On the 30th of April 2025, the third edition of the international Aran Islands Research Station (AIRS) conference took place on Inishmaan. This edition received generous support from the Marine Institute.

The first edition took place in November 2022. Back then, ten participants came to join scientists and community members on the island while other participants took part online. Interestingly, a storm came. The participants already on the island got trapped while we improvised a room at the University of Galway for the other face-to-face participants stuck across from the island. This episode further strengthened the links between the HIGHWAVE project and the local community. As the director of the local school said to the participants: “Now you understand even better what it means to be living on a remote island in a harsh environment”.

The second edition took place in December 2023, with an increased number of participants. Fifteen scientists from three different countries (Ireland, France and UK) and representatives from government agencies (Met Éireann, Marine Institute, Foreshore Marine Advisor, MARA, French Embassy in Ireland) attended the conference.

During the third edition, the scientific talks covered a large range of topics, from wave breaking to carbone dioxyde removal from the atmosphere to the abyssal ocean. Once again, fifteen delegates from four different countries (Ireland, France, Germany and UK) attended the conference. The local community was represented by fishermen, the community development organization Comhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin, the Aran Islands Energy Co-op Comharchumann Fuinnimh Oileáin Árann, and Coláiste Naomh Eoin, the school on Inis Meáin.

The small format of the conference was excellent for maximum engagement. Visits of the station were organised for the delegates.

The conference concluded with clear proposals for the future of the station. Stay tuned!