Insights
Stay up to date with the latest ERINN Innovation updates, including news from our projects and valuable insights into our work and impact.
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- Project News
December 11, 2024
AquaPLAN: Map of European Aquatic Habitats Affected by Light & Noise Pollution Launched
An EU research project has produced the first interactive map of European marine and freshwater habitats affected by both light and noise pollution (LNP). The AquaPLAN Visualisation Portal is the first step in managing the combined impacts of LNP on aquatic biodiversity in our rivers, lakes, coastal and offshore waters. Funded by the Horizon Europe programme, the AquaPLAN project (Aquatic Pollution from Light and Anthropogenic Noise: Management of Impacts on Biodiversity) is quantifying the combined impacts of LNP on aquatic biodiversity in marine, freshwater and estuarine habitats, substantially improving our understanding of LNP prevalence, its impacts and our ability to manage them. Led by Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), the AquaPLAN Visualisation Portal allows users to view layers of data, separately or simultaneously, on marine and freshwater artificial light pollution and anthropogenic noise pollution. Existing habitat maps will also be made available in the future so that the combined impacts of these anthropogenic pollutants can be seen as we develop a risk matrix framework. Lead researcher, Tim Smyth (PML) said: “While our understanding of how LNP affects aquatic biodiversity has dramatically improved in recent decades. Evidence suggests that these effects are prevalent globally in all aquatic habitats. There are still many critical knowledge gaps, we need better datasets to understand how to monitor, protect and restore aquatic biodiversity effectively. The AquaPLAN Visualisation Portal will allow us to take the first steps to better management and reduce these combined impacts”. PML are demonstrating the capabilities of the Portal to AquaPLAN participants at online workshops on 9 and 18 December 2024. The workshop recordings will be made publicly available on the AquaPLAN website following the second workshop. We can all do our part to reduce light and noise pollution from our homes and outdoor spaces. For simple actions you can take, please visit AquaPLAN’s Tips. Discover the AquaPLAN Visualisation Portal.
- ERINN News
November 28, 2024
Immersing in Nature to Embrace Our Values
At ERINN Innovation, we understand the value of connection. In today’s hybrid environment, the value of meeting in person cannot be overstated. Company retreats offer an invaluable opportunity to create bonds and enhance team collaboration. We recently got together for our second company retreat of 2024 to reflect and make plans for the coming year. Keen to immerse ourselves in nature and focus on our shared values, we held our retreat at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway. Draped in autumnal colours, the venue’s lodges provided the perfect backdrop for productivity and collaboration. Finding the Balance between Work and Play Amidst the strategic brainstorming sessions for 2025, there was an element of play woven throughout the two days. We were lucky with the early November weather and took advantage of the on-site spa, beautiful nature walks and cycle paths along the Shannon Blueway. Some chose to unleash their competitive side, bonding over classic board games. The mild temperatures also allowed for some late-night conversations by the outdoor firepit. Team collaboration is an integral part of what we do. We are dedicated to supporting research and innovation that will have an impact on society and we’re immensely grateful to work alongside people who are so passionate about our projects. Welcoming New Team Members A real highlight of the retreat was the opportunity for new staff members to get to know people they hadn’t met since joining ERINN Innovation. We’re fortunate to have a team that continues to grow every year, and we are always looking for motivated and passionate people to join our team. One of our newest staff members, Shane McGuinness, treated us to an educational nature walk among the trees. Another new staff member, Eleanor Brayden, joined our Comms team just a week before. For Eleanor, attending the retreat was an invaluable experience: “I was apprehensive that I’d feel a little lost in the discussions, but my colleagues made me feel so at ease. What really amazed me was seeing the passion they have for their individual projects. This sense of curiosity and enthusiasm was infectious. I felt grateful to be immersed in nature with people who care about protecting it so deeply.” A Unified Vision for the Future We’re dedicated to supporting the transition towards a better, more sustainable society. It’s wonderful to see our newest members already integrating so well into the company. In his closing statement, CEO David Murphy reflected on the importance of coming together as a team: “In today’s hybrid working world, it’s even more important to ensure that the team has a chance to grow and flourish together. I’m proud of the collaboration and passion exhibited by the team and their dedication allows us to work to maximise the impact of scientific knowledge.” With 2025 shaping up to be another exciting year for ERINN Innovation, we hope to take advantage of more opportunities where we can immerse ourselves in nature and collaborate effectively together. When we learn and grow together as a team, we elevate the potential of what we can achieve. If you’re interested in joining our growing team in 2025, visit our careers page and keep an eye on our social media.
