All College News

The first Policy Lab seminar takes place on Tuesday 23rd May in Room 207, Arts Millennium Building. PhD Candidate Author Title Tareq Abuelhaj, affiliation to University of Maastricht and World Food Programme Tareq Abuelhaj & Professor Cathal O’Donoghue “Cost effectiveness of food voucher transfers: exploiting the cash-out puzzle in Iraq”

Would you like to win an Action camera and get recognition for your creative work? All students who submit entries into the awards will be invited to attend a local award ceremony where their work will be showcased. The expert judging panel includes: – Will Goodbody,  RTÉ – Dylan Cotter,  Irish International – Kenneth McKenzie, Target McConnells Multimedia awards Students are asked individually or in small teams (up to 6 people) to create any form of multimedia  (e.g. poster, text, graphics, video, interactive content, animation or audio pieces) to promote walking, cycling, public transport or car sharing. Entries (on this application form) should be sent to info@smartertravelcampus.ie by 5pm on Friday the 24th of February. The 2016 winning entries can be viewed here.

Mary McPartlan, Traditional Artist in Residence and University teacher at NUI Galway, performed at the Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow, receiving a 4 star review in the Guardian newspaper. She Moved Through the Fair was co-written by Mary McPartlan and veteran folk critic (and Guardian contributor) Colin Irwin. This was a world premiere of the show. The image shows the cast taking a bow after two standing ovations. 

Bunaíodh  i 1995 i gcuimhne ar Bhreandán Ó hEithir, craoltóir, iriseoir, scríbhneoir agus iar-mhac léinn de chuid na hOllscoile le síntiúis óna chairde. Is fiú €1,500 an sparánacht agus bronnfar gach bliain í ar mhac léinn lánaimseartha dochtúireachta i gColáiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta agus an Léinn Cheiltigh atá sa chéad/dara/tríú/cheathrú bliain dá c(h)úrsa. Is iad an Ghaeilge, an Béarla agus Léann na hÉireann na príomhdhisciplíní as a roghnófar iarrthóirí. Ag brath ar an réimse taighde, d’fhéadfadh disciplíní eile (m.sh., an Stair, an Pholaitíocht agus an tSocheolaíocht) a bheith san áireamh freisin le haghaidh na sparánachta. Is iad na réimsí taighde a bheas i gceist: cúrsaí litríochta (Gaeilge nó Béarla) a bhaineas le hÉirinn go príomha. Cuirfear san áireamh freisin réimsí eile léinn a dhíreos ar léann, ar chultúr nó ar shochaí na hÉireann. Is é 30 Samhain 2016 an spriocdháta d’iarratais i mbliana. Is féidir le hiarrthóirí litir iarratais maille le sampla scríbhneoireachta (nach faide ná 3,000 focal) a sheoladh ar an ríomhphost i nGaeilge nó i mBéarla chuig Coláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta agus an Léinn Cheiltigh (artspostgrad@nuigalway.ie), roimh 5in, 30 Samhain 2016. Ba cheart na focail ‘Sparánacht Uí Eithir’ a chur i líne ábhair an ríomhphoist agus ní mór gach cáipéis a bheith i bhformáid PDF.  SPARÁNACHT UÍ EITHIR  was established in 1995 in memory of Breandán Ó hEithir, through donations from his friends. The broadcaster, journalist and writer was a former student of NUI Galway. The Bursary is valued at €1,500 and will be awarded each year to a fulltime PhD student in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. The award may be made in Year 1 – 4 of the student’s programme. Irish, English and Irish Studies are the principal disciplines from which selection will be made. Other disciplines (e.g., History, Political Science and Sociology) may also be considered. Normally, the area of research shall be literary studies (in Irish or in English) principally concerning Ireland. Other subjects of research may be in the general area of linguistic, cultural and social studies of Ireland. The deadline for applications for the current academic year is 30 November 2016. Applicants should forward a letter of Application by email to the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies, (artspostgrad@nuigalway.ie) with a writing sample (in Irish or English and not more than 3,000 words) before 5pm, 30 November 2016. ‘Sparánacht Uí Eithir’ should be in the subject line of the email and all documents should be in PDF format. 

Ciara O’Neill and Christina Vaughan (3rd Year Arts) flying the flag for NUI Galway at the Boston College Study Abroad Fair.They are both on exchange to Boston Collete for this academic year. Twitter Facebook

Bunaíodh an sparánacht seo i 1995 i gcuimhne ar Bhreandán Ó hEithir, craoltóir, iriseoir, scríbhneoir agus iar-mhac léinn de chuid na hOllscoile le síntiúis óna chairde. Is fiú €1,500 an sparánacht agus bronnfar í gach bliain ar mhac léinn lánaimseartha dochtúireachta i gColáiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta agus an Léinn Cheiltigh atá sa chéad/dara/tríú/ceathrú bliain dá c(h)úrsa. Is iad an Ghaeilge, an Béarla agus Léann na hÉireann na príomhdhisciplíní as a roghnófar iarrthóirí. Ag brath ar an réimse taighde, d’fhéadfadh disciplíní eile (m.sh., an Stair, an Pholaitíocht agus an tSocheolaíocht) a bheith san áireamh freisin le haghaidh na sparánachta. Is iad na réimsí taighde a bheas i gceist: cúrsaí litríochta (Gaeilge nó Béarla) a bhaineas le hÉirinn go príomha. Cuirfear san áireamh freisin réimsí eile léinn a dhíreos ar léann, ar chultúr nó ar shochaí na hÉireann. Tabharfaidh an t-iarrthóir a roghnófar seimineár in ábhar a chuid taighde le linn thréimhse na sparánachta. Tig leis an sparánacht a bheith sa bhreis ar aon deontas, scoláireacht nó eile a bheas ag an té a roghnófar, ach tig leis an mbord measúnóirí tús áite a thabhairt d’iarrthóirí nach bhfuil aon mhaoiniú eile acu dá gcúrsa dochtúireachta. An Bord Measúnóirí: Ollamh na Nua-Ghaeilge (nó ionadaí), Ollamh an Bhéarla (nó ionadaí) agus Stiúrthóir an Léinn Éireannaigh (nó ionadaí). Modh Iarratais: Seol litir iarratais maille le sampla scríbhneoireachta (nach faide ná 3,000 focal) ar ríomhphost i nGaeilge nó i mBéarla chuig Coláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta agus an Léinn Cheiltigh, (seoladh rphoist: artspostgrad@nuigalway.ie) roimh 8 Eanáir 2016. Ba cheart go mbeadh ‘Sparánacht Uí Eithir’ i líne ábhair an ríomhphoist agus go mbeadh gach cáipéis i bhformáid PDF. This bursary was established in 1995 in memory of Breandán Ó hEithir, through donations from his friends. The broadcaster, journalist and writer, was a former student of NUI Galway. The bursary is valued at €1,500 and will be awarded each year to a fulltime PhD student in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. The award may be made in Year 1 – 4 of the student’s programme. Irish, English and Irish Studies are the principal disciplines from which selection will be made. Other disciplines (e.g., History, Political Science and Sociology) may also be considered. Normally, the area of research shall be literary studies (in Irish or in English) principally concerning Ireland. Other subjects of research may be in the general area of linguistic, cultural and social studies of Ireland.  The successful candidate will give a seminar on his/her research topic during the period of the bursary.  The bursary may be held in conjunction with other funding (e.g., grant or scholarship). The board of assessors may give preference to applicants who do not have any other funding. Board of Assessors: Ollamh na Nua-Ghaeilge (or nominee), the Professor of English (or nominee), the Director of Irish Studies (or nominee). Mode of Application: Send a letter of Application by email to the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies, (email: artspostgrad@nuigalway.ie) with a writing sample (in Irish or English and not more than 3,000 words) before 8 January 2016. ‘Sparánacht Uí Eithir’ should be in the subject line of the email and all documents should be in PDF format.

On the recommendation of the French Embassy in Ireland, the Prime Minister of France, Monsieur Manuel Valls, has appointed Dr Sylvie Lannegrand (Discipline of French) Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes académiques. This prestigious award is to recognise Dr Lannegrand’s outstanding contribution to French Studies and to furthering exchanges between France and Ireland. The award will be presented by the French Ambassador on 22nd November 2016. 

The Health Behaviour Change Research Group (University of Galway) is delighted to invite you to attend a networking conference "Research on cancer screening in Ireland: Exploring an integrated approach across cancer types". This event, organised in collaboration with the HRB Primary Care Clinical Trials Network Ireland (CTNI) and funded by the Irish Cancer Society, will bring researchers and stakeholders working on cancer and cancer screening in Ireland together.  Participants will include speakers from the University of Galway, the Irish Cancer Society, Lynch Syndrome Ireland, the National Screening Service and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. This networking conference will be held in-person on Friday 17th February 2023 from 9.00am to 4.00pm at the University of Galway. Free registration here.

Applications are invited for a research traineeship scheme offered by the School of Psychology between September, 2018 and September, 2019.  The School of Psychology has a vibrant programme of research across a broad range of topics falling under the themes Brain and Behaviour and Health and Wellbeing.  Interested candidates are advised to view the range of research activities on the School of Psychology web-page and a summary of the participating research groups can be seen below. Click the link below for full details:‌ Research Traineeship Scheme 2018-2019 (extended)

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for five full-time doctoral research fellowships in the area of Youth Mental Health. These posts are designed to support doctoral research trainees from either a clinical/health related background or a social/behavioural sciences background to undertake a four-year structured PhD in the area of youth mental health. These training positions will be provided by the newly established HRB funded YOULEAD consortium, and will be based at either NUI Galway, UCD, or RCSI. The five currently available projects are as follows: 1. Early Adversity and Later outcomes (based at RCSI, supervised by Prof. Mary Cannon & Prof. David Cotter; Email marycannon@rcsi.ie or drcotter@rcsi.ie ). This project will focus on the analysis of large (already collected) national and international epidemiological datasets. 2. Understanding Barriers to Treatment (based at UCD, supervised by Prof. Eilis Hennesey & Dr. Caroline Heary; Email: Eilis.hennessy@ucd.ie or caroline.heary@nuigalway.ie ). This project will focus on the attitudes and experiences of families’ in seeking access to mental health services for young people.  3. Improving youth participation in mental health service development & delivery (based at NUI Galway, supervised by Dr. Padraig MacNeela; Email Padraig.macneela@nuigalway.ie ). This project will develop and implement a participatory model for engaging young people in the planning and delivery of youth mental health services. 4. Evaluating community based interventions for youth mental health (based at UCD, supervised by Prof. Barbara Dooley, & Dr. Ailen O’Reilly; Email Barbara.dooley@ucd.ie). This project will focus on evaluating community based mental health interventions delivered through JIGSAW, the national center for youth mental health. 5. Evaluating novel community based and online strategies for youth mental health (based at NUI Galway, supervised by Prof. Gary Donohoe Email: gary.donohoe@nuigalway.ie ). This project will focus on adapting and evaluating novel online cognitive and social interventions for use with young people experiencing psychosis. For further details please email any of the above supervisors, or the program director Dr. Donohoe. Deadline for applications is: Friday May 18th 2018.

 The School of Psychology in NUI Galwaysecuring yet another increase in the 2018 QS World Rankings. We have now moved upwards into the 201-250 ranking band with a particularly big increase in  Academic Reputation metric. This area has clearly benefited from the attention and diligent efforts of staff,  particularly those with extensive International collaborative links.

The MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis has been shortlisted in the gradireland Higher Education Awards for Best Postgraduate Programme in the Arts and Humanities category. Well done to all involved and best of luck in the next stage!

Research Seminar Series – 2017/2018  Coordinators: Clodagh Murray clodagh.murray@nuigalway.ie & Molly Byrne molly.byrne@nuigalway.ie  Seminars take place every second Tuesday during semester in the School of Psychology, 1-2 pm.   A light lunch is served in the ground floor foyer of the School of Psychology from 12.30 in advance of the seminars. All are welcome.   All seminars take place in room AMB G065, except 7th and 21st November, which will take place in AMB G067   Semester 1 2017/2018  Date  Speaker  Title  12/09/2017  Dr Stephen Gallagher, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences, University of Limerick  Health, hormones and (un)employment    26/09/2017  Dr Jane Walsh, School of Psychology, NUI Galway  Mobile technology and health behaviour change  10/10/2017  Ms Caragh Flannery and Ms Marita Hennessy – PhD candidates, HRB SPHeRE (Structured Population and Health-services Research Education) Programme  Obesity prevention in maternity and infancy  24/10/2017  Dr Padraig MacNeela, School of Psychology, NUI Galway    Sexual health    07/11/2017*  Dr Louise McHugh, School of Psychology, University College Dublin    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy research   21/11/2017*  Ms Edith Walsh and Ms Ciara Gunning, PhD candidates in Structured PhD in Applied Behavioural Analysis  Evaluating social skills interventions for promoting inclusion for individuals with autism  * These seminars will take place in AMB G067 

The 2017 QS Rankings place NUI Galway’s School of Psychology in the top 300 of Schools of Psychology internationally.

Prof. Gary Donohoe talks about schizophrenia and the iRELATE project on Newtalk’s Futureproof. http://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/Futureproof/Futureproof_with_Jonathan_McCrea/181010/Newsround_Exoplanets_and_Schizophrenia

Pictured is the Doctor of Psychological Science (Clinical Psychology) 2016 graduating class and members of the course team. From L - R: Dr Kiran Sarma, Dr Eamon Smith, Dr John Bogue, Dr Jonathan Egan and Prof Brian McGuire

The Psi Chi Honour Society in Psychology, supported by the NUI Galway Psychological Society, invites you to a public lecture by Professor Brian Hughes titled ‘“Trust Me, I’m a Psychologist” (Said No One Ever): Distinguishing Good Behavioural Science From Bad.’ The lecture will take place on Thursday September 29th at 7:00pm in the O’Flaherty Theatre, Arts Concourse, NUI Galway. It is often easy to forget that psychology is a scientific discipline, and that its core activity is the production of findings that help resolve debates about human behaviour and well-being. It is so easy to forget this that sometimes psychologists themselves fail to remember it. Scientifically limited research -- in other words, bad science -- has become a significant problem in modern psychology. This lecture examines the extent to which imperfect science threatens the impact and credibility of psychology, and argues that society at large stands to gain when psychologists promote and defend scientific standards. Brian Hughes is Professor of Psychology and Dean of International Affairs at NUI Galway. He writes widely on the psychology of empiricism and of empirically disputable claims, especially as they pertain to science, health, and medicine. His recently published book 'Rethinking Psychology: Good Science, Bad Science, Pseudoscience' examines the relationship between psychology, science and pseudoscience, and explores the biases impeding many psychologists from being truly rigorous. Professor Hughes also maintains a successful blog, ‘The Science Bit’, which attempts to demystify science and scientists and highlight abuses of scientific jargon and attempts to exploit public confusion about science. Queries may be directed to psichinuig@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you there!

A diagnosis of ADHD for an adult can lead to a sense of disbelief quickly followed by relief. That’s according to a new study of adult ADHD carried out by researchers at the School of Psychology, NUI Galway. The study was done in collaboration with the Irish National Council of AD/HD Support Groups (INCADDS). Please read more about the study from author, Dr. Pádraig MacNeela, on the NUI Galway News section and the Irish Independent. 

Seminars take place every second Tuesday during semester in the School of Psychology, 1-2 pm. A light lunch is served in the ground floor foyer of the School of Psychology from 12.30 in advance of the seminars. All are welcome. All seminars take place in room AMBE G065, with the exception of 11/10/2016 which will take place in room AMBE G067 instead. Please feel free to download and ciruclate the timetable: Research Seminar Series 2016-2017 Coordinator: Molly Byrne, molly.byrne@nuigalway.ie

NUI Galway hosted the 2016 Research Excellence Awards last Friday, 29 April, when winners of the 2016 Ryan Award for Innovation and the annual President’s Awards for Research Excellence were announced. These awards are made to members of the NUI Galway research community, by the University’s President Dr Jim Browne, in recognition of their outstanding and innovative research.  Professor Gary Donohoe received the Established Researcher Award.   

 Supervision Workshop for Board Certified Behaviour Analysts NUI Galway recently became an Approved Continuing Education (ACE) Provider. To celebrate, we are hosting a launch ACE event on Monday October 2nd. This will comprise a 3-hour Supervision Workshop with Dr Helena Lydon BCBA-D, followed by a networking lunch. This workshop fulfils the requirement of 3 supervision CEUs in each recertification cycle. Helena has worked for seven years as a Senior Behaviour Specialist and Consultant for children and adults in Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services, and with private children’s residential care service providers, throughout Ireland. Helena is Clinical Placement Coordinator for the MSc in ABA and has been supervising students in the area of Behaviour Analysis for the past 7 years. We are delighted that she can share the benefit of her expertise in this area for our very first workshop.   We hope that our series of ACE events will provide continued opportunities for BCBAs across Ireland to get to know each other and encourage peer support, as well as offering a way to obtain CEUs close to home. Places are limited so please email the ACE coordinator to book your place Details Date: October 2nd 2017 Time: 11:00 to 14:00 Place: Room G066, Arts Millennium Building, National University of Ireland, Galway Contact: Dr Clodagh Murray, ACE Coordinator (clodagh.murray@nuigalway.ie; 091 494448) Cost: €30 for 3 CEUs, payable on the day. Lunch is complimentary for our launch event.

A consortium of researchers and health service providers, led by NUI Galway's Professor of Psychology Prof. Gary Donohoe, has received major funding for a new collaborative doctoral program focused on understanding and responding to the mental health needs of young people under the age of 25. Mental health difficulties (including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia) account for approximately half of all causes of disability in individuals under the age of 25 in Ireland and around the world. Commenting on the awarding of grant funding amounting to 1.5M, lead applicant Prof. Donohoe commented: "Despite the fact that difficulties with mental health usually begin between the ages of 15 and 25, and early treatment reduces later risk, people aged 12-25 years have the poorest access to treatment of all age groups. With this funding, the YOULEAD Consortium will address some of the main reasons for this, including an insufficient understanding of youth mental health, difficulties with early recognition of symptoms, a lack of strategic organisation and delivery of health services, and high levels of stigma. The YOULEAD program will address these issues by establishing an interdisciplinary cross-university PhD training program to equip researchers to better understand youth mental health difficulties and barriers to treatment, and to build an evidence base for treatment”. The YOULEAD consortium consists of leading youth mental health researchers from NUI Galway, UCD, and RCSI, and Ireland’s two main youth mental health service providers - the HSE, and JIGSAW. He consortium will seek to form a new national youth mental health research network, representing key stakeholders in youth mental health, including individuals & families with lived experience of mental health difficulties, national health services, and national/governmental policy makers. This network will provide a much-needed platform for knowledge exchange & dissemination that help to shape future service delivery, and national youth mental health policy.

Our colleague Dr Cornelia Connolly was awarded the 2022-2023 College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies and the 2022-2023 President’s Award for Teaching Excellence. The University of Galway President’s Awards for Teaching Excellence recognise the outstanding efforts of teaching staff to ensure students receive the highest quality learning experience. In awarding Dr Connolly, the University recognise her sustained commitment to innovative and outstanding pedagogy. The University thrives on academic excellence and supportive relationships in equal measure, and Cornelia’s work is a stellar example of this. Congratulations Cornelia from your School of Education, CASSCS and University colleagues.

