Atlantic Technological University Researchers Secure EPA Funding

Two researchers from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) have been awarded significant funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their innovative research projects. The announcement was made on February 19, 2026, highlighting the university’s pivotal role in addressing pressing environmental challenges.

Salem Gharbia received a total of €159,303.08 to undertake a project titled “RE-CAP: Reviewing, Experimenting, and Co-Designing Action Pathways for Ireland’s Climate Action Plans.” This study focuses on identifying and addressing the evidence needs related to climate change, which is critical for shaping effective policies and actions in Ireland.

Meanwhile, Heather Lally was awarded €163,789.29 for her research project, “Assessing Landscape Fragmentation Impact on Ecosystems.” This project aims to explore the effects of landscape fragmentation on various ecosystems, providing insights that could aid in the protection and restoration of Ireland’s natural environment.

The funding awarded to these two projects is part of a larger investment of €6.5 million allocated by the EPA for 24 research initiatives. This investment includes collaborative projects co-funded by Met Éireann and the Office of Public Works, underscoring a comprehensive effort to tackle environmental issues through research and innovation.

The initiatives led by Gharbia and Lally are expected to contribute valuable knowledge to the ongoing discourse on climate action and ecological preservation in Ireland. Both researchers expressed their gratitude for the support, emphasizing the importance of this funding in advancing their research objectives.

As environmental challenges grow increasingly urgent, the efforts of ATU researchers reflect a commitment to finding actionable solutions that can inform policy and practice. The projects funded by the EPA not only aim to enhance understanding of climate change and its impacts but also seek to foster sustainable approaches that benefit both the environment and society.