ERINN News
- ERINN News
September 23, 2025
Insights From ERINN Innovation-Hosted Co-Creation Event
Ireland is facing a host of complex, interconnected socioecological challenges. These so-called “wicked problems”, including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and political polarisation, are multi-faceted and require solutions that go beyond traditional top-down approaches. Across the country, co-creation, community-led bottom-up initiatives, and participatory approaches are being embraced more frequently, as practitioners and local actors increasingly see their potential to deliver more adaptive, equitable, and effective responses to these pressing issues. Co-Creating Change: Participatory Approaches for a Resilient Ireland was an event organised by ERINN Innovation in partnership with EU Projects EmpowerUs, SCORE, and WaterLANDS to act as a timely and action-oriented showcase and discussion space, to bring together practitioners, policymakers, community leaders, researchers, and innovators to explore how participatory approaches can unlock new possibilities for transformative change across Ireland, both in shaping policy and in driving on-the-ground practices. Through case studies, expert panels and interactive discussions, the event spotlighted how co-creation and participatory processes can be meaningfully implemented as a powerful method for addressing Ireland’s most pressing environmental issues, tackling the climate and biodiversity crises and ensuring a just transition. Panel 1: Using Living Labs and Regional Networks to Co-Create Solutions The first panel discussed the complexities and various implementations of co-creation in addressing significant challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, with a particular focus on how to move beyond mere “ticking the box” exercises. The panel was facilitated by Michael Papapetrou (Executive Director, ERINN Innovation) and featured contributions from Salem Gharbia (Atlantic Technological University Sligo, SCORE Project), Alex Miller (Queen’s University Belfast, EmpowerUs Project), Sarah Prosser (Bioregioning South East Ireland), and Micheál Ó Cinnéide (Irish Ocean Literacy Network). Each panellist shared experiences from their respective initiatives, exploring what truly works in these processes. The first panel explored the multifaceted nature of co-creation, from its potential to its challenges, emphasising the importance of clear problem definition, inclusive processes, innovative tools, and sustained engagement to empower communities and achieve tangible, sustainable outcomes. Panel 2: Implementing Restoration Solutions, Together The second panel of the day focused on the practicalities and challenges of implementing participatory approaches to nature restoration, facilitated by Laoise Dillon (Project Manager, ERINN Innovation) and featuring insights from Gary Goggins (National Parks and Wildlife Service, Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE), Sonia Mena (Wetlands International, WaterLANDS), Bernie Duffy (FarmPEAT), and Ray Ó Foghlú (Hometree). Each speaker summarised these initiatives and the elements of co-creation that they have integrated into their work. The panel discussion noted that fragmented land ownership is a significant challenge in Ireland, where land is owned by numerous individuals (sometimes hundreds for commonage), making large-scale restoration difficult and expensive. Additionally, there’s a need for policymakers to move beyond solely ecological data in prioritisation and incorporate socio-economic and cultural factors, as farmers often have genuine concerns that need to be addressed. Reflecting on her panel, Laoise Dillon said: “It was amazing to hear from people working to embed community-centric approaches within restoration in Ireland and Europe. A key takeaway for me was that the technical aspects of restoration like blocking drains or planting trees aren’t the main challenge. What’s needed is a stronger focus on social thinking, acceptance, and economic innovation. There’s a clear need to bring people together to achieve this going forward – not just local communities on the ground, but also policymakers, funders, and others involved in the system.” Panel 3 – Bridging the Gap Between Society and Policy The final panel examined the role of participatory approaches in shaping policy and driving systemic change, facilitated by David Murphy (Chief Executive Officer, ERINN Innovation) and featuring perspectives from Desmond O’Mahony (Behavioural Insights Team Lead, Environmental Protection Agency), Jacqueline Healy (Department of Climate, Energy, and the Environment – DCEE), Ali Sheridan (Chair of the Just