2nd International Teacher Diversity Symposium - Call For Abstracts Diversifying initial teacher education, and the teaching profession, in Ireland and internationally, has been of research and policy significance for some time, and since 2017 has been operationalised in practice (in Ireland) through projects funded by the Higher Education Authority under the Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH): Strand 1 (Equity of Access to Initial Teacher Education). On Friday, 20th October 2023, the School of Education at the University of Galway will host the second international research symposium on Teacher Diversity. Similar to our 2019 event, the main aim is to provide a forum for the sharing of research findings from the projects funded under PATH1, and other relevant projects in national and international contexts. Dr. Helen Maher, Vice President for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Galway will open proceedings, and this will be followed by a keynote address (TBC). The symposium main proceedings will consist of parallel sessions and a panel discussion. If you are interested in having your work considered for presentation at the symposium, please send the completed template to Kaitlin Kaufman at k.kaufman1@nuigalway.ie by July 28th 2023. We are very much looking forward to receiving your submissions and to seeing you in Galway in October! Dr Elaine Keane & Dr Manuela Heinz, School of Education, University of Galway Abstract Submission Template

Professor Tony Hall has been invited by the OECD to speak at their online global educational event next week, "The future of education: how ambition loops can help transform the teaching profession." It is on Wednesday 31st May 2-3pm Irish time, and 3-4pm Paris time. Further details of the event can be found here: https://oecdedutoday.com/oecd-education-webinars/#Upcoming

April 18th, our colleague Dr Cornelia Connolly, was invited to appear at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Associate Professor Cornelia Connolly delivered a powerful speech to the Education Committee on the Future of STEM in Irish Education, where she highlighted the need to develop a shared understanding and strengthen the acceptance of Computer Science as a foundational competence for every child, irrespective of race, gender or socioeconomic background. Dr. Connolly's insights and recommendations will have a significant impact on future policies and initiatives to advance equality in STEM. Her speech has been widely praised not only by Oireachtas members, but also by academics and experts in the field of STEM education. The transcript of her opening statement is available here. Dr Connolly highlighted the recent research findings by the University of Galway School of Education in regard to capacity for, access to, and participation in Computer Science Education in Ireland (https://doi.org/10.13025/bccm-2c38).‌ Watch the Oireachtas Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, roundtable Discussion on the Future of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) in Irish Education with School of Education Associate Professor, Dr Cornelia Connolly. (Video starts at 28 seconds)

The School of Education, University of Galway project ‘CodePlus’ brought 50 students to Fidelity Investments last week! 5th year and Transition Year girls from Dominican College, Taylors Hill, Galway spent the afternoon at the Fidelity Investments offices to explore what it’s like to work in technology. The students were given talks by software engineers Mary Tyrell, Oluchi Anyabuike, and Sinead O’Mahoney – introducing the sector and industry to the young people. Then the students conducted some hand-on agile activities with Conor Dunne & Mary McMahon. CodePlus is a national programme co-delivered by University of Galway, University of Limerick and Trinity College Dublin (funded by SFI, Google and others). It provides coding workshops, CS-focussed career talks and industry site visits to 5K+ students annually. Project website: https://www.codeplusireland.ie/

Capacity For, Access To, and Participation in Computer Science in Ireland - report launch with Prof Michal Molcho (Head of the School of Education), Prof. Pól Ó'Dochartaigh (Deputy President and Registrar), Dr Cornelia Connolly and Dr Claire Connelly. Listen back to Dr Connolly on RTÉ's Morning Ireland news programme: https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22230190/

Are you enrolled in an initial teacher education programme (post-primary)? Would you be interested in a certificate programme that would you give you an understanding of Irish-medium education?  The School of Education the University of Galway are offering the Teastas Teagaisc don Earnáil Ghaeloideachais (TTEG). It is an online programme that is available free of charge. For further information contact: breandan.b.macgearailt@universityofgalway.ie An bhfuil tú ar chúrsa in oiliúint tosaigh múinteoirí? An bhfuil roinnt Gaeilge agat? An mbeadh suim agat post a fháil i scoil a bhíonn ag teagasc trí Ghaeilge?   Ba cheart duit cuir isteach ar TTEG mar sin. Tabharfaidh an Teastas Teagaisc don Earnáil Ghaeloideachais (TTEG) léargas agus tuiscint do na rannpháirtithe ar chomhthéacs agus dea-chleachtais iomaire an Ghaeloideachais ag an iar-bhunleibhéal. Tá an TTEG saor in aisce do mhúinteoirí faoi oiliúint. Breis eolais: breandan.b.macgearailt@universityofgalway.ie  

The School of Education recently held 2 days of workshops delivered by 10 domain experts in Global Citizenship Education (GCE). The purpose of this annual event is to introduce our student teachers to the concept of GCE, and the critical issues related to it. The Global Citizenship Education event is organised by Drs Brenda Gallagher, PME Year 1 Programme Director, and Manuella Heinz, Head of the Discipline of Education. The aim of the Global Citizenship Education component of the initial teacher education (ITE) programmes within the School of Education (SoE), University of Galway, is to enable our student teachers to develop their critical consciousness on sustainable development and related issues. As a result, GCE is integrated, in a variety of ways, into all of our programmes. Activities in Year 1 focus on equipping our student teachers with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to be effective in terms of bringing GCE into their classrooms. Follow on activities in Year 2 focus on the importance and impact of GCE and on the evidencing the practice of bringing GCE into the classroom in a manner that has value and meaning in terms of teaching, learning and assessment. The promotion of our student teachers’ professional identity and agency, and personal development in a manner that is consistent with the role of Global Teacher is also a core aim. This is of key important because it equips our student teachers with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to be instrumental in educating their pupils for their future role as global citizens; citizens with the capacity for critical thinking and thoughtful action.

If you are conducting research in the areas of equity, inclusion and learning environments consider submitting a proposals for an important Special Issue focussing on: Reconceptualising learning environments for equitable and inclusive education futures Call details: https://link.springer.com/collections/ghhadjejej Guest Editors: Manuela Heinz, Linda Graham, Ridwan Maulana Deadline for proposal abstracts: 30 April 2023 Learning Environments Research Journal https://www.springer.com/journal/10984

School of Education, Léachtóir and Stiúrthóir ar an Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas (MGO), Sinéad Ní Ghuidhir, provides RTÉ Brainstorm with an opinion piece on: why is the Irish language so widely abused on public signs? https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2023/0111/1345850-ireland-irish-language-public-signs-badly-translated-misspellings-typos/

A lovely profile on Evan Doyle, one of our 4th year BA Education (Computer Science and Mathematical Studies) students, features in the Irish Independent. https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/education/going-to-college/case-study-my-ty-work-experience-gave-me-the-confidence-to-be-a-teacher-42271205.html

Keane, E., Heinz, M. and Mc Daid, R. (Eds.) (2023) Diversifying the teaching profession: Dimensions, dilemmas and directions for the future, London: Routledge Our recently published book was launched by Dr. Helen Maher, Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Professor Gerry Mac Ruairc, (then) Head of the School of Education, University of Galway, in the Moore Institute on December 9th, 2022. Proceedings were facilitated by Professor Daniel Carey, Director of the Moore Institute, and included a panel discussion featuring Dr. Aileen Marron (Senior Manager, Access Policy, Higher Education Authority), Dr. Vivian Rath (Research Project Officer, Reasonable Accommodations and Professional Placements Project (RAPP), Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD)); Ms. María Florencia Sala Rothen (Independent Researcher and Teacher); and Mr. Owen Ward (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programme Manager for Race Equality, University of Galway). Panel members discussed the significance of the book and implications for national and international policy, practice and future research. ‌ L-R Back Row: Dr. Helen Maher, Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Professor Daniel Carey, Director of the Moore Institute; Professor Gerry Mac Ruairc, (then) Head of the School of Education, Dr. Manuela Heinz, Dr. Elaine Keane, and Dr. Rory Mc Daid.L-R Front Row: Mr. Owen Ward, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programme Manager for Race Equality; Ms. María Florencia Sala Rothen, Independent Researcher and Teacher; Dr. Aileen Marron, Senior Manager, Access Policy, Higher Education Authority; Dr. Vivian Rath, Research Project Officer, Reasonable Accommodations and Professional Placements Project (RAPP), Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD) Biography:Elaine Keane is a Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor as well as Director of Doctoral Studies in the School of Education and the University of Galway.Manuela Heinz is Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor as well as Head of Discipline of Education in the School of Education at the University of Galway.Rory Mc Daid is Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor in Sociology of Education as well as Director of Research at Marino Institute of Education, Dublin.

Book Launch! You are invited to the launch of Diversifying the Teaching Profession: Dimensions, Dilemmas and Directions for the Future Friday, 9th December 2022, 11am - pmMoore Institute, Room (G010), University of Galway. Biography:Elaine Keane is a Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor as well as Director of Doctoral Studies in the School of Education and the University of Galway.Manuela Heinz is Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor as well as Head of Discipline of Education in the School of Education at the University of Galway.Rory Mc Daid is Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor in Sociology of Education as well as Director of Research at Marino Institute of Education, Dublin.    

Methodologies, Applications and Programmes - Teaching Programming and Computational Thinking in Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary Education Speaker: Prof. Raquel Hijón NeiraMonday, 21st November 2022 at 11 amZoom: https://nuigalway-ie.zoom.us/j/92297028763 The interest in children learning to code has grown exponentially recently. In recent years, we have tried effective ways to bring programming to the classrooms of Primary and Early Childhood Education. In this talk, the experiences carried out to bring programming closer to these levels are explained: proposed methodologies, applications and programs used and developed, different approaches, different types of interaction and results obtained in both stages, as well as some experiences to support the introduction of programming in Secondary Education and future work. In Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary Education, results are presented in which significant improvements are observed using different approaches and ways of interaction, which depend on factors such as age. For further information on this and all our Research Seminars please contact Dr Cornelia Connolly cornelia.connolly@universityofgalway.ie ‌    

Based on recent statistics, we consider that access to toilets, and more precisely school toilets, is no more an issue in the European region. Indeed, compared to the global figure of 63% of schools equipped of a basic sanitation service in 2019, the rates in Europe and North America are much higher (99%). The differences are of the same level regarding handwashing facilities in schools (57% vs. 98%) (UNICEF, 2020). However, use does not only rely on the presence of a given facility. Complementary perspectives will illustrate the scope of this universal yet unrecognised and under discussed public health issue: the avoidance of public and school toilets use by adolescents.  For further information on this and all our Research Seminars please contact Dr Cornelia Connolly cornelia.connolly@universityofgalway.ie  ‌

The first ever national Computer Science Week (#CSWeek) was held 8-15 October, with the School of Education organising several workshops for teachers, pre-service teachers and the wider community. There were workshops facilitated by visiting Professor Raquel Hijon-Neira from Universidad Rey Juan Carlos de Madrid and Postdoctoral Researcher Dr Sally McHugh on Micro:Bits, App Inventor and there was a also a webinar chaired by Dr Cornelia Connolly entitled “Eolaíocht ríomhaireachta don ardteistiméireacht.” A national conference to mark Computer Science Week was held on 13th October in Athlone. This conference was based on the CSforALLie event hosted by Dr Cornelia Connolly at University of Galway, supported by Google, in 2019 as referred to by Minister Foley (https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/dc389-minister-foley-launches-inaugural-computer-science-week-8-15-october-2022/). The week cumulated with support by Google for the SFI CodePlus project. CodePlus is a national project aiming to address the gender imbalance in the fields of Computer Science providing workshops, in-company talks for young people identifying as female. https://www.siliconrepublic.com/careers/google-codeplus-trinity-women-it CS Week 2022 images: https://photos.app.goo.gl/hAy4UggAvvH5zPUH8

Congratulations to School of Education Postdoctoral Researcher Dr Colette Kirwan, who was successfully awarded a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Postdoctoral Fellowship. Colette, who is collaborating with PI Dr Cornelia Connolly on Computer Science Education research, will contribute to the different areas of the SFI organisation, including the Education and Public Engagement strand. The Fellowship Award is for two years and will offer Colette the opportunity to experience the diverse activities of the SFI first-hand, while remaining with University of Galway.

Dr. Cornelia Connolly, School of Education at University of Galway, has been appointed to the Executive of Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre for Software. Dr. Connolly will chair the EDI (equity diversity inclusion) Committee, and contribute to Lero’s vision in establishing Ireland as a location synonymous with high-quality software research and development. Cornelia holds a M.Eng. in Computer Engineering and a Ph.D. in pedagogical innovation, as well as an M.B.A. Her prior experience as a business and management consultant with Accenture informs her research and practice, drawing from related disciplines of education, computing and technology. Since its foundation, Lero has very much extended its focus beyond purely software engineering to embrace a more expansive research agenda, reflecting the needs of industry partners, education and society.

New book published! This edited volume is about diversifying the teaching profession. It is unique in its inclusion of multiple dimensions of diversity; its chapters focus on a wide range of under-represented groups, including those from lower socio-economic groups, Black and minority ethnic groups, migrants, the Travelling community, the Deaf community, the LGBTQI+ community and those of mature age. The book includes contributions from Australia, England, Iceland, Portugal and Scotland, as well as a number of chapters from the Irish context, mostly emanating from projects funded under Ireland’s Higher Education Authority’s Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH): Strand 1—Equity of Access to Initial Teacher Education. The book also critically engages the rationale for diversifying the profession, arguing not only that representation still matters, but also that ultimately teacher diversity work needs to encompass system transformation to achieve a diverse, equitable and inclusive teaching profession. Biography: Elaine Keane is a Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor as well as Director of Doctoral Studies in the School of Education and the University of Galway. Manuela Heinz is Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor as well as Head of Discipline of Education in the School of Education at the University of Galway. Rory Mc Daid is Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor in Sociology of Education as well as Director of Research at Marino Institute of Education, Dublin. Please see Discount Code below. Valid until 31st December 2022

‌ Primary Teachers - participate in study exploring religious tolerance in Catholic Primary Schools in Ireland and South Korea Jinmin Cho, primary teacher and PhD Researcher at NUI Galway is exploring teachers’ experiences and perspectives regarding the promotion of intercultural understanding and religious tolerance in Catholic schools in Ireland and South Korea’. The study also compares challenges faced by teachers in both countries. The project aims to support the promotion of religious tolerance and understanding of religious diversity in educational contexts. Jinmin is looking for teachers to participate in research interviews of approx. 1 hour duration. Please contact Jinmin at j.cho2@nuigalway.ie / 083-460-5775 if you would like to participate.

Policy recommendations: The past two years have seen disruptions on a global scale, which have been deeply unsettling for many and highlight the uncertainty of our everyday lives. For young people, the abrupt closing of schools meant that this key part of life either came to a halt or significantly changed the way of ‘doing’ school. As responses to the crisis developed, it became clear that while school closures had negative implications for most young people, the effects had greater consequence for some than for others. Concerns continue as schools reopen and develop new norms for teaching and learning and the practices of everyday life in schools. This study aims to create a rapid response through co-designing and co- developing coping, wellbeing and support strategies for young people (aged 12-18 years) and their parents, in the context of coping with COVID-19, including fast- tracking dissemination to facilitate educational engagement. The following Project Briefs emerged and provide recommendations to policy makers, educators and support service providers. Keane, E., Kealy, C., Dolan, Flynn, P., Flynn, N., Forkan, C., Furey, E., Mac Ruairc, G. and Murray, C. (2022). ‘The Impact of COVID-19 on young people (Project Brief 1)’, Crisis Coping-Marginalised young people’s living and learning experiences during COVID-19 in Ireland Project Brief Series, Galway: UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre and School of Education, NUI Galway. Project Brief 1‌  Murray, C., Kealy, C., Flynn, N., Forkan, C., Dolan, P., Flynn, P., Furey, E., Keane, E. and Mac Ruairc, G. (2022). ‘The coping of young people in the school reopening phase of COVID-19 (Project Brief 2)’, Crisis Coping-Marginalised young people’s living and learning experiences during COVID-19 in Ireland Project Brief Series, Galway: UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre and School of Education, NUI Galway. Project Brief 2‌  Kealy, C., Murray, C., Flynn, P., Dolan, P. Flynn, N., Forkan, C., Furey, E., Keane, E. and Mac Ruairc, G. (2022). ‘Parents’ perspectives on their children’s living and learning during COVID-19 (Project Brief 3)’, Crisis Coping-Marginalised young people’s living and learning experiences during COVID-19 in Ireland Project Brief Series, Galway: UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre and School of Education, NUI Galway. Project Brief 3Below for circulation:https://www.nuigalway.ie/cfrc/projects/currentprojects/crisiscopinglivingandlearningthroughcovid-19/outputs/

Dr Cornelia Connolly donates a piece of the Transatlantic Cable to Brendan Smith, Education and Public Engagement Officer, Insight Centre for Data Analytics, NUI Galway.  The cable promises to be a wonderful historical piece and a popular exhibit at the NUI Galway, Computer and Communications Museum of Ireland (https://ccmireland.com/).   The Transatlantic Cable was laid from Valentia in County Kerry to Newfoundland in Canada in the 1800’s – an amazing engineering feat to happen not long after the Irish famine and a short number of years before the establishment of our University.  The laying of the cable established Ireland as a hub for telecommunications.  To read more about the Transatlantic Cable check out the following:    RTE Brainstorm article: https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2021/0616/1228379-transatlantic-cable-valentia-island-newfoundland/  C. Connolly, (2002) "The transatlantic cable-an Irish perspective," in Proceedings of the IEEE, vol. 90, no. 4, pp. 623-625, https://doi.org/10.1109/JPROC.2002.1002531  Also check out the Computer and Communications Museum of Ireland (https://ccmireland.com/).

Dr Cornelia Connolly has been invited by the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) to design the formative assessment system for the computational problem solving framework. ‘Computational problem solving’ is that iterative process of developing computational solutions to problems. Forming part of the OECD’s PISA 2024 Learning in the Digital World assessment – the impactful international project involves collaboration with Stanford University, University of Maryland and Vanderbilt University.  

Dr Cornelia Connolly from the School of Education and colleagues from NUI Galway School of Medicine and the University of Limerick are collaborating on a SFI Discovery project ‘SpaceShipEarth.’ SpaceShipEarth (www.spaceshipearth.ie) is a research study to promote and engage young people in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine). On Tuesday 15th June 2021 the team conducted their first workshop with over 300 primary school children attending from schools in Galway, Limerick and Kerry.  In the workshops children were taught about the importance of STEMM in our lives and how to ask interesting scientific questions and then to develop experiments to find the answers. The project involves launching high-altitude space balloons into space carrying experiments from the young people.  When the experiments are returned, the class will engage in analysis and discussion – extending and deepening their learning. SpaceShipEarth plans on launching July 2nd at Valencia Co. Kerry. Project website: www.spaceshipearth.ie  

June 9th Dr Cornelia Connolly, School of Education, presented along with colleagues from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) at their ERASMUS+ project meeting.  The project “Computational thinking and mathematical thinking: digital literacy in mathematics curricula” focuses on the use of digital tools which young people and pre-service teachers will explore in our technology-rich learning environment. The project outcomes will influence the design of national curricula and the research questions how we can develop computational thinking skills in relation to mathematical thinking, in pure and applied mathematics. This ERASMUS+ (2019-2021) project is a collaboration with the School of Education, NUI Galway, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA); Eötvös Loránd University, Hungry; KU Leuven, Belgium; National Education Institute Slovenia; Estonian Education Competence Center; Norwegian University of Science and Technology; and SLO, Netherlands Institute for Curriculum Development.

A new paper, published today, by School of Education, NUI Galway colleagues Drs Manuela Heinz, Elaine Keane and Kevin Davison explores Gender and Diversity in Teaching. Drawing on a national dataset, the authors explore entry patterns to primary and post-primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes, socio-demographic backgrounds and career motivations of male and female ITE applicants and entrants in Ireland. The paper provides new insights into the complexities of male positionalities in teaching and calls for dialectic debates about reasons for and implications of the underrepresentation of male teachers as well as the transformative potential of diverse and ‘caring’ masculinities for schools and society. 50 free copies available at:https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/SR2XBWK3VVT8HWGDUJBM/full?target=10.1080/02619768.2021.1890709

On 1st March, we celebrated Traveller Ethnicity Day in NUI Galway with a series of high-profile virtual events providing insights into Traveller culture, history and social issues.  Among the speakers were Minister Simon Harris and Senator Eileen Flynn.  Well done to our recent PME graduate Owen Ward who worked with the Access Office on the organisation of the Day. Owen also organised a panel session focusing on Diversity in the Teaching Profession, with panellists Josephine Walsh (NUIG Career Development Centre), Dr Manuela Heinz and Rachel Konisberry (School of Education), Joseph Nyirenda (Access Office), Brian Fahy (Teaching Council) and Denise Frawley (Higher Education Authority). During the session, research findings from the Diversity in Initial Teacher Education (DITE) National Study (PIs: Drs Manuela Heinz and Elaine Keane), the rationale for a diverse teaching profession, and experiences of teachers from non-traditional and minority backgrounds were shared and discussed. Panellists also provided information about the Higher Education Authority’s Programme of Access to Higher Education - PATH 1 Strand focusing on the diversification of the teaching profession in Ireland.

