News Archive

Tharla tine bheag in íoslach Leabharlann Shéamais Uí Argadáin in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh ag thart ar 9.30pm Dé Céadaoin, 26 Meán Fómhair 2007. Cuireadh plean dóiteáin na hOllscoile i bhfeidhm láithreach bonn agus aistríodh na comhaltaí foirne agus na mic léinn ar fad amach as na foirgnimh éagsúla. Níor gortaíodh duine ar bith. Bhí an bhriogáid dóiteáin i láthair mar aon le Comhaltaí Foirne Slándála na hOllscoile. Tá Oifig na bhFoirgneamh agus Bord Soláthair an Leictreachais i mbun an damáiste a mheas faoi láthair. Beidh Leabharlann Shéamais Uí Argadáin, An Bhialann (ceaintín na mac léinn agus na gcomhaltaí foirne) agus siopaí Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn dúnta go gcuirfear a mhalairt in iúl. Tá léachtannna ag dul ar aghaidh mar is gnáth. Seo a leanas a bhí le rá ag Keith Warnock, An Leas-Uachtarán um Acmhainní Fisiciúla, "Táimid i mbun an damáiste atá déanta a mheas, ach is léir ag an bpointe seo go mbeidh an Leabharlann agus na foirgnimh eile a bhfuil damáiste déanta dóibh dúnta as seo go ceann roinnt laethanta. Cúis díomá dúinn a bheith ag cur isteach ar obair na hollscoile, ach tá sé tábhachtach a lua freisin gur déileáladh go héifeachtach leis an eachtra seo agus nár gortaíodh duine ar bith. Cuireadh an plean éigeandála dóiteáin i bhfeidhm gan deacracht, agus thar ceann phobal na hOllscoile, ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an mbriogáid dóiteáin agus ár gcomhaltaí foirne slándála as an dea-obair a rinne siad." Cuirfear an t-eolas is déanaí ar fáil daoibh i rith an lae. DEIREADH

A small fire occurred in the basement of the James Hardiman Library of the National University of Ireland, Galway at approximately 9.30pm on Wednesday, 26 September, 2007. The University's fire plan was put immediately into action and all staff and students were promptly evacuated, with no injuries. The fire brigade attended the scene along with University Security. The Buildings Office and the ESB are currently assessing the situation and as a result the James Hardiman Library, An Bialann (student and staff canteen) and Student Union shops will remain closed until further notice. Lectures have not been disrupted. Keith Warnock, Vice-President for Physical Resources said, "We are reviewing the situation, and initial indications are that the Library and other buildings affected will be closed for several days. While the disruption to university activity is disappointing, it is important to recognise that the incident was met with a very effective response, and there were no injuries. The fire emergency plan was carried out smoothly and effectively, and on behalf of the University community, I want to thank the local fire brigade and our own security staff for their professionalism and dedication." ENDS

- Invitation to come closer to the Creative Arts - NUI Galway has launched a new Arts in Action Programme for 2007 – 2008. The programme will seek to cultivate awareness of the Creative Arts, where each student will have the possibility for increased engagement in the various creative arts forms. This programme is specially designed for the 2nd and 3rd year undergraduate students in the College of Arts & Celtic Studies. It includes illustrated performances and lectures in art forms such as: Theatre, Traditional Arts, Architecture, Literatures in English and Irish, Dance, Music, Opera, Visual Art, Film, Circus and Street Spectacle. Mary McPartlan, Director of 'Arts in Action Programme' for the College of Arts & Celtic Studies at NUI Galway, said: "We are creating a new inclusive arts programme which demonstrates the University's commitment and recognition of the creative arts. This programme will provide opportunities and accessibility for students interested in creative arts, to enjoy and experience specific performances, in a specially designed programme, and also opening up possibilities for further studies in the creative industries." The programme starts this month when Druid Theatre Company present Long Day's Journey into Night directed by Garry Hynes and starring Marie Mullens. Literary Manager Thomas Conway will be guest speaker on the night. The Huston School of Film and Digital Media will present a master class in October by Italian Ensemble Gatto Marte, presenting the original score and screening of the F. Murnnau film Faust. The final event in semester one will be a workshop opportunity for students with Rod Stoneman and Mary O Malley (Huston School of Film & Digital Media) on how to prepare a portfolio for postgraduate study. In semester two, the programme includes a Con Tempo concert and lecture with Dr Jane O Leary; a traditional concert and talks by leading artists such as Frankie Gavin, Roisin Elsafty, Roisin Ni Mhainin, Ronan Browne and Máirtín O Connor; and a field trip to the Irish Museum of Modern Art and a production at the Abbey Theatre Dublin. Each student attending four or more events, and who complete two 500 word reflections on two events of their choice will be presented with a 'Certificate of Attendance and Participation' by Professor Kevin Barry, Dean of Arts at NUI Galway. ENDS

- Future of Sustainable transport for Galway - The NUI Galway Department of Civil Engineering is to host a workshop on the future of transport infrastructure for Galway on Friday, 28 September in the Ardilaun Hotel, Taylor's Hill. The workshop will particularly focus on how Galway can become a sustainable city with the introduction of a Light Rail System. Professor Padraic O Donoghue, Dean of Engineering at NUI Galway said: "For many reasons, a sustainable, efficient transport system is essential for a city like Galway. This workshop will focus in particular on the light rail option and outline how this is one of the solutions that is relevant to us". "We are bringing in experts from other countries, as well as from Ireland to share experiences of the benefits and pitfalls of light rail schemes," said Professor Lewis Lesley, an international expert in the area, who will chair the event. The Official Opening will be conducted by the Mayor of Galway Cllr Tom Costello and speakers will include former Mayor Niall O Brolcháin; Professor Austin Smyth of Queens University; Lincoln Shields, former Director AMEC Construction; and Professor Lewis Lesley, TRAM Power Ltd. The workshop will be relevant to a wide audience including public representatives, those involved in providing and delivering transportation solutions and indeed the wider user community. Bookings for the day long event can be made by contacting the Department of Civil Engineering, NUI Galway at 091-492211 / 087-2383857 or email: seosamh.costello@nuigalway.ie Total seminar fee including lunch and refreshments is €75. ENDS

Almost 2000 students are expected to attend the largest ever Annual NUI Galway Volunteering Fair on Thursday, 27 September. Over 50 charities and community organisations will have stands at the event which will be officially opened by Mayor of Galway City, Councillor Tom Costello. Exhibitors will include: the Alzheimer Society; Amnesty International; Big Brother Big Sister; Childline; Croí; Galway Refugee Support Group; Simon Community; Enable Ireland; and UNICEF. The fair will showcase a variety of volunteer opportunities such as: mentoring other students on campus; working in the Galway area with local community groups; fundraising for national charities; or volunteering abroad in a developing country. The Volunteer Fair is a joint initiative between the University's Student Services and NUI Galway's Community Knowledge Initiative, which runs a programme called ALIVE to encourage student volunteering. "This event is a wonderful opportunity to meet and share information and ideas. Over the years it has gone from strength to strength - thanks to the continued enthusiasm and support of our community partners. Our students contribute significantly to the social fabric here in Galway - whether it's running homework clubs for local schools, fundraising for charities, or befriending people with a disability. This fair is just one way to harness and encourage this ongoing civic commitment", said Lorraine Tansey, Student Volunteer Coordinator of ALIVE. Through the ALIVE programme, students at NUI Galway can access an online database of volunteer opportunities. The programme also runs a series of workshops to help students make the most of the volunteering experience. At the end of the academic year students can apply for an ALIVE Certificate which is awarded at a special ceremony in recognition of their commitment to volunteering. The event takes place on campus in Áras na Mac Léinn, from 1.30pm – 5.30pm. For further information, please contact the University's Community Knowledge Initiative on 091 493823 or email cki@nuigalway.ie. ENDS

NUI Galway s Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI) recently hosted the 7th International Peer-to-Peer Conference which was attended by over 100 researchers and experts from industry. Peer-to-peer (P2P) technology has come into the limelight recently with applications like Skype and collaboration applications like Groove. These applications critically depend on peer-to-peer technology which enables global scalability and robustness against failures at much lower costs than traditional data centre solutions as an application can make use of the computing resources of all participants. The next stage in its development will see the application of semantics to P2P technologies which will enable more effective inter-business communication and personal collaboration. The International Peer-to-Peer Conference is the flagship conference gathering for leading international experts from both academia and industry. High profile speakers at this year s conference included: Dr Sandeep K. Singhal, Director Windows Networking, Microsoft Corporation, who gave a tutorial on the Peer-to-Peer and Collaboration Platform used in Microsoft s Windows operating system; Dr Wolfgang Kellerer, Senior Manager Future Networking Lab, NTT DoCoMo Euro-Labs, whose keynote speech addressed The Bright Future of P2P: a Telecom Operator s Perspective; and Prof Karl Aberer, Director of the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research - Mobile Information and Communication Systems, who discussed how P2P can be used to improve search engines. The uptake of P2P technologies by companies such as Microsoft and Skype clearly shows the relevance of P2P technology for modern software development. This significance is further emphasised by the sponsorship of the P2P conference by local industry including Cisco, Nortel and Storm Technologies. Local industry can benefit from such conferences showcasing the latest scientific developments in a cutting edge technology domain by networking with leading experts in the field as well as a place to recruit engineers with the relevant skills. Professor Manfred Hauswirth, Vice Director of DERI Galway, program chair and local organiser of P2P2007, said: "Local companies sponsoring and attending the conference have the opportunity to see what these highly qualified individuals have to offer. This in turn delivers a desperately needed injection of know how given the dramatically low numbers of Irish students in the ICT area." ENDS

7-year research findings show current state of the health of the nation President Mary McAleese recently launched a supplement to the Irish Medical Journal that includes four scientific articles based on data from the Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study. The HBSC study is conducted by researchers in the Health Promotion Research Centre at NUI Galway and is led by Principal Investigator Dr Saoirse Nic Gabhainn, and funded by the Department of Health and Children. The journal launched is based on the Health Research Board funded Unit for Health Status and Health Gain and includes new Irish findings on the health of the Irish population across the life-span, and what is important for good health in all age groups. The massive project conducted by the HRB Unit involved almost 40,000 people ranging from women in early pregnancy, to children, to the elderly and was carried out by research groups from NUI Galway and UCD. The research cover areas such as the dietary habits of pregnant women, the increased risk of eating disorders among Irish schoolchildren, the importance of interpersonal relationships as predictors of positive health among Irish pre-teens and teenagers, and the risk factors to health in grandparents. "The social and cultural changes underway in Ireland today pose enormous challenges across a wide spectrum of state activity, in particular where the planning and delivery of health and personal social services are concerned. The findings of this report will help us deal with this rapidly changing environment," said the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese. "The best way to deal with change is to prepare well and the work of this Unit will serve us well in that area.' Funding for the project was provided by the Health Research Board in 1999 in order to provide empirical evidence on the actual state of the nation's health. The findings will be used to help formulate Government strategy on health needs and to monitor changes in health expectancy among the Irish population, in line with key strategic objectives outlined by the Department of Health and Children in the 1994 policy document "Shaping a Healthier Future and the subsequent "Quality and Fairness, a Health System for You" in 2001." Before the HRB Unit was established there was very limited information available on the risk factors associated with ill health in the Irish population; particularly the social influences on those risk factors. The comprehensive research findings announced today bring together information from 12 surveys comprising 39,837 respondents across all walks of Irish life and at different life stages. It provides, for the first time, actual longitudinal evidence that will help in the planning of Irish health services into the future. The findings point to pockets of real disadvantage, especially in urban areas, and suggest that special policy effort must be made to reach the most disadvantaged groups and individuals in Irish society. Mother and child health – investment in early development As part of its work programme the Unit established a three generation family study called the "Lifeways Study" in 2001. This unique cross-generation study has over 3,500 family participants derived from 1,124 mothers who were recruited during early pregnancy. "The findings show a clear need for more concerted policy interventions by the health, education and social welfare sectors to support mothers and their families at early life stages," says Prof Cecily Kelleher, Head of the UCD School of Public Health and Population Science, who led the research of the HRB Unit for Health Status and Health Gain. "Investment at early life stages will pay great dividends in terms of future health benefits. The National Health Service in the United Kingdom has given this top priority and we also need to do so." By capturing information over a 5 year period, the 'Lifeways Study' enabled the researchers to investigate several areas of mother and child health including: dietary habits of pregnant women in Ireland; risk factor profile of grandparents; pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index and infant birth weight; and primary care utilisation rates in pre-school children. Socioeconomic differences in childhood primary care consultation rates had never before been examined in Ireland. The findings, from three years follow-up of over a thousand children show a strong inverse relationship between consultation rates in children and social class - higher utilisation rates among GMS (General Medical Service) cardholders. "The ratio of consulting rates among Irish preschool children, for GMS (General Medical Service) to paying patients, is so much lower than for adults," explains Professor Andrew Murphy, Professor of General Practice at NUI Galway, one of the principal investigators in the research. "Although consulting rates do significantly decrease with income increments, the differences are relatively small." "Policy and research perspectives suggest that all Irish pre-school children, irrespective of income level, should receive free primary care" he adds. In relation to dietary habits, the research findings show that while a reasonably high percentage of pregnant women are achieving the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables as set by the Health Promotion Unit's Healthy Eating Guidelines based on the food pyramid, less than 50% achieve the remaining daily dietary recommendations. According to the research, children of mothers with relatively higher fruit and vegetable intake and higher oily fish consumption are less likely to be effected by later childhood asthma (similar findings were produced in a recent study from the University of Crete). "These preliminary findings suggest an important new avenue for research in preventing asthma" says Professor Cecily Kelleher, Head of the UCD School of Public Health and Population Science. Peer influences and young people's health The Unit also investigated the influence of peer groups and peer relationships on the health of young school going children by analysing data from the 2002 Irish Health Behaviour of School Going Children (HBSC),"The findings suggest that by helping adolescents to build and maintain strong interpersonal relationships you are leading them to better health," says Dr Michal Molcho of NUI Galway, another of the principal investigators in the research. "The greater number of supportive relationships, the more positive the health of the adolescent." According to the study, positive supporting relationships are critically important for child health, and particularly the role of parents. "Supporting parents in their relationships with their children will help to improve the health of the child," continues Dr Molcho. The research also suggests that children who are most at risk from eating disorders are those children who are unhappy, who perceive themselves as not good looking, who have diet concerns, who are bullied more than twice per month, and feel that they are below average academically. "While it is necessary to treat eating disorders, there must be a shift in focus to prevent the onset of the disorder," says Professor Fiona McNicholas, Professor Of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, another principal investigator in the research. "Introducing social, personal and health education into schools may go some way towards improving self-image and self-esteem among Irish school children," she continues. "But health professionals also need to play a role in preventing and detecting unhealthy eating attitudes and behaviours." Area Issues, disadvantage and social capital The work of the Unit also brings together, for the first time, several surveys which have assessed the relative influence of area disadvantage and social capital: the 2002 National Survey of Lifestyle Attitudes and Nutrition (SLAN), and the 2002 and 2005 European Social Survey. "While being personally disadvantaged was the main influence on health status, the research clearly shows that this is compounded by the deterioration of social facilities and amenities in certain urban areas," says Professor Kelleher. "All things being equal, people living in rural areas and older people reported better mental health than younger people" she adds. "Policy measures to improve health in certain deprived communities are outside the specific area of health," explains Dr Michelle Millar from NUI Galway, who as part of the research programme consulted people in disadvantaged areas for their views on what was most needed to improve their quality of life. "Moves to tackle such deprivation require a more holistic policy approach," she says. "Policy makers should heed the need to avoid ghettoisation and other poverty traps," explains Professor Kelleher. Policy actions for specific groups The recent work of the HRB Unit for Health Status and Health Gain also focused on discussing the value of targeting policy actions at specific groups to improve the health status of the Irish population. These groups highlighted were: children in early childhood, women, socio-economically disadvantaged groups and older people. "Evidenced based policy drawn from research overwhelmingly supports investment in early childhood interventions," says Dr Dorren McMahon, UCD Geary Institute, commenting on the research. "Returns from early childhood investment include better outcomes in education and health, increased work productivity and reduced crime rates." "Women in less well off socio-economic groups are at the greatest disadvantage with regard to health. They are at greater risk of developing poor health," says Geraldine Luddy, Director of the Women's Health Council. At present, the health of these women is compromised by lack of education, lack of information, and lack of awareness of factors that contribute to disease. "Specific policies must be developed to target this disadvantaged group." "The principles of involvement, participation and community development are central to tackling health inequalities and current health policy reflects this," said Elaine Houlihan from the Combat Poverty Agency. "We need to increasingly involve the communities that are experiencing health inequalities in consultation and participation. This will give those individuals who are receiving the services more of a say in how they are planned and delivered." "New opportunities for older people to maximize their capabilities in economic, social and civic life should be created and supported," says Professor Eamon O'Shea, Irish Centre for Social Gerontology at NUI Galway. "Health strategies must be developed in conjunction with the older people themselves and their advocates in a genuine spirit of partnership and intergenerational solidarity. -ends-

NUI Galway marine researchers were yesterday awarded €9.2million in Dublin from the Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan T.D., and Mary Coughlan T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Food. The grants awarded, nearly €20 million in total, are named after Irish hydrographer Francis Beaufort, and will fund 141 researchers and students working in 5 research consortia, across 5 institutions. A consortium of research groups from National University of Ireland, Galway, University College Cork and Queens University Belfast, led by the Martin Ryan Marine Science Institute, NUI Galway, secured a substantial €7.2 million for research in Marine Biodiscovery. 80% of living organisms are found only in aquatic ecosystems, yet little is known about their biochemical characteristics. The Beaufort Marine Biodiscovery Consortium will aim to develop a leading capability in the utilisation of marine organisms and materials for the production of drugs, advanced biomaterials and neutraceuticals in Ireland. On receipt of the award Professor Michael Guiry, Director of the Martin Ryan Institute at NUI Galway, said: "Marine biodiscovery is a major opportunity for Ireland, particularly for the west of Ireland, which is one of the most biodiverse marine areas in the European Community, and we look forward to working with our partners in the Marine Institute in Oranmore, UCC, and Queen's University Belfast. The Government, and in particular the Departments of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources and Agriculture, Fisheries & Food have shown great foresight in funding this programme for 7 years under the SeaChange programme. Scientific innovation is indeed the key to unlocking economic success." The Centre for Rural Transformation and Sustainability at NUI Galway secured €2 million for Marine Socio-Economic Research. The Beaufort Marine Award in Socio-Economic Research will establish for the first time in Ireland's history, the research leadership and capacity required to assess and quantify the economic, social and environmental value of our significant marine resources. Professor Michael Cuddy, Director of the Centre for Rural Transformation and Sustainability at NUI Galway said: "This is a unique opportunity to address socio-economic issues important to the economic sector in Ireland which will underpin the SeaChange strategy." - ends-

