Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, and Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, today announced €2.2 million funding for research projects that seek to address the global issues of hunger and food insecurity.

The Sustainable Development Goals Challenge is run in partnership with Irish Aid, and the six research projects receiving funding are focused on SDG 2: Zero Hunger. The research teams will develop a wide range of solutions that can contribute to ending hunger, achieving food security and promoting sustainable agriculture.

€2.2 million research funding for Zero Hunger

The projects include:

Empowering women farmers in Malawi to overcome the unique barriers they face and breakdown gender inequities in agriculture.

Leveraging and strengthening digital health systems in Uganda to tackle hunger, food access and malnutrition in vulnerable populations.

Ensuring that women from marginalized communities in Sub-Saharan Africa can access nutrient-rich meals, improving maternal-child health outcomes through Mobile health (mHealth) interventions.

Integrating indigenous knowledge with climate-smart agricultural technologies to build resilience in smallholder farming practices in Malawi.

Using AI to help farmers in Vietnam achieve high rice yields while preserving soil and saving water in the context of environmental and climate pressures.

Developing solar-powered crop processing machines for climate-resilient grain crops to decrease postharvest loss and increase productivity for smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe.

Minister James Lawless said:

"Today's funding announcement reinforces Ireland's commitment to implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With over 700 million people continuing to face food insecurity and malnutrition globally, the research of these six teams can make a real and positive impact at an international level.

As these projects progress through collaboration with researchers in Irish Aid partner countries, they will work directly with those most impacted by the challenges they are addressing, delivering tangible solutions to significant societal challenges. I wish the teams every success over the coming months."

Minister Neale Richmond said:

"Ireland is committed to creating a more equal and sustainable world. Investment in transforming global food systems is crucial to delivering on this commitment. Irish Aid's ongoing partnership with Research Ireland is an important driver of innovative and transformational change. With this Challenge focused on the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger, the projects funded today will help us combat chronic hunger, under-nutrition and gender inequality for food systems transformation."

Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO, Research Ireland, said:

"The SDG Challenge programme is an inspiring example of the power of international collaboration and strategic research funding. Challenge-based research funding encourages researchers to work directly with those most affected by the problems they seek to address and Research Ireland's collaboration with Irish Aid has enabled truly international research partnerships.

Ireland has a whole-of-government approach to the implementation of the SDGs and the projects funded today are a leading example of this integrated commitment. I look forward to following the progress these teams make as they develop their research projects."

The six projects represent international collaborations between research institutes in Ireland and in Irish Aid partner countries - in this case, South Africa, Malawi, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe. The research teams funded today will have the opportunity to compete for an overall prize fund of €1 million for the most competitive team as part of this challenge-based funding programme.

The SDG Challenge Programme is a partnership between Research Ireland and Irish Aid (Department of Foreign Affairs), whose purpos...

A recent survey conducted by global fintech company SumUp, reveals distinctive trends among business owners across work demands, key indicators of success and evolving business needs. The Europe-wide survey conducted across five European markets: Ireland, the UK, France, Italy, and Germany, offers insights on various aspects of Irish businesses, including working habits, adoption of digital payments, and aspirations for future growth.

Growth takes precedence over work-life balance for business owners, as the survey reveals that just under a third (33%) of respondents are working 40-60 hours per week followed by 40.1% working 20-40 hours per week and only 16.9% working less than 20 hours. When asked how long a typical lunch break was for respondents, the data shows that Irish merchants take notably shorter lunch breaks. 33.8% take only 15-30 minutes for lunch, the highest among surveyed countries while 29.8% rarely take a lunch break at all. Only 6.1% take over an hour, a stark contrast to Italy, where 32.9% enjoy extended lunch breaks.

There is, however, play amidst all the work; when asked how they would spend an extra 10 hours per week, Irish merchants showed a clear preference for personal well-being over business growth, with 39.9% opting for more time with family and friends, 38% prioritising rest and self-care while Business-focused tasks were viewed as less appealing uses of extra time, with just 14.3% focusing on marketing and customer growth, and 8.2% dedicating the time to product development.

Further to this, Irish merchants seem to prioritise holiday time more than some of their European counterparts: just over a third (33.4%) of respondents take 3-4 weeks off annually, compared to only 29.9% in the UK. 27.9% take 1-2 weeks off, while only 8.1% take less than a week. A significant 12.6% said their vacation time varies each year, likely reflecting the unpredictability of running a business.

