ERINN News
- ERINN News
May 22, 2026
Strengthing Connections and Sharing Best Practice at the EARMA Conference
The ERINN Innovation team had a wonderful week at the EARMA Annual Conference 2026 in Utrecht earlier this month, and we returned home feeling inspired, energised, and deeply connected to the research management community. From engaging workshops and thought-provoking panel discussions to meaningful conversations with colleagues old and new, it’s clear that the EARMA community continues to grow year on year and is leading the way for the promotion of formal recognition for research managers. Focused Knowledge Transfer and Impact Insights Throughout the conference, there was strong interest in ERINN Innovation’s presentations and posters, with many attendees eager to continue discussions afterwards and exchange ideas on best practices in research support and proposal development. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to deliver two presentations across the two-day event. ERINN Innovation Senior Project Manager Eva Greene presented on Optimising Research to Policy Impact, sharing insights from a contract with Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency involving portfolio-wide engagement and transfer to policy, and reflected on the great discussions that emerged: “So many lessons and learnings to share from working intensively as a knowledge broker in this space, but also through ERINN Innovation’s services on impact training, workshops, proposal reviews and partner roles. The interest from Research Managers and Support Officers in tackling these challenges is great to see and I look forward to further connecting and collaborating as we try to bridge these gaps.” In his presentation, Designing Impact Pathways: A Workshop Approach for Research Managers, ERINN Innovation Executive Director Michael Papapetrou shared the methodology we use to run our Impact Pathway workshops, which generated huge interest from research managers across universities and research centres who were keen to understand and replicate the process within their own institutions. A key takeaway from this session was the importance of creating a workshop environment where partners feel comfortable brainstorming openly and collaboratively. Rather than needing to have all the answers, research managers can play a far more valuable role by asking the right questions and helping unlock the untapped expertise present within a consortium. Our Wider Presence Beyond our own presentations, EARMA 2026 offered an exceptional programme filled with practical insights, strategic discussions, and inspiring examples of innovation across the research management profession. Our team noted that every room was full of engaged attendees and this really demonstrated how much the community has grown and how valuable the conversations at the EARMA conference are. ERINN Innovation’s Pamela Cardillo and Tara Murphy both chaired sessions at the conference this year. Project Manager Pamela Cardillo chaired three sessions, with the TU Dublin session being particularly notable in terms of our own work. The session highlighted a strong example of best practice sharing in action, showcasing how tailored supports such as proposal reviews, webinars, EU Funding & Tenders Portal guidance, and Q&A sessions can significantly improve outcomes for applicants. For Pamela, this was one of her highlights: “One of my personal highlights this year was being selected to chair sessions in the Beatrixzaal plenary. To say I was surprised would be an understatement. It definitely pushed me beyond my comfort zone, but I’m very glad I did it. It turned out to be a genuinely rewarding experience, and I had the privilege of introducing and learning from some incredibly inspiring speakers.” Learning and Development Manager Tara Murphy also chaired three sessions and reflected on discussions surrounding how RM Comp is being utilised by research institutions across Europe as a tool to recognise and standardise research managers’ professional skills. Naturally, this also leads to its usage as a tool to consider and plan ongoing research manager professional development. Tara notes: “In ERINN Innovation’s extensive experience working alongside research managers across Europe, each has a unique remit within a complex and varying workplace and the key to optimal engagement with RM Comp is the understanding that no individual will need to deliver all 50 competencies. Through our own training activities we recognise the value of broader capacity building approaches.” A Welcome and Inspiring Community For our team, what stood out most this year was the openness of the research management community, especially when discussing the growing political and funding instability affecting universities and research institutions globally. However, this was balanced by the shared ambition to increase resilience through robust networks and collaborative models and a genuine willingness to share best practices and help each other. More than ever, this feels like a time for our community to come together, support one another, and continue building sustainable and collaborative research environments. EARMA conferences continue to provide an environment where knowledge sharing feels natural, collaboration is encouraged, and people are genuinely invested in helping one another succeed. While it was wonderful to reconnect with familiar faces, this year’s event also felt especially focused on building new relationships and expanding networks across Europe and beyond. We left Utrecht feeling incredibly grateful to be part of such an inspiring and welcoming community and excited for the collaborations still to come. Learn more about our services: Proposal Support & Training Communication, Dissemination, & Exploitation Knowledge Transfer & Impact
