News Archive

Three University of Galway professors have been elected as members of the Royal Irish Academy for their exceptional contribution to sciences, humanities and social sciences.   Kieran Conboy, Anne O’Connor and Abhay Pandit are among 28 individuals honoured with the prestigious membership.   Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “I warmly congratulate our three esteemed colleagues on their election to membership of the Royal Irish Academy. The excellence of their ongoing contributions to their respective academic fields is truly commendable. Their achievements in research and scholarship are a source of great pride for University of Galway and a testament to the strength of our academic community.”   The Royal Irish Academy has been honouring Ireland’s leading contributors to the world of learning since its establishment in 1785.    The new members were admitted to the RIA by Professor Pat Guiry, President of the Royal Irish Academy, at a special ceremony on Friday May 23rd.    The University of Galway new members of the RIA are:  Kieran Conboy is the chair of Analytics and Society in the School of Business and Economics at the University of Galway. He leads the ‘ROSETTA’ project, examining the development, use and regulation of technology from a time perspective across all aspects of life. He is a fellow of the Association of Information Systems and is the editor-in-chief of the European Journal of Information Systems.   Anne O’Connor is Established Professor in the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at the University of Galway. A leading figure internationally in the fields of Translation Studies, Migration and Material Culture, she is the Director of the Emily Anderson Centre for Translation Research and Practice. In 2022 she received a €2m ERC Consolidator Grant for her project ‘PIETRA’, the first large-scale, multilingual study of the translation processes that underpin communication in global religion. She has also led funded projects on translation spaces in society, and has edited and translated 3 volumes of the Italian correspondence of Ireland's first cardinal, Paul Cullen.    Abhay Pandit is Established Professor of Biomaterials at the University of Galway and Founding Director of CÚRAM, the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices, which recently marked its tenth anniversary. He is president-elect of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society-Global. He recently received the George Winter Award from the European Society for Biomaterials, the most prestigious European accolade in the field of biomaterials. ​ ​Professor Pat Guiry, President of the Royal Irish Academy, said: “We are delighted to welcome the newly elected Members of the Royal Irish Academy. Our mission is to recognise and foster academic excellence, and to create, curate and share knowledge for the good of society. Your election today embodies this mission, and your insights and achievements will enrich the work of the Academy as we continue to lead trusted and independent dialogue and analysis across the island for the benefit of all.”   Ends

The Mary Robinson Centre and University of Galway, along with partner Mayo County Council, will host the third Mary Robinson Climate and Nature Conference. The conference will bring together climate justice advocates, scientists, activists, community groups and policymakers to address local, national and global challenges and opportunities in relation to climate justice and nature conservation. Centering on the theme “Courage in Crisis”, the annual conference will take place in Ballina, Co Mayo, on May 26th and 27th where the former president grew up, and where the new Mary Robinson Centre is located.             Mary Robinson said: “The Mary Robinson Nature and Climate Conference will centre on a call to courage in the face of the climate and nature crisis, a crisis that touches every part of our shared world. In these urgent times, it is through meitheal, the Irish tradition of coming together in collective effort, that we find strength, purpose and hope. Only by standing together can we meet this moment with the boldness it demands. I’m looking forward to being in community in my hometown of Ballina, imagining together what each of us can do to build a better future.” Along with Mary Robinson, the conference will feature a distinguished lineup of Irish and international speakers including: Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, DCU; Anja Murray, ecologist, policy analyst, broadcaster and author; Dearbhla Richardson, youth climate justice activist; Dr Elaine McGoff, An Taisce; Dr Gerard McCarthy, physical oceanographer and climate scientist; Professor Hannah Daly, UCC; Professor John Barry, Queens University Belfast; Professor Navjot Bhullar, University of Canberra, Australia; Tom Arnold, Ireland Africa Rural Development Committee; Dr Omnia El Omrani, Global Climate and Health Alliance; and Laura Cook, Project Dandelion. The conference will feature a diverse range of workshops, panel discussions, walks, music and art, and aims to create space for people to connect, share ideas, and collaborate, with several of the conference events open to the public.              Dr Caitríona Carlin, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute at University of Galway and conference co-chair, said: “It was uplifting to hear Mary Robinson recognise the interconnections between climate and biodiversity, when she changed the name of the conference to climate and nature in 2024. This is the first year that the conference formally addresses climate and nature and we are grateful to the funders and sponsors who have supported us. The conference enables us to acknowledge that actions for climate, for nature are also for us. We are part of the environment, and in finding common ground, we can make space for courageous conversations and actions to meet the multiple challenges ahead.”             Dr Sinéad Sheehan, School of Psychology and Ryan Institute, University of Galway and conference co-chair, said: “This year, while we are bringing the conference to Ballina, we also want to bring Ballina to the conference! There’s a great programme of events planned around the conference, including an art exhibition at the Mary Robinson Centre, a 'Connecting With Trees' walk in Belleek Woods on Sunday, and an eco-gathering on Tuesday featuring groups working on climate and nature. We’re also looking forward to a special ‘Oíche Cultúr agus Craic’ on Monday night with music, poetry and storytelling – it should be a brilliant few days for Ballina and the wider community.”             Dr Alma Clavin, Lecturer in Sustainability at University of Galway and conference co-chair, said: “This conference creates a necessary courageous space for those activated in climate and nature work to connect with each other and new ideas. The conference is taking place in a county that has a fantastic network of community-led climate and sustainability initiatives and a distinctive biodiversity-rich landscape. We’re delighted to host this important conference in the town of Ballina, the birthplace of Mary Robinson, a global leader in climate justice.”             Keynote speaker, Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin said: "I am truly honoured and excited to be invited to speak at the Mary Robinson Climate and Nature conference in my home county of Mayo. There are wonderful examples of Nature being valued and protected across the county and I look forward to referencing these as positive stories of community impact. Mary Robinson has been such a wonderful role model for people across the world and it is a privilege to contribute to this conference celebrating her work and encouraging others to take on her message of urgency and hope with regards to Climate and the Environment."             Keynote speaker, Professor Hannah Daly said: “For decades, Mary Robinson has foregrounded the voices of those most affected by the climate crisis, bringing a moral urgency to global audiences like no other leader. It is a great privilege and honour to give a keynote address at this conference.” The conference is sponsored by University of Galway, the Sunflower Foundation, Mayo County Council, Eirgrid, Failte Ireland, FutureEnergy and IBP Insurance. The full conference programme, including the schedule of public events, is available at https://www.maryrobinsoncentre.ie/agenda.html. Ends

Analysis of over 70 spider venoms finds potency depends on a spider’s diet   A new study by researchers at the University of Galway’s School of Natural Sciences has revealed why some spiders possess venom that is far more potent than others. By analysing the venoms of more than 70 different spider species, the team explored whether factors such as body size, prey type, and hunting method, including the use of webs, could explain the wide variation in venom strength. The research was published today in the journal Biology Letters. While spiders are infamous for the widespread arachnophobia they induce for a multitude of reasons, including erratic movements, eight spindly legs, sticky webs, and most notably, their venomous bites, the actual effects can vary dramatically depending on the species. For instance, a bite from the Brazilian wandering spider can result in serious medical complications, whereas the venom of a giant house spider typically poses no threat to humans, raising the question, what drives such differences in venom potency? The researchers discovered that diet is one of the most important drivers influencing the potency of spider venom. They found that spider venoms are what is called prey-specific, meaning if a spider primarily hunts insects, its venom is likely to be particularly effective at killing insects in general, such as crickets and flies, but far less effective against other non-insect prey, like small mammals.             Lead author Dr Keith Lyons from University of Galway’s School of Natural Sciences, said: “Our results show that spider venoms have evolved to be especially potent when tested on animals found in their diet in the wild. This may explain why species that are known to occasionally prey upon small mammals, such as the Brazilian wandering spider or Black widow, have venoms that can cause medically significant effects in us humans, whereas species that only prey on invertebrates, such as the Giant house spider, have evolved venoms that target invertebrate physiologies rather than our own, posing little threat to us.” The researchers also tested whether the use of webs to capture prey was related to the potency or volume of a spider’s venom.             Dr Kevin Healy, Senior author and Head of the Macroecology lab at the University’s School of Natural Sciences, said: “We predicted that web-hunting spiders might have less potent venoms because they may have evolved to rely more on their webs to immobilise prey. Surprisingly, we found no relationship between whether a spider used their web and the potency of their venom, suggesting that webs are likely important for restraining prey in web-hunters, regardless of how deadly their venom is.             “This study helps us to understand the evolution of spider venoms and aids in our understanding of why some spiders, such as the Noble False widow become invasive species in some parts of the world, or how some venoms may be of particular interest for future drug discovery, or the development of pest species-specific, pollinator-friendly insecticides.”             Dr Michel Dugon, Head of the Venom Systems Lab, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, said: “By understanding the fundamental drivers of venom evolution we can better predict the types of biomolecules in spider venoms that have yet to be explored for drug discovery and why some species of spiders are more likely to become invasive species.” Ends

The AtlanTec Festival 2025 is officially underway, celebrating innovation and technology in the west of Ireland. With a strong focus on AI and cybersecurity, the AtlanTec Festival Conference at University of Galway will take place on Thursday May 29th, and is set to attract over 400 delegates, including international speakers and representatives from leading technology companies. Now in its 11th year, the festival is led by the non-profit association itag (Innovation Technology AtlanTec Gateway) with the support of its sponsors, members and the technology community.  This year the packed programme of events - spanning more than two weeks - centres on the theme of ‘Shaping the Future of Technology Innovation’. Conference speakers, Johnathan McCrea of Whipsmart Media and Newstalk, Bronagh Riordan of EY, and Dr Bairbre McNicholas, Senior Lecturer at University of Galway and Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine at Galway University Hospitals, will discuss the role of AI and cybersecurity in their work. Short-form talks and use cases - ways in which a user interacts with a system or product, will follow from Fidelity, Cisco, Datavant, Accenture and CURIOSS. AI conference sessions will be led by Professor Michael Madden from the School of Computer Science at University of Galway and will feature a keynote from Gary Short of Darach AI, an AI/Machine Learning modelling company that allows you to make better business decisions by predicting the future. Cybersecurity conference sessions will be led by Seán Morris of Galway based cybersecurity company TitanHQ and will feature keynotes from Mark Power of Immersive Labs, a company helping the world’s largest organisations to be ready for the future of cyber threats, and Dr Mamoona Asghar from the School of Computer Science. Professor Lokesh Joshi, Vice-President for Research and Innovation at University of Galway, said: “The festival enriches our collective expertise and allows us to engage with the vibrant technology community in our region, sparking valuable new connections. In addition, it highlights the West of Ireland as a major hub for excellence in innovation, technology, data and AI."  Caroline Cawley, CEO of itag, said: "Now celebrating its 11th year, AtlanTec continues to drive innovation, fostering collaboration that advances the technology sector across the region. It is more than just a festival - it builds community by connecting professionals, businesses, and visionaries, significantly enhancing talent development throughout the region.” During the conference, the recent winners of the AtlanTec AI Challenge hackathon will present their AI-driven solution to challenges in the healthcare domain. It aims to create AI solutions to address real-world challenges.  The two-week festival is anticipated to attract over 1,000 delegates from regional and national technology companies across Ireland. It serves as a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and exploring collaborative opportunities between academia and industry.  The conference is brought to campus by the University of Galway Innovation Office, which is supported under the KT Boost Programme co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027. For more information and to register for events, visit www.atlantec.ie Ends

University of Galway today hosted a seminar bringing together policy makers and senior officials from across the civil and public service to explore how the public can be involved in shaping policy in Ireland. Hosted by the University’s Institute for Lifecourse and Society, the seminar titled ‘Public Engagement for Better Policy’ included the launch of new Policy Handbook: A ‘real world’ guide to policy development. Profiling a selection of existing practices, the seminar critically assessed the contribution of public engagement in policy, with the goal of ensuring that our policies enable mutual recognition and support between and within society’s generations. It also reflected on the role of higher education in supporting public engagement processes, as part of its evidence-to-policy mission. Among those attending were senior officials from across the civil and public service, civil society leaders and academics to debate the current status and future potential of public engagement for policy in Ireland, and how institutions might best respond to enhanced participation. Themes addressed during the seminar included: Putting the Public into Public Policy: Engaging for Better Decision Making; Codesigning Pathways to a Carbon Neutral Ireland: Putting Democratic Legitimacy at the Heart of Climate Policy; and The Impact of Public Engagement on Irish Health Policy and Health Service Reform. Professor John Canavan, Director of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, University of Galway, said: “One of the goals of the Institute for Lifecourse and Society at University of Galway is to provide leadership in connecting higher education to civil and public services towards better and more equitable outcomes for citizens. We are very proud to partner with the Department of An Taoiseach in delivering this event. “This seminar is asking the question about the why’ and how’s of involving the public in shaping policy - from formulation, through implementation, to evaluation and review. It will explore the various forms of citizen-engagement in policy to determine its value and how best to do it. The event will also consider the relevance of public engagement in the context of competing demands on the public purse.” Participants in the event included: Elizabeth Canavan, Assistant Secretary General for Social Policy and Public Service Reform Division at Department of the Taoiseach; Oonagh Buckley, Secretary General at the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications; Muiris O'Connor, Assistant Secretary of R&D and Health Analytics Division at the Department of Health; Orla Lynch, Strategic Policy Advisor at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science; Dr Fergal Lynch, Chair of the National Council for Special Education; Niamh Garvey, Senior Policy Analyst from the National Economic and Social Council; Paddy Mahon, Chairman of Local Government Management Agency; Tania Banotti, Director of the whole of government Creative Ireland Programme; Dr Naomi Feely, Policy Director, Children's Rights Alliance; Joe Ryan, National Director of Public Involvement, Culture and Risk Management at the HSE; Avril Kennan, CEO of Health Research Charities Ireland; Sally Washington, Practice Fellow (Policy Capability and Public Management) from Australia and New Zealand School of Government. To read the Policy Handbook in full visit: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/campaigns/policy-handbook-a-real-world-guide-to-policy-development/ Ends

