Trinity showcases research tackling Europe's hardest problems

Posted on: 29 July 2026

Representing embassies and permanent representations across Europe, these attachés shape research and innovation policy, international collaboration and future investment. During their visit, the officials heard from Trinity experts in AI, climate, the humanities, health sciences, and quantum physics about the breadth of research taking place in Trinity and how it is being applied to Europe’s most pressing problems.

Provost Dr Linda Doyle addresses the delegates

Hosted at the Trinity Long Room Hub, the morning programme focused on the role of research in addressing challenges that transcend national borders. 

Trinity Provost Dr Linda Doyle reflected on the importance of demonstrating the real-world value of research. Drawing on headlines from across Europe, she highlighted how many of today's defining issues, from healthcare and housing to climate change, digital technologies and security, depend on sustained investment in research and innovation.

"A great deal of what society is asking for today is rooted in research, even if people don't always realise  it. Whether we're talking about healthcare, climate change, housing or security, research underpins the  solutions. Research doesn't sit apart from people's lives, it helps shape a better future for all of us."

Dean of Research Prof Sinéad Ryan speaking at the event

Dean of Research Professor Sinéad Ryan, spoke about the importance of protecting curiosity-driven research and academic freedom as the foundation of discovery. She also highlighted the power of collaboration across disciplines, bringing together expertise from the arts and humanities, engineering, technology, health sciences and the social sciences to address challenges no single discipline can solve.

"Curiosity is what inspires research, but it is also what sustains it. Giving researchers the freedom to ask difficult questions, across disciplines and across borders, is what drives innovation, strengthens Europe's competitiveness and ultimately helps us tackle the complex challenges we all face."

Prof Jane Ohlmeyer was among the researchers who met with the attachés during their visit

Prof Yvonne Buckely, Prof Luke O'Neill, Dr Abeba Birhane, Prof Jane Ohlmeyer and Prof John Goold took small groups of attachés on research tours of campus. From pioneering advances in early cancer detection and brain health to trustworthy artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, healthy ageing, advanced materials, maritime security and the preservation of cultural heritage, the visits demonstrated how Trinity researchers are translating fundamental discovery into practical solutions with impact far beyond Ireland.

After lunch, the attachés visited CRANN to see some of Trinity's nanoscience research, led by Prof Lorraine Byrne and Prof Stefano Sanvito, and also heard Prof Orla Hardiman explain the work and impact of Precision ALS, the research programme advancing what is known about neurodegenerative diseases.

The visit also showcased one of Trinity's defining strengths as a comprehensive research university: its ability to bring together expertise from across disciplines to tackle complex societal challenges. Whether examining democracy and public trust, developing next-generation technologies or advancing healthcare, researchers demonstrated how collaboration across fields is essential to addressing Europe's most significant challenges.

The visit formed part of a wider programme of events taking place throughout the Presidency, highlighting Trinity's contribution to European research excellence and collaboration. It also reinforced the university's commitment to ensuring that research continues to inform policy, strengthen Europe's competitiveness and resilience, and deliver lasting economic and societal impact.

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