A seminar series exploring rural and regional development is being revived to give farming communities a "direct line to recognised research".

Run by University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University (ATU), 'Rural Voices' provides a platform for researchers, policymakers and rural stakeholders to share research, exchange ideas and contribute to rural development thinking.

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

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.

It is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The new series was formally launched by University of Galway president, Prof. David Burns and president of ATU, Dr. Orla Flynn.

The event was chaired and organised by the series' co-organisers, Prof. Maura Farrell of the School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies at University of Galway, and Dr. Shane Conway, research coordinator at ATU.

Prof. Farrell 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. Conway added: “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.”

First seminar

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

The series grew from the Higher Education and Research Network for Rural Development, established under Our Rural Future, Ireland's national rural development policy for 2021-2025.

The network brings together academics from 16 higher education institutions and three research institutes nationally.

The renewed partnership brings together research, practitioner, and stakeholder networks across the west and north-west.

It also aims to strengthens connections between research, policy, and practice on rural and regional development while maintaining the series' national focus.

The series 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 3:00pm.