Further highlighting the struggles business owners may face when juggling demanding schedules, respondents noted that 'cloning themselves' would be their superpower of choice if possible, with 22% noting such. Other popular potential superpowers for Irish merchants included the desire to speak every language at 21.4% - perhaps reflecting global expansion ambitions -, with 18.8% looking to acquire mind-reading ability, and 12.8% choosing time travel.

Niall Mac an tSionnaigh, CEO of SumUp Limited commented: "The survey highlights both the resilience and commitment of Irish business owners, often balancing long hours with personal commitments. The dedication to growth is evident, not just in these findings but in every interaction with local small businesses day-to-day. With this ambition, it is crucial that a healthy work-life balance also be obtainable.

"We believe that simplifying operations for businesses is critical in helping them take back their time, allowing them to focus on both business growth and personal well-being. Working smart can be just as important as working hard when scaling for growth, and at SumUp we're here to support that."

Growth is the overriding goal amongst those surveyed, with 37.3% ranking growing their customer base as the most important factor for success - higher than any other surveyed country. Other key priorities include a focus on revenue (27.3%), achieving a work-life balance (12.2%), and efficiency through technology adoption also coming through as an area of importance (7.7%).

To stay competitive in the evolving commercial landscape, technological innovations are proving crucial. For business owners across Ireland who are embracing digital transformation, many are experiencing significant revenue growth. The survey revealed that while over 12% of Irish businesses saw a 25-50% revenue increase from adopting digital payments, nearly 15% experienced a 10-25% boost, and 8.5% more than doubled their revenue. This underscores not only the growing demand for technological advances but the value t...

Prof. Mark Smales has been awarded over €3.5 million through the prestigious Research Ireland Research Professorship Programme.

Holding a joint appointment between the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) and the University of Kent, Prof. Smales will lead a five-year research programme focused on revolutionising the manufacturing of next generation biotherapeutics. The project will be based at NIBRT and will support a dedicated research team, including three PhD studentships.

Biotherapeutics, such as monoclonal antibodies, gene therapies, and RNA-based medicines, have transformed the treatment of diseases worldwide. Manufacturing these advanced therapies, however, remains complex, inefficient, and costly, limiting their availability and impact. Prof. Smales' research will take a pioneering approach to redefine how these medicines are produced, making manufacturing more efficient, predictable, and scalable.

The project will focus on three key areas:

Gene Therapy Production - Understanding the biology of the cells and genetic components that underpin gene therapy manufacturing and developing improved production systems.

RNA Therapeutics - Investigating how RNA sequences, modifications, and control elements impact their effectiveness as vaccines and therapeutics.

Bioprocess Engineering - Applying cutting-edge engineering biology techniques to create new cell factories capable of producing novel format, complex biotherapeutic proteins with improved quality and yield.

Commenting on the award, Prof. Smales said: "I am honoured to receive this Research Ireland Professorship award, which will allow us to harness the breadth of world class infrastructure and 'know-how' at NIBRT and across Ireland in the advanced biotherapeutic therapies sector.

"IUltimately, this research will deepen our understanding of the science that governs efficiency, predictability and certainty in the design and production of next generation biotherapeutics, so that these can be manufactured at the required quantity and quality for assessment and application in practice. I look forward to working with my colleagues at NIBRT and the University of Kent to deliver real impact for the field and, ultimately, for patients worldwide."

CSO & Director of Research and Innovation at NIBRT, Dr. Fiona Killard-Lynch, commented: "Prof. Mark Smales' Research Ireland Research Professorship award is a well-deserved recognition of his leadership in biopharmaceutical research. This funding will enable Mark and his team to drive innovation in gene therapies, RNA medicines, and next-generation protein therapeutics. As a Principal Investigator at NIBRT, this programme will play a key role in advancing cutting-edge biopharmaceutical research, strengthening Ireland's position as a global leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO of Research Ireland, said: "We are delighted to support Prof. Mark Smales appointment to NIBRT through the Research Ireland Professorship Programme. The programme attracts world-leading researchers to Ireland to build critical expertise and reinforce Ireland's reputation in the global research and innovation landscape. Prof. Smales brings with him over 20 years' experience and expertise in biotherapeutics.