Three primary schools have been recognised at University of Galway’s 2025 START competition for using scientific methods to investigate classroom well-being, learning and fitness.  The START competition stands for Schools Teaching Awareness of Randomised Trials and is an annual competition that encourages schoolchildren to learn about healthcare decisions and understand how health and wellbeing can be improved through randomised trials - a type of research study, sometimes referred to as clinical trials and commonly used to determine whether a new medicine or treatment is effective.  Every year, children who take part in the START Competition use a randomised trial to answer a question related to their environment or lifestyle.  The three schools recognised for their research project were: Trinity Primary School, Tuam, Co Galway First place for their randomised trial Does eating breakfast impact academic performance?  After discovering that just 23% of classmates ate breakfast regularly, the 6th class ran a randomised trial with other classes to test the impact of eating breakfast on academic performance. Their memory quiz showed breakfast improved children’s focus and the children now plan to present their findings at assembly and to local businesses, and to contact the Minister for Education Helen McEntee to highlight the importance of free school breakfasts. Scoil Bhríde agus Bhreandáin Naofa, Corrandulla, Co Galway took home second place for their trial Do specific exercises improve balance?  The sport-loving 6th class students ran a randomised trial to see which exercises best improved balance. They tested core exercises, leg exercises, a mix of both, and a control group, with results showing core exercises had the most impact on balance. The children also made Physical Education game cards, ran demos for teachers, created leaflets for older people, and inspired the current 5th class to enter START next year. St Fintan’s BNS, Newline Road, Mountrath, Co Laois were presented with third place for their project Does 15 minutes of video games affect your concentration?  Students in 5th and 6th class at St Fintan’s BNS measured their concentration using math tests and surveys, comparing results between groups who played games and those who engaged in colouring and outdoor activities. The results were largely in line with their expectations: they anticipated the video game group would be more distracted, and indeed, their concentration seemed slightly lower. However, they were surprised that the difference between groups wasn’t bigger. Their randomised design, presented with clear explanations, impressed the judges — especially their honest reflections on the challenging steps that can be encountered when conducting trials.   Professor Declan Devane, Scientific Director of the HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network at University of Galway, said: “We started this competition for two reasons - firstly, we wanted to raise awareness of the importance of randomised trials with children, and secondly, we wanted to harness the creativity and imagination of children in the design, conduct, analysis and reporting of trials. The high standard and variety of applications we receive each year demonstrate that the START Competition has indeed raised the awareness of randomised trials and capitalised on children’s innate ability to explain difficult concepts clearly and in a fun way.”  The START Competition website provides tools for children and teachers to create their own randomised clinical trial in the classroom. It also shows how participating in the START Competition - by planning, running, and reporting a trial - connects with key areas of the primary school curriculum, including Mathematics, Science, SPHE, Arts, and PE. A panel of five experts in education and science selected the three winning schools: Iseult Mangan, Former Primary School Principal, Cloghans Hill National School who won the 2017 START winner and Teen Turn Mentor; Aisling Murray, teacher at St. Joseph’s National School in Kinvara and teacher of the 2018 START Competition winning class; Dr James Griffin, Assistant Professor and Medical Statistician at Warwick Clinical Trials Unit; Shoba Dawson, a researcher specialising in Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) and evidence synthesis; and Professor Eleanor Molloy, Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health at Trinity College Dublin.   Iseult Mangan said: “Participating in the START competition sees classes adopt a fun project-based approach which aligns to key aspects of the curriculum. It allows a class to collaborate and work as a team, encompassing so many different individual talents from design thinking and organisation to maths and creative display. The three shortlisted schools showcased their understanding and execution of clinical trials in creative ways, with teamwork and fun being evident in each of them.”  The Health Research Board supports the competition through the HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network, Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland, and is part of the celebration of International Clinical Trials Day across five collaborating university partners: University of Galway, University College Cork, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the University of Limerick.    For more information about the START competition visit www.STARTcompetition.com, or follow on Instagram at @start.competition.challenge and Facebook at @STARTCompetition.  Ends

An international research project has been launched to uncover how wild honey bee colonies survive and thrive in the wild across Europe’s diverse landscapes.   The project is being announced to mark World Bee Day today (Tuesday May 20), highlighting the importance of wild bees and their role in biodiversity. Led by University of Galway, with support from the Environmental Protection Agency, the FREE-B project is aimed at safeguarding honey bee biodiversity, improving resilience and driving transformative change in beekeeping, by bringing together researchers from Ireland, France, Poland, Portugal and Sweden to explore the survival tactics of free-living honey bees (Apis mellifera). Once thought to be extinct in the wild, recent independent research has revealed that free-living honey bee exist in some parts of Europe, including Ireland. However, how they are able to survive in the wild and whether they can form a stable populations in remote forests remains largely unknown. FREE-B seeks to address this knowledge gap by investigating the biological, behavioural, and environmental factors that bolster survival of these colonies. Professor Grace McCormack, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, said: “We have been monitoring free-living honey bee colonies across the island of Ireland since 2015 and have found excellent overwintering survival in this group. There is a high proportion of pure native Irish honey bee in the wild population and our research so far suggests that they do not have any higher levels of pests or diseases than managed colonies. Being well adapted to local conditions they may hold key secrets that could improve apiculture in Ireland. Indeed, many beekeepers already rely on wild colonies to bolster their beekeeping, particularly beekeepers who no longer use chemicals to treat for the parasitic varroa mite. “We look forward to extending our research via FREE-B to investigate broader patterns of survival in this key group across different latitudes and climates, to diving deeper to understand what goes on in a wild nest throughout the season, and to sharing exciting research outputs with beekeepers.” Teams from the five European countries will search for nest sites in collaboration with citizen scientists and the international coalition Honey Bee Watch, with a special focus on forested and remote areas. In addition to gathering information about the colonies, such as location, nest type, and density, they will also conduct regular monitoring of nests to track survival rates. Researchers will then assess landscape effects on colony survival and analyse genetic and morphologic data to evaluate diversity and adaptation to varying environments from Portugal to Sweden. In addition, pest and pathogen loads will be compared to those found in managed hives to better understand if wild populations better tolerate or resist disease, while investigations of pollen usage will determine if wild colonies utilise different forage compared to managed colonies. In Ireland and Poland, FREE-B will pilot the potential harnessing of free-living honey bee colonies to produce locally resilient honey bee stocks by testing whether swarms collected from these colonies can be successfully managed in treatment-free apiaries. The team will measure various factors to assess their viability for future beekeeping, including disease, over winter survival, and honey production.             Steve Rogenstein, Project Director of Honey Bee Watch, said: "What excites us most is that, with Biodiversa's support of FREE-B, some of Europe's leading researchers of free-living honey bees, from Iberia to Scandinavia and spanning Western and Eastern Europe too, are coming together to extensively collect and analyse data collaboratively and from a multidisciplinary perspective. We hope that this international effort will provide insights as to how and why wild populations survive, and that any nature-based solutions that we collectively devise and implement will benefit both the bees as well as beekeepers in the five participating countries and beyond." FREE-B is a collaboration between researchers at University of Galway; Kazimierz Wielki University, Poland; Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Portugal; IRD, University Paris-Saclay, France; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Swenen, and Honey Bee Watch, Ireland. Findings from the project will be shared with a wide range of stakeholders including beekeepers, policymakers, veterinarians and foresters, who may have direct or indirect effects on the well-being of these bee populations. Researchers will also share insights with beekeepers to help reduce mortality rates and improve sustainability in beekeeping. Ends

As part of a broader effort to protect and conserve the vital population of native Irish honey bees, University of Galway is calling on members of the public to participate in a comprehensive bee census in Inishowen, Co Donegal.   Launched today on World Bee Day (Tuesday 20 May), the survey aims to map and gather data on the population density of both free-living and managed bee colonies in the region.   Researchers are also keen to explore the interactions between these different colonies and investigate whether their interactions are beneficial to the future conservation of these essential pollinators.   The survey is a key part of wider safeguarding efforts for the future of the native Irish honey bee, which has seen declining populations in recent years due to hybridisation of native bees with imported forms, habitat and biodiversity loss, disease, and climate change.               Professor Grace McCormack, Head of the School of Natural Sciences at University of Galway, said: “There are no accurate data on the density of honey bee colonies in Ireland and this census information is necessary for investigating impacts of various factors on honey bee survival, and the interactions between wild and managed bees. Funded by Research Ireland, the team at University of Galway’s School of Natural Sciences, with the help of Mick Verspuij and his friends in Donegal, have already produced a lot of data on honey bees in Inishowen making it an ideal place to focus on for this project.”   University of Galway PhD student Mick Verspuij has been actively involved in the beekeeping community in Inishowen for almost a decade and is currently studying for a doctorate, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, on the international research project Free-B which is being launched to uncover how wild honey bee colonies survive and thrive in the wild across diverse landscapes of Europe in Ireland, France, Poland, Portugal and Sweden and what differentiates them from nearby managed colonies.   University of Galway researchers are encouraging all members of the community, from local residents to beekeepers, community groups and schools to farmers, to report their observations of bee colonies, by completing an easy-to-use online form.                PhD student Mick Verspuij said: “I have been actively involved in the Inishowen beekeeping community for nearly 10 years now and still come across new honeybee nest locations within Inishowen. It just shows you how little is known about the density and spread of honeybee colonies in just one region. Collectively with the help from the people in the area we can start making sense of the impact honeybee colonies have on the local environment and together work to a better future for all pollinators within Inishowen.” To learn more about the census or how to get involved visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/honeybeecensus.   Ends

University of Galway has been awarded the Smarter Travel Mark by the National Transport Authority during Bike Week 2025. The award recognises the University’s significant progress in promoting sustainable travel initiatives on campus. University staff and students accepted the award at an event during Bike Week 2025. Dr Richard Manton, Director of Sustainability, University of Galway, said: “We are very pleased to have achieved the NTA Smarter Travel Mark. This mark celebrates the collective effort of staff, students, and partners working towards a healthier and more sustainable future. Particular credit is due to the University’s Buildings and Estates Office for making the campus a more friendly place for walking, cycling and wheeling.” University of Galway marked Bike Week 2025 with a range of on campus events promoting cycling, community and sustainability across campus. Activities included a Bike Maintenance Talk and Demo with An Mheitheal Rothar offering staff and students practical advice on keeping their bikes in top shape. The University also hosted a Coffee Morning / Connect Café at Moffett’s, where participants enjoyed inspiring conversations with Professor Eoghan Clifford, School of Engineering and Marianne McNally, Human Resources, University of Galway on the role of cycling and active travel in sustainable living. The University also encouraged participation in the broader National Bike Week and continues to champion sustainable travel as an SDG Ambassador and Ireland’s top university for sustainability. Ends

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, T.D. has formally launched the new Pharmacy programme (MPharm) at University of Galway to provide up to 75 new student places a year. The new degree marks a significant milestone for healthcare education and is being funded as part of Government investment in the expansion of higher education healthcare programmes. It is the first Master of Pharmacy programme in the West of Ireland. MInister Lawless formally launched the MPharm during a visit to University of Galway. Applications for the MPharm are now open through the CAO, with the first intake beginning in September 2025 with 45 places available. In subsequent years, the potential student intake will be 75 places a year. Formally launching the opening of applications, Minister Lawless T.D. said: “This new Master of Pharmacy programme at University of Galway represents a landmark development for the west of Ireland, for students, and for the future of healthcare education in this country. “It shows how Government investment in higher education is expanding opportunities for students and addressing workforce needs in our health service. By creating up to 75 new places a year, we are not only enhancing regional access to pharmacy education but also ensuring that communities across Ireland will benefit from a new generation of highly trained, innovative and patient-centred pharmacists. “I want to commend University of Galway for their leadership and commitment to shaping the healthcare workforce of the future.” Interim President of University of Galway, Professor Peter McHugh, said: “The launch of the MPharm programme is a major milestone for the University, for the West of Ireland and for healthcare education nationally. By offering this unique programme in University of Galway, through research-led and transformative teaching and learning healthcare, we are contributing to Government initiatives which are addressing the need for a highly skilled workforce that will have a lasting impact on patient care. We look forward to welcoming the first students in September.” The MPharm degree is an integrated five-year programme which involves students beginning their studies as undergraduates and qualifying with a Masters. The programme will equip graduates with the clinical, scientific and professional skills required for a modern healthcare environment. It is one part of an expansion of healthcare education at University of Galway and a key element of efforts by the University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences to address critical healthcare workforce shortages in Ireland, in line with its Strategic Plan 2022-25. University of Galway is planning for the commencement of a Graduate Entry Medicine programme in 2026. It offers a four-year accelerated pathway into Medicine for graduates, allowing them to build on their prior academic achievements to become qualified medical professionals, with a focus on preparing them for careers in rural and remote medicine. Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer in HSE West and North West, said: “We are delighted to welcome the first new pharmacy programme in the West of Ireland. This is a vital step toward strengthening our healthcare system. Equipping future pharmacists with the skills and support they need while helping address critical workforce shortages across both hospital and community settings. Programmes like the MPharm will enable more efficient and accessible care for our patients in the West and North West." Dr Martina Ni Chúlain, Director of Strategic Development in University of Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, said: “We are delighted to deliver the first Pharmacy programme in the West of Ireland. By equipping students with advanced skills, including prescribing, we are preparing a generation of pharmacists ready to take on evolving roles in multidisciplinary teams and deliver care closer to patients. It also positions the University as a catalyst for future growth in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries in the region, supporting innovation, job creation and economic development aligned with the strengths of the West.” Ends

