July 2008

A new and innovative Irish-medium degree programme has just received a major boost with the news that it has received recognition from the Teaching Council of Ireland. The BA Riarachán Gnó (BA Business Administration) was launched by NUI Galway and Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) earlier this year. The programme will run at the Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge centre in Gaoth Dobhair, Co Donegal, starting in September 2008. Commenting on this new development, Éamonn Mac Niallais, Administrator of Ionad an Acadaimh i nGaoth Dobhair, said: "In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the employment opportunities that are available in organisations functioning through the medium of Irish or bilingually, both inside and outside the Gaeltacht. Graduates of this degree course can therefore realistically expect to have access to excellent employment opportunities. This latest development means that the programme fulfills the degree requirements for teachers seeking to register with the Teaching Council for the purpose of teaching Business at post-primary level. This will give graduates further options in their career prospects and increases the attractiveness of the course for prospective students". The BA Riarachán Gnó will be the first degree programme to be run at the NUI Galway centre in Gaoth Dobhair and it aims to provide graduates with the practical and analytical skills needed to work in a bilingual business and administration environment. President of NUI Galway, Dr James Browne, welcomed the news and added: "We are particularly delighted to be offering the BA sa Riarachán Gnó in conjunction with the Letterkenny Institute of Technology. In effect we are pooling our resources in a spirit of cooperation and partnership to provide a very attractive Irish-medium degree programme for the North-West". Mr Paul Hannigan, President of LYIT, also emphasized the importance of the collaboration between both third-level institutions in developing this new programme: "The LYIT School of Business has steadily gained widespread recognition for the excellence of its business courses and we currently have over 1,000 students between our undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Donegal has one of the largest Gaeltacht areas in the country and we are delighted to be collaborating with NUI Galway in providing a new Irish-medium business course, at degree level". Pádraig Ó hAoláin, Chief Executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta who are supporting the programme, said that this course was further evidence of the Údaras' commitment to the economic and linguistic development of the Gaeltacht. "We have seen a steady shift away from the traditional manufacturing industries, and employment in the Gaeltacht regions has suffered heavily as a result. We have to compete now in a global environment where higher levels of knowledge and skills are the key to success. Initiatives such as this degree course will enable Gaeltacht people to better equip themselves to face these new challenges, and to not only attract higher level industries but also to set up in business themselves." The fact that the course is available locally and is supported by Údarás makes it a lot easier for people to take on the challenge of obtaining a primary degree. Éamonn Mac Niallais has seen the evidence of this so far: "The course has proven to be particularly attractive for mature students who may not have had the chance to pursue third-level education earlier in life, or who want a change of career but lack the necessary qualifications. The support provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta and the advantages of living at home while studying for a degree programme, makes this a great opportunity for people to get their third-level degree and is of particular benefit to mature students with young children". Further information about the BA sa Riarachán Gnó can be attained at www.acadamh.ie or by contacting Ionad Ghaoth Dobhair at 074 9531919 or email gaothdobhair@oegaillimh.ie . ENDS

Tá Comhairle Mhúinteoireachta na hÉireann i ndiaidh aitheantas a thabhairt do chlár nua céime a bheas á reáchtáil trí Ghaeilge, rud a chuireann go mór leis an gcúrsa. Sheol Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh agus Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Leitir Ceanainn (LYIT) an B.A. (Riarachán Gnó) ní ba luaithe i mbliana. Beidh an cúrsa ar siúl in Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Gaoth Dobhair ó Mheán Fómhair 2008 ar aghaidh. Agus é ag caint faoin bhforbairt nua seo dúirt Éamonn Mac Niallais, Riarthóir Ionad an Acadaimh i nGaoth Dobhair, go bhfuil, "méadú suntasach tagtha ar na deiseanna fostaíochta atá ar fáil in eagraíochtaí atá ag feidhmiú trí mheán na Gaeilge nó go dátheangach, sa Ghaeltacht agus sa Ghalltacht le blianta beaga anuas. Dá bhrí sin, féadfaidh céimithe an chúrsa seo a bheith ag súil le deiseanna iontacha fostaíochta amach anseo. Ciallaíonn an t-aitheantas seo go gcomhlíonann an chéim na riachtanais acadúla atá de dhíth ar mhúinteoirí le clárú leis an Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta le Gnó a theagasc i meánscoileanna. Cuirfidh sé sin le líon na ndeiseanna fostaíochta a bheas ag céimithe agus ciallaíonn sé go bhfuil an cúrsa i bhfad níos tarraingtí do mhic léinn." Is é an B.A. (Riarachán Gnó) an chéad chlár céime a bheidh á reáchtáil in Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Gaoth Dobhair agus tá sé mar aidhm ag an gcúrsa scileanna praiticiúla agus anailíseacha a thabhairt do mhic léinn le cur ar a gcumas feidhmiú go héifeachtach i dtimpeallacht dhátheangach gnó agus riaracháin. D'fháiltigh Uachtarán nua-cheaptha OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr. James Browne, roimh an dea-scéala seo agus dúirt sé go bhfuil, "áthas ar leith ar OÉ Gaillimh go bhfuil an B.A. (Riarachán Gnó) á thairiscint i gcomhar le LYIT. Táimid ag comhoibriú lena chéile agus ag úsáid ár n-acmhainní i gcomhphairtíocht lena chéile chun cúrsa tarraingteach trí Ghaeilge a sholáthar don phobal san Iarthuaisceart." Leag an tUasal Paul Hannigan, Uachtarán LYIT, béim ar thábhacht na comhoibre idir an dá institiúid tríú leibhéal freisin agus an clár nua seo á fhorbairt. "Tá aitheantas forleathan bainte amach ag Scoil Ghnó LYIT as feabhas a cúrsaí gnó agus i láthair na huaire tá breis is 1,000 mac léinn ag freastal ar chúrsaí fochéime agus iarchéime san Institiúid. Tá ceann de na ceantair Ghaeltachta is mó sa tír i nDún na nGall agus cúis áthais dúinn deis a fháil comhoibriú le hOllscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh chun cúrsa nua gnó a reáchtáil trí mheán na Gaeilge." Tá Údarás na Gaeltachta ag tacú leis an gclár agus dúirt Príomhfheidhmeannach an Údaráis, Pádraig Ó hAoláin, go léiríonn an cúrsa cé chomh tiomanta agus atá Údarás na Gaeltachta d'fhorbairt eacnamaíoch agus theangeolaíoch na Gaeltachta. "Níl an oiread béime anois is a bhí ar na tionscail thraidisiúnta déantúsaíochta agus is cinnte go raibh éifeacht shuntasach aige seo ar chúrsaí fostaíochta sna ceantair Ghaeltachta. Caithfimid dul san iomaíocht i ré an domhandaithe agus tá géarghá le hardleibhéil eolais agus scileanna chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh. Cabhróidh tionscnaimh cosúil leis an gcúrsa céime seo le muintir na Gaeltachta aghaidh a thabhairt ar na dúshláin nua seo agus ní hamháin tionscail ardleibhéil a mhealladh, ach gnóthaí dá gcuid féin a bhunú freisin." De bhrí go bhfuil an cúrsa seo á reáchtáil go háitiúil agus siocair go bhfuil Údarás na Gaeltachta ag tacú leis, beidh sé níos fusa do dhaoine tabhairt faoi bhunchéim a bhaint amach. Is léir d'Éamonn Mac Niallais go dtuigeann daoine gur deis iontach í seo chun céim a fháil, "Tá an-suim léirithe ag mic léinn lánfhásta sa chúrsa seo – daoine nach raibh deis acu oideachas tríú leibhéal a bhaint amach roimhe seo nó daoine ar mian leo tabhairt faoi ghairm nua ach níl na cáilíochtaí cuí acu. Ciallaíonn an tacaíocht fhlaithiúil atá á tabhairt ag Údarás na Gaeltachta don chlár seo, mar aon leis na buntáistí a bhaineann le maireachtáil sa bhaile agus clár céime á dhéanamh, gur deis iontach atá ann do dhaoine céim tríú leibhéal a bhaint amach. Tá an clár seo feiliúnach go háirithe do mhic léinn lánfhásta a bhfuil leanaí óga acu". Tá tuilleadh eolais faoin B.A. (Riarachán Gnó) le fáil ag www.acadamh.ie nó trí theagmháil a dhéanamh le hIonad an Acadaimh i nGaoth Dobhair ag 074 9531919 nó ríomhphost a sheoladh chuig gaothdobhair@oegaillimh.ie. -Críoch –