"Finding more effective ways to manufacture these therapies will improve outcomes for patients and increase the accessibility of life-changing treatments. Prof. Smales work in this area of translational medicine will help strengthen Ireland's biopharma and biomanufacturing sector, contributing to the advancement of fundamental knowledge within this field."

See more stories here.

South East Technological University (SETU), in collaboration with Carlow County Council and Carlow Community Enterprise Centres CLG, has launched Station House, a new rural innovation hub in Hacketstown, County Carlow. The initiative is part of SETU's TU RISE programme, designed to strengthen regional enterprise by connecting businesses with university expertise and support.

As the only university in the region, SETU is committed to driving research and innovation that delivers real impact. Station House is the first of four rural innovation hubs being developed under TU RISE, creating dedicated spaces for enterprise owners to engage with SETU and its partners. The hub will provide opportunities to develop key skills in areas such as innovation, digitalisation, succession planning, and sustainability.

Brian Ogilvie, Head of Entrepreneurship and Rural Engagement at SETU, said:

"This initiative offers business owners outside of the main urban areas access to SETU's expertise and support. The hub will play an instrumental role in empowering the area, equipping it with the necessary tools and skills for sustainable growth. SETU is committed to working with industry, ensuring that regional businesses can leverage cutting-edge research and enterprise support to help grow their business."

By bringing together university resources, partner organisations, and the expertise of local business owners, Station House will serve as a key asset to the local community.

Professor Marie Claire Van Hout, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact at SETU, highlighted the hub's role in supporting economic growth:

"This endeavour aligns with SETU's mission to drive progress, nurture economic growth, and elevate the competitiveness of the region. Station House is the first of four rural-based hubs which SETU is developing under the TU-RISE initiative in the South East region. SETU's experience in fostering rural innovation has shown that these hubs are more than just spaces; they are catalysts for economic growth, equipping micro, small, and medium enterprises with the skills, technology, and networks needed to compete in an increasingly fast-paced global economy."

Station House has been developed through a partnership approach, bringing together key stakeholders to support rural enterprise.

Coilín O'Reilly, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council, said:

"Enterprise spaces and rural hubs are crucial for fostering entrepreneurship and economic resilience. Carlow County Council is proud to deliver this project in partnership with Carlow Community Enterprise Centres CLG, with funding from the Town & Village Renewal Scheme.

This investment has also enabled an exciting collaboration with TU RISE at South East Technological University, strengthening the support ecosystem for enterprise development. Station House is a flagship example of how strategic partnerships can drive meaningful opportunities for rural communities, ensuring businesses have the space, resources, and support to start, scale, and succeed."

SETU encourages business owners to take advantage of the opportunities available through Station House and the broader TU RISE initiative.

SETU TU RISE is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27.

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SymPhysis Medical, the Galway MedTech company seeking to address the distressing condition of fluid in the chest in cancer patients, has announced a significantly strengthened senior team and plans for rapid growth as it prepares for its device's US launch. With clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) targeted by 2026, SymPhysis Medical aims to launch its device within the next 18 months and to reach €40M in revenue by 2030.

Founded by CEO Tim Jones and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Michelle Tierney, SymPhysis Medical has developed a device, releazeTM, which can be used by cancer patients who are receiving palliative care to relieve the symptoms of fluid in the chest. These symptoms include shortness of breath, discomfort and pain. The condition, experienced by approximately 50% of late-stage cancer patients, limits movements and activities, while necessitating regular medical appointments at a time when many wish to be at home and spending time with loved ones. The company founders expect their device's launch in the US to mark a transformation in the care, and quality of care, of these patients.

In the most recent funding round, SymPhysis Medical has raised €2.8M and expects to close a further €3.7M from a combination of current and new investors by April 2025. Investors have been impressed by SymPhysis Medical's ambitious growth plans and focus on a market, worth €860M in the US and Europe alone, which has lacked innovation over the last 25 years.

The company was endorsed by the European Innovation Council (EIC) in February 2025, receiving the Seal of Excellence, which highlights the value and impact of the innovation. SymPhysis Medical expects to represent 20% of the US market by 2030 and 10% of the European market in the same period. This will mean that 35,000 patients could be benefiting from releazeTM by 2030.

Driving SymPhysis Medical's post-launch growth and momentum will be an enhanced senior team whose track record covers some of the world's largest MedTech and life sciences companies. Their expertise includes sales and distribution of medical devices, business strategy and regulatory affairs.

Joe Villanova, VP Sales and Marketing, will drive SymPhysis Medical's penetration of the US market. He has more than 35 years of experience in commercialising medical devices, with 15 years of experience in those addressing fluid in the chest. He has held leadership roles in multinationals including Baxter Healthcare and Becton Dickinson.

Meanwhile, Niamh St John Lynch, Director of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs, has 30 years of international experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Her knowledge of medical device regulations, FDA clearance and risk management, through previous work with Johnson & Johnson and Boston Scientific, among others, will help to drive global regulatory approval and adoption of releazeTM.

The team will also benefit from a strengthened board of directors. David Uffer has almost 35 years of experience in the life sciences industry. His experience has seen him lead business development for multinationals including Boston Scientific, Abbott and Medtronic. With extensive experience in the commercialisation and launch of early stage medical device companies, he will be pivotal to SymPhysis Medical's launch and success in the US.

Meanwhile, Gerard Ryan is a serial entrepreneur and experienced investor. Gerard founded Longboat Clinical (sold to Advarra in 2020 in a multimillion Euro deal) and Firecrest (sold in 2011 to ICON plc for €50M). One of SymPhysis Medical's first investors, Ryan will help to drive SymPhysis Medical's strategic direction.

Tim Jones, CEO, SymPhysis Medical, said: "This is an exciting time for our company. For six years, we have been laser-focused on our mission to help late-stage cancer patients - and, indirectly, their loved ones - to ease a very distressing condition at an extremely difficult time for them. I am immensely proud of our...

Irish business leaders are more optimistic about their growth prospects when compared with their global counterparts according to the latest Annual Global C-Suite Survey from Forvis Mazars. The survey reports that 96% of Irish C-suite leaders have a positive outlook for 2025, compared with the global average of 93%.

Despite their optimism, challenges are emerging for Irish business leaders with changing economic trends (40%), increased competition (38%) and new technologies (38%) cited as major trends impacting companies. Confidence in managing these key challenges is particularly low among Irish executives (31%) and is six points lower than the global average (37%).

Irish Business Leaders AI Ethical Concerns

On the release of the report, Tom O'Brien, Managing Partner for Forvis Mazars in Ireland said: "These findings offer an interesting glimpse into the dynamic landscape of Irish business, reflecting both the optimism and the challenges that lie ahead for local leaders in a rapidly changing global environment. The macro environment has already shifted significantly since this survey was conducted with geopolitical tensions intensifying and the potential economic impacts still somewhat unclear. It will be important that business leaders build resilience and headroom into their business plans."

Growth Opportunities

C-suite leaders in Ireland agree with the majority globally that transforming IT/technology is a top strategic priority (47%). Launching a new product/service (Ireland: 31%; Global: 24%) and adapting to climate change (Ireland: 29%; Global: 21%) are higher priorities for Irish leaders compared with their global peers.

The most important source of growth for C-suite leaders in Ireland is organic growth (Ireland: 42%; Global: 37%), followed by strategic alliances (Ireland: 22%; Global: 25%). International expansion is also a potential growth opportunity with 80% of businesses in Ireland planning some international expansion in the next five years, with the neighbouring UK the top destination targeted. Key challenges for those expanding internationally are understanding local regulations (48%) and securing a local workforce (57%).

AI & Technology

While transforming IT and technology is a top strategic priority for C-suite leaders in Ireland, they are less likely to have a clear strategy to harness the opportunities presented by AI and technology than their global peers by a margin of some 10 percentage points (Ireland: 58%; Global: 67%).

Whilst 75% of Irish executives recognise the impact that AI and GenAI will have on business and expect its influence to be higher than their international counterparts (Ireland: 96%; Global: 87%), they are reporting lower levels of adoption than elsewhere (60%, ten percentage points below the global average).

Over half of Irish business leaders (56%, 14 percentage points higher than the global average) believe that AI will lead to changes in roles and to job displacement in their organisation and 80% have highlighted the ethical factors around the use of AI and GenAI as being a significant concern.

83% of Irish executives consider that these ethical concerns can be addressed by strong AI regulation, much higher than the global average of 75%.

Commenting on the survey, Dera McLoughlin, Head of Consulting for Forvis Mazars in Ireland said: "This study echoes what we are seeing on a day-to-day basis with our clients in Ireland. Most Irish executives recognise the enormous potential of AI and GenAI to support and grow their businesses, streamline work functions, and increase efficiency and quality, but also that they also come with serious security, ethical, and intellectual property risks.

