves to see opportunities in the obstacles, to rethink how we work, and to refocus on what really matters. Values that Guide Us At the heart of our conversations were three core values—diversity, inclusion, and passion. These aren’t just words on a wall for us. They shape how we build our team, how we deliver impact through our projects, and how we support one another day to day. Diversity fuels stronger ideas and richer perspectives. Inclusion ensures that every voice—across teams, time zones, and project areas—is heard and valued. And passion keeps us moving forward, especially when the work gets tough. Highlights from the ERINN Innovation April 2025 retreat. Looking Ahead with Intention With our continued growth comes the responsibility to be intentional about how we evolve. During the retreat, we explored ways to strengthen our internal processes, support one another more effectively, and ensure our culture scales with us. It’s clear that our strength lies not just in our individual expertise, but in the way we come together to collaborate, problem-solve, and drive change. Returning to our day-to-day work, we carry the energy of the retreat with us: the shared vision, the big ideas, the small moments of connection. There’s a lot to look forward to—and even more to build together. With many thanks to the talented team at Cloughjordan House for taking very good care of us! We are always looking for talented, motivated people to join us. Please check our Careers page for updates about our open opportunities.
Top 5 Tips for Writing a Winning Horizon Europe Bid
ERINN Innovation are excited to be attending the upcoming EARMA INORMS conference in Madrid this May. A highlight for our team, we will be hosting two pre-congress workshops focusing on Impact-Driven Proposal Design. In anticipation of the event, we are sharing our Top 5 Tips for Writing a Winning Horizon Europe Bid. 1. Read the call topic clearly When it comes to writing a proposal for Horizon Europe, it is crucial to thoroughly read and understand the call topic. Many proposals suffer because they fail to align closely with the specific requirements outlined in the call. As human beings, we often have biases and tend to focus on the parts of our research that align with the call and overlook other essential aspects. Take the time to carefully read and analyse all elements of the call topic, and then go one step further. Start to analyse why certain terminology was included, question the phrasing and critically assess what the scope is asking for to ensure a robust understanding. 2. Consortium is key Consortium composition is at the basis of a successful proposal. When forming your consortium, carefully consider the expertise required for each work package and ensure that the participating organisations or individuals have a track record of excellence in their respective fields. The evaluators are assessing whether or not you can credibly drive European-level impact and complete project goals – it’s extremely hard to convince the evaluators this is possible if the whole value-chain is not represented or if the geographic spread is limited. 3. Complete your concept note before you start writing Before delving into the writing process, finalise your concept note as best as you can. This means outlining the work packages and objectives, and being clear about who is doing what. By completing the concept note first, you establish a strong foundation that guides the rest of your proposal, allowing you to organise your thoughts, identify any potential gaps or inconsistencies, and refine your project’s objectives and methodology. Adjustments to the design after the proposal has been written requires a huge amount of effort to cover your tracks and course correct. 4. Read it as an evaluator When you have completed your initial proposal draft, step into the shoes of an evaluator. Try to objectively assess your proposal, considering the evaluation criteria and the perspective of the reviewers, identifying inconsistencies, weaknesses or unclarities in the proposal. This is often easier said than done, so support can be provided by colleagues or external reviewers to provide that fresh perspective. 5. What we write, we have to implement Keep in mind that if your project is funded, you and your team will have to implement the project. Thus, it is crucial to assess the feasibility and coherence of your proposed activities and objectives, particularly those results that multiple work packages make use of/depend on for progression. Evaluators will also be assessing the viability of your proposal, and if it is deemed impractical or unrealistic, it will reduce your chances of receiving funding. Find the balance between writing a winning and innovative proposal, that will be meaningful and possible for your team to implement. If you would like to learn more about proposal writing, the ERINN Innovation team are attending INORMS 2025 and we’d love to connect. Let’s talk proposals, impact, and making the most of Horizon Europe – while also taking a moment to enjoy everything that makes this conference such a fantastic event. Learn more about our services.
