Ireland's first dedicated national rural seminar series enters a new phase as a joint initiative, supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) have joined forces to revive Rural Voices – a nationwide seminar series bringing together research, policy and practice to explore the issues shaping rural and regional development.

Supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, the monthly series provides a platform for researchers, policymakers and rural stakeholders to share research, exchange ideas and contribute to rural development thinking.

The relaunch marks a new chapter for the series, which originally ran from January 2022 to May 2025, and was established as Ireland's first dedicated national rural seminar initiative.

The new series was formally launched by University of Galway President Professor David Burns and President of Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Dr Orla Flynn at an event chaired and organised by the series' co-organisers, Professor Maura Farrell of the School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies at University of Galway, and Dr Shane Conway, Research Coordinator at ATU.

Professor Maura Farrell, University of Galway, said: "The Rural Voices seminar series connects rural development practitioners and those working in agriculture with key research they wouldn't otherwise access, and gives policymakers a direct line to recognised research and practice in rural development and farming, helping them make evidence-based decisions."

Dr Shane Conway, ATU, said: “Rural Voices allows us to explore the many different issues shaping rural life from regional, national, European and international perspectives. It is also a practical example of how we can communicate and share research more widely, making it visible, understandable and relevant, while creating opportunities for rural stakeholders to connect and exchange ideas.”

The first seminar under the new joint initiative will take place on September 30th, with John Daly, Economist with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.

Rural Voices provides a monthly, open platform for academics, policymakers and rural stakeholders to come together to discuss rural issues, share research and contribute to rural development thinking at national level. The series grew from the Higher Education and Research Network for Rural Development, established as a commitment under Our Rural Future, Ireland's national rural development policy for 2021 to 2025. The network brings together academics from 16 higher education institutions and three research institutes nationally.

The seminars are open to the public, policymakers and rural stakeholders at home and from overseas.

The renewed partnership brings together research, practitioner and stakeholder networks across the West and North-West, strengthening connections between research, policy and practice on rural and regional development while maintaining the series' national focus.

The core structure and ethos of Rural Voices remains unchanged. The series will continue as monthly online seminars combining policy, research and practice-based perspectives, open to all sectors, and will continue to operate on a self-funded basis, with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht providing strategic support and ensuring alignment with national rural development priorities.

The seminars will take place on the last Wednesday of every month from 3 to 4pm.

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