- ERINN News
- Knowledge Transfer
April 29, 2026
From Evidence to Action: Optimising Impact Through Knowledge Transfer
As policymakers face increasingly complex environmental and societal challenges, the need for timely, relevant and actionable evidence continues to grow. At ERINN Innovation, we believe that impact can be accelerated by taking a deliberate and systematic approach to connecting research with decision-making, one that recognises the realities of policy processes as well as the practical barriers to uptake. Ahead of our upcoming EARMA conference presentation on optimising research to policy impact, this article outlines our approach to Knowledge Transfer and reflects on insights from a contract with Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Why Research-to-Policy Impact Remains a Challenge Across Europe and beyond, investment in research is increasing, alongside expectations that this will deliver tangible benefits for society. In practice, the pathway from research to policy is rarely linear. Research outputs are often highly technical and difficult to use outside specialist communities. They can be produced on timelines misaligned with policy cycles or are insufficiently framed around the specific questions policymakers are facing. Meanwhile, policy environments are shaped by shifting priorities, legislative timelines, external events and capacity constraints. Bridging this gap requires active knowledge brokerage, an understanding of context and a clear view of when and how research can be most useful. Our Knowledge Transfer Methodology ERINN Innovation has spent over a decade developing and refining a replicable methodology designed to support the uptake of research across policy, industry and practice. At its core, the approach recognises that impact is a process, not an event. Our methodology follows a stepwise structure: Prioritisation. Needs are mapped to portfolios to identify where there is opportunity and readiness for uptake, ensuring effort is focused where impact is most feasible. Collection. Discrete, solutions‑oriented units of knowledge are captured from research projects in a concise format, clarifying what the knowledge can inform and for whom. Analysis. The knowledge is reviewed with experts from policy, science and end‑user communities to assess relevance, readiness and define realistic pathways to impact. Transfer. Targeted activities are deployed to move knowledge along its pathway (e.g., briefings, tailored materials) with progress tracked to adapt when needed. This methodology can be applied to individual projects, thematic portfolios, or embedded within organisational processes to support longer‑term impact capability. Knowledge Transfer at Scale through EPA-IMPACT The EPA‑IMPACT project (2021–2025) provided a unique opportunity to implement this methodology at scale within Ireland’s environmental research and policy landscape. Commissioned by the EPA, the project aimed to accelerate the uptake of EPA‑funded research into policy and regulatory processes while building internal capacity for sustained Knowledge Transfer. Over four years, we worked closely with EPA staff, researchers and policy actors to: Map over 200 research projects to 53 Irish environmental policies Capture 91 actionable Knowledge Outputs from EPA‑funded research Engage more than 120 policy and subject‑matter experts in analysis activities Develop 35 tailored pathways to impact, supported by targeted communication assets EPA‑IMPACT placed a strong emphasis on embedding Knowledge Transfer principles within the EPA’s Research Programme. Training was delivered to over 260 researchers and research managers and bespoke resources were developed to support implementation beyond the project lifetime. Key Learnings from Transferring Research to Policy These experiences reinforce several principles that are central to effective research‑to‑policy impact: Plan early. Understanding policy needs and potential users from the outset increases the likelihood that research will be ready when decisions need to be made. Invest in relationships. Trusted connections between researchers, intermediaries and policymakers enable timely engagement and more meaningful exchange. Prioritise translation. Knowledge must be framed in ways that make sense to decision‑makers, with a clear articulation of practical relevance. Remain flexible. Policy priorities evolve, and effective Knowledge Transfer requires agility alongside robust preparation. Track impact deliberately. Progress and outcomes need to be captured, not assumed, to demonstrate value and inform future investment. Looking Ahead: Embedding Impact in Research Systems As expectations around research impact continue to grow, there is increasing recognition that Knowledge Transfer should be embedded across the research lifecycle, from programme design to project delivery and beyond. At ERINN Innovation, we work with funders, policymakers, researchers and project teams to integrate these practices in ways that are practical, proportionate and fit for purpose. Our experience shows that when Knowledge Transfer is systematic, collaborative and well‑resourced, research can move more effectively from evidence to action. We look forward to sharing further reflections at the upcoming EARMA conference, and to continue the conversation on how we can better can better support policy, practice and societal outcomes. Catch ERINN Innovation Senior Project Manager Eva Greene speaking at EARMA 2026 on Thursday morning at 11:00 CET. Explore our Knowledge Transfer & Impact Service.