Transition Commission), and Christine Domegan (Peatlands and People Foundation, Climate House Ireland). An initial discussion focused on the urgency of climate action versus the “slow emergency.” While the need for climate action is urgent, it’s often not perceived as such by the public due to more immediate concerns like bills and jobs, making it a marketing challenge to reframe the narrative. Further, panellists repeatedly emphasised that trust is hard-won and easily lost, especially with short-term projects and inconsistent support. Effective co-creation requires deep, structured engagement and often involves non-traditional methods to include marginalised voices and address inherent power imbalances. The panel also grappled with how to accelerate policy implementation, balance top-down mandates with bottom-up community needs and manage the complex interdependencies between various sectors (e.g., agriculture, energy, textiles). The importance of understanding social norms and designing interventions based on people’s actual needs and motivations, rather than just what policymakers want, was highlighted through social marketing examples. Continuing The Conversation Following all three panels, an open discussion and Q&A took place. The session focused on several interconnected challenges and opportunities related to co-creation, climate action, and community engagement. Co-Creating Change: Participatory Approaches for a Resilient Ireland highlighted the vital role of participatory approaches in building a more resilient and sustainable Ireland. Speaking about the event, ERINN Innovation Executive Director Michael Papapetrou said: “At ERINN Innovation, we’re always trying to maximise the impact of our European projects. This event was a good reminder that we should always prioritise the time and resources needed to build trust in the communities where projects are taking place. An important first step in that process is to make sure to establish a common understanding with all necessary stakeholders of the problem that we’re trying to solve.” A sincere thank you from ERINN Innovation to all the panellists and attendees who made the event a success. We are looking forward to continuing this work towards a more inclusive, resilient Ireland. Read the full event report, created in collaboration with all panelists, here. Visit our Projects Page to explore the different European projects ERINN Innovation is working with. ERINN Innovation will be continuing these conversations around co-creation at the upcoming Climate Carnival.
- Knowledge Transfer
September 17, 2025
CAP Network Ireland – Transferring Innovative Agricultural Knowledge
The CAP Network Ireland Innovation Hub is delivering a targeted initiative to collect and transfer impactful knowledge with Irish farmers, rural communities and other relevant stakeholders in the agricultural sector. At the core of this effort are three thematic pilots focused on Horticulture, Organics, and Irish European Innovation Projects (EIP-AGRI), designed to find impactful solutions to the unique challenges within these sectors. Led by ERINN Innovation, the purpose of the Innovation Hub is to foster innovation, encourage peer-to-peer learning, and promote knowledge exchange across the agricultural landscape. The thematic pilots are a key part of this strategy, looking to source and transfer valuable knowledge from across Europe to those who need it most in Ireland. The Horticulture pilot is guided by the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027, while the Organics pilot aligns with the National Organic Strategy 2024-2030. Utilising ERINN Innovation’s KT Methodology The Innovation Hub employs a robust, step-wise Knowledge Transfer (KT) methodology that is needs-driven and focused on creating real-world impact: Mining & Collection: The phase involved mapping the specific needs and challenges of the Irish horticulture and organic sectors and relevant past EIP-AGRI projects. The team then used this information to guide a focused search for innovative solutions and knowledge to key challenges, capturing them as individual ‘Knowledge Outputs’ (KOs). This was done with structured interviews with project owners and coordinators across Ireland and Europe. Analysis: Once collected, these KOs were analysed by experts from industry, academia, and government bodies including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). This phase involved prioritising the KOs that have the highest potential for the Irish sector and mapping out the steps to impact. Transfer: The final phase in the process targets action. For each prioritised KO, the Hub will develop a bespoke transfer plan, outlining