The centres are named after Jean Monnet, who is widely considered one of the founding fathers of the European Union.

University of Galway’s international reputation for marine and ocean research has earned it the award of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence for Ocean Futures, Science and Diplomacy.

The European Commission recognition comes after an international gathering last week, Atlantic Summit Galway, which saw leading ocean strategists, researchers, policymakers, innovators and representatives of Atlantic communities come together in Galway at an event co-organised by University of Galway, the Marine Institute and Atlantic Technological University.

“We are honoured to have been awarded the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence for Ocean Futures, Science and Diplomacy,” said Prof Frances Fahy, director of the Ryan Institute at University of Galway. “This prestigious European recognition builds on decades of marine, ocean and coastal research excellence at the Ryan Institute in University of Galway and recognises our position as a leading hub for research, education and collaboration in this field.

“As a leading research-intensive university, we have a distinctive opportunity, and responsibility, to connect world-class research with policy, diplomacy and society, and to help shape a sustainable and inclusive future for our ocean and coastal communities,” she added. “The Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence will play a huge role in that.”

Jean Monnet Centres of Excellence are EU-designated focal points of expertise, designed to build international leadership in research, teaching and policy engagement on strategically important European issues – in this case, ocean futures, governance and science diplomacy.

The centres are named after Jean Monnet, a French civil servant, entrepreneur, diplomat, financier and administrator, widely considered one of the founding fathers of the European Union.

“Jean Monnet understood that Europe is built not simply by institutions, but by bringing people together around common challenges,” said Sieglinde Gruber, chair of the international advisory board for the Jean Monnet Centre for Ocean Futures and former director general for research and innovation of the European Commission.

“The ocean reminds us that this task has no borders – and intergenerational cooperation reminds us that it has no age. European added value lies precisely there: in connecting countries, knowledge and generations to achieve together what none of us can achieve alone.”

The Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence for Ocean Futures, Science and Diplomacy at University of Galway is led by Prof Louise Allcock and Dr Stefan Fritz.

The university says the centre will bring together academics from across the university’s research disciplines, empowering it to further develop its international profile and leadership in ocean research by creating a “unique space within the EU to teach, research and debate the roles of marine and coastal sciences in global ocean and coastal policy processes”.

“With the generous support of the EU and University of Galway, we are working with local and international partners to make Galway a hub for science that supports peaceful, sustainable and community-led coastal and ocean futures across the Atlantic and beyond,” said Fritz, co-director of the centre and adjunct professor at the Ryan Institute.

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