Events: my take-home message (spring-summer 2026)
Teagasc’s researchers attend many events throughout the year, sharing the findings from their research with national and international audiences. Here, we capture the take-home messages – key pieces of information that our researchers want people to remember – from recent events. In this article we focus on public engagement on soil and the latest updates on Teagasc horticultural research.
Soil – much more than just dirt
Event: Changing Farming Fortunes
Date: February 19th, 2026
Dishing the dirt: from left to right, Teagasc scientists Karla Burke, Luis Lopez-Sangil and Fiona Brennan. Photo credit: Patrick Browne.
Teagasc scientists brought soil science to life for visitors of all ages at the family friendly launch of ‘Changing Farming Fortunes’, a new, permanent exhibition in the refurbished Irish Agricultural Museum at Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford.
During a recent workshop for schools during the mid-term break, researchers explained why soil health and biodiversity matters for resilient, productive farms – from supporting plant growth to cope with extreme weather using approachable and interactive demonstrations that linked today’s science, to farming facts and stories of the past.
Families tried hands-on activities, assessing the diversity of soil life, colours and textures, and what they mean for important soil functions. They also chatted with Teagasc scientists about how small changes in management can make big differences for farming and the environment. The workshop showed how research, heritage and practical advice can be combined to inspire the next generation of farmers and land stewards.
“The take home message is that soil is not just ‘dirt’,” says Soil Biogeochemist Luis Lopez-Sangil. “It’s a living, valuable resource worth understanding and protecting, and Teagasc is here to help farmers and communities put soil health into practice.”
Luis quoted Tom Walsh, affectionately known as ‘The Doc’, the first director of what is now Teagasc, who led the National Soils Laboratory at Johnstown Castle. “He had a phrase that sums it up nicely: In Scientia Copia – in science
there is plenty!”
You can find out more about soil health on the GrouthTruth project web page at the link below:
GroundTruth Citizen Science for Soil Health
Sowing the seeds of innovation
Event: Horticultural Research Showcase
Date: February 25th, 2026
Sprouting solutions: Challenge Sprint cultivates fresh thinking. Photo credit: Teagasc.
Hosted at Teagasc Ashtown, Co. Dublin, the Horticultural Research Showcase day aimed to create a space where early-career researchers could share ideas, engage with advisors and explore how their work connects to wider sector challenges.
Postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers from Teagasc’s Horticultural Development Department presented work spanning orchard management, crop production systems and emerging analytical techniques.
Topics included eDNA-based pathogen detection, X-ray fluorescence analysis of peat-alternative media, life cycle assessment of controlled environment horticulture, apple genetics and circular bio-based growing media.
Research Officer Eoghan Corbett explains how the diverse group addressed pressing challenges in the industry. “While the presentations highlighted the breadth of research underway, one of the most distinctive elements of the day was the afternoon ‘Challenge Sprint’,” he says.
“Participants stepped away from individual projects and worked in small groups to explore several transitions facing Irish horticulture, namely automation in labour-intensive systems, the move towards peat-free growing media, and how climate change may reshape crop choices and production strategies.”
Advisors helped frame each challenge from an industry perspective and groups were encouraged to think laterally about these systems, identifying knowledge gaps, questioning assumptions and considering where research could make the greatest impact.
“For me, the informal conversations that followed were just as valuable as the formal sessions,” says Eoghan. “Seeing those conversations unfold made organising the event well worth it and reinforced the value of creating spaces where ideas can develop collaboratively.”
Don’t miss Teagasc’s upcoming events! Join us at Beef2026 Open Day on Wednesday, July 1st at Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath. Visit our website for more information on this and all our upcoming events: www.teagasc.ie