target users, key actions that need to take place, such as workshops or factsheet development, to ensure the knowledge is actively transferred and adopted by end users. Transferring Agricultural Knowledge The CAP Network Innovation Hub is currently entering the Transfer phase, developing bespoke transfer plans under each of the three Thematic pilots in Horticulture, Organics and EIP-AGRI Projects. Through the first round of this process, the Hub has successfully identified a wealth of innovative knowledge. The team has collected 29 Knowledge Outputs (KOs) for the horticulture sector, 22 for the organics sector, and 33 from the EIP-AGRI projects. Speaking about the pilots and the work of the Hub, Leo McGrane, CAP Network Innovation Hub lead and ERINN Innovation Senior Project Manager, said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead the CAP Network Ireland’s Knowledge Transfer Pilots, applying ERINN Innovation’s KT methodology to collect, analyse and transfer the most promising innovations from across Europe in horticulture, organics, and EIP-AGRI. It’s about making sure the best ideas don’t just stay on paper but make a real difference to Irish farmers. Our Innovation Hub is the central platform where we share the validated practices and innovations we collect directly with Irish farmers to help them build more sustainable and successful Irish farming sector.” A Call for Knowledge The success of these pilots relies on collaboration and the sharing of expertise. As the CAP Network Ireland Innovation Hub continues its work, with a second round of knowledge collection planned for the latter half of 2025, it extends an invitation to all stakeholders in the Irish horticulture and organic sectors, and to past Operational Group (OG) Coordinators involved in successful EIP Projects. If you are aware of any relevant innovative knowledge, practices, or tools that could benefit Irish farmers, the Innovation Hub wants to hear from you. Your contribution could help shape the future of Irish agriculture, fostering sustainable growth and building a more resilient and profitable industry for all. To share your knowledge or learn more, please visit the CAP Network Ireland Innovation Hub or contact members of the ERINN Innovation CAP Network Ireland team (Leo McGrane, Claire Kearney, Sarah Glascott) via the Network’s Helpdesk. Learn more about ERINN Innovation’s KT service and methodology and contact us if you would like to discuss KT opportunities with ERINN Innovation.
- ERINN News
September 4, 2025
Bold Brave Leadership: Join us at Climate Carnival
Bringing Ireland’s changemakers together At a time when the need for urgent and collective climate action has never been greater, Ireland’s first Climate Carnival offers a moment of hope, creativity and community. On 29–30 September, Ballintubbert Gardens and House in Laois will transform into an immersive hub of climate action. Ireland’s changemakers will gather where music meets ideas, workshops spark solutions, and conversations turn into collective action. From creative spaces to networking opportunities (and even the Climate Cocktail Club to finish off), it promises to be a thoughtful, creative space for those driving impact – from policy through to practice. As the official innovation partner, ERINN Innovation is proud to help shape an event that celebrates not just what’s possible, but what’s necessary for a more sustainable future. The concept for Climate Carnival is to mobilise changemakers to “inspire, entertain and explore radical and creative solutions to drive business, community and planetary impact now” and attendees will be immersed in five themed zones: Leadership, People Power, Landscapes, Future of Food and Exploration. The Power of Peatlands During the event, our partners Peatlands and People will be exhibiting their work to restore and rehabilitate peatlands across Ireland’s midlands, as well as establish a business accelerator programme. Photos courtesy Ballintubbert Gardens and House. All rights reserved. Speaking ahead of the event, Laoise Dillon, Project Manager for LIFE IP Peatlands and People, said: “We’re so excited for Climate Carnival and to meet you all at the Peatlands and People tent. We’ll be showcasing the strides our fantastic team has been making in the project’s second phase.” ERINN Innovation are proud to support an event that brings big ideas to life. Don’t miss out! Secure your tickets for Climate Carnival on the Climate Cocktail Club website. We can’t wait to see you there! ERINN Innovation have been supporting the Climate Cocktail Club since its resurgence in 2024. Read about our experiences forging connections at these unique events.