Leading researchers in pain medicine and health economics at the Centre for Pain Research, NUI Galway will supervise two Health Research Board-funded summer scholars in projects on Chronic Pain over the coming months, following a highly competitive awards scheme for summer research scholarships. Edel Smith, a second year economics and maths students and Gerard Healy, a second year medicine student will be supervised by Dr Brenda Gannon, Senior Researcher, Irish Centre for Social Gerontology (ICSG) and Drs Brian McGuire and David Finn, Co-Directors of the Centre for Pain Research, NUI Galway, respectively. Efficient expenditure on health services requires detailed information on the costs of various medical conditions. The first project deals with health economics and seeks to explore the costs in one Pain Clinic in order to build a platform model of detailed costs among the most severely affected population, i.e. those attending a regional Pain Clinic. The project aims to collect data on the economic cost of chronic pain among patients attending Pain Clinics. Those attending specialised Pain Clinics tend to be at the most "chronic" end of the pain spectrum and frequently have a high level of disability and associated costs. The second project will evaluate whether variation in the psychological status of chronic pain patients undergoing an interventional pain management procedure, significantly influences the pain relief following the procedure. Chronic pain is a complex biopsychosocial phenomenon and psychosocial factors are known to influence the onset, course and response to treatment. This study will examine whether variation in the outcome of interventional pain management can be explained by pre-treatment psychological factors, such as anxiety, pain-related beliefs and treatment expectations. This research hopes to highlight the importance of optimization of a patient's psychological status prior to embarking on expensive invasive treatments and may suggest a potential cost saving benefit of multidisciplinary care for all patients in the management of chronic pain. Dr Brenda Gannon, said: "These two innovative projects will provide important data for clinicians and service planners. With the increasing need for transparency in health policy and expenditure, these projects will highlight critical health outcomes of treatments and relevant costs incurred by chronic pain sufferers. These studies will play an important role in advocacy for patients with chronic pain". The projects are being carried out in collaboration with Dr David O'Gorman, Consultant in Pain Medicine and Nancy Ruane, Pain Nurse at UCHG. ENDS

The era of grand estates in western Ireland has been captured in a unique project by a team of researchers at NUI Galway. The comprehensive electronic database and archive devoted to landed estates and gentry houses in Connacht, c. 1700-1914, was launched recently at the University by Minister of State, Dr Martin Mansergh, T.D. The database contains references to over 1450 houses and some 1,650 estates. The aim of the resource is to assist and support researchers working on the social, economic, political and cultural history of Connacht from c.1700 to 1914. The project involved the distillation and collation of data from a broad range of historical sources, and its concise codification on an estate/name basis. According to NUI Galway's Professor Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, who was Project Principal: "For the first time ever researchers will have ready access to a comprehensive database of sources relating to the world of the landed society of Connacht from the end of the seventeenth century to the beginning of the break-up of the large landed estates under the land purchase schemes that followed the Irish 'land war' of the late Victorian and Edwardian period. This is the world of landed estates and gentry houses that dominated rural society from the era of the penal laws until the eve of the great war". The project, whose senior researchers were Marie Boran and Brigid Clesham, was hosted by the Moore Institute for Research in the Humanities and Social Sciences at NUI Galway and funded by the Irish Council for Research in the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS). The Project is one of the first of its kind to be completed under the Research Infrastructure Grants scheme of the IRCHSS. For more information visit www.landedestates.ie ENDS

The Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI) at NUI Galway will be running a unique competition from August to September in conjunction with boards.ie, Ireland's largest discussion forum site. The competition is an open contest in which entrants can win over €4000 in prizes by submitting an interesting creation based on a data set of discussion posts from boards.ie. The data reflects ten years of Irish online life, collected from between 1998 and 2008. boards.ie is one of Ireland's busiest websites, with over a million unique visitors a month. The most popular discussion areas are 'after hours', soccer, motors, poker, and computers. Popular topic threads include: a virtual pub (over 4000 pages); member discussions (2800 pages); poker stories (1800 pages); Liverpool rumours (1250 pages); recruitment in the Gardaí (800 pages long); and a freebie list (250 pages). Ten years of discussion data from boards.ie (approximately 9 million documents) has been represented in the Semantically-Interlinked Online Communities (SIOC) open data format, developed by DERI at NUI Galway for expressing the information contained in social websites (forums, mailing lists, blogs, etc.). Dr John Breslin, a researcher with DERI and co-founder of the boards.ie site said: "Entrants may create whatever they feel is interesting based on this data: it could be a novel web application that makes use of the data set, a report on analyses performed on the data, a tool that allows one to visualise or browse the semantic structure, or whatever else the imagination can come up with!" To enter the competition, go to http://data.sioc-project.org to access the data sets and guidelines. There will be three prizes for the top entries, as judged by an independent panel of three experts: First prize is an Amazon voucher for €2500; second prize is a voucher for €1250; and third prize is a voucher for €625. One person may make multiple entry submissions. The closing date for entry is 30 September, 2008. ENDS

The second John McGahern International Seminar will be officially opened tonight (Thursday, 24 July), by Professor Ger Hurley, Vice-President, NUI Galway, in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. The John McGahern International Seminar and Summer School is organised annually in Co. Leitrim to commemorate the work and literary achievements of this distinguished author. The opening address, 'John McGahern's Irelands' will be given by Professor Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, Department of History, NUI Galway. Speaking in advance of the opening address, Professor Tuathaigh said: "It is for his distinction as a writer, mainly of prose fiction, that John McGahern is honoured, and it is as a truly exceptional writer that he will be remembered. Even allowing for the austerity of this dedication to his primary vocation, the full corpus of McGahern's writing also offers a rich representation and a critique of key forces of continuity and change in Irish society (in particular the rural society of the West) in the decades between the 1940s and the early years of this century". The first volume of the John McGahern Yearbook will also be launched at the 2008 Seminar by Kevin Reynolds of RTÉ. The annual hardback volume, compiled and edited by Dr John Kenny, Department of English, NUI Galway, includes contributions from Séamus Heaney, Declan Kiberd, Joseph O'Connor, and Belinda McKeon. Professor Ger Hurley, Vice-President for Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs, NUI Galway, said: "The name of John McGahern is synonymous with the Summer School of NUI Galway. For over a quarter of a century, up to his untimely death, John contributed each year to many academic programmes at our University, but especially to its Summer School in Irish Studies and workshops in Creative Writing. NUI Galway is, therefore, pleased to cooperate again this year with Leitrim County Council, and especially its Arts Office, in organising this Seminar and Summer School here in Leitrim to mark the lifetime of artistic and literary achievement of John McGahern". Speakers during the International Seminar include: Professor Christopher Murray, UCD; Gerardo Gambolini, Argentinian poet and translator; and David Malcolm, University of Gdansk, Poland. Panel discussions and readings will also take place throughout the programme. In addition to this year's Seminar, NUI Galway has organised an intensive one week International Summer School on John McGahern's work and its contexts. This summer programme will form part of the 25th International Summer School in Irish Studies at NUI Galway. To commemorate the 25th International Summer School in Irish Studies (1984-2008), NUI Galway will present each student of the 2008 Summer School with a US first edition of John McGahern's memoir, All Will Be Well. ENDS

Two NUI Galway academics will be honoured by the National Academy for the Integration of Research & Teaching and Learning (NAIRTL) in their new programme of awards honouring exemplary teachers who are also innovative researchers in higher education in Ireland. Dr Peter Cantillon, Department of General Practice and Dr Ray Murphy, Irish Centre for Human Rights, were selected for two of the five national awards. Dr James Browne, President of NUI Galway, said: "It is very good news that two members of NUI Galway academic staff have been recognised by NAIRTL as exemplary teachers, and for NUI Galway to win two of the five awards is a huge achievement and a testament to the quality of the nominations put forward from this institution. Both Dr Cantillon and Dr Murphy were recipients of our internal awards for teaching excellence in 2006-2007, which recognises the outstanding efforts academic staff make to ensure NUI Galway students receive the highest quality learning experience. We look forward to continued collaboration with NAIRTL and to further success in the national awards scheme in 2009". Teaching and research are both central to the role of academic staff, and excellence in teaching and in creative and scholarly work go hand in hand. The NAIRTL Awards aim to acknowledge and reward academic staff that are successful in uniting these two roles. The awards are intended to recognise teaching accomplishments and to promote public recognition and celebration of the teaching profession. Nominations were invited from the NAIRTL partner institutions, (CIT, NUIG, TCD, UCC and WIT). The awards ceremony will be held later this year. For details of all award recipients nationally check out the NAIRTL website http://www.nairtl.ie/index.php?pageID=68 From 2009 it is envisaged that this initiative will be open to all higher education institutions in the Republic of Ireland. ENDS