‌ Are you a pre-service post-primary teacher with an interest in Irish-medium education?  An bhfuil roinnt Gaeilge agat? Do you have conversational Irish?  Would you like to get a job in an Irish-medium school?  If the answer to those questions is ‘Yes’/’Tá’ then you should think of applying for the TTEG?  The School of Education in NUI Galway has developed the Teastas Teagaisc don Earnáil Ghaeloideachais (TTEG) in conjunction with the Department of Education and Skills and COGG. This online programme will give pre-service teachers an understanding of Irish-medium education. The TTEG is being offered free of charge and will run concurrently with your PME and not effect that programme in any way.   Main Points:  Six online sessions (Zoom)  The certificate will be presented on a pass/fail basis.  The assessment is on an oral presentation (there are no written assignments/examinations). This presentation will be based on application of course content to your own subject areas.  Conversational Irish is the only language requirement for TTEG.   Enclosed are more details as Gaeilge in relation to the programme: content, dates, etc. Completed application forms and queries should be sent to:  breandan.b.macgearailt@nuigalway.ie  Tá an Teastas Teagaisc don Earnáil Ghaeloideachais (TTEG)  á chur ar fáil ag foireann an Mháistir Ghairmiúil san Oideachas in OÉ Gaillimh i gcomhar leis an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna agus COGG.  Tabharfaidh an TTEG léargas agus tuiscint do mhúinteoirí faoi oiliúint ar chomhthéacs agus dea-chleachtais iomaire an Ghaeloideachais ag an iar-bhunleibhéal. Beidh an TTEG ag rith comhthreomhar le do chúrsa múinteoireachta agus ní chuirfidh sé as don chúrsa sin ar aon slí. Beidh an TTEG á reáchtáil go hiomlán ar líne agus tá sé saor in aisce do mhúinteoirí faoi oiliúint.  Príomhphointí  6 sheisiún ar líne (Zoom)  Bronnfar an TTEG ar bhonn pas/teip.  Beidh an measúnú bunaithe ar chur i láthair ó bhéal ós na scoláirí. Sa chur i láthair seo beidh ar na mic léinn ábhar an chúrsa a chur i bhfeidhm ar a n-ábhar féin.   Gaeilge chumarsáideach amháin atá ag teastáil don TTEG.  Tá tuilleadh sonraí (dátaí, ábhar an chúrsa srl.) mar aon le foirm iarratais iniata.   Ba cheart ceisteanna agus foirmeachas iarratais comhlánaithe a sheoladh chuig: breandan.b.macgearailt@nuigalway.ie 

We are delighted to be involved with this eight country Erasmus+ funded project.  Research Instruments are currently going through final piloting phase and we look forward to implementing new and innovative participatory pedagogies in second-level schools soon. The Ireland team is led by Professor Gerry MacRuairc, Dr Manuela Heinz and Dr Elaine Keane from the School of Education NUI Galway in collaboration with Dr Mary Shanahan from St Angela’s College, Sligo. Newsletter Erasmus+ Project LIFE 2 – Learning Interculturality from Religion

‌‌ A team of researchers in the School of Education at NUI Galway, in collaboration with the National Parents’ Council, are conducting an online survey exploring parents’ and children’s experiences and views of ‘schooling at home’ as a result of the closure of school buildings due to COVID-19.  It is believed that now, when the academic school year has recently ended (for post-primary students) or is coming to an end (for primary students), is a very good time to reflect on ‘schooling at home’, and to think about schooling into the future.  A particular focus of the research is whether the experience of ‘schooling at home’ has been different for different groups within society, particularly individuals from disadvantaged and/or minority communities.  All individuals in the Republic of Ireland who have a primary or post-primary school-aged child who has been ‘schooled at home’ as a result of COVID-19 are being invited to participate in the study.  School-aged children are also being invited to participate in the survey as we feel it is extremely important to capture the experiences and opinions of young people. Further information on the study, including details about what participation in the anonymous survey involves, what the potential benefits and risks of participation are, and how the data will be used, can be accessed at the following links: Information sheet for primary school-aged children and parents Information sheet for post-primary school-aged children and parents The survey, which will be live from 23rd June until 10th July, can be found at: English language version: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/surveyschoolingathomeLeagan Gaeilge ar fáil anseo: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/scolaiochtsabhaile

The 2020 4th Year BA Mathematics and Symposium  It is with great regret that the annual 4th Year BA Mathematics and Education Symposium had to be cancelled this year due to the current COVID-19 circumstances. We would like to thank everyone who had already expressed an interest in attending and our Guest Speakers who had offered to present to what was going to be an excellent event (Lynne McClure, Cambridge Mathematics, Shane Flanagan JCT Mathematics, Brendan Doheny PDST Applied Mathematics).  Thank you also to Dr Cornelia Connolly for her help in organising the event.  In preparation for the Symposium we had organised a Table Quiz in February and raised funds, from the quiz entry fee and raffle.  We wish to thank our friends and our lecturers who attended, participated and contributed prizes for the night.  As our Symposium event is not happening this year and the funding for such is no longer pertinent - the class group decided to make a donation to Charity.  We decided on two very honourable charities close to our thoughts: The Olive Branch for Children and Barretstown.  The Olive Branch for children helps remote communities in Tanzania assess their primary needs and establish programs that target the most vulnerable.  Two members from our class have spent some time there in Summer 2019 https://www.theolivebranchforchildren.org Barretstown is a serious fun camp in Kildare for sick children.  They offer completely free camps for children and their families living with a serious illness https://www.barretstown.org Although the country, and indeed the world, is currently at a standstill due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus we thought about charities and needs in the world that are still in need of support.  We are sad for the way our four years at NUI Galway ended yet very grateful for the memories and times had.

Invitation to attend lecture by Professor Kalwant Bhopal We are excited to announce that the School of Education at NUI Galway will host Professor Kalwant Bhopal (Director, Centre for Research in Race & Education (CRRE), University of Birmingham) on Thursday, April 30th 2020 at 3pm.  Venue TBC (NUI Galway).  Her lecture is titled: BME Experiences in Higher Education: Policy making, Social Justice and White Privilege  Abstract: This lecture will examine recent statistics on the representation of BME staff and students in higher education and explore how processes of racism, exclusion and marginalisation continue to disadvantage BME groups.  It will use empirical research which explores BME academic flight from higher education to suggest ways forward for the inclusion of BME focusing on issues of equity and social justice.  The lecture will discuss how white privilege works to disadvantage those from BME backgrounds and will explore how universities can develop good practice for the inclusion of BME groups in higher education.  Biography: Kalwant Bhopal is Professor of Education and Social Justice.  She was appointed Professorial Research Fellow from 2017-2020.  In January 2020 she became Director of the Centre for Research in Race and Education (CRRE) in the School of Education.  Kalwant’s research focuses on the achievements and experiences of minority ethnic groups in education.  She has conducted research on exploring discourses of identity and intersectionality examining the lives of Black minority ethnic groups as well as examining the marginal position of Gypsies and Travellers.  Her research specifically explores how processes of racism, exclusion and marginalisation operate in predominantly White spaces with a focus on social justice and inclusion.  Kalwant is Visiting Professor at Kings College London (Department of Education and Professional Studies) and was Visiting Professor at Harvard University in the Harvard Graduate School of Education from 2017-2019.  Registration: Please register as soon as possible but no later than April 24th.  Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bme-experiences-in-higher-education-professor-kalwant-bhopal-tickets-97151261037  Any queries, contact Dr Elaine Keane at elaine.keane@nuigalway.ie

An NUI Galway study has been published in the Irish Educational Studies peer-reviewed academic journal calling for the provision of a range of supports for parents of young children with Down Syndrome to enable them to enhance the home literacy environment. We are delighted to see our paper exploring Shared reading practices between parents and young children with Down Syndrome in Ireland published in Irish Educational Studies. https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/7JJT2X5WNTVX328STAN2/full?target=10.1080/03323315.2020.1729836 The paper is based on Ms Sinead Lusby’s M.Ed. study (supervised by Dr. Manuela Heinz) conducted at the School of Education, NUI Galway. Ms Lusby is a Primary school teacher in Scoil Chaitri̒ona Junior, Renmore, Galway with 23 years teaching experience in mainstream, learning support, resource and EAL. The focus of this study was influenced by professional and personal factors.  In her role as a primary school teacher, Ms. Lusby has witnessed the immense benefits of parent-child shared reading in the literacy development of both typically developing children and children with special needs.  Further, as a parent of a young girl with Down syndrome, with whom she introduced shared reading at an early age, she has seen first-hand the significant benefits of shared reading in promoting the development of her daughter’s emergent literacy skills.  Additionally, the significant interest of many parents of young children with Down syndrome, particularly in the Galway Down syndrome branch, in supporting the literacy development of their children, and the call for assistance from parents in this regard, further reinforced Sinead’s motivation to undertake this research study.  In particular, Sinead strongly believed that there was a need to quantify current nationwide shared reading practices in order to explore the need for parental education and support in this area.  We are delighted and very proud to see this important research published in Irish Educational Studies. Dr Heinz, supervisor of Ms Lusby’s M.Ed. study says that: Ms Lusby’s study provides very important baseline data regarding the current reading practices of parents with their young children with Down Syndrome which may be used in the planning and implementation of parental education programmes.  Findings point to high levels of commitment among parents to reading with their children and a call for further guidance and support.  The paper outlines specific recommendations regarding the provision of parental support which we hope can make a significant contribution towards enhancing the development of the emergent literacy skills of young children with Down syndrome.

Dr Cornelia Connolly hosted the “Leadership Reserves: Agents of transformation in teacher education” at NUI Galway.  The delegation from the Ministry of Education and MOFET Institute in Israel visited the School of Education at NUI Galway where they attended a series of presentations learning from and gaining an understanding of the Irish education system and teacher education.  Dr Connolly hosted the event and there was a series of presentations from colleagues in the School of Education, School of Sociology and Politics, PDST, Centre for School Leadership and the UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre. 

The School of Education, NUI Galway are proud to host the Team Math Quiz for students from second level schools from the catchment area. The Irish Mathematics Teachers' Association (IMTA) Galway Branch are organising the Regional Rounds and the Quiz will be held on Friday January 24th at 7:30pm in Block E, South Campus, NUI Galway. Team Math is a table quiz for teams of 4 students from Leaving Cert year with questions based on the Leaving Certificate higher level syllabus. This competition has been a long running activity of the Irish Mathematics Teachers' Association with local and regional competitions organised since 1991.  The first national final for the quiz was held in Trinity College Dublin in 2005.  The Irish Mathematics Teachers' Association is one of the longest established teacher subject associations, having been founded in January 2nd, 1964 – the inaugural meeting was in Newman House, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin. The IMTA run and support a number of maths competitions for students throughout the year such as Peters Problem, The Pi Quiz and The Junior Maths Competition. NUI Galway are proud to host the Team Math Quiz again this year and look forward to welcoming many local and regional schools! 

Are you interested in learning more about intercultural education and enhancing your pedagogical skills in a culturally diverse classroom? Are you a primary school teacher in Galway? If the answer to the above questions is ‘Yes’ then you should consider signing up for an exciting Collaborative Action Research project with teachers starting in February 2020. Seun Adebayo, a PhD student at the School of Education in NUI Galway, is currently conducting an action research project to enhance primary school teachers’ pedagogy so as to create more culturally inclusive learning environments in Ireland. See leaflet for information, and you can also contact Seun Adebayo: s.adebayo2@nuigalway.ie for more details and to sign up!

On Thursday, 14th November, organised by Dr. Elaine Keane and Dr. Manuela Heinz, the School of Education at NUI Galway hosted the Diversity in Teaching research symposium. Building on their previous Diversity in Initial Teacher Education (DITE) project funded by the Irish Research Council (2013-2015), the Diversity in Teaching event was Ireland’s first research symposium on the topic.   Professor Anne Scott, Vice-President for Equality and Diversity at NUI Galway, opened the event and welcomed the 60+ participants who were in attendance from higher education institutions all over Ireland, as well as from Canada, the US, and the UK. Professor Liz Thomas (Edge Hill University, England) provided the keynote address, examining the role of professional passion in improving diversity and success in teacher education.  Drs. Elaine Keane and Manuela Heinz further contextualised the symposium’s work by examining the rationale for diversifying the teaching profession. The remainder of the day featured 18 papers presented by national and international participants, many drawing on projects funded under the Higher Education Authority’s innovative Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH), Strand 1 (Equity of Access to Teacher Education), which in 2017 committed €2.4 million to projects to diversify the teaching profession in Ireland. Chaired by Dr. Rory McDaid (Marino Institute of Education), the day closed with a panel session looking to the future in the area, with contributions from Neil McDermott (Higher Education Authority), Eilish Bergin (Department of Education and Skills), Owen Ward (Professional Master of Education student), and Drs. Elaine Keane and Manuela Heinz (School of Education, NUI Galway).   Dr. Elaine Keane:  "We were delighted to welcome so many colleagues from the national and international contexts to Ireland’s first research symposium on Diversity in Teaching here at NUI Galway. Diversifying the teaching profession has long been a core research focus for us here in the School of Education, and the symposium’s work here today has laid the foundation stone for the progress of this important work into the future." Dr. Manuela Heinz:  "The research symposium offered teacher educators, representatives from the Department of Education and the Higher Education Authority, teachers, student teachers and education researchers the opportunity to discuss ways forward. Our previous DITE research identified a significant ‘diversity gap’ between student and teacher cohorts. Now that we are supporting the recruitment of a more diverse student teacher cohort, we need to provide the necessary supports for teachers from currently underrepresented groups, an important focus for research." L-R  Dr Manuela Heinz (School of Education, NUI Galway), Professor Anne Scott (Vice-President for Equality and Diversity, NUI Galway), Professor Liz Thomas (Keynote Speaker, Director and Chair, Widening Participation Research Centre, Edge Hill University, England), Dr Elaine Keane (School of Education, NUI Galway) Panel Session L-R   Dr Elaine Keane and Dr Manuela Heinz (School of Education, NUI Galway), Neil McDermott (Senior Manager, Access Policy, Higher Education Authority), Owen Ward (Professional Master of Education programme student, Professor Liz Thomas (Director and Chair, Widening Participation Research Centre, Edge Hill University, England), and Eilish Bergin (Department of Education and Skills). For more information, contact: Dr Elaine Keane and Dr Manuela Heinz (Elaine.keane@nuigalway.ie Manuela.heinz@nuigalway.ie)

Our BA Mathematics and Education Class of 2019 have graduated.  Congratulations to each of you on your degree awarded today, it has been a pleasure working with you.  We wish you well in your future careers.

TEACHERS'  SURVEY! Following the Government's Review of Initial Teacher Education in Ireland in 2012, the School of Education at NUI Galway and St. Angleas Sligo is looking for your views on the development of future graduate courses for teachers and school leaders in all education sectors.   We are asking you to complete this survey so we can find out: 1. What areas you would like to study at graduate level2. What qualifications you are interested in  3. How and where you would like the course to take place - online/blended/face to face   All completed questionnaires will be entered for a draw for a 200 euro voucher in time for Christmas

The School of Education, NUI Galway were delighted to launch a new Erasmus project this week in conjunction with Claregalway Community College and schools and universities from Oslo, Krakow and Murcia.  The project “Big Ideas for Better Schools” #ErasmusBI_BS will focus on diversity democracy and equity in our schools.

NUI Galway’s University Research Ethics Board recently organised a development event for it’s members.  Dr Kevin Davison (NUI Galway Research Ethics Committee Chair) and Gem Mathieu (NUI Galway Research Ethics Coordinator) welcomed Dr Heike Felzmann (School of Humanities) who opened the proceedings and led challenging discussions around key ethical themes including: value of research, scientific validity, fair subject selection, favourable risk-benefit ratio, independent review, informed consent and respect for participants.   Peter Feeney delivered training on GDPR highlighting the extensive set of resources available on the NUI Galway Data Protection website (www.nuigalway.ie/data-protection) which offers excellent advice on a wide range of GDPR issues and a suite of resources to support.

Congratulations to Dr Laura Tagnin and her research supervisors Dr Manuela Heinz, Dr Maire Ní Riordáin and Dr Mary Fleming on Laura's successful defence of her PhD.  Her thesis was titled: 'Science Classroom Discourse and Learning in Secondary Biology Classrooms Implementing a Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) Approach.’   Many thanks to Dr Jennifer Johnson, University of Lincoln and Dr Veronica McCauley who examined Laura's work.

The School of Education would like to wish Nicole Loughlin, a student from the BA Mathematics and Education the very best of luck in the Rose of Tralee.  Nicole completed the four-year teacher education programme in June and is representing County Mayo at the Tralee festival. During her undergraduate degree Nicole made a fantastic contribution to her course and the students she taught while on School Placement.  She also organized and fund raised to build a school in Malawi – read more about her efforts here: https://www.nuigalway.ie/about-us/news-and-events/news-archive/2018/november/nui-galway-student-fundraises-to-build-a-post-primary-school-in-malawi-.html Nicole’s classmates, her lecturers and the School of Education wish her the very best of luck!  Wishing all the Roses's a lovely time and enjoyable experience.

The Galway Branch of the Irish Mathematics Teacher Association (IMTA) and School of Education, NUI Galway hosted a review of the Junior and Leaving Certificate Mathematics examination papers recently.  Feedback from the meeting was gathered, collated at a national level and will be forwarded to the SEC. The IMTA Galway branch meet regularly at the Education Building at NUI Galway – contact Dr. Cornelia Connolly (cornelia.connolly@nuigalway.ie) for further information on membership and meetings. Open to all teachers of mathematics in the region, and free student membership to PME and BME students, the IMTA is a teacher professional network providing a valuable resource to support teachers of mathematics at post primary level.

Dr Cornelia Connolly recently presented at the MOFET Institute.  The MOFET Institute is an NGO founded by the Israeli Ministry of Education and a Centre for Research and Programme Development in Teacher Education. Their conference “The Story of Innovation in Teacher Education” was attended by world leading teacher educators sharing best practice in professional development, policy changes, equity and social justice causes, as well as innovative perspectives arising from the latest research, theory and practice. Dr Connolly presented along with Dr Tami Seifert, Kibbutzim College of Education, Tel Aviv and Dr Antonio Calderon, University of Limerick - their paper was titled “Construction of Knowledge in a Web 2.0 Environment – Teachers and Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions.”

Congratulations to Dr Niall McVeigh and his research supervisor, Dr Mary Fleming, on Niall's successful defence of this PhD today. Many thanks to Prof. Alma Harris, Swansea University (external) and Prof. Gerry Mac Ruairc (internal) who examined Niall's work, titled: 'Unpacking Distributed Leadership: Narrowing the gap in practice for post-primary school leaders'. Well done Niall, from all of us here at the School of Education.

Congratulations to Dr Rose Ní Dhubhda and PhD supervisor Dr Brendan Mac Mahon, School of Education, NUI Galway, on the completion of Rose's thesis and successful viva defence. Rose's doctoral research applied design-based research to technology-enhanced learning in Irish language education. Titled 'Students as Creators: The Impact of Digital Innovation on Irish-Language Learning', Rose's doctoral work exemplifies how digital innovation can impact positively on children’s language learning in Irish, in particular through design-based learning and the application of creative and constructionist technology. Further, the TALES design model she developed in her PhD research provides a framework for educational designers and technologists to adopt and adapt similar, impactful innovations meaningfully within their respective contexts of learning.

Diversifying initial teacher education, and the teaching profession, in Ireland and internationally, has been of research and policy significance for some time, and since 2017 has been operationalised in practice (in Ireland) through projects funded by the Higher Education Authority under PATH1[1]. On Thursday, November 14th 2019, the School of Education at NUI Galway will host a Research Symposium on Diversity in Teaching. Professor Anne Scott, Vice President for Diversity and Equality at NUI Galway, will open proceedings, and Professor Liz Thomas, Director and Chair, Widening Participation Research Centre, Edge Hill University, England, will provide the keynote address. The symposium main proceedings will consist of a number of parallel sessions and a panel discussion.  The main aim is to provide a forum for the sharing of research findings from the projects funded under PATH1, and other relevant projects in the national and international contexts.  The symposium is an invitation-based event in order to focus on core messages from learning to date from national and international projects and progressing the field into the future. If you are interested in having your work considered for presentation at the symposium, please send the completed template to Dr. Elaine Keane (elaine.keane@nuigalway.ie) and Dr. Manuela Heinz (manuela.heinz@nuigalway.ie) at the School of Education, NUI Galway by August 30th 2019.  Initial discussions have been held with Routledge, and a proposal for an edited collection, based on the symposium, will be submitted in early 2020.  A central aim of the proposed edited collection is to bring together research findings from a range of relevant projects and studies to investigate the rationale, process, implications and outcomes of diversifying the teaching profession, from a wide range of perspectives, inter alia, students and student teachers, initial teacher education providers, and student support services. If you would like to have your work considered for inclusion in this edited collection, please indicate your interest on the relevant place on the template.  Please note that not all papers accepted for presentation at the symposium will be selected for inclusion in the proposed edited collection.   Abstract Submission Template Name(s)   Affiliation(s)   PATH1 Project (where relevant)   Title of Paper   Abstract 500 words max. to include contextualisation in policy and research literature, methodology, findings and conclusions.   [extend box as necessary]             Tick if interested in edited collection   [1] Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) (Strand 1: Equity of Access to Initial Teacher Education).

The Access to Post-Primary Teaching (APT) Project Launch and Schools’ Event took place at NUI Galway on Tuesday, May 21st 2019.  The APT project, funded by the Higher Education Authority under the Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH), Strand 1 (Equity of Access to Initial Teacher Education), is a three-year joint initiative between NUI Galway and St. Angela’s College, Sligo, and aims to support the progression and retention of those from lower socio-economic groups in initial teacher education (ITE). The NUI Galway aspect of the APT project is led by Dr Elaine Keane and Dr Manuela Heinz (APT Principal Investigators), and Dr Andrea Lynch (APT Post-doctoral Researcher), in the School of Education, in partnership with the Access Centre and the Career Development Centre at NUI Galway.  The project is supported by funding from Galway University Foundation as well as the HEA. Drs Keane and Heinz previously implemented the highly successful Diversity in Initial Teacher Education (DITE) national research project (funded by the Irish Research Council), establishing the first national evidence base in relation to the socio-demographic profile of applicants and entrants to ITE in Ireland. Drs Keane and Heinz published their findings in a range of peer-reviewed journals demonstrating the homogeneity of the ITE population in Ireland and the particular under-representation of those from lower socio-economic and minority ethnic backgrounds and those with disabilities. Dr Keane was subsequently invited to be a member of the Department of Education and Skills Working Group (Diversity in Initial Teacher Education) which led to the establishment of PATH1 funding to diversify ITE. Dr. Heinz has been invited and is currently working on the data working group of the Teacher Supply Data Working Group set up by the Department of Education and Skills. The APT project currently supports 21 participants in the Professional Master of Education (PME) in the School of Education at NUI Galway, and also works with senior cycle school pupils in DEIS schools, through the APT participants’ school placements as student teachers, in relation to higher education progression, and career planning. On Tuesday, May 21st 2019, as part of the celebrations for the 20th Anniversary of Access at NUI Galway, the APT project was formally launched by Professor Gerry MacRuairc, Head of the School of Education.  Over 100 senior cycle pupils from schools across the BMW region,  teachers from these schools, and the APT project participants, participated in the day-long event, which featured presentations and contributions from Professor Liz Thomas (Director and Chair, Widening Participation Research Centre, Edge Hill University, England); Hannagh McGinley (PhD student in the School of Education); APT Project leads Dr. Elaine Keane and Dr Manuela Heinz; Imelda Byrne (Director of Access); Josephine Walsh (Head of Career Development Centre); Dr Olga O’Mahony (Access Centre); Rachel Konisberry (School of Education); and Owen Mac an Bhaird (PME student), as well as small-group workshops facilitated by the Access and Career Development Centres.  The day’s sessions were aimed at supporting school pupils’ higher education and career planning, including in relation to teaching as a career.  Also in attendance were representatives from the Department of Education and Skills (Eilish Bergin and Sarah Kearns) and the Higher Education Authority (Neil McDermott, Senior Manager, Access Policy). Quotes:Dr Elaine Keane:  It was a privilege for us in the School of Education to host students from many schools in Galway and beyond, including from Donegal, at our Access to Post-primary (APT) project event.  Diversifying the teaching profession has long been a core research focus for us here in the School; through the Diversity in Initial Teacher Education (DITE) project, funded by the Irish Research Council, we established a national evidence base regarding the backgrounds and motivations of those applying and entering initial teacher education (ITE). Through the APT project, funded by the Higher Education Authority and Galway University Foundation, we are acting on this evidence base, and working to attract and support those under-represented in the teaching profession into our flagship ITE programme, the Professional Master of Education (PME).  We currently have 21 APT participants on the PME.  The day was wonderfully inspiring and we were delighted by the response of the school pupils. Dr Manuela Heinz:  It was fantastic to see so many second-level students actively participating during lectures and workshops throughout the day and showing an interest in teaching and higher education.  The young people asked many thoughtful questions and made a wonderful contribution to this important day.  We hope that the students have gained a better understanding of the many routes that are available to them with regard to their future career choices.  We would definitely love to see some of them again in the future at NUI Galway and, hopefully, in the School of Education.  Teaching is such an important and wonderfully rewarding job and we hope that people from all backgrounds are encouraged to consider it as a career so that we can, hopefully in the near future, see a teaching body that reflects the rich diversity of the population of Ireland. Dr Andrea Lynch:  The Access to Post-Primary Teaching (APT) Event & Launch was an exciting and inspiring day for all! Numerous Higher Education students and graduates from under-represented groups graciously shared their stories of overcoming educational barriers, demonstrating that with adequate support, hard-work and determination can pay off in the pursuit of dreams and goals.  Additionally, Professor Liz Thomas illustrated the power of Higher Education in changing lives.  It is our hope that the post-primary students who participated in our event won't soon forget the great examples they met today, and that the information shared will have truly life changing consequences. For more information on the APT Project, contact: Dr Elaine Keane and Dr. Manuela Heinz (Elaine.keane@nuigalway.ie Manuela.heinz@nuigalway.ie) or Dr Andrea Lynch (andrea.lynch@nuigalway.ie)

The application process for the Galway Doctoral Scholarship Scheme has opened on our website today. The Scholarships are valued at €16,250 per annum, comprised of fees of €5,250 and a stipend of €11,000. The timelines for the application process are as follow:     Tuesday 21th May 2019 Open for Applications Monday 10th June 2019 Closing Date for Applications. Friday 21st June 2019 Submission of Applications to Schools for Assessment. Monday 8th July 2019 Completion of Assessment Process by Schools. Monday 22nd July 2019 First Round Offers. Details of the application process are available at the following link: http://www.nuigalway.ie/colleges-and-schools/arts-social-sciences-and-celtic-studies/phd-research-degrees/scholarships/index.html  Details in relation to the Active Consent Programme Scholarship are also available on this page and the details of the application process for the following Scholarships will be made available over the next few days: The Galway 2020 Scholarship. The DAH Scholarship.

“Because we can, we should…” “Children are the messages to a world we will never see…” Our School of Education staff research strategy day, was facilitated this year by Professor Tony Gallagher, from the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen’s University Belfast.

  The School of Education and UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, Institute for Lifecourse and Society at NUI Galway have announced a new research collaboration which will enable partnership and collaborative expertise to address key priority areas for young people’s education and well-being, in Ireland and internationally. Speaking of the innovative collaboration, Professor Gerry Mac Ruairc, Head of the School of Education: ‘This new initiative provides greater, enhanced capacity at NUI Galway for shared impactful research and graduate study in the promotion of young people’s education and well-being, in and outside of school.’ Professor Pat Dolan, Director of UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, Institute for Lifecourse and Society noted the potential of this timely partnership and how bringing together the cognate research areas of both the School of Education and UNESCO Centre at NUI Galway will help to promote and enhance education in formal and non-formal contexts: ‘Our alignment in research will impact significantly on our current and future work, particularly in terms of augmenting our impact with schools, practitioners, families, parents, and our educational partners and stakeholders, including the regulatory context and policymakers’. The new collaboration between the School of Education and UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre will initially explore developments to enhance NUI Galway’s research capacity and impact across a number of identified priority areas, including education for empathy and well-being; inclusion and diversity; STEM education; special educational needs; educational policy; participatory and practitioner research methodologies; and educational design.

  A group of second-level students from 5 schools in Co. Clare visited NUI Galway to deliver an interactive lecture focusing on the topic of Online Safety to our Professional Master of Education (PME) Year 1 student teachers.  The second-level students were supported by Brian McManus, coordinator from Clare Youth Services and the Clare Comhairle na nOg and Irene Guédan, McAfee Online Safety Program coordinator. A massive thanks to all the students and their supporters for providing this important and very insightful lecture for our future teachers.  

The School of Education, NUI Galway hosted its 8th Annual Postgraduate Research Seminar (PGRS) in the Education Building, Nuns’ Island on Wednesday 10th April. It was looking an informative and well supported seminar. Contemporary research in Irish education: Volume 6: Book of abstracts of the 8th Annual Postgraduate Research Seminar: https://aran.library.nuigalway.ie/handle/10379/15109 Where to find us.

The School of Education, NUI Galway hosted a Research Seminar Series event on Design Thinking and Blended Learning Design. Dr Leigh Graves Wolf, Clinical Associate Professor, Arizona State University; Dr Tony Hall, Deputy Head o the School of Education & Dr Cornelia Connolly, Chair of the School of Education Research Committee  Dr Leigh Graves Wolf presented on principles underpinning design thinking and the increasing popularity of design-based methods in educational research and blended learning design. Dr Graves Wolf exemplified blended learning design through a number of innovative programmes she has worked on and is currently leading in the US. Speaker Biography:Leigh Graves Wolf is teacher-scholar and a clinical associate professor in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University.  Leigh teaches with the educational leadership and innovation eddprogram and is a faculty fellow with the office of scholarship & innovation.  Her work centers around online education, k12 teacher professional development and relationships mediated by and with technology.  She has worked across the educational spectrum from k12 to higher to further and lifelong.  She believes passionately in collaboration and community.  Leigh shares all of her work and ideas publicly on her Blog, Twitter & flickr.

Celebrating the 10th year of the programme and our 4BME final year class on the BA Mathematics and Education initial teacher education programme (CAO Code: GY109).  Initiated in 2008-09, it was the very first progrogramme of its kind in Ireland for students who wanted to become teachers of mathematics and applied mathematics. The fourth year students on the BA Mathematics and Education (BME) programme on Tuesday last (2-4-2019), held their Symposium – a showcase of research and work in the area of mathematical education by the fourth year students. The students were honoured to have past president of NUI Galway, Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh deliver this year’s keynote address.  Dr. Ó Mhuircheartaigh, himself a graduate of pure mathematics from UCD and a PhD in statistics from Glasgow University – presented about his career and areas of research, namely descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Students presented their final year action research projects and reflections on their time over the four years.  Introduced in 2008, the BME graduates qualified second-level teachers of mathematics and applied mathematics, who are also fully qualified mathematicians.  The event brought together students from third and fourth year on the BME, academic staff from the School of Education, School of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, as well as staff from GMIT Letterfrack. This year’s Symposium also celebrated the 10 Year Anniversary for the programme and the students marked the occasion with quotes, photographs and a few words from past students and lecturers.  Now to look forward to the next 10 years of the programme! We were delighted to have our opening keynote from President Emeritus Prof. Iognáid (Iggy) Ó Muircheartaigh  ‌ The BA Mathematics and Education Class of 2019, along with Prof. Gerry Mac Ruairc, President Emeritus Prof. Iognáid (Iggy) Ó Muircheartaigh, Drs Cornelia Connolly, Kirsten Pfeiffer and Tony Hall.

The School of Education, NUI Galway held its annual School-University Day on Friday 29th April as part of the School's commitment to liaising with the practicing teachers within our area

Drs Cornelia Connolly & Tony Hall were invited to present at the inaugural International Society for Design and Development in Education (ISDDE) UK 2019 meeting at the University of Cambridge.   Hosted by Cambridge Mathematics, the event included discussions and presentations from key educational partners in curriculum design and development, mathematics education, and educational publishing and technology. Prof. Geoff Wake, University of Nottingham, provided the keynote address on key contemporary issues in educational design research.  Cornelia and Tony presented the design of NUI Galway's new undergraduate teacher education programme for computer science and maths teachers: the BA Education (Computer Science and Mathematical Studies).  They also met with colleagues of the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, and visited local primary and post-primary schools.  Tony and Cornelia jointly chaired the 14th Annual ISDDE Conference, which was held May 28th-31st in NUI Galway, for the first time in Ireland; the next international conference will be held at the University of Pittsburgh in September 2019.

‌ L-R Prof Gerry Mac Ruairc, Dr Jane Jones, Dr Patrick Farren Dr Jane Jones, Senior Lecturer in Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Education at Kings College London, recently presented at the School of Education, NUI Galway Research Seminar Series event. Jane has participated in numerous international projects to provide platforms for teachers and school leaders to share their knowledge and practices of learning teaching and assessment on a cross-national basis.  Her research interests are all aspects of languages teaching and learning, assessment, teacher development and comparative education. One of her key messages during the presentation was Jane's ambition to 'move teachers into transformative practice, away from repetitive practice'.  

The guest presenters at CSforALL 2019 The School of Education at NUI Galway recently organised and hosted the inaugural computer science education summit, CSforAll. The Summit was supported by Google and marked the first time CSforAll was hosted outside of the United States, with attendees from across Ireland, Europe and the US. This coincided with the announcement that the School of Education at NUI Galway will commence a new BA Education (Computer Science and Mathematical Studies) undergraduate initial teacher education programme in September 2019. CSforAll is a large-scale global movement to mobilise and promote computer science education among all students and teachers. Initiated and championed by President Barack Obama when he hosted the inaugural CSforAll Summit in the White House. Key stakeholders such as National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, Professional Development Service for Teachers, and the Department of Education attended along with international speakers from Michigan State University, Munich University, industry and James Whelton, the co-founder of Coderdojo who delivered the keynote address. Gaelscoil Riabhach, Loughrea, Co. Galway, Castleblayney College Monaghan, Presentation Secondary School Warrenmount, Dublin, Coláiste Chiaráin Limerick and Scoil Bhríde Mercy Secondary School, Tuam were the selected Showcase Schools at the event. A key message and conversation topic of the day was about the equity in Computer Science – reiterating the message that one can be a great programmer no matter background, gender or race. What is important is increasing baseline Computer Science knowledge amongst all and providing everyone with the opportunity to learn – computer science is about equity, fun, transformation, digital literacy, and so much more. There was discussion also regarding the mental health issues around computing and social media. Dr Cornelia Connolly, event organiser and Lecturer with NUI Galway’s School of Education, said: “As the first CSforAll outside of the US, NUI Galway's event marks an historic development in Computer Science education in Ireland, bringing together the key educational stakeholders and partners in celebrating and exploring the potential of coding and computational thinking in Irish classrooms and schools. At a time when Irish schools are piloting Computer Science as a Senior Cycle subject, we were delighted to host CSforAll and the watershed initiatives taking place around the country and internationally, including the inspirational work of Irish pupils and teachers working creatively with a range of innovative technologies, including micro-controllers, coding applications and software.”    The Summit website, including more photos from the day, are available at https://sites.google.com/view/csforallirelandsummit/home. Press release kindly provided by NUI Galway Marketing and Communications Office.

The School of Education, NUI Galway hosted its eighth Development Education Day on Tuesday, February 19th, 2019.  Funded by Irish Aid through the UBUNTU network this event is embedded firmly in the School's philosophy of equality and justice. The overall aim of the day is to raise awareness among student teachers on concepts such as development, social justice, sustainability and human rights and to foster discussion and debate on how best to integrate such issues into teaching and learning at the secondary school level. This year, as per previous years, students from other Schools within NUIG as well as Transition Year (TY) students and teachers from some local secondary schools were invited to attend the event.   A number of development education experts, representing a range of development and development education organisations, facilitated interactive workshops for over 150 student teachers and members of staff of the School of Education and local post-primary schools. In addition, Peadar King, producer of the RTE series 'What in the World?', provided a thought provoking address on how we, and the media in particular, construct people as different and the consequences of such constructions of ‘other’, in particular the impact that this might have for student teachers in their professional practice.  Click here for the Development Education Day 2019 Schedule.

  Daniela Donghi (PME 2016-2018) was recently awarded the NUI Scholarship in Education and Nicola de Faoite (MGO 2016-2018) shared the NUI Prize in Education with a student from UCC (Rebecca Farr).    The awards are given to the top students on the Professional Master of Education (PME) or An Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas (MGO) in the constituent universities.   The  Awards Ceremony was held in the Round Room of the Mansion House, Dublin recently and the Chancellor of the University presented the awards.   Pictured at the Awards Ceremony are Dr Mary Fleming and Daniela Donghi.

Dr Veronica McCauley, Lecturer in Science Education, organised a Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) event in the School of Education, NUI Galway to showcase an abundance of online teaching resources for teachers.  John O’Donoghue (Trinity College Dublin), National Education Coordinators for the RSC led this event. Local science teachers from the Galway branch of the Irish Science Teacher's Association (ISTA) network were invited to join School of Education student science teachers from the Professional Masters of Education (PME) programme.   The Royal Society of Chemistry provide a wealth of teaching resources as well as some practical ideas for teaching various topics.  In this 90 minute workshop teachers learned how to use some of the freely available RSC resources in their teaching, with time to discuss each topic openly. This year there was a discussion around the use of UV beads to measure the rate of reaction at Junior Cycle level.  A simple, clean experiment that is ideal for Junior Cycle students was carried out by attendees as part of some 'hands on' experience to support guided inquiry. This workshop was aimed at everyone from trainee to experienced teachers and was interactive and informal.  Both Junior and Senior Cycle resources were reviewed on the evening and there was a bundle of freebies for each teacher. 

‌ Figure: Presenter Dr Veronica McCauley (Lecturer in Science Education, School of Education, NUI Galway) Dr Veronica McCauley (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Veronica_Mccauley ), lecturer in science education, NUI Galway recently co-presented with her former School of Education doctoral student, Dr. Diogo Martins Gomes (@dgomes1307) who is the Science Communicators' Team Leader at the Cambridge Science Centre in the UK.  Both were invited to present a paper at the inaugural MORSE conference (http://www.rsc.org/events/detail/31852/methods-of-research-in-science-education-morse), which is the first conference that singularly promotes discussion and teaching of methods of research in science education.  The conference was held on 2nd November 2018 at Dublin Institute of Technology. The abstract for the talk is below: Abstract:Decision making in research is critical. Narrowing down the research problem, eliciting specific research questions and identifying a research methodology to draw adequate insight is an ongoing challenge where we continue to question each alternative.  This seminar invites you to consider decision making as a provoked and exploratory research methodology.  Our overarching research aim was to examine and compare primary teachers’ and outreach practitioners’ understanding and   perception of a constructivist science pedagogy, in an effort to understand the potential of a teacher-outreach partnership.  From a qualitative perspective, we took a dialectic pragmatic stance.  Conceptual and pedagogical dichotomies were created from educational theories and their practical application.  These dilemmas were then illustrated through video animation in order to entice the participants to consider each virtual concept within the daily practice of their classroom.  A brief overview will be given of our research context, question, and the methodological design of three conceptual and three pedagogical dichotomies and insight into the dilemmatic method that was enacted with 31 teachers and 30 outreach practitioners.  During the seminar, we will also invite you to try out some data analysis with us, to get a sense of the type of data that we analysed and the fun we had in trying to make sense of it all.    Relevant papers that were discussed during the talk to illustrate the dilemmatic methodology are below: Martins Gomes, D. and V. McCauley (2016) 'Dialectical dividends: fostering hybridity of new pedagogical practices and partnerships in science education and outreach'. International Journal Of Science Education  https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09500693.2016.1234729 McCauley, V., Martins Gomes, D. and Davison, K. (2018) 'Constructivism in the third space: challenging pedagogical perceptions of science outreach and science education'. International Journal of Science Education. Part B: Communication and Public Engagement, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21548455.2017.140944

Figure (From L to R): John Loughlin, National Chair of ISTA and Mr. Rory Geoghegan, Presenter (ISTA) The Irish Science Teachers’ Association, in collaboration with Lennox Laboratory Supplies recently (Wednesday 24th October 2018) supported an ‘Earth and Space' event in the School of Education, NUI Galway. Dr Veronica McCauley (VMcC_ScienceEd) Lecturer in Science Education, organised the event in conjunction with the Galway ISTA branch, and the response from teachers was immense.   Rory Geoghegan, Lecturer in Physics Education and Editor of Science Journal, ISTA presented the workshop.  The workshop aimed to give teachers further insight into the new Earth and Space strand from the New Junior Science Specification.   The workshop covered topics of space, celestial bodies, planetary systems, gravity, space exploration, the scale of the solar system, galaxies, the Big Bang, etc.  A powerpoint resource suite was shared with all teachers, in addition to Excel and GeoGebra resources that were developed by Mr. Geoghegan as simulation resources to enhance an interactive teaching and learning experience.

The School of Education, NUI Galway and the Galway Branch of the Irish Science Teacher’s Association (ISTA) hosted a Q&A Leaving Certificate Exam Review for both Biology and Physics on Tuesday 9th October 2018.  The event was open to all teachers from Galway City, County and beyond.  Each year, Dr. Veronica McCauley (@VMcC_ScienceEd), lecturer in Science Education, NUI Galway, in collaboration with the Galway Branch of the ISTA organises this event for both teachers and student teachers.   The strong attendance was indicative of it’s value and the importance that teachers place on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and in supporting their students through this pinnacle exam.

Organised by Dr Veronica McCauley, (@VMcC_ScienceEd) lecturer in Science Education, NUI Galway, in conjunction with the Irish Science Teachers Association.   This, the first many events hosted in the School of Education for science teachers for the academic year 2018-19, invited science teachers and educators to come to a seminar designed by practicing teachers in conjunction with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT). This workshop ‘Energy in Action' welcomes local science junior cycle science teachers, and it’s focus is on Energy Efficiency.  It provides teachers with guidance on how to explore the Nature of Science strand with their students; as investigative, problem solving and design skills are incorporated throughout.  This event was open to all science teachers and took place on Thursday 20th September 7-9pm, D102, Education Building, School of Education, NUI Galway. For further information, email galwayista@gmail.com

‌ L-R Professor Gerry Mac Ruairc, Head of the School of Education; Dr Patric Farren, Lecturer in the School of Education and President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh A new book, 'Transforming Language Teaching and Learning’, by Dr Patrick Farren, Lecturer in the School of Education, NUI Galway, has been published by Peter Lang.  The book is timely in light of the recent initiatives in language teaching and learning in Ireland. It was launched by the President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, on Wednesday 14th November 2018. All are welcome to attend. The Foreword, written by Dr Jane Jones, Head of Modern Foreign Language Teacher Education at King's College London, refers to how the three studies in the book ‘provide deeply satisfying, engaging and challenging pictures of initial teacher education and the exceptionally good educational work being undertaken’. Following an outline of various practitioner research approaches and 'a scholarly consideration of language acquisition and learning theories that provide a framework for the book' (Jones), we are taken on a journey in the context of three studies undertaken by Farren in collaboration with university educators, student-teachers, and post-primary teachers at the National University of Ireland, Galway, King’s College London, and Boston College, MA. The book includes interviews with several leading educators, e.g. Paul Black, a leading, international expert in formative and summative assessment.  The book is available to buy online from the publisher or from Amazon. The book will be of interest to language teachers, student-teachers, researchers, students in any sector of education, education bodies, parents, as well as the general reader with an interest in education. More information here at Peter Lang and here at Amazon 

The School of Education, NUI Galway is hosting a series of Computer Science (CS) workshops for pre-service and in-service teachers.  These workshops will focus on the Senior Cycle CS specification. The first of four workshops commenced on 17th October 2018 6-9pm in our School of Education, Block D building and was very well attended.  The attendees were kept busy with lots of coding activities! Roll on Workshops 2, 3 and 4! For more information contact Dr Cornelia Connolly by email cornelia.connolly@nuigalway.ie 

Dr Mary Fleming, out going Director of the Professional Master of Education (PME), School of Education, NUI Galway, with newly graduated teacher, Mr Jason Kiernan. Jason was one of 132 newly qualified teachers who graduated during the NUI Galway Autumn Conferring ceremonies.

Comhairdeas le mic léinn an Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas (MGO) 2018! Go n–éirí go geal libh amuigh ansin.

Our BA Mathematics and Education Class of 2018 students have graduated.  The four years have flown!  It has been a pleasure working with you.  On our own behalf, and that of our colleagues in the School of Mathematics who  jointly run this programme, we  wish you well in your future careers.

Mr Mark Loughnane, School of Education, NUI Galway Professional Master of Education (PME) student 2016-2018, received the inaugural BSTAI John O Connor Award for Excellence in Business Studies Teaching from Margaret O’Donnell, Honorary National President – Business Studies Teachers Association of Ireland on Wednesday 10th October 2018   John O’Connor was a founding member of the Business Studies Teachers Association of Ireland (BSTAI) in 1976.  He served for a time as Chairperson of the Dublin Branch of the BSTAI and was a former National President of the association.  He was a leading textbook author over the last 4 decades.  John had a lifelong record of sharing best practise with Business Teachers and promoting excellence in all aspects of Business Studies Education.   While working as managing director of Folens and running his own publishing company Blackwater Press LTD, John continued his connection to teaching as well as travelling all over the country to give workshops to teachers and revision seminars to Business students.  Very close to John’s heart was the desire to support teachers new to the profession.   John O’Connor sadly passed away in July 2016 and the BSTAI wish to commemorate his memory by commissioning this award to the PME student from each university who has obtained the highest mark in their teaching practice of Business Studies.      Pictured here are Dr Manuela Heinz (Director of the PME),  Mark Loughnane and Margaret O’Donnell (Honorary National President – Business Studies Teachers Association of Ireland)  

Maths Week event! The BA Mathematics and Education students are participating in an event for Maths Week 2018 with IZAK9 .   The workshop will take place October 17th from 12-1.30pm.  School children from the St. Joseph's Patrician (The Bish) Secondary School will be coming along to take part in the workshop also! IZAK9 is a unique maths resource which encourages active learning in mathematics.  The product provides a physical resource which supports children and teachers in implementing new pedagogical approaches, supporting existing practice, and thus helps students and teachers better engage with the teaching and learning of mathematics.

  Mr Shane Flanagan, Team Leader JCT Maths (@JCTMaths) conducted a wonderful workshop at NUI Galway to the Professional Master of Education (PME) mathematics methodology and BA Mathematics and Education (BME) pre-service teachers. Introducing the Junior Cycle Mathematics Specification the workshop was activity based, informative and provided invaluable knowledge to the pre-service teachers for their use on school placement and when they graduate. Dr Cornelia ConnollyJoint Programme Director (Education) BA Mathematics and Education  See also: Web  www.jct.ie   Twitter: @JCforteachers

Dr Cornelia Connolly, School of Education, NUI Galway, recently presented on the design of the Irish Computer Science Specification at Steinhardt Graduate School of Education at New York University.  Hosted by NYU Dolcelab (Lab for the Design of Learning, Collaboration, and Experience) and CREATE (Consortium for Research and Evaluation of Advanced Technologies in Education) the seminar explored the Computer Science specification design and development process and attendees included faculty from NYU, Cornell University and CSforAll.  Dr Connolly also contributed to class on the MA program in International Education facilitated by Prof. Chris Hoadley. 

And a big warm NUI Galway welcome to our new 1BME1 BA Mathematics and Education (BME) students. We wish you the very best for and enjoyable & productive time with us & we look forward to working with you. #choosenuigalway

A big warm NUI Galway welcome to our new 1PME1 Professional Masters in Education (PME) students. We wish you the very best for and enjoyable & productive time with us & we look forward to working with you. #choosenuigalway

The Belgian performance art company CREW (@CREW_EricJoris) visited NUI Galway (@NUIGalway) to co-design an emerging augmented and virtual reality design for the Galway 2020 (@Galway2020) Immersive Classroom project. Project Producers, Dr Veronica McCauley (@VMcC_ScienceEd), Dr Kevin Davison (@kevinGdavison), School of Education (@edtechne), NUI Galway and Artistic Director, Denise McDonagh (@Dinnymac) worked together with CREW on a plan for a number of mini-projects that will be enacted throughout Galway during 2020.

The School of Education, NUI Galway Design Competition was open to post-primary school students in Galway city and county. The theme of the competition was ‘Plastic Free’ and we invited students to design an art-piece that captures “Why making Galway plastic free matters to you”.  The work also highlighted relevant statistics about plastic usage. Winning submissions to the School of Education Design Competition, organised by Dr Eílis Flanagan, were announced on 28th May, at the reception of the International Society for Design and Development in Education conference hosted by NUI Galway. Inspiring creativity, design thinking and environmental awareness the competition invited second-level students across Galway city and county to design an art piece capturing the theme ‘Why making Galway plastic free matters to you’.  The Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Pearce Flannery presented winners with their prizes, which were kindly sponsored by Iceland Ireland Ltd, Galway County Council, Galway City Council and SEAI. Selected prize winners attended the MakerSapce in NUI Galway to learn about the principles of design, facilitated by Paula Walsh.  Bláithín Breathnach from Seamount College, Kinvara claimed the first runner up prize for her 3D artistic representation of sea life and plastic pollution while Sarah McGown from Coláiste Bhaile Chláir was awarded secondrunner up for a creative poster design.  Three design idea prizes were awarded to students form St. Jarlath’s College, Tuam: Tiernan Godwin, Bartosz Sulkowski and Ivan Maslennikova Plaza for ideas including repurposing plastic to create bird houses.  The overall competition first prize was awarded to students from Presentation College, Tuam: Sasha Hogan, Kate Smith and Agata Szajda for their artistic fashioning of waste plastic. The School of Education would like to congratulate all students on their entries and especially to the competition winners for their interesting, engaging and thought-provoking submissions.  Thank you to School of Education students Nuala Egan, Sara McHugh and Nicole Loughlin for competition poster design and dissemination. Link to photos of competition winners For more information contact Dr Eílis Flanagan, eilis.flanagan@nuigalway.ie 

Dr Veronica McCauley and Dr Kevin Davison, School of Education, NUI Galway will present a case study at the 8th National Social Marketing Conference: Co-Creating Change (http://conference.ie/Conferences/index.asp?Conference=554) (#CCCSMC2018), 25th May, that outlines an engaging scenario of where behavioural change meets technology design, be it in game design with Coderdojo or in their latest article, in the design of an marine iBook for the formal secondary school classroom. The article that the book is based on is cited below and will be available on ARAN in pre-print form shortly: Domegan, C.; McHugh, P., McCauley, V., and Davison, K. (2018) 'Co-creating a Sea Change campaign for Ocean Literacy in Europe: A digital interactive tool for environmental behavioural change' In: Social Marketing in Action: Cases from Around the World. New York: Springer. 

The 5th Annual Statistical Summer School will be held at NUI Galway, June 20th – 22nd.  This Summer School is the fifth in a series being organised collaboratively by the Schools of Education at NUI Galway, University College Cork and the University of Limerick.  This Summer School has arisen out of a desire to develop competence in the domains of research methods and design, and data analysis, with a focus on conducting studies to address questions of policy and practice. This year’s Summer School, facilitated by Dr Laura O’ Dwyer (Boston College), will introduce participants to the most frequently used quantitative research designs in educational research, and will familiarize attendees with data analysis procedures commonly used to address substantive issues in education. It will cover the key stages in addressing questions relating to policy and practice, including validity, sampling, statistical hypotheses, major research designs, descriptive and inferential analyses. The Summer School will include demonstrations and hands-on practice, and detailed materials will be provided. For more information please see the attached document. Registration can be completed via the website link available at http://www.conference.ie/Conferences/AddRegistration.asp?Conference=546  Places are limited to 40 participants. Please share this announcement with any colleagues and research students who might be interested in this Summer School.

On Monday, 16th April 2018, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Minister of State for Higher Education, formally launched the St. Angela’s Strand of the “Access to Post-Primary Teaching (APT) Project” at St Angela’s College, Sligo.  The APT Project is a three-year joint initiative between St Angela’s College and the National University of Ireland Galway, which aims to recruit and support individuals from under-represented socioeconomic groups in their initial teacher education programmes.  This project, which targets students at the school, further education, undergraduate, and post-graduate levels, is spearheaded by Dr Eileen Kelly-Blakeney of St Angela’s College, and Dr Elaine Keane & Dr Manuela Heinz of NUI-Galway. The APT Project at St. Angela’s specifically focuses on recruiting students with a Further Education QQI/FET qualification to their second-level teacher education programmes and is conducted in cooperation with five Further Education providers in the Border-Midlands-Western (BMW) Region: Sligo College of Further Education, Castlebar College of Further Education, Monaghan Institute, Errigal College, and Cavan Institute.  During the next two years, the Project hopes to create additional partnerships with more Further Education providers in the region. Students who transition into the teacher education programme will all study Home Economics, in addition to one elective subject of their choosing, either Irish, Biology, or Religious Education.  Students are also provided with a €1000 equipment bursary on entry to Year One, and a €500 School Placement grant each of their five years of study. Additionally, students receive faculty mentoring, peer support, academic writing, and subject specific guidance over the course of their studies. In attendance at Monday’s launch were the President of St. Angela’s, Dr Anne Taheny, staff and students from the College, local government officials, representatives from each of the five partner Further Education providers, colleagues from NUI-Galway, and associates from the Irish Teaching Council. In her speech, Minister O’Connor noted the significance of direct-entry routes, such as the APT Project, which ultimately aim to increase access to third level studies, while also acknowledging the great achievements made by students in the Further Education sector.  As the minister explained that the APT Project, “will also help support the achievement of national policy objectives to broaden opportunities for graduates from further education to progress on to higher education.”  Additionally, she also remarked on the important role that teachers play in the lives of young people, and she projected that “Teacher training centres, teachers and school leaders will continue to play a pivotal role in helping children to achieve their potential.” Dr Anne Taheny, President of St Angela’s referred to the College’s long standing commitment to equal opportunity and to widening access and participation in Higher Education in association with NUI, Galway.  This is demonstrated through the provision of an Access Foundation Programme, an Access Schools Programme, entry routes for mature students and entry through the HEAR and DARE Schemes. Speaking at the launch, Dr Taheny noted:  ‘This new direct entry route from Further Education into our Initial Teacher Education Programme through the Access to Post-Primary Project is an exciting addition and much welcomed progression route for students in the Further Education Sector.’ This project supports the diversification of the Irish teaching body in Ireland and recognises the positive contributions that teachers from underrepresented groups make to classrooms throughout the country each day.  For more information on the APT Project, or to learn more about St Angela’s initial teacher education programmes, please see the College website at: http://www.stangelas.nuigalway.ie.  Additionally, interested individuals can contact the post-doctoral researcher for the APT Project, Dr Andrea Lynch at 087 112 9868

School of Education, NUI Galway Annual Postgraduate Research Seminar, 5:15pm, Wednesday April 11th in Education building, Nuns Island.  All welcome. Click for information on the location of the venue

The 8th Annual BA Mathematics and Education Final-year Symposium was held Tuesday last at NUI Galway.  The Symposium was organised by students of the NUI Galway concurrent teacher education degree programme, the BA Mathematics and Education (BME).  Introduced in 2008, the BME programme graduates qualified second-level teachers of mathematics and applied mathematics, who are also fully qualified mathematicians. This event is a showcase of research and findings in the area of mathematical education by the fourth year students and we were very fortunate to have Prof. John O’Donoghue deliver this year’s keynote address, “Reflections on Mathematics Education and mathematics teaching based on the personal journey of an accidental teacher”.  Prof. O’Donoghue is Emeritus Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Limerick and a pioneer of Mathematics Education in Ireland. Having completed his PhD with Professor Avi Bajpai, OBE, University of Loughborough Prof. O’Donoghue has served as the founding Director of the Mathematics Learning Centre and Director of the National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and Learning (NCE-MSTL) at UL, as well as previously Head of Mathematics, Thomond College of Education. Three BME students were selected by their classmates to present on the day.  Conor McCarthys presentation was titled “Can I use group-work in the mathematics classroom to improve my students’ critical thinking?” Mark Foy presentation was “How the layout and atmosphere of the classroom with a particular emphasis on group work increases the children’s academic success?”. The third BME student to present was Conor Cuddihy, “How the layout am atmosphere of the classroom with a particular emphasis on group work increases the children’s academic success?”  There were also presentations from students of Education at GMIT Letterfrack and St Angela's College, Sligo – with Gary Weir and Sarah Moloney presenting on their final year projects. The Irish Mathematical Trust provided funding towards hosting the symposium and Dr Aisling McCluskey presented on their Maths Circles initiative. The well attended event brought together students from third and fourth year on the BME, academic staff from NUIG School of Education, School of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, as well as staff from GMIT Letterfrack and St Angela’s College Sligo, Teaching Council and local post-primary Mathematics teachers.  

School of Education, NUI Galway, staff member, Dr Manuela Heinz was invited as a plenary speaker and panel discussant to Ubuntu's Dialogue Day which took place in UCC on 25th March 2018. The Dialogue session focused on how Higher Education responds to issues related to development, e.g. equality, sustainability, migration, climate justice, and the role of initial teacher education in this regard. The Ubuntu Network was established in 2006 to support the integration of Development Education into post-primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) in Ireland.  It seeks to ensure that education for justice, equality and sustainability are central to the experiences of student teachers and it encourages all educators to recognise and respond to the opportunities within education to transform society for the better.  u-bun-tu is a sub-Saharan philosophy and way of life that emphasises co-operation, compassion, community and concern for the interests of the collective. 

Project aims to promote STEM amongst student teachers The School of Education at NUI Galway, supported by Google Ireland, has announced an innovative project titled “Creative Coding for Maths Makers.”  The new project integrates mathematical and computer programming concepts, with a specific focus on promoting STEM amongst student teachers. BA Mathematics and Education student teachers at NUI Galway will be working with primary and post-primary school children to promote mathematics and computer programming integration.  Both student teachers and school children will develop an understanding and design of innovative mathematical concepts by a coding interface and will then render their virtual models physically in the MakerSpace. Unique, and the only facility of its kind in an Irish university, the MakerSpace in the James Hardiman Library at NUI Galway is a space purposefully designed to facilitate engaged teaching and learning.  It's a space where students can be creative, collaborate, share, develop ideas, innovate, and generally just ‘make stuff’.  The computers available in the MakerSpace have a higher specification than those available in most of the PC suites on campus.  MakerSpace offers a 3D printing service*.  Such exposure and experience is of value to students as it replicates life in a STEM industry. Claire Conneely, Computer Science Education Programme Manager at Google Ireland said: “We are excited to support the Creative Coding for Maths Makers programme at NUI Galway. Embedding Computer Science as a fundamental and rigorous subject throughout the entire school curriculum - including the introduction of Computer Science as a Leaving Certificate subject later this year - will ensure that students have a deeper understanding of how they can use technology to be creative and solve problems.  Equally important is growing the confidence and skillset of the next generation of teachers, so that Computer Science will be accessible and available to all students across Ireland in the coming years.”  Professor Gerry MacRuairc, Professor of Education and Head of School, commented: “this Google funded programme reinforces the philosophy of the School that technology will not replace teachers but it is essential that teachers are introduced to many forms of technology in their teacher education programmes.” In order to be a catalyst for positive change in computer science education, Google has sponsored projects like the NUI Galway ‘Creative Coding for Maths Makers’ program in order to help address a key challenge for computing education in Ireland, in the preparation and up-skilling of teachers to deliver the new Computer Science curricula in primary and post-primary Irish schools. Leading the project is Dr Cornelia Connolly in the School of Education at NUI Galway: “The introduction of coding in schools and the new Computer Science Leaving Certificate present a landmark opportunity for STEM advancement in Ireland; however, there is the challenge now to prepare teachers properly to teach these key STEM areas in an engaging and effective way.  Projects like ‘Creative Coding for Maths Makers’ enable us to start doing this in Galway, in partnership with schools in the city and region.” Author: Marketing and Communications Office, NUI Galway

The Postgraduate Diploma in School Leadership (PDSL) / Dioplóma Gairmiúil i gCeannaireacht Scoile (DGCS) is designed to prepare aspiring leaders with the knowledge, skills, confidence and qualifications for senior school leadership positions. This programme addresses the areas of leadership capacity published by the Department of Education and Skills in 2016. APPLICATION DEADLINE March 30th https://www.ul.ie/cpe/pdsl/ 

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The Mathematics Methodology class, 2nd year BA Mathematics and Education along with the Professional Master of Education students had a workshop facilitated by IZAK9 http://www.izak9.com/ recently.  Franz Schlindwein had an attentive audience and lots of interest! IZAK9 is a unique innovative maths resource for active learning design by children in primary and post-primary schools. What the product provides is a physical resource which supports children and teachers in implementing new pedagogical approaches, supporting existing practice, and thus helps students and teachers better engage with the teaching and learning of mathematics. The importance of experiencing a variety of mathematical methodologies and approaches enabling the teaching of mathematics is crucial for our pre-service teachers.  As Dr Cornelia Connolly explains the students, once again, experienced a variety of math question and tasks to pose in the classroom setting; dealing with math mistakes and understanding student thought process; encouraging communicating and collaboration on mathematical tasks! @AbacusandHelix

The School of Education, NUI Galway invites you to its latest Research Seminar Series event: Exploring Sexuality and Gender Identity in the Irish Education System Speaker: Dr Aoife Neary, School of Education, University of LimerickDate & Time: Wednesday, 7 March 2018 at 5pmVenue: AM214 Siobhán McKenna Theatre, Arts Millennium Building, NUI Galway. Speaker Biography: Dr Aoife Neary joined the School of Education in September 2014 as Lecturer in Sociology of Education.  Aoife was a teacher of Physical Education and English between 2003 and 2011.  She has an MA in Gender, Culture & Society and a PhD in Sociology. She held an Irish Research Council (IRC) Government of Ireland Doctoral Scholar award from 2011 until 2014 and has been an IRC New Foundations Awardee in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.  She currently has a funded research partnership with the Transgender Equality Network of Ireland.  Drawing on feminist, queer and affect theory, her work explores the politics of gender and sexuality as they are lived, constructed and configured in schools and society. So far, her work is published in the following journals: British Journal of Sociology of Education; Gender and Education; Sexualities; Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education; Irish Educational Studies and Sex Education.  Her recent book entitled LGBT-Q Teachers, Civil Partnership and Same-sex Marriage: The Ambivalences of Legitimacy is published with Routledge.  RSVP by 5 March 2018 to caroline.casey@nuigalway.ie 091 495985

Tuesday, 20 February, 2018: Papers and registrations are now being accepted for the 14th Annual Conference of the International Society for Design and Development in Education (ISDDE), which will be held from 28–31 May at NUI Galway. The conference theme, Culture and Educational Design, highlights the importance of context in principled and participatory, educational design, and the significant influence of culture, the historic, natural and social environs on learning, teaching and assessment. Dr Tony Hall and Dr Cornelia Connolly, School of Education, said: “The School of Education at NUI Galway are delighted to have been invited to host the 14th Annual Conference of the International Society for Design and Development in Education, the first time the conference will be held in Ireland.  ISDDE is one of the preeminent research communities for educational technology and design, and those researching, designing and developing educational resources, learning environments, curricular materials and technologies, particularly in the STEM areas.” Dr Hall added: “The International Society for Design and Development in Education was recently affiliated to the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction.  Following last year’s conference at University of California, Berkeley, we look forward to hosting and welcoming Irish and international colleagues in educational design and technology to Galway and the West.  This year’s conference theme, ‘Culture and Educational Design’ reflects the importance of the broader social, cultural and physical environs in the participatory and principled design of educational innovations and technologies.” The International Society for Design and Development in Education was formed to help educational designers work effectively as a coherent professional design and development community.  The goals of the Society are to improve the design and development process, building a design community and increasing our impact on educational practice. More information available at: https://sites.google.com/view/isdde-2018/home. -Ends- For further information contact Tony Hall at tony.hall@nuigalway.ie or Cornelia Connolly at cornelia.connolly@nuiglaway.ie Confirmed Keynote Speakers for the Conference are as follows: Professor Sarah Moore, University of LimerickDr John Breslin, NUI GalwayProfessor Zalman Usiskin, University of ChicagoDr Michael Hogan, NUI GalwayDr Anna Walshe, National Council for Curriculum and AssessmentProfessor Kaye Stacey, University of Melbourne

Interested in pursuing a PhD in Education?  Galway Doctoral Scholarship Scheme, applications now open! The Expression of Interest Call for fully funded Galway Doctoral Scholarships offered by the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies at NUI Galway, is now open. http://www.nuigalway.ie/colleges-and-schools/arts-social-sciences-and-celtic-studies/phd-research-degrees/scholarships/ The scheme offers opportunities for suitably qualified individuals to pursue a Structured PhD – candidates wishing to pursue a PhD in Education are encouraged to apply. To help find a potential supervisor and the research interests of our academic staff, please refer to http://www.nuigalway.ie/our-research/people/education/

Alt in Tuairisc scríofa ag foireann an Mháistir Ghairmiúil san Oideachas, léigh anseo é. Agus pléite ar Cormac ag a Cúig ar Raidio na Gaeltachta freisin.  Éist leis anseo.  

