Stay Informed on Corporate Sustainability

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

Professional associations and institutes occupy a uniquely influential position in society, connecting expertise, driving standards, and giving voice to the professions they represent. Their capacity to shape policy and build community makes them indispensable to the sectors they serve. Celebrated for its excellence last year, the Association and Institutes Awards 2025 celebrated organisations demonstrating genuine commitment to professional development, with 'IASLT shortlisted for Best Learning and Professional Development Programme at The Association and Institutes Awards 2025' offering a compelling example of member-focused innovation being recognised at the highest level. It is a reminder of the impact associations can have on practitioners and professional communities alike. Furthermore, 'Irish research institutes launch collaboration to advance rapid feed analysis technology' illustrates how collective institutional effort can accelerate progress on complex technical challenges. Shared expertise consistently delivers far greater outcomes than isolated endeavour. Lastly, 'Pakistani software industry association backs $1b national AI investment strategy' signals how associations are increasingly positioned as strategic partners in shaping national economic priorities. It is a powerful demonstration of the sector's global ambition. These stories reflect a sector that is purposeful and forward-looking. Explore each article to discover the ideas defining the next era of professional association.

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

Celebrated for its CPD framework last year, the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists was shortlisted for Best Learning and Professional Development Programme at The Association and Institutes Awards 2025.

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

The Palm Beach Hedge Fund Association in the United States partners with Joseph Gunnar & Co to enhance member services. The collaboration demonstrates how financial associations leverage strategic partnerships to expand resources and networking opportunities.

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

Pakistan Software Houses Association backs the government's $1 billion (€920 million) AI investment plan announced at the Indus Summit. The commitment shows how industry associations drive technology strategies, workforce development, and digital transformation.

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

NovaUCD becomes a consortium partner of the I-C3 Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles in Ireland. The partnership demonstrates how university innovation centres collaborate through research consortia to advance technology development and industry engagement.

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

VistaMilk, Goldcrop, and FBA Laboratories launch a research collaboration in Ireland to advance rapid feed analysis for pastures and silages. The partnership demonstrates how research institutes collaborate with industry to develop agricultural innovation.

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

The Gaelic Players Association launches its Playbook strategy for 2025-2027, setting priorities for player welfare, development, and representation. The strategy demonstrates how sports associations use strategic planning to advance member interests and organisational objectives.

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

The associations and institutes sector serves as crucial infrastructure for professional development, community cohesion and sectoral advancement, connecting individuals and organisations around shared purpose and collective expertise. These bodies continue to evolve their structures and partnerships to deliver greater relevance and impact in an increasingly complex landscape. Honoured for innovation excellence in 2025, social impact remains a defining measure of organisational value. 'Irish Countrywomen's Association shortlisted for Social Impact Award at The Association and Institutes Awards 2025' demonstrates how membership organisations create tangible community benefit that extends well beyond their immediate membership base. Furthermore, strategic collaboration is unlocking new frontiers of research and innovation. 'Tyndall National Institute joins European quantum computing consortium' illustrates how institutes are positioning themselves within international networks to accelerate scientific progress and strengthen Ireland's role in emerging technology domains. Lastly, governance reform signals responsiveness to evolving professional landscapes. 'UK pharmacy leaders propose expanded membership model for Royal Pharmaceutical Society' reflects how established bodies are reimagining membership structures to better serve diverse professional communities and maintain sectoral relevance. These developments collectively reveal organisations committed to purposeful evolution and enhanced impact. Explore each story to discover how these institutions are strengthening their foundational role.

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

Spotlighted for preserving Irish cultural heritage last year, the Irish Countrywomen's Association was shortlisted for the Social Impact Award at The Association and Institutes Awards 2025, highlighting its leadership in community education and traditional craft preservation.

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

The Mortgage Collaborative and Mortgage Bankers Association in the United States form a strategic partnership to strengthen lender advocacy. The collaboration demonstrates how associations amplify influence through strategic alliances and coordinated advocacy efforts.