- ERINN News
- Horizon Europe
April 23, 2026
Empowering Impact: ERINN Innovation at EARMA 2026
Every year, the EARMA conference is a highlight for our team and 2026 promises to be no exception. We’ve been attending for years — Oslo in 2022, Prague in 2023, Odense in 2024 and last year’s incredible INORMS conference in Madrid — each one bringing fresh insights, new friends, and happy memories of dancing in the legendary gala dinner conga line! It’s a privilege to be part of this vibrant community and to share our knowledge to help research managers and administrators navigate the complexities of EU funding. Leading for Impact: Our Focus For This Year This year, we’re delighted to be back and we’re ready to connect with colleagues from Europe and further afield. The conference theme, “Empowering Research Managers and Administrators as Leaders for Impact,” strongly aligns with our day-to-day work at ERINN Innovation. Through targeted training, hands-on proposal support, and tailored mentoring, we equip Research Managers and Administrators (RMAs) with the practical tools, strategic insight, and confidence needed to lead on impact within their organisations. Whether it’s strengthening impact pathways, embedding dissemination and exploitation strategies, or building institutional capacity for EU funding success, our focus is on enabling RMAs to fulfil their potential as proactive leaders delivering research with tangible societal value. Beyond Proposals: Building Impact Capacity One of the things we value most about EARMA is the opportunity to translate hands-on experience into practical takeaways for the community. Following the strong demand for our two sold-out pre-congress workshops on Impact-Driven Proposal Design for Horizon Europe last year, we’re bringing that same interactive approach into the main programme. This year, Michael Papapetrou will deliver a condensed, workshop-style session, “Designing Impact Pathways: A Workshop Approach for Research Managers,” giving participants a structured, practical toolkit they can immediately apply in their organisations. We’re also particularly excited to introduce our work on knowledge transfer at this year’s conference, with Eva Greene presenting “Optimising Research to Policy Impact.” This marks a new and growing area of our work, focused on strengthening how research translates into policy and real-world decision-making. Alongside these sessions, we’ll be showcasing posters on Living Labs and Impact Readiness Levels. Whether you’re looking for practical tools, fresh perspectives, or just a good conversation, there will be plenty of opportunities to connect with the ERINN Innovation team and explore what we’re working on. Looking Forward to living the Gouda life in Utrecht! As an Irish-based team, we can’t deny that we’re also looking forward to swapping the green fields of home for spring tulips in bloom! Utrecht’s rich history, culture, and energy make it an exciting destination for this year’s congress. 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 EARMA 2026, we’d love to connect with you. Whether it’s at one of our oral or poster presentations, or over a coffee, do come and say hello. Let’s talk proposals, impact, and how to strengthen your organisation’s approach to European funding, while also taking a moment to enjoy everything that makes this conference such a fantastic event. See you in Utrecht! Learn more about our services, from proposal development to knowledge transfer.
- ERINN News
December 31, 2025
ERINN Innovation 2025 Year in Review | Horizon Europe Projects & Impact
2025 was a landmark year for ERINN Innovation — marked by major project milestones, new collaborations, and a growing role in shaping impactful European research and innovation. Across the blogs published on our website throughout the year, a clear story emerges: one of progress, partnership and purpose. Celebrating Projects That Reached Completion Several flagship Horizon Europe projects concluded successfully in 2025, each leaving a strong legacy of results, tools and networks. EmpowerUs closed after three years of close collaboration with coastal communities across Europe, delivering Transition Coastal Labs, policy insights, inclusive methodologies and Ocean Literacy resources that will continue to inform EU marine policy and local action. SCORE reached its conclusion with a strong focus on citizen science and coastal resilience, demonstrating how community-led monitoring and engagement can support climate adaptation and environmental stewardship. AQUAEXCEL concluded 14 years of continuous collaboration, scientific progress, and shared ambition within the aquaculture community. PREP4BLUE also came to a close having supported the R&I goals of ‘Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030’. These projects exemplified the value of long-term collaboration, co-creation and impact-driven research — themes that ran throughout our 2025 content. Guiding the Next Generation of EU Projects Alongside project conclusions, 2025 saw the launch and early-stage development of several ambitious new Horizon Europe initiatives, each tackling critical environmental and societal challenges: OptiForValue – optimising forest-based value chains for high-value applications and enhancing forest management SafeNet – working