Trinity hosts key EU presidency events on research and innovation

Key role of research and innovation in shaping EU’s future placed centre-stage as Trinity hosts significant EU meetings.

23 Jul 2026

As part of an ongoing programme to mark Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union, Trinity this week hosted two important meetings on research and innovation.

On Monday, 20 July, an informal meeting of the EU’s Competitiveness Council (Research), known as COMPET, met in Trinity. COMPET develops and adopts EU legislation to strengthen the single market and make Europe more competitive. The meeting was attended by government ministers with responsibility for research and innovation along with policy makers and research leaders.

It is very fitting that research and innovation was the focus of this meeting. If the European Union is to strengthen its global voice and secure a vibrant, competitive and prosperous future for the benefit of our students and wider society, then research and innovation must be placed at the heart of its ambitions. In practical terms, this means strong investment in FP10, continued support for Erasmus+, and the full strategic use of the soft power that these programmes provide. The ministers, policy makers and research leaders who gathered in Trinity are in a powerful position to influence this agenda and to ensure that research, education and innovation remain central to Europe’s success.

Provost Dr Linda Doyle, speaking at the informal meeting of COMPET in the Trinity Long Room.

On Wednesday, 22 July, a delegation of EU research attachés, along with representatives from embassies and permanent representations across Europe, gathered at the Trinity Long Room Hub to examine the role of research in addressing challenges that transcend national borders. Research attachés play an important role in shaping research and innovation policy, fostering international collaboration, and informing future research investment across Europe. During the meeting, Trinity experts showcased how the University's research is helping address major societal challenges in areas including health, climate, technology, the humanities and quantum science.

The large group of Research Attachés stand for a group photo on the steps of Trinity's Public Theatre. The columns and arches of the building are visible in the background.

Speaking at both events, Linda highlighted the central role of research and innovation in addressing challenges that extend beyond Ireland. She emphasised that many of the issues facing society today, including healthcare, climate change, housing, security and technological transformation, depend on sustained investment in research, education and innovation, and she advocated particularly for strong investment in and continued support for the FP10, and Erasmus+.

A great deal of what society is asking for today is rooted in research, even if people don't always realise it. Whether we're talking about healthcare, climate change, housing or security, research underpins the solutions. Research doesn't sit apart from people's lives, it helps shape a better future for all of us.

Provost Dr Linda Doyle, speaking to the delegation of EU research attachés and representatives

For more information, read the full Trinity news stories: "Trinity hosts EU Research and Innovation Ministers in the Old Library" and "Trinity showcases research tackling Europe's hardest problems."

Read Linda's article in Science Business, co-authored by Kurt Deketelaere, Secretary General, League of European Research Universities.