Rinne an tAire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta, James Lawless TD, an clár nua Cógaisíochta (MPharm) in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe a sheoladh go hoifigiúil. Cuirfear suas le 75 áit ar fáil do mhic léinn nua gach bliain ar an gclár seo.   Is éacht suntasach atá sa chéim nua seo don oideachas cúraim sláinte agus táthar á maoiniú mar chuid d’infheistíocht an Rialtais i leathnú na gclár cúraim sláinte atá ar fáil san ardoideachas. Is é seo an chéad chlár Máistreachta sa Chógaisíocht in Iarthar na hÉireann.  Sheol an tAire Lawless an Mháistreacht sa Chógaisíocht go foirmiúil le linn a chuairte ar Ollscoil na Gaillimhe.   Táthar ag glacadh le hiarratais ar an Máistreacht sa Chógaisíocht anois tríd an CAO, agus glacfar leis an gcéad ghrúpa 45 mac léinn i Meán Fómhair 2025. Sna blianta ina dhiaidh sin, beifear ag tairiscint 75 áit in aghaidh na bliana.  Agus é ag fógairt go rabhthas ag glacadh le hiarratais anois ar an gclár nuasheolta seo, dúirt an tAire Lawless TD: “Is forbairt mhór é an clár nua Máistreachta sa Chógaisíocht in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe d’Iarthar na hÉireann, do mhic léinn, agus do thodhchaí an oideachais cúraim sláinte sa tír seo.  Is léiriú é ar an gcaoi a bhfuil infheistíocht an Rialtais san ardoideachas ag cur leis na deiseanna atá ar fáil do mhic léinn agus ag freastal ar riachtanais an lucht saothair inár seirbhís sláinte. Trí suas le 75 áit nua a chruthú in aghaidh na bliana, ní hamháin go bhfuilimid ag feabhsú rochtain réigiúnach ar oideachas cógaisíochta ach táimid ag cinntiú freisin go mbainfidh pobail ar fud na hÉireann leas as glúin nua cógaiseoirí ardoilte, nuálacha, cógaiseoirí a thugann tús áite do na hothair.  Ba mhaith liom Ollscoil na Gaillimhe a mholadh as an gceannaireacht agus an tiomantas atá léirithe acu chun dul i bhfeidhm ar lucht saothair cúraim sláinte na todhchaí.”  Bhí an méid seo le rá ag Uachtarán Eatramhach Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Peter McHugh: “Is céim mhór chun cinn don Ollscoil, d’Iarthar na hÉireann agus don oideachas cúraim sláinte ar fud na tíre é seoladh an chláir Máistreachta sa Chógaisíocht. Agus an clár uathúil cúraim sláinte seo á thairiscint in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, le béim ar theagasc agus foghlaim  bhunathraitheach agus treoraithe ag taighde, táimid ag cur le tionscnaimh Rialtais atá ag freastal ar an ngá atá le lucht saothair ardoilte a mbeidh tionchar buan acu ar chúram othar a bheith ar fáil. Táimid ag tnúth le fáilte a chur roimh an gcéad ghrúpa mac léinn i mí Mheán Fómhair.”   Is clár comhtháite cúig bliana é an Mháistreacht sa Chógaisíocht ina dtosaíonn mic léinn ar a gcuid staidéir mar mhic léinn fochéime agus ina mbronntar Máistreacht orthu ar deireadh. Ar an gclár sealbhóidh na céimithe na scileanna cliniciúla, eolaíochta agus gairmiúla atá riachtanach i dtimpeallacht cúraim sláinte nua-aimseartha.  Is gné amháin de leathnú an oideachais cúraim sláinte in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe é an clár seo agus is príomhghné é d’iarrachtaí Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte san Ollscoil aghaidh a thabhairt ar an nganntanas criticiúil lucht saothair cúraim sláinte in Éirinn, ag teacht le Plean Straitéiseach an Choláiste 2022-25.  Tá sé beartaithe tús a chur le clár Leighis (Iontráil do Chéimithe) in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe in 2026. Cuirfidh sé seo mearchosán ceithre bliana sa Leigheas ar fáil do chéimithe, rud a ligfidh dóibh cur lena réamhghnóthachtálacha acadúla agus a bheith ina ngairmithe leighis cáilithe, le béim ar leith ar iad a ullmhú le haghaidh gairmeacha i leigheas i gceantair thuaithe agus iargúlta.  Dúirt Tony Canavan, Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin Réigiúnach FSS an Iarthair agus an Iarthuaiscirt: “Tá áthas orainn an chéad chlár cógaisíochta in Iarthar na hÉireann a chur ar fáil. Is céim ríthábhachtach é seo i dtreo ár gcóras cúraim sláinte a neartú. Tabharfar na scileanna agus an tacaíocht a theastaíonn ó chógaiseoirí amach anseo dóibh agus ag an am céanna tabharfar aghaidh ar an nganntanas criticiúil lucht saothair atá in ospidéil agus sa phobal araon. Cuirfidh cláir amhail an Mháistreacht sa Chógaisíocht cúram níos éifeachtaí agus níos inrochtana ar fáil dár n-othair san Iarthar agus san Iarthuaisceart."  Dúirt an Dr Martina Ní Chúlain, Stiúrthóir Forbartha Straitéisí i gColáiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Tá áthas an domhain orainn an chéad chlár Cógaisíochta in Iarthar na hÉireann a chur ar fáil. Trí ardscileanna a thabhairt do mhic léinn, lena n-áirítear ordú oideas, táimid ag ullmhú glúin cógaiseoirí atá faoi réir le glacadh le róil athraitheacha i bhfoirne ildisciplíneacha agus le bheith níos gníomhaí i gcúram othar. Chomh maith leis sin, cuireann sé ar chumas na hOllscoile a bheith lárnach san fhorás a dhéanfar ar na tionscail chógaisíochta agus bhithchógaisíochta sa réigiún, rud a thacóidh le nuálaíocht, le cruthú post agus le forbairt eacnamaíoch atá ag teacht le láidreachtaí an Iarthair.”  Críoch  

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless T.D. has launched University of Galway’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030. The document, entitled Of Galway, For the World, sets out the priorities for the University’s development over the course of the next five years, with a renewed focus on being a research-intensive globally connected higher education institution. During the lifetime of the Strategic Plan, the University will invest in new systems and spaces to better support teaching and research excellence. Among those are the construction of the new Library and Learning Commons in the centre of the campus and the development of a new Student Success Centre that will engage students in new ways of learning and support their progression, success, health and wellbeing throughout their university journey.  Further initiatives will be undertaken including a Future Talent Programme that will invest to attract new talent in research, teaching and professional services to Galway, develop current staff, and grow a PhD cohort through targeted programmes. Other initiatives include the new Research Process Improvement Project - a multi-faceted programme that improves the research journey and experience to maximise impact, and an ambitious Technology-Enablement Programme - a significant investment in Information and communication technology (ICT) operating models and the successful delivery of digital infrastructure projects, which will be critical to the University's success in the coming years. The Strategic Plan was launched at a special event on campus with Minister Lawless where innovative and impactful research was showcased. Minister Lawless, said: “The launch of University of Galway's Strategic Plan 2025-2030 Of Galway, For the World is truly an exciting time. There are many new developments and the sense of ambition and innovation on campus is tangible. “University of Galway has a proven track record of embedding creativity and excellence in providing a diverse range of programmes and putting the student experience at the centre of teaching and learning. The new Strategic Plan is the next step on that journey." Chair of Údarás na hOllscoile, Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, said: “I would like to sincerely thank our university community and partners and all of those who engaged with us during the consultation process to develop the University’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030. We are excited to share the outcome of this work and look forward to the next chapter of the University’s strategic journey.” Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “This is a very exciting time for our university as we celebrate 180 years of university scholarship, research and education in Galway at a time of profound change in the world. “With so much uncertainty and complexity in global matters, yet so many new and innovative ideas and new technologies, there is a wealth of opportunities and challenges for us to grasp. Our Strategic Plan 2025-30 Of Galway, For the World captures that ambition and will enable our University community to have significant impact in helping to address the needs of society, building on our long and proud history of achievement.” The Strategic Plan 2025-2030 will focus on the University’s core mission to nurture talent and generate knowledge for the world. This mission will be guided by the University’s existing values of Excellence, Respect, Openness, Sustainability, and Belonging - a new value which students asked for. The document sets out areas of strategic priorities: Distinctive Research Impact; Education for the Future; and Effective and Sustainable Organisation that Empowers our People. The Strategic Plan identifies four research pillars in which University of Galway will make a distinctive impact in the years ahead: Innovation for Health; Creativity, Culture & Society; Sustainable & Resilient Environments: Earth & Ocean; and Decisive Data & Transformative AI. The title of the Strategic Plan, Of Galway, For the World, was inspired by the distinctiveness of the University and its city and region, as well as the global impact the university community makes from this unique place. Read the full Strategic Plan 2025-2030 here: www.universityofgalway.ie/strategy2030 Ends

 Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan T.D. has formally launched a new book analysing sentencing in cases of serious sexual offences which explores the factors that influence the decision-making of judges.  The research was carried out by Dr Diarmuid Griffin, a lecturer in criminology and criminal law at University of Galway’s School of Law and published by Policy Press - Sentencing Serious Sex Offenders – How Judges Decide When Discretion is Wide.  The book uses more than 100 court cases in Ireland from 1985 to 2022, and examines sentencing resulting in 15 years' imprisonment up to, and including, life imprisonment in sexual offences cases. The research explores the factors that influence judges to impose a sentence of long-term imprisonment in serious sexual offence cases.  Judges have made it clear that sentences of 15 years to life imprisonment are to be reserved for offending that is “truly egregious”. Minster for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan T.D. said: ‘’Dr Griffin has produced very important data and analysis of sentencing patterns in relation to sexual offences, at the upper end. This research provides policy makers with a solid basis to develop policy into the future. Of particular note are Dr Griffin’s findings that show a significant level of consistency in sentencing which can be attributed, at least in part, to the fact that a relatively small number of judges deal with the most serious sexual offences in the Central Criminal Court. This is an important finding which challenges the narrative of inconsistency in sentencing, at least in relation to these offences, and shows the value of the experience gained over many years dealing with a particularly challenging category of offences. I am very pleased to launch ‘Sentencing Serious Sex Offenders: How Judges Decide when Discretion is Wide’ and I welcome its publication.”  Dr Griffin said: “How and why judges decide to impose a particular sentence in an individual case has become a topic of intense public interest but there are few studies examining sentencing decision-making. This book provides an opportunity to broaden and deepen the discourse on sentencing.” In their sentencing remarks, many judges stated that cases involving sentences of 15 years to life were the “most difficult” and “most horrendous” of their time on the bench, including one who described the offending as “the most grievous sexual assault I have ever come across in my career”. Dr Griffin said: “These cases are exceptional in nature and judges pointed to the challenges that they present at sentencing. In particular, judges emphasised the severity of the consequences arising from the offending, resulting in victims being ‘severely traumatised’ and ‘seriously scarred’.  “It is important to note that the findings set out in the analysis are indicative of the factors influencing a sentence of 15-years to life imprisonment and are therefore not necessarily reflective of patterns in sexual violence at a general level.”  Dr Griffin’s data analysis indicates that there appears to be a broad consensus across decision-makers regarding the level of conduct, culpability and harm warranting a sentence in the top range.  Some of the key factors that emerged from the analysis included: In almost all cases the defendant had been convicted of multiple offences (94 per cent). The volume of offending being dealt with at each sentencing hearing was the most significant factor that emerged. Half of all cases involved multiple victims of sexual violence and almost two thirds involved multiple incidents (63 per cent). The sentence imposed in these cases should be viewed as a reflection of the volume of offending in the case as a whole rather than a single sentence for a single crime. Cases involving crimes committed against adult victims Of the 108 cases examined, 45 involved crimes committed against adult victims. The perpetrators were all men. All of the victims of sexual violence were women, and most were victimised in early adulthood. These offences were frequently committed in a public place and referred to by judges as a “random attack”. More than half of the cases involved serious levels of violence, including the use of weapons or the threat of their use (58%) and death threats (51%). Sentencing judges viewed these factors as significantly increasing the culpability of the defendant. In cases resulting in 15 years to life imprisonment, 65% of victims were attacked by a stranger and 18% by someone they met within 24 hours. This is in contrast with data on the experience of sexual violence in Ireland which indicates that the majority of adult victims knew the perpetrator, and this was often a partner, former partner, friend or acquaintance. Dr Griffin said: “It may be that ‘stranger rape’ cases are reaching the sentencing courts on a more frequent basis than other relationship-based sexual violence and this may partly explain their prevalence in this study. It is also possible that when deliberating on sentencing outcomes, judges may be perceiving ‘stranger rape’ as being more serious and harmful. “The level of harm caused to victims in all cases was referenced as critically important by sentencing judges, who referenced the physical and psychological impact of the offending and recognised the long-term effects of this type of victimisation.  At a broader level, factors more directly related to the defendant were of significance in influencing sentencing outcomes, including: Of most importance was the previous criminal history of the offender, which was referenced by judges in two thirds of cases (67%). Three out of five of those with a previous criminal history had been convicted of sexual offences. Judges made reference to concerns in relation to the risk of reoffending in just over half of all cases (51%). These offenders were described as a ‘grave threat’ to the public. Aside from the entering of a guilty plea (56% of cases) the level of mitigation was limited.  Cases involving crimes of child sexual abuse  The analysis also looked at 63 cases of child sexual abuse, where judges were tasked with addressing the breadth, depth and depravity of offending at the sentencing hearing. While there were 63 defendants, these cases included a total of 159 victims of sexual violence. In over two thirds of these cases, victimisation began when the child or children were aged 10 or younger. There was more diversity in terms of the gender of victims of child sexual abuse when compared to cases involving adult victims - two thirds of the victims being female and a third male. All of the perpetrators were male. Multiple offences were committed in all cases and all cases included additional sexual offences. In some cases, the volume of offences committed was staggering, with one in six cases involving 50 offences or more. A highly significant aggravating factor in these cases was that the perpetrator abused a position of trust or misused a dominant position within a family. The perpetrator was either a father or step-father to the victim(s) in 45% of instances. Outside of this, in almost all cases there was some form of relationship with the child or the family members of the child, and the perpetrator breached that trust in the relationship. Judges emphasised the severity of the consequences arising from the offending, resulting in victims being “severely traumatised”. Aggravating factors relating to the level and extent of violence perpetrated against the victim(s) were identified by judges including, for example: special violence; additional and gratuitous sexual perversions; the use of death threats; and the use of implements of violence. Similar to cases involving adult victims, a guilty plea was the most prevalent mitigating factor (70% of cases). A victim impact statement was identified in 78% of cases.   Dr Griffin said: A previous criminal history was less prevalent than in cases involving adult victims (32% of cases). However, given the volume of offending, the number of victims and the prolonged and sustained nature of the abuse, it is more accurate to state that the offending did not come to the attention of the authorities at the time it was committed and, as a result, it was all being dealt with at the same sentencing hearing. Dr Griffin said: The sexual offence cases that are the focus of this study are almost exclusively dealt with by a small group of judges that sit at the Central Criminal Court. In fact, sexual offences make up the majority of these judges’ sentencing workload. The small number of judges responsible for sentencing in these cases is an important component in shedding light on the consistency evident in sentencing approaches and outcomes. Ends