Call for Papers14th Annual Conference of the International Society for Design and Development in EducationMay 28th-31st, 2018National University of Ireland, Galway Papers and registrations are now being accepted for ISDDE 2018: 14th Annual Conference of the International Society for Design and Development in Education, which will be held from Monday 28th – Thursday 31st May, 2018, at the National University of Ireland, Galway. The conference theme, Culture and Educational Design, highlights the importance of context in principled and participatory, educational design, and the significant influence of culture, the historic, natural and social environs on learning, teaching and assessment.  Continuing the tradition set by previous conferences, the meeting will be intimate and highly participatory.  Attendees will enjoy plenary talks by leading educational designers, paper and poster presentations, small group work sessions on pressing problems of practice, and many meals and informal conversations over food and drink, all included in the price of registration.  The conference will take place in the beautiful environs of the National University of Ireland, Galway and Galway City. Confirmed Keynote Speakers: Professor Sarah Moore, University of LimerickDr John Breslin, NUI GalwayProfessor Zalman Usiskin, University of ChicagoDr Michael Hogan, NUI GalwayDr Anna Walshe, National Council for Curriculum and AssessmentProfessor Kaye Stacey, University of Melbourne Conference Website: https://sites.google.com/view/isdde-2018/home

Study finds attitudes of those in initial teacher education in Ireland have a tendency to comply with, rather than endorse or reject teaching religion Thursday, 18 January, 2018: The School of Education at NUI Galway has carried out the first ever study in Ireland that explores the religious affiliations and religiosity of applicants and entrants to undergraduate primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes in Ireland.  Since 96% of state primary schools in Ireland are denominational, considering religious diversity in teaching is both critically important and a complex undertaking. The study explores the backgrounds, motivations and perspectives on the Irish education system of applicants and entrants to Initial Teacher Education programmes across Ireland.  The paper, published this week in the European Journal of Teacher Education, explores the religious backgrounds, religious practice and attitudes towards teaching religion of applicants and entrants to primary teacher education programmes.  All three authors of the paper, Dr Manuela Heinz, Dr Kevin Davison and Dr Elaine Keane are lecturers at the School of Education, NUI Galway  While there has been much debate about the compatibility of publicly funded denominational schools with growing religious pluralism and secularism in Ireland and internationally, these debates have so far, mostly focused on equity of access to state-run schools and freedom of religion and conscience for children and their families.  The position of teachers in a predominantly denominational primary school system has received much less attention in academic and policy discourse. The study interrupts the silence and invisibility of atheist, non-practicing Catholic and minority faith students and practicing teachers, and highlights the need to critically examine teaching and teacher education policy and practice, including access to Initial Teacher Training, the ITE curricular and pedagogical spaces, school cultures and employment legislation, from a social justice perspective that includes a religious diversity dimension. The data gathered suggests low levels of religious practice and religiosity among ITE applicants, many of whom would prefer to teach religion using a non-confessional approach.  The study raises critical questions regarding the experiences, constitutional rights and professional practice of increasingly secular and/or non-practicing Catholic teacher cohorts in a predominantly Catholic primary education system that has survived the trend towards the progressive ‘unchurching’ of Europe. Lead author of the study, Dr Manuela Heinz from the School of Education at NUI Galway, said: “Our main data collection method is an anonymous voluntary cross-sectional online questionnaire implemented annually with applicants to all state-funded Initial Teacher Education programmes across Ireland.  The diversity in the ITE study addresses the data vacuum with regard to ITE cohorts’ socio-demographic backgrounds in relation to their religious affiliations, religious practice, and attitudes towards religious education in primary schools in Ireland.” Dr Heinz continued, “We noted a high non-response rate (25%) to an open-ended question probing respondents to express their feelings about teaching religion which may indicate that a significant proportion of ITE applicants were reluctant or felt uncomfortable to disclose their personal thoughts regarding the requirement for primary teachers to teach religion in the majority of primary schools in Ireland, even in an anonymous survey. “In addition, we also noted a widespread tendency of complying with, rather than endorsing or rejecting, the teaching of religion with many respondents using language like ‘it’s no problem’, ‘part of the job’, ‘grand’, or ‘doesn’t bother me’ in their responses.  It may be that enculturation into Catholic education and possibly positive experiences and memories of ‘no harm’ have led many to uncritically accept the status quo.  Or, alternatively, it may be that many of those considering and/or entering the teaching profession feel that they have no choice in the matter, that they need to comply and be prepared to take on the role of religion teacher if they want to succeed, even if they are not religious themselves, do not practice or believe.” Dr Heinz added: “We are hoping that this research will trigger more thinking about the characteristics and qualities we are looking for in teachers. Considering that only 58% per cent of our respondents considered themselves to be ‘a religious person’, we need to ask what about the others?  What experiences await them as they pursue careers as primary teachers?  In our study, the great majority of respondents indicated a clear preference towards teaching children about different faiths/world views/religions with some respondents stressing the importance of tolerance, equal treatment and/or of children making up their own minds with regard to religious beliefs.” In light of the findings presented in this study, the authors conclude that the prospect and experience of entering a third level learning and future professional space that is permeated by a religious, predominantly Catholic ethos, will cause conflict between personal beliefs and professional requirements for many potential and actual Initial Teacher Education applicants and entrants.  This situation will most likely result in some highly motivated and suitable individuals who are atheist, non-practicing Catholics or from a minority religious background deciding against a career in teaching. Those who enter Initial Teacher Education training, despite the considerable religious barriers, may experience significant, and likely unforeseen, difficulties throughout their ITE and professional careers due to tensions between their personal and professional lives.  The study suggests that it is time to ask whether it is fair, ethical or moral to put individuals who are committed to the education of our children in this difficult situation.  The DITE study was funded by the Irish Research Council and was led by principal investigators Dr Manuela Heinz and Dr Elaine Keane. To read the full study, click here European Journal of Teacher Education. The Irish Times also published an item on this research: Scant religious practice in trainee primary teachers, study finds http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/study-finds-little-support-for-purely-catholic-religious-instruction-among-trainee-primary-teachers-823479.html#provider_moreover  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/scant-religious-practice-in-trainee-primary-teachers-study-finds-1.3360740  https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/education/catholics-make-up-90pc-of-trainee-primary-teachers-36506252.html  http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/study-finds-low-levels-of-religious-practice-among-initial-teacher-education-applicants-465967.html http://connachttribune.ie/nuig-finds-90-per-cent-of-trainee-primary-teachers-are-catholic/ -Ends- For further information about the study contact Dr Manuela Heinz at manuela.heinz@nuigalway.ie  For Press contact Gwen O’Sullivan, Press and Information Executive, NUI Galway at gwen.osullivan@nuigalway.ie or 091 495695.

The School of Education at NUI Galway hosted a regional Focus Group on the revised Applied Mathematics specification to give teachers and stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback on the revised specification for the Leaving Certificate subject.  The curriculum was recently redesigned by the NCCA (National Council for Curriculum and Assessment) and Ms Rachel Linney, NCCA Education Officer will lead the discussion on the draft specification. Dr Cornelia Connolly, School of Education at NUI Galway said: “It is an exciting time for new subject and curriculum development at Senior Cycle.  This Applied Mathematics focus group provides an opportunity to gather input from stakeholders, in the specification development process.” The specification is now available on the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment website for consultation on: www.ncca.ie Please contact Cornelia Connolly at cornelia.connolly@nuigalway.ie if you require further information on this key regional consultation on the Leaving Certificate Applied Mathematics. The Focus Group was held on 29th January 2018 in the Education Building, Block D (south campus) at NUI Galway. -Ends-

From L to R: Mr James Stephens (Chairman Galway Branch of ISTA); Ms Eleanor Nolan (Teacher Claregalway College, Presenter); Ms Roisín Reid (Teacher Claregalway College, Presenter); Dr Veronica McCauley (Lecturer in Science Education, NUI Galway) From LtoR: The three teachers from Claregalway College who presented and instigated a very worthwhile discussion at the SCii event: Ms Eleanor Nolan; Ms Orla Bergin and Ms Roisín Reid The inaugural SCii (Science Conversations informal & informative) Teacher Event was hosted by the School of Education, NUI Galway. Organised by Dr Veronica McCauley, (@VMcC_ScienceEd) lecturer in Science Education, in conjunction with the Irish Science Teachers Association.  This, the first many events, invited science teachers and educators to come to a seminar designed by practicing teachers who relayed their daily practice tips and techniques in delivering the new Junior Science specification.  This event was open to all science teachers and took place on Tuesday 16th January in AM150 (O'Tnuthail Theatre), Arts Millenium Building, NUI Galway Number 13 on Map It was facilitated by teachers for teachers.  Ms Eleanor Nolan and fellow science teachers at Claregalway College offered to share their wealth of experience in planning and teaching strategies for the new junior cycle science specification with other science teachers in the region.  Within their science department, they have strategically divided up course content under specialism, that is, content and CBA design in ‘Earth & Space’, ‘Physical World’, ‘Biological World’ and ‘Chemical World’; in addition to some great work in the ‘Nature of Science’ which is interdisciplinary.  Hands on strategies were delivered by teachers at the cutting edge.  The format involved a brief presentation by each teacher followed by a chaired Q&A session. For further information, email galwayista@gmail.com

The well attended, fourth International Conference on Mobile Technology in Teacher Education (MiTE) 2018 was successfully held in The Galway Bay Hotel, Galway Ireland, Friday January 19th & Saturday January 20th 2018. Mobile technology has the potential to significantly change practice in classrooms and schools by reshaping how and when learning takes place.  Initial teacher education can play a central role in the integration of this technology within teaching and learning in the classroom. This inovative conference celebrated the possibilities and explored the challenges of integrating mobile technology in ITE and in the broader field of education in order to promote best practice by teachers, students and schools. Check out the wrap video and other related information on the conference home page, to get a flavour of this event.  Roll on 2019! 

The Institute of Physics provide a wealth of online teaching resources.  A two hour lunchtime resource seminar for Physics teachers and teachers of Physics (Junior Science) was organised by Dr Veronica McCauley, Science Education lecturer, School of Education, NUI Galway on Thursday 7th December 2017 in the School of Education, Block D building, NUI Galway. Paul Nugent, Education Officer, Institute of Physics, facilitated the workshop which gave all teacher participants free access to the Virtual Physics Lab http://vplab.ndo.co.uk (an abundant supply of laboratory simulations, over 70 of which can be used for JC Physics and Maths). The event was aimed at everyone from trainee to experienced teacher and was interactive and informal.  VPLab is a very successful piece of software which is officially endorsed by The National Physics Laboratory and The Institute of Physics. Location of School of Education Buildings

The Royal Society of Chemistry (@RoySocChem) hosted an abundance resource sharing seminar with local science teachers from Galway and student teachers from the Professional Master of Education course on Thursday 23rd November 2017. Dr Veronica McCauley (@VMcC_ScienceEd) Lecturer in Science Education, organised the event in the School of Education, NUI Galway with the Galway ISTA branch, and the response from teachers was excellent.   Presenter, Dr John O’Donoghue (@johndhodonoghue) offered a 90 minute seminar where he challenged teachers to find the best resources in the shortest time. There was time to assess the suitability of resources for individual classrooms and a take home resource for teachers to use the next day.  The session was aimed at all teachers from trainee to experienced and was interactive and informal.  Both Junior and Senior cycle resources were reviewed on the evening.

Congratulations to Martin McHugh on his doctoral graduation at the winter award ceremonies in NUI Galway. Martin’s thesis employed a Design-Based Research (DBR) methodology, in which both theory and design are advanced in light of practical findings resultant from authentic classroom contexts, his research explored nascent research areas, including the design, construction and implementation of hooks, a bespoke instructional method/tool grounded in the requirements of all stakeholders in the science classroom.   Martin is the latest School of Education student to be awarded a PhD.  He is pictured with is PhD supervisor, Dr Veronica McCauley, Lecturer in Science Education (V_McC_ScienceEd)

Professor Gerry Mac Ruairc, School of Education, NUI Galway was invited to attend the launch of the Young Philosopher of the Year Award in Áras an Uachtaráin, to mark World Philosophy Day The Schools of Education and Philosophy, NUI Galway are partners in P4C (Philosophy for Children) - a development for schools endorsed by President and Mrs Higgins.  The Young Philosopher of the Year Award will be held in May 2018 and all schools are invited to participate.  Please see www.p4c.ie President Higgins made a compelling speech at this event.  You will find a recording of this speech at the following link:  http://www.president.ie/en/diary/details/president-higgins-hosts-a-reception-to-mark-world-philosophy-day

Staff from the School of Education and the School of Mathematics NUI Galway, recently featured on RTÉ's Brainstorm service to talk about 10 creative ways to teach maths   RTÉ Brainstorm is a new online platform for academics and researchers to publish a broad range of articles. #scienceweek

Galway Atlantaquaria will launch their innovative 'Our Ocean, Our Health Exhibit: Observe, Enjoy and Explore the Digital Ocean’ on Saturday 11th November 2017 at 2pm.If you would like to attend, please RSVP garry@nationalaquarium.ie Galway Atlantaquaria, Ireland’s largest native species aquarium, is excited to host this new exhibit, which will amaze, excite and educate visitors about the diversity of life under the sea!  The visitor experience includes access to the Harmful Algal Blooms iBook, by author NUI Galway Scientist Dr. Robin Raine.  The iBook was co-edited by Dr Veronica McCauley and Dr Kevin Davison of NUI Galway’s School of Education and has been developed as part of NUI Galway’s contribution to an EU-funded European research project Sea Change (@SeaChange_EU).  The project aims to raise European citizens’ awareness of the ocean’s influence on us and our influence on the ocean, or “ocean literacy”. This iBook is designed to infuse the engaging story of Harmful Algal Blooms into teaching across the sciences, and also provoke general discussion about these powerful species amongst the public.  Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur when colonies of algae - simple plants that live in the sea and freshwater - grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on fish, shellfish, marine mammals, birds and people. The importance of the ocean, and therefore ocean literacy, cannot be overestimated. The ocean defines and dominates everything about our planet. It is home to most of the life on Earth, regulates our weather and climate, provides most of our oxygen, and feeds much of the human population.

The Irish Science Teachers’ Association, in collaboration with Lennox Laboratory Supplies recently (Wednesday 25th October 2017) supported an ‘Earth and Space' event in the School of Education, NUI Galway. Dr Veronica McCauley (VMcC_ScienceEd) Lecturer in Science Education, organised the event with the Galway ISTA branch, and the response from teachers was immense.  Over 80 teachers secured a place within days of the event being promoted. Rory Geoghegan, Lecturer in Physics Education and Editor of Science Journal presented the workshop.  The workshop aimed to give teachers further insight into the new Earth and Space strand from the New Junior Science Specification.  Teachers were brought through a series of curious questions that targeted astronomical events on a local, global and ‘beyond' scale. The workshop covered topics of space, celestial bodies, planetary systems, gravity, space exploration, the scale of the solar system, galaxies, the Big Bang, etc.  A powerpoint resource suite was shared with all teachers.  This resource collates for teachers, a suite of sound bites, explanatory statements, links to video/audio files, simulations, relevant websites for the astronomy strand.  Although the content in part is more advanced than Junior Science, it’s aim is to present teachers with a contextual experience, allowing them to teach from a broader knowledge point, and of course have the multiplicity of resources to hand in designing their own class materials.

Pictured at the office of the Minister of Education to discuss a collaboration between the Department of Education,  Seychelles, Seychelles Institute of Teacher Education and the School of Education, NUIGalway.  The proposal is to develop a collaborative Masters In Education between the three institutions awarded by NUI Galway. This collaboration builds on the well established links between Shannon College NUIG and Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA)

LGBT applicants view teaching as a vehicle for change according to research conducted by School of Education, NUIGalway staff, Drs Elaine Keane (@thegalwegian ), Manuella Heinz and Kevin Davison (@KevinGDavison ) as part of their DITE Project. Full article in the Irish Examiner

At a recent event, Dr Mary Mc Ateer (@DrMaryMcAteer) from Edge Hill University in the UK and lecturers and graduates from the School of Education, NUI Galway, explored issues of quality in action research and shared their experiences, conducting and supervising practitioner research projects, as part of the newly conceptualised Professional Master in Education/Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas. The event attracted teachers and principals as well as professionals conducting action research in other professional areas.

The School of Education, NUI Galway and the Galway Branch of the Irish Science Teacher’s Association (ISTA) hosted a Q&A Leaving Certificate Exam Review for both Biology and Physics on Wednesday 4th October 2017. The event was open to all teachers from Galway City, County and beyond.  Each year, Dr. Veronica McCauley (@VMcC_ScienceEd), lecturer in Science Education, NUI Galway, in collaboration with the Galway Branch of the ISTA organises this event for both teachers and student teachers.  The strong attendance was indicative of it’s value and the importance that teachers place on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and in supporting their students through this pinnacle exam.   

The new Junior Cycle Science Specification was launched in September 2016, with students due to receive their Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA) in 2019.  In line with this new specification, the School of Education, NUI Galway is hosting a CPD event for science teachers, in conjunction with the Galway Branch of the ISTA and the JCT Science team. According to the Junior Cycle Science Specification: "Science in junior cycle aims to develop students’ evidence-based understanding of the natural world and their ability to gather and evaluate evidence: to consolidate and deepen their skills of working scientifically; to make them more self-aware as learners and become competent and confident in their ability to use and apply science in their everyday lives.” (NCCA, 2015 p.5) Commenting on this event, Dr. Veronica McCauley (@VMcC_ScienceEd) Lecturer in Science Education, NUI Galway said “The new Junior Science Specification has the potential to contribute further to the debate of ‘Science with and for society’ with the unifying strand, The Nature of Science, woven throughout .  What is particularly exciting is the introduction of the new Earth and Space contextual strand, especially with Space Week nationally starting today - Oct 4th-10th, 2017”. The "Introduction to Junior Cycle Science” event will be held from 7-9pm on Monday 9th October 2017 in the Education Building, Nuns Island, NUI Galway and will be led by the JCT Science team.  This workshop aims to work with all teachers of Junior Cycle Science, in a collaborative manner with the JCT Team to assist in teaching the new specification.  Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) is a dedicated continuing professional development (CPD) support service of the Department of Education and Skills.  Their aim is to support schools in their implementation of the new Framework for Junior Cycle (2015) through the provision of appropriate high quality CPD for school leaders and teachers, and the provision of effective teaching and learning resources. Event: An Introduction to Junior Cycle ScienceDate: Monday, October 9thTime: 7.00 - 9.00 pmLocation: Education Building, Nuns Island, NUI Galway (building next door to St Joseph's 'The Bish' secondary school. Parking will be available in The Bish school carpark for attendees) A maximum number of 30 teachers will be facilitated.  Booking is essential at  https://goo.gl/forms/WiukbTKFv9KpbUne2 Teachers who are successful in getting a place will be sent a confirmation email.  A waiting list will be in operation so early booking is essential

The School of Education at NUI Galway recently hosted a regional Focus Group on the new Senior Cycle Computer Science curriculum. The Department of Education are compiling feedback on the Computer Science draft specification and our Regional Focus Group forms an integral part of the consultation process. Attended by Post Primary principals, teachers, academic staff from NUI Galway and representatives from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), the feedback and discussion generated was positive and worthwhile. The expertise in our School in technology enhanced learning, computing, combined with education is unique and the ideas generated last week will be key in defining the Computer Science Leaving Certificate curriculum. Computer Science is due to be a Senior Cycle subject in a number of pilot schools in September 2018.

The School of Education at NUI Galway are hosting a regional Focus Group on the new Computer Science curriculum to give teachers the opportunity to provide feedback on the new Leaving Certificate Computer Science subject that will be introduced, on a phased basis, to schools in September 2018.  The curriculum specification for Leaving Certificate Computer Science is currently being developed by the NCCA - National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. Dr Anna Walshe, NCCA Education Officer who will lead the discussion on the draft specification said:  “The needs and views of learners, teachers and schools are central to developments at senior cycle. Teachers and schools are at the heart of leading and supporting change that is deep and lasting.  The purpose of this consultation is to achieve a closer understanding of the dynamics of change for the learner, for the teacher as a professional and for the school as an organisation.” The draft specification, published by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is available for consultation until 22nd  September on www.ncca.ie Please contact Cornelia Connolly at cornelia.connolly@nuigalway.ie if you wish to attend and be part of this key regional consultation on the new Computer Science subject for schools.  Teachers who attend will have substitution and travel expenses reimbursed.  The Focus Group will be held on Thursday 14 September, 2017. The session will take place between 2–4pm in Room D202, Education Building, Block D (south campus) at NUI Galway. -Ends-  Keywords: Press. Author: Marketing and Communications Office, NUI Galway

Two participants in the award winning School of Education & James Hardiman initiative, Breaking the SEAL, have been selected to represent Ireland at the 2017 EUSTORY Next Generation Summit in Berlin later this year. Ms. Maggie Larson (Presentation College Headford, Co.Galway) & Ms.Sarah Scott (Colaiste Mhuire, Ballygar, Co.Galway) were selected to receive attendance scholarships from over 200 applicants put forward by history competitions organisations across Europe.  Both of these leaving certificate history students made excellent presentations at our NUI Galway campus event earlier this year supported by friends, family and their history teachers - Mr. James Shovlin (PCH) & Ms Fiona McGuinness (Ballygar). Congratulations to Ms. Larson and Ms. Scott. We wish them every success at the EUSTORY Next Generation Summit 2017. https://www.historycampus.org/summit2017/

Closing date for applications: PAC has now been REOPENED FOR LATE APPLICATIONS until 21st August 2017. The School of Education at NUI Galway invites applications for the Master of Education (MEd) programme.Start Date:  September 2017.Duration:  Two years, part-time.  Classes will take place on Wednesday evenings (5-9pm) with additional sessions during school mid-term breaks and potentially during other holidays.Entry requirements:  Those eligible to apply will have: - A degree at level 8; and - A teaching qualification (or equivalent) In addition, a minimum of two-three years teaching experience, or relevant professional experience in education, will normally be required.Applications:  (which includes a personal statement) are made online via the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC), http://www.pac.ie/.  The relevant PAC application code is GYA47.Closing date for applications: PAC has now been REOPENED FOR LATE APPLICATIONS until 21 August 2017.Further information here: Master of Education (MEd) Programme

A new Q-Tales journal article, 'Enhancing children's literacy skills: designing the Q-Tales ecosystem for children's e-book design and publication', features in the latest issue of Literacy: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/lit.12128/full The paper, by Dr Bonnie Thompson Long (@BonnieTLong), Dr Tony Hall, Dr Michael Hogan (@michaelhogannui), NUI Galway, and Nikos Papastamatiou (@papnik1974), Omega Technology Athens, describes the design of the Q-Tales ecosystem for children's e-book design, curation and publication. @Q_TalesEU @EU_H2020 @ResearchatNUIG #literacy

Drs Bonnie Long and Tony Hall attended the international digital storytelling (DST) meeting 2017, "Untold – An Un-conference about Digital Storytelling": https://www.uel.ac.uk/events/2017/07/unconference-digital-storytelling.  Untold 2017 was organised along a novel interactive format, and Bonnie and Tony participated in two demes (thematic groups), Digital Storytelling in Higher Education and Digital Storytelling Practices.  Leading figures in DST chaired and attended the conference, including the editors of the recently published international DST collection by Palgrave Macmillan, Digital Storytelling in Higher Education, in which Bonnie and Tony’s have a chapter on the DST design-based research undertaken in the School of Education, NUI Galway: "From Dewey to Digital: Design-Based Research for Deeper Reflection Through Digital Storytelling" https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-51058-3_5.  This year’s international DST meeting was held at the University of East London.

Drs Bonnie Thompson Long (@BonnieTLong) Centre for Adult Learning and Profesional Development and Tony Hall, School of Education have published their invited article in the Palgrave Macmillian book just published in June 2017 on Digital Storytelling, edited by the leading international scholars in the field. The article entitled, From Dewey to Digital: Design-Based Research for Deeper Reflection Through Digital Storytelling,  describes the School of Education research in desiging educational technology to enhance reflection in teacher education.

School of Education Technology Enhanced Learning Methodologist, Dr. Paul Flynn ( @FlynnDPaul ) has been appointed to the International Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS) Education Committee. ISLS  is a professional society dedicated to the interdisciplinary empirical investigation of learning as it exists in real-world settings and to how learning may be facilitated both with and without technology. For more information on this please follow this link: https://www.isls.org

Dr. Paul Flynn will travel to Lisbon this week to represent a joint initiative of the School of Education and James Hardiman Library, Breaking the S.E.A.L. at the annual meeting of EUSTORY. EUSTORY is European network of second level history research project competitions. Dr. Flynn will give a keynote address ahead of Breaking the S.E.A.L being inducted into this European network.

Dr. Paul Flynn, School of Education, NUI Galway,  has been appointed to a National Scoping Group to discuss Supporting Student Success in and through Higher Education. This group will focus on issues relating to non-completion of third level programmes.

Following a tendering process run by the Office of Government Procurement on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills (DES) and the Centre for School Leadership (CSL) a new Post Graduate Diploma in School Leadership (PDSL) for aspiring school leaders will commence in Autumn 2017. The programme will be jointly awarded by University of Limerick (UL), the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) (including St Angela’s College, Sligo) and University College Dublin (UCD).   Additional academic support for the programme will be provided by Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) with delivery support from Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and Association of Teachers Education Centres in Ireland (ATECI). The programme will be a part-time (18 months) blended learning professional diploma, delivered locally in six regional locations throughout the country.  There will be specific provision for teachers in Irish-medium schools in NUI Galway. Fees support for this programme will be provided by the DES/CSL. The course will be open to approximately 200 participants annually.

Breaking the S.E.A.L., a joint intiaitve of the School of Education and the James Hardiman Library, has been nominated for the 2017 Education Awards in the Best Outreach category. We wish Dr. Paul Flynn and Mr. Barry Houlihan the very best on Thursday night when the winners will be announced at a ceremony in the Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin.

Rang nuacháilithe Mháistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas (MGO) Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh agus cáilíocht 'Apple Teacher' bainte amach acu leis.Maith sibh! Mháistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas (MGO) Teacher Ed in NUI Galway.  NQT's final day on campus today.  All have also completed #AppleTeacher & are looking for schools!Ádh Mór oraibh!

The School of Education, NUI Galway hosted its Sixth Annual Postgraduate Research Seminar and were delighted with the turnout to this important event. The seminar is part of the School's annual Research Seminar Series, the purpose of which was to showcase research activity in the School and to provide a forum for discussion with our educational community with respect to the research-educational practice nexus.The School of Education at NUI Galway is highly active in educational research and we have a range of funded research projects across our four research clusters: 1. Diversity and Inclusion in Education, 2. Science Technology and Mathematics in Education, 3. Leadership and Professional Development in Education, and 4. Irish and Modern Languages Education.This Postgraduate Research seminar consisted of parallel sessions, during which our PhD students presented on their current educational research. L-R  Maeve Dunne, Devon Goodwin (both PhD students) and David Reilly (PME2) Further information, including the list of presentation topics, is detailed here: Annual Research Seminar Series

School of Education, NUI Galway Research Seminar In his talk on the 18th April, Dr Aman Yadav ( @yadavaman ) discussed what entails computational thinking and presented ideas of embedding computational thinking in primary and secondary classrooms.  In addition, he discussed how teacher education faculty can engage preservice teachers in computational ideas. Aman presented results from a study examining the influence of modules designed to expose preservice teachers computational ideas on their understanding of computational thinking ideas and embedding them in their future classrooms. For more information about Aman's research and teaching, please visit: http://www.amanyadav.org

    The final year students of the BA Mathematics and Education (BME) hosted their Final Year Symposium: Research in Mathematics and Education, on April 11, 2017.   The Keynote speaker was Dr Terry Maguire ( @TerrymagNF ), Director of the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning  in Higher Education and founder of ‘Maths Eyes’.  Dr Maguire gave an inspiring presentation on the value of engaging all learners with Mathematics in a relevant and constructive way that enables deeper understanding of both mathematical concepts and their applications.   The Final Year BME students shared their classroom based practitioner research projects in Mathematics Teaching and Learning  through a poster exhibition and presentations from the group.  Also contributing to the symposium poster exhibit and presentations were students from the B.Sc. Design Technology Education programme in GMIT Letterfrack.   Many thanks to all the 4BME Group and their Module leader Dr Paul Flynn ( @FlynnDPaul ) who organised a very successful and inspirational morning for all educators present: teachers, fellow students and their lecturers from NUI Galway and GMIT.     (L-R) Mary Fleming (Co Director of the BME), PJ Folan (St Joseph's 'The Bish'), Aisling Mc Cluskey (Co Director of the PME), Dr Terry Maguire (keynote speaker), Susan Rodgers, Dermot O Donovan and Pauline Logue (GMIT)   http://mathedsymposium.weebly.com/  

First year BA in Mathematics and Education students at NUI Galway showed their mathematical mettle recently by coordinating and delivering an exciting Junior Mathematics Enrichment (JME) programme at NUI Galway, under the direction of Dr. Aisling McCluskey, School of Mathematics. The programme, part of a nationwide Irish Mathematical Trust initiative, was piloted over an eight-week period in Spring 2017.  Local schools were invited to select Junior cycle pupils (normally 2nd or 3rd year) who have an interest in and enthusiasm for mathematics for the eight-week programme.  The pupils showed lively engagement and impressive problem-solving skills in a series of weekly activities in an environment centred on enjoyment of discovery and investigation amongst like-minded peers. The programme exposed a rich and fertile seam of mathematical talent in junior cycle, supported by a strong network of parents, teachers, students and lecturers. Junior Mathematics Enrichment (JME) event photos

The 4th Annual Statistical Summer School will be held at the University of Limerick, June 21st – 23rd 2017.  This Summer School is the fourth in a series being organised collaboratively by the Schools of Education at NUI Galway, University of Limerick and University College Cork.   This Summer School has arisen out of a desire to develop statistical competence in the domain of survey research, while promoting data awareness and impact on policy and intervention. This year’s Summer School, facilitated by Dr. Laura O’ Dwyer (Boston College), will familiarise people with the strategies, techniques, tactics, and issues in conducting survey research in the social sciences.  It will cover the key stages in the survey research process, including sample design and selection, questionnaire design, pretesting, and data analysis.  The Summer School will include demonstrations and hands-on practice, and detailed materials will be provided. For more information please see the attached document.  Registration can be completed via the website link available at http://epistem.ie/home-2/summer-school-2017/  Places are limited.

The QS 2017 Subject rankings results are now out.  The excellent news for the School of Education (SoE) is that we  retained a ranking of 201-250 this year, coming 2nd in Ireland! This is a great achievement for our School and is confirmation of the continued hard work and dedication of all the SoE staff.

‘Harmful Algal Blooms’ is an Innovative Introduction to Ocean Literacy in Irish Secondary Schools. A marine science eBook entitled Harmful Algal Blooms has been developed as part of NUI Galway’s contribution to an EU-funded European research project Sea Change.  The project aims to raise European citizens’ awareness of the ocean’s influence on us and our influence on the ocean, or “ocean literacy”. The eBook was launched by Professor Colin Brown, Director of the Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research on Monday, 13th March in the Moore Institute Seminar Room, Hardiman Research Building, National University of Ireland, Galway Dr Christine Domegan, the NUI Galway Principal Investigator for Sea Change, Whitaker Institute, said: “co-creating ocean literacy calls for collaboration, discussion, participation and engagement across multiple stakeholders in Europe; from policy makers, to educators, and from media to mariners, children and grandparents.” Opportunities to increase awareness of the ocean are limited in the junior cycle science curriculum across Europe.  This eBook is designed to infuse the engaging story of Harmful Algal Blooms into teaching across the sciences.  Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur when colonies of algae - simple plants that live in the sea and freshwater - grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on fish, shellfish, marine mammals, birds and people.  During the launch, the author, Dr Robin Raine, from Earth and Ocean Sciences, NUI Galway, spoke about his experiences at the heart of the book.  The audience were also introduced to the teaching design used within the book, which aims to ensure the content can be taken up by Science teachers and students to advance a Sea Change in Irish and European ocean literacy.  And there was a great response from both teachers and students after piloting the eBook in Irish, Swedish, and Belgian schools. The eBook was co-edited by Dr Veronica McCauley (@VMcC_ScienceEd) and Dr Kevin Davison (@KevinGDavison) of NUI Galway’s School of Education.  Dr McCauley said: “Teachers are becoming more savvy with technology in the classroom and are finding innovative ways to teach the curriculum so that it encourages personal interest in the sciences.  This is particularly true given the recent Digital Strategy for Schools, 2015-2020 and its promotion of coding and programming.” The importance of the ocean, and therefore ocean literacy, cannot be overestimated.  The ocean defines and dominates everything about our planet.  It is home to most of the life on Earth, regulates our weather and climate, provides most of our oxygen, and feeds much of the human population. Dr Robin Raine, author and lecturer at NUI Galway, says: “This book will introduce students to important features of our ocean as well as harmful algal blooms.  It will act as a resource for teachers to strengthen and promote science through the topic of marine science.” Link to the Harmful Algal Blooms eBook on the iBookstore You will be able to view it using the iBooks app on your Apple computer, or iPad, or iPhone and it is currently available in 51 countries world-wide. For additional information please contact Dr Veronica McCauley, School of Education, NUI Galway on veronica.mccauley@nuigalway.ie. Other marine related resources are available on the project website at www.seachangeproject.eu

The School of Education, NUI Galway, today hosted its February research seminar by Dr Leigh Graves Wolf on "Scrum" Methodology for Innovative Educational Design.  The abstract and links for Dr Graves Wolf's talk are below.  As well as presenting on the NUI Galway campus, colleagues from St Angela's College Sligo, joined the seminar which was hosted online through 'Zoom' video conferencing software.  Head of School, Prof. Gerry Mac Ruairc, introduced Dr Graves Wolf virtually from St Angela's College. Link to slides AbstractOne year ago, Michigan State University (MSU) started a new campus initiative: The Hub for Innovation in Teaching & Learning (“The Hub”).  The Hub’s mission is to “facilitate the passion and inventiveness of students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders both inside and outside of MSU to create, identify, and accelerate new ways to collaborate, learn, research, and deliver instruction.” While the core staff of The Hub is quite small, many on campus are working with and through the Hub. To facilitate this campus change, the Hub leadership team has anchored much of its “getting started” work and processes to sound design theories and processes. One technique which has proven successful in sharing our work openly and strategically is "scrum" - a framework for project development.  In this session, I will share the scrum process along with other lessons learned from our first year as a campus entity. Biography Leigh Graves Wolf  (@gravesle) is teacher-scholar and her work centers around online education, emerging technologies and relationships mediated by and with technology. She has worked across the educational spectrum from K12 to Higher to further and lifelong. She has been a disc jockey, network administrator, teacher, instructional technologist and now professor. She believes passionately in collaboration and community and is currently the Assistant Director of the MSU Hub for Innovation in Learning & Technology (hub.msu.edu), an academic specialist in the Dean’s office in the MSU College of Education, and a fixed-term Associate Professor of Educational Technology at Michigan State University. http://www.leighgraveswolf.com

The RDS Primary Science Fair is a non-competitive forum, showcasing STEM investigations (science, technology, engineering and maths) undertaken by primary school classes across Ireland.  The investigations focus on core skill development and encourage children’s innate curiosity to explore the science behind the everyday.  The RDS Primary Science Fair is taking place in Dublin, Limerick and Belfast this year with over 7,500 children participating across these venues. Dr. Veronica McCauley, ( @VMcC_ScienceEd ) lecturer in Science Education, NUI Galway was invited as a Judge at the Limerick exhibition and showcase which took place at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick from January 19-21, 2017.  While the Fair is a non-competitive exhibition, the role of a Judge is to discuss, listen to and provide feedback to the children and their teacher on their project investigation.  The standard of project entrants was excellent, revealing an encouraging insight into young scientists of the future, whether they progress directly within the science field, or benefit from their growing scientific literacy in order to appreciate and make decisions about their own health, and/or extract key information from the media, and/or make informed science policy decisions that may come their way in the future.  At the end of the day each project is given feedback by a Judge and awarded a class trophy and certificates for each student. The Judging Panel that Dr. McCauley worked with were led by the RDS Science and Technology Programme Manager, Karen Sheeran and consisted of a multiplicity of strengths across the sector: Dr Maeve Liston, Director of Enterprise & Community Engagement, Mary Immaculate College; Michael Browne, Lecturer in Science Education, Mary Immaculate College; Dan Fitzgibbon, Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Health Service Executive; Karl Lynch, Teacher, Killeen NS, Galway; Dr. Veronica McCauley, Lecturer in Science Education, NUI Galway; Dr. Carmel O’Doherty, Director, Limerick Education Centre; Dr. Anne O’Dwyer, Lecturer in Science Education, Mary Immaculate College, and Irene Walsh, Primary Education Advisor, Kilkenny.

"Scrum"Methodology for Innovative Educational Design by Dr Leigh Graves Wolf, Michigan State University. School of Education, NUI Galway, D Block Building, Main CampusMonday, February 6th at 1pm, Room D102Light refreshments will be served; Further information/RSVP to: tony.hall@nuigalway.ie  AbstractOne year ago, Michigan State University (MSU) started a new campus initiative: The Hub for Innovation in Teaching & Learning (“The Hub”).  The Hub’s mission is to “facilitate the passion and inventiveness of students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders both inside and outside of MSU to create, identify, and accelerate new ways to collaborate, learn, research, and deliver instruction.”  While the core staff of The Hub is quite small, many on campus are working with and through the Hub.  To facilitate this campus change, the Hub leadership team has anchored much of its “getting started” work and processes to sound design theories and processes. One technique which has proven successful in sharing our work openly and strategically is "scrum" - a framework for project development.   In this session, I will share the scrum process along with other lessons learned from our first year as a campus entity. Biography Leigh Graves Wolf (@gravesle)  is teacher-scholar and her work centers around online education, emerging technologies and relationships mediated by and with technology.  She has worked across the educational spectrum from K12 to Higher to further and lifelong.  She has been a disc jockey, network administrator, teacher, instructional technologist and now professor.  She believes passionately in collaboration and community and is currently the Assistant Director of the MSU Hub for Innovation in Learning & Technology (hub.msu.edu), an academic specialist in the Dean’s office in the MSU College of Education, and a fixed-term Associate Professor of Educational Technology at Michigan State University. http://www.leighgraveswolf.com

Congratulations to the third cohort PDMT/DGMM mathematics teachers who graduated on Saturday 21st January with the Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching, in the University of Limerick. The Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching/Dioplóma Gairmiúil sa Mhatamaitic don Mhúinteoireacht (PDMT/DGMM) was introduced jointly in 2012 by a consortium of higher education institutions.  Jointly designed and accredited by UL and NUIG, this two-year, part-time, blended and bilingual postgraduate programme is wholly funded by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) as the national initiative to upskill 'out-of-field' mathematics teachers in Ireland. Link:  http://www.ul.ie/graduateschool/course/professional-diploma-mathematics-teaching-level-8 

Congratulations to Dr Niall Mac Uidhilin who has successfully defended his PhD thesis, entitled: "Ag Spreagadh Gasúir Ghaeltachta chun Ceangal a dhéanamh le hAcmhainní Teanga Saibhre Digiteacha agus ag Cruthú Deiseanna Idirghníomhaíochta idir na Glúnta a thrasnaíonn teorainneacha Baile-Scoile-Pobail (Encouraging Gaeltacht Children’s Engagement with Rich Digital Language Resources and Creating Opportunities for Intergenerational Interaction across Home-School-Community Boundaries)". Niall’s research examined the trajectory of a pedagogic intervention that was designed to support the language development of native-speaking children of Irish through their sustained engagement with rich language resources from the RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta archive and with resources brought in from home.  Design-based research, which is an interventionist, iterative approach for designing practical solutions to complex educational problems was a suitable approach to take in the context of the precarious nature of Irish as a community language in the Gaeltacht.  The theories guiding the design of the intervention included socio-cultural theory, new literacies studies, multimodality and a number of theories that link school-based and out-of-school literacy practices.  These include funds of knowledge, knowledge producing schools, artefactual literacies and identity texts.

