University of Galway has announced its first Widening Participation Strategy, which aims to enhance educational opportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups. The launch was led by Head of Access Policy with the Higher Education Authority (HEA), Dr Louise Callinan, and took place at this year’s European Access Network (EAN) Conference, marking a pivotal moment in the University’s ongoing commitment to widen access and participation in higher education. Dr Louise Callinan, Head of Access Policy with the Higher Education Authority (HEA), said: “I am delighted to formally launch the University of Galway’s first Widening Participation Strategy, which builds on the considerable track record of the University in delivering on equity of access objectives and supporting the successful participation of the most underrepresented groups in higher education. The Strategy is strongly aligned with the objectives of the National Access Plan and adopts the whole-of-institution approach necessary to achieving meaningful and sustained progress toward a more diverse and inclusive higher education system.” Professor Ciara Meehan, Dean of Students at University of Galway, said: “The University of Galway’s Widening Participation Strategy reaffirms our institutional commitment to equity and inclusion, in alignment with the National Access Plan. This strategy represents a significant step in ensuring that all learners - particularly those historically underrepresented - have the opportunity to access, participate in, and succeed within higher education. It reflects our strategic goal to foster a diverse and inclusive university community that benefits all.” To deliver on its commitment to ensure University of Galway remains at the forefront in developing educational opportunities for the most underrepresented in society, the Widening Participation Strategy 2025-2028 focuses on four overarching goals: To increase access and participation in higher education for people from underrepresented socio-economic groups, and minority status groups. To develop collaborative strategic partnerships internally within the university to promote the widening participation agenda. To engage with schools, Further Education and Training providers, community groups, employers and the wider community to foster sustained change in beliefs and attitudes about higher education. To collect and disseminate research on widening participation activities delivered throughout the University. The Widening Participation Strategy follows on from the University’s Access Centre last year marking its 25th anniversary and the 3,500 people from traditionally underrepresented groups and disadvantaged backgrounds who have come through its programmes. Speaking about the launch of the Strategy, Imelda Byrne, Head of the Access Centre at University of Galway said: “I warmly welcome the launch of the Widening Participation Strategy 2025–2028. This inclusive vision reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed and thrive in higher education. The strategy rightly emphasises removing barriers, increasing support for underrepresented groups, and fostering a culture of belonging. These are values we live by every day at the Access Centre, and we are proud to play a central role in delivering targeted support and tailored interventions that make a lasting difference.” Dr Daniel Savery, Widening Participation Officer at the University of Galway said: “The launch of our first Widening Participation Strategy represents the culmination of extensive engagement with internal and external stakeholders in the strategy development process. We are grateful to the schools, community groups, and statutory bodies that engaged with us in this process. We look forward to continuing this collaboration in delivering on our strategic commitments and ensuring that University of Galway is reflective of the diversity we find more broadly in society.” To find out more about University of Galway’s Widening Participation Strategy, please go to: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/access/wideningparticipationstrategy/ Ends

 University of Galway, in partnership with The Liffey Trust, has announced Sean Allen, a first-year General Science student, as the recipient of the 2025 Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship.   Established in 2022 through the generous support of The Liffey Trust, the scholarship recognises and supports outstanding entrepreneurial talent of undergraduate students.  Sean Allen, from Four Mile House, Co Roscommon, has been recognised nationally and internationally for his work in science and innovation, with a focus on sustainable solutions in agriculture.  With a strong entrepreneurial drive and collaborative mind-set, he has shown exceptional potential as an innovator, and the scholarship will support him as he continues to develop his entrepreneurial skills to work on innovative projects.   Dr Natalie Walsh, Director of Entrepreneurial Development at the University of Galway, said: “Sean is a fantastic example of the innovation and initiative we strive to nurture at the University of Galway IdeasLab. Since joining us, he has continued to show exceptional drive and curiosity, with a clear passion for turning ideas into real impact. His entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to solving meaningful challenges make him a very deserving recipient of this award.”   Aidan Corless, Chairperson of The Liffey Trust, said: “It was a pleasure to meet Sean Allen who embodies everything the Séamus McDermott Scholarship stands for: a commitment to innovation, social impact, and a drive to make meaningful change. Sean is making ordinary things, Extraordinary. We are proud to support his next chapter and thank you to University of Galway for their mentoring and leadership.”  The Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship is supported by IdeasLab, the University’s student innovation hub, which empowers students to develop creative solutions to real-world challenges.   Valued at €9,000 over the course of the recipient’s studies, the scholarship stipend award celebrates students who demonstrate vision, leadership and a commitment to creating real-world impact through innovation.   To learn more about the scholarship and entrepreneurial initiatives at the University of Galway, visit: www.universityofgalway.ie/ideaslab   Ends

University achieves 14th Athena SWAN Award with Bronze for School of Political Science and Sociology University of Galway has earned further significant recognition in the advancement of gender equality, with the School of Political Science and Sociology securing an Athena SWAN award.  The Athena SWAN Ireland - Bronze has been awarded to reflect the collective commitment of the School to equality, diversity and inclusion. The Bronze application highlighted a range of initiatives that will be taken at the School of Political Science and Sociology, including improvement in the representation of women in senior academic roles. This latest Athena SWAN accreditation sees a total of 12 Bronze Awards and two Silver Awards in the University, along with an institutional Bronze Award which was renewed in 2021. Fourteen out of the University’s eighteen Schools now hold Athena SWAN Awards. Dr Helen Maher, Vice-President for Equality Diversity and Inclusion, University of Galway, said: “We are delighted to share in the congratulations for the School of Political Science and Sociology. We are greatly encouraged by the significant progress our university continues to make on gender and additional equality grounds. “Achieving the School’s first Bronze Award is a testament to our colleagues’ vision, philosophy and commitment to gender equality and progressing equality, diversity and inclusion in our culture and our collective responsibilities.”   Professor Michelle Millar, Head of the School of Political Science and Sociology, University of Galway, said: “This recognition is a significant milestone for the School of Political Science and Sociology. It reflects the collective commitment of our community to equality, diversity and inclusion and continuous improvement in our practices and culture." “I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the Schools’ EDI Committee, led by Dr Bernadine Brady and Dr Declan Coogan, who were instrumental in this success.” Ends