Cuireann an Institiúid Náisiúnta don Taighde ar Ailse Chíche na milliúin euro i bhfoirm maoinithe ar fáil d’Ollscoil na Gaillimhe chun cúram agus torthaí othair a chur chun cinn  Sheol an tAire Sláinte, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill T.D., infheistíocht charthanach mhaoinithe de chuid na hInstitiúide Náisiúnta don Taighde ar Ailse Chíche (NBCRI), arbh fhiú €4 mhilliún é, chun tabhairt faoi thaighde in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ar fhorbairtí a d’fhéadfadh saol na n-othar a athrú chun feabhais ó thaobh cúraim agus torthaí de.   Déanfaidh infheistíocht na hInstitiúide Náisiúnta don Taighde ar Ailse Chíche éascaíocht do thaighde feabhsaithe agus do dhiagnóisic a rachaidh chun tairbhe othar, agus san áireamh leis sin beidh íomháú digiteach nach bhfuil fáil air in Éirinn faoi láthair, leathnú trialacha cliniciúla agus tuilleadh comhoibrithe idirnáisiúnta i dtaobh samplaí cliniciúla a anailísiú.     Tá an maoiniú carthanach seo, arbh fhiú na milliúin euro é, á chur ar fáil mar chuid de Chomhpháirtíocht Shainiúil idir an NCBRI agus an Ollscoil, agus beidh poist ríthábhachtacha nua, idir acadúil agus taighde, mar thoradh air.   Tá an daonchairdiúlacht seo, agus an chomhpháirtíocht atá taobh thiar di, bunaithe ar na caidrimh sheanbhunaithe idir an dá eagraíocht ar cuireadh tús leo os cionn tríocha bliain ó shin, agus fócas ar leith acu le 15 bliana anuas ar thaighde eolaíoch agus cliniciúil a chumasú.   Síníodh an Chomhpháirtíocht Shainiúil go hoifigiúil agus seoladh go foirmeálta í ag ócáid a reáchtáladh in Institiúid Lambe don Taighde Aistritheach de chuid na hOllscoile.    Seo mar a labhair an tAire Sláinte, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D.: “Tá an-áthas orm an chomhpháirtíocht thábhachtach seo idir an Institiúid Náisiúnta don Taighde ar Ailse Chíche (NCBRI) agus Ollscoil na Gaillimhe a sheoladh. Ní hamháin go gcuirfidh an infheistíocht €4 mhilliún seo i dtaighde ailse chíche le cúram agus torthaí othar, ach réiteoidh sé an bealach d’fhionnachtana ceannródaíocha i dtaighde agus i ndiagnóisic. Ceann de na hailsí is coitianta is ea ailse chíche agus déantar bean amháin as gach seachtar in Éirinn a dhiagnóisiú leis an ngalar seo i gcaitheamh a saoil. Céim mhór chun tosaigh is ea fógra an lae inniu maidir le tacú le mná a bhfuil an galar seo ag gabháil dóibh.”   Dúirt Uachtarán Eatramhach Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Peter McHugh: “Cuireann Ollscoil na Gaillimhe fáilte roimh an maoiniú seo atá curtha ar fáil ag an NCBRI agus roimh an athrú suntasach chun feabhais a bheidh mar thoradh ar an gcomhoibriú fadtéarmach agus feidhmeach seo ar an taighde ailse chíche. Tá ár gcomhpháirtíocht ar an bhfód le fada an lá agus níl aon amhras orainn ach go ndéanfaidh an infheistíocht dhaonchairdiúil fhlaithiúil seo difear suntasach dóibh siúd a bhfuil ailse orthu, agus go mbeidh tionchar níos leithne ag an Ollscoil mar institiúid diantaighde a bhfuil fréamhacha sa phobal aici agus í tiomanta do leas an phobail.”    Tá ról lárnach á chomhlíonadh le fada ag an Institiúid Náisiúnta don Taighde ar Ailse Chíche (NBCRI), ar carthanas náisiúnta é, i bhforbairt na gclinicí scagthástála cíche agus siomptómacha a chur chun cinn in Ospidéal na hOllscoile, Gaillimh agus i bhforbairt buntaighde agus taighde chliniciúil ar ailse chíche in Institiúid Lambe in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe.    Tacóidh infheistíocht mhaoinithe an NBCRI leis na réimsí taighde seo a leanas:     Taighde aistritheach ar ailse chíche de chuid Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, ailse chíche mheiteastáiseach san áireamh; riosca géiniteach; fionnachtain agus brath bithmharcóirí; cumarsáid ó chill go cill laistigh de shiadaí; gaschealla agus teiripe chille.   An Bithbhanc Ailse agus oibriú i gcomhar le comhpháirtithe náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta, rud a éascóidh úsáid samplaí cliniciúla d’fhonn fiosrúchán a dhéanamh ar an gcaoi a bhforbraíonn an galar, a ndiagnóisítear é agus a gcuirtear cóir leighis air.  Saindiagnóisic trí úsáid a bhaint as trealamh íomháithe dhigitigh spásúil.  Trialacha cliniciúla a bhaineann le réimse na diagnóisice, cóireálacha leighis agus leo siúd a thagann slán, agus san áireamh leis sin tá máinliacht chíche agus teilealeigheas.  Forbairt ionaid ailse chuimsithigh a mbeidh creidiúnú Eorpach aige tríd an gclár taighde chomh maith le habhcóideacht a dhéanamh d’infreastruchtúr feabhsaithe do chóireáil ailse mar chuid de FSS an Iarthair agus an Iarthuaiscirt - ainmniúchán Ionad Ailse Ollscoil na Gaillimhe mar Ionad Ailse de chuid Eagraíocht Institiúidí Ailse na hEorpa (OECI).    Ceapacháin agus róil acadúla agus taighde lena n-áirítear Ceann na hOinceolaíochta Leighis; Stiúrthóir Eolaíochta; altraí do thrialacha cliniciúla; eolaithe iardhochtúireachta agus mic léinn PhD; scoláireachtaí samhraidh taighde ailse.   Bhí an méid seo le rá ag Caroline Loughnane, Cathaoirleach na hInstitiúide Náisiúnta don Taighde ar Ailse Chíche: “An misean atá ag an Institiúid Náisiúnta don Taighde ar Ailse Chíche airgead a bhailiú chun tacú le taighde ailse chíche den chéad scoth a mbeidh fíorthionchar aige, agus tionchar intomhaiste, ar thorthaí d’othair le hailse chíche. Tá an-áthas orainn a bheith in ann an infheistíocht seo, arbh fhiú €4 mhilliún í, a dhéanamh sa chlár taighde ailse chíche in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe faoi stiúir an Ollaimh Michael Kerin agus a fhoireann. An toradh a mbítear ag súil leis ó thaighde ná fionnachtana nua, cóireálacha leighis níos éifeachtaí agus torthaí níos fearr d’othair atá ag fulaingt le hailse chíche. Tá an NBCRI ag tacú le taighde ar ailse chíche le breis agus tríocha bliain agus tá an-áthas orainn a bheith in ann cur lenár dtiomantas do chlár taighde ailse chíche in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe agus céim nua á tógáil aige mar ionad ailse le creidiúnú Eorpach i gcomhpháirtíocht le FSS an Iarthair agus an Iarthuaiscirt.”   Dúirt an tOllamh Michael Kerin, Ollamh le Máinliacht in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, Máinlia Comhairleach in Ospidéil na hOllscoile, Gaillimh agus Stiúrthóir Taighde NBCRI: “Tacóidh an maoiniú seo le clár cuimsitheach taighde agus tógann sé ar a bhfuil bainte amach, a bhuíochas le tacaíocht an NBCRI, i dtaighde ailse chíche, na géinte atá ina n-údar don ghalar, mar shampla, na bithmharcóirí atá in ann cúrsa an ghalair a thuar, agus léirmhíniú radaighníomhach níos fearr. Tá sé tar éis ligean dúinn cur le comhoibrithe cliniciúla agus taighde ar an oileán seo agus ar fud an domhain. Tá an fhoireann taighde thar a bheith buíoch dár mBord agus dár nOibrithe Deonacha a thugann an-tacaíocht agus spreagadh dúinn.   An toradh atá ar an gcaidreamh seanbhunaithe idir Ollscoil na Gaillimhe agus an NBCRI ná isteach is amach le €8 milliún i bhfoirm maoiniú daonchairdiúil agus infheistíocht i dtaighde a bheith curtha ar fáil ó 2010 i leith d'Institiúid Lambe san Ollscoil.   Athdhearbhú is ea tiomantas nua seo an NBCRI ar an bhfócas atá ag an gcarthanas ar chur chuige a fhaigheann faisnéis ó thaighde féachaint le torthaí níos fearr a fháil d’othair.    Críoch    

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill T.D. today formally launched a €4million charitable funding investment by National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) for research into life-changing advancements in patient care and outcomes at University of Galway.  The NBCRI philanthropy will enable enhanced research and diagnostics for the benefit of patients, including digital imaging currently not available in Ireland, the expansion of clinical trials and more international collaboration on the analysis of clinical samples.  The multimillion-euro charitable funding is being provided as part of a new Signature Partnership between NBCRI and the University which will provide for new, critical academic and research posts.  The partnership and philanthropy build on a legacy of relations between the two organisations going back more than three decades, with a specific focus on enabling scientific and clinical research over the last 15 years.  The Signature Partnership was officially signed and formally launched at an event in the University’s Lambe Institute for Translational Research.  Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D.: “I am delighted to launch this important partnership between the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) and the University of Galway. This investment of €4 million in breast cancer research will not only enhance patient care and outcomes but also pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in research and diagnostics. As breast cancer is one of the most common cancers, with 1 in 7 women in Ireland receiving a diagnosis during their lifetime, today’s announcement marks another important step forward in supporting women affected by this disease.”  Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “University of Galway welcomes this funding by NBCRI and the step change it creates in a longstanding and impactful collaboration on breast cancer research. Our partnership goes back many years and we have no doubt that this generous philanthropic investment will make a significant difference to outcomes for cancer patients, as well as the wider impact that our University can have as a research-intensive institution, rooted in the community and committed to the public good.”  A national charity, the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) has been instrumental in advancing the development of the breast screening and symptomatic clinics at University Hospital Galway and the development of clinical and fundamental breast cancer research at the Lambe Institute at University of Galway.  The new NBCRI funding investment will support: University of Galway’s translational breast cancer research, including metastatic breast cancer; genetic risk; biomarker discovery and detection; cell communication within tumours; stem cells and cell therapy. The Cancer Biobank and collaboration with expert national and international partners which enables the use of clinical samples to investigate how the disease develops, is diagnosed and is treated. Specialist diagnostics through state-of-the-art digital spatial imaging equipment. Clinical trials into diagnostics, treatment and survivorship, including breast surgery and telemedicine. The development of a European-accredited comprehensive cancer centre through the research programme and advocacy for improved cancer treatment infrastructure as part of the HSE West and North-West - University of Galway Cancer Centre designation as an Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) Cancer Centre.  Academic and research appointments and roles including a Chair of Medical Oncology; Scientific Director; clinical trials nurses; postdoctoral scientists and PhD students; cancer research summer scholarships.  Chairperson of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute, Caroline Loughnane, said: “The mission of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute is to raise funds in support of world-class breast cancer research that has a real and measurable impact on outcomes for breast cancer patients. We are delighted to be making this investment of €4million in the breast cancer research programme at University of Galway, led by Professor Michael Kerin and his team. Research means new discoveries, more effective treatments and better outcomes for breast cancer patients. Building on more than three decades of support, NBCRI is excited to extend its commitment to the breast cancer research programme at University of Galway as it enters a new phase as a European accredited cancer centre in partnership with the HSE West and North-West.”  Professor Michael Kerin, Professor of Surgery at University of Galway, Consultant Surgeon at Galway University Hospitals and Research Director at NBCRI, said: “This funding underpins an expansive programme of research and builds on the legacy of the NBCRI contribution to major discoveries in breast cancer ranging from the genes that cause it, biomarkers that predict outcome, improved radiological interpretation. It has allowed us to contribute to major clinical and research collaborations on this island and across the globe. The research team are immensely grateful to our Board and Volunteers whose support is immense and inspirational.”  University of Galway’s longstanding relationship with NBCRI has enabled approximately €8million of philanthropic funding and investment in research at the Lambe Institute at the University since 2010.  The new commitment by the NBCRI reaffirms the charity’s focus on a research-informed approach to improving patient outcomes. Ends

University of Galway’s Tax Clinic has been recognised with the Excellence in Education award at the prestigious Irish Accountancy Awards 2025. The win celebrates its outstanding contribution to tax education and social inclusion in Ireland. The Irish Accountancy Awards celebrate the most innovative individuals and organisations driving excellence across the accounting profession. The Excellence in Education award for the Tax Clinic at University of Galway’s J.E Cairnes School of Business and Economics recognises its commitment to delivering impactful learning opportunities while serving a vital social function. The University of Galway Tax Clinic provides free, confidential tax information and support to students and members of marginalised communities. Through this initiative, tax student volunteers, under the supervision of qualified tax professionals, help and educate individuals better understand and manage their tax affairs.   Emer Mulligan, Director of the Tax Clinic and Personal Professor of Taxation and Finance at University of Galway, said: “I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of the Tax Clinic. Our tax students working in the clinic are getting an exceptional professional tax experience, whilst assisting marginalised citizens with their tax compliance and correspondence with the Revenue. I am confident our Tax Clinic is making a real difference, empowering our citizens in this critical aspect of fiscal citizenship. I look forward to further expansion of the tax clinic, building on this external recognition. I am grateful to our professional tax advisors who give their time and expertise to this initiative on a pro bono basis.” For more information on the University of Galway Tax Clinic visit https://www.universityofgalway.ie/taxclinic/.  Ends

