EU Commissioner Michael McGrath has reaffirmed the vital role universities play in shaping Europe’s future during the annual Foundation Day celebrations at South East Technological University (SETU).
This month, SETU is hosting a series of Foundation Day events across Waterford, Wexford and Carlow, marking four years of ‘Making Impact’ since the University’s establishment in 2022.
Speaking at today’s (1 May) ‘Making Impact, Connecting to Europe’ event, held at SETU’s Cork Road Campus in Waterford, Commissioner McGrath underlined Ireland’s strong commitment to the European Union and to shared values including democracy, solidarity, innovation and inclusion.
Commissioner McGrath said, “I am honoured to mark SETU’s Foundation Day. The University has brought real benefits to the South East, to Ireland, and across Europe. Today’s theme, ‘Making Impact, Connecting to Europe’, captures that role clearly.
“SETU represents universities at their best. It drives innovation and research, connects deeply with its region while engaging internationally, and contributes to the broader European project.”
With Ireland assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in July, Commissioner McGrath highlighted how universities are central to delivering EU priorities in research and innovation, digital transformation, skills development, social inclusion and civic engagement.
“Universities also play an essential role in safeguarding democracy. By challenging ideas, generating knowledge and fostering open debate, institutions like SETU help sustain informed, resilient and confident democratic societies,” said the Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection.
As one of Ireland’s leading technological universities, SETU has a proven economic and social impact of over €1 billion and currently leads in Horizon Europe funding, securing almost €13 million to date.
The University is actively engaged in Interreg and other EU-funded research, development and innovation projects, while also participating in European University alliances including EU-CONEXUS. The Walton Institute at SETU continues to contribute significantly to Europe’s digital and ICT agenda.
SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell, thanked Commissioner McGrath, Minister Mary Butler TD, Metropolitan Mayor, Adam Wyse, public representatives, distinguished guests, business leaders, colleagues and students for joining the celebration of four years of SETU’s progress and impact.
Professor Campbell said SETU’s ambition is “to be a transformative force in higher education - locally rooted and globally connected - driving innovation, inclusion and impact across the region and far beyond”.
Referring to SETU’s growing European profile and research success, Professor Campbell noted that the University now leads Ireland’s technological universities in Horizon Europe funding.
“This places SETU at the forefront of European-funded research and innovation. However, what matters most is what this means for our region: secure jobs, retained talent and opportunities for European collaboration in the South East,” she said.
“The event and the EU-funded projects showcased today demonstrate this impact and bring these opportunities to life.”
The keynote address was followed by an engaging and informative panel discussion titled ‘SETU: Making Impact and Connecting to Europe in the Year of the Irish Presidency of the EU Council’.
The discussion was chaired by SETU lecturer Gerard Arthurs, who has almost 30 years’ experience in international relations and politics.
Panellists included Dr Dan Mulhall, former ambassador and SETU honorary doctorate recipient; Dr Kevin Doolin, Executive Director of the Walton Institute at SETU; David Kelly, Director of the Southern Regional Assembly; and Dr Helen Murphy, Head of the Faculty of Education and Lifelong Learning and Executive Academic Lead for EU-CONEXUS.
The event also featured a European Showcase Exhibition highlighting SETU’s EU-funded research, Erasmus+ global partnerships and EU-CONEXUS initiatives. Attendees also viewed a specially commissioned student installation exploring the theme of European connectivity.
SETU’s month long Foundation Day celebrations continue with events in Wexford on Friday, 8 May and Carlow on Friday, 15 May.
For more see SETU’s website here.
