Experts to converge on Athlone for global polymer summit
For the first time ever, a major summit that combines the best minds from academia and industry working in the growing field of polymer - both from Ireland and across the world - is to be hosted by the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).
The Global Polymer Sustainability & Innovation Summit (GPSIS 2025) takes place from October 29 to 31, and is to be hosted by the Sheraton Athlone Hotel, First Polymer Training Ltd, and TUS.
This landmark summit will convene senior executives from multinationals, such as Harmac Medical Products, Eli Lilly, and Nolato Medical, and universities from the US, UK, EU, and Asia.
Polymers are the building blocks of many everyday materials, including plastics, and they are driving innovation in sustainability, healthcare, energy, and advanced technologies
TUS has been involved in the sector for more than 50 years. The Athlone campus is home to the Polymer, Recycling, Industrial, Sustainability and Manufacturing (PRISM) Research Institute which also incorporates the Enterprise Ireland-funded Applied Polymer Technologies Gateway Centre.
Now, for the first time, international leaders from industry and academia will gather in Ireland to shape the future of the sustainable materials, manufacturing, and medtech industries.
Professor Austin Coffey, Programme Director, Polymer Engineering, and the Conference Chair, said: “GPSIS 2025 is more than a conference. It is a serious international think tank where industry leaders, researchers, and decision-makers will develop strategies for sustainable growth and innovation. At the same time, it will shine a spotlight on TUS’s world-class capabilities — not just in research, but in educating and training the next generation of polymer and manufacturing experts, from undergraduate through to PhD level.
"Athlone and TUS are uniquely positioned to demonstrate Ireland’s leadership in sustainability and innovation. The summit will highlight how we combine cutting-edge research, global collaboration, and comprehensive education programmes to drive economic growth, attract investment, and prepare a skilled workforce for the future.”
Among the speakers will be Dr Louis Somlai, Global Engineering Director for Eli Lilly, Dr John Somers, Harmac Medical Products, Monika Kriete, Lubrizol, as well as Dr Declan Devine, Kenny O’Brien and Dr Yuanyan Chen of TUS.
Over three days, Athlone will become a hub of international collaboration, where innovation, sustainability, and business strategy converge.
Themes of GPSIS 2025 will include polymer sustainability and the circular economy, advanced manufacturing and digital transformation, medical devices and healthcare innovation, and the latest breakthroughs in material science.
In recognition of the current global climate, the programme will also include dedicated sessions on business development, market generation, and strategies for resilience.