University of Galway is to lead five research projects focused on tackling major societal challenges as part of a €6.6 million funding award from Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland. Four of the five funding awards went to the Centre for Chromosome Biology at University of Galway, which hosts a highly collaborative network of researchers investigating topics linked to the biology of genomes. All five awards went to scientists in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences at the College of Science and Engineering. The grants are made available through the Frontiers for the Future Programme, which supports high-risk, high-reward research programmes and innovative, collaborative projects with the potential to deliver economic and societal impact. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless T.D. announced a total of €23.6 million Frontiers for the Future funding to support 23 research projects focused on tackling challenges in AI, healthcare, agriculture, energy, and transport. Announcing the awards, Minister Lawless said: “The Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future programme supports the development of world-class research across a range of disciplines. The awardees – spanning 9 research institutions nationwide – have brought forward novel and innovative ideas with strong potential to deliver impactful solutions for major challenges facing society today. The programme itself promotes gender balance and provides opportunities for emerging investigators returning to research. I look forward to seeing the awardees’ progress over the coming years.” The five funded research projects include: Design and synthesis of glycomimetics (structural mimics of carbohydrates) to inhibit disease-promoting proteins associated with cancer and inflammatory diseases (Professor Helen Blanchard, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences) Dissecting the unexpected roles of molecular motors and their substrates in preventing the mutations that fuel ageing, cancer and neurodegeneration (Professor Noel Lowndes, Director of the Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences) Using sea anemones to understand the evolution and mechanisms underlying development and disease (Dr James Gahan, Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences) Exploring how subcellular structures called centrosomes ensure correct cell division after genome damage or during cell aging (Professor Ciaran Morrison, Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences) Advanced genetic technologies to discover how our DNA is duplicated and support the development of anti-cancer therapies (Professor Corrado Santocanale, Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences)   Celine Fitzgerald, Interim Chief Executive of Research Ireland, commented: “Our Frontiers for the Future Programme is driven by feedback from the research community and represents a strong commitment to developing future talent in key areas. These 23 awards will fund a total of 86 research positions, comprising Postdocs, PhDs, Research Assistants and support staff. I’m very pleased with the opportunities that this targeted investment is creating, and greatly encouraged that crucial research on pressing issues will be facilitated as a result. The Frontiers for the Future awardees are from University of Galway, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin City University, Trinity College Dublin, Teagasc, Technological University of the Shannon, University College Dublin, University College Cork and University of Limerick. Ends

University of Galway is inviting aspiring engineers of all ages to a free full-day family event to celebrate engineering across Ireland with hands-on activities, exciting shows, documentaries and inspiring workshops. As part of Engineers Week 2025, ‘Engineering Our Future: Family Fun Day’ takes place on Saturday, March 1st, from 10am-4pm, at the Alice Perry Engineering Building, University of Galway. The day will combine science demonstrations with insights into fascinating research as well as opportunities for kids to make and do and experience first-hand how technology works. Professor Jamie Goggins from the School of Engineering at University of Galway and Director of Construct Innovate, Ireland’s national research centre for construction technology and innovation hosted at University of Galway, said: “Children are natural engineers. They love to design and build things, using whatever they can get their hands on. With knowledge, innovation and creativity engineers change the reality and future of all human beings. The day is allows us to put on activities which show the world of civil, environmental, mechanical, biomedical and electronic engineering and information technology. It is designed to allow young people and their families to explore engineering through exciting and fun hands-on activities and shows, as well as meeting with practising engineers to better learn about the world around us, understand the role of engineering in our lives and its impact on our future.” The full programme for Family Fun Day and booking details is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/engineersweek/familyfunday/. Among the events planned for the day are: ‘The Chemistry and the Celts’ - a show with an unmissable blend of history, science and storytelling, packed with fiery explosions, daring experiments, and plenty of audience participation. The ‘Bee Science’ show explains how flowers attract insects, what bees actually see, and the surprising role of sound in pollination Get up close with fascinating creatures in the ‘Leg to Legless’ workshop and meet live animals and uncover nature’s secrets about sustainability and adaptation. Film screenings: Cities of the Future challenges the viewer to imagine smart cities 50 years from now, built for sustainability with clean air, renewable energy, and innovative public transport. Dream Big: Engineering Our World, narrated by Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges, takes the viewer on a journey through some of the world’s most astonishing engineering marvels - from the Great Wall of China to solar-powered cars. City of 2050 - children are invited to imagine and design the Irish city of the future - powered by renewable energy, built with recycled materials, and inspired by nature. Throughout the day families will have the opportunity to build their own wind turbine; make their own biomaterial using slime; have fun with 3D printing and robotics; learn about buildings through a virtual world; test how conservation of energy works, investigate how cameras help us see beyond our eyes, explore the GEEC: Galway Energy Efficient Car designed and manufactured by University of Galway students; or relax at the free LEGO play area. A sensory room is also set up for the youngest engineers and all those who would like some timeout in peace and quiet. The Mount Lucas NZEB and Retrofit Mobile Training Unit will allow attendees to meet experts and learn about retrofitting homes to make them more energy-efficient, comfortable and healthier. This event is part of the Galway City NetZeroCities Pilot Cities Programme and in conjunction with the Laois Offaly Education and Training Board and Construct Innovate. Tickets are free and can be booked in advance for some shows and activities, but it will also be possible to attend shows without pre-booking on a first-come-first-served basis on the day. Ends