As AI adoption accelerates, organisations must move beyond simple tool implementation and focus on developing comprehensive AI frameworks - focusing both on the power and potential of the tools and models but also on their governance, risk, security and data management challenges."

Sustainability & a...

Taoiseach Micheál Martin officially opened Ireland's first dedicated esports complex, the National Esports Centre, this weekend in Cork, marking a major milestone for the country's video gaming industry, digital education and tech sector. The centre represents a €1 million investment in state of the art gaming infrastructure, with the creation of 10 new jobs and further positions available in gaming, media and digital technology expected as the centre continues to expand.

Speaking at the opening of the National Esports Centre, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said,

"The National Esports Centre is a first for Ireland and marks a major milestone for the gaming sector in this country. This innovative hub will offer unparalleled facilities in gaming, media and digital technology, and I'm delighted it will place Cork on the global stage of gaming."

The National Esports Centre will be a hub for professional esports athletes, aspiring gamers, developers, gaming researchers, students and innovators. With its best-in-class facilities, including the WYLDE professional esports academy, digital media and gaming camps for students, as well as partnerships with education and research organisations, the National Esports Centre is committed to developing the gaming sector in Ireland.

Steve Daly, Ireland Esports Chair & WYLDE CEO highlighted the impact of the opening, stating: "The National Esports Centre is a game-changer for Ireland, both nationally and internationally. This facility will drive the esports industry and ecosystem in Ireland forward through innovation, education and community engagement, all within a world-class facility here in Cork. Our focus on dynamic teaching environments, collaborative learning and innovation, sustainable career pathways and a responsible culture will ensure that the National Esports Centre stands at the forefront of esports development both in Ireland and globally."

Ireland-based studio, VOID Interactive, the developers behind the popular game title Ready or Not, have partnered with the National Esports Centre.

"As an Irish-based gaming studio, we are thrilled to partner with the National Esports Centre to focus on their endeavour in building and developing a world-class hub for professional gamers," said Philip Nathan CFO of VOID Interactive. "We are focused on building a lasting partnership that further strengthens the gaming footprint in Ireland, providing a haven for groundbreaking ideas to flourish".

Located on South Mall in the centre of Cork City, the National Esports Centre is home to a range of state-of-the-art facilities, including the WYLDE Academy powered by Virgin Media, a dedicated Sim Racing Lounge in collaboration with Williams Esports, and a tournament zone equipped for national and international esports competition. With top tier AV and broadcast technology, the National Esports Centre is also primed for corporate events, training sessions and digital content creation. Its modern, tech-driven learning environments support delivery of the Digital Skills and Esports College, offering accredited education programmes developed to equip students with essential industry skills.

The National Esports Centre serves as an elite training ground for Irish esports teams preparing for major global competitions. Irish and international delegations will train at the Centre for events such as the European Esports Championships in July 2025, the World Esports Championships, the Global Esports Games, and the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2027.

The gaming industry continues to experience rapid growth, with global video game revenue - including esports - reaching $227.6billion in 2023, a 4.6% increase from the previous year. This trajectory places revenue on track to exceed $300 billion by 2028, solidifying gaming as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the entertainment and media industry, according to a recent PWC Report on Global Entertainment & Media 2024-2028.

The National Esports Centre stands as a ...

The ThreatLocker Zero Trust World Conference 2025 has wrapped up, leaving attendees with a new perspective on cybersecurity and a deeper understanding of how to defend against evolving threats. For Rob Allen, Chief Product Officer (CPO) of ThreatLocker, the event wasn't just about discussing theories - it was about empowering IT professionals with hands-on experience to strengthen their security postures.

ThreatLocker's Zero Trust World Conference

As the dust settles, Allen reflects on the key takeaways from the conference, the growing impact of AI-driven threats, and why a deny-by-default approach is the future of cybersecurity.

From IT Engineer to Cybersecurity Leader

Allen's career journey has been anything but traditional. Having spent nearly two decades at an IT company in Dublin, he worked across technical, engineering, and sales roles, giving him a unique perspective on both the technology and the people using it.

"I started as the guy locked in a room working on tech, but over the years, I learned that being able to explain complex concepts in a way people understand is just as important," Allen says.

That ability to bridge the gap between cybersecurity and real-world business needs has been a driving force behind his work at ThreatLocker, and it was a key focus at this year's conference.