with local communities to develop solutions that balance conservation with the use of natural resources XTREAM – unlocking the potential of nature’s most tenacious organisms GUARDIAS – improving prevention and management of invasive alien species Trees4Adapt – supporting the design and implementation of tree-based solutions across Europe Our blogs captured the excitement and ambition of these early project phases, highlighting the importance of strong foundations, aligned partnerships and clear impact pathways from the outset. A Year of Events, Exchange and Visibility 2025 was also a busy year for our teams supporting events and knowledge transfer, with ERINN Innovation actively contributing to major local, European and international forums. These blogs reflected our role as a connector between research, policy and practice, including: INORMS 2025 – engaging with the global research management community European Maritime Day (EMD) – contributing to conversations shaping Europe’s blue future Co-creation and stakeholder workshops across multiple projects Aquaculture Europe 2025 – strengthening connections across the aquaculture sector Climate Carnival – celebrating creativity, community and climate action CAP Network Ireland – transferring innovative agricultural knowledge These moments of exchange reinforced the importance of dialogue, collaboration and shared learning in delivering impactful research outcomes. Building Capacity Through Training and Knowledge Sharing Beyond projects and events, 2025 marked a significant step forward in how ERINN Innovation supports the research community more broadly. We launched our Online Proposal Writing Bootcamp, designed to help researchers and institutions strengthen their Horizon Europe proposals with practical, expert-led guidance. This was complemented by the publication of two dedicated proposal tips blogs, sharing actionable insights on developing strong concepts, structuring proposals and maximising impact: Top 5 Tips for Writing a Winning Horizon Europe Bid Plan Early, Win Big: Horizon Europe Proposals 2025 Together with our in-person training and support, these initiatives reflect our commitment to capacity building and empowering researchers to succeed in highly competitive funding environments. Looking Ahead Taken together, the blogs published in 2025 tell a story of transition and momentum — projects concluding with strong legacies, new initiatives taking shape, and an organisation continuing to grow in experience, expertise and reach. As Europe’s research and innovation landscape evolves, ERINN Innovation remains focused on supporting ambitious ideas, meaningful collaboration and outcomes that matter — for communities, ecosystems and policy alike. Let’s Work Together If you’re preparing a Horizon Europe proposal, coordinating an EU-funded project, or seeking a trusted partner to strengthen impact, engagement and knowledge transfer — we’d love to hear from you. Contact ERINN Innovation to explore how we can support your next project and help turn research into lasting impact.
- ERINN News
November 10, 2025
Hopeful Energy at Ireland’s First Climate Carnival
ERINN Innovation were delighted to attend Ireland’s first Climate Carnival, which recently took place in the beautiful grounds of Ballintubbert Gardens and House. Focusing on Bold, Brave Leadership, this two-day event brought together climate activists, changemakers and thought leaders in Ireland’s climate space, as well as speakers from the international stage. The event kicked off with a fantastic networking dinner curated by GIY Waterford. During the evening, an insightful post-dinner discussion between Tony Juniper and Anja Murray inspired attendees and musical performances by Lírnan and Zoe Hayter added to the night’s atmosphere. Highlighting Peatlands and People On the day, we were stationed at the Peatlands and People tent, showcasing the project’s work with peatland restoration in Ireland. ERINN Innovation leads the Peatlands and People activities under the Just Transition Accelerator and we are also managing the project’s communication activities In the tent, visitors had the chance to experience a “bog in a box”, which highlighted the wonders of Irish bogs, along with the project’s progress planting Sphagnum moss on Bord na Mona bogs in Ireland’s midlands. The tent also showcased successful companies who have completed the Accelerate Green Programme – a scaling accelerator for green innovators. Samples and demos from Novelplast, BiaSol, Feighery’s Farm Beetroot Juice, HaPPE Earth and Borrisoleigh Bottling Ltd were on display. Climate House Ireland: A New Home for Ireland’s Climate and Nature Action At the Climate Carnival, we were keen to engage with participants around Peatlands and People’s social and cultural catalyst. This activity focused on Climate House Ireland. Situated in Ireland’s midlands, Climate House Ireland will have a transformative impact locally and globally. It will bring together nature, innovation and community in one inspiring place dedicated to tackling climate change, restoring biodiversity and designing more sustainable futures. Climate House Ireland won’t just be another visitor destination – it will act as an integrated, action-driven hub where everyone has a role to play. Through an immersive, interactive