OptiForValue: Optimising for Sustainable High-Value Forests
Wood use is increasing globally, with demand estimated to significantly surpass supply, increasing the pressure to increase forest areas and growth. Forests play an important role in the fight against climate change and are crucial for biodiversity and the bioeconomy. However, climate change is also causing direct challenges to forests and the bioeconomy due to increasing biotic and abiotic threats affecting forest health and causing severe economic losses. Better forest management is needed to make forests more resistant to the cross-border threats of pests, droughts and wildfires that are exacerbated by climate change, to strengthen their resilience and capacity and to enable new economic opportunities for forest-based value chains. The OptiForValue project, launched in 2024, is working to optimise forest operations for enhanced resilience and for high-value applications. About OptiForValue OptiForValue will contribute to the goals of the EU Forest Strategy, a European initiative focused on creating a comprehensive forest knowledge base, that will allow Member States, forest owners and forest managers to improve their response to growing pressures on forests and strengthen forest resilience and bioeconomy. This forest value chain optimisation will be achieved by using a unique, interconnected modelling framework involving strong participative engagement and novel scientific approaches, including early warning indicators of biotic and abiotic risks, adaptive forest management strategies, remote sensing and artificial intelligence for agile forest operations, and integrated value-chain optimisation and life cycle assessments. The project will report on methods and guidelines for the effective management of forest stands affected by drought, fire, insects, and snow damage; possible new high-value engineered wood products from damaged wood; adjusting forest management to meet future alternative demand for high-value forest products; and for more resilient value chains on supply security and cost competitiveness – and potential applicability to other regions across Europe. With a budget of €5 million and a consortium of seventeen partners across seven European countries, OptiForValue will operate from 2024 to 2028. Funded by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) and its members, and with Luke Natural Resources Institute (Finland) as coordinator, OptiForValue research project’s ultimate goal is to foster transition to more sustainable and resilient forest-based value chains. ERINN Innovation’s Role With expertise in guiding and accelerating impactful research and innovation for sustainable initiatives, ERINN Innovation is one of the partners in the OptiForValue project. Our role is in driving the project’s dissemination, exploitation, and communication strategy – leading the creation of the project branding, website and maintenance of social media platforms. ERINN Innovation is also managing the project’s knowledge transfer to ensure impact beyond the lifetime of the project and ensuring that information is accessible for advancing European sustainable strategies and achieving a sustainable future. For more information about OptiForValue and to stay up-to-date with the latest news from the project, visit the newly launched OptiForValue website. ERINN Innovation is actively involved in over 22 active European projects. Learn more about our projects. OptiForValue is supported by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking and its members. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
New Peatland Standard Launched in Ireland
On Friday, March 7th, the Peatland Standard for Ireland was officially launched. The Standard is a pioneering certification designed to empower landowners and farmers to showcase the environmental benefits of peatland restoration, including carbon reduction, increased water storage, biodiversity enhancement, and improved water quality. What is the Peatland Standard? This voluntary certification provides landowners with the opportunity to unlock financial support to accelerate their peatland restoration efforts. These efforts are vital for reducing carbon emissions and will play a significant role in achieving Ireland’s climate and biodiversity targets. The initiative aligns closely with Ireland’s Climate Action Plan – which identifies peatland restoration as a key strategy for reducing emissions – and assists Ireland in achieving its National Biodiversity Action Plan targets. Following a public consultation at the close of 2024, Version 1.0 of the Standard has now been officially introduced for the pilot phase, giving landowners the chance to validate the environmental impact of their peatland restoration projects. By adopting the Standard, landowners can access funding from businesses and organisations committed to supporting environmental conservation initiatives. Development of the Standard The development of the Standard has been made possible through the support of Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Natural Capital Financing Facility (NCFF) of the European Investment Bank (EIB). Irish peatlands are essential for regulating water, supporting biodiversity and storing carbon. However, many have been severely degraded due to human activity. The Peatland Standard for Ireland presents a scientifically grounded methodology to assess some or all of the full range of ecosystem service benefits from peatland restoration, including carbon sequestration, volumetric water benefit, biodiversity improvements, water quality enhancement, wildfire risk and impact reduction and flood risk reduction. Dr Shane Mc Guinness from Peatland Finance Ireland remarked: “This new certification recognises the diverse environmental, economic, and societal advantages of restoring our peatlands. It will facilitate the funding of vital community restoration efforts, driven by a blend of public, private and philanthropic investments.” Developed over the last 15 months by Peatland Finance Ireland, a not-for-profit organisation, the Peatland Standard was created in collaboration with academic institutions, governmental bodies, semi-state agencies and civil society groups. The certification adheres to international environmental principles and is fully in line with the EU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Certification Framework (CRCF). Independent third-party auditors will validate ecosystem improvement claims in accordance with ISO standards. Landowners and organisations interested in adopting the Peatland Standard and unlocking funding opportunities for peatland restoration are encouraged to register interest and learn more about the certification process. Visit peatlandfinance.ie. About Peatland Finance Ireland Peatland Finance Ireland (PFI), established in 2022, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to creating and managing a national financing system for peatland restoration. PFI’s mission is to integrate carbon, water and biodiversity conservation with regional development opportunities, engaging a broad range of stakeholders including public bodies, NGOs, businesses and local communities. The organisation’s work is supported by ERINN Innovation and the Landscape Finance Lab.
