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Press release

Minister Lawless opens European Astronomical Society meeting

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless today opened the 2025 annual meeting of the European Astronomical Society, hosted by University College Cork.

Minister Lawless said:

“Astronomy is a powerful engine for talent development, industry innovation, and international partnership. It inspires curiosity, supports high-demand skills in data analytics, space science, and artificial intelligence, and builds the research ecosystem we need for future technologies. I am committed to deepening that ecosystem so Irish students, researchers, and enterprises can thrive on the global stage.”

The European Astronomical Society (EAS) is the largest body of professional astronomers in Europe. At this week’s meeting astronomers will discuss the latest discoveries and research, assess progress in developing world-leading European astronomical facilities, and honour distinguished researchers with prizes. This week’s gathering is the largest astronomical conference ever held in Ireland with over 1500 attendees on the University College Cork campus and a further 500 attending online.

Ireland is a member of the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and LOFAR ERIC. These organisations build cutting-edge facilities and instruments for astronomical research. ESO is currently building the Extremely Large Telescope, which will be the largest visible and infrared light telescope in the world. This week astronomers will discuss the direction for European astronomy after the Extremely Large Telescope, from the 2040s onwards.

While on campus, Minister Lawless toured the laboratory led by Professor Seamus Davis that is pioneering insights into quantum physics with support from University College Cork and Research Ireland. The Minister signed the European Quantum Pact on Tuesday 17 June.