South East Technological University (SETU) will play an active role in a major new all-island research conference focused on shaping a sustainable future for agriculture and land use in Ireland.
The inaugural conference, Agriculture and Land-use in Ireland – Pathways to a Sustainable Future, will take place on 26 and 27 May 2026 at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise. It will bring together researchers, postgraduate students, policymakers and industry stakeholders to explore evidence-based solutions to the environmental, climate and productivity challenges facing the agri-food sector.
Organised by the Teagasc Climate Centre in partnership with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and a wide consortium of higher education institutions, the conference reflects a strong commitment to all-island collaboration. SETU is proud to be among the partner universities contributing research expertise, regional insight and applied innovation to this national forum.
SETU leadership and research engagement
SETU’s involvement is further strengthened by the participation of Dr Imelda Casey, Lecturer and Researcher in Agriculture at SETU, who is a member of the conference organising committee, helping to shape the programme and ensure strong representation of applied, interdisciplinary research.
Speaking about SETU’s engagement, Eleanor Kent, Head of the Department of Land Sciences at SETU said, “This conference is an important opportunity to bring together research, policy and practice at a time of real transition for Irish agriculture. At SETU, our researchers work closely with land managers, farmers and industry to address challenges such as climate adaptation, biodiversity loss and sustainable land use. Being part of this all-island collaboration allows us to share that work, learn from others and contribute to solutions that are both scientifically robust and grounded in regional realities.”
Research focus and conference programme
SETU’s contribution to the conference aligns closely with the University’s research focus on sustainability, climate action, land management and rural development. Researchers from across SETU’s disciplines are actively addressing challenges such as greenhouse gas mitigation, biodiversity protection, soil and water quality, and climate adaptation, working in partnership with farmers, industry and policymakers to deliver practical, regionally grounded solutions.
The conference programme will showcase emerging research, new methodologies and interdisciplinary perspectives, with sessions covering greenhouse gas mitigation, climate adaptation, biodiversity, soil health, water quality, the bioeconomy and behavioural change. For SETU researchers and postgraduate students, the event will provide an important platform to share findings, build networks and engage with colleagues from across the island of Ireland.
Impact, collaboration and participation
By bringing together scientific evidence, practical innovation and policy engagement, the conference supports SETU’s mission to deliver impactful research that responds to regional and national priorities. Participation also reflects the University’s commitment to collaboration across institutions and sectors, recognising that the transition to more sustainable agri-food and land-use systems requires shared knowledge and coordinated action.
Registration and abstract submission are now open, and SETU encourages researchers, postgraduate students and partners with an interest in sustainable agriculture and land use to engage with this important all-island initiative.
Further information is available here.
