The TU RISE team from South East Technological University (SETU) were proud to take part in Europe Day celebrations hosted by the Southern Regional Assembly last Friday.
The event marked two significant milestones—Europe Day itself, which is celebrated annually on 9 May, and the 10-year anniversary of the Southern Regional Assembly’s work in supporting balanced regional development across the south and east of Ireland.
Europe Day was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what we’ve achieved together so far—and to look ahead to what’s next
Prof Marie Claire Van Hout, SETU VP Research, Innovation and Impact
SETU’s TU RISE team was invited to take part in the celebrations to highlight the role of EU funding in supporting regional research and innovation. TU RISE—short for Technological University Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise—is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–27 and the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021–27.
Attending the event, the TU RISE team met with representatives from regional bodies, local authorities, and educational institutions to share how the programme is already making an impact. Through TU RISE, SETU is building research capacity, deepening collaboration with regional enterprises, and supporting the development of innovative, place-based solutions.
Commenting on the event, Prof Marie Claire Van Hout, SETU's Vice President Research, Innovation and Impact said, "We’re proud to partner with the Southern Regional Assembly through the TU RISE programme. The EU’s continued investment in regional innovation and enterprise is a vital driver of sustainable economic growth. Europe Day was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what we’ve achieved together so far—and to look ahead to what’s next."
The Southern Regional Assembly has played a central role in managing and promoting EU co-funded programmes in Ireland, ensuring that regional priorities are supported through strategic investment. SETU, through TU RISE, is one of the many partners across the region actively working to turn this investment into impact.