- Horizon Europe
- Project News
October 7, 2024
SURIMI Project to Integrate Models into the Digital Twin Ocean
“The Digital Twin Ocean serves to make ocean knowledge available to all: governments, politicians, scientific experts, the private sector, entrepreneurs, ordinary citizens and activists alike, thus empowering them to become partners in knowledge generation by facilitating interactions in the pursuit of a healthy and productive ocean.” (Digital Twin Ocean 2024) At ERINN Innovation, our expertise lies in guiding and accelerating impactful research and innovation for sustainable initiatives. Ensuring that information is accessible to all is crucial for advancing European sustainable strategies and achieving a sustainable future. Funded by Horizon Europe’s EU Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters by 2030, the NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS coordinates SURIMI project, which will integrate socio-economic models into the European Digital Twin Ocean (EU DTO). With a budget of €3.4 million and a consortium of eight partners across seven countries, SURIMI will operate from 2024 to 2027. It is one of four sibling projects—alongside SEADITO, SEADOTs, and ECOTWIN—focused on contributing socio-ecological models to the EU DTO. The EU DTO aims to create a digital representation of real-world ocean and water systems, using real-time and historical data from sources such as Copernicus and the European Marine Observation and Data Network. This system will simulate various ocean scenarios, offering insights and solutions to address future climate change pressures. SURIMI will use live data on fish stocks, landings, and distribution, applying artificial intelligence to conduct simulations and generate written responses. These models will be accessible to researchers, entrepreneurs, local authorities, and the public, facilitating more effective and sustainable marine resource management, policymaking, and conservation. This data will be vital for decision-makers and crucial in developing preventative measures to address harmful events, significantly contributing to ecosystem-based fisheries management while aligning with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. ERINN Innovation will forefront the project’s dissemination, exploitation, and communication strategy, leading the creation of the project branding, website, maintenance of social media platforms, and knowledge transfer to ensure impact beyond the lifetime of the project. The goals of SURIMI include: • Strengthening the assessment capabilities of the EU DTO with respect to impacts of environmental changes, human pressures and policy implementation on ocean health, the blue economy, and societal prosperity. • Elevating stakeholder skills in using state-of-the-art digital twinning tools for faster and cheaper evidence-based assessment and sustainable management of marine resources, increasing blue economy jobs, and thus supporting the move towards resilient infrastructure within the EU. • Democratising access to high-quality data and simulation model predictions related to stock status, prevention of overfishing, and equitable distribution of natural resources. • Bringing ocean knowledge to all, citizen science will be encouraged by providing accessible user-friendly tools, broadening engagement in ocean sciences, policy and sustainability. • Contributing to an ever-evolving EU DTO database with input from experts and non-experts alike to create a “stand-alone usability” principle, meaning that SURIMI tools will be easy to use without specialist guidance. ERINN Innovation’s role in SURIMI will bridge the gap between research, policy, industry, and society, advancing long-term marine and ocean management in line with the EU Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters by 2030. Learn more about SURIMI.
- ERINN News
September 23, 2024
ERINN Innovation at AQUA 2024
ERINN Innovation recently attended AQUA 2024 in Copenhagen, a week-long global event for aquaculture research, innovation and trade. Throughout the week, the team networked with a wide variety of stakeholders in the aquaculture space, sharing insights and learning about the work of other organisations. The ERINN Innovation team displayed three projects at their booth: AQUAEXCEL3.0, Cure4Aqua and Marbles. Other projects highlighted by the team during AQUA 2024 included: NEWSKIN, BlueRemediomics, TechOceans, Euromarine, Prep4Blue, Mission Atlantic, MARCO-BOLO and SIMBA. One of our projects, AQUAEXCEL3.0, hosted a Brokerage Event during AQUA 2024 and it was a great success. Organised by EATIP and co-hosted with ERINN Innovation, the event showcased three promising research outputs from AQUAEXCEL3.0’s Transnational Access (TNA) program. The discussions were lively and insightful, generating valuable ideas for future collaboration and application. We’re keen to see how these innovative research projects can contribute to a more sustainable and efficient aquaculture industry in the future. Cure4Aqua also made a great impression at AQUA 2024, with multiple partners sharing insights about their work connected to the project’s objectives. Karla Corrales showcased the project from the ERINN Innovation booth, sharing insights about Cure4Aqua and its upcoming events. Speaking about her experience at AQUA 2024, Karla said: “Attending AQUA2024 was a rewarding experience that allowed me to engage with a diverse range of aquaculture stakeholders. I was proud to showcase the achievements of the European aquaculture projects we are involved in and anticipate participating in Aquaculture Europe 2025.” The MARBLES project also drew attention from interested attendees who noted the importance of biodiscovery for a more secure and sustainable future of aquaculture. Apart from ERINN Innovation, there was a great Irish turnout at AQUA 2024, particularly from Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) – Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency. BIM had a large stand filled with Irish companies, including Hatch Blue, Aquamonitrx, Weatherbys Scientific, Celtic Sea Minerals and Impact9. It was wonderful to see such strong Irish representation in Copenhagen! The ERINN Innovation team were delighted to get the opportunity to experience BIM’s Aquaculture Remote Classroom (ARC), which showcases the future of aquaculture education. We’re already looking forward to the next big aquaculture event!