The Zero Trust Revolution: Deny by Default, Permit by Exception

One of the most powerful lessons from the event was the importance of flipping traditional cybersecurity approaches on their head.

"For years, businesses have operated on a permit-by-default model - allowing everything to run unless it's explicitly known to be bad," Allen explains. "The problem is, there are 150,000 new pieces of malware released every single day. There's no way to keep up with that."

Instead of trying to identify every possible threat, ThreatLocker's deny-by-default model ensures that only pre-approved applications and processes can run.

"We don't care if something is good or bad - we care if it's allowed or not," Allen says. "Most businesses use the same software every day - Office, browsers, maybe a few industry-specific apps. We put guardrails around that. If something tries to run that isn't approved, it gets blocked."

This approach resonated with conference attendees, who witnessed firsthand how traditional security measures fail to keep up with modern threats.

AI-Powered Cyberattacks: The New Reality

A major theme of this year's conference was the growing role of AI in cybercrime. AI-powered tools are making it easier than ever for attackers to generate malware, even for those with little to no technical experience.

"To prove how dangerous AI can be in the wrong hands, we ran a simple test," Allen explains. "We asked ChatGPT for code that could remotely execute commands on a computer. At first, it refused, citing ethical concerns. But when we rephrased the question - asking for a 'simple C# program to allow remote command execution' - it gave us fully functional reverse shell code."

The implications are massive. Traditional malware detection failed to flag the AI-generated script because it was brand new, never-before-seen code.

"In the past, you needed serious coding skills to write malware," Allen says. "Now, all you need is the ability to ask AI the right questions. That's why detection-based security is no longer enough."

Hands-On Hacking: An Eye-Opening Experience

One of the standout aspects of Zero Trust World was the interactive hacking workshops, where IT professionals got to experience cyberattacks from an attacker's perspective.

"We don't just want to tell people about threats - we want them to see them in action," Allen says.

Attendees learned how hackers:

Use USB-based hacking tools (like Rubber Duckies) to inject malicious scripts into systems.

Take over public Wi-Fi networks to intercept sensitive data.

Bypass traditional antivirus solutions using AI-generated malware.

"There were people in the room who have been in IT for 20 years...

Something for the weekend? We don't just have sex to reproduce - new research suggests that using sex to manage social tension could be a trait that existed in the common ancestor of humans and apes six million years ago.

Photo credit Bisengo 2, Adolescent male bonobo at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, DR Congo, Zanna Clay/ Lola ya Bonobo

Humans share this behavioural strategy with our closest living ape relatives - bonobos and chimpanzees.

Now researchers, led by Durham University, UK, have undertaken what is thought to be one of the first direct comparisons of sexual behaviour amongst bonobos and chimpanzees during periods of social stress.

Their findings, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, could give us new insights into humans' own behavioural origins.

Bonobos and chimps offer clues regarding sex for social purposes

The least studied of the apes, the bonobos, are known to regularly use sex to resolve disputes and repair social bonds. By comparison, the role of sex in chimpanzee society has been less well understood.

The team observed sexual contact within sanctuary-living bonobos and chimpanzees during two stressful periods; following naturally-occurring social conflicts and prior to feeding.

By comparing both apes living in similar environments, the researchers could understand if using sex to ease social tension is a common behavioural trait between the two sister species.

The findings showed that both bonobos and chimpanzees used sex in similar ways to ease tension and reaffirm social bonds prior to feeding, when competition and power differences can provoke disagreement.

However, bonobos also often had sex more after fights to repair social relations, whilst in these circumstances, chimpanzees were more likely to use other social behaviours, with clearer signals, to provide comfort and restore relations.

The researchers say the fact that both bonobos and chimpanzees have sex to ease social tension supports the idea that using sex for social purposes was already present in the last common ancestor they share with humans, dating back over six million years. Human sex is not only for reproduction, and the same seems to be the case for our relatives too, as well as other animals.

While age did not influence the use of sex to reconcile after fights amongst either bonobos or chimpanzees, the researchers saw that prior to feeding it was the older apes in both species who were more likely to initiate sex, indicating that this could be a learned behaviour, passed down over time.

Lead author Jake Brooker, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Psychology, Durham University, said: "This is a first direct comparison of sexual behaviour in bonobos and chimpanzees, two of our closest cousins.