The first Irish study of disabled political candidates has identified financial costs and difficulty canvassing as among the many systemic barriers facing disabled candidates who wish to participate in political life in Ireland Other systemic barriers identified by the research include inaccessibility of the built environment, information and communication, negative attitudes, fear of violence, insufficient financial resources, and lack of support. The small-scale qualitative research focused on the experiences of disabled candidates who identified as holding intersecting identities and who stood in the Irish local and European elections in 2024. It was conducted by researchers in University of Galway and Trinity College Dublin and funded under the National Disability Authority Research Promotion Scheme.               Professor Eilionóir Flynn, Centre for Disability Law and Policy at University of Galway, explained: “As people from more diverse backgrounds start to pursue careers in elected politics, it is essential to ensure that a wide range of disabled people, including working class disabled people, LGBTQ+ disabled people, disabled Travellers, disabled women and disabled people from ethnic minorities, have accessible pathways into political life. “Our research demonstrates the barriers these communities face and the action needed to increase the diversity of our elected representatives.”     The research involved in-depth interviews with seven disabled political candidates with intersecting identities, and representatives from eight organisations representing migrant, LGBTQ+ and Traveller communities, disabled people’s organisations, and education and training organisations. Key findings: Systemic barriers were identified including barriers related to inaccessibility of the built environment, information and communication, negative attitudes, fear of violence, insufficient financial resources, and lack of support. Canvassing was named as a major issue for many, including the ability to get to people’s front doors. Safety whilst out canvassing was also a concern. Being disabled results in additional costs when canvassing. Access and funding were key and those interviewed believed it should be made available to all disabled candidates. The catalyst for entering politics was not always related to disability or other intersecting identities, however, participants expressed a responsibility to represent others who shared their identities but were not as privileged. Disclosure of a disability is a key consideration for disabled people, particularly those with invisible disability, when standing for election. Representation or the lack of representation of particular communities in politics was of concern to those interviewed.               Dr Vivian Rath, School of Education, Trinity College Dublin, said: “This research represents a starting point in understanding the experiences of disabled election candidates with intersecting identities in Ireland. The limited number of participants in the study reflects the lack of disabled people standing for election in Ireland, and the even lower number of candidates with intersecting identities. Despite this, the candidates’ perspectives, combined with the reflections of the participating organisations, paints a clear picture of the pathways to political life. “Ireland’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires not just acknowledging barriers but actively dismantling them. This report offers a roadmap for change.”  Key recommendations: The State should be responsible for collecting self-reported data on disability and other identities (including gender, LGBTQ+ identities, ethnic and racial minorities including members of the Traveller community and migrants, etc.) from election candidates. This should be published in a way that does not identify or endanger candidates. Political parties should dismantle structural barriers to the participation of disabled people with intersecting identities in all aspects of their work. This should include the development of inclusion guidelines at the branch level and building intersectionality into existing support structures. Parties must also consider the need for greater diversity when proposing candidates for election and for co-option, including disability and other identities. Civil society organisations should be funded and supported to establish and run regular training and mentoring for disabled people, including those with intersecting identities who want to explore the idea of putting themselves forward for elected office.               Dr Aoife Price, School of Law, University of Galway, added: “This research is significant on a local, national and international level. Political representation of disabled people, including standing for election, is an under-researched area in general. The intersectional lens used within this study is less focused on, even within the international context. I would urge our elected officials and lawmakers to pay particular attention to this report's practical and implementable recommendations to open the opportunity for more disabled people to stand for election.”               Dr Aideen Hartney, Director of the National Disability Authority, stated: “Our Research Promotion Scheme helps to build the evidence base on issues which matter to disabled people, including their participation in political life. We welcome the publication of this research and hope it will serve as a catalyst for discussion in how to more effectively support people with disabilities to run for elected office.” The full report, ‘Disability, Diversity and Identity in Ireland’s Local and European Elections 2024’, is available here. Ends