Students from the Land Management for Horticulture programme at South East Technological University (SETU) recently represented the university at the EU-CONEXUS Conference 2026, held at the Agricultural University of Athens.
Two students from the Land Management for Horticulture programme at South East Technological University (SETU) recently participated in the EU-CONEXUS Conference 2026: Challenges, Innovative Solutions and Collaborative Actions for Sustainable Urban Coastal Development, which took place at the Agricultural University of Athens from 10 to 12 June 2026.
Fourth-year students Aoife Murphy and Woody Bennett presented posters showcasing their research at the conference. Notably, they are the first undergraduate students from SETU to present their research at an EU-CONEXUS conference.
Aoife's poster was titled "Biodiversity Survey and Interpretation Assessment of Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark in Co. Waterford, Ireland", while Woody presented "The Role of Endomycorrhizal Fungi in Irish Fen Restoration".
The students were supported by their Programme Leaders, Dr Yvonne Grace and Dr Nick McCarthy, with Dr Thomas Curran playing an instrumental role in promoting the opportunity to the students.
"I feel very encouraged to undertake more research."
Aoife Murphy, SETU Land Management for Horticulture student
The Student Experience
Speaking about the experience, Aoife Murphy described attending workshops on communicating science to undergraduate students and gaining insight into research being carried out across Europe.
Reflecting on a workshop on applying for European funding, Aoife said she found it very insightful, with lots of opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification. She added, "I feel very encouraged to undertake more research."
Aoife remarked that the opportunity to attend the conference was fantastic, saying, "I have been able to connect with like-minded people." She added that workshops on topics such as applying for project funding were particularly helpful and encouraged her to explore future projects and research opportunities.
Aoife was funded to travel and attend the conference through an EU-CONEXUS mobility scholarship she won following her working on the biodiversity project at the Copper Coast Geopark, Waterford in April 2026.
I gained insight into a wide range of interdisciplinary projects and research initiatives, broadening my understanding of how collaboration across institutions and countries can address shared societal and environmental challenges.
Woody Bennett, SETU Land Management for Horticulture student
Valuable Learnings
Woody Bennett explained that the EU-CONEXUS Conference was a highly valuable experience that contributed significantly to his academic, professional and personal development. The conference provided an excellent opportunity to engage with researchers, academics and students from across the EU-CONEXUS alliance, fostering meaningful discussions on current research and innovation.
"The presentations, workshops and networking opportunities enabled me to exchange ideas with peers and experts from diverse backgrounds, helping me to develop new perspectives relevant to my own studies and research interests.
"One of the most rewarding aspects of the mobility experience was the opportunity for cultural exchange. Interacting with participants from different countries enabled me to learn about a variety of cultures, academic traditions and perspectives. These interactions fostered a greater appreciation for diversity and strengthened my ability to communicate and collaborate effectively in an international environment.
"Experiencing life and study within a different cultural setting also broadened my outlook and enriched my overall educational experience. The mobility experience strengthened my international network and enhanced my communication and collaboration skills in a multicultural academic setting.
"Furthermore, visiting the Agricultural University of Athens enabled me to learn about different academic environments and research approaches, providing valuable insights that will benefit my future studies and career.
"Overall, the EU-CONEXUS mobility provided a unique platform for learning, professional growth, cultural exchange and international engagement. The knowledge gained, connections established and experiences shared during the conference will continue to benefit my academic journey and future career development.
"I would highly recommend this opportunity to anyone considering applying to EU-CONEXUS for future opportunities."
Woody Bennett, SETU Land Management for Horticulture student
Rooted in student engagement with a SETU connection
Fleuryne Esteve, a student at La Rochelle Université, has spent the last six months at SETU completing an internship with the Eco-Innovation Research Centre (EIRC), supported by Dr David O'Neill and Dr Thomas Curran.
Encouraged by the team at SETU, Fleuryne applied to present the research she completed with EIRC. Her poster was titled "Optimisation of Non-Invasive Genetic Tools to Monitor Populations of Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and Soprano Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) Bats in a Living Lab".
A large portion of Fleuryne's research took place at the Living Lab in Carriganore, with testing completed using laboratory facilities and equipment at SETU's Cork Road Campus.
Fleuryne attended scientific talks on a range of sustainability and ecological research topics, allowing her to discover research projects being carried out by researchers and students from other EU-CONEXUS partner universities. She also participated in workshops focused on science communication and applying for funding, which helped her develop transferable skills, including explaining scientific concepts to different audiences and understanding how funding applications work.
For Fleuryne, the conference was a great opportunity to develop new skills.
"Participating in this EU-CONEXUS conference was very beneficial for me, academically and personally at the same time: I discovered how scientific conferences worked, developed my communication skills in English, understood the importance of international collaborations in research, and I also developed my network by meeting and discussing with researchers and students from other countries."
All three students also noted the cultural and historical significance of Athens, with walking tours and cultural excursions forming part of the conference programme.
This opportunity highlights the importance of undergraduate students engaging with research throughout their academic journey. Encouraging research and research-related opportunities is vital in creating a vibrant and thriving research community.