Encounter Experience, a state-of-the-art Futures Hub for businesses and changemakers, and a living Regenerative Park, Climate House will spark reflection, connection, and creative collaboration. Visitors will find inspiration, hope and agency to take climate action into their own hands. From playful storytelling and hands-on learning to meaningful dialogue and solution-building, this is a place where discovery leads to action. Ultimately, Climate House Ireland aims to: Immerse and inspire visitors with the beauty and importance of nature through playful storytelling and hands-on learning Showcase sustainable design and innovation Support communities and businesses in climate and nature action Build capacity to respond to climate and biodiversity challenges and create lasting economic, ecological and social benefits A Day Full of Energy and Hope During the Climate Carnival, we engaged with attendees through a video, positive discussions around the potential of the Climate House and an online forum where opinions could be shared. The focus was on gathering participants’ thoughts and views to help shape what Climate House Ireland should be and do. Illustrator Eimear McNally brought the ideas to life during the event with a beautiful illustration. Conversations with attendees on the day really highlighted the need for a space that brings people together to innovate and scale their solutions in support of a just and sustainable future. This event provided a moment of hope and connection with passionate like-minded individuals and we left feeling energised and hopeful. Thank you to Tom Popple (Climate Cocktail Club) and his team for organising such a wonderful event. Learn more about Climate House Ireland and how you can get involved on the Climate House Ireland website.
- ERINN News
November 6, 2025
Insights And Highlights From Aquaculture Europe 2025
ERINN Innovation recently attended Aquaculture Europe 2025 in Valencia, Spain (22nd–25th September) connecting with the international aquaculture community and highlighting its active role in supporting research, innovation and collaboration across the sector. As always, attending this event was a real highlight for our team and it was great to see so many familiar faces and have the opportunity to forge new connections. The EATiP Innovation Forum A major highlight of the week was our involvement in the EATiP Innovation Forum on 24th September, which featured five presentations from AQUAEXCEL3.0 partners. The session drew a full audience of researchers, policymakers and industry representatives, and was followed by an energetic networking event that encouraged new exchanges and collaborations. We also contributed to the AQUAEXCEL3.0 brokerage activities during the event, facilitating connections between research infrastructures and potential users. Connecting With The European Aquaculture Industry Throughout the conference, the ERINN Innovation team met with partners and collaborators from across Europe, including EATiP and its Mirror Platforms (MiPs), EMBRC, BIM, NTNU, HCMR, and the University of Ghent, among many others. These interactions strengthened existing partnerships and helped identify new opportunities to bridge research, policy and industry in sustainable aquaculture. The Importance of Marine Projects At the ERINN Innovation booth, visitors explored materials from several key Horizon Europe and H2020 projects, including AQUAEXCEL3.0, Cure4Aqua, MARBLES, NETTAG+, and BlueRemediomics. The displays showcased the breadth of our engagement in aquaculture innovation, from infrastructure access and biodiversity discovery to disease prevention and data integration. Among the exhibits were posters for AQUAEXCEL3.0 and Cure4Aqua, an example of the NETTAG+ floating gear tag, and synthetic fish tissue samples produced through Cure4Aqua’s work on improved diagnostic and health-monitoring methods. AQUAEXCEL3.0 continues to play a leading role in advancing access to world-class aquaculture research facilities across Europe, while Cure4Aqua is developing innovative tools for early disease detection, non-antibiotic treatments and improved fish welfare. Together with projects such as NETTAG+ and BlueRemediomics, these initiatives demonstrate the growing impact of collaborative research in shaping a resilient and responsible aquaculture sector. Reflecting on his time at Aquaculture Europe 2025, ERINN Innovation Senior Knowledge Transfer Officer, Keegan Porter, said: “Events like Aquaculture Europe 2025 remind us how much progress depends on collaboration…Research, particularly in the aquaculture sector, is never done in vacuum, and talking with attendees at our booth and around the expo really underscored the importance of everyone, from knowledge generation to policy and industry implementation, working together to ensure that research outcomes are properly translated into practical advances for the aquaculture sector.” We look forward to building on the connections made in Valencia and continuing to support the translation of European research into real-world solutions for sustainable aquaculture. Learn more about the ERINN Innovation marine projects showcased at Aquaculture Europe 2025.
- 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.
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)
