CIRCULÉIRE promotes systemic change through research and industry collaboration at the RDS Circular Economy Alumni Day

John Gallagher (TCD), Fiona McCoole (EPA), Claire Downey (Rediscovery Centre), Dr. Geraldine Brennan (IMR), and Dr. Tom Voege (PRO Circularity Alliance) at the panel “Circular Economy: From Good Intentions to Good (EU) Regulations” during RDS Circular Economy Day 2025.

On 22nd October 2025, the RDS hosted its Circular Economy Alumni Day in Dublin, bringing together alumni ventures, policymakers, funders, and partners to celebrate achievements and strengthen the ecosystem of circular innovators. Guests were welcomed by Paul Kelly, RDS CEO, Niamh De Loughry, RDS Foundation Director, and Sarah Keating, Sustainability and Innovation Programme Manager.

The day featured an address from Minister of State for Small Business and Retail & Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD, and remarks from Rebecca Markey, Chair of the RDS Committee of Enterprise. The programme included a keynote by Iain Gulland of Zero Waste Scotland, sessions on funding and policy, and workshops to gather evidence for the EU Circular Economy Act.

The Alumni Day provided a unique platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Contributions from Dr Anne Marie Henihan and Dr Tom Voege; and panel discussions facilitated by Prof. Jane Stout and Prof. John Gallagher of Trinity College Dublin ensured a rich mix of perspectives. Stakeholders such as Dr Mary O’Riordan and Lisa O’Riordan (HaPPE Earth, Alumni of the 2024 CIRCULÉIRE Accelerator), David Scanlon (Resolve Partners), Sinead Byrne (Prospera), Claire Downey (The Rediscovery Centre), and Fiona McCoole (EPA) highlighted the urgency of collective action and the need to accelerate solutions which reduce waste, extend product lifecycles, and deliver sustainable growth.

Dr Geraldine Brennan, Director of Circular Economy Innovation at Irish Manufacturing Research, contributed to the policy panel, sharing insights on how research and industry collaboration can drive systemic change. Agnese Metitieri, CE Ventures Lead, was also present to position the CIRCULÉIRE Accelerator, reinforcing our commitment to supporting ventures scaling circular solutions. These contributions, built awareness of the resources and programmes available to the CIRCULÉIRE network among alumni and stakeholders.

Taking part in the RDS Circular Economy Alumni Day, not only allowed us to celebrate achievements but also deepen connections and reaffirm CIRCULÉIRE’s mission: accelerating impact in a systemic way alongside other key stakeholders within the Irish ecosystem.