Publication sets out actions for Ireland to achieve membership of BBMRI-ERIC – one of Europe’s largest research infrastructures A research team at University of Galway has led the development of a roadmap which charts the path for Ireland to join the European research infrastructure for biobanking and biomolecular resources. The new publication, A Roadmap Towards Ireland’s Membership of BBMRI-ERIC, was developed by a multidisciplinary team led by University of Galway on joining the Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure - European Research Infrastructure Consortium. The roadmap reflects a growing national consensus that joining BBMRI-ERIC is essential for advancing health research and delivering long-term benefits for patients and society. BBMRI-ERIC facilitates access to nearly 500 biobanks across Europe, enabling collaborative, high-impact research. Biobanking enables the collection and storage of biological samples and health data from patients and volunteers for future research. It underpins the development of new diagnostics and treatments for diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular conditions and neurodegenerative disorders. In September 2024, the BioBANC Symposium III took place at University of Galway, involving stakeholders from academia, healthcare, patient advocacy and industry where strong support was expressed for Ireland to become a BBMRI-ERIC member. The symposium underlined the urgency of integrating biobanking into Ireland’s national healthcare system, to create a sustainable infrastructure for future health research and innovation. Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “This roadmap reflects the kind of leadership and collaboration that defines University of Galway’s role in national and European research. I want to thank our colleagues for driving this strategic vision forward - placing Ireland in a position to realise the full potential of biobanking for public good. Securing BBMRI-ERIC membership is a national opportunity. It requires collective commitment across government, healthcare, research and patient communities, and we strongly support a positive outcome for all involved.” Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the Health Service Executive, said: "Biobanking is a critical research tool which helps us understand illness and the different ways in which people respond to illness. Collaboration with BBMRI-ERIC will enhance the power of biobanking through collaboration and pooling of knowledge.” Dr Sonja Khan, Head of Education at the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, and Programme Director for the MSc Clinical Research at University of Galway said: “As biobanks continue to evolve, they are playing an increasingly critical role in advancing healthcare and addressing some of the world’s most pressing health challenges. This evolution is bringing changes in the relationship between biobanks and the biological samples and data they are entrusted to preserve by patients and participants. The Irish biobanking community is advocating that these changes are best navigated in alignment with our European partners through membership of BBMRI-ERIC.” Dr Avril Kennan, chief executive of Health Research Charities Ireland, said: “If we are serious about delivering truly patient-centered care, then research must be embedded as a core function of our health and social care system. Patients want to contribute to improvements - not just for themselves, but for others. By building research into routine care, we can turn every patient interaction into an opportunity to learn, to improve, and to innovate. The policy direction is clear; now we need collective commitment across the system to make it happen.” BBMRI-ERIC is headquartered in Graz, Austria, providing a harmonised framework for data quality, ethical and legal compliance, and responsible access to biological materials -accelerating scientific discovery while ensuring public trust. The report emphasises that a national biobanking infrastructure will require dedicated infrastructure funding, legislative backing, and stronger public awareness. Key Recommendations from the Roadmap Join BBMRI-ERIC: Position Ireland as a full member of the European biobanking network. Integrate biobanking into the health system: Embed biobanking in national healthcare policies to support ongoing research. Secure infrastructure funding: Move beyond short-term grants to a sustainable funding model. Strengthen public and political understanding: Launch awareness campaigns to enhance trust and transparency. Create a national biobanking node: Coordinate efforts and standardise best practices across the country. A federated and coordinated national approach will be essential, aligning Ireland’s biobanking capabilities with international standards while allowing regional strengths to flourish. The roadmap outlines the need to establish a national node to support integration, governance, and stakeholder collaboration. Professor Jens K. Habermann, Director General of BBMRI-ERIC, said: “Ireland’s membership will unlock the potential of biobanking and biomolecular resources to inspire the best research for the benefit of patients, the public, and the planet.” Billy McCann, patient advocate and member of the National Biobanking Working Group, said: “When you’re going through illness, so much is out of your control. But choosing to contribute to a biobank gives that experience meaning. You’re not just giving samples - you’re giving future researchers a key to unlock answers we don’t have yet. It’s a deeply personal decision, but it’s also a powerful act of hope - for yourself, for your family, and for people you’ll never meet. You’re part of something bigger than your own diagnosis.” The report is available at https://doi.org/10.12688/hrbopenres.14089.1 Ends    

University achieves 13th Athena SWAN Award with Bronze for School of Political Science and Sociology University of Galway has earned further significant recognition in the advancement of gender equality, with the School of Political Science and Sociology securing an Athena SWAN award.  The Athena SWAN Ireland - Bronze has been awarded to reflect the collective commitment of the School to equality, diversity and inclusion. The Bronze application highlighted a range of initiatives that will be taken at the School of Political Science and Sociology, including improvement in the representation of women in senior academic roles. This latest Athena SWAN accreditation sees a total of 11 Bronze Awards and two Silver Awards in the University, along with an institutional Bronze Award which was renewed in 2021. Thirteen out of the University’s eighteen Schools now hold Athena SWAN Awards. Dr Helen Maher, Vice-President for Equality Diversity and Inclusion, University of Galway, said: “We are delighted to share in the congratulations for the School of Political Science and Sociology. We are greatly encouraged by the significant progress our university continues to make on gender and additional equality grounds. “Achieving the School’s first Bronze Award is a testament to our colleagues’ vision, philosophy and commitment to gender equality and progressing equality, diversity and inclusion in our culture and our collective responsibilities.”   Professor Michelle Millar, Head of the School of Political Science and Sociology, University of Galway, said: “This recognition is a significant milestone for the School of Political Science and Sociology. It reflects the collective commitment of our community to equality, diversity and inclusion and continuous improvement in our practices and culture." “I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the Schools’ EDI Committee, led by Dr Bernadine Brady and Dr Declan Coogan, who were instrumental in this success.” Ends

University of Galway hosts annual Health Promotion Conference addressing progress and emerging threats in sexual health University of Galway today hosted the annual Health Promotion Conference, with the focus this year on advancing sexual health promotion. Led by the University’s Health Promotion Research Centre, in partnership with the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive Sexual Health Programme and Association for Health Promotion Ireland, the event brought together researchers, practitioners, policy leads and international experts to explore how Ireland can shape the future of sexual health and wellbeing. The conference – From Awareness to Action: Advancing Sexual Health Promotion – reflected on national policy developments, including the new National Sexual Health Strategy 2025–2035 and its accompanying Action Plan for 2025–2028, published this week by the Government and presented at the conference. It also considered the delivery of quality sexuality education, equitable access to healthcare, stigma reduction and emerging issues such as digital sexual behaviours and STI/HIV prevention. Discussions focused on how to build a more inclusive, evidence-driven and holistic approach to sexual and reproductive health. Ireland has seen substantial progress in sexual health – from declining teenage pregnancies to increased access to contraception and more open discussions of LGBTQ+ rights – but challenges continue in relation to sexual health, marked by rising HIV and STI rates internationally; the need to focus on prevention of domestic, gender based and sexual violence (DSGBV) and support for survivors; and to address stigma, which can be a barrier to accessing care.  Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, T.D. said: “The annual Health Promotion Research Conference is a great opportunity for knowledge exchange for all of us involved in protecting and promoting health. This year's theme of Sexual Health Promotion highlights the importance of normalising conversations about sexual health, to encourage people to access testing and care, and to ensure no one is left behind. We have achieved considerable progress in the development and implementation of sexual health services, and this work continues, with an additional €1.35m allocated to free home STI testing, HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and the free contraception scheme in 2025. We are grateful today for the opportunity to present our new National Sexual Health Strategy and Action Plan to a wider audience.” Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “As a University with a proud tradition of leading public health and social change, we are honoured to host this national conversation on sexual health. This conference is both timely and necessary, as it brings to the fore a topic that has often been under-prioritised despite its centrality to human health, dignity and equality.” The conference featured contributions from international experts from Canada, Belgium, Uganda and the UK, offering a global perspective on the challenges around sexual and reproductive health. Participants explored how sexual health promotion can be strengthened, with a particular focus on reaching people of all genders and sexual orientations, ethnicities and identities and cultural/religious backgrounds. Professor Saoirse Nic Gabhainn, Professor of Health Promotion at the University of Galway, said: “Sexual health is about far more than the absence of disease. It is about relationships, consent, pleasure, identity, and rights. With the changing public discourse in Ireland, we have an opportunity to reimagine how sexual health is promoted – not only through health services, but across education, community and policy.” Dr András Költő, Senior Postdoctoral Researcher in Health Promotion at the University of Galway, said: “We are facing a hidden sexual health crisis. Despite numerous achievements in the last decades, honest and open discussions on sexual and reproductive health are still restricted by shame, silence and taboo. This conference provides a unique platform to share knowledge, identify evidence gaps, and shape future action in Sexual Health Promotion that is inclusive, effective and sustainable.” The conference features panel discussions, interactive workshops and keynote addresses including: Professor Kaye Wellings, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine – five decades of sexual health promotion and the challenges the field currently faces. Professor Philip Dodd, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, and Dr Fiona Mansergh, Sexual Health and Contraception Policy Lead, Department of Health – summaries of progress in the area of sexual health since the first Sexual Health Strategy was launched in 2015. Professor Fiona Lyons, St James’s Hospital and HSE Sexual Health Programme – current trends in Sexually Transmitted Infections and how to address the rise in STIs in Ireland. Full programme details are available at: www.hprcconference.ie The new National Sexual Health Strategy and first National Sexual Health Action Plan, 2025–2028 (single document), can be accessed at: https://www.gov.ie/en/healthy-ireland/policy-information/national-sexual-health-strategy-2025-2035/ Ends

Research Ireland programme aims to fast-track research breakthroughs into commercial healthcare solutions ARC Hub for HeathTech led by University of Galway in partnership with Atlantic Technological University and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences University of Galway is to be the headquarters for a new €34 million investment in healthcare technology solutions under Research Ireland’s ARC Hub programme - Accelerating Research to Commercialisation. The announcement of the ARC Hub for HealthTech was made today by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless T.D. and forms part of wider initiatives and funding awards to drive the commercial impact of research. The ARC Hub for HealthTech is being led by University of Galway, in partnership with ATU and RCSI and starts with 23 research-led innovation projects selected for their strong potential to improve patient outcomes. The landmark funding investment of €34.3 million is provided by the Government of Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to position the Northern and Western Region as a national and international leader in MedTech and connected health innovation. Primary objective of the ARC Hub programme is to drive regional development by accelerating novel, cutting-edge research and make it ready for commercial impact while also supporting the development of entrepreneurial scientists and engineers with the skills to realise commercial opportunities from research. The ARC Hub for HealthTech brings together clinical and commercial expertise, cutting-edge research and regional networks to develop impactful solutions to tackle chronic disease. Its focus will be on smart implants, advanced wearable medical devices, novel sensors and AI- and machine learning-driven modelling. The ARC Hub for HealthTech will support interdisciplinary teams, provide regulatory and market insight, accelerate clinical and commercial pathways and build partnerships with industry and healthcare stakeholders. It will act as a national testbed for innovation translation, guiding academic research teams through key steps towards commercialisation.             Speaking at the announcement, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless T.D., said: “The Research Ireland ARC Hub for HealthTech will help transform regional innovation and entrepreneurial training in the North West region and beyond. Enhancing the existing academic-enterprise healthcare and technology ecosystems, the ARC Hub will deliver a suite of impactful, on-the-ground supports, benefitting everyone in the process – researchers, engineers, technologists, manufacturers, clinicians, physicians and, critically, patients. The provision and delivery of appropriate and effective healthcare is, by its very nature, time-sensitive. The ARC Hub for HealthTech will play an instrumental role in accelerating the commercialisation of research and getting health solutions to those that need them faster.”             Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “This investment recognises the power of regional collaboration and the strength of our academic and clinical talent pool. While our region faces significant challenges – scoring below the EU and national averages in regional competitiveness – we also have a unique and internationally-renowned ecosystem from which to build, and a proud history of achievement in the broad health technology domain. University of Galway’s long-established presence, including our network of medical academies, combined with ATU’s multi-campus reach and RCSI’s expertise, creates a formidable alliance. This ARC Hub will drive impact where it's needed most and working collaboratively it allows us to address shared challenges and harness the innovation potential that already exists in our communities.”             Professor Garry Duffy, Professor of Health Technology Innovation at University of Galway, Professor of Anatomy at RCSI and Director of the ARC Hub for HealthTech, added: “We're excited to bring together regional and national expertise in connected health innovation. Our goal is to create solutions that will transform how we manage chronic disease in our communities. This is about building a global beacon for MedTech and connected health innovation - rooted in the Northern and Western region of Ireland. The Hub will allow us to scale up efforts already underway and build a nationally coordinated platform to fast-track technologies that can improve quality of life and care. At the heart of the ARC Hub are 23 innovation projects selected for their strong potential to improve patient outcomes. Each will undergo an accelerated pathway from research to market, designed to bring solutions to those who need them, faster."             Professor Aoife Lowery, Professor of Surgery at University of Galway, Director of the Clinical Research Facility Galway and Clinical Lead of the ARC Hub for HealthTech, said: “Our aim is to connect breakthrough science with the people and systems who can translate it into patient benefit. By embedding clinical insight from the earliest stages of innovation, we will support technologies that are both impactful and implementable in real-world healthcare settings.” Ends