Cuireann Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh fáilte roimh an maoiniú ón Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta don chúrsa nua MA Ateangaireacht Chomhdhála, an chéad chúrsa dá shórt in Éirinn. Agus an scéala á fhógairt inniu aige, dúirt Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta, go bhfuil deiseanna iontacha ar fáil anois do dhaoine le Gaeilge san Eoraip de bharr stádas a bheith ag an nGaeilge mar theanga oifigiúil agus oibre de chuid an AE: "Molaim an cúrsa seo d'éinne atá ag iarraidh slí bheatha spéisiúil agus thairbheach le Gaeilge a bhaint amach. Cruthóidh cáilíocht mar ateangaire le Béarla agus Gaeilge féidearthachtaí do dhaoine óga agus don teanga nach raibh ar fáil dúinn roimhe seo". Tá an clár seo á bhunú ar an gCéim Mháistreachta Eorpach in Ateangaireacht Chomhdhála (European Masters in Conference Interpreting) – clár a forbraíodh i gcomhar le hinstitiúidí an Aontais Eorpaigh agus atá á chur ar fáil in 18 dtír san Eoraip. Díreofar i rith an chúrsa ar úsáid na Gaeilge agus an Bhéarla mar theangacha gníomhacha agus éighníomhacha ateangaireachta, agus ar úsáid na Fraincise mar theanga éighníomhach. Féadfar teangacha Eorpacha eile a úsáid i rith an chúrsa má bhíonn dóthain éilimh orthu sin. Ar mhaithe le mic léinn a ullmhú don saol gairmiúil atá rompu, díreofar ar ghnéithe mar scileanna cumarsáide ar nós glóroiliúint, óráidíocht phoiblí, chomh maith le dianchleachtadh ar an ateangaireach leantach agus an ateangaireacht chomhuaineach. Eagrófar seachtain staidéir chuig Coimisiún na hEorpa agus Parlaimint na hEorpa chun léargas a thabhairt do na mic léinn ar obair na n-ateangairí comhdhála sna hinstitiúidí sin. Beidh seans ag mic léinn ar mian leo an Fhraincis a úsáid ar an gcúrsa dianchúrsa Fraincise a dhéanamh i bPáras i mí Mheán Fómhair faoi na scoláireachtaí atá á maoiniú ag an Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta. Dúirt Eoin Ó Droighneáin, stiúrthóir an chúrsa: "Cuirim fáilte roimh an tionscnamh seo ón Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta agus ceapaim go gcuideoidh an dianchúrsa Fraincise go mór le mic léinn barr feabhais a chur ar a gcuid Fraincise agus iad ag teacht isteach ar an gcúrsa MA in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh." Dúirt sé: "Tá géarghá ag an Aontas Eorpach le hateangairí oilte, cáilithe le Gaeilge. Is é seo an t-aon chúrsa MA dá leithéid sa tír agus ullmhóidh sé mic léinn le slí bheatha a bhaint amach mar ateangairí comhdhála gairmiúla. Bainfidh na mic léinn úsáid i rith an chúrsa as trealamh faoi leith a bhíonn in úsáid ag ateangairí gairmiúla san Eoraip; fágfaidh an cleachtadh a gheobhaidh siad anseo go mbeidh an-seans ag mic léinn ar phostanna gradamúla a fháil mar ateangairí gairmiúla ach a gcríochnóidh siad an cúrsa". Tá an MA (Ateangaireacht Chomhdhála) á chur ar fáil ag Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, institiúid lán-Ghaeilge na hOllscoile le haghaidh cúrsaí tríú leibhéal trí Ghaeilge, agus beidh sé ar siúl san Ionad atá ag an Acadamh ar an gCeathrú Rua i nGaeltacht na Gaillimhe. Tá an cúrsa féin á mhaoiniú ag Údarás na Gaeltachta agus dá bharr seo ní bheidh táille ar bith le híoc ag mic léinn a gheobhaidh áit ar an gcúrsa. Tá iarratais á nglacadh le haghaidh áiteanna ar an gcúrsa faoi láthair agus is féidir teagmháil a dhéanamh le Siobhán Ní Chualáin ag + 353 91 495428 nó ar an ríomhphost ag aistriuchan@oegaillimh.ie má theastaíonn tuilleadh eolas breise ina thaobh. CRÍOCH

Tabharfaidh An tAcadamh Náisiúnta um Chomhtháthú Taighde & Teagaisc & Foghlama (NAIRTL) aitheantas do bheirt chomhaltaí acadúla foirne OÉ Gaillimh faoina gclár nua gradam a thugann aitheantas do theagascóirí den chéad scoth ar taighdeoirí nuálacha freisin iad san earnáil ardoideachais in Éirinn. Roghnaíodh an Dr Peter Cantillon ó Roinn na Dochtúireachta Teaghlaigh agus an Dr Ray Murphy ón Ionad Éireannach um Chearta an Duine mar bhuaiteoirí gradam. Cúig ghradam ar fad a bhronntar. Dúirt an Dr James Browne, Uachtarán, OÉ Gaillimh: "Dea-scéala é go bhfuil aitheantas mar theagascóirí den chéad scoth faighte ag beirt chomhaltaí acadúla foirne OÉ Gaillimh ó NAIRTL. Éacht suntasach do OÉ Gaillimh dhá ghradam as cúig ghradam a fháil; léargas eile fós ar chaighdeán na n-ainmniúchán curtha faoi bhráid NAIRTL ag an institiúid seo. Bronnadh Gradaim an Uachtaráin don Fheabhas Teagaisc 2006-2007 – scéim inmheánach gradam OÉ Gaillimh – ar an Dr Cantillon agus ar an Dr Murphy. Tugann Gradaim an Uachtaráin don Fheabhas Teagaisc aitheantas don obair iontach atá ar bun ag comhaltaí acadúla foirne ar mhaithe le cinntiú go mbaineann mic léinn OÉ Gaillimh tairbhe as taithí foghlama ar ardchaighdeán. Táimid ag súil le hoibriú i gcomhar le NAIRTL amach anseo agus le tuilleadh gradam a fháil i scéim náisiúnta gradam 2009". Gnéithe bunúsacha de ról na gcomhaltaí acadúla foirne iad teagasc agus taighde, agus is ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann teagasc den chéad scoth agus obair chruthaitheach agus léannta. Is é atá mar aidhm le Gradaim NAIRTL aitheantas agus gradam a thabhairt do chomhaltaí acadúla foirne a bhfuil ag éirí leo an dá ról seo a nascadh. Is ann do na gradaim seo le haitheantas a thabhairt d'éachtaí teagaisc agus aitheantas agus ceiliúradh poiblí a dhéanamh ar ghairm na múinteoireachta. Fáiltíodh roimh ainmniúcháin ó institiúidí comhpháirtíochta NAIRTL, (CIT, OÉ Gaillimh, UCC agus WIT). Beidh an searmanas bronnta ar siúl níos faide anonn sa bhliain. Tá eolas maidir leis na buaiteoirí ar fad le fáil ar láithreán gréasáin NAIRTL http://www.nairtl.ie/index.php?pageID=68 Ón mbliain 2009 ar aghaidh, meastar go mbeidh cead ag na hinstitiúidí ardoideachais ar fad i bPoblacht na hÉireann páirt a ghlacadh sa tionscnamh seo. CRÍOCH

NUI Galway was host this week to the 47th summer conference of the Ecclesiastical History Society. The conference theme this year was 'God's Bounty? The Churches and the Natural World', and over 75 delegates attended the four-day conference. With some 950 members, the UK based Ecclesiastical History Society (EHS) aims to foster interest in, and to advance the study of, all areas of the history of the Christian Churches. Membership of the Society is open to any scholar or scholarly institution. According to the President of the EHS, Dr Bill Sheils from the University of York: "As concerns about our use and abuse of natural resources increase, this year we have chosen the impact of scientific knowledge on religious understanding as a central conference theme. The question of 'stewardship of the world' has exercised some of the finest theological and philosophical minds in the past, and continues to inform contemporary discussion of mankind's global responsibilities and the development of 'a social gospel of mutual dependence". Dr Alison Forrestal, Lecturer in History at NUI Galway, and a board member of the EHS, stressed the importance of understanding this particular area of history. "The Christian Churches shaped so many aspects of political, social and religious history, and played an integral part in many social and societal movements. The conference offers the opportunity to explore topics ranging from the interpretation of omens in medieval England, to early Irish Christian interpretations of creation, and to Jesuit conversions in the Americas in the 1600s, and through modern understandings of the environment". For further information on the Ecclesiastical History Society visit http://www.ehsoc.org.uk/ -ends-

Graduates of the MA in Screenwriting at NUI Galway have now scooped three Pitching Awards at the Galway Film Fleadh, since the award's inception in 2004. The most recent winner is Barbara Deignan (MA Screenwriting 06), from Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim. The competition takes the format of a ten minute movie idea pitch to a public audience and experienced judging panel, followed by questions from both. This year the panel included: US actor Bill Pullman; founder of Magma Films, Ralph Christians; former President of United Artists, Bingham Ray: and acclaimed film maker, broadcaster and teacher, Lelia Doolan. Will Collins (MA Screenwriting 06) won the award last year and has expanded his pitch into a completed script which has attracted much interest from film producers and financiers. The 2005 winner, Keith Bogue (MA Screenwriting 05), subsequently secured development funding from the Irish Film Board. According to Rod Stoneman, Director of the Huston School of Film & Digital Media, NUI Galway: "The Galway Film Fleadh continues to support and promote promising talent on the Irish film scene through this popular award. Previous winners Will Collins and Keith Bogue are well on the road to a completed feature film. Huston School congratulates Barbara Deignan on winning this year and we also commend Hugh Travers (MA Screenwriting 06) on his place in the final." 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. For further information on the MA Screenwriting please contact info@filmschool.ie -ends-

Sheol an tOllamh Ger Hurley, Leas-Uachtarán, OÉ Gaillimh, dara Seimineár Idirnáisiúnta John McGahern aréir (Déardaoin, 24 Iúil), in Óstán Bush, Cora Droma Rúisc, Co. Liatroma. Reáchtáiltear Seimineár Idirnáisiúnta agus Scoil Samhraidh John McGahern gach bliain i gCo. Liatroma chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar obair agus saothar liteartha an údáir cháiliúil seo. Is é an tOllamh Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, Roinn na Staire, OÉ Gaillimh, a thug an óráid 'John McGahern's Irelands' ag an seoladh. Dúirt an tOllamh Ó Tuathaigh: "Is as a chumas mar scríbhneoir, scríbhneoir ficsean próis den chuid is mó, a thugtar aitheantas do John McGahern, agus mairfidh sé inár gcuimhne mar scríbhneoir den chéad scoth. In ainneoin dáiríreacht a dhílseachta dá ghairm, tá léargas agus crític iontach ar phríomhfhórsaí leanúnachais agus athrú i sochaí na hÉireann le fáil freisin i gcorpas iomlán McGahern (go háirithe sochaí tuaithe an Iarthair) idir na 1940idí agus blianta tosaigh an chéid seo". Sheol Kevin Reynolds ó RTÉ an chéad imleabhar de John McGahern Yearbook ag Seimineár 2008 freisin. I measc na scríbhneoirí a bhfuil saothar dá gcuid le fáil san imleabhar bliantúil seo atá faoi chlúdach crua, tiomsaithe agus curtha in eagar ag an Dr John Kenny, Roinn an Bhéarla, OÉ Gaillimh, tá Séamus Heaney, Declan Kiberd, Joseph O'Connor, agus Belinda McKeon. Dúirt an tOllamh Ger Hurley, Leas-Uachtarán um Thionscnaimh Straitéiseacha agus Gnóthaí Seachtracha, OÉ Gaillimh: "Tá clú agus cáil ar Scoil Samhraidh John McGahern – scoil samhraidh a bhíonn ar siúl in OÉ Gaillimh. Le breis is 25 bliain anuas, go dtí gur cailleadh é gan choinne, chuir John go mór le cláir éagsúla acadúla san Ollscoil, ach bhí spéis ar leith aige sa Scoil Samhraidh sa Léann Éireannach agus ceardlanna Scríbhneoireacht Chruthaitheach. Tá an-áthas anois ar OÉ Gaillimh, comhoibriú arís i mbliana le Comhairle Contae Liatroma, agus Oifig Ealaíon na Comhairle sin, chun an Seimineár agus an Scoil Samhraidh a eagrú anseo i Liatroim in onóir éachtaí ealaíona agus liteartha John McGahern". I measc na gcainteoirí a bheidh i láthair ag an Seimineár Idirnáisiúnta beidh: An tOllamh Christopher Murray, Coláiste na hOllscoile, Baile Átha Cliath; Gerardo Gambolini, file agus aistritheoir ón Airgintín; agus David Malcolm, Ollscoil Gdansk, An Pholainn. Beidh plé painéil agus léamha ar siúl i rith an chláir freisin. Le cois an tSeimineáir i mbliana, tá Scoil Samhraidh Idirnáisiúnta – seachtain dianstaidéir ar shaothar John McGahern agus comhthéacsanna na hoibre sin – eagraithe ag OÉ Gaillimh. Áireofar an clár samhraidh seo mar chuid den 25ú Scoil Samhraidh Idirnáisiúnta sa Léann Éireannach in OÉ Gaillimh. Mar chomóradh ar an 25ú Scoil Samhraidh Idirnáisiúnta sa Léann Éireannach (1984-2008), bronnfaidh OÉ Gaillimh Céad Eagrán na Stát Aontaithe de chuimhní cinn John McGahern, All Will Be Well ar gach mac léinn a fhreastalaíonn ar Scoil Samhraidh 2008. Is féidir sceideal mionsonraithe den Seimineár a íoslódáil ó www.nuigalway.ie/iss/ CRÍOCH

