UCC Joins First Champions of New European Water Academy

5 Oct 2026

University College Cork (UCC) was recognised as a First Champion of the European Water Academy at its official launch in Brussels on 21 September 2026.

UCC was represented by Dr Timothy Sullivan, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences who attended the launch at the European Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels. The event brought together representatives of the European Commission, Member States, the water sector, academia and civil society to mark the start of this flagship action under the European Water Resilience Strategy.

The European Water Academy has been established to address capacity gaps in Europe's water sector and to strengthen links between research and practice in support of a water-resilient future. The initiative aims to enhance skills development, knowledge exchange and collaboration across the water value chain, bringing together public authorities, universities, water professionals, research and technology organisations, utilities, industry and professional associations.

During the launch event, UCC was formally recognised as a First Champion of the European Water Academy, alongside seven other partner organisations committed to providing high-quality training opportunities and supporting the Academy's development. The First Champions share a mission to promote knowledge exchange among stakeholders across the water sector, from research and innovation through to planning, regulation and implementation.

Dr Sullivan's participation highlights UCC's contribution to advancing water knowledge, research and skills development at European level. As a First Champion, UCC joins a growing network supporting the Academy's goal of building the expertise and collaboration needed to strengthen water resilience across Europe.