Tá sé mar aidhm ag clár Taighde Éireann luas a chur faoi dhul chun cinn taighde i réitigh cúraim sláinte tráchtála An Mol ARC do Theicneolaíochtaí Sláinte faoi stiúir Ollscoil na Gaillimhe i gcomhpháirtíocht le hOllscoil Teicneolaíochta an Atlantaigh agus Ollscoil Leighis agus Eolaíochtaí Sláinte RCSI Beidh Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ina ceanncheathrú d'infheistíocht nua €34 milliún i réitigh theicneolaíochta cúraim sláinte faoi chlár Mhol ARC Taighde Éireann – faoi chlár Taighde Éireann, an Mol ARC – Ó Thaighde go Tráchtálú. Rinne an tAire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta, James Lawless T.D. fógra faoin Mol ARC do Theicneolaíochtaí Sláinte inniu agus is cuid de thionscnaimh níos leithne agus de dhámhachtainí maoinithe é chun tionchar tráchtála an taighde a thiomáint. Tá an Mol ARC do Theicneolaíochtaí Sláinte á stiúradh ag Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, i gcomhpháirtíocht le ATU agus RCSI, agus beidh 23 tionscadal nuálaíochta atá faoi stiúir taighde ann ag an tús a roghnaíodh mar gheall ar a gcumas láidir chun torthaí othar a fheabhsú. Tá an infheistíocht mhaoinithe shuntasach €34.3 milliún curtha ar fáil ag Rialtas na hÉireann agus ag Ciste Forbraíochta Réigiúnaí na hEorpa (CFRE) chun áit a chinntiú do Réigiún an Tuaiscirt agus an Iarthair mar cheannaire náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta i réimse na Teicneolaíochta Leighis agus na nuálaíochta sláinte comhnasctha. Is é príomhchuspóir Mhol ARC forbairt réigiúnach a thiomáint trí thaighde úrnua, ceannródaíoch a bhrú chun cinn agus é a ullmhú le haghaidh tionchar tráchtála agus ag an am céanna tacú le forbairt eolaithe agus innealtóirí fiontraíocha a bhfuil na scileanna acu chun deiseanna tráchtála a eascairt as taighde. Tugann an Mol ARC do Theicneolaíochtaí Sláinte saineolas cliniciúil agus tráchtála, taighde ceannródaíoch agus líonraí réigiúnacha le chéile chun réitigh tionchair a fhorbairt chun dul i ngleic le galair ainsealacha. Beidh sé dírithe ar ionchlannáin chliste, ar fheistí leighis inchaite ardteicneolaíochta, ar bhraiteoirí nuálacha agus ar shamhaltú atá bunaithe ar intleacht shaorga agus ar mheaisínfhoghlaim. Tacóidh an Mol ARC do Theicneolaíochtaí Sláinte le foirne idirdhisciplíneacha, cuirfidh sé léargas rialála agus margaidh ar fáil, cuirfidh sé dlús faoi chonairí cliniciúla agus tráchtála agus forbróidh sé comhpháirtíochtaí le páirtithe leasmhara tionscail agus cúraim sláinte. Feidhmeoidh sé mar mheán tástála náisiúnta le haghaidh aistriú nuálaíochta, ag treorú foirne taighde acadúla trí chéimeanna tábhachtacha i dtreo tráchtálaithe.             Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag James Lawless, T.D., an tAire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta: “Cabhróidh Mol ARC Taighde Éireann do Theicneolaíochtaí Sláinte le nuálaíocht réigiúnach agus oiliúint fiontraíochta a athrú ó bhonn i réigiún an Iarthuaiscirt agus níos faide i gcéin. Agus feabhas á chur ar na héiceachórais cúraim sláinte agus teicneolaíochta acadúla-fiontraíochta atá ann cheana féin, cuirfidh an Mol ARC sraith tacaí tionchair ar an láthair ar fáil, a rachaidh chun tairbhe gach duine sa phróiseas – taighdeoirí, innealtóirí, teicneolaithe, monaróirí, cliniceoirí, lianna agus, go ríthábhachtach, othair. Is rud é soláthar agus seachadadh cúraim sláinte iomchuí agus éifeachtach atá íogair ó thaobh ama de. Beidh ról ríthábhachtach ag an Mol ARC do Theicneolaíochtaí Sláinte i ndlús a chur faoi thráchtálú taighde agus réitigh shláinte a chur ar fáil dóibh siúd a bhfuil gá acu leo níos tapúla.”             Dúirt Uachtarán Eatramhach Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Peter McHugh: “Tugann an infheistíocht seo aitheantas do chumhacht an chomhoibrithe réigiúnaigh agus neart ár bpobail ardoilte acadúil agus chliniciúil. Cé go bhfuil dúshláin shuntasacha roimh ár réigiún – agus scór faoi bhun mheáin an AE agus na meán náisiúnta againn i dtaca le hiomaíochas réigiúnach – tá éiceachóras uathúil agus idirnáisiúnta againn ar féidir linn a fhorbairt, agus stair bhródúil againn as a bhfuil bainte amach againn i réimse leathan na teicneolaíochta sláinte. Cruthaíonn láithreacht fhadbhunaithe Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, lena n-áirítear ár n-acadaimh leighis, in éineacht le campais scaipthe ATU agus saineolas RCSI, comhghuaillíocht láidir. Cuirfidh an Mol ARC seo tionchar chun cinn san áit is mó a bhfuil gá leis agus trí oibriú le chéile, is féidir linn aghaidh a thabhairt ar na dúshláin chéanna agus leas a bhaint as an gcumas nuálaíochta atá cheana féin inár bpobail.”             Dúirt an tOllamh Garry Duffy, Ollamh Bunaithe le Nuálaíocht Teicneolaíochta Sláinte in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe agus Stiúrthóir ar Mhol ARC do Theicneolaíochtaí Sláinte: “Tá ríméad orainn saineolas réigiúnach agus náisiúnta a thabhairt le chéile i nuálaíocht sláinte comhnasctha. Is é ár sprioc réitigh a chruthú a athróidh an chaoi a ndéileálaimid le galair ainsealacha sa phobal. Is éard atá i gceist anseo ná eiseamláir dhomhanda a fhorbairt don Teicneolaíocht Leighis agus do nuálaíocht sláinte comhnasctha – fréamhaithe i réigiún Thuaisceart agus Iarthar na hÉireann. Cuirfidh an Mol ar ár gcumas iarrachtaí atá ar bun cheana féin a mhéadú agus ardán comhordaithe go náisiúnta a fhorbairt chun tús áite a thabhairt do theicneolaíochtaí a fhéadfaidh feabhas a chur ar cháilíocht na beatha agus ar chúram. Cuid lárnach den Mhol ARC is ea 23 tionscadal nuálaíochta atá roghnaithe mar gheall ar a gcumas láidir torthaí othar a fheabhsú. Rachaidh gach ceann acu faoi mhearchosán ón taighde go dtí an margadh, atá deartha chun réitigh a chur ar fáil dóibh siúd a bhfuil gá acu leo níos tapúla."             Dúirt an tOllamh Aoife Lowery, Ollamh le Máinliacht in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, Stiúrthóir na Saoráide Taighde Cliniciúla i nGaillimh agus Ceannaire Cliniciúil ar Mhol ARC do Theicneolaíochtaí Sláinte: “Is é an aidhm atá againn ná an eolaíocht cheannródaíoch a nascadh leis na daoine agus na córais ar féidir leo í a úsáid ar mhaithe le leas na n-othar. Trí léargas cliniciúil a chur san áireamh ó na céimeanna is luaithe den nuálaíocht, tacóimid le teicneolaíochtaí a bhfuil tionchar acu agus ar féidir iad a chur i bhfeidhm i suíomhanna cúraim sláinte an tsaoil.” Críoch

Five researchers at University of Galway have been awarded funding from Research Ireland in a special investment in projects aligned with national priorities. As part of the Research Ireland Pathway programme, the five projects will, investigate climate misinformation in Ireland; analyse gender balance in Irish opera productions; determine the response of microbial communities to environmental change; re-define interpretations of obscure medieval texts; and study the seismic vibrations of highly magnetised neutron stars. The funding, covering a four-year period, will support the researchers to further establish their careers and allow for a postgraduate student to each project. The Pathway programme is a national investment announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless T.D., with more than €3.2m awarded to University of Galway.   The awardees are:  Dr Brenda McNally, an Assistant Professor in communication and global media, and a Fulbright Ireland scholar in the University’s College of Arts Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. Her research project - Tackling Climate Misinformation in Ireland: An Evidence Base and Novel Resources for Journalists and Communications Professionals - will investigate the evolving forms of misinformation in Irish climate policy debates and examine how they are reproduced in news media. The findings will be used to co-create resources to tackle the crisis of climate misinformation with stakeholders. According to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, rampant misinformation is delaying climate action. This is because it confuses the public about the need for urgent action and weakens democratic debate about the necessary responses. Therefore, improving communication about climate policy is urgently required. However, climate misinformation is fast changing making it difficult for journalists and communication professionals to identify and easy to reproduce. The project is co-funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and Met Éireann. Dr Ciaran Arthur, a postdoctoral researcher in the Classics Department in the University’s College of Arts Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. His research project - Connect 4: Uncovering Knowledge Exchange within the Early Medieval Insular World through Linguistic Idiosyncrasies in Obscure Letters, Words, Phrases, and Texts – seeks to re-define interpretations of obscure texts that exist between British and Irish communities in the medieval period, exposing commonalities between different cultures, and how they interconnect. This is based on many texts from early medieval Irish and British manuscripts containing ancient and foreign languages, strange words, exotic alphabets, and cryptic signs. Its digital repository will provide a thematic, multidisciplinary tool to cross-compare, critically analyse, and attempt to solve meanings in these mysterious texts. Dr Anna Trego, a postdoctoral researcher from the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences in the University’s College of Science and Engineering. Her research project - Modelling Metabolic Stress Response of Whole Microbial Communities to Environmental Cues – will determine and model the response of microbial communities to environmental change, including changing climates. This project will study how whole communities of bacteria, viruses and fungi interact and respond to a wide range of environmental stresses at the genetic level. It will combine a unique incubation with cutting edge strategies and community modelling to identify patterns and gradients in community stress response. This set-up will provide a high-throughput means of testing stress-response in whole microbial communities from the whole-community level, down to the level of individual metabolic pathways and even genes.   Dr Michael Lydon, a postdoctoral researcher in the University’s College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. His research project - Knowing the Score: An Analysis of the Gender Balance of Opera Productions on the Island of Ireland (2000-25) – will quantify the extent to which imbalances exist in Irish opera and qualify the socio-cultural, political and economic factors that have supported inequality. The study will assess the gender balance of the key creative and leadership roles for Irish opera productions from 2000-2025. The outputs of this research will include a series of ready-to-implement research-informed equality initiatives and stimulate sustainable and systemic changes in Irish opera that will enrich creativity and culture. Dr Oliver Roberts, a researcher in the University’s College of Science and Engineering. His research project - Good Vibrations – Studying the Seismic Vibrations of Highly Magnetized Neutron Stars (AstroMagnets) - will develop infrastructure with NASA and European Space Agency missions and global radio networks to better understand the connection between fast radio bursts and magnetar flares/bursts in space, through timing analysis of their “starquakes”, as well as monitoring active galactic magnetars, and testing new hardware and methods required to observe magnetars from space. Magnetars are the smouldering remnants of an explosion of a star 10 times greater 10x more massive than our Sun. Magnetars produce episodic bursts, intermediate flares and rarely, giant flares. Professor Lokesh Joshi, Interim Vice-President for Research and Innovation, University of Galway, said: “Congratulations to our five successful researchers awarded this highly competitive Research Ireland funding that will further establish their research careers. This funding will also lead to the retention of postgraduate students to provide additional support to these diverse research projects and deliver meaningful societal impacts. Funding awards like this strengthen the University’s ongoing mission of being a teaching and research-led institution.” Minister Lawless said: “This investment, through Research Ireland’s Pathway programme, will support emerging researchers in their journey from postdoctoral work towards establishing themselves as independent investigators. The projects receiving funding span a broad range of disciplines, ensuring a broad impact on scientific discovery and societal progress. By aligning with Ireland’s national research priorities, these projects will help drive advancements in key sectors such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, history and education.” Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO, Research Ireland, said: “Our Pathway programme equips promising researchers with the resources needed to reach the next level and help drive impactful discoveries. These projects will contribute valuable insights into pressing global and national issues including public health policy, digital well-being, technological advancements, healthcare and more.” Ends

University of Galway student awarded CLS prize in new Biotechnology with Irish pathway Student Seán Casey has been awarded the CLS prize for Best Overall Academic Performance in the Irish language stream in the Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology at University of Galway. From Carna, Co Galway, Seán Casey earned First Class Honours in his first-year exams and was recognised for his outstanding results across a range of subjects including biology, biotechnology skills, chemistry, data science, employability for biotechnologists and Gaeilge don Bhith-theicneolaíocht. The award is sponsored by Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS), which was founded in Ros Muc, Co Galway and actively supports the use of the Irish language in science education. University of Galway’s BSc in Biotechnology has been a core programme in the biosciences for more than 30 years, with established streams for students with French and German. In 2024 an Irish language pathway was introduced in response to several factors: increased student demand, alignment with the University's strategic commitment to promoting Irish in STEM education, increasing employment opportunities in Gaeltacht-based bioscience companies and government policy aimed at expanding the number of public sector employees who are proficient in Irish. Seán Casey said: “As a native Irish speaker, it meant a lot to me to be able to use Irish as part of my Biotech studies. I’m really delighted and proud to receive this award. It’s great to see more opportunities for students to use Irish in science. I want to thank all my lecturers, especially my Irish lecturer Caroline Ní Nia for making the Irish sessions fun and engaging. Thanks also to CLS for the prize and plaque, and for supporting this new language pathway.” Dr Stephen Rea, Programme director for the BSc in Biotechnology in the University’s College of Science and Engineering, said: ““I am very proud to introduce Irish as a third language option in Biotechnology. Having a language with a science degree provides our graduates with an opportunity to enter an even wider variety of science-based careers. I would like to thank my colleagues in Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge for their enthusiastic engagement with this initiative and also CLS for their support and for sponsoring this prize. And finally, a big congratulations to Seán for winning this prize.” Caroline Ní Fhlatharta, Irish Language Officer at University of Galway, said: “University of Galway takes pride in our role in leading higher education and research in the Irish language and we are committed to expanding opportunities for students from across the country to engage with the Irish language. This new language pathway in the Biotechnology programme, supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta, enables STEM students to maintain and develop their Irish language skills, and to further enhance their employment opportunities.” The BSc in Biotechnology combines a strong foundation in bioscience with practical experience through employability training, business modules and placement with industry partners in Ireland or in research laboratories across Europe. A unique feature of the programme is its biotech-orientated language training, which is integrated alongside other subjects during years 1-3. Last year, an Irish language pathway was created in parallel to the existing French and German pathways which will provide students with broader options. The Biotechnology programme has had a long-standing relationship with CLS - Ireland’s leading provider of sampling, analysis and laboratory analysts to the pharmaceutical, medical device, food and environmental sectors. Many students have completed six-month placements at CLS, and several graduates have gone on to secure employment with the company. An advocate for the use of the Irish language in education, CLS sponsors the annual academic prize of €500 for students enrolled in the Irish language stream of the BSc in Biotechnology. CLS chief executive Evelyn O'Toole said: “We are honoured to present this Academic Excellence Award to Seán Casey for his outstanding performance. Being founded in Connemara and rooted in the Gaeltacht is a proud part of the identity of CLS, as is our commitment to supporting the Irish language in science and education. This award celebrates not just academic achievement, but also the importance of preserving our language and culture within modern scientific fields. Seán’s work sets a wonderful example, and we’re proud to support students who share our values and our vision for the future.” For more information on the BSc in Biotechnology programme (CAO code GY304) visit https://www.universityofgalway.ie/courses/. Ends

Gradam CLS le bronnadh ar mhac léinn as Gaillimh ar chosán nua Bith-theicneolaíochta le Gaeilge Bronnadh Ghradam CLS um Barrfheabhas Acadúil ar chosán nua teanga (an Ghaeilge) ar an BSc sa Bhith-theicneolaíocht ar Sheán Casey. Bhain Seán, ar as Carna, Co. na Gaillimhe dó, céad onóracha amach i scrúduithe na chéad  bhliana agus aithníodh é as a chuid torthaí i réimse leathan ábhar – an bhitheolaíocht, scileanna bith-theicneolaíochta, an cheimic, eolaíocht sonraí, infhostaitheacht do bhith-theicneolaithe agus an Ghaeilge don Bhith-theicneolaíocht. Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS), ar bunaíodh i Ros Muc é, agus a thacaíonn le húsáid na Gaeilge san oideachas eolaíochta, a rinne urraíocht ar an ngradam. Is croí-chúrsa é an BSc sa Bhith-theicneolaíocht sna heolaíochta bitheacha in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe le tríocha bliain anuas, agus sruthanna seanbhunaithe ann le Fraincis agus le Gearmáinis. In 2024, cuireadh tús le cosán Gaeilge mar fhreagairt ar éileamh méadaithe, le hailíniú le tiomantas straitéiseach na hOllscoile tacú leis an nGaeilge san Oideachas ETIM, le cur le deiseanna fostaíochta i gcomhlachtaí eolaíochta bithí agus le tacú le polasaithe rialtais a dhíríonn ar chur le líon na bhfostaithe san earnáil phoiblí a bhfuil líofacht Gaeilge acu.             Dúirt Seán faoi duais: “Mar chainteoir dúchais Gaeilge, bhí sé tábhachtach dom a bheith in ann an Ghaeilge a úsáid ar mo chúrsa Bith-theicneolaíochta. Tá an-áthas agus bród orm an gradam seo a fháil. Tá sé iontach tuilleadh deiseanna do mhic léinn an Ghaeilge a úsáid san eolaíocht a fheiceáil.  Gabhaim buíochas le mo chuid léachtóirí ar fad, mo léachtóir Gaeilge, Caroline Ní Nia go háirithe, a rinne na seisiúin Ghaeilge spraíúil agus tarraingteach. Buíochas freisin le CLS as an duais, agus as tacaíocht a thabhairt don chosán teanga nua seo.” Dúirt an Dr Stephen Rea, Stiúrthóir Cláir, an BSc sa Bhith-theicneolaíocht i gColáiste Eolaíochta agus Innealtóireachta Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Tá an-bhród orm an Ghaeilge a chur leis na roghanna teanga ar an gcúrsa Bith-theicneolaíochta. Tugann céimeanna eolaíochta a bhfuil gné teanga iontu deis bhreise dár gcuid céimithe gairmeacha in earnálacha nua a bhaint amach. Gabhaim buíochas le comhleacaithe in Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge as a rannpháirteachas sa togra agus le CLS as a dtacaíocht agus as an urraíocht. Agus ar deireadh, comhghairdeas mór le Seán a bhain an gradam seo.” Dúirt Caroline Ní Fhlatharta, an tOifigeach Gaeilge in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Tá Ollscoil na Gaillimhe bródúil as ár ról an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn san oideachas agus sa taighde, agus táimid tiomanta do leathnú na ndeiseanna do mhic léinn ó áiteanna éagsúla ar fud na tíre an Ghaeilge a úsáid. Cuidíonn an cosán nua teanga seo sa Bhith-theicneolaíocht le mic léinn ETIM a gcuid scileanna Gaeilge a bhuanú agus a fhorbairt, agus cur lena ndeiseanna fostaíochta.” Tá curaclam comhtháite ag an BSc sa Bhith-theicneolaíocht ina gceanglaítear bonn láidir san eolaíocht bhitheach leis an taithí phraiticiúil tríd an oiliúint infhostaitheachta, modúil ghnó, agus socrúcháin oibre le páirtnéirí sa tionscal in Éirinn nó i saotharlanna taighde ar fud na hEorpa. Gné uathúil den chlár is ea na modúil teanga, a bhfuil béim ar an mbith-theicneolaíocht iontu, atá ar fáil in éineacht leis na hábhair eile ó bhliain 1-3. Anuraidh, cuireadh tús le cosán Gaeilge a ritheann comhthreomhar leis na cosáin Fraincise agus Gearmáinise atá ann cheana féin, le roghanna breise a thabhairt do mhic léinn. Tá nasc le fada ag an gclár BSc sa Bhith-theicneolaíocht le CLS, príomhsholáthróir samplála, anailíse, agus anailísithe saotharlainne in earnálacha cógaisíochta, feistí leighis, bia agus timpeallachta na hÉireann. Rinne go leor mac léinn socrúcháin oibre sé mhí in CLS, agus d’éirigh le roinnt céimithe poist a aimsiú sa chomhlacht.   Ag teacht lena dtiomantas don Ghaeilge i gcúrsaí oideachais, tá CLS le hurraíocht a dhéanamh ar an ngradam acadúil bliantúil seo a bhfuil luach €500 air, don mhac léinn is fearr sa shruth Gaeilge ar an BSc sa Bhith-theicneolaíocht. Dúirt POF CLS Evelyn O'Toole: “Is cúis áthais dúinn an Gradam um Feabhas Acadúil seo a bhronnadh ar Sheán Casey as feabhas a chuid torthaí. De bharr gur bunaíodh CLS i gConamara agus go bhfuil sé fréamhaithe sa Ghaeltacht, tá an Ghaeltacht agus an teanga buanaithe inár bhféiniúlacht, mar atá ár dtiomantas tacú leis an nGaeilge san eolaíocht agus san oideachas. Is ceiliúradh é an gradam seo, ní ar ghnóchtáil acadúil amháin, ach ar an tábhacht a bhaineann le cosaint ár dteanga agus ár gcultúir i réimsí nua-aimseartha eolaíochta. Is eiseamláir é obair Sheáin anseo, agus táimid an-sásta tacú le mic léinn a bhfuil na luachanna céanna acu is atá againn agus an fhís chéanna don todhchaí.” Le tuilleadh eolais a fháil ar an BSc sa Bhith-theicneolaiocht (GY304 an cód CAO), féach: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/courses/. Críoch

The Career Development Centre at University of Galway has been named Employability Team of The Year at the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (ACGAS) Awards for Excellence 2025. The annual awards celebrate success and innovation in the higher education sector. The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) is the expert membership organisation for higher education student career development and graduate employment professionals for universities in Ireland and the UK. This year their awards programme reflected on the themes that matter to the higher education sector and celebrated fresh thinking and innovation at a time of increasing challenges. Commenting on the University of Galway’s award the judges said: “The team at University of Galway has made an inspiring contribution to employability at the University of Galway this year, transforming outcomes to a degree that encapsulates what this sector is all about.”  The Career Development Centre at University of Galway offers a student-centred service and supports more than 19,000 students and 5,500 graduates every year. Marie Laffey, Head of the Career Development Centre, University of Galway, said: "Winning the AGCAS Employability Team of the Year Award 2025 is a very proud moment for the team. This international recognition reflects the dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit of the entire Career Development Centre team, who go above and beyond every day to support our students’ career development and future success. I'm very honoured to lead such a wonderful team. We are very grateful to our students, academic and student service colleagues, and our employer partners for their continued trust and partnership. Together, we are building meaningful, inclusive, and future-focused career pathways for all of our students." Martin Edmondson, chief executive of AGCAS, said: “The winners and nominees of these awards are a true testament to the exceptional work that is going on in higher education careers and employability. We all know the challenges that the sector is facing right now, yet our members are rising to the challenge with panache, demonstrating success across a range of areas from research to technology, to sustainability and EDI. These innovative and collaborative projects, and high professional standards, lead to careers success for student and graduates and employability for all.” The prestigious Awards ceremony took place in the UK and is part of the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services ‘Employability for all’ conference, which took place at Newcastle University, with the support of Practera.   For a full list of shortlisted entries and more details about the awards, please visit: AGCAS Awards for Excellence Ends

Sixteen student places are being made available at University of Galway under the University of Sanctuary Scholarship programme as part of events to mark World Refugee Day.  The Scholarship has welcomed 71 students from 24 different countries to the University since applications first opened in 2019. The programme is open to International Protection applicants, refugees, vulnerable immigrant groups and Irish Travellers.   For the 2025-26 academic year, applications for undergraduate and postgraduate study under University of Sanctuary Scholarships are open from today - Friday June 20th.  The announcement is being made on World Refugee Day, an international day designated by the United Nations to express solidarity with refugees around the globe and to highlight the strength and courage of those forced to flee their home countries.  A series of events are being hosted at University of Galway to mark the day, which is a collaborative effort between the Office of the Vice-President for Equality Diversity and Inclusion and the Access Centre. Among them is a campus tour for 50 pupils from the Galway Educate Together National School as part of the Schools of Sanctuary Programme. The school children will also take part in an interactive workshop led by current scholars in the University of Sanctuary programme which is designed to foster a sense of community and empathy and to ensure Ireland remains a welcoming place for all, given the country’s history of forced migration, famine and civil war.   The United Nations flag will fly at the Quadrangle, reaffirming the University’s commitment to offering sanctuary for those fleeing their homeland or facing discrimination in Ireland, such as Irish Travellers.  A panel discussion to mark the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality referendum and the Gender Recognition Act will take place, bringing together voices from advocacy, research, legal practice, and lived experience. The event will focus on recent developments in Europe and the US relating to transgender rights and their implications for those seeking International Protection in Ireland.   Dr Helen Maher, Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at University of Galway, said: “The University of Sanctuary Scholarships reflect the University’s new Strategic Plan 2025-2030 - Of Galway, For the World - placing a strong emphasis on the mission to foster a diverse and inclusive academic environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported and, with the University’s reaccreditation as a designated University of Sanctuary later this year, such supports, and solidarity can offer hope and a future for students facing discrimination and fleeing persecution.”  Aidan Harte, University of Sanctuary Officer, University of Galway, said: “World Refugee Day provides an opportunity for the University community to express solidarity with everyone seeking Sanctuary around the world. Welcoming Galway Educate Together National School pupils on campus to meet with Sanctuary scholars was a truly impactful opportunity to link our surrounding communities with life on campus. The fourth-class students took part in a workshop around the theme of welcoming and Inclusion and spoke about how they would welcome new people into their communities.  “Such opportunities reflect the University's commitment to providing invaluable opportunities to attend university under the University of Sanctuary Scholarship Programme."   Scholarship applications will close at 12pm on Friday July 11th.  Applications can be made here: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/sanctuary/scholarships/  Ends 

New research from University of Galway reveals how red squirrels adapt their behaviours in habitat shared with pine marten Ireland’s native red squirrels are able to detect and respond to a returning natural predator, the pine marten, according to a new study from University of Galway.  The research reveals that these behavioural changes enhance their chance of survival and help to explain their resilience of red squirrels, particularly in contrast to the sharp decline of the invasive grey squirrel, following the resurgence of the pine marten.  Co-authored by Dr Emily Reilly and Dr Colin Lawton of the School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, the full study was published today in Royal Society Open Science.  The research into red squirrel behaviour was conducted over 16 months in two woodland sites - Derryclare Woods in Connemara, Co Galway, and Belleek Woods in Ballina, Co Mayo.  Using trail cameras at feeding stations, researchers monitored and analysed visits by red squirrels and pine martens. The team discovered that red squirrels showed an anti-predator response by feeding less and showing increased vigilance, indicating that they can detect recent pine marten presence and judge the level of threat based on how recently the presence occurred.  The researchers showed that this heightened caution faded over time, suggesting that red squirrels are capable of assessing the risk and adapting their responses accordingly.  Rising pine marten populations have led to a sharp decline in grey squirrel numbers in recent years. Around the same time the red squirrel population has not only persisted, but increased.  The study suggests that this divergence in population is due to the red squirrel’s long evolutionary history with the pine marten, which has equipped the arboeal creature with instinctive behaviours such as alertness and reduced feeding that allow them to coexist with their natural predator.  Unfortunately for the grey squirrel, it does not share either the evolutionary history or the instinctive behaviours.   Dr Emily Reilly said: “It is amazing to see the red squirrels respond to the presence of a pine marten that may have visited the feeding station hours or even days earlier. Their level of sensitivity is impressive and has clearly given them a significant survival advantage. The research from our woodlands in the west of Ireland is a fascinating example of how the protection of native species, in this case, the pine marten, can help restore balance in the ecosystem.”  The full study published in Royal Society Open Science is available at https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.250661     Ends  

 Is í Ollscoil na Gaillimhe an ollscoil is fearr in Éirinn ó thaobh forbairt inbhuanaithe don cheathrú bliain as a chéile. Fógraíodh an rangú i dTuarascáil Tionchair Times Higher Education mar aitheantas ar dhul chun cinn na hOllscoile maidir le freagairt do Spriocanna Forbartha Inbhuanaithe (SDGanna) na Náisiún Aontaithe. Chomh maith leis an gcéad áit a bhaint amach sa tír seo, tá Ollscoil na Gaillimhe sa tríú háit san AE. Rinne Ranguithe Tionchair Times Higher Education 2025 rangú ar 2,526 ollscoil as 130 tír maidir lena ndul chun cinn i dtreo Spriocanna Forbartha Inbhuanaithe na Náisiún Aontaithe. Tá méadú 65% tagtha ar líon na n-ollscoileanna atá páirteach sna ranguithe i gcomparáid leis an mbliain roimhe sin, rud a fhágann go bhfuil éacht Ollscoil na Gaillimhe níos suntasaí fós. Bhí an méid seo le rá ag Uachtarán Eatramhach Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Peter McHugh: “Is iontach an éacht é don fhoireann agus dár gceannaireacht ar bhearta inbhuanaitheachta Ollscoil na Gaillimhe a bheith rangaithe sa chéad áit in Éirinn agus sa tríú háit san AE. Ní hamháin gur siombail den bhéim sin é ár bPlean Straitéiseach nua 2025–2030, Lonnaithe i nGaillimh, ag freastal ar an Domhan Mór, a seoladh le déanaí, ach is comhartha é freisin ar an gcaoi a ndéanfaimid inbhuanaitheacht a dhaingniú tuilleadh inár dteagasc, inár dtaighde, inár n-oibríochtaí agus inár gcomhpháirtíochtaí, ag cothú an chéad ghlúin eile ceannairí agus nuálaithe chun dul i ngleic le dúshláin dhomhanda.”   Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Ollamh Becky Whay, Uachtarán Ionaid agus Meabhránaí Eatramhach na hOllscoile agus Cathaoirleach Bhord Comhairleach Inbhuanaitheachta na hOllscoile: “Is mór an chreidiúint dár bpobal agus dá spiorad an t-aitheantas atá tugtha d‘iarrachtaí agus d’éachtaí na hOllscoile maidir le Spriocanna Forbartha Inbhuanaithe na Náisiún Aontaithe a dhaingniú.” Comhghairdeas mór le gach duine a bhí páirteach sna réimsí curaclaim, taighde agus oibríochtaí. Tá ár mic léinn ag baint tairbhe as na hiarrachtaí seo mar go mbíonn an deis acu an t-eolas, na scileanna agus an taithí a fhorbairt le linn a gcuid staidéir chun aistriú go todhchaí inbhuanaithe.”   Dúirt Richard Manton, Stiúrthóir Inbhuanaitheachta Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Is mór an chreidiúint do Chomhpháirtíocht Inbhuanaitheachta na hOllscoile Pobail (CUSP) agus do phobal uile na hOllscoile an deimhniú seo a fháil faoi stádas Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ó thaobh na hinbhuanaitheachta de, go mór mór agus an Chomhpháirtíocht ag ceiliúradh deich mbliana ar an bhfód i mbliana. Tá glactha go díograiseach ag mic léinn, an fhoireann agus comhpháirtithe pobail lenár samhail chun foghlaim, maireachtáil agus ceannaireacht a dhéanamh ar an inbhuanaitheacht. Mar Ambasadóir Náisiúnta SDG, leanfaimid orainn ag cur na Spriocanna Forbartha Inbhuanaithe chun cinn agus ag cur dea-chleachtas chun cinn ar ár gcampas glas, bithéagsúil agus inbhuanaithe.”   I measc bhuaicphointí an rangaithe d’Ollscoil na Gaillimhe táimid i measc an 50 ollscoil is fearr ar domhan as gníomhartha ar SDG12 Patrún freagrach tomhaltais agus táirgeachta; SDG3 Sláinte Mhaith agus Dea-bhail; agus SDG17 Comhpháirtíochtaí ar mhaithe leis na Spriocanna. Tá Ollscoil na Gaillimhe rangaithe i measc an 75 ollscoil is fearr ar domhan freisin do SDG6 Uisce Glan agus Sláintíocht – tar éis aighneacht a dhéanamh faoin gcatagóir seo den chéad uair – agus SDG14 Beatha Faoin Uisce. Seo a leanas cuid de na príomhbhearta atá glactha ag Ollscoil na Gaillimhe i réimse na hinbhuanaitheachta:   Tá cáil dhomhanda bainte amach ag taighdeoirí as nuálaíocht i réimse na sláinte, timpeallachtaí inbhuanaithe agus seasmhacha (domhan agus aigéan), cruthaitheacht, cultúr agus sochaí, agus sonraí claochlaitheacha agus intleacht shaorga. Tá inbhuanaitheacht fite fuaite sa churaclam agus cuireann an Ollscoil réimse leathan cúrsaí fochéime agus iarchéime ar fáil a dhíríonn ar inbhuanaitheacht. Is é ár gcampas an campas is bithéagsúla in Éirinn agus tá Gradam na gCampas Glas de chuid an Taisce bainte amach againn. Thugamar isteach scéimeanna nua feabhsaithe bláthanna fiáine, boscaí éan, boscaí ialtóg, óstáin feithidí, coirceoga, cód lotnaidicídí atá oiriúnach do phailneoirí agus coirceog lomáin. Is in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe a bhí an chéad saotharlann san Eoraip ar bronnadh deimhniú Saotharlainne Glaise uirthi agus tá deimhniú mar shaotharlanna glasa ag na saotharlanna go léir in Áras Innealtóireachta Alice Perry. Is ionaid tástála iad campas agus foirgnimh Ollscoil na Gaillimhe do ghníomhaíochtaí dearfacha inbhuanaitheachta. Ó 2016 i leith, tá astaíochtaí gás ceaptha teasa na hOllscoile laghdaithe faoina leath agus tá gach seans ann go sáróidh sí spriocanna na hearnála poiblí faoi 2030. Tá caidéil teasa curtha isteach againn in ionad coirí breosla iontaise, tá painéil ghréine PV ar fud an champais agus tá tionscadail fuinnimh nuálacha forbartha againn. Is busanna leictreacha iad na busanna páirceála agus taistil ar an gcampas. Tá umair uisce óil taobh istigh agus amuigh ar fud an champais.   Críoch

University of Galway is the number one university in Ireland for sustainable development for the fourth year in a row. The ranking has been announced in the Times Higher Education Impact report in recognition of the University’s progress in responding to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As well as being top of the class in Ireland, the ranking places University of Galway No. 3 in the EU. Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 ranked 2,526 universities from 130 countries on their progress towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The number of universities taking part in the rankings is up 65% on the previous year, making the University of Galway achievement all the more significant. Interim President of University of Galway, Professor Peter McHugh, said: “Ranking University of Galway number 1 in Ireland and top 3 in the EU is a magnificent reward for our staff and our leadership on sustainability measures. Our recently launched new Strategic Plan 2025–2030, Of Galway, For the World is not only a symbol of that focus but also a signal as to how we will further embed sustainability into our teaching, research, operations, and partnerships, fostering the next generation of leaders and innovators to tackle global challenges.”  Professor Becky Whay, Interim Deputy President and Registrar, University of Galway, and Chair of the University Sustainability Advisory Board, said: “The recognition of the University’s efforts and achievements in embedding the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals is a testament to our people and collective spirit. A huge congratulations goes to everyone involved, across our curriculum, research and operations. Our students are reaping the rewards of these endeavours as their time studying with us allows them to develop the knowledge, skills and experiences to transition to a sustainable future.”  Richard Manton, Director of Sustainability at University of Galway, said: “Confirmation of University of Galway's leading position on sustainability is a great credit to our Community University Sustainability Partnership (CUSP), which this year celebrates its 10th birthday, and to the entire University community. Students, staff and community partners have enthusiastically embraced our model to learn, live and lead on sustainability. As a National SDG Ambassador, we will continue to advocate the Sustainable Development Goals and act as a good practice example on our green, biodiverse and sustainable campus.”  Among the highlights from the ranking for University of Galway are – top 50 in the world for actions on SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG3 Good Health and Wellbeing; and SDG17 Partnerships for the Goals. University of Galway is also ranked top 75 in the world for SDG6 Clean Water and Sanitation - following a submission under this category for the first time - and SDG14 Life Below Water. Some of the key measures which have been taken by University of Galway in the realm of sustainability are:   Researchers have developed a global reputation for innovation for health, sustainable and resilient environments (earth and ocean), creativity, culture and society, and transformative data and AI. Sustainability is embedded throughout across the curriculum and the University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses focused on sustainability. Our campus is the most biodiverse university campus in Ireland and we hold the An Taisce Green Campus Flag. We have introduced new wildflower enhancement schemes, bird boxes, bat boxes, insect hotels, beehives, a pollinator friendly pesticide code and a log tree hive. University of Galway is home to the first lab in Europe to awarded Green Lab certification and all the labs in the Alice Perry Engineering Building are certified as green. University of Galway campus and buildings are testbeds for positive sustainable actions. Since 2016, the University has halved its greenhouse gas emissions and is on course to surpass public sector 2030 targets. We have replaced fossil fuel boilers with heat pumps, rolled out solar PV across campus and developed innovative energy projects. On-campus park and ride buses are electric. A network of internal and external drinking water fountain have been installed campus wide.  Ends

International experts, industry, regulators and patient advocates to shape the next generation of clinical trials University of Galway today welcomed global leaders in healthcare, regulation, pharma, medtech and patient advocacy to FutureTrials25, a landmark international conference focused on transforming how clinical trials are designed, delivered, and experienced. Organised by the University’s Institute for Clinical Trials and supported by Medtronic, one of the world’s leading medtech companies, the event positions Ireland as a leading country for patient-focused clinical research and the West at the forefront of a new era where innovation and patient access are key priorities. The conference also highlights Ireland’s rapidly growing clinical research infrastructure, including the Institute’s impact and potential to support growth in this area. Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials, said: “Clinical trials are the foundation of progress in medicine and healthcare. Ireland is at a pivotal moment - our national system is ready for transformation, and Galway is proud to be playing a leading role in that journey.” The Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility Galway is a joint venture between the Health Service Executive and University of Galway. The facility is currently overseeing 78 trials, with more than 11,000 patients in Ireland having directly benefitted from access to these studies. Alongside that the University’s CORRIB Core Lab has played a critical role in facilitating trial access for more than 11,500 heart patients through its scientific leadership, trial design and advanced imaging operations. Despite this success, only 10% of current trials in Ireland are early-phase or first-in-human studies, an area critical in allowing earlier access to life-changing therapies and interventions. Expanding patient access to these types of trials is a strategic priority for the Institute for Clinical Trials. It has established the HYPERCARE initiative, to streamline and accelerate the process of starting a clinical trial. The Institute is supporting several medtech companies to navigate the application process in Ireland, in collaboration with regulatory bodies and ethics committees. Professor Dunne added: “We have long-standing strengths in University of Galway: our deep engagement with patients, our proximity to the medtech sector, and a proven track record in innovation and collaboration. Strategic partnerships - across public and private sectors - are accelerating this momentum. FutureTrials25 reflects our ambition to shape a trials’ environment that delivers benefit to those who matter most - patients. Through the Hypercare initiative, the Institute for Clinical Trials is demonstrating the model for how Ireland can build a world-leading clinical trials system and deliver this critical category of research to Irish patients.” FutureTrials25 featured high-impact speakers including Professor Patrick Serruys, University of Galway; Professor Max Parmar of University College London; and Despina Voulgaraki of Medtronic. Together with participants from academia, industry, government and patient advocacy, they addressed how ethical frameworks, regulatory systems and innovation must evolve in parallel to improve outcomes for patients. Core themes throughout the day included Discovery to Patient Impact, Enabling Regulatory and Policy Frameworks, and Future Innovation - with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, decentralised trial models, and patient-centered approaches. Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “FutureTrials25 exemplifies the kind of cross-sector collaboration that is at the heart of University of Galway’s mission. It highlights Galway’s position as a global hub for medical innovation and our leadership in translating research into real-world impact.” Guest speaker Professor Mary Horgan, Chief Medical Officer, said: “Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency in 2026 presents a major opportunity to lead on clinical trial advancement across Europe. Events like FutureTrials25 show that Ireland is ready to shape that future, building systems that are efficient, inclusive, and grounded in the needs of patients and society.”   Despina Voulgaraki, Senior Director of Clinical Research and Medical Science for Western Europe Enterprise Accounts at Medtronic, said: “At Medtronic, we believe progress in clinical research demands bold collaboration across the entire healthcare ecosystem. By bringing together academic expertise, clinical insight, patient perspectives, and industry experience, Ireland can accelerate the generation of high-quality evidence and deliver meaningful innovation to patients who need it most.” Patient advocates played a key role at the conference, highlighting the importance of designing clinical trials that meet real-world needs.             Patient representative Siobhan Gaynor said:  “Patient involvement in research isn’t optional - it’s essential. If we want trials to deliver real-world impact, they must be shaped by the voices of those who live with illness every day. That’s why a group of Irish patients living with advanced cancer has come together to ensure our priorities - captured in the recent MBC Survey - are heard by researchers, clinicians, and policy-makers. We’re ready to work in partnership to drive the system transformation that patients across the island of Ireland urgently need.”             Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer for the HSE West and North West, said: “The work being carried out through clinical trials research is having a real and meaningful impact on the lives of our patients and has the potential to transform health outcomes right across the region. We look forward to continuing this collaboration with academic, healthcare and industry partners to ensure that our communities have access and opportunity to participate in future health breakthroughs.” Ends