Photonics Ireland 2007 is the first conference organised by the Irish Optics and Photonics Network, and will be held from September 24 to 26 at the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, Galway. This all-Ireland conference will have 10 scientific sessions covering most aspects of photonics research in universities and institutes of technology and will include a special Photonics Industry Session and a Poster Session. The conference organisation is led by Professor Chris Dainty, Director of the Applied Optics Group at NUI Galway. All Universities on the island are collaborating in this scientific conference, which showcases the Photonics research currently being conducted in Ireland. The conference provides an invaluable opportunity for the community of young Irish researchers in Photonics to access the knowledge and expertise of the panel of invited scientists from Ireland and from overseas, and from industry experts. Prof. Dainty said: "All photonics research groups in Ireland will be represented at the conference and the vast majority of research students and post-doctorates in photonics, as well as senior researchers are attending. The response to-date has been overwhelming with nearly 200 attendees and 170 scientific presentations". Conference topics to be addressed include: Photonic Materials Photonic Devices Nanophotonics and Plasmonics Optical Communication Systems Quantum Optics Laser Material Interactions Imaging ENDS

The 'BarCamp Galway' event will be held at the Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI), National University of Ireland, Galway from 10a.m. on 22nd September, 2007. BarCamp is a technology-focused, informal gathering of people from technical and business backgrounds, where information and experiences are exchanged. The event is geared towards sharing knowledge and learning from others, and there is a policy of encouraging active participation in all discussions. 'BarCamp Galway' extends from other successful Irish "unconferences", most recently in Dublin and Belfast. The term unconference is used as BarCamp allows anyone to present, and talks can be technical or non-technical. The ethos is simply about sharing information, with no overriding theme. Speakers and discussion panel members who have signed up to talk so far include: David Lenehan, PollDaddy: creator of the very popular online polling service John Collison, Auctomatic: the young Irish student who along with his brother Patrick received significant venture capital funding from Y-Combinator in Silicon Valley John Breslin, boards.ie: co-founder of Ireland s largest discussion community Conor O Neill, LouderVoice: editor of Blognation Ireland Ina O Murchu, DERI: writer of Galway First s TechTalk column and speaking about the Social Web The event is free and is sponsored by Microsoft, Blacknight, boards.ie and Logon.ie. If you wish to attend, simply send an e-mail to barcampgalway@gmail.com ENDS

The Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at NUI Galway has launched its national Schools' Science Essay Competition 2007. Sponsored for the third year by medical technology company Medtronic, the competition is open to all students in the senior cycle of secondary schools in Ireland. This year's essay title is Genetic Engineering: Panacea or Pandora's Box? Closing date for receipt of entries is Friday, October 26th 2007. REMEDI's Schools' Science Essay Competition was launched in 2005 to stimulate discussion among students on the ethical and societal implications of advances in biomedical research. The aim is to generate interest in science among second level students and encourage more to go on to study science at third level. Last year's competition generated a lot of interest in science issues among students, with an increase of over double the number of entries since 2005. The eventual winner was Paul Kelliher from Killorglin, Co. Kerry. Professor Tim O Brien, Director, REMEDI, explained: "The purpose of this project, as with all our secondary school initiatives, is to encourage young people to take an active interest in contemporary scientific research, and to consider a career in this field. Science communication should always be a two way process. While it is important for REMEDI personnel to publicly discuss research taking place in the areas of stem cell and gene therapy, it is equally important for our scientists to listen to the public's views on this research – and we've found 16-18 year olds are more than eager to express their views on some of the questions raised by this research." This year's essay is 'Genetic Engineering: Panacea or Pandora's Box?': As scientists advance their ability to identify, screen and manipulate genes; is gene therapy a potential panacea for the terrible illnesses we cannot cure, or a Pandora's box where genetically enhanced 'designer babies' with perfect looks and high IQs become a reality?". Winners of the competition in 2005 and 2006 were presented with their prizes at the BT Young Scientist Festival in Dublin, by Minister for Education & Science Mary Hanafin T.D. This year's competition prizes include a laptop, iPOD, crystal trophies and school prizes of science equipment bursaries. Full details of the competition rules, helpful hints and additional information on how to enter are available on the education section of the REMEDI website www.remedi.ie. REMEDI is an SFI funded research institute at the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science located at NUI Galway. ENDS

NUI Galway was successful in securing four substantial SFI research grants announced recently in Dublin by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, T.D. Professor Christopher Dainty, SFI Professor of Experimental Physics at NUI Galway was the largest award of €4.5million for research in applied optical techniques. Optics is concerned with lighting, displays such as TVs and computers, CDs and DVDs, healthcare and manufacturing but also human vision. This research will focus on improving diagnostic methods which would lead to early diagnosis of disease in the eye and prevention of blindness in old age. As individuals live longer, and the overall population ages, problems of eye disease are becoming more severe, and the need for early detection of conditions such as macular degeneration and glaucoma becomes more important. Optical imaging, enhanced by a technique called "adaptive optics" -- invented by astronomers to obtain better images in telescopes -- will allow doctors to make earlier diagnoses of these and other diseases of the eye. Other research areas being investigated include optical storage systems, free-space optical communication systems and lithography. Professor Dainty, on receipt of the award, said: "This renewal of our funding for the next five years reflects a vote of confidence by the international scientific community in our wide-ranging research programme. Reviewers praised our commitment to academic excellence and our focus on educating research leaders of the future". Other NUI Galway recipients included Professor Matthew Dallas Griffin, based at the Mayo Clinic, USA; Dr Thomas Ritter from the Regenerative Medicine Institute; and Dr Stephen Rea, who received one of four President of Ireland Young Researcher Awards (PIYRA) 2007. Professor Nicholas Canny, Vice President of Research at NUI Galway offered his congratulations to all of these recipients of SFI awards which have brought distinction to themselves and to NUI Galway. He added, "Their research will contribute to the enrichment of the community through the advancement of knowledge and the application of that knowledge to industry." SFI, the national foundation for excellence in scientific research, invests in academic researchers and research teams who are most likely to generate new knowledge, leading edge technologies, and competitive enterprises. SFI has responsibility for investment of €1.4bn under the current National Development Plan and the Strategy for Science, Technology & Innovation up to the year 2013. - ENDS -

Centre to be results-focused on solving pressing child and family issues in Irish society President Mary McAleese will launch the Child and Family Research Centre (CFRC) at the National University of Ireland, Galway today, Friday, 7 September, 2007. The Centre aims to improve outcomes for children and their families, and advance practice and policy in Ireland and internationally, through research, evaluation and service development. According to Dr Pat Dolan, Director of the Child and Family Research Centre, there is a need for more research that focuses on finding ways to support children and families in crises and prior to the escalation of problems. He said: "While social difficulties such as child poverty, youth suicide and violence within families are often brought to public attention, solutions to these problems are neither highlighted nor adequately shared among interested stakeholders, including families themselves". This launch is timely as the Centre expands its' capacity to work directly with policy makers and frontline child welfare professionals such as social workers, teachers and community youth workers in response to the increasing demand for services that deliver the best outcomes for children and families. Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President, NUI Galway welcomed the establishment of the Centre: "This unique partnership between the University and the HSE, and supported by The Atlantic Philanthropies, will, through its research and teaching outputs, have a direct impact on improving the quality of life for children and families in Ireland. It marks the continuing development of world-class research and social science policy centres on our campus." In 2007 the Child and Family Research Centre was awarded significant support from The Atlantic Philanthropies Ireland under its Disadvantaged Children and Youth Programme which aims for better health and life outcomes for young people experiencing adversity. Over the next five to ten years the CFRC will become a leading centre of excellence, with over 20 full-time staff and PhD students and an international visiting faculty programme. ENDS

Is é a bheidh mar aidhm ag an Ionad seo ceisteanna tábhachtacha maidir le leanaí agus teaghlaigh i sochaí na hÉireann a réiteach agus a chinntiú go mbeidh torthaí a gcuid oibre le feiceáil Seolfaidh an tUachtarán Máire Mhic Giolla Íosa an tIonad Taighde um Leanaí agus Teaghlaigh (CRFC) in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, inniu, Dé hAoine, an 7 Meán Fómhair 2007. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an Ionad saol leanaí agus a dteaghlaigh a fheabhsú, agus cleachtas agus beartas a chur chun cinn in Éirinn agus go hidirnáisiúnta, trí thaighde, trí mheasúnacht agus trí fhorbairt seirbhíse. Dúirt an Dr Pat Dolan, Stiúrthóir an Ionaid Taighde um Leanaí agus Teaghlaigh, go bhfuil gá le tuilleadh taighde atá dírithe ar bhealaí a aimsiú chun tacú le leanaí agus le teaghlaigh atá i ngéarchéim sula dtéann na fadhbanna atá acu i ndonas. Dúirt sé: "Cé go dtarraingítear aird an phobail ar dheacrachtaí sóisialta cosúil le bochtaineacht i measc leanaí, féinmharú i measc na n-óg agus foréigean i measc teaghlach, ní tharraingítear aird ar bith ar dheacrachtaí a réiteach agus ní chuirtear na réitigh seo in iúl do pháirtithe leasmhara, na teaghlaigh féin san áireamh". Tá an seoladh seo ag tarlú ag tráth a bhfuil forbairt ag teacht ar acmhainn an Ionaid oibriú go díreach le lucht déanta beartais agus príomhghairmithe cúraim leanaí cosúil le hoibrithe sóisialta, múinteoirí agus oibrithe pobail don aos óg, mar fhreagairt ar an éileamh atá ann do sheirbhísí a chinntíonn na torthaí is fearr do leanaí agus do theaghlaigh. D'fháiltigh an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, Uachtarán, OÉ Gaillimh roimh bhunú an Ionaid agus an méid seo a leanas á rá aige: "Beidh tionchar díreach ag an gcomhpháirtíocht speisialta seo idir an Ollscoil agus Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte, le tacaíocht ó Atlantic Philanthropies Ireland, ar cháilíocht beatha leanaí agus teaghlach in Éirinn trí thorthaí taighde agus teagaisc. Léargas eile fós é bunú an Ionaid seo ar an bhforbairt leanúnach atá ar siúl againn maidir le hionaid taighde agus beartais eolaíochta sóisialta den scoth a fhorbairt ar ár gcampas." In 2007, bhronn The Atlantic Philanthropies Ireland tacaíocht shuntasach ar an Ionad Taighde um Leanaí agus Teaghlaigh faoi Chlár na Leanaí faoi Mhíbhuntáiste agus na nÓg. Is é atá mar aidhm leis an gclár seo sláinte agus saol níos fearr a chinntiú do dhaoine óga a bhfuil deacrachtaí áirithe le sárú acu. Sna cúig go deich mbliana amach romhainn forbrófar an CFRC mar ionad feabhais. Beidh breis agus 20 comhalta foirne lánaimseartha agus mic léinn PhD, mar aon le clár cuairte dáimhe idirnáisiúnta san Ionad. CRÍOCH

One of the most recent service learning programmes to come on stream at NUI Galway has been awarded a prestigious European Award for Languages. The award-winning module 'Service Learning in Italian' sees third and fourth year students in the Arts Faculty teach Italian in local primary schools as part of their course. The European Award for Languages (also known as the Language Label) recognises creativity and innovation in improving the quality of language learning and teaching. Through the 'Service Learning in Italian' module, primary schools gain access supported language classes without requiring them to find extra funding or resources. Meanwhile, third-level students have an opportunity to practice their language and teaching skills, supporting wider links between the university and the community. Service learning is a relatively new phenomenon at third-level in Ireland, but has been well established in the US for many years. Rather than traditional lectures or university classes, the learning process happens through working with the wider community on a project or issue that links to the students' degree subject area. NUI Galway, with the support of its Community Knowledge Initiative, now has over a dozen courses with this specific civic dimension. Service learning is neither volunteering nor work-placement, but is a distinct approach to teaching and learning that is designed to be academically robust whilst also linked to community needs. The teaching method was first piloted at NUI Galway three years ago with Nursing students who worked in an AIDS hospice in Zambia and a hospital in Belize; and with Bio-medical and Mechanical Engineering students who developed a range of innovative tools and resources for disabled, elderly and others facing particular challenges in daily life. A range of service-learning modules are now available across faculties at the University. Dr. Anne O'Connor of the Italian Department at NUI Galway, who coordinated the 'Service Learning in Italian' pilot programme, commented, "We are thrilled to receive a European Award for Languages 2007. Our new module aims to foster positive attitudes towards language learning for all involved, both primary and third-level students. The module also develops links with the community, giving students the opportunity to exercise social responsibility. Primary school children who participate, range from ages six to ten and are taught in an interactive and enjoyable way." The European Award for Languages is coordinated by the European Commission and managed on a decentralised basis by each member state. The award is managed in Ireland by Léargas. The award will be presented at a special ceremony in Dublin on 26 September European Day of Languages. ENDS

Lá ar leith atá ann don Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh inniu. Is é seo an uair dheiridh aige tabhairt faoi sheachtain iomlán de bhronnadh céimeanna in OÉ Gaillimh. Tá sé anois i ndiaidh seacht lá a chaitheamh i mbun searmanas ar fhreastail os cionn 4,000 mac léinn orthu. Beidh an searmanas bronnta deiridh mar Uachtarán aige i mí Feabhra 2008. Seo a leanas a bhí le rá ag an Dr Ó Muircheartaigh agus na searmanais bhronnta beagnach thart: "Ba é an chuid ba dheise den phost bualadh leis na mic léinn agus a dteaghlach ag na searmanais bhronnta. Is é sin an chuimhne is fearr a bheidh agam ar an tréimhse a chaith mé anseo mar Uachtarán – aitheantas a thabhairt don mhéid atá bainte amach ag gach uile mhac léinn". Measann an tUachtarán go bhfuil idir chéimeanna agus dhioplómaí bronnta aige ar os cionn 40,000 céimí anois. Cuireadh tús le searmanais bhronnta an fhómhair in OÉ Gaillimh Dé hAoine, 19 Deireadh Fómhair, tráth ar bronnadh idir theastais, dhioplómaí agus chéimeanna ar 650 mac léinn as áiteanna ar fud na tíre ag searmanas do Mhic Léinn Lánfhásta. I rith na seachtaine freisin bronnadh Céim Mháistreachta Oinigh ar Eric Elwood, as an obair atá déanta aige ar mhaithe le Rugbaí i gConnachta; Tom Tuohy, as an obair dheonach atá déanta aige i mbun cúrsaí oiliúna i gClub Rámhaíochta OÉ Gaillimh; Tomás Ó Tuathail, as an obair atá déanta aige ar mhaithe le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge agus forbairt pobail i dTuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Mhaigh Eo; agus bronnadh Céim Mháistreachta Oinigh san Eolaíocht ar Alasdar Mac Cana, as an méid oibre a rinne sé thar thréimhse 20 bliain i mbun oiliúint phraiticiúil eolaithe i Roinn na Fisice agus Roinn an Oideachais in OÉ Gaillimh. CRÍOCH

Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh will today complete his final full week of conferrings at NUI Galway following seven days in which he conferred over 4,000 students. His final conferring ceremony as President will take place in February 2008. Dr Ó Muircheartaigh commented towards the end of the conferring ceremonies: "Meeting students and their families on graduation day is probably my favourite part of the job. It will stand out as the single most rewarding and memorable experience of my tenure, recognising as it does the achievement of each individual student". The President calculates that during his period of office he will have conferred degrees and diplomas on over 40,000 graduands. The annual autumn conferring ceremonies began at NUI Galway last Friday, 19 October when over 650 students from locations across the country were conferred, during the Adult and Continuing Education ceremonies, following completion of their certificate, diploma and degree courses. Three Honorary MA Degrees and one Honorary MSc Degree were also awarded this week to Eric Elwood, for his contribution to Connacht Rugby; Tom Tuohy, for his contribution as coach to NUI Galway Boat Club; Tomás Ó Tuathail, for his contribution to community development and Irish language and culture promotion in his native Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo; and Alasdar Mac Cana, for his contribution of over 20 years in the practical training of scientists in the Department of Physics and in the Education Department of NUI Galway. ENDS

The report of the second national HSE conference on ethnic minority health was launched at NUI Galway yesterday by Diane Nurse, National Planning Specialist, Social Inclusion, HSE. The conference, Participation of Ethnic Minority Communities in Primary Care Service Design, Planning and Delivery, took place in Galway in January of this year. The idea for the conference grew from an ongoing partnership between the Primary Care Department, HSE West, the Department of General Practice, NUI Galway and the Galway Refugee Support Group. The conference provided a forum to showcase examples of participatory approaches in research, service delivery and community health initiatives. Almost one fifth of the 150 delegates were ethnic minority community members, with the remainder drawn from statutory and non-statutory agencies. Speaking at the launch Diane Nurse of the HSE said: "It is clear that there is a growing awareness at European, national, regional, and local level that people affected by policy decisions have a right to be consulted about issues and decisions that affect their lives. Participation of ethnic minorities is not just an "add on". It is not down to individuals, individual projects or services. It comes through at national, regional and local level. It is informed and mandated by policy at government and organisational level. It is supported by a range of approaches including community development which has a lot to teach us in terms of participation. There are many examples to build upon and learn from. Participation strengthens and improves service for all of us. " The report identifies four key areas which featured strongly in presentations and group discussions and which conference delegates felt warranted particular consideration in the forthcoming National Intercultural Health Strategy and the implementation of the strategy thereafter. 1. GP services are the first point of contact with the health services for asylum seekers and ethnic minority communities. At this time many ethnic minority community members are having difficulty in general practice. Key recommendations are to improve the systems by which an asylum seeker 'finds' a GP and is 'accepted' on a GP list as a GMS patient. GP services need to be culturally appropriate with supports in place for both GP and patient (e.g. interpretation services and cultural competence training). 2. The mental health of asylum seekers is a cause for concern. For asylum seekers, mental health issues arising from experiences in their home countries are being compounded by experiences of direct provision accommodation and the prohibition on the right to work. Existing support services are either centrally based (i.e. Dublin), under resourced (e.g. Galway Rape Crisis Centre) or not always appropriate to the needs of individuals (e.g. psychiatric services for people requiring psychological services and supports). Appropriate psychological services should be in place around the country. 3. Language is a major barrier to effective healthcare for people from ethnic minority communities who have limited English. The main recommendation is for the development of a national interpretation service, staffed by trained interpreters and subject to on-going monitoring and evaluation. In addition, health information should be made available in a range of languages and individuals should be supported to attend English language classes as a longer term strategy. 4. Participatory approaches are strongly recommended as a suitable way of working for the development of culturally appropriate primary care services. The GMS modernization programme, training for GPs and other healthcare staff, and the development of an accredited and regulated interpretation service were just some of the service developments that would benefit from the 'voice' and 'expertise' of ethnic minority communities. At the same time, it was recommended that participatory approaches are developed and monitored in a critical manner. This report of conference proceedings has been sent to the HSE Social Inclusion Unit as a submission for the developing of the National Intercultural Health Strategy. The Intercultural Strategy aims to ensure that provision of health services is equal, accessible, culturally sensitive and appropriate in meeting the needs of minority ethnic communities. This includes improving access to health services, and reducing the risks of social exclusion and health inequalities experienced by minority ethnic groups, including travellers, asylum seekers, refugees and migrant workers. ENDS

A public lecture on the issue of Accountability in Foreign Policy and the role of Foreign Affairs Committees in delivering such accountability will be given on Thursday, 25 October, 2007 at NUI Galway by Michael D. Higgins T.D., President and Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs for the Labour Party and Adjunct Professor at NUI Galway. The free public event is part of the University's Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) Keynote Seminar Series which seeks to address pertinent issues facing the wider national and international community. The seminar 'The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs – Can it deliver accountability on Foreign Policy?' will be hosted in conjunction with the Irish Centre for Human Rights, where Michael is an Adjunct Professor. In his presentation, he will draw on his experience of the Irish Foreign Affairs Committee and also on some preliminary results from research he initiated into the working of similar committees across 17 European countries. According to Michael D. Higgins, "The recent Iraq War, its illegality, the rhetoric used to justify a pre-emptive strike, the misleading of Parliament and the international institutions, and above all, the tragic consequences that have flown from it, have raised the issue of the consequences of a gap between the moral concerns of a public, the actions of their Governments, and the response of their Parliaments". The seminar will question not only the classic question as to whether foreign policy should be accountable, but also whether it is even possible against the argument of some practitioners that foreign policy makers and their diplomatic agents must operate in a relatively secretive manner. Michael D. Higgins will give some examples to help illustrate the context in which Irish foreign policy decision making operates and to highlight some of the obstacles to accountability thrown up by this context. The seminar will be held in the Siobhán McKenna Theatre in the Arts Millennium Building at NUI Galway, from 1pm to 2pm. For further information, telephone the CKI office on 091 493823. -ends-

NUI Galway will confer three Honorary MA Degrees this week on Eric Elwood, for his contribution to Connacht Rugby; Tom Tuohy, for his voluntary contribution as coach to NUI Galway Boat Club; Tomás Ó Tuathail, for his contribution to Irish language promotion and community work in Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo; and an Honorary MSc Degree on Alasdar Mac Cana, for his contribution of over 20 years in the practical training of scientists in the Department of Physics and in the Education Department of NUI Galway. The honorary ceremonies will take place Monday 22, Tuesday 23 and Thursday 25 October, 2007, in conjunction with the Autumn Conferring Ceremonies which will see the graduation of over 4,000 students. Eric Elwood will be recognised for his contribution to rugby in Connacht. A dedicated servant to the Galwegians club in Galway, he first represented his province Connacht in 1989 against Ulster. He went on to represent Connacht a record 177 times and played his last match for Connacht in April 2005. He entered the international scene in 1993 and went on to win 35 caps for Ireland scoring 296 points and he played his last test against Romania in October 1999. Tom Tuohy, a native of Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, will be honoured in recognition of his contribution to the sport of rowing in NUI Galway over a period of more than 30 years. "Tom Tuohy has for more than 20 years been the driving force behind the story of Rowing at NUI Galway. His enormous contribution to the club has been based on a love of the sport and a deeply-felt connection to and pride in his alma mater. All of these efforts have been on an entirely voluntary basis. Tom has been and remains an unpaid coach and mentor at a time when selfless volunteerism in Irish society is a very rare thing indeed", commented fellow rowing clubman Ruadhán Cooke. Alasdar Mac Cana will be honoured for his contribution of over 20 years in the practical training of scientists in the Department of Physics and in the Education Department of NUI Galway. Originally from Armagh, his work in NUI Galway came after a lifetime of teaching in the UK, when he "retired" with his wife, Magdalen Conlon from Spiddal, to live in Connemara. Professor Tom Glynn, Department of Physics, NUI Galway, said: "we are honouring a man (now in his hundredth year) who has done truly wonderful patient work, over an extended lifetime, in educating generations of young scientists on both sides of the Irish Sea. At the same time, he has filled his life with extensive travel, experience, and adventure and left a lasting impression on all who meet him as a remarkable human being and a dedicated teacher". Tomás Ó Tuathail will be honoured for his contribution to community life and to the promotion of the Irish language in his native Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo. Professor Nollaig Mac Congáil, Scoil na Gaeilge, NUI Galway says: "Tomás Ó Tuathail, a native of Tourmakeady and one who farmed and kept a business there all his life, realised that the area was in serious decline economically and socially. He spent his life actively trying to regenerate the community in every way possible in tandem with others locally whom he inspired and energised. Societies were formed to address all aspects of sheep farming and rural development as well as social, cultural and educational matters in what once was a heartland of Irish language and heritage. Until his recent retirement Tomás was central to all these activities and, it is hoped, his leadership and example over the years will be replicated by others in the future". The annual autumn conferring ceremonies began at NUI Galway last Friday and Saturday, 19 and 20 October, when the Adult Education ceremony was held and where awards were conferred on 703 students who completed their certificate, diploma and degree courses at many locations across the country. ENDS

NUI Galway Head of the River will take place on Saturday, 27 October, the first major event of the 2007 / 2008 rowing season. While NUI Galway Boat Club expects that the season will culminate at the Beijing Olympics next August for some of its members, it will commence on home waters next weekend. The NUI Galway Head of the River course extends from Lough Corrib to just downstream of the Quincentennial Bridge, and is best viewed from the University campus, upstream and downstream of the bridge. The NUI Galway Head of the River is run on a time-trial basis, with the fastest crew over the course in each category winning the pennant, and the title "Head of the River". The main event will be the Men's Senior Eights, for the Gerry Colgan Memorial Trophy. The top category will be hotly contested, with the home club (winners in 2006) likely to be severely tested by a visiting crew from Molesey Boat Club in the UK. The Molesey crew contains two Olympic Gold Medallists (the legendary Searle brothers) as well as other Olympic and World Championship medallists from Britain, USA and Australia. This all-star line-up is by some way the most decorated crew to have ever competed in Ireland. Also visiting from the UK will be Latymer Upper School, from Hammersmith, London, who will compete in the Junior Men's categories, where they will face stiff opposition from the local junior strongholds, St Josephs and Coláiste Iognáid, as well as Tribesmen and Galway Rowing Club. In addition to the overseas entries, crews from all over Ireland will be taking part, in what should be a great day's racing, and a fantastic spectacle. This year the organisers have introduced a new format for the event, with dedicated lanes on the river for crews making their way to the Start, and for crews racing downstream. This will lead to a better spectacle for spectators, with all the different boat classes being run at 5 minute intervals over two sessions, from 10:00 to 12:00 & from 14:00 to 16:00. Live commentary will be provided, and the results of each event will be announced within minutes of the crews completing the course. Photo © Ian McDonald 2007 ENDS

- 1000's of graduate jobs under one roof - 65 major companies from business and industry will feature at the NUI Galway Graduate Recruitment Fair in Áras na Mac Léinn/Student Centre on Tuesday, 30 October from 1-5pm. The event will showcase opportunities for students in all Faculties, with a diverse number of fields such as civil engineering, financial services, accountancy, law, consultancy and many other professions. Major players in the medical device industry will attend such as Boston Scientific and Medtronic. Ireland's largest banks will also be present including Bank of Ireland and AIB. For those interested in a career in consultancy - two of Ireland's largest consultancy firms, Tata Consultancy Services and Accenture will also be represented. The IT and engineering sectors will also have representation through local and national companies including Coffey Construction, Sisk, SAP, IBM and Dell. This is an excellent opportunity for current students, graduates and postgraduates to meet with prospective employers to find out what the current job market has to offer and make invaluable contacts. Company representatives will include past graduates of the University who will be available to speak with students. The Career Development Centre team will also be providing a CV clinic on the day to review and provide advice on preparing a CV. Deirdre Sheridan, Career Development Adviser at the Career Development Centre advises those thinking of attending the event: "A well-crafted CV is your sales brochure so come prepared. You never get a second chance at a first impression." The event is a fantastic opportunity for both employers and students. Students should come prepared and identify the companies they want to approach and are interested in working for. A full list of exhibitors is available from www.nuigalway.ie/careers ENDS