- ERINN News
- Job Opportunity
August 13, 2024
Communications Team – We’re Hiring!
ERINN Innovation are seeking two new members to join our dynamic and passionate Communications Team, supporting the transition towards a better, more sustainable society. This is an exciting opportunity for creative, tech-savvy individuals to use their digital communication skills including website content management, social media, and design suite tools to adapt key messages to suit a wide range of audiences. Candidates will be expected to embrace a hands-on, collaborative approach inside a fast-paced multi-stakeholder environment. Application Deadline: 29/08/24 at 17.00 (applications are now closed). For more information on the opportunity, click here to read the full job description.
- ERINN News
August 1, 2024
ERINN Innovation at AQUA 2024
AQUA 2024 is on the horizon and ERINN Innovation are delighted to be attending the renowned aquaculture event in Copenhagen from 26-30 August. We look forward to engaging with attendees and sharing information about our innovative aquaculture projects. During the event, come say hello to the ERINN team who will be stationed at Booth 248 at the trade exhibition. Marieke Reuver (Executive Director), Keegan Porter (Senior Knowledge Transfer Officer) and Karla Corrales (Project Officer for the AQUAEXCEL3.0 and Cure4Aqua projects) will be on hand to chat about projects shaping the future of aquaculture, as well as highlighting our key offerings including expert training on Horizon Europe proposals and tailored, hands-on proposal services. ERINN Innovation are trusted communication, dissemination and exploitation partners in EU-funded projects, having over 30 years of collective experience. We are happy to talk to you about new opportunities in upcoming aquaculture-related research and innovation Horizon Europe projects. ERINN Innovation also has the skills, knowledge and capacity to provide support at various stages of proposal development, including guidance on concept, project structure, consortium considerations, impact, and creating a strong proposal overall. Learn more about our Proposal Writing Services. Find out more about the ERINN Innovation projects being showcased at AQUA 2024: AQUAEXCEL3.0 brings together key aquaculture infrastructures across Europe and aims to support the EU aquaculture sector through diverse research and innovation activities, resulting in new tool development, free training opportunities and funded access to research facilities through its Transnational Access (TNA) Programme. ERINN Innovation is responsible for the communication and dissemination of the project and results. We are also involved in the knowledge management and transfer of key outputs, as well as leading brokerage activities and events, of which the next one will take place at AQUA 2024 on Wednesday 28 August from 14:00-15:30hrs. We look forward to seeing many of you there! Cure4Aqua aims to develop new approaches to prevent aquatic fish diseases by introducing and validating novel technologies for the early detection of diseases, while also supporting the advancement of alternative treatments to replace pharmaceuticals in disease control. ERINN leads Cure4Aqua’s communication, dissemination and exploitation activities. Unlock the potential of marine biodiversity with MARBLES, a Horizon 2020 project working to develop new methods for the sustainable collection and use of biological resources from marine environments. ERINN leads on the dissemination, communication, IP protection and KT and stakeholder engagement activities. Taking place from 26-30 August, AQUA 2024 is an exceptional opportunity to engage, collaborate and work to shape a sustainable future together. You’ll find the ERINN Innovation team at booth 248! Learn more about ERINN Innovation’s services.
