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The latest ERINN Innovation updates, including news from our projects and valuable insights into our work and impact. Use the tags below to quickly find related content.
- 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.
- Project News
March 20, 2026
Discover the Work of Our Three Forest-Based EU Projects
The theme for International Day of Forests 2026 is Forests and Economies and the United Nations is highlighting the need to better recognise forests as “engines of inclusive growth and well-being and to scale up policies, partnerships and investments that place forests at the heart of resilient and sustainable economies”. In recognition of this, ERINN Innovation is spotlighting our three forest-based EU projects: SafeNet, OptiForValue and Trees4Adapt. SafeNet: Safeguarding Biodiversity and Carbon-rich Forest Networks in Europe Funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, SafeNet works to counter biodiversity loss and bolster ecosystem resilience across European forests. In 2025, SafeNet produced its first key scientific outputs, including Europe wide maps of forest carbon distribution and future forest expansion under different land use scenarios. The project also completed early dissemination and communication materials and carried out its first EU level stakeholder engagement meeting, which brought together organisations working on forests, climate and conservation to help guide the project’s next steps. In 2026, SafeNet will deliver several important scientific results, including new biodiversity modelling outputs and the first set of practice abstracts highlighting options to support biodiversity in our case study regions. This year will also see the continuation of the project’s stakeholder engagement work, building on the EU level workshop held in December 2025 and expanding the dialogue with local and sectoral actors. The consortium will also meet in April in Córdoba, Spain, where partners will visit one of the project’s case study sites, engage with local stakeholders, and plan the next phase of research on forest biodiversity, carbon dynamics and resilience. Mathilde Vidal, ERINN Innovation Senior Project Officer, is leading Work Package 8: “SafeNet is addressing an urgent need to develop practical, forward looking strategies for conserving Europe’s forests in a changing climate. I am glad to contribute to this work and to help ensure that the knowledge we produce reaches the people who can turn it into real world impact.” OptiForValue: Optimising Forest Operations for Sustainable Forest Management and High-Value Applications The OptiForValue project, funded by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), is working to advance sustainable forestry by developing innovative approaches that strengthen the resilience of forest-based value chains. Since its launch in 2024, the project has implemented a harmonised monitoring system across Austria, Spain, Sweden, and Finland, combining drone, satellite, and field data to support the development of early warning tools for drought, insect damage, snow impacts, and long-term stress. In parallel, the team has advanced climate resilient management strategies and developed operational practices that improve harvesting efficiency, wood quality assessment, engineered wood prototypes and supply planning. In 2026, OptiForValue will continue its stakeholder engagement through a number of events. This year will also see continued delivery of important scientific results, progress across case studies, participation in conferences (including FORMEC 2026), and growing collaboration with relevant forestry projects. The consortium will also meet in September in Spain, where partners will visit the Case Study 2 site. Olga Ormond, Senior Project Manager at ERINN Innovation, leads Comms in WP6: “I really enjoy being part of the OptiForValue consortium because it brings together strong partners who are committed to improving how we understand and manage our forests and timber resources. This work has also given me a deeper appreciation of the years of growth and effort behind the forest products in our everyday lives. Being involved in this project aligns perfectly with ERINN’s mission and my own passion for turning robust science into insights that shape better policy, industry practice, and sustainability outcomes.” Trees4Adapt: Tree-based Solutions 4 Climate Change Adaptation & Biodiversity Conservation The Trees4Adapt project launched in October 2025 with the consortium meeting in Helsinki for an in person kick off meeting. Here, partners set priorities and explored how tree-based solutions can help Europe adapt to the combined risks of climate change and biodiversity loss. The team also visited the Satakunta tree species diversity experiment in western Finland, one of the world’s longest running forest diversity trials. The Trees4Adapt website will go live in March, and 2026 marks the start of fieldwork across the TreeDivNet and FunDivEUROPE study sites and the three case study regions in Finland, Germany and Portugal. Several important deliverables are also expected, including an assessment of ecological and socioeconomic risks in each case study, and a conceptual framework exploring the economics of tree-based solutions in forestry and agriculture. The early co-creation activities with stakeholders will continue, helping ensure that the project’s scientific results are grounded in real needs and practical contexts. Mathilde Vidal, Senior Project Officer at ERINN Innovation, is the WP5 Communications Lead: “Trees4Adapt is a project I am genuinely glad to be part of. It addresses the complex risks of climate change and biodiversity loss at a moment when their impacts are increasingly visible. As a biodiversity advocate, I see this work as a necessity. With such a strong and motivated team, I am hopeful that the project will bring forward effective tree-based solutions that help protect ecosystems and support resilience across Europe.” Explore ERINN Innovation’s portfolio of projects.
