Teagasc hosted the Irish Knowledge Transfer Association (IKTA) Annual Conference, 'From Knowledge to Impact', at the Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark yesterday (May 14).

The conference brought together knowledge transfer professionals, policymakers, researchers and innovation leaders from across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

They explored how research organisations can strengthen the delivery of economic, societal and commercial impact from publicly funded research.

The conference, explored emerging approaches to research impact, innovation ecosystems, commercialisation and industry engagement, alongside the growing role of digital tools and AI in supporting knowledge transfer activities.

Discussions focused on practical approaches to delivering and measuring impact, strengthening regional innovation ecosystems, and supporting collaboration between research organisations and industry.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, highlighted the importance of IKTA at the event.

He said: “Knowledge transfer is essential to ensuring Ireland’s world-class research delivers real economic and societal impact.

"IKTA plays a key role in connecting research with enterprise by supporting collaboration, sharing best practice, and building the skills that turn ideas into innovation."

Head of technology transfer and commercialisation at Teagasc, Dr. Siobhán Jordan added: “Hosting the IKTA Annual Conference at Moorepark reflects Teagasc’s commitment to collaboration, innovation and research with impact.

"The event provides a valuable platform to connect the knowledge transfer community across the island of Ireland with national agencies, researchers and innovation leaders to explore how research can deliver tangible benefits for the economy and society." 

Teagasc has said that the event highlighted the growing importance of knowledge transfer in supporting Ireland’s research, innovation and enterprise ambitions.

Irish Knowledge Transfer Association

Founded in 2022, IKTA is a practitioner-focused community supporting approximately 150 professionals working in technology transfer, innovation, entrepreneurship and research commercialisation across universities, research organisations and national research centres on the island of Ireland.

The association supports collaboration, professional development and best practice across the knowledge exchange ecosystem.   

Through communities of practice, peer learning and events such as this conference, IKTA said it is helping to strengthen Ireland’s knowledge transfer ecosystem and build a highly connected professional community.