- ERINN News
June 27, 2025
Driving Ocean Solutions: Highlights from EMD 2025
In May, the ERINN Innovation team attended European Maritime Day 2025 (EMD) in Cork, Ireland; an annual flagship event that gathers leaders, researchers, policymakers, and innovators across Europe’s blue economy. With a packed programme, the event highlighted the growing momentum for a sustainable and inclusive ocean future. Blue Economy, Gender Inclusion, and Mission Ocean ERINN Innovation Senior Project Officer, Donnchadh Kindlon, joined the “Blue Women Champions” workshop, hosted by the WINBLUE and WIN-BIG projects, which spotlighted gender and diversity in the EU blue economy. The session showcased outputs such as the WINBLUE Good Practices Guide and the WIN-BIG Women Ocean Champions campaign. Four women leaders; Carla de Carolis of Biochica, Máire Ní Éinniú of Nua na Mara, Vera Quinlan from the Marine Institute, and Alice Pari from Blueat, shared insights from their work. The session closed with a strong message from Aneta Willems of CINEA: “Let’s make sure women in the blue economy are not the exception, but the norm.” Donnchadh also attended a workshop on the next phase of the EU Mission: Restore Our Ocean and Waters. He noted that the emphasis is now on scaling successful innovations from Phase 1 and embedding governance, finance, and stakeholder engagement to make restoration business as usual. ERINN Innovation Projects Making an Impact European Maritime Day brought together a wide range of stakeholders from across the fishing industry, and SURIMI was naturally at the heart of many conversations. Represented by Ladina Jeisy (Project Officer, ERINN Innovation), SURIMI’s pioneering work on integrating socio-ecological fishery models into the European Digital Twin of the Ocean (EU DTO) drew significant attention from passers-by and participants alike. Beyond its technical contributions, SURIMI’s growing influence in contributing to the future of fisheries management and policy sparked widespread interest. ERINN Innovation was approached by leading figures in the DTO space, who praised the project’s distinctive branding, striking and unconventional colour palette, and its strong social media presence featuring engaging, high-quality content. Just one year into the project, it is already clear that SURIMI is making a meaningful impact, both in advancing sustainable fisheries and in positioning itself as a visible and influential force within the European Digital Twin Ocean landscape. Rebecca Pflanz (Project Officer, ERINN Innovation – representing NETTAG+), presented their acoustic tag; a new tool designed to detect and recover lost fishing gear, helping to reduce marine litter. The technology attracted attention from across sectors. BluePoint Interreg Atlantic Area showed interest in its potential to address marine plastics. Mare Nostrum from Romania saw promising applications for dolphin monitoring in the Black Sea. The Belgian Blue Cluster recognised its value for offshore renewable energy infrastructure. Rebecca also connected with Dr. Toste Tanhua of Geomar and the SOOP Platform, which promotes ocean data collection through collaborative approaches between sailors, scientists, and policymakers. She noted how this aligns well with ERINN Innovation’s work on cetacean detection. Later, she attended a session titled “Sailing for Science and Climate Action,” which showcased how initiatives like The Ocean Race are equipping vessels with observation kits to collect data on temperature, salinity, microplastics and eDNA in remote ocean areas. To learn more about the other marine projects ERINN Innovation represented at EMD, watch the video below: Blue Cities and Local Leadership Casey Borklund (Project Officer, ERINN Innovation – representing the recently concluded SCORE project) joined a session with the mayors of Brest, Ravenna, Den Helder, and Svendborg, which focused on how cities are leading efforts to build ocean resilience. Cork’s mayor signed the Blue Cities Declaration, a strong symbol of local commitment. Casey found the mayor’s integrated, community-driven strategies particularly inspiring. She also explored approaches to public engagement, including citizen science activities that connect data collection with sailing events. For her, this showed how accessible, community-oriented methods can help bridge the gap between science and society. Governance and Funding for a Sustainable Ocean ERINN Innovation’s Senior Project Manager, Annette Wilson, participated in the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP) regional workshop. The programme plans €450 million in funding over seven years and will soon launch a joint call focused on coastal resilience. Speakers highlighted the vital role of decarbonisation, not only for the planet but also for long-term competitiveness. Irish and EU leaders emphasised their commitments during high-level policy sessions. Taoiseach Micheál Martin remarked; “Good strides made on land with NPW; need to do that with our seas 2030; 30% to be protected. More focus on adoption and need the funding streams to support this.” He also noted that while the Ocean Pact was originally expected to launch at EMD, its unveiling has been delayed but remained highly anticipated at the upcoming UN Ocean Conference held June 9 – 13, where Ireland’s updated marine planning statement was open for consultation, reaffirming its commitment to protecting 30% of marine areas by 2030. Advancing Marine Spatial Planning Through Academic Partnerships Ladina Jeisy attended the “Seawards” workshop, which brought together a network of maritime universities interested in long-term collaboration. She also joined a session on marine spatial planning (MSP), where government agencies and EU bodies shared success stories and lessons learned. One standout example was the Dutch North Sea Agreement, which Ladina described as a model of collaborative, cross-sector planning. Participants stressed the importance of engaging fishers early in the MSP process and called for harmonised data-sharing across national borders. International Action for Healthy Oceans The Fisheries and Ocean Dialogue focused on Europe’s role in international waters. Panelists from DG MARE, DGAMPA, Oceana, and the European Marine Board discussed the urgent need to ratify the High Seas Treaty, expand scientific cooperation in areas beyond national jurisdiction, and ensure that international pledges translate into real-world change. One speaker said; “There are high expectations on Europe as a global leader, we need to match ambition with delivery.” Reflections and Key Lessons The ERINN Innovation team left EMD 2025 energised by the momentum and collaboration on display. Across sessions, it was clear that EU Mission Ocean is shifting into a critical phase, where scaling solutions, unlocking financing, and embedding supportive policy are key to long-term impact. While the Ocean Pact’s formal launch was still pending, its anticipated role as a driver of wave and tidal energy signals strong future potential. Cork, as this year’s host city, stood out not just for its hospitality but also for its growing leadership in offshore renewable energy. Throughout the event, the value of citizen science and public engagement emerged as a consistent theme, highlighting how inclusive, community-based efforts are essential for bridging knowledge gaps and building lasting support for ocean action. A huge thanks to Cork City Council, the European Commission, and all our fellow participants for an engaging and forward-looking event. ERINN Innovation remains committed to driving science-policy impact in the sustainable blue economy. Want to learn more about the marine projects we showcased at EMD? Read our previous blog on Supporting Ocean Solutions at European Maritime Day 2025.
- ERINN News
- Horizon Europe
May 16, 2025
Supporting Ocean Solutions at European Maritime Day 2025
With over 22 active EU-funded projects in progress, many focused on marine sustainability, biodiversity and ocean innovation, ERINN Innovation is proud to be at the forefront of ocean and waters-focused research. This is why we are especially excited to be exhibiting at European Maritime Day (EMD) 2025, taking place on home turf at Cork City Hall from May 21 to 23. As an Irish-based team, it is a real privilege to be part of such a major European event happening on our shores. EMD is where Ocean Leaders meet, bringing together the people, projects and ideas shaping the future of our seas. We are looking forward to sharing the impactful work we are involved in and connecting with new partners who are just as passionate about making a difference. Supporting Marine Projects with Real-World Impact At ERINN Innovation, we specialise in helping research projects create real impact. From communication and outreach to stakeholder engagement, exploitation, knowledge management and more, we support our partners to ensure their work is seen, understood and used. Our goal is to turn great science into meaningful outcomes. Many of our current projects focus on solving the big challenges facing our seas and coasts. Below you’ll find just some of the marine and coastal projects we’ll be highlighting at European Maritime Day. Empowering Coastal Communities and Marine Governance EmpowerUs is working directly with coastal communities to co-design inclusive and adaptive governance processes and tools that support sustainable coastal development, empower local voices, and build resilience. A-AAgora helps regions in the Atlantic and Arctic accelerate the restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems, while improving climate resilience through cross-sectoral cooperation. Prep4Blue built practical tools, methods and capacity to support the implementation of the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters, laying the groundwork for collaborative and mission-ready research. Biodiversity Monitoring and Ecosystem Restoration MARCO-BOLO is aiming to create a more connected, efficient and long-term approach to marine, coastal and freshwater biodiversity monitoring across Europe to better guide environmental policy and conservation. Mission Atlantic maps and assesses Atlantic marine ecosystems. It considers climate change and human activities to support sustainable ocean management. GUARDIAS is aiming to strengthen Europe’s response to Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in marine ecosystems through better detection, early warning systems and coordinated action. ERINN Innovation’s marine-focused EU projects featured at EMD 2025. Sustainable Aquaculture and Blue Biotechnology Cure4Aqua supports co-creation of innovative health and welfare solutions to boost aquaculture sustainability and competitiveness across the EU. MARBLES explores marine microbial biodiversity to develop disease-suppressive bioprotectants that benefit both aquaculture and crop protection. AQUAEXCEL3.0 provides Aquaculture infrastructures for Excellence in European fish research. BlueRemediomics is tapping into the marine microbiome to identify new sustainable biogenics and ecosystem services for health and industrial use. XTREAM investigates extreme marine microbiomes to uncover novel bio-based solutions and technologies that can help advance the circular bioeconomy. Climate Change, Pollution and Ocean Observation SCORE aims to