- Horizon Europe
- Proposals
February 26, 2026
Top 5 Tips for Writing a Winning Horizon Europe Bid
ERINN Innovation has the skills, knowledge and capacity to provide support at various stages of proposal development, including guidance on concept, project structure, consortium considerations, how to approach the Impact section and how to create a strong proposal overall. We believe that engaging with coordinators early in the proposal development phase enables us to provide better support leading to stronger proposals. Here are our Top 5 Tips for Writing a Winning Horizon Europe Bid. 1. Read the call topic clearly When it comes to writing a proposal for Horizon Europe, it is crucial to thoroughly read and understand the call topic. Many proposals suffer because they fail to align closely with the specific requirements outlined in the call. As human beings, we often have biases and tend to focus on the parts of our research that align with the call and overlook other essential aspects. Take the time to carefully read and analyse all elements of the call topic, and then go one step further. Start to analyse why certain terminology was included, question the phrasing and critically assess what the scope is asking for to ensure a robust understanding. 2. Consortium is key Consortium composition is at the basis of a successful proposal. When forming your consortium, carefully consider the expertise required for each work package and ensure that the participating organisations or individuals have a track record of excellence in their respective fields. The evaluators are assessing whether or not you can credibly drive European-level impact and complete project goals – it’s extremely hard to convince the evaluators this is possible if the whole value-chain is not represented or if the geographic spread is limited. 3. Complete your concept note before you start writing Before delving into the writing process, finalise your concept note as best as you can. This means outlining the work packages and objectives, and being clear about who is doing what. By completing the concept note first, you establish a strong foundation that guides the rest of your proposal, allowing you to organise your thoughts, identify any potential gaps or inconsistencies, and refine your project’s objectives and methodology. Adjustments to the design after the proposal has been written requires a huge amount of effort to cover your tracks and course correct. 4. Read it as an evaluator When you have completed your initial proposal draft, step into the shoes of an evaluator. Try to objectively assess your proposal, considering the evaluation criteria and the perspective of the reviewers, identifying inconsistencies, weaknesses or unclarities in the proposal. This is often easier said than done, so support can be provided by colleagues or external reviewers to provide that fresh perspective. 5. What we write, we have to implement Keep in mind that if your project is funded, you and your team will have to implement the project. Thus, it is crucial to assess the feasibility and coherence of your proposed activities and objectives, particularly those results that multiple work packages make use of/depend on for progression. Evaluators will also be assessing the viability of your proposal, and if it is deemed impractical or unrealistic, it will reduce your chances of receiving funding. Find the balance between writing a winning and innovative proposal, that will be meaningful and possible for your team to implement. Learn more about our services.
