Cork Becomes Capital of European Astronomy This Week

Ireland has taken centre stage in European astronomy this week as the 2025 Annual Meeting of the European Astronomical Society (EAS) officially opened today at University College Cork (UCC).

The prestigious event — the largest astronomy conference ever held in Ireland — was launched by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD.

In his opening address, Minister Lawless highlighted the strategic importance of astronomy for Ireland’s scientific future: “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 EAS Annual Meeting brings together over 2,000 participants — with 1,500 attending in person on the UCC campus and a further 500 joining virtually. Throughout the week, astronomers from across Europe and beyond will present breakthrough discoveries, explore the future of world-class astronomical infrastructure, and celebrate excellence in research through a series of prestigious awards.

Ireland’s growing presence in international space science is reflected in its memberships of the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and the LOFAR ERIC radio telescope network. ESO’s current flagship project, the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) — now under construction — will be the world’s largest visible and infrared light telescope.

Discussions in Cork this week will help shape the European astronomical roadmap beyond the ELT, looking toward the 2040s and beyond.

During his visit, Minister Lawless toured the UCC-based laboratory of Professor Séamus Davis, which is delivering world-leading research in quantum physics with support from Science Foundation Ireland and UCC. The Minister also marked a milestone by signing the European Quantum Pact on Tuesday, 17 June — reinforcing Ireland’s commitment to frontier science.

Founded in 1990, the European Astronomical Society is Europe’s largest professional network for astronomers, representing over 5,000 members. This week’s event showcases Ireland’s deepening involvement in global astronomy and underlines the country’s ambition to play a leading role in Europe’s space and science future.