A Public lecture on Breaking through the Pain Barrier; Physiology and Pharmacology in Sports Medicine will be given by Dr David Finn, Department of Pharmacology and Director of the newly launched Centre for Pain Research at NUI Galway in the Clinical Science Institute on Friday, 26 October at 8pm. Dr Aideen Henry, Sports Medicine Physician from the Galway Clinic and Programme Director of the 'Masters Programme in Sports and Exercise Medicine' and 'Masters in Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy' at NUI Galway, will open proceedings which will be followed by presentations from her students on the medications commonly used in sports medicine. The lecture will be of interest to sportspeople, coaches and anyone generally who is trying to maintain an active healthy lifestyle and finds themselves hampered by sports injuries. Dr. Henry said, "When a person is injured in sport they commonly use rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE regimen) and take anti-inflammatory tablets and have some physiotherapy treatment. We have invited Dr David Finn, an expert in the research on Pain, to give us some background information on how pain is perceived and how it can be modified in the body. Then our students, qualified medical doctors and chartered physiotherapists will give us an update on how medications in common use in sports medicine actually work." The meeting is free and open to the public. ENDS

Bronnfaidh OÉ Gaillimh Céimeanna Oinigh Máistreachta ar Eric Elwood, Rugbaí Chonnacht; Tom Tuohy, Club Rámhaíochta na Gaillimhe; Tomás Ó Tuathail, gníomhaí pobail agus teanga ó Thuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Mhaigh Eo; agus Alasdar Mac Cana, iarchomhalta foirne i Roinn na Fisice agus Roinn an Oideachais san Ollscoil. Bronnfar na céimeanna oinigh Dé Luain, an 22 Deireadh Fómhair, Dé Máirt, an 23 Deireadh Fómhair agus Déardaoin, an 25 Deireadh Fómhair, tráth a bheidh Searmanais Bhronnta an Fhómhair ar siúl. Bronnfar céimeanna ar os cionn 4,000 mac léinn ar fad. Tá clú agus cáil ar Eric Elwood as an méid oibre atá déanta aige don chluiche rugbaí i gConnachta. Tá an-luí aige le Club na nGaillimheach. D'imir sé a chéad chluiche do Chúige Chonnacht sa bhliain 1989 - cluiche i gcoinne na nUltach. Cúpla seachtain ina dhiaidh sin, nuair a bhí Eric 19 mbliana d'aois, thug sé aghaidh ar na All-Blacks. D'imir sé do Chonnachta 177 uair agus d'imir sé a chluiche deiridh do Chonnachta i mí Aibreáin 2005. Thosaigh sé ag imirt go hidirnáisiúnta sa bhliain 1993 agus d'imir sé d'Éirinn 35 uair. Scóráil sé 296 pointe agus d'imir sé a chluiche deiridh idirnáisiúnta in aghaidh na Rómáine i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 1999. Fear de bhunadh Bhaile an Róba, Co. Mhaigh Eo é Tom Tuohy. Bronnfar céim oinigh air mar aitheantas ar an méid oibre atá déanta aige ar mhaithe leis an rámhaíocht in OÉ Gaillimh le níos mó 30 bliain anuas. "Tá an-obair déanta ag Tom Tuohy chun an Rámhaíocht a chur chun cinn in OÉ Gaillimh le breis agus 20 bliain anuas. Is léir don uile dhuine go bhfuil an-suim ag Tom sa rámhaíocht agus go bhfuil luí ar leith aige lena alma mater. Rinne sé an obair seo ar fad ar bhonn deonach. Cóitseálaí agus meantóir deonach é Tom – rud atá neamhghnách go leor i sochaí an lae inniu nuair is deacair teacht ar oibrithe deonacha", a dúirt Ruadhán Cooke, comhghleacaí le Tom sa chlub rámhaíochta. Bronnfar céim oinigh ar Alasdar Mac Cana as an obair atá déanta aige le 20 bliain anuas ag cur oiliúint phraiticiúil ar eolaithe i Roinn na Fisice agus Roinn an Oideachais in OÉ Gaillimh. Rugadh Alasdar in Ard Mhacha, agus thosaigh sé ag obair in OÉ Gaillimh i ndiaidh a shaol a chaitheamh ag teasgasc sa Ríocht Aontaithe, tráth ar shocraigh sé féin agus a bhean chéile, Magdalen Conlon ón Spidéal, teacht chun cónaithe i gConamara nuair a chuaigh sé "ar scor". Seo a leanas a bhí le rá ag an Ollamh Tom Glynn, Roinn na Fisice, OÉ Gaillimh: "táimid ag tabhairt aitheantais d'fhear (atá anois 100 bliain d'aois) a rinne obair iontach agus a léirigh foighne ina chuid oibre i gcónaí, i rith a shaoil ar fad, chun eolaithe óga a oiliúint in Éirinn agus sa Ríocht Aontaithe. San am céanna, thaistil sé i mbaile is i gcéin, chonaic sé go leor agus d'éirigh leis an t-uafás a chur i gcrích, agus ba léir do gach duine ar casadh leis gur duine ar leith mar aon le múinteoir den scoth a bhí ann". Bronnfar céim ar Thomás Ó Tuathail mar aitheantas ar an méid oibre atá déanta aige ar mhaithe leis an bpobal agus cur chun cinn na Gaeilge i dTuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Mhaigh Eo. Seo a leanas a bhí le rá ag an Ollamh Nollaig Mac Congáil, Scoil na Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh: "Thuig Tomás Ó Tuathail, fear de bhunadh Thuar Mhic Éadaigh, a chaith a shaol i mbun feirme agus gnó sa cheantar, go raibh meath geilleagrach agus sóisialta i ndán don cheantar. Tá a shaol caite aige ag iarraidh an pobal a choinneáil beo le cabhair ó dhaoine áitiúla eile ar chothaigh sé spriorad pobail iontu. Bhunaigh sé coistí le déileáil le gach uile ghné den fheirmeoireacht caorach agus den fhorbairt tuaithe mar aon le ceisteanna sóisialta, cultúir agus oideachais sa cheantar seo ina raibh traidisiún láidir Gaeilge agus oidhreacht na hÉireann le brath ann tráth. Go dtí go ndeachaigh Tomás ar scor tamall ó shin, bhí ról lárnach aige sna gníomhaíochtaí seo ar fad, agus táthar ag súil go leanfaidh daoine eile an dea-shampla agus an cheannaireacht a léirigh sé i rith a shaoil". Cuireadh tús le searmanais bhronnta an fhómhair in OÉ Gaillimh Dé hAoine agus Dé Sathairn seo caite, an 19 agus an 20 Deireadh Fómhair, tráth ar reáchtáladh searmanas do Mhic Léinn Lánfhásta agus tráth ar bronnadh gradaim ar 703 mac léinn a rinne teastais, dioplómaí agus céimeanna in a lán ionad ar fud na tíre. CRÍOCH

- na mílte post do chéimithe faoi aon díon amháin - Beidh 65 cuideachta ón saol gnó agus ón tionscal i láthair ag Aonach Earcaíochta OÉ Gaillimh in Áras na Mac Léinn Dé Máirt, an 30 Deireadh Fómhair ó 1-5in. Beidh deiseanna ag an aonach seo do mhic léinn ó gach réimse cosúil le hinnealtóireacht shibhialta, seirbhísí airgeadais, cuntasaíocht, dlí, comhairleacht agus gairmeacha eile. Beidh na cuideachtaí is mó ó thionscal na bhfeistí leighis, Boston Scientific agus Medtronic mar shampla, i láthair freisin. Beidh na bainc is mó sa tír i láthair, Banc na hÉireann agus Bainc-Aontas Éireann san áireamh. Dóibh siúd ar spéis leo gairm sa réimse comhairleachta – beidh dhá phríomhghnólacht na hÉireann i láthair freisin – Tata Consultancy Services agus Accenture. Beidh ionadaithe ó na hearnálacha Teicneolaíocht Faisnéise agus innealtóireachta i bhfoirm cuideachtaí áitiúla agus náisiúnta lena n-áirítear Coffey Construction, Sisk, SAP, IBM agus Dell i láthair freisin. Deis iontach atá anseo do mhic léinn reatha, céimithe agus iarchéimithe bualadh le fostóirí ionchasacha, eolas a fháil faoi na poist atá ar fáil faoi láthair agus teagmhálacha a chruthú le daoine. I measc na n-ionadaithe ó na cuideachtaí éagsúla a bheidh i láthair beidh iarchéimithe ón Ollscoil seo ar fáil le labhairt le mic léinn. Beidh foireann an Ionaid Forbartha Gairme i mbun clinic CV ar an lá freisin chun eolas a thabhairt maidir le CV a ullmhú. Seo a leanas an méid a bhí le rá ag Deirdre Sheridan, Comhairleoir Forbairt Gairme san Ionad Forbartha Gairme: "Is ann do CV maith chun tú féin a chur chun cinn agus ba cheart go mbeadh CV maith agat. Ní bhíonn ach deis amháin agat dul i bhfeidhm ar dhuine." Deis iontach é an t-imeacht seo d'fhostóirí agus do mhic léinn. Ba cheart do mhic léinn beagán taighde a dhéanamh sula dtagann siad chuig an imeacht agus na cuideachtaí ar mian leo labhairt leo nó obair dóibh a aithint roimh ré. Tá liosta iomlán de na cuideachtaí a mbeidh ionadaithe acu ag an imeacht le fáil ag www.nuigalway.ie/careers CRÍOCH