- Project News
February 4, 2026
AQUAEXCEL: Celebrating 14 Years of Collaboration
The conclusion of the AQUAEXCEL3.0 project in October 2025 marks not just the end of a major European initiative, but the culmination of 14 years of continuous collaboration, scientific progress, and shared ambition within the aquaculture community. Aquaculture plays a vital role in feeding Europe and the world, providing healthy food, supporting coastal communities, creating jobs, and easing pressure on wild fish stocks. Ensuring that this sector grows sustainably requires innovative science, modern tools, and strong cooperation, needs that the AQUAEXCEL projects were designed to meet. A 14-Year Journey of Collaboration Since the first project launched, AQUAEXCEL, followed by AQUAEXCEL2020 and AQUAEXCEL3.0, one of the most extensive and effective collaborative networks in European aquaculture research has been built. The projects’ shared vision was both ambitious and transformative: to make it possible for any aquaculture researcher, no matter where they work, to access Europe’s best facilities, expertise, and technologies. By opening world-class research infrastructures to external users and by connecting scientists, industry partners, and communities, the projects helped strengthen the European Research Area and supported the development of a more innovative, sustainable aquaculture sector. Turning this vision into reality required a culture of cooperation that grew stronger with each phase of the project series. Over the years, AQUAEXCEL initiatives worked to harmonise standards across institutions, promote best practices, and encourage collaboration between disciplines and countries. Networking activities brought people together, while joint research efforts advanced knowledge in critical areas such as ethical and welfare-oriented farming, real-time biotelemetry, virtual laboratory tools, microbiome monitoring, and techniques for emerging and alternative species. These developments provided researchers and industry with new ways to conduct experiments, improve fish welfare, and accelerate innovation. Reflecting on AQUAEXCEL’s Impacts The impact of these efforts is evident in the achievements delivered throughout the AQUAEXCEL projects. More than 360 fully funded Transnational Access (TNA) projects allowed researchers from across Europe and beyond to work inside 40 unique aquaculture facilities. These infrastructures, ranging from disease challenge units to systems designed for testing sustainable production methods, benefitted from broader usage, strengthened services, and increased relevance to industry needs. Alongside this, within AQUAEXCEL3.0, the project’s training activities reached nearly 800 participants, equipping them with advanced skills and knowledge that will continue to support the sector long after the project ends. Mobility grants enabled almost 30 aquaculture technicians to spend time inside partner laboratories, creating new professional links and strengthening technical expertise across institutions. The scientific outputs generated through AQUAEXCEL3.0 also extend well beyond academic research. By combining transnational access, networking, and focused joint research, the project delivered practical solutions that can be applied directly by farmers, researchers, and industry stakeholders. Whether improving welfare standards, supporting new technologies, or offering insights into sustainable farming practices, the project’s results contribute meaningful, tangible value to the aquaculture sector. ERINN Innovation’s Role ERINN Innovation has been a key contributor to the success and visibility of AQUAEXCEL3.0. We played a central role in communication, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement, helping to translate complex scientific outputs into accessible, practical information for policy makers, industry partners, and the wider public. Our work also ensured that the knowledge generated throughout the project reached the people and sectors who could benefit from it most. This knowledge transfer was delivered through substantial contributions to Work Package 2 (WP2). Our expertise in knowledge management and impact strategy helped showcase the value of the project’s research results, reinforce connections between science and industry, and support the long-term uptake of new tools, methods, and innovations developed throughout the project. By driving awareness, strengthening community engagement, and ensuring that AQUAEXCEL3.0’s achievements were widely shared, ERINN Innovation contributed significantly to the project’s lasting impact and legacy. This work and commitment has led to the development of the project’s Success Stories. This section serves as a testament to the impact of the Transnational Access program and the research activities that were facilitated by the project, showcasing the project’s transformative influence on the aquaculture landscape. Reflecting on her time with the project, ERINN Innovation Project Officer Karla Corrales said: “It has been deeply inspiring to drive the knowledge transfer activities within AQUAEXCEL3.0. Engaging directly with the researchers and compiling their Success Stories has given us a clear view of how the project’s resources have helped them significantly advance their research. Hearing these partners present their achievements firsthand at our final meeting truly proved the impact of the project.” The Project’s Legacy Although AQUAEXCEL3.0 concluded in 2025, the legacy of the entire AQUAEXCEL programme will continue. Over 14 years, the projects built a deeply connected European aquaculture community equipped with advanced tools, shared expertise, and strong partnerships. These foundations will support new discoveries and collaborations for years to come, ensuring that aquaculture remains innovative, resilient, and sustainable. Ultimately, the AQUAEXCEL journey has shown what is possible when researchers, industry, and communities work together. By opening access, sharing knowledge, and encouraging cooperation across borders and disciplines, the projects have helped strengthen Europe’s capacity to produce healthy food, support thriving coastal regions, and building a sustainable aquaculture sector for the future. Want to find out more about our services? Explore how ERINN Innovation can support your project.
- Project News
January 12, 2026
Trees4Adapt to Address Climate and Biodiversity Risks
Climate change and biodiversity loss are two of the most pressing challenges of our time. These crises are deeply interconnected, creating complex risks that threaten ecosystems, human wellbeing, and the economy. Yet, current decision-making and land-use planning often fail to account for these interdependencies, limiting the effectiveness of adaptation strategies. To address this gap, the European Union has launched Trees4Adapt – Addressing complex risks from climate change and biodiversity loss across systems and scales: Leveraging the potential of tree-based solutions for adaptation in Europe, a Horizon Europe project under the Mission Adaptation to Climate Change. Starting in October 2025 and running for four years, Trees4Adapt brings together 12 partners from across Europe, coordinated by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), with a budget of €4 million. The project aims to improve understanding of climate–biodiversity risks and support decision-makers in designing and implementing tree-based solutions that build resilience, restore biodiversity, and avoid maladaptation. “Mitigation will not help us fast enough – the time is for adaptation,” said Prisca Haemers, Policy Officer for the Mission Adaptation to Climate Change, during the project’s kick-off meeting. “Projects like Trees4Adapt are essential to accelerate Europe’s resilience and must work together through the Mission networks to maximise impact.” Trees4Adapt combines cutting-edge research with practical solutions. It uses long-standing European research platforms to study how tree species and mixtures deliver multiple benefits, including buffering microclimates and strengthening ecosystems. The project will also assess the economic viability of tree-based solutions through bioeconomic and spatial modelling, creating scenarios that show how different decisions could shape future landscapes. To ground this work in reality, Trees4Adapt draws on three case studies. In Finland’s boreal forests, researchers are building on a unique 26-year-old tree diversity experiment to see how adding species diversity can improve resilience in monoculture landscapes. In Germany, the focus is on agroforestry networks and how integrating trees into farming systems can boost biodiversity and support farmers. In Portugal, the case study examines Mediterranean landscapes recovering from wildfires, investigating whether greater tree diversity can slow fire spread and accelerate recovery. From the start, Trees4Adapt works hand-in-hand with local stakeholders and EU-level actors to co-create solutions that are practical and ready for real-world application. The project kicked off with a two-day meeting in Helsinki in November, where partners came together to set priorities and explore strategies for impact. The sessions were lively and forward-looking, featuring opportunities to connect with related projects and discuss case studies, modelling approaches, and stakeholder engagement plans. Partners also embraced Finnish traditions with a ferry ride to the historic Suomenlinna fortress and a sauna evening, moments that strengthened connections and set the tone for a partnership built on trust and shared goals. ERINN Innovation leads the dissemination and communication activities within Work Package 5 of Trees4Adapt. The team ensures the project’s visibility and impact by developing strategic messaging, managing dissemination channels, and helping project outputs reach relevant audiences across Europe. “Trees4Adapt is a very promising project. It brings together highly skilled and motivated people with a shared goal: adapting to climate change while protecting forests and biodiversity, essential to our world. The project begins with lots of optimism and great ideas, giving me hope that we can achieve meaningful change!” said ERINN Innovation Project Officer Mathilde Vidal, Project Communications for Trees4Adapt. Over the next four years, Trees4Adapt will turn research into action, providing guidance and tools to help communities and policymakers make informed choices. These results will feed directly into EU policies and investment plans, ensuring that Europe is better prepared for climate change while safeguarding biodiversity. ERINN Innovation is currently supporting 24 active European projects. We want to support our projects to have maximum impact to society. Discover our portfolio of EU-funded projects.
- 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.
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ERINN Innovation is a value-driven company owned by the staff who support research and innovation to have impact.
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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)
