For the first time in almost 20 years, Ireland’s rural development research community will come together for a national symposium focused on the future of rural Ireland.

Organised by University College Cork and Teagasc, in collaboration with the Higher Education Institutions (HEI) Network for Rural Development, and supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, the symposium will bring together researchers, policymakers and practitioners to explore the evidence base informing the next chapter of rural development policy in Ireland.

The programme will focus on four themes aligned with the priorities of Our Rural Future 2026–2031:

• Resilience of Rural Communities
• Rural Infrastructure & Public Services
• Rural Economy & Enterprise
• Climate & the Green Economy

The symposium will also feature a moderated discussion with Professor Sally Shortall, Newcastle University; Professor Jim Walsh, Maynooth University; Betty-Ann Bryce, OECD; and Justin Gleeson, Director of the All-Island Research Observatory, examining what rural Ireland needs from research and policy over the next decade.

A key focus of the event will be supporting PhD and early-career researchers, including a dedicated poster session showcasing more than 30 ongoing rural research projects from across the island of Ireland.

The symposium is open to those working across rural research, policy and practice.