increase climate resilience in coastal cities by combining Nature-based Solutions, citizen science, and smart technologies through a novel Coastal City Living Lab framework. AquaPLAN addresses light and noise pollution in aquatic environments and their impacts on biodiversity to support more informed management. SURIMI is developing co-created, user-driven digital tools and scenario models for the Digital Twin Ocean to support better marine decision-making. REMORA aims to transform outermost region marine institutes into competitive EU research leaders, creating a model for broader regional transformation. Protecting Marine Life and Reducing Human Impacts Marine Beacon works to eliminate bycatch of endangered and protected species in the Northeast Atlantic through better monitoring and mitigation strategies. NETTAG+ helps to prevent, avoid and mitigate against harmful environmental impacts of fishing gear and associated marine litter. To find out more about the EU-funded projects we’re involved in, visit our project showcase. Supporting Impact at Every Stage Through our projects, ERINN Innovation helps ensure results lead to real-world change. Our services include communication, dissemination, stakeholder engagement, knowledge transfer, exploitation, impact measurement, data management, event coordination and more. Whether you need a full strategy or hands-on help with specific tasks, we’re here to support your research. European Maritime Day is a great opportunity to meet, collaborate and explore new ideas. If you’re working on a proposal or looking for an experienced partner to help deliver impact, we’d love to chat. Do drop by our stand at EMD in Cork, or contact us at info@erinn.eu and let’s make an impact! Connect with Us on LinkedIn, X and Bluesky or contact us today! Want to see how we support research impact beyond the marine world? Read our blog on building meaningful connections at INORMS 2025 to learn how our training and proposal review services are helping drive successful Horizon Europe proposals.
- ERINN News
- Horizon Europe
May 14, 2025
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.
- ERINN News
April 22, 2025
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.
- ERINN News
March 4, 2025
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!
- ERINN News
December 19, 2024
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
- ERINN News
November 28, 2024
Immersing in Nature to Embrace Our Values
At ERINN Innovation, we understand the value of connection. In today’s hybrid environment, the value of meeting in person cannot be overstated. Company retreats offer an invaluable opportunity to create bonds and enhance team collaboration. We recently got together for our second company retreat of 2024 to reflect and make plans for the coming year. Keen to immerse ourselves in nature and focus on our shared values, we held our retreat at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway. Draped in autumnal colours, the venue’s lodges provided the perfect backdrop for productivity and collaboration. Finding the Balance between Work and Play Amidst the strategic brainstorming sessions for 2025, there was an element of play woven throughout the two days. We were lucky with the early November weather and took advantage of the on-site spa, beautiful nature walks and cycle paths along the Shannon Blueway. Some chose to unleash their competitive side, bonding over classic board games. The mild temperatures also allowed for some late-night conversations by the outdoor firepit. Team collaboration is an integral part of what we do. We are dedicated to supporting research and innovation that will have an impact on society and we’re immensely grateful to work alongside people who are so passionate about our projects. Welcoming New Team Members A real highlight of the retreat was the opportunity for new staff members to get to know people they hadn’t met since joining ERINN Innovation. We’re fortunate to have a team that continues to grow every year, and we are always looking for motivated and passionate people to join our team. One of our newest staff members, Shane McGuinness, treated us to an educational nature walk among the trees. Another new staff member, Eleanor Brayden, joined our Comms team just a week before. For Eleanor, attending the retreat was an invaluable experience: “I was apprehensive that I’d feel a little lost in the discussions, but my colleagues made me feel so at ease. What really amazed me was seeing the passion they have for their individual projects. This sense of curiosity and enthusiasm was infectious. I felt grateful to be immersed in nature with people who care about protecting it so deeply.” A Unified Vision for the Future We’re dedicated to supporting the transition towards a better, more sustainable society. It’s wonderful to see our newest members already integrating so well into the company. In his closing statement, CEO David Murphy reflected on the importance of coming together as a team: “In today’s hybrid working world, it’s even more important to ensure that the team has a chance to grow and flourish together. I’m proud of the collaboration and passion exhibited by the team and their dedication allows us to work to maximise the impact of scientific knowledge.” With 2025 shaping up to be another exciting year for ERINN Innovation, we hope to take advantage of more opportunities where we can immerse ourselves in nature and collaborate effectively together. When we learn and grow together as a team, we elevate the potential of what we can achieve. If you’re interested in joining our growing team in 2025, visit our careers page and keep an eye on our social media.