Create Impact-Driven Proposal Design at INORMS 2025
Every year, the EARMA conference is a highlight for our team at ERINN Innovation, and 2025 promises to be even bigger as it transforms into the INORMS Congress in Madrid. We’ve been attending for years – Oslo in 2022, Prague in 2023, and Odense in 2024 – each time gaining new insights, meeting fantastic people, and, of course, dancing in the legendary gala dinner conga line! This year, we’re thrilled to be heading back, and we’re getting ready to engage with research managers and administrators from around the world. The conference theme, “A Sustainable Profession in a Sustainable World,” resonates deeply with us, as we continue to support impactful, well-structured Horizon Europe proposals that contribute to a better future. We love being part of this vibrant community and sharing our knowledge to help coordinators and research managers navigate the complexities of EU funding. A Workshop to Deepen Impact-Driven Proposal Design One of the things we love most about EARMA or (INORMS) this year is the opportunity to share what we’ve learned through years of hands-on experience. In 2024, ERINN Innovation co-founder Michael Papapetrou hosted a workshop on Co-creating Impact Pathways that was incredibly well received, and we’re building on that success with our 2025 pre-congress workshop: Impact-Driven Proposal Design for Horizon Europe. Our workshop is designed for research managers supporting coordinators in preparing Horizon Europe proposals. We’ll cover everything from aligning project design with impact-driven goals to forming the right consortium and crafting compelling impact pathways. It’s interactive, practical, and designed to leave attendees with clear, actionable strategies they can implement immediately. We always appreciate the engagement and insightful discussions that come out of these sessions – it’s what makes this conference so special! Visit Our Booth and Join Our Pop-In Proposal Helpdesk The exhibition hall is always a hub of activity, and we love welcoming attendees to our booth. This year, we’re adding something new – a Pop-In Proposal Helpdesk! If you have a burning question about a Horizon Europe proposal, need some quick advice, or want to talk through a challenge, you can book a slot with us via the Brella app or simply drop by on the day. Whether you’re fine-tuning impact pathways, wondering about consortium composition, or need insights on structuring a winning bid, we’re here to help. Looking Forward to Madrid… and Some Sunshine! As an Irish-based team, we can’t deny that we’re also looking forward to swapping the drizzle for Madrid’s sunshine. The city’s rich history, culture, and energy make it an exciting destination for this year’s congress. And, of course, the social side of the event is just as memorable as the professional discussions – the gala dinner is always a highlight, and we can’t wait to see if this year’s dance moves live up to previous years! If you’re attending INORMS 2025, we’d love to connect. Whether it’s at our workshop, at the booth, or over a coffee, come say hello. Let’s talk proposals, impact, and making the most of Horizon Europe – while also taking a moment to enjoy everything that makes this conference such a fantastic event. See you in Madrid! Connect with Us on LinkedIn, X and Bluesky or get in touch via our contact form. Have you read our Top 5 Tips for Writing a Winning Horizon Europe Bid? Let’s start building your path to success!