"Whilst bonobos, who are famously hypersexual, were more likely to engage in so-called 'make up sex' after periods of conflict, we found that chimpanzees, who some view as our more aggressive cousin, also use sex to ease tensions in many circumstances.

"Chimpanzees are known to have a wider repertoire of reassurance behaviours, including body kissing, but sex still constituted a sizeable portion of how they reconciled with each other and their stress-management behaviour.

"The fact that both species use sex in this way provides a fascinating window back in time, further evidencing that for humans, bonobos and chimpanzees, our use of sex for social reasons is something we have inherited from our common ancestor."

The study took place at two African great ape sanctuaries: Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust in Zambia.

In total over 1,400 hours of observations were taken involving 53 bonobos and 75 chimpanzees, across seven months in 2019.

Amongst the observations made by the researchers it was noted that female bonobos and male chimpanzees were more likely to initiate sex prior to feeding, but in both species, sex occurred in both hetero and homosexual combin...

E3 at Trinity College Dublin is proud to host European Supply Chain Day 2025, a global gathering of experts, innovators, and leaders in the field of supply chain management. This online conference will focus on the critical theme: "Building Resilient and Sustainable Global Supply Chains: Navigating Disruption in a Digital Era."

Taking place on Thursday, 10th April 2025, this fully virtual event offers attendees a unique opportunity to hear from world-renowned speakers who are shaping the future of supply chains. From cutting-edge technology and digital transformation to sustainability, resilience, and emerging global trends - this conference will cover it all.

Each session is designed to give participants practical insights, future-proof strategies, and valuable networking opportunities. Here's a preview of the exceptional lineup of speakers and presentations:

*Please note you must register for each presentation/talk/panel discussion separately.

08:30 - 09:00 | Opening Remarks & Keynote Address

Speaker: Michael Lynham, E3 Marketing Manager, Trinity College Dublin

Special Guest: Minister Seán Canney, Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Start the day with insights from Minister Canney, who will address the evolving role of supply chains in Ireland's economic development and the importance of sustainability and resilience in shaping future policies.

09:00 - 09:30 | Heineken: Winning in the Digital Age

Speakers: Wilko Sierksma & Chuvasen Govender, Heineken

Explore how Heineken uses global tech to enhance local operations, blending efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability into a winning supply chain strategy.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__uqoOCNWRaec8Yo1ySPAmQ#/registration

09:30 - 10:00 | Creating the Future We Want for Global Supply Chains

Speaker: Prof. Jan Godsell, Dean, Loughborough Business School

Prof. Godsell will present her forward-thinking vision for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable supply chains built to withstand global disruptions.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jDedR80HR3iNlgTG6Q_dag#/registration

10:10 - 10:40 | Resilience & Sustainability in a Disrupted World

Speaker: Dr. Eoin Plant-O'Toole, Edinburgh Napier University

Learn how future supply chains can balance innovation, resilience, and sustainability to thrive in an unpredictable global climate.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nH9Jf8GiQlu7JesCj02KAg#/registration

11:00 - 11:30 | Decarbonising Irish Freight Sector - A Microscopic Approach

Speaker: Prof. Bidisha Ghosh, School of Engineering

The presentation titled Decarbonising the Irish Freight Sector - A Microscopic Approach explores the intricate, detailed measures required to reduce carbon emissions in Ireland's freight industry. Focusing on smaller, localised strategies rather than broad, generalised solutions, the approach examines the unique challenges faced by different sectors within the freight system, from road transport to rail and maritime.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__cgXBVmJQq2mHDdIWWEKAw

11:45 - 12:15 | Navigating Supply Chains in an Uncertain Climate

Speaker: Dr. Omera Khan, Global Head of Strategy & Planning, AP Møller Maersk

Dr. Khan will dive into the latest trends, challenges, and strategies for building adaptive, sustainable supply chains in today's volatile world.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZVTzcmYVSJysd5txAhkKSg#/registration

13:00 - 13:30 | Trends Reshaping Supply Chain & Procurement

Speaker: Philip Ideson, Managing Director, Art of Procurement

Discover the game-changing trends transforming procurement and supply chain strategy, and how leaders can stay ahead of the curve.

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13:30 - 14:00 | The 3Ds: Decarbonation, Digitalisation & De-globalisation

Speaker: Hervé Legenvre, European Institute of Purchasing Management (EIPM)

This dynamic pres...