NUI Galway has today announced the appointment of Professor Terry Smith as the new Vice-President for Research, effective immediately. With a biomedical background, Professor Smith has had a longstanding career in both academic research and industry. "I am delighted to be taking up this challenging role and very much look forward to working with my colleagues throughout the University to further the level of research excellence at NUI Galway," commented Professor Smith. As Director of the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science (NCBES) at NUI Galway since 2002, Professor Smith has been instrumental in the growth of the Centre which currently hosts over 400 members engaged in leading research programmes in biomedical engineering, cancer biology, and regenerative medicine through the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI). He also played a key role in the establishment of industry research collaborations with Medtronic, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and Beckman Coulter. In his new role he looks forward to working closely with the Ignite Technology Transfer Office to forge new, and enhance existing, collaborations between the University and industry partners. Professor Smith added, "This is an exciting time for NUI Galway. I believe that our greatest single asset is our staff. With a strong foundation of internationally renowned researchers across all disciplines, from the humanities and social sciences to science, engineering and medicine, allied with recent strategic recruitments in key areas, NUI Galway is well placed to maximize the potential of our unique intellectual capital." In 1990, Professor Smith joined BioResearch Ireland* at the University as Senior Research Scientist / Team Leader. He was a founding member of the NCBES at NUI Galway and was appointed Professor of Biomedical Engineering Science and Director of the NCBES in January 2002. He played a leadership role in the establishment of the SFI CSET Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) in 2003, with Medtronic as the major industry partner. In 2005, he played a key role in the establishment of the Centre for BioAnalytical Sciences (CBAS), a collaborative bioanalytical sciences research programme in partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb and Dublin City University. In early 2008 Professor Smith was instrumental in establishing a four-year research collaboration with Beckman Coulter in the field of molecular diagnostics. Professor Smith is the author and co-author of over 100 peer-reviewed papers in international journals, as well as being co-inventor of a number of patents. Commenting on his appointment, Dr James Browne, President, NUI Galway, said, "I am delighted to have Professor Terry Smith on board as the new Vice-President for Research. I know Professor Smith will build on the excellent successes we have had in recent years in winning research funding and developing research projects of international significance here at NUI Galway. Under his leadership, we will create an environment where all academic colleagues have an opportunity to contribute to the University's growing research portfolio, and to build on effective research partnerships already set up." ENDS

D'fhógair OÉ Gaillimh inniu go bhfuil an tOllamh Terry Smith ceaptha mar Leas-Uachtarán um Thaighde san Ollscoil, ceapachán atá curtha i feidhm cheana féin. Is sa réimse bithmhíochaine a bhí obair an Ollaimh Smith bunaithe go dtí seo agus tá blianta fada caite aige i mbun taighde acadúil agus obair sa tionscal. Dúirt an tOllamh Smith, "cúis áthais dom glacadh leis an bpost dúshlánach seo agus táim ag tnúth go mór le bheith ag obair le mo chomhghleacaithe Ollscoile agus é mar aidhm agam barr feabhais a bhaint amach i gcúrsaí taighde in OÉ Gaillimh". Tá an tOllamh Smith ag feidhmiú mar Stiúrthóir ar an Ionad Náisiúnta um Eolaíocht Innealtóireachta Bithmhíochaine (NCBES) in OÉ Gaillimh ó 2002 i leith, agus bhí ról lárnach aige i bhforbairt an Ionaid a bhfuil breis is 400 ball ag obair ann ar chláir cheannródaíocha thaighde i réimse na hinnealtóireachta bithmhíochaine, na bitheolaíochta ailse, agus an leighis athghiniúnaigh faoi scáth na hInstitiúide um Leigheas Athghiniúnach (REMEDI). Chomh maith leis sin, bhí ról lárnach aige i mbunú comhchlár oibre le Medtronic, Cuideachta Bristol-Myers Squibb, agus Beckman Coulter. Tá sé mar aidhm aige sa phost nua seo oibriú i gcomhar le hOifig um Aistriú Teicneolaíochta Ignite chun cláir chomhoibrithe nua a chruthú agus cláir atá i bhfeidhm cheana féin idir an Ollscoil agus comhpháirtithe tionscail a fheabhsú. Chomh maith leis sin, dúirt an tOllamh Smith, "tá rudaí fíorshuimiúla ag tarlú in OÉ Gaillimh i láthair na huaire. Creidim gurb iad na comhaltaí foirne an acmhainn is fearr atá ag an Ollscoil. Is cinnte go bhfuil seasamh maith ag OÉ Gaillimh anois an leas is fearr is féidir a bhaint as an gcaipiteal intleachtúil atá le fáil i measc phobal na hOllscoile, de bhrí go bhfuil taighdeoirí a bhfuil cáil idirnáisiúnta orthu ag obair sna disciplíní éagsúla san Ollscoil, na daonnachtaí agus eolaíochtaí sóisialta, an eolaíocht, innealtóireacht agus leigheas