Ambitious Projects to Tackle Invasive Alien Species Launched in Europe
Two ambitious multi-stakeholder projects that aim to tackle the threat of invasive alien species have been launched at a conference in Europe this week (20-23 January 2025). GuardIAS and OneSТOP — covering marine and freshwater, and terrestrial habitats respectively — will work in tandem to alleviate the adverse impacts of invasive alien species on endangered species, natural sites and human health, providing comprehensive coverage of Europe’s ecosystems. Invasive alien species — animals and plants that are introduced accidentally or deliberately into a natural environment where they are not normally found — are major threats worldwide, contributing to 60% of plant and animal extinctions and costing over $400 billion annually to global economies. The challenges associated with invasive alien species are likely to intensify with climate change and ongoing globalisation. The GuardIAS and OneSTOP projects will use advanced scientific research, cutting-edge technology, and artificial intelligence to develop new tools and methods that will prevent, detect, prioritise, eradicate, and manage invasive alien species — covering all steps of the biological invasion process. In addition, a significant aspect of both projects is public engagement and wider community involvement, including Citizen Science initiatives, outreach and art events, and the development of interactive games to gain support and promote action in addressing the threats of invasive alien species. “We have created a multi-disciplinary approach, which I am very excited about”, said GuardIAS Project Coordinator Professor Stelios Katsanevakis, University of the Aegean, Greece. “We have brought together public research institutes, universities, non-profit associations, small/medium enterprises and the EU’s Joint Research Centre to work on the issue. Through this, we will create a far-reaching outreach programme that involves the wider community in addressing the challenges posed to society by invasive alien species.” Prof Katsanevakis continued, “The GuardIAS project aims to improve the detection and prevent the spread of invasive alien species in both marine and freshwater habitats using a range of novel methods — such as artificial intelligence (AI), environmental DNA, satellite imagery, underwater robotics and monitoring systems, and the development of an early alert system. Information gained from the research will be used to increase public awareness regarding threats from invasive species spread, enhance public engagement, and enable decision makers to prioritise where and when to act.” GuardIAS and OneSTOP will develop solutions for the management of invasive alien species at multiple governance levels, from local to international — and will also conduct analyses to assess invasion risks under various future scenarios, including climate change. “It has been an incredible week at the Joint Research Centre in Ispra, hearing the scope of both projects and being with the different partners and stakeholders, discussing and collaborating”, said Professor Helen E. Roy from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and University of Exeter, who is co-leading OneSTOP. “We have been aware for many years that there are datasets in many different places, with different people doing different things in different ways, and we knew there had to be a way to bring it all together. And now, we are launching initiatives to build on the incredible progress of the last decade. It is an exciting and significant moment for all involved”. OneSTOP’s coordinator Doctor Quentin Groom from Meise Botanic Garden, Belgium, shared the reasoning behind the project, “To comprehensively address the issue of invasive alien species, OneSTOP is working around four main objectives. We are developing new tools allowing us to detect invasive alien species better. We are connecting these tools to systems which send information to the interested stakeholders faster. Based on the obtained data, we are also developing a system which allows policymakers to prioritise action on invasive alien species. Throughout all of this, we are working closely with people on a regional level through Living Labs and on an international level with a policy forum.” A key part of both projects are work packages that will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to systematically query different biodiversity databases for information about invasive alien species — for example, species distribution, environmental tolerances, biological traits, and genetic information, streamlining multiple datasets. To complement the EU efforts for an official reporting system and the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN), the projects will be co-developing an Alert System on invasive alien species. Funded by Horizon Europe, the projects have been hailed as not just a response to current environmental challenges but also a proactive step towards sustainable management and conservation of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in Europe. The comprehensive approach of the projects, encompassing science, technology, and community engagement, positions them as key players in the EU’s efforts to preserve biodiversity and protect ecosystems from the growing threat of invasive species in alignment with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Regulation. Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Photo credit: Benoît Outrey/Biosphoto