NUI Galway PhD student Ruairi Nestor, from Ballyglass, Co. Mayo, has won a prestigious international award at a conference in Lausanne, Switzerland. Ruairi received the Libersky Prize for the best research paper by a student at the 2008 SPHERIC International Workshop, for his work in the field of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). CFD is a set of techniques for accurate computer simulations of the flow of gases and liquids. The technology is central in the design of systems from airliners to medical devices. Ruairi's work is the latest stage in a project by a team of NUI Galway researchers who are developing new CFD methods with the potential to simulate ever more complex systems. The research is carried out in the Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering and the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, and involves development of mathematical methods which are then built into new software. Ruairi, a graduate of Mechanical Engineering at NUI Galway, has already achieved success in his academic ventures by securing an Embark Postgraduate Research Scholarship. Operated by the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET), the scholarship is designed for researchers in the sciences, engineering or technology at either Masters or Doctorate level. Dr Nathan Quinlan, Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, NUI Galway, commented: "The IRCSET scholarships and other such schemes make this kind of research possible in Ireland. There are opportunities for a whole new generation of engineers and scientists to excel in research". Renewable energy and medical implant technology are among the sectors where advanced CFD methods are needed. According to Ruairi, "The techniques we are developing have the potential to improve the design of flow devices such as artificial heart valves or wave energy converters. It is a great honour to receive an award for my work at international level". Dr Nathan Quinlan, Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, NUI Galway, commented, "This award is a great achievement by Ruairi and the team, and it also highlights the international quality of engineering research going on at NUI Galway. Computational techniques like the one we're working on are going to be crucial for the creation of new technology in key industries". The paper presented by Ruairi in Switzerland, "Moving Boundary Problems in the Finite Volume Particle Method", was co-authored by fellow PhD student Mihai Basa and their supervisor, NUI Galway's Dr Nathan Quinlan. -ends-

NUI Galway academic Dr. Liam Leonard has said the success of civil society groups and social movements in the Lisbon Treaty referendum bodes well for the Irish environment. According to Dr. Leonard, the effectiveness of the No Campaign's 'motley crew' has illustrated the relationship between activism and power. Dr. Leonard was speaking as his new book, which studies activists and the environmental movement in Ireland, was published online. The book, 'The Environmental Movement in Ireland' has been co-written by Michael O' Kane of Australia's Monash University. In the spirit of activism and information sharing, the book is available free to download to members of the public. This is the third book in the Ecopolitics Series, and studies activists in Ireland between the 1997 and 2007 general elections. The relationship between activism and research is explored through a series of case studies, interviews and articles. According to Dr. Leonard, who works with NUI Galway's Social Sciences Research Centre: "The success of civil society groups and social movements in the Lisbon Treaty referendum has increased our focus on the relationship between activism and power. This book provides an account of political events from an activist's perspective, thereby creating further understandings of the motivations of those in society who are so often on outside of the mainstream, but who have influenced events both nationally and throughout Europe in recent political campaigns." Activists with the Irish Green Party in working class areas of Dublin provide the focus for Irish-Australian anthropologist Michael O'Kane's in depth study on the 1997 election campaign. This is followed by a series of articles Liam Leonard, an Irish-American political sociologist, based on his work as a researcher and journalist in Galway between 1999 and 2008. The book is available to download for free at http://www.ecopoliticsonline.com/ -ends-

RDJ Glynn Solicitors have announced that they will be funding a new scholarship in NUI Galway. The scholarship, which is worth €7,500, will be awarded to one postgraduate student on the new LL.M. in Law, Technology and Governance at the University. This scholarship will be awarded on academic merit, in a competition open to all candidates offered a place on the first intake of the new LL.M. in Law, Technology and Governance in NUI Galway. It is tenable for a period of one year of full-time study and will be paid monthly over the academic session. A limited number of places remain on the LL.M. for the coming academic year, and applications close on Friday, 1 August 2008. Padraic Brennan, who heads the Galway office of RDJ Glynn, said, "RDJ Glynn has strong links with the University. Most of our solicitors and trainees and several members of our support staff received their third level education there, and we are delighted to encourage postgraduate study of commercial law in the important area of Technology and Governance by sponsoring this scholarship." The Dean of the Law Faculty, Donncha O'Connell, said, "It is vital that university Law Schools establish meaningful connections with the world of legal practice. Our graduates from a variety of programmes are now placed in the top echelons of practice in Ireland and abroad. This award is an ideal way of marking ties between 'town and gown' and the Faculty of Law is extremely grateful to RDJ Glynn for its initiative in sponsoring this scholarship." Programme co-ordinator for the LL.M. in Law, Technology and Governance, Rónán Kennedy, said, "We are very happy to have the support of one of Ireland's leading law firms for our newest and most innovative programme and look forward to continuing to work with RDJ Glynn over the coming years." The recent merger between Ronan Daly Jermyn and William B Glynn Solicitors, a long-established and successful practice, has led to the establishment of a new commercial practice in Galway city, RDJ Glynn. Led by Padraic Brennan, RDJ Glynn offers specialist legal advice to clients in Galway in areas such as corporate and commercial law, commercial property, litigation and dispute resolution, employment law and taxation. Further information on the NUI Galway Law School's post-graduate programmes, including application information, is available at http://www.nuigalway.ie/law/postgrad/. -ends-