san áireamh, le cois na gceapachán straitéiseach a rinneadh le tamall anuas." Sa bhliain 1990 thosaigh an tOllamh Smith ag obair mar Eolaí Sinsearach Taighde / Ceannaire Foirne le BioResearch Ireland* san Ollscoil. Bhí sé ar dhuine de bhunaitheoirí NCBES in OÉ Gaillimh agus ceapadh é mar Ollamh le hEolaíocht Innealtóireachta Bithmhíochaine agus Stiúrthóir NCBES i mí Eanáir 2002. Bhí ról ceannaireachta aige i mbunú na hInstitiúide um Leigheas Athghiniúnach SFI CSET in 2003, le Medtronic ag feidhmiú mar phríomhpháirtí tionscail. In 2005, bhí ról lárnach aige i mbunú an Ionaid um Eolaíochtaí Bith-Anailíseacha (CBAS), an comhchlár taighde sna heolaíochtaí bithanailíseacha i gcomhar le Bristol-Myers Squibb agus Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath. Ag tús 2008 rinne an tOllamh Smith an-obair chun comhchlár taighde ceithre bliana a bhunú le Beckman Coulter i ndiagnóisic mhóilíneach. Is údar agus comhúdar é an tOllamh Smith ar bhreis is 100 páipéar piarathbhreithnithe in irisí idirnáisiúnta, mar aon le comh-aireagóir ar roinnt paitinní. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Dr James Browne, Uachtarán, OÉ Gaillimh, faoin gceapachán,"Cúis áthais dom go bhfuil an tOllamh Terry Smith ceaptha mar Leas-Uachtarán um Thaighde. Níl amhras ar bith orm nach gcuirfidh an tOllamh Smith leis an obair iontach atá déanta le blianta beaga anuas chun maoiniú taighde a fháil agus tionscadail taighde a mbaineann tábhacht idirnáisiúnta leo a bhunú anseo in OÉ Gaillimh. Faoi stiúir an Ollaimh Smith, cruthófar timpeallacht ina mbeidh deis ag na comhghleacaithe acadúla ar fad cur le hobair thaighde na hOllscoile, agus cur leis na comhpháirtíochtaí éifeachtacha taighde atá bunaithe cheana féin." CRÍOCH

Writer Allegra Huston, daughter of legendary filmmaker John Huston, has confirmed that she will teach at NUI Galway in November as part of the Huston School of Film & Digital Media Writers in Residence Programme. Allegra Huston will work specifically with the School's MA in Screenwriting students, who will get a taste of the famous 'Writing Salon' she runs in New Mexico. The MA in Screenwriting was the inaugural programme of the Huston School of Film & Digital Media at NUI Galway. The one-year, full-time programme offers training in screenplay writing, integrated with courses in film history and analysis, supported by regular film screenings and workshops. Allegra Huston will take students of the MA in Screenwriting off-campus to the home of Tim and Máiréad Robinson in Roundstone, Co. Galway, for an intensive three-day creative workshop. According to James Finlan, coordinator of the MA in Screenwriting, "Screenwriting has been in the headlines recently with the Writers Guild of America strike showing the vital role of the writer in bringing entertainment to our screens. In Ireland, the Huston school has established itself as the foremost centre for screenwriting education. We have a very high calibre of students, including mature students, joining our MA course to progress their writing to the next stage. The Writers in Residence Programme adds an extra element to the course, allowing our students to learn from writers such as Allegra Huston, and more recently, Hollywood scriptwriter Evan Goldberg (Superbad and Knocked Up),." One of those students currently undertaking the MA in Screenwriting is Grace Jolliffe, who returned to college as a mature student. According to Grace, a published novelist and short-film director, "My first love has always been writing screenplays. Knowing that there is always something more to learn, I enrolled in the Huston School of Film & Digital Media in Galway. It has been a wonderful opportunity to improve my writing skills and be among fellow writers." Allegra's father John Huston had a long relationship with the Galway area, his other daughter Angelica, went to school in Loughrea. Five years ago, the Huston family came together to support the creation of the Huston School of Film & Digital Media and continue to be its patrons. As part of this support, there are generous scholarships every year on offer to NUI Galway graduates from the film school at UCLA. The MA in Screenwriting is particularly suited to incoming students with previous work experience in writing, film or related media fields. Applications for entry in September are now being taken, for further information visit www.filmschool.ie or email: info@filmschool.ie. -ends-

