Dr Aisling Murtagh, postdoctoral researcher with the FLIARA Project at the University of Galway, played a key role in the 22nd annual Rural Entrepreneurship Conference (REC2025), held from June 3rd to 5th 2025 at Bangor University in Wales. The conference, themed “Community, Creativity and Liveability: Supporting the Wellbeing of Resilient Rural Communities through Sustainable Entrepreneurship”, brought together academics, practitioners, and policymakers from around the globe.

Dr Murtagh presented ongoing research from the FLIARA Project, conducted in collaboration with FLIARA Project Coordinator, Associate Professor, Maura Farrell and FLIARA Project Manager, Louise Weir. Their work focuses on critical policy issues related to gender and rural entrepreneurship within Ireland. Her presentation contributed to the conference’s aim of fostering collaboration and bridging the gap between research, development, and entrepreneurial practice.

Speaking about her experience, Dr Murtagh highlighted the conference’s success in “building opportunities for friendly collaboration, sharing information and further breaking down boundaries.” She expressed gratitude for the valuable feedback and discussions generated by her presentation.

REC2025, the first in-person REC conference hosted in Wales, facilitated the exchange of current research and innovative entrepreneurial practices through invited plenary speakers, formal presentations, and field visits. The event particularly emphasised networking opportunities to further collaborative efforts in rural development.

The conference addressed the ongoing economic and environmental challenges faced by rural communities in the wake of recent global shifts. It sought creative solutions to enhance resilience through innovative practices, policies, and partnerships across various scales and disciplines. Key themes explored included social enterprise development, sustainable management of environmental assets, the role of rural heritage and cultural economy, and digital innovation in addressing rural disparities.

Dr Murtagh’s contribution underscored the FLIARA Project’s commitment to understanding and influencing policy that supports equitable and sustainable rural development, particularly through the lens of gender.