Save the Date!  School of Education, NUI Galway Seminar Invitation 'The Integrated Curriculum: Teaching for Transfer in Bilingual Learning' Speaker:  Emeritus Professor Jim Cummins, Department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto, Canada Speaker Biography: Dr. James Cummins is a noted world leader in second language learning and literacy development research. He holds a Canada Research Chair and has been a recipient of the International Reading Association's Albert J. Harris award.  He also received an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from the Bank Street College of Education in New York City. Dr. Cummins has co-authored several books on literacies in education, and has seen his work translated into Japanese and Spanish.  His work has had a significant influence on policy, curriculum development and practice in the area of bilingual education both nationally and internationally including the recently launched Primary Language Curriculum /Curaclam Teanga na Bunscoile. Date: Monday, 5th December 2016Time: 5 pmVenue: School of Education, Education Building, Nuns Island, NUI Galway RSVP: by 1 December 2016 to caroline.casey@nuigalway.ie ; 091 49 5985 / 2195

On a cold, breezy, bright day in October, staff from the School of Education, NUI Galway brought the 2PME  Geography methodology student teachers on a field trip. Mr Ambrose Conboy led the trip and the aim was to show student teachers how to plan, prepare and carry out the Geographical Investigation section of the Senior Cycle Geography syllabus. After an indoor workshop in the Education building, the group set out in convoy to the beautiful Silver Strand Beach, Co Galway.  Using equipment borrowed from the Discipline of Geography, the student teachers examined features of Erosion and Deposition; measured Long Shore Drift and Wave frequency and they also measured the height of the cliff.

Free online resource includes a series of science videos and support material for primary school teachers. As part of the Science and Technology Festival, which took place at the weekend, Galway’s future young scientists and science enthusiasts were drawn together in explosive, sticky and steamy investigations at the Kitchen Chemistry Workshops held during NUI Galway’s Science Festival Exhibition.  This event marked the launch of a series of Kitchen Chemistry videos, which entice teachers and the public to engage in science, using materials from their own kitchen larders. Kitchen Chemistry is one of the most popular events year on year during the Final Day Exhibition, and this year saw the launch of a free online resource set.  The set includes a series of free science videos and associated support materials for teachers to use with primary children of all ages in the science classroom.  In 2010, Kitchen Chemistry began as an outreach venture in NUI Galway’s School of Chemistry when a team of postgraduate chemistry students designed a series of simple experiments and developed them into a science outreach roadshow for primary schools.  Experiments were designed using simple household materials.  Two years later, one of the founders, a then doctoral student, Dr Nicole Walshe worked with Dr Veronica McCauley in the School of Education to examine opportunities of translating these sporadic outreach visits into free online resources that could be shared nationally and beyond. The development of the Kitchen Chemistry videos and resource materials is a result of this joint venture between the School of Education and the School of Chemistry at NUI Galway. Dr Veronica McCauley, Science Education Lecturer at NUI Galway and staff leader in this resource design and development project, said: “In line with one of the core aims of the primary science curriculum, ‘to reinforce and stimulate curiosity and imagination through engagement in science’; these videos and support materials offer teachers and students opportunities to explore science beyond the classroom.  They help to realise its everyday application with products found in our kitchens.  As you can imagine, when you look at the videos, this was a fun and messy project to work on, and I hope that this ignites further exploration in science!” The set of videos were designed by doctoral students from the College of Chemistry and student science teachers from the School of Education.  Kitchen Chemistry resources offer primary teachers a collection of videos and classroom support material that capture novel and engaging aspects of chemistry-based science topics.  The collection is available at www.sciencehooks.scoilnet.ie and is also available trí Ghaeilge. Dr Rachel Quinlan, Vice Dean for the promotion of STEM, College of Science at NUI Galway, said: “Explore funding enables student-staff collaboration on research and resource development, often with benefits that go far beyond the university as in this case.  Students brought their scientific expertise to the development, design and recording of these simple and creative science experiments, and now this inquiry can be ignited in schools and homes throughout the country, in addition to those classrooms already participating with NUI Galway Science students in the Kitchen Chemistry programme.” -Ends- For further information contact Dr Veronica McCauley, School of Education, NUI Galway veronica.mccauley@nuigalway.ie

Congratulations to Dr Carol Baumann, School of Education, recently conferred with her PhD in Education at the NUI Galway November graduation ceremony. Carol’s PhD, titled: “Dominant discourse and prevailing practice: positioning financial education within education”, centred on a foundational, philosophical consideration and analysis of the idea of financial education.  Employing ideology critique methodology, the research examined this underdeveloped area in the Irish educational context, seeking to inform the conceptualisation and design of financial education, one that foregrounds the needs of the individual citizen.  Carol’s research was supervised by Dr Tony Hall, School of Education. Link to thesis on NUI Galway ARAN

On Saturday, 19th November 2016, Professor Gerry Mac Ruairc, Head of the School of Education, NUI Galway and Dr. Manuela Heinz, Director of Teaching Practice, participated in a Shared Learning event focusing on school placements for student teachers, together with colleagues from Salerno Secondary school (http://www.salerno.ie/).

Information on PhD Fellowship in School Leadership, School of Education, NUI Galway As part of its strategic development and in order to build capacity in key areas in Irish Education, the School of Education NUI Galway is offering two dedicated topic-area PhD fellowships in the area of School Leadership (at primary and/or post-primary level) open to both full-time and part-time students.  The overall aim of this initiative is to attract applicants of the highest academic standards to participate in and expand the work of the school in the area of school leadership. Applicants must have at least a first or upper second-class honours primary degree and/or master’s degree and have significant professional experience in the field of education. Click on the link above for full information on how to apply

Government launches policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022 the Taoiseach, the Taoiseach, The Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, together with the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton and Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Sean Kyne launched the Department of Education and Skills’ Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022. The launch was held in Scoil Náisiúnta Mhic Dara, An Cheathrú Rua (Carraroe), Co Galway. School of Education staff from the Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas (MGO) programme provided valuable information and input in to the creation of the policy document. Enda Kenny, together with the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton and Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Sean Kyne launched the Department of Education and Skills’ Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022. The launch was held in Scoil Náisiúnta Mhic Dara, An Cheathrú Rua (Carraroe), Co Galway. - See more at: http://www.education.ie/en/Press-Events/Press-Releases/2016-Press-Releases/PR2016-10-28.html#sthash.pjJjPwwp.dpuf Enda Kenny, together with the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton and Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Sean Kyne launched the Department of Education and Skills’ Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022. The launch was held in Scoil Náisiúnta Mhic Dara, An Cheathrú Rua (Carraroe), Co Galway. - See more at: http://www.education.ie/en/Press-Events/Press-Releases/2016-Press-Releases/PR2016-10-28.html#sthash.pjJjPwwp.dpuf http://www.education.ie/en/Press-Events/Press-Releases/2016-Press-Releases/PR2016-10-28.html http://tuairisc.ie/gailearai-la-mor-ar-an-gceathru-rua-agus-polasai-oideachais-a-sheoladh/   Normal 0 false false false EN-IE X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} Government Launches Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022 - See more at: http://www.education.ie/en/Press-Events/Press-Releases/2016-Press-Releases/PR2016-10-28.html#sthash.pjJjPwwp.dpuf

Nua-Theicneolaíocht sa Rang Scoile: Labhair Seán Ó Grádaigh (Oideachas) le Cormac ag a Cúig ar RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta faoi úsáid na nua-theicneolaíocht san oideachas.

Congratulations to School of Education, NUI Galway staff member and PhD student, Paul Flynn ( @FlynnDPaul ) on the successful defence of his PhD, using design-based research to design community of practice within initial teacher education. Paul’s PhD was based on his teaching within NUI Galway’s BA Mathematics and Education programme.

Dr Manuela Heinz, Director of Teaching Practice and Ms Hannagh McGinley, Ph.D Student from the School of Education, NUI Galway, were invited to contribute to a panel discussion on the topic “Diversity in Education”. The panel discussed recent developments and challenges affecting students, teachers and schools as well as equity issues and barriers for individuals from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups who would like to enter and/or have already joined the teaching profession. Manuela shared findings from the DITE (Diversity in Initial Teacher Education) national research project. Féilte 2016 Photo Gallery

Staff and Researchers from the School of Education, NUIGalway contributed to the recent Teaching Council, FÉILTE 2016 event in RDS, Dublin on Saturday 1st Oct.   The Researchmeet follows the standard Teachmeet format, with each presenter providing a 5-minute nano presentation on their research.  Subsequent to the presentations, presenters then moved to their display stands where they were available to engage with the FÉILTE audience further about their research. Sorcha O'Toole presented on her research so far, as part of her PhD programme within Researchmeet on Enabling a professional identity in FE teachers and  the emerging importance of dialogue in developing practice. Eilis Flanagan partook in the Researchmeet at this year’s FÉILTE.  She presented on her completed four-year doctoral study, which explored the design of technology-enhanced learning in English education.  Her presentation concentrated on the theoretical foundations and the iterative implementation of the Digital Ensemble approach to English teaching and assessment.   This approach integrates mobile technologies with collaborative, drama-based strategies to mobilise and augment embodied approaches to engaging with literature.   @EilisFlanagan Féilte 2016 Photo Gallery

1st Year PME ICT Methodology students, Paul Mc Keever and Robert Butler designed and programmed computer programmes in Scratch as part of their ICT Methodology course. ICT in Irish education is undergoing significant change with new curriculum developments, including short courses for coding and digital media design in the new Junior Cycle.   Scratch is a free, highly user-friendly programming environment designed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT, which enables creative technology design and programming: http://scratch.mit.edu

Dr. Tony Hall, Lecturer in Educational Technology, School of Education, NUI Galway has been made a Fellow of the International Society for Design and Development in Education (ISDDE). An international professional society for educational designers and design-based researchers, ISDDE was established to help develop, promote and advance systematic, principled design of educational environments, innovations, solutions and technologies. 'The Fellows are designers and project leaders with outstanding records, together with some representatives from government agencies and foundations that fund such work.' www.isdde.org

Dr Tony Hall, Lecturer in Educational Technology with NUI Galway, has been elected a Fellow of the International Society for Design and Development in Education (ISDDE). Dr Hall was welcomed to the society at its recent annual conference in Utrecht in The Netherlands and joins 150 other active educational designers and technologists who are connected as Fellows of the society. Chair of ISDDE, Professor Susan McKenney said: “Becoming a Fellow of ISDDE is both recognition of Tony's work as an educational designer as well as entry into an international community of professionals striving to promote and support excellence in educational design.”  Dr Tony Hall said: “I am honoured to be a Fellow of ISDDE and look forward to further building contact and collaboration with the colleagues and design researchers from all over the world that I met in Utrecht.” Dr Hall is a lecturer with NUI Galway’s School of Education. His leadership in developing Design-Based Research at NUI Galway and role in collaboratively designing NUI Galway’s Bachelor of Arts Mathematics and Education, the national Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching, and EU H2020 Q-Tales Project contributed to his election as Fellow of ISDDE. The ISDDE was founded to bring together outstanding education course designers and developers from around the globe. The society aims to promote excellence in educational products and materials, particularly for science, mathematics, and technology by creating a professional community that shares knowledge, research, approaches, and critiques. ISDDE advances these goals through annual conferences, a peer-reviewed e-journal, Educational Designer and annual prizes for excellence in educational design. For more information about ISDDE and its awards, visit www.isdde.org.

Bronnadh an Apple Distinguished Programme ar an Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas mí naFeabhra 2015 agus ba é an chéad chlár tríú leibhéal lasmuigh de Mheiriceá a ghnóthaigh angradam seo.Bronnadh an gradam den dara huair ar an Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas do na blianta2016-2018 ar na mallaibh.Leis an ngradam seo, tá an Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas aitheanta an athuair mar chlár le barrfeabhas san nuálaíocht, sa cheannródaíocht agus mar eiseamláir oideachais maidir le húsáid nateicneolaíochta san oideachas.Ghlac Ceann nua-cheaptha na Scoile, an tOllamh Gerry Mac Ruairc, in éineacht le stiúrthóir anchláir, an Dr Brendan Mac Mahon leis an ngradam, thar ceann na foirne MGO, ó Éanna ÓBrádaigh, Bainisteoir Forbairt Gnó san Oideachas, Apple. The Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas (MGO) programme, offered by the School of Education, NUIGalway, was again recently awarded the prestigious Apple Distinguished Programme forinnovation, leadership and educational excellence 2016-2018. This award identifies centres ofexcellence in the use of technology in education.Gerry MacRuairc, the School of Education’s newly appointed Professor of Education and Dr.Brendan Mac Mahon (MGO Programme Director) accepted the award on behalf of the MGOprogramme team, from Éanna Ó Brádaigh (Apple).In February 2015 the Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas (MGO) was the first third level programmeoutside of the USA to be awarded the Apple Distinguished Programme award.

Dr Michael Hogan, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, School of Psychology and Dr Tony Hall, Lecturer in Educational Technology, School of Education recently facilitated a joint seminar on Collective Intelligence and Design-Based Research at the Graduate School of Education, University of Exeter. Hosted by Professor Rupert Wegerif at the Centre for Teaching and Thinking Dialogue, the seminar examined how CI and DBR methodologies can be used in the collaborative conceptualisation and design of educational innovations, solutions and technologies. Over the past few years, Michael has worked to extend the pragmatic systems science and collective intelligence methods developed by John Warfield.  In his talk, Michael described Warfield’s method, outlined a variety of recent basic and applied social science applications, and discussed how collective intelligence can be used in a classroom setting.  Tony's talk examined the emergence, potential and limitations of design-based research (DBR) as a solution-oriented, change-driven research methodology across different educational contexts and settings, elective and formal.

Drs Eílis Flanagan ( @EilisFlanagan )and Tony Hall, School of Education, NUI Galway presented on the digital ensemble innovation with local Galway schools and the related ENaCT educational design framework at this year’s National Association for the Teaching of English (NATE) Conference 2016, Stratford Upon Avon. Digital ensemble is a technology-enhanced approach to English teaching and assessment, exploring the combination of ensemble: drama and performative learning, and mobile and portable technology, e.g. iPad. A key outcome of the research has been the development of a Junior Cycle Short Course, titled ENaCT-It, which outlines a syllabus for using mobile ICT and drama to enhance engagement with English literature. The research will feature as a paper, “Digital Ensemble: The ENaCT design-based research framework for technology-enhanced embodied assessment in English education”, in a forthcoming special issue of the NATE journal, English in Education, appearing in spring 2017, on the topic of learning and assessment, edited by Dr Ann Harris, University of Huddersfield.

DBR & Collective Intelligence Seminar, Graduate School of Education, University of Exeter.  1st September 2016 at 1pm Tony Hall is Lecturer in Educational Technology and a design-based researcher in the School of Education, National University of Ireland, Galway.  In his talk, Tony will explore the potential and limitations of design-based research (DBR) as a solution-driven, change-oriented research methodology in different educational contexts and settings, elective and formal, including museums, schools and higher education.  Tony was formerly a secondary school teacher of physical education, English and ICT, and a school ICT coordinator.  He jointly leads the H2020 Q-Tales Project to design and develop educational eBooks with Drs Michael Hogan and John Breslin at the NUI Galway.  Tony is also the Co-PI at NUI Galway for the REX Project, funded by the National Forum, to design and develop an online portal to support the integration of educational academic research and teacher professional practice.  Further information: http://www.nuigalway.ie/our-research/people/education/tonyhall/. Michael Hogan (@michaelhogannui) is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the National University of Ireland, Galway.  Over the past few years, Michael has worked to extend the pragmatic systems science and collective intelligence methods developed by John Warfield.  This work includes basic and applied collective intelligence research and the creation of a new approach to systems science education.  Michael currently works on a variety of EU projects that use collective intelligence, including projects focused on marine ecosystem sustainability, open data transparency, and e-book design for children.  In his talk, Michael will describe Warfield’s method, outline a variety of recent basic and applied social science applications, and discuss how collective intelligence can be used in a classroom setting.

The Awards Ceremony for the exciting Sea Change Coder Dojo Challenge took place recently in NUI Galway.  It was the cullmination of a very busy year and also represented the final event for the Galway Coderdojo this school year. The Sea Change game design challenge was launched on February 27th and invited entrants from Galway (Ireland) and Lund (Sweden) CoderDojo members aged 7-18yrs.  The challenge was organised by NUI Galway as part of their contribution to a European project called “Sea Change” which aims to establish a fundamental ‘Sea Change’ in the way European citizens view their relationship with the sea. “The challenge is to use the fun and popularity of designing and playing tech games to raise awareness of Marine issues like the need to protect cold-water coral reefs, how we can begin to address the scourge of micro-plastics, and how we can maintain healthy oceans and seas, for ourselves, for the animals that live in them, and ultimately for the planet” said Dr Anthony Grehan, Earth and Ocean Sciences, NUI Galway and co-organiser of the event. Single and team entrants were encouraged to use their CoderDojos and mentors to develop their games over the three months. “There was a surge of interest with 32 entrants from Galway alone, revealing a strong and enthusiastic coding community, which is particularly relevant from an informal learning perspective, considering the recent Digital Strategy for Schools, 2015-2020 and its promotion of coding and programming at both primary and secondary level” said Dr Veronica McCauley from the School of Education at NUI Galway and co-organiser of the event. The game design was reviewed by a panel of experts: Alan Duggan (Tribalcity.com), Gavin Duffy (RealSim Ltd.) and Triona Mac Giolla Rí (Coderdojo Mentor) and judged on ‘best concept’ and ‘ease of use’.   “The aesthetic and technical merit of the project submissions has been highly commended by the judges” said Brendan Smith, Education Outreach Officer at INSIGHT, NUI Galway and Co-Founder of Coderdojo Galway.  “And as such, we are delighted to hear that one of the winning games will be included within a soon to be published iBook about cold water corals that will be presented as a teaching resource to secondary schools”.  Two awards were presented to the Irish finalists: Junior Award: €300 and Senior Award: €500 and a certificate of participation was presented to each entrant. The organisers wish to thank Councillor John Walsh, Deputy Mayor of Galway City, who took time out of his busy schedule to attend the opening procedings. Other marine related resources are available (newsletters, poster, fact sheet, ocean literacy booklet, videos) on the project website: www.seachangeproject.eu.

Dr Tony Hall, School of Education recently presented on NUI Galway's approach to design-based research at the CREATE: Consortium for Research and Evaluation of Advanced Technologies in Education at New York University (@NYU_CREATE).  In particular, the seminar explored the potential of narrative and digital storytelling in the conceptualisation, design and evaluation of educational innovations and technologies in different learning contexts, elective and formal.

Valery de Smidt (@CREW_EricJoris) from CREW in Belgium (www.crewonline.org) presented a workshop on Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) at the School of Education, NUI Galway on Wednesday, 8 June, 2016. Dr. Veronica McCauley (@VMcC_ScienceEd) and Dr. Kevin Davison (@KevinGDavison) from the School of Education (SoE) are a leading a project on the Immersive Classroom as a part of the Galway 2020 International Capital of Culture bid. CREW are an internationally recognised company that work in the area of VR/Immersive theatre/education and spectacle.  They were shortlisted for the Ars Electronica 2016 prize.  CREW are a partner in the Immersive Classroom Project along with local digital artist Denise McDonagh, Coder Dojo facilitators, and doctoral students from the School of Education. Also in attendance were, Marilyn Gaughan (@redgaughan and @galway2020) from the Galway2020 project; Michael McNamara (@ML_McN) and Martin McHugh, SoE Doctoral students; Karl Sweeney (@karljsweeney) from Galway Coder DoJo and Denise McDonagh (@Dinnymac)

D'éirigh le hAoife Ní Bhroin, mac léinn ar an Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas, Scoil an Oideachais, áit a fháil ar an ngearrliosta do 'Foghlaimeoir Teanga na Bliana 2016.'  Agus a cuid oideachais ar fad faighte ag Aoife trí Bhéarla go dtí seo, roghnaigh sí an clár MGO a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge mar gheall ar an suim agus an dúil atá aici sa teanga. Tá éacht déanta aici i gcaitheamh na bliana maidir le dul chun cinn agus forbairt sa Ghaeilge.  Maith thú, a Aoife! Aoife Ní Bhroin, student on Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas, was shortlisted for Language Learner of the Year 2016. Having received all her education through English, Aoife chose to undertake her Initial Teacher Education course through Irish, and has made huge progress in the language throughout the year.  Well done, Aoife! Léargas Language Label http://www.leargas.ie/programmes/languages/european-language-label/about/

Sea Change is a European Horizon 2020 project aiming to establish a fundamental “Sea Change” in the way European citizens view their relationship with the sea, by empowering them, as Ocean Literate citizens, to take direct and sustainable action towards a healthy ocean, healthy communities and ultimately a healthy planet.  One aspect of the project involves hosting education conversations across eight European countries to identify the barriers to teaching 12-19 year olds about the ocean. Collective Intelligence (CI), a systems-thinking methodology, is playing a pivotal role in collecting and visualising the barriers impeding ocean literate societies whilst assisting in the design of solutions and options for the successful integration of oceans into education and outreach curricula.  On Thursday 19th May,  Dr. Christine Domegan, Dr. Patricia McHugh (Marketing Discipline, J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, NUI Galway) and