Thirty local primary school children will return to campus today for the second week of the annual Access Summer Camp. For a fortnight every July, fifth class children from Scoil Bhríde, Shantalla, Holy Trinity and St Michael's Mervue, are given a flavour of life at University. The children are introduced to a wide range of subjects, from Computers to Chemistry, and get to try out new sporting activities. The camp is organised by Ashla Ward of the Access Office, in partnership with university departments and research institutes, and in conjunction with the sports centre at Áras na Mac Léinn. Further support comes from NUI Galway students and researchers who volunteer their time to demonstrate subjects and chaperone the children around campus. Ashla Ward says: "This fortnight is all about showing the children the possibilities that third-level education can offer. By giving them a flavour of exciting subjects in a child-friendly format, we are hoping to instil an interest in further education. While the Access Office organises the camp, we do so only with the ongoing support of staff and students across campus, who put their time and energy into the fortnight. During the summer camp, science is explored through workshops and experiments, introducing topics such as chemical reactions, genetics and forensics. To illustrate the workings of the human body, the Physiology Department monitors the children's hearts, take their pulses and checks their lung capacity. According to Ashla Ward, "The hands-on aspect of the science programmes brings the sciences to life for the children. Apart from being huge fun, the workshops have a positive effect on the children's perception of science as a subject to consider studying in the future". NUI Galway's Digital Enterprise Research Institute, uses the child friendly web site Yahooligans! to introduce the group to the Internet. Other sessions include a hands-on workshop in calligraphy from the Moore Institute for Research in the Humanities and Social Studies, and a lesson on collecting and classifying insects from the Environmental Change Institute. Using invisible lasers, the National Centre for Laser Applications show children their names being burned into a piece of wood, which then becomes a memento of the class. Italian was introduced through learning foods and drinks and how to greet a person – Ciao! In a packed schedule, Drama, Art, Music, Hip-hop and storytelling are also included. -ends-

NUI Galway is pleased to announce that Caroline Loughnane has joined the University as Director of Marketing and Communications. She has worked in education marketing for the last ten years, and as Head of Marketing at the University of Birmingham for the last five years. Ms Loughnane is a graduate of NUI Galway, having completed her BA in English and History in 1993, and an MA in English Literature (1996). She also holds a Higher Diploma in Education from Galway (1998) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Caroline, originally from Gort, Co. Galway, brings with her over ten years experience in marketing and communications in the education sector. During her time at Birmingham, she was responsible for an extensive rebranding of the University, the development of a postgraduate recruitment strategy, internal communications to support a University-wide restructure, integrated marketing and communications campaigns, and developing innovative approaches to student recruitment in a highly competitive undergraduate market. Speaking about her appointment, Ms Loughnane said: "I am delighted to be joining NUI Galway at such an exciting time for the University. NUI Galway is one of Ireland's top universities and has ambitious plans for the future. I am looking forward to the opportunity of taking the University into the next phase of its development, and to building on the excellent work that has already taken place in raising the University's profile, nationally and internationally." Ms Loughnane added: "The Higher Education sector has transformed itself over the last ten years and universities are now competing in a global arena. Marketing and Communications have a key role to play in enabling Irish Universities to compete on an international stage." -ends-

History expert hopeful of a resurgence of interest in science and maths An International Conference on the significant role played by Ireland in the field of mathematics in the Early Middle Ages takes place at NUI Galway from 18-20 July 2008. The 2nd International Conference on the Science of Computus will bring together leading scholars of Early Medieval scientific knowledge during the period of the so-called 'Dark Ages'. The Science of Computus is the mathematics required to calculate the date of Easter and related topics. Computus straddles the fields of: mathematics and astronomy; biblical interpretation and cosmology; empirical astronomical observation; and the perennial quest to understand the concepts of Time and Time-Reckoning. The conference is organised by the HEA funded Foundations of Irish Culture Project, based in the Moore Institute for Research in the Humanities and Social Studies at NUI Galway. According to the Director of the Foundations of Irish Culture Project and conference convener, NUI Galway's Professor Dáibhí Ó Cróinín: "There is much talk these days about the decline of mathematics and the sciences in Irish schools, and the effect that will have on the future prospects for Ireland's economy and society. What many Irish people don't realise is that Ireland was once at the forefront of mathematics and science. In fact, the 'Dark Ages' were anything but dark in the fields of mathematics and astronomy, rather it was the 'Golden Age' of Irish medieval scholarship." Professor Ó Cróinín is hopeful of a resurgence of interest in science and maths: "We only need to look at events like the Young Scientist Competition, and our own University outreach programmes, to see that there is interest in the sciences among young people which can be cultivated and nurtured. There is also a vast amount of state-of-the-art work being carried out by Irish scholars and researchers, at home and abroad. The conference aims to highlight the very similar cooperative-type work that was being carried out, between Ireland and Europe, during the Golden Age of Irish medieval scholarship." The conference has attracted speakers and experts from Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Scotland, Spain, and the USA. Professor Ó Cróinín added, "From the time of Columbanus, around 615 AD, Irish scholars led Europe in the field of computistical studies. The contribution of our 'Wandering Scholars' is still highly regarded in other countries today, and evidenced by the wide range of international experts participating in our conference." A focus of the conference will be the scientific knowledge that Irish scholars nurtured and developed during the years circa AD 500 to AD 1100. Time-reckoning, calendars, and the minute reckonings required to compute the date of Easter all involved the minutiae of mathematics, including the original concept of 'digital calculation', and astronomical observation in a truly scientific fashion. The event will appeal to those interested in the history of science in Ireland and Europe, or in the origins of present-day mathematical and astronomical ideas. For a full listing of the speakers and topics, and further information, see the conference website: www.foundationsirishculture.ie/conference2008 -ends-