Celebrating the Successful Conclusion of SEArcularMINE
After over four years of groundbreaking work, the Horizon 2020 SEArcularMINE project officially concluded in August 2024. This project focused on addressing Europe’s dependence on imported Critical Raw Materials (CRMs). It successfully demonstrated a sustainable and circular process for extracting these valuable minerals from seawater bitterns – a byproduct of traditional salt production. About The Project The SEArcularMINE project built on the ancient method of saltworks, where seawater is evaporated in shallow basins to produce salt. This process leaves behind bittern, a highly concentrated solution containing magnesium, lithium, boron, rubidium, and other CRMs. Using cutting-edge, low-carbon technologies like electro membrane processes and renewable energy, SEArcularMINE transformed this often-wasted resource into a valuable input for the sustainable recovery of critical materials. This process was designed to be fully circular, as seen in the project concept figure below: Infographic: The SEArcularMINE Project concept. The project’s crowning achievement was the development of a fully operational pilot plant near the historic Trapani saltworks in Sicily. The pilot demonstrated the feasibility of recovering CRMs with zero chemical inputs, producing high-purity magnesium hydroxide, up to 100 kg/day of target materials, and the proof of the potential for 100% renewable energy operation, paving the way for grid independence. Watch a behind the scenes tour of the site below: These innovations have significant implications for Europe’s raw materials strategy. By tapping into seawater as a sustainable CRM source, SEArcularMINE could help the EU reduce its reliance on imports, address global demand for critical materials, and foster economic growth in the Mediterranean region. Michael Papapetrou (Executive Director, ERINN Innovation) facilitating the SEArcularMINE final event in May 2024 in Trapani, Sicily. ERINN Innovation’s Role ERINN Innovation played a pivotal role in the project’s success, leading the communication, dissemination, exploitation, and knowledge management work. As leaders within this space, ERINN Innovation ensured that SEArcularMINE’s results were widely shared and positioned for real-world impact. Notably, the project generated 6 patents, 26 open-access publications, and created an upcoming network of over 80 skilled early career researchers to continue this work. ERINN Innovation’s Executive Director Michael Papapetrou provided the project management support, drawing on over 20 years’ experience working within European funding. The ERINN Innovation team also facilitated collaborative events with other EU projects, such as SEA4VALUE and REWAISE, to explore synergies and amplify the project’s outcomes. Trapani Saltworks (Photo © Michael Papapetrou) The Project’s Legacy While SEArcularMINE has officially concluded, its legacy is far from over. ResourSEAs, one of the project’s partners, is actively pursuing commercial partnerships with Mediterranean saltworks to develop full-scale plants. The transition of many of the SEArcularMINE team into the MareMag LIFE project will further advance the technologies, focusing on scaling up operations and integrating desalination brines into the process. Additionally, project partners like SUEZ and SOSALT are working as partners in the value chain of CRM extraction processes, while researchers from institutions such as UPC and iBET continue to refine processes for lithium, boron, and other trace element recovery. Following the conclusion of the project, the results of this work have continued to be of interest to the wider European community. SEArcularMINE was recently featured in the CORDIS Results Pack and at the EU Raw Materials Week in December 2024. You can learn more about the results of SEArcularMINE in this CORDIS Article about SEArcularMINE. Want to find out more about our services? Explore how ERINN Innovation can support your project.
Forging Connections at the Climate Cocktail Club
ERINN Innovation have been delighted to support the Climate Cocktail Club in 2024. This initiative focused on curating, connecting and catalysing changemakers to take action on the climate and nature crises. The events offer a great opportunity to connect with like-minded people and discuss the threats and opportunities facing us, while also creating a fun and social atmosphere with specially curated cocktails and insightful presentations. For us, this has been a great opportunity to support an important initiative that aligns with our values as a company. We’re grateful to have such an enthusiastic team and we filled two tables at each event. The sold out Climate Cocktail Clubs were also excellent opportunities to promote some of the impactful work we do and the projects we are working on, especially as they aligned with the event themes. ERINN Innovation Executive Director Michael Papapetrou stressed the