Galway will host senior ocean researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Europe this October as Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 sets out to shape the next phase of European ocean research, innovation, and policy.
The two-day summit will take place at the University of Galway on 8-9 October 2026 and will be held as an Associated Event of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The Marine Institute, University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University (ATU), supported by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, have unveiled the programme and opened pre-registration.
Under the theme “Advancing Europe’s Ocean Research, Innovation and Skills Agenda during Ireland’s EU Presidency”, the Galway gathering will bring together ocean strategists, researchers, policymakers, innovators and communities at a significant moment for European ocean policy.
Galway at Centre of European Ocean Debate
The summit will focus on setting priorities for the next phase of Atlantic Ocean research and innovation, while examining how scientific knowledge can support implementation of the EU Ocean Pact and proposed Ocean Act. Innovation, competitiveness and skills will also feature prominently, including the future workforce requirements of Europe’s sustainable blue economy.
Senior representatives from the European Commission, national governments, research organisations, industry, regional authorities, civil society and international ocean initiatives are expected to participate.
Organisers say the aim is to strengthen cooperation across the Atlantic and develop partnerships that can address environmental, economic and geopolitical challenges that increasingly cross national boundaries.
Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, said Ireland’s EU Presidency comes during the second half of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. “For many years Ireland has played a leading role in advancing Atlantic Ocean research, and we are proud to make Galway the location yet again to set future ocean research and policy priorities.”
The officer said the summit would help develop “the partnerships and solutions needed to address shared challenges for a healthy, resilient, and productive Atlantic Ocean”.
Research, Skills and the Blue Economy
Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said strong scientific evidence would be increasingly important as Europe confronts more complex challenges at sea. “Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 will provide a vital platform for connecting research, policy and practice, helping to inform future priorities for ocean sustainability, resilience, and innovation.”
Dr Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University, highlighted the Atlantic region's economic potential and the importance of developing the skills needed to realise it. “Realising that potential will require investment in people, skills, and collaboration alongside research and technological advancement.”
Flynn said the summit would bring expertise from Europe and the wider Atlantic region together to consider the talent, partnerships and solutions required for a “sustainable and competitive blue economy”.
Two-Day Programme
The programme will include keynote addresses, high-level policy dialogues, plenary discussions and networking sessions.
Topics will range from resilient coastal communities and the future of Atlantic economies to ocean observation, technological innovation and healthy and productive seas. Science diplomacy and the effects of governance and geopolitical change on the Atlantic will also feature.
The future of the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance is set to be examined as a model for international ocean science diplomacy and cooperation across the Atlantic basin.
The timing of the Galway summit adds significance to those discussions. Organisers expect its recommendations to support the implementation of European ocean policy and the debate over investment in marine research and innovation under the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework and Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, FP10.
Pre-Registration Opens
Pre-registration has now opened for individuals and organisations seeking to participate.
Places will be allocated through an application process designed to provide balanced representation from policy, research, industry and wider society. Organisers encourage early applications because of the level of international interest anticipated.
