ATU ranked first nationally and third globally for Marine Pollution Research

Recent ScholarGPS analyses rank Atlantic Technological University (ATU) as Number one in Ireland and Number three in the world for contributions to the marine pollution discipline over the last five years.

ATU has reached global recognition for its marine research according to the latest rankings by ScholarGPS, a leading international analytics platform that evaluates scholarly performance based on impact, productivity, and collaboration. 

ATU is currently ranked first in Ireland and third in the world in marine pollution as a result of the research contributed by ATU staff and students.

“I am not surprised to see our marine research team delivering these truly world-class outcomes,” Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, said. “This ranking reflects the level of excellence and dedication of our researchers over many years, whose work has already driven meaningful contributions to global and societal development across our marine and freshwater ecosystems. Their research will continue to support national and international changes, and deliver real impact in enhancing policy, governance, and, of course, our environment.”

This ranking places ATU among the world's leading universities that are addressing the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges: pollution in our oceans, seas, and coastal waters. With several campuses located across Ireland’s western and northwestern coasts, ATU has a growing influence in the Blue Economy. The coastal campuses and strong ties with industry, government, and community stakeholders together position the university as a centre for impactful research in the marine field.

Acting Vice-President of Research and Innovation, Dr Des Foley, notes that: “Maritime research will play a key role in shaping the landscape of Ireland’s Blue Economy across industry, academia, and the environment. This achievement showcases the outstanding work of ATU’s research community to enhance marine, planetary, and human health, all of which has a global impact”.

ATU is currently aligned with supporting national and EU priorities on environmental protection, sustainable development, and climate action. The university’s marine research output directly contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

The work of our researchers and Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC) also highlights the university's impact towards informing national and international legislation, conservation of marine species and habits, pollution monitoring, and teaching and outreach activities.

Dr. Deirdre Brophy, Head of the Marine and Freshwater Research Centre at ATU, commented:   

“This ranking reflects more than just output—it’s about the real-world relevance and reach of our work. We are proud to be developing tools and knowledge that help communities, policymakers, and industries make informed decisions to protect marine ecosystems.”

This achievement is the result of a diverse programme of work contributed over the last 15 years by staff and students at ATU that has investigated:

• Pollution impact on our environment and organisms, including marine mammals, fish, shellfish, and birds, and their behavioural changes.
• Public awareness and attitudes, including using citizen science to gather data and artwork to highlight the environmental impact of climate change.
• The development of monitoring tools and technologies to help identify the distribution and abundance of pollution sources.

ATU’s research community and its interdisciplinary teams also lead pioneering research to address some of the most critical threats to marine health:

• Persistent Organic Pollutants
• Heavy Metals
• Macro and Microplastics
• Ocean Noise