Speaking at NUI Galway last night, former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, called for a human rights approach to healthcare and greater accountability, nationally and internationally. She said that such a principled approach to healthcare was needed, especially in the face of a possible global recession as in "hard times it is more difficult to make the right decisions". Mary Robinson was addressing the 2008 Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society for Academic Primary Care (SAPC), a major international healthcare conference hosted by the University's Department of General Practice. According to Mary Robinson, who is now President of Realizing Rights, the Ethical Globalization Initiative: "Policy interventions that are grounded in human rights with a strong gender dimension can help inform and support efforts to strengthen health systems and improve their performance. Human rights require not only that quality health systems are available and accessible to all, but that positive action is taken to address the economic, social and political inequalities behind mortality and ill-health. A human rights approach helps to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to health delivery, with a focus on prevention." Among the audience were leading healthcare academics and researchers from Ireland, UK, Australia and the US. The audience heard from other speakers during the three-day conference on topics such as: Gaining insight into the awareness, understanding and attitudes of patients towards MRSA; Predictors of outcome for mild to moderate depression in primary care; and Patient's experience when visiting their GP. Professor Andrew Murphy, Department of General Practice and conference chair, NUI Galway, said, "The issue of health as a human right has been reflected in many of the conference papers at this event. On a macro level, healthcare is a human right and on an individual level it is a very unique interaction between caregiver and patient. One of the emerging themes in this field is the vital role that patients can play in the management of their own care and the importance of data management and privacy." At the event Anne Rogers, Professor of the Sociology of Health Care, University of Manchester spoke about the 'expert patient' and enhancing the self management capabilities of people living with long-term conditions. Professor Tom Fahey, from the RCSI Medical School, spoke about the how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) will help facilitate high quality evidence-based practice (incorporating diagnosis, prognosis and therapy) in primary care. For more information about the conference visit www.sapc.ac.uk -ends-

NUI Galway President, Dr. James Browne, has paid tribute to the late Séamus Brennan, former Minister and graduate of the University. A native of Galway, Séamus Brennan, graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1968, and a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) in 1969. In March of this year, Séamus Brennan attended NUI Galway's Gala Banquet where he received the 2008 Alumnus Award for Law, Public Service and Government, from the University. The annual Alumni Awards recognise and celebrate individual excellence and achievement. Dr. James Browne, NUI Galway President, said: "The University offers its sincere condolences to Séamus's family, many friends, and colleagues. We valued him as a graduate and also as a talented politician, who served his country with complete commitment. It was our pleasure to have him back on campus earlier this year to receive an Alumni Award and he will be remembered fondly." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Aitheantas Tugtha ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh do Shéamus Brennan, nach maireann Thug Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr. James Browne, aitheantas don Iar-Aire agus céimí de chuid na hOllscoile Séamus Brennan, nach maireann. B'as Gaillimh ó dhúchas do Shéamus Brennan, a fuair Baitsiléar Tráchtála ón Ollscoil seo i 1968, agus Baitsiléir Dán (Eacnamaíocht) i 1969. I Márta na bliana seo, bhí Séamus Brennan i láthair ag Mórfhéasta na hOllscoile agus bronnadh Duais Alumni 2008 don Dlí, an tSeirbhís Phoiblí agus an Rialtas air. Tugann na Duaiseanna bliantúla Alumni aitheantas do dhaoine aonair ar ardchaighdeán. Dúirt an Dr. James Browne, Uachtarán, OÉ Gaillimh: "Ba mhaith leis an Ollscoil comhbhrón a chroí a dhéanamh le teaghlach Shéamuis, a chairde agus a chomhghleacaithe. B'iontach an céimí é agus polaiteoir den scoth a bhí ann, agus bhí sé tiomanta go huile agus go hiomlán dá thír. Ba mhór an onóir dúinne gur fhill sé ar an gcampas níos luaithe i mbliana chun Duais Alumni a ghlacadh – fear a chuaigh i bhfeidhm orainn ar fad." críoch

Two NUI Galway students have played a key part in planning for the Volvo Ocean Race, which is expected to attract over 140,000 visitors to Galway next year. Research undertaken by Edel Gallager, from Caherlistrane, Co. Galway, and Daithi Evans, from Durrus, Co. Cork, as part of their Higher Diploma in Applied Science, is contributing to the design of a comprehensive safety management plan for the event. Both students have a primary degree from NUI Galway and are now studying a Higher Diploma in Applied Science focusing on in Occupational Health and Safety, and Hygiene. Subjects covered in the Higher Diploma include safety and risk management, which is integral to the planning of any major public event, such as the Volvo Race. Students are also encouraged to engage with the local community by applying their theoretical, research and practical skills to assist local non-profit organisations. Academic Supervisor, Mary Dempsey, of NUI Galway's College of Engineering and Informatics said, "The University ethos enables students to engage in community efforts. In this particular case, working on such a vast project of international significance will be of huge benefit to the students. This type of applied research activity equips students with a valuable skill set combining both intellect and citizenship". In preparation for the Volvo Race, Galway is developing a three-acre race village for the stopover. Public safety is paramount to the 'Let's Do It Galway' team who worked with the NUI Galway students to develop a plan covering a major port redevelopment to house the race village, open air concerts, hospitality and cultural events. Neil Carney of 'Let's Do It Galway' commented, "There is a real sense of excitement as we build towards the Galway Stopover in May/June 2009. It is a fantastic opportunity for Galway City and County, and for the West of Ireland in general to showcase itself to the wider world. The Volvo Ocean Race is one of the largest international sporting event in the world, and its' arrival in Galway in 2009 will be a fantastic occasion for the community." He added, "The entire ethos of 'Let's Do It Galway' is that we are all in this together, without community spirit and support this event would have, pardoning the pun, no wind in its sails. Support from NUI Galway's staff and students is very welcome and their passion and determination reflects the team spirit behind the race. The work carried out by Daithi and Edel adds a valuable resource to the planning of this major event." NUI Galway promotes student engagement in community based projects through its ALIVE volunteering programme and through the service learning modules incorporated into its teaching programmes. Galway Harbour Master Captain Brian Sheridan has actively encouraged and supported NUI Galway students in various research projects over the years. According to Captain Sheridan, "Students from the University have contributed a lot to the city and the port in terms of volunteering their time and energy. They are the next generation of professionals and tapping into their skills and ideas is always hugely beneficial". Captain Brian Sheridan continued, "Working closely with the University on the many aspects of planning for the new deepwater port at Galway has been very advantageous to the ports management team. Fresh ideas, new technologies and sometimes a different approach have all meant that the liaison between NUI Galway and the Galway Harbour Company has paid dividends for both organisations and will go from strength to strength. Edel and Daithi came through on all fronts with this project and I am sure they have both gained invaluable experience working with the ports sector as I have learned from them." The Volvo Ocean Race, formerly the Whitbread Round the World Race, is run every four years, covering 39,000 miles in nine months and visiting ten ports around the world. -ends-

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 -