- ERINN News
- Project News
May 10, 2024
CAP Network Ireland: Accelerating Knowledge Transfer for Sustainable Agriculture
As Knowledge Transfer experts, ERINN always seeks new opportunities to apply our tried and tested methodology to ensure that innovative knowledge has an impact in the move to a sustainable future. One example is ERINN’s role in CAP Network Ireland, the national network dedicated to supporting sustainable agriculture and rural development. Co-funded by the European Union and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) for a five year period (2023-2027), the Network promotes networking, innovation and funding opportunities under Ireland’s CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) Strategic Plan. Working in partnership with the Network coordinators, Irish Rural Link, and Munster Technological University, ERINN brings our insights and experience in bridging the gap from research to policy, industry and society. In addition to supporting communication activities within the Network, ERINN manages and implements the Network’s Innovation Hub. The new CAP supports agriculture and communities in making a strong contribution to the goals of the European Green Deal. Within this context, the Innovation Hub has a specific objective to support the development and sharing of innovative ideas and solutions to ensure the economic, environmental and social sustainability of farming and of rural areas. The Hub’s key activities include: Mapping and sharing funding opportunities, Knowledge and innovation scoping, Facilitating knowledge exchange, Enabling knowledge sharing and uptake. As part of the CAP Network Ireland Knowledge Hub, the team are currently focusing on three thematic pilots to identify innovations which are relevant to the Irish Horticulture and Organics sectors, and also an EIP-Agri Innovation Pilot. Horticulture is one of the most carbon efficient sectors in Irish agriculture, with the potential to have further positive impact by expanding environmentally sound practices and applying developing technologies. An overarching goal of the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 is to grow a more profitable value-added sector driven by sustainability and innovation. The strategy addresses the need for collaboration and emphasizes the importance of innovation for long-term growth. The pilot is exploring potential solutions surrounding growing media, resource efficiency, circularity, crop diversification, policy, collaboration models, and improving farmers position in the marketplace. For the Organics sector, the target set by the Government Plan is to reach 7.5% of the total area cultivated in organic farming by 2027, while the target of the Climate Action Plan is to reach 10% of the total area cultivated in organic farming by 2030. To achieve this, policies and measures are needed to both reduce carbon emissions while increasing the carbon stocks generated by organic production in Ireland. Some of the topics covered in the pilot relate to integrated and holistic practices and methodologies, such as ones to reduce the intake of fertilisers and chemicals into the soil, as well as examples of organic consumption and production models promoted in other countries. EIP-AGRI Operational Groups are groups of people with complementary knowledge who co-create practical solutions for agriculture, forestry and rural communities in an innovation project. Our EIP-Agri Knowledge Transfer Pilot looks to source and share innovative knowledge from past Operational Groups with key stakeholders to encourage uptake and application. This strategic process will also aim to better understand the outcomes and any next steps to progress impactful knowledge. The pilot is currently focused on two thematic calls: Call 5 Stream B Farm and Community Biodiversity, and Call 4 Stream A General Health and Safety. The knowledge collected during the pilots will be shared with experts to determine its potential to address key challenges and gaps facing these sectors and to provide insights into how to bring the knowledge forward for maximum impact. ERINN and the CAP Network team will then map the next steps and work with various stakeholders to accelerate the uptake of the knowledge. Visit the CAP Network Ireland site for further information or contact the ERINN team to discuss how we can support your Knowledge Transfer needs.