- ERINN News
September 23, 2024
ERINN Innovation at AQUA 2024
ERINN Innovation recently attended AQUA 2024 in Copenhagen, a week-long global event for aquaculture research, innovation and trade. Throughout the week, the team networked with a wide variety of stakeholders in the aquaculture space, sharing insights and learning about the work of other organisations. The ERINN Innovation team displayed three projects at their booth: AQUAEXCEL3.0, Cure4Aqua and Marbles. Other projects highlighted by the team during AQUA 2024 included: NEWSKIN, BlueRemediomics, TechOceans, Euromarine, Prep4Blue, Mission Atlantic, MARCO-BOLO and SIMBA. One of our projects, AQUAEXCEL3.0, hosted a Brokerage Event during AQUA 2024 and it was a great success. Organised by EATIP and co-hosted with ERINN Innovation, the event showcased three promising research outputs from AQUAEXCEL3.0’s Transnational Access (TNA) program. The discussions were lively and insightful, generating valuable ideas for future collaboration and application. We’re keen to see how these innovative research projects can contribute to a more sustainable and efficient aquaculture industry in the future. Cure4Aqua also made a great impression at AQUA 2024, with multiple partners sharing insights about their work connected to the project’s objectives. Karla Corrales showcased the project from the ERINN Innovation booth, sharing insights about Cure4Aqua and its upcoming events. Speaking about her experience at AQUA 2024, Karla said: “Attending AQUA2024 was a rewarding experience that allowed me to engage with a diverse range of aquaculture stakeholders. I was proud to showcase the achievements of the European aquaculture projects we are involved in and anticipate participating in Aquaculture Europe 2025.” The MARBLES project also drew attention from interested attendees who noted the importance of biodiscovery for a more secure and sustainable future of aquaculture. Apart from ERINN Innovation, there was a great Irish turnout at AQUA 2024, particularly from Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) – Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency. BIM had a large stand filled with Irish companies, including Hatch Blue, Aquamonitrx, Weatherbys Scientific, Celtic Sea Minerals and Impact9. It was wonderful to see such strong Irish representation in Copenhagen! The ERINN Innovation team were delighted to get the opportunity to experience BIM’s Aquaculture Remote Classroom (ARC), which showcases the future of aquaculture education. We’re already looking forward to the next big aquaculture event!
- ERINN News
- Job Opportunity
August 13, 2024
Communications Team – We’re Hiring!
ERINN Innovation are seeking two new members to join our dynamic and passionate Communications Team, supporting the transition towards a better, more sustainable society. This is an exciting opportunity for creative, tech-savvy individuals to use their digital communication skills including website content management, social media, and design suite tools to adapt key messages to suit a wide range of audiences. Candidates will be expected to embrace a hands-on, collaborative approach inside a fast-paced multi-stakeholder environment. Application Deadline: 29/08/24 at 17.00 (applications are now closed). For more information on the opportunity, click here to read the full job description.
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 No.: 600883 (Ireland)
Company No.: 600883 (Ireland)
Directors
David Murphy (IE/UK)
Laura Richardson (IE)
Marieke Reuver (NL)
Michael Papapetrou (GR/IE)
Reid Hole (NO)
