All-Island Research Conference to Advance Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture and Land-Use
In May this year, experts across Ireland will gather for an inaugural conference with a focus on ‘Agriculture and Land-use in Ireland – Pathways to a Sustainable Future’.
The conference will enhance all-island collaboration and provide important evidence-based insights on mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable land management.
A major new national biennial conference, ‘Agriculture and Land-use in Ireland – Pathways to a Sustainable Future’, will take place on the 26th and 27th of May 2026 at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise, County Laois, bringing together researchers, postgraduate students, policymakers and industry representatives to explore the future of farming and the environment in Ireland.
Organised by the Teagasc Climate Centre in partnership with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Atlantic Technological University, Dublin City University, Maynooth University, Queens University Belfast, South East Technological University, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Galway, University of Limerick and University of Ulster, the conference brings together leading expertise in agriculture, land use and environmental research across the island of Ireland.
Dr Karl Richards, Head of the Teagasc Climate Centre, said: “This conference comes at a crucial time for Irish agriculture and land use. We need strong scientific evidence, practical innovation, and genuine collaboration to navigate the challenges of climate change and meet our sectoral targets. By bringing together experts from across research, policy and industry, this event will help generate the solutions and partnerships needed to support a resilient and productive future for Irish farming.”
Professor Elizabeth Magowan, Director of Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division at AFBI, said: “Addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, water and air quality, food security and land use requires a truly collaborative, multi-disciplinary, all-island approach. This conference provides a unique opportunity to share cutting-edge research, strengthen partnerships and translate scientific evidence into practical solutions to support sustainable agri-food systems and resilient farming communities across the Island of Ireland.”
The two-day conference will provide a platform to share the latest scientific advances and practical innovations, with a firm focus on emerging research, knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration. Session topics will include greenhouse gas mitigation, climate adaptation, biodiversity, soil health, water quality, the bioeconomy, and behavioural change.
The conference will highlight the latest scientific findings across agriculture, land use, and environmental research. Attendees will hear emerging results, new methodologies, and interdisciplinary insights, offering a valuable opportunity for researchers at all stages to deepen their understanding and stay at the forefront of current developments. By bringing together scientists from different institutions and disciplines, it will encourage collaboration, support new research partnerships, and help build a more coordinated network to drive innovation and shared progress.
Registration and abstract submission are now open. Find out more here: