The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) continues to lead in driving regional innovation through its flagship initiative, TUS RISE.
This four-year programme is strategically designed to support the development of high-value, innovative products and services that align with regional strengths and specialisms. By empowering enterprise growth, TUS RISE aims to expand export opportunities, boost revenues, and create employment across key sectors of the Irish economy.
With a geographic reach covering nearly half of Ireland’s 26 counties, TUS is uniquely positioned to improve access to research-informed education and regional innovation. Through a structured framework, the programme engages actively with industry across key smart specialisation areas: Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Biopharma, Life Sciences and Food, ICT and Creative Industries, Sustainable Development and Social Sciences, Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Connecting Research with Industry – How TUS Research is Making This Happen
TUS RISE Research Internships
This summer, fifteen undergraduate students, both full- and part-time were awarded six-week research internships. These placements offer students hands-on experience working alongside leading researchers and industry partners. Internships provide early exposure to real-world research environments and help students build essential skills in research methods, project management, and innovation. This initiative is a valuable steppingstone in each student’s academic journey and plays a vital role in nurturing the undergraduate-to-research pipeline at TUS.
Pathways to Impact Roadshow – Athlone Campus
In May, TUS hosted the Pathways to Impact Roadshow at its Athlone Campus, bringing together a dynamic network of researchers, students, and industry professionals. The event focused on fostering practical collaborations that address real-world challenges and build regional resilience. Key contributors included Enterprise Ireland, Teagasc, Arran Chemical Company, Applied Polymer Technology, and representatives from the HSE, alongside the Faculty of Nursing, with support from the Faculty of Business and Hospitality. The day clearly demonstrated the strength of academic-industry partnerships in enhancing regional competitiveness.
Conference Participation and Industry Engagement
TUS RISE has had a strong and visible presence at national conferences, highlighting its commitment to industry engagement and knowledge sharing. Some but not all these events where the Irish Polymer Conference, Bioeconomy Summit, Bord na Móna Accelerate Green Conference 2025, SHE Research Symposium, Scale Ireland Innovation Summit, and a Grant Strategy Workshop led by Keith Whelan, also known as “The Grants Guy.” In addition, the ManufactureXcel Conference, organised by the ATIM Cluster, further underlined the importance of sectoral collaboration in advancing manufacturing innovation.
PhD Research Representation
TUS RISE co-funded PhD students have also proudly represented the university at major events. Khayla Timothy presented her research ”The Impact of One-to-One Peer Support on Mothers” at the Nutrition Society Irish Section Conference 2025, showcasing the depth and societal relevance of research taking place at TUS.
As we move into the final quarter of the year and prepare for a new academic semester, TUS RISE invites researchers to explore the expanding opportunities for collaboration with Enterprise and industry. To learn more about how to get involved, upcoming training sessions, or partnership possibilities, please contact the RDI Office – Research@tus.ie
TUS RISE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27.