New Report Calls on Government to Act Fast to Curb Sex Trafficking of Women At least 76 women were trafficked into Ireland for the purposes of sexual exploitation between 2000 – 2006, according to figures from a research report launched by former senator Mary Henry today, (October 18th) at NUI Galway. The majority of these women were trafficked from Eastern Europe but women were also trafficked into the sex trade in Ireland from Africa, Asia and South America. It is believed that most of these women ended up in private brothels throughout the country. The research authors, Dr. Eilis Ward of NUI Galway and Dr. Gillian Wylie of the Irish School of Ecumenics, TCD, have called for prioritisation of the needs of trafficked women in the recently published bill by the government in relation to sex-trafficking. "There should be no question any longer as to whether Ireland has a problem with sex trafficking of women," commented one of the research authors, Dr. Gillian Wylie of the Irish School of Ecumenics, TCD. "The problem has been clearly sign posted through this research and by findings from organisations working in the field". "We established through our survey and questionnaire a probable minimum number of 76," commented co-author, Dr. Eilis Ward of NUI Galway, "But in fact we will never know the exact number being trafficked into Ireland because of the nature of the sex trade and the nature of the criminality involved in trafficking. We suggest that the research for statistics can now be sidelined in favour of the development of a coherent, human rights approach to this distressing problem. The government needs to act fast to ensure that the problem does not grow". The research by the two academics was carried on over a two year period and involved a survey of agencies and organisations working in areas of prostitution, violence against women and migration in Ireland. It is the first such research of its kind for Ireland. The research identifies some patterns and trends for the sex-trafficking into Ireland and also identifies serious gaps in service provision and supports for those women who have been sex-trafficked. In particular the lack of a legislative framework has created an ad hoc situation with no clear policy or guidelines as to what happens women who have been identified as sex-trafficked. The research identifies, however, that good cooperation has developed among the state and non-state sectors but suggests that this may be confined to the Dublin area. Given that many of the women identified in the research ended up outside Dublin, this is a cause for concern. For instance, a women who was found by Gardaí in a private brothel in Sligo and who was believed to have been trafficked was brought to Mountjoy jail. "This effectively criminalised her for an act in which she was an extremely vulnerable victim of a serious crime" commented Dr. Ward. ENDS Notes The research also found an additional 75 cases which are possible sex-trafficking cases but the absence of substantive information meant that they could not be included in the probable category The single biggest national grouping of women identified as probably sex-trafficked was women from Nigeria (19 women) and the second was Russian women (8) Where contact was made, the research revealed the use of force, coercion and deception as part of the transit journey to ireland and evidence of extreme force and coercion was also found once the women came to Ireland. Of the 76 probable cases, 36 of those women disappeared from contact with agencies or individuals, 14 were repatriated to their home country and 12 remain in the Irish asylum system. Ten of them were granted either leave to remain in ireland or refugee status. The research revealed a consensus among those interviewed that service provision to victims of sex-trafficking is very underresourced and under funded. The research also places the context of sex-trafficking as a new phenomona in Ireland at a time when the sex-trade is expanding and becoming more difficult to control and poses great difficulties for Garda surveillance. Full report is available on www.nuigalway.ie/ssrc

Éilíonn Tuarascáil Nua ar an Rialtas Gníomhú Anois chun Gáinneáil Ghnéis ar Mhná a Chosc Tugadh ar a laghad 76 bean isteach go hÉirinn chun mí-úsáid ghnéasach a bhaint astu idir 2000 – 2006, de réir na bhfigiúirí ó thuarascáil taighde a sheol an t-iarsheanadóir Mary Henry inniu, (18 Deireadh Fómhair) in OÉ Gaillimh. Tháinig formhór na mban seo ó Oirthear na hEorpa ach tugadh mná isteach freisin go hÉirinn ón Afraic, an Áise agus Meiriceá Theas. Ceaptar gur i ndrúthlanna príobháideacha ar fud na tíre a cuireadh formhór na mban seo. Tá sé iarrtha ag údair an taighde, an Dr Eilis Ward ó OÉ Gaillimh agus an Dr Gillian Wylie as Scoil Éacúiméinice na hÉireann i gColáiste na Tríonóide, go dtabharfaí tús áite do riachtanais na mban a ndéantar gáinneáil orthu i mbille a d'fhoilsigh an Rialtas le gairid i ndáil le gáinneáil gnéis. "Níor chóir go mbeadh aon dabht ann níos mó maidir leis an bhfadhb atá sa tír seo maidir le gáinneáil ghnéis ar mhná," a dúirt an Dr Gillian Wylie as Scoil Éacúiméinice na hÉireann i gColáiste na Tríonóide. "Tá an fhadhb léirithe ag an taighde seo agus ag an obair atá ar bun ag eagraíochtaí sa réimse seo". "Leis an suirbhé agus an ceistneoir ceapaimid gur 76 bean a bhí i gceist," a dúirt an t-údar, an Dr Eilis Ward as OÉ Gaillimh, "Ach ní fios go cinnte cé mhéad a tugadh go hÉirinn mar gheall go bhfuil an gháinneáil mídhleathach. Molaimid go gcuirfí an taighde ar leataobh anois agus go ngcuirfear cur chuige comhtháite, cearta daonna ar fáil don fhadhb seo a réiteach. Caithfidh an Rialtas gníomhú anois chun nach rachaidh an fhadhb seo in olcas". Ghlac an taighde dhá bhliain ar an mbeirt acadúil seo agus, mar chuid de, rinneadh suirbhé ar ghníomhaireachtaí agus ar eagraíochtaí a bhfuil a gcuid oibre dírithe ar an striapachas, foréigean i gcoinne na mban agus imirce in Éirinn. Is é seo an chéad taighde den chineál seo ar Éirinn. Léiríonn an taighde patrúin agus treochtaí áirithe don gháinneáil ghnéis in Éirinn agus, chomh maith leis sin, go bhfuil bearnaí móra sa tseirbhís agus sa tacaíocht a fhaigheann na mná seo. Mar gheall nach bhfuil creat reachtaíochta ann tá cás ad hoc cruthaithe agus gan aon bheartas ná treoirlínte soiléire ar fáil maidir le mná a aithnítear mar mhná a ndearnadh gáinneáil orthu. Léirigh an taighde, áfach, go bhfuil comhoibriú ar bun idir na hearnálacha stáit agus neamhstáit ach ceaptar gur i mBaile Átha Cliath amháin a tharlaíonn sé sin. Is ábhar imní gur taobh amuigh de Bhaile Átha Cliath sa deireadh a bhí go leor de na mná a aithníodh sa taighde. Mar shampla, tugadh bean a fuair na Gardaí i ndrúthlann phríobháideach i Sligeach agus a measadh go ndearnadh gáinneáil uirthi, go príosún Mhuinseo. "Rinneadh coirpeach aisti nuair is íobartach a bhí inti i ndáiríre" a dúirt an Dr Ward. CRÍOCH Nótaí Thángthas trasna ar 75 cás eile ina raibh gáinneáil i gceist ach de bharr easpa eolais ní fhéadfaí iad a áireamh sa taighde. An grúpa náisiúnach is mó a aithníodh ná mná as an Nigéir (19) agus an dara grúpa is mó ná mná as an Rúis (8). Sa chás go ndearnadh teagmháil leis na mná, léirigh an taighde gur úsáideadh lámh láidir, comhéigean agus dallamullóg chun na mná a thabhairt go hÉirinn agus bhí fianaise ann gur úsáideadh lámh láidir agus comhéigean nuair a bhí na mná in Éirinn chomh maith. As an 76 cás, níor fhan 36 de na mná i dteagmháil leis na gníomhaireachtaí ná le duine ar bith, cuireadh 14 ar ais chuig a dtír dhúchais agus tá 12 fanta i gcóras tearmann na hÉireann. Ceadaíodh do dheichniúr acu sin fanacht in Éirinn nó tugadh stádas dídeanaithe dóibh. Bhí gach duine sa taighde ar aon fhocal maidir leis an tseirbhís d'íobartaigh sa chás seo a bheith gann ar acmhainní agus ar mhaoiniú. De réir an taighde chomh maith, meastar gur feiniméan nua in Éirinn í an gháinneáil ghnéis agus go bhfuil sí ag méadú agus ag fáil níos deacra a smachtú agus níos deacra ag na Gardaí súil a choinneáil orthu. Tá an tuarascáil iomlán le fáil ar www.nuigalway.ie/ssrc

