Conference Ambassador Programme

Conference Ambassador Programme

Empowering experts to lead and inspire

What is the Conference Ambassador Programme?

Designed by Meet in Ireland, this programme helps to bring international conferences to Ireland. At University of Galway, the Conference and Event Team supports academic ambassadors in securing and hosting international events, guiding you from initial bid to event planning.

Who Can Be a Conference Ambassador?

If you're an expert in your field, you can become an ambassador. Since 1996, over 100 ambassadors have hosted international conferences at University of Galway, ranging from 50 to 1,200 delegates in all areas of academia.

Why Get Involved?

Hosting a conference elevates your profile, positions you as a leader, and expands your professional network. It also promotes your field and strengthens University of Galway’s reputation and global connections.

Supports Available

Ambassadors benefit from a strong ecosystem of supports, both logistical and financial, provided by our Conference and Event Team, Galway Convention Bureau, and Meet in Ireland. These resources help to ensure a smooth and successful event, from securing funding to event delivery.

Are You Ready to Lead the Way?

Connect with the Conference and Event Team today and start planning your international conference at University of Galway. 

Email conference@universityofgalway.ie today!

Hear from Previous Ambassadors

Dr. Rachel Quinlan, 2022 International Linear Algebra Society Conference, 250 delegates and Bridges Galway 2026: Mathematics, Art, Music, Architecture, Culture

Hosting international conferences on campus is a transformative experience for both the university and the academic community. These events serve as a cornerstone of global collaboration, providing researchers with invaluable opportunities to exchange ideas, foster new networks, and drive innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.

From my experience in organising the International Linear Algebra Society Conference at the University of Galway, I witnessed firsthand how such conferences enhance the university’s research environment. They establish enduring awareness within the global academic community—highlighting our institution’s people, expertise, and contributions to various fields. The positive experiences of attendees strengthen our university’s reputation, paving the way for future collaborations and research partnerships. This work is greatly supported by the University’s dedicated Conference and Events Office, whose expertise and guidance ensure the seamless organisation of such impactful events.

Encouraging and facilitating international conferences on campus not only enriches academic debate but also elevates the university’s standing in the global research community. My experience reinforces my belief that these events are essential to fostering innovation and strengthening our university’s international presence. Building on this success, I have taken on the role of Chair for another international conference, Bridges Galway: Mathematics, Art, Music, Architecture, Culture, to be hosted on campus in 2026.

Professor Chaosheng Zhang, 2024 Joint Conference of ISEH, ICEPH, and ISEG on Environment and Health, 500 delegates, August 2024

Hosting high-profile international conferences on campus plays a vital role in fostering academic collaboration, enhancing the university’s global reputation, and advancing research aligned with global challenges. The 2024 Joint Conference of ISEH, ICEPH, and ISEG on Environment and Health at the University of Galway brought together 500 international delegates, providing an essential platform for direct communication between experts, the development of international partnerships, and engagement with key research themes linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This conference was directly linked to UN SDGs: Goal 3, Goal 4, Goal 6, Goal 8, Goal 9, Goal 11, Goal 12, Goal 13, Goal 14, Goal 15 and Goal 17.

These profile events showcase the university’s expertise, facilitate interdisciplinary research, and create opportunities for students and faculty to interact with world-leading scholars. The ecosystem of supports available including the University Conference and Event Centre, Galway Convention Bureau, Meet in Ireland and local Professional Conference Organisers, ensures that these complex events run seamlessly, allowing academics to focus on intellectual exchange and innovation. The success of such conferences strengthens the university’s role as a hub for global research collaboration and knowledge exchange.

I strongly encourage colleagues to consider hosting an international conference on campus; it is a rewarding experience that fosters meaningful collaborations and significantly enhances both your personal reputation and our university’s global impact.