importance of getting involved with initiatives like the Climate Cocktail Club: “With its unique setting, the Climate Cocktail Club offers attendees the opportunity to network with those passionate about critical issues facing society, from food waste to restoration. At ERINN Innovation, we are impact-driven and events like this are so important to get involved with. It’s great to see synergies between the goals of the Climate Cocktail Club and our projects.” The WASTED RELAUNCH October saw the relaunch of the Climate Cocktail Club at The Sugar Club in Dublin. This event focused on the urgent need for systemic change in food production and consumption, highlighting the intrinsic connections between our food choices, environmental health, and community well-being. Key insights addressed Food Empathy, Gut Health, Plastic Waste in Food Production, Food Security, and the Impact of Below-Cost Selling on Horticulture. As part of the event, ERINN Innovation highlighted the work we are doing in the agricultural sector through CAP Network Ireland’s Innovation Hub, which has been running thematic pilot studies focused on the Horticulture and Organics sectors. Nature, Naturally November’s theme was ‘Nature, Naturally’ and there was a great turnout from those passionate about the restoration of Ireland’s nature. Matthew Smith and Ray Ó Foghlú from nature restoration charity Hometree, gave an inspired keynote and highlighted the scale of restoration needed in Ireland. Hometree’s approach focuses on integrating community, culture, science and natural systems and the passion emanating from Matthew and Ray had an impact on those present. This community aspect grew throughout the evening, from the panel discussion to the immersive video presentation and indeed through networking with a growing Climate Cocktail Club community of like-minded individuals. ERINN Innovation’s Shane McGuinness closed the event with a thought-provoking reflection. As founder and director of Peatland Finance Ireland, he also shared an update on the Peatland Standard for Ireland, which was open for public consultation until early December. Christmas Cracker The final Climate Cocktail Club of 2024 brought a little Christmas magic to the discussions. Ensuring that we left feeling a little jolly, climate comedian Matt Winning expertly wove humour through the stark realities of a world severely impacted by climate change. Joining via video call, Jonathan Foley, Executive Director at Project Drawdown gave a powerful presentation focusing on solutions to the climate crisis. Finally, THINKHOUSE’s Laura Costello showcased the inspiring ‘Good Life’ campaign, which focuses on connection rather than consumption, particularly relevant during the Christmas period. This festive installment of the Climate Cocktail Club also featured a ‘Crappy Christmas Climate Pub Quiz’ which helped attendees unleash their competitive side. ERINN Innovation showcased the work of the Irish Ocean Literacy Network (IOLN) at this event, an organisation dedicated to achieving an Ocean Literate society across the island of Ireland. Wrapping Up The format of these events is unique in that there are opportunities to make connections in a more fun and relaxed environment. Many thanks are due to Climate Cocktail Club co-founder Tom Popple for organising and hosting the events. Speaking at the close of the December 2024 event, Tom stressed that the Climate Cocktail Club was about “bringing people together and providing a space for inspirational people to gather and be heard.” We have been delighted to support the Climate Cocktail Club in 2024 and the final festive event has nicely closed off another great year for ERINN Innovation. We wish everyone the very best for the Christmas season and the New Year. Many thanks to all the speakers who have shared their insights and knowledge with us over the various Climate Cocktail Club events: The WASTED RELAUNCH, October 2024: Mick Kelly from GIY and Food Matters; Paul Brophy, the ‘Broccoli Baron’; John Gibbons, environmental journalist and commentator; Jess Dolinger, The Good Neighbour; Karen O’Donoghue, The Happy Tummy Company; Jeremy Haworth, poet Nature, Naturally, November 2024 Heather Griffin and Patrick Mulvihill of Living Rhythms; Matt Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Hometree; Ray Ó Foghlú, Development Lead at Hometree; Dr Dan Exton, Director of Strategy at rePLANET; Ray Ó Foghlú lead the panel discussion, alongside: Dan Exton, Yvonne Buckley, Co-Director of the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water; and Professor of Zoology, Trinity College Dublin, Marina Conway, Former CEO, Western Forestry Co-op, Thomas Duffy, Former Macra President & CEJA VP; and Dairy Farmer; Shane McGuinness, Founder of Peatland Finance Ireland Christmas Cracker, December 2024 Matt Winning, Climate Change Comedian and Environmental Economist; Laura Costello of THINKHOUSE; Jonathan Foley of Project Drawdown
About
ERINN Innovation is a value-driven company owned by the staff who support research and innovation to have impact.
Information
ERINN Innovation Ltd
Company Number: 600883 (Ireland)
Directors
David Murphy (IE/UK)
Laura Richardson (IE)
Marieke Reuver (NL)
Michael Papapetrou (GR/IE)
Reid Hole (NO)