D'fhógair an tAire Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta, Micheál Martin T.D. (Dé Céadaoin, an 10 Deireadh Fómhair 2007) go mbunóidh Smith & Nephew, an chuideachta teicneolaíocht leighis, i gcomhar le REMEDI, Institiúid an Leighis Athghiniúnaigh in OÉ Gaillimh, clár ceithre bliana Taighde agus Forbartha chun leigheas nua a fháil do ghalair chnámh agus alt, cosúil le hoisté-airtríteas. Tá IDA Ireland ag tacú leis an infheistíocht – infheistíocht a chosnóidh sa bhreis ar €6 mhilliún. Soláthraíonn Smith & Nephew teicneolaíocht leighis ar fud an domhain, lena n-áirítear cóireálacha ortaipéideacha agus ionchlannáin do ghlúine, corróga agus guaillí. Bhunaigh Fondúireacht Eolaíochta Éireann REMEDI mar ionad Eolaíochta, Innealtóireachta agus Teicneolaíochta in 2004 agus aithnítear REMEDI anois mar phríomhionad na hÉireann do thaighde ar theiripe gascheall agus géinteiripe. Tá saineolas ar leith ag an ionad i dtaighde airtítis agus cuirtear béim ar leith ar thorthaí a chuid taighde a úsáid chun teiripe nua a úsáid i ngalair ortaipéideacha, chardashoithíocha agus néaracha. Dúirt an tAire Martin agus fáilte á chur roimh an gclár aige "Taighde agus Forbairt nuálaíoch atá i gceist leis seo agus beidh sé fíorthábhachtach chun leigheas nua a fháil ar oisté-airtríteas, riocht coitianta a ídíonn na hailt agus nach bhfuil aon leigheas air faoi láthair. Cuireann oisté-airtríteas costas mór ar an gcóras sláinte i ngach tír agus, mar gheall go mbaineann sé le haois, méadóidh na costais seo de réir mar a rachaidh daonra an domhain in aois. Tagann an clár nua seo le straitéis an Rialtais Éire a chur chun cinn i dteicneolaíocht nua Taighde & Forbartha agus biteiripic nua." Oibreoidh Ionad Taighde Smith & Nephew in York (sa Ríocht Aontaithe) i gcomhpháirtíocht le REMEDI chun teiripe nua a fhorbairt trí ghaschealla ó smior dhuine fásta a úsáid chun loingeán sláintiúil a fhás arís agus ailt a bhfuil damáiste déanta dóibh a dheisiú. Tá airíonna sna gaschealla a d'fhéadfadh fíocháin nua shláintiúla a chruthú chun an damáiste ón ngortú nó ón ngalar a leigheas. Dúirt Peter Arnold, Stiúrthóir Ghrúpa na Teicneolaíochta in Smith & Nephew: "Tá an-áthas orainn a bheith ag oibriú i gcomhpháirtíocht le REMEDI mar go bhfuil aithne agus meas orthu mar cheannairí sa réimse seo. Níl aon rogha athghiniúnach ar fáil faoi láthair do dhaoine a bhfuil oisté-airtríteas agus riochtaí eile matánchnámharlaigh orthu. Bhainfeadh othair óga go háirithe an-tairbhe as seo mar go gcaitheann go leor acu blianta ar phianmhúcháin láidre sula bhfaigheann siad alt nua." "Is é an aidhm atá le comhpháirtíocht Smith & Nephew agus REMEDI teiripe nua ortaipéideacha a fhorbairt a chabhróidh le daoine a bheith gníomhach agus saor ó phian níos faide ina saol trí leas a bhaint as gaschealla ó dhuine fásta chun loingeáin nó cnámha nua a fhás." Dúirt an tOllamh Frank Barry, Stiúrthóir Eolaíoch REMEDI: "Is iontach an éacht í seo. Tá áthas orainn oibriú le Smith & Nephew chun teiripe nua, chillbhunaithe a fhorbairt d'oisté-airtríteas. Chomh maith leis an tacaíocht ó Smith & Nephew ba mhaith linn aitheantas a thabhairt don tacaíocht ó Fhondúireacht Eolaíocht Éireann – murach í ní bhunófaí REMEDI – agus an tacaíocht ón IDA a chabhróidh linn teiripe nua airtrítis a fhorbairt. Tá teicneolaíocht forbartha ag Ionad Taighde Smith & Nephew cheana féin, atá in ann loingeán daonna a fhás ó ghaschealla ó dhuine fásta. Tríd an gcomhpháirtíocht le REMEDI – a bhfuil saineolas acu i loingeáin oisté-airtrítis a dheisiú – forbrófar teiripí nua ortaipéideacha níos sciobtha. Leis na teiripí seo ní bheidh gá nó ní bheidh an oiread deifre le hailt nua agus ansin ní bheidh an oiread gá le pian a bhainistiú go fadtréimhseach. Tá oisté-airtríteas ar bhreis agus 100 milliún duine ar fud an domhain, agus tá sé ar cheann de na cúiseanna is coitianta le míchumas. Díríonn aon chóireáil atá ann faoi láthair ar an riocht gan leigheas ar an bpian a bhainistiú agus ar ghlúin nó ar chorróg nua a thabhairt don duine sa deireadh. Beidh James Huckle, Bainisteoir Cláir i dTeicneolaíochtaí Cumasúcháin in Ionad Taighde Smith & Nephew, agus an tOllamh Frank Barry, Stiúrthóir Eolaíoch REMEDI agus saineolaí in innealtóireacht gascheall ó dhuine fásta, i gceannas ar an tionscadal. Beidh deichniúr taigdheoirí ag obair i REMEDI ar an tionscadal in York. Chomh maith leis sin, tabharfaidh Ionad Taighde Smith & Nephew tacaíocht don tionscadal. Tá ardscileanna bainistíochta agus saineolas acu ar thaighde i gcomhpháirtíocht le lucht acadúil agus leis an tionscal. D'fháiltigh Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh roimh an bhfógra, ag rá, "Is iontach an sampla an chomhpháirtíocht seo idir REMEDI agus Smith & Nephew de chomhpháirtíocht idir an lucht acadúil agus an tionscal. Thar ceann OÉ Gaillimh, fáiltím go mór roimh an infheistíocht seo mar go mbeidh tairbhe le baint acu siúd a bhíonn ag fulaingt ó ghalair chnámh agus alt ón dtaighde eolaíoch agus nuálaíoch seo". Úsáidfear saotharlanna REMEDI in OÉ Gaillimh agus a saotharlann déantúsaíochta chun gaschealla ó dhuine fásta a dhéanamh do na trialacha cliniciúla. CRÍOCH

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin TD today (Wednesday 10th October 2007) announced that Smith & Nephew, the global medical technology company, and REMEDI, the Regenerative Medicine Institute at NUI Galway, are to establish a four year R&D collaborative programme for the development of groundbreaking new treatments for bone and joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis. The investment, in excess of €6 million, is supported by IDA Ireland. Smith & Nephew is a global provider of medical technologies, including orthopaedic treatments and implants for knees, hips and shoulders. REMEDI, recognised as the Ireland's primary centre for stem cell and gene therapy research, was established as a CSET (Centre for Science, Engineering and Technology) in 2004 by Science Foundation Ireland. It has a core expertise in arthritis research and a particular emphasis on the translation of its research findings in the delivery of new therapies in orthopaedics, cardiovascular and neural diseases. Minister Martin, welcoming the collaboration, said "This is truly cutting-edge R&D and will be extremely important in the discovery of treatments for osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint condition for which there is currently no cure. The management of osteoarthritis involves substantial cost to the healthcare system in every country and, because it is associated with ageing, these costs are expected to rise as the global population ages. This collaboration is in line with the Government's strategy of positioning Ireland at the forefront of R&D in emerging technologies and novel biotherapeutics." The Smith & Nephew Research Centre in York (UK) will work in partnership with REMEDI to develop new therapies using adult bone marrow stem cells to promote the re-growth of healthy cartilage and repair damaged joints. Stem cells are known to possess properties which allow them to be programmed to create healthy new tissue to repair the damage caused by injury or disease. Peter Arnold, Group Director of Technology for Smith & Nephew, said: "We are delighted to be working with the team at REMEDI, who are widely recognised and respected as world leaders in this field. There are currently no regenerative options available for people suffering from osteoarthritis and other similar musculoskeletal conditions. This would be particularly beneficial for younger patients, who often spend many years on high doses of pain killers before receiving a joint replacement." He added: "The aim of the Smith & Nephew collaboration with REMEDI is to develop a new generation of orthopaedic therapies that will help people to remain active and pain free for much longer by harnessing the healing power of adult stem cells to promote the growth of new cartilage or bone." Professor Frank Barry, Scientific Director of REMEDI said: "This is a very significant milestone for us in our research programmes. We are delighted to be working with Smith & Nephew in the development of novel, cell-based therapies for osteoarthritis. In addition to this support from Smith & Nephew we acknowledge the critical support that Science Foundation Ireland has provided in the establishment of REMEDI and the funding provided now by IDA which will allow us to expand our efforts in developing a new generation of arthritis therapies. The Smith & Nephew Research Centre has already developed early prototype cell technologies, including the ability to grow human cartilage from adult stem cells. The collaboration with REMEDI, who have extensive expertise in osteoarthritis cartilage repair, will speed up the process of producing viable new orthopaedic therapies. These therapies will have the potential to alleviate or delay the need for joint replacement and lower the need for long-term pain management. Over 100 million people worldwide suffer from painful osteoarthritis, which is one of the most common causes of disability. Current treatments for the incurable condition largely focus on pain management and the eventual replacement of the affected knee or hip joint. The project will be led by James Huckle, Programme Manager for Enabling Technologies at the Smith & Nephew Research Centre, and Professor Frank Barry, Scientific Director of REMEDI and a leading expert in adult stem cell engineering. It will involve 10 researchers working at REMEDI. In addition, the project will receive support from the Smith & Nephew Research Centre in York which has strong management skills and expertise in running collaborative research involving academia and industry. President of NUI Galway Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh welcomed this announcement, saying, "This partnership between REMEDI with Smith & Nephew is a wonderful example of academic - industry collaboration. On behalf of NUI Galway I warmly welcome this investment, from which scientific research and innovation will ultimately yield real benefits to those suffering from bone and joint disease". The required facilities will involve the use of the REMEDI laboratories in NUI Galway and its manufacturing laboratory for the production of clinical batches of adult stem cells to be used in clinical trials. ENDS