Muiris Ó Rócháin, Director of The Willie Clancy Festival, today launched NUI Galway's latest programme taught entirely through Irish, a Diploma of Arts in the Composition, Arrangement and Performance of Traditional Music*. The Diploma will be delivered by the University's Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in conjunction with internationally acclaimed musician Dr. Charlie Lennon. Applications are now being accepted for the full-time, one-year course which will commence in September 2008 in state of the art recording studios at Stiúideo Cuan, An Spidéal, Co. na Gaillimhe. The number of students accepted on the programme is restricted to 15 to ensure the best academic training combined with hands-on practical experience using the latest music technologies. Students will study music theory and structure; the history and development of the traditional arts in Ireland; and the archiving, composition, arrangement, recording and performance of traditional music. Course participants will also produce and perform in an end of year concert under the guidance of a professional director. The programme is aimed at musicians, dancers and singers who would be interested in a career in music and the arts. The programme will be delivered through Irish, therefore a proficiency in the language is essential. Entry onto the programme is subject to an audition and interview process, where prospective students will display their knowledge of and interest in Irish traditional music. Speaking at the official launch of the Diploma in Stiúideo Cuan, An Spidéal, Co. na Gaillimhe, Muiris Ó Rocháin congratulated Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta and Stiúideo Cuan on developing such a unique and sought after programme. He said, "Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway, should be commended on its foresight in creating a course for artists that aims to develop them artistically as well as equipping them with skills in the arranging and staging of traditional music. The course, with its emphasis on performance, composition and staging will be a huge asset to the world of Irish traditional music." Marianne Ní Chinnéide, Academic Director of the new programme and Administrator of the Performing Arts Department (Riarthóir na dTaibh-Ealaíon), said, "This new diploma aims to provide graduates with the skills needed to pursue a career as a musician or as a traditional artist. The content is practical and offers the student high quality training from professionals already working in the field." Ms. Ní Chinnéide added, "Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge here at NUI Galway is going through such an inspiring phase of growth, development and innovation in the fields of drama, acting and music. It is our pleasure to collaborate with professionals within the Arts world and we look forward especially to working with Dr. Charlie Lennon." For more information contact Marianne Ní Chinnéide, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway. Telephone 091 869103 or email: marianne.nichinneide@oegaillimh.ie *Dioplóma sna Dána (Cóiriú & Stáitsiú an Cheoil Thraidisiúnta) -ends-

Sheol Muiris Ó Rócháin, Stiúrthóir Fhéile Willie Clancy, an clár is nua de chuid OÉ Gaillimh a mhúinfear go hiomlán trí Ghaeilge, Dioplóma sna Dána (Cóiriú & Stáitsiú an Cheoil Thraidisiúnta). Beidh an Dioplóma á reáchtáil ag Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge i gcomhar leis an gceoltóir cáiliúil an Dr. Charlie Lennon. Iarrtar iarratais anois ar an gcúrsa lánaimseartha bliana seo a thosóidh i Meán Fómhair 2008 i stiúideonna taifeadta den scoth Stiúideo Cuan, An Spidéal, Co. na Gaillimhe. Glacfar le cúigear mac léinn déag ar an gclár chun a chinntiú go gheobhaidís siad an oiliúint acadúil is fearr chomh maith leis an taithí phraiticiúil ar an teicneolaíocht ceoil is nua. Déanfaidh mic léinn staidéar ar theoiric agus ar struchtúr an cheoil; stair and forbairt na n-ealaíon traidisiúnta in Éirinn; cartlannú, cumadh, cóiriú, taifeadadh agus stáitsiú an cheoil thraidisiúnta. Cuirfidh siad ceolchoirm ar stáitse ag deireadh na bliana faoi stiúir léiritheoir gairmiúil. Tá an clár dírithe ar cheoltóirí, damhsóirí agus amhránaithe a mbeadh suim acu i slí bheatha sa cheol agus sna healaíona. Reáchtálfar an clár trí Ghaeilge, mar sin caithfidh rannpháirtithe an chláir a bheith líofa. Chun áit a fháil ar an gclár caithfear triail and agallamh a dhéanamh. Caithfidh mic léinn a n-eolas agus a suim sa cheol traidisiúnta a léiriú. Ag labhairt ag seoladh oifigiúil an Dioplóma i Stiúideo Cuan, An Spidéal, Co. na Gaillimhe, rinne Muiris Ó Rócháin comhghairdeas le hAcadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge agus le Stiúideo Cuan as clár uathúil a mbeadh tóir air a fhorbairt. Dúirt sé, "Caithfear tréaslú le hAcadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh, as cúrsa a chruthú d'ealaíontóirí a fhorbróidh iad ó thaobh na n-ealaíon agus a thabharfaidh na scileanna dóibh chun an ceol traidisiúnta a chóiriú agus a stáitsiú. Is mór an acmhainn a bheas sa chúrsa don cheol traidisiúnta in Éirinn." Dúirt Marianne Ní Chinnéide, Stiúrthóir Acadúil an chláir nua agus Riarthóir na dTaibh-Ealaíon, "Tabharfaidh an dioplóma nua seo na scileanna do na mic léinn slí bheatha a fháil mar cheoltóirí nó mar ealaíontóirí traidisiúnta. Is cúrsa praiticiúil é agus gheobhaidh na mic léinn ardoiliúint ó dhaoine atá ag obair sa réimse cheana féin." Dúirt sí chomh maith, "Tá fás, forás agus forbairt ag teacht ar Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in OÉ Gaillimh ó thaobh na drámaíochta, na haisteoireachta agus an cheoil. Tá an-áthas orainn oibriú i gcomhar le gairmithe na nEalaíon agus go mór mór an Dr. Charlie Lennon." Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil ó Marianne Ní Chinnéide, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh. Teileafón 091 869103 nó ríomhphost: marianne.nichinneide@oegaillimh.ie - críoch -