- ERINN News
February 21, 2024
EU project launched to help reduce bycatch of protected and endangered Atlantic species
A major new European project will improve our understanding of how the bycatch of fisheries impacts protected, endangered and threatened species (PETS) in the Atlantic Ocean and develop methods for better monitoring and mitigating these impacts. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, Marine Beacon (Monitoring and elimination of bycatch of endangered and conserved species in the NE and high seas Atlantic region) will address gaps in current understanding of how bycatch impacts PETS and work with fisheries, policy and conservation stakeholders to develop and test innovative tools and techniques for better monitoring of important species and mitigating risks of bycatch, to ensure healthier seas and more sustainable fisheries. Bycatch, the unintentional capture of non-target animals during fishing, is recognised as a major threat to marine species globally, particularly marine mammals, seabirds, turtles and sensitive fish species, as well as the ecosystems that rely on these creatures. Yet monitoring of these species and their interactions with fishing in such a dynamic and challenging environment has often been ineffective. Advancements in bycatch mitigation and elimination have lagged behind the urgency of the issue, with many proposed solutions failing to adequately take into account the differing realities of diverse fisheries and lacking sufficient input from relevant industry and policy stakeholders. In order to address the issue of biodiversity decline in our Atlantic regions and help the recovery of these ecosystems and their services, Marine Beacon brings together 21 research, technology, and fisheries partners from 9 countries to work across our regional seas to identify significant gaps in our monitoring and understanding of bycatch, and to introduce innovative knowledge and tools to better understand bycatch risk and vulnerability. By inclusively collaborating with key stakeholders in the fisheries, policy and conservation sectors, Marine Beacon will ensure that new, cutting-edge monitoring and mitigation tools are effective and feasible, providing long-term applicability and impact beyond the lifetime of the project. The project has six key objectives: Engage with key stakeholder groups to build mutual understanding on how to effectively mitigate against the bycatch of PETS. Improve our knowledge of how PETS intersect with bycatch and identify how improved survey and monitoring design can fill gaps in data. Evaluate the specific risk posed by fisheries bycatch to the vulnerability status of PETS. Advance next generation monitoring solutions, design optimal monitoring programmes and accelerate EU monitoring programmes to better achieve EU biodiversity strategy 2030 targets for eliminating or reducing PETS bycatch. Develop state of the art mitigation solutions that reduce bycatch and where possible eliminate associated mortalities. Create integrated bycatch management decision support tools to help Member States’ respective management programmes achieve their objectives. Marine Beacon was launched on 21 February, 2024 and will run for four and a half years. It is coordinated by Ireland’s Marine Institute and comprises an expert team from Belgium, Denmark, France, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and the UK. For more information, follow on LinkedIn and X (@MarineBEACON_EU).
- Project News
January 18, 2024
EU project launched to better understand the combined impacts of light and noise pollution on aquatic biodiversity
A new EU project has been launched to improve our comprehension of how biodiversity is being impacted by Light and Noise Pollution (LNP) in aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, coastal and offshore waters. Funded by the Horizon Europe programme, AquaPLAN (Aquatic Pollution from Light and Anthropogenic Noise: Management of Impacts on Biodiversity) aims to quantify the combined impacts of LNP on aquatic biodiversity in European waters and facilitate the implementation of empirically sound strategies for managing these pollutants through novel interdisciplinary approaches. Our understanding of how LNP affects aquatic biodiversity has dramatically improved in recent decades. Evidence suggests that these effects are prevalent globally, in all types of aquatic ecosystems, from rivers and lakes to the seafloor. Despite our growing knowledge and having access to a range of technologies, best practice methodologies and policy interventions, there are still many critical knowledge gaps that, if addressed, would allow us to better manage and reduce these impacts. Project coordinator Prof. Elena Maggi from University of Pisa said: “Currently, existing regulations on the emission of Artificial Light At Night (ALAN) and anthropogenic noise are highly fragmented in inland, coastal and offshore waters. Moreover, we still need good datasets to understand how to monitor, protect and restore aquatic biodiversity effectively”. AquaPLAN will 1) review LNP impacts on aquatic biodiversity, assess local and regional regulator and decision-maker perceptions and their LNP management; 2) identify the mechanisms of LNP and quantify the combined impacts on biodiversity in aquatic habitats; and 3) explore and facilitate new, interdisciplinary management solutions to prevent and mitigate the combined impacts of LNP on aquatic biodiversity. The research teams are engaging with stakeholders for the project’s full duration to tailor their research outputs for applicability, efficiency and direct use, delivering practical tools that will allow regulatory and decision-making bodies along with maritime industries to proactively manage aquatic environments and their biodiversity both at European and international levels. “By engaging with stakeholder experts in aquatic biodiversity, LNP and the maritime industry throughout the project, AquaPLAN will provide sound recommendations on efficient LNP mitigation options as well on how to face potential barriers to their applications” Prof. Maggi added. AquaPLAN launched on 1 January 2024 and will run for four years. It is coordinated by the University of Pisa (UNIPI) and comprises a multi-actor, transdisciplinary team of 13 organisations from 9 countries. The consortium is gathering in Pisa, Italy for the project’s kick-off meeting on 24-25 January 2024. ERINN will lead Work Package 6: Ensuring Impact: Dissemination, Exploitation, Communication & Outreach.
About
ERINN Innovation is a value-driven company owned by the staff who support research and innovation to have impact.
Information
ERINN Innovation Ltd
Company Number: 600883 (Ireland)
Directors
David Murphy (IE/UK)
Laura Richardson (IE)
Marieke Reuver (NL)
Michael Papapetrou (GR/IE)
Reid Hole (NO)
