Galway at the heart of Europe's ocean future as Atlantic Summit reinforces city's marine leadership

More than a decade after hosting a landmark agreement on Atlantic research cooperation, Galway welcomes international ocean leaders and helps set new priorities for Europe's ocean future.

Galway's position as a leading international centre for marine science, research and innovation has been reinforced following Atlantic Summit Galway 2026, which brought more than 350 delegates from across Europe and the wider Atlantic region to the city.

The landmark two-day Summit, held at University of Galway on 8–9 October, brought together leading scientists, policymakers, researchers, industry representatives and innovators to advance Europe's ocean research, innovation and skills agenda. Jointly organised by the Marine Institute, University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University (ATU), the Summit was an Associated Event of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026, placing Galway at the centre of international discussions on the future of the Atlantic and Europe's ocean ambitions.

For a city whose history, culture and economy have long been shaped by the Atlantic, the event also highlighted Galway's growing international reputation as a hub for marine science, education, technology and innovation.

A city with the Atlantic at its heart

Welcoming international delegates to Galway, Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Helen Ogbu highlighted the city's longstanding relationship with the Atlantic and the important contribution its people, communities and institutions make to the future of the ocean.

"There could hardly be a more appropriate city in which to hold a gathering focused on the future of the Atlantic," Mayor Ogbu said.

"We are proud to be an Atlantic city. We are proud of the institutions and communities here that are contributing to the future of our ocean."

The Mayor's remarks reflected a central theme of the Summit: Galway's relationship with the Atlantic is not simply part of its history and identity, but an important foundation for its future. From the maritime traditions of Galway Bay and Connemara to the internationally recognised research undertaken by the Marine Institute, University of Galway and ATU, the region has developed a distinctive concentration of expertise in marine science, ocean observation, technology and innovation.

Building on Galway's legacy of Atlantic leadership

Galway has played an important role in international ocean science and cooperation for more than a decade. In May 2013, the city hosted the signing of the landmark Galway Statement on Atlantic Ocean Cooperation at the Marine Institute's headquarters in Oranmore. The agreement brought together the European Union, the United States and Canada in a shared commitment to strengthen Atlantic Ocean research, observation and scientific cooperation. The Galway Statement helped establish a new era of transatlantic research collaboration and laid the foundations for the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance.

Ireland has continued to play an influential role in international Atlantic cooperation, including through the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance, which brings together countries and organisations across the Atlantic basin to address shared challenges and advance sustainable ocean research and innovation. The Marine Institute currently leads OKEANO, an international project supporting the All-Atlantic Alliance, helping strengthen cooperation, scientific partnerships and engagement across the Atlantic region.

Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 built on this longstanding legacy, bringing international ocean leaders back to Galway to consider the next priorities for research, innovation, investment and skills.

Galway's marine expertise on the international stage

The Summit showcased Galway's world-class marine research and innovation ecosystem and its contribution to addressing major environmental, economic and societal challenges. The Marine Institute, headquartered in Oranmore, is Ireland's national agency for marine research, technology development and innovation, supporting ocean science, research infrastructure, marine data and international scientific cooperation.

University of Galway contributes internationally recognised expertise in ocean and climate science, marine biodiversity, renewable energy and coastal communities, while ATU brings strengths in applied marine research, innovation, enterprise and skills development for the blue economy.

Together, these institutions position Galway as one of Europe's leading centres for marine research, connecting the region with international research networks, policymakers and industry partners.

The opportunities associated with this concentration of expertise were also highlighted by Professor John Bell, European Public Policy Strategist and UCD Professor, who spoke at Atlantic Summit Galway 2026. Prof. Bell outlined Ireland's potential to develop a major marine bioeconomy research and innovation cluster, describing the opportunity for Galway and Cork to work together as a "Silicon Valley of the sea". His vision highlighted the potential for collaboration between the Marine Institute, University of Galway, ATU and UCC's MaREI research centre to translate marine research into innovation, enterprise and sustainable economic opportunities.

Setting priorities for Europe's ocean future

The Summit concluded with the publication of the Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement, setting out three strategic priorities for Europe's ocean future:

1.    Make ocean knowledge a strategic investment priority for Europe.
2.    Strengthen and scale Atlantic partnerships and cooperation to deliver greater impact.
3.    Invest in the skills and leadership needed for Europe's ocean future.

The Statement reflects a shared ambition to strengthen Europe's capacity to understand, protect and sustainably manage its ocean, recognising its importance to environmental resilience, economic competitiveness and maritime security.

Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, said:

"The Atlantic is central to Europe's future, and the decisions we make today will shape how we understand, protect and benefit from our ocean in the decades ahead. Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 brought together the expertise, ambition and partnerships needed to turn that vision into action.

More than a decade after the Galway Statement helped launch a new era of Atlantic cooperation, Galway once again provided a platform for international leadership on ocean science and innovation. The Summit reinforced the city's position as a recognised hub for marine research and collaboration, while setting a clear direction for Europe's ocean future."

A lasting legacy for Galway and Ireland

While Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 brought international attention to Galway over two days, its impact will extend far beyond the event itself. The Summit reinforced Galway's role as a centre for international ocean cooperation and highlighted Ireland's contribution to European and Atlantic marine science, research and policy. It also demonstrated the opportunities created through collaboration between research institutions, government, industry and international partners in support of scientific excellence, innovation, skills development and sustainable economic growth.

More than a decade after the signing of the Galway Statement, the Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement marks a new milestone in Galway's contribution to international ocean cooperation, providing a foundation for continued collaboration and investment in Europe's ocean future.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 took place on 8–9 October at University of Galway. It was jointly organised by the Marine Institute, University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University, with support from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, as an Associated Event of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026. The Galway Statement on Atlantic Ocean Cooperation was signed on 24 May 2013 at the Marine Institute in Oranmore by representatives of the European Union, United States and Canada.

The Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement is available through the Marine Institute website at www.marine.ie.

For more information, please contact:
Sinéad Coyne, e. sinead.coyne@marine.ie m. +353 (0)87 947 7090
Kathleen Sweeney, e. Kathleen.Sweeney@marine.ie m. +353 (0)87 094 5754
Communications Office, Marine Institute communications@marine.ie t. +353 (0)91 387 200

Image caption:  L-R:  Dr Rick Officer, CEO Marine Institute, Dr Deirdre Brophy, Marine & Freshwater Research Centre, Strategic Lead at Atlantic Technological University, Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Helen Ogbu and Prof. Frances Fahy, Director of the Ryan Institute at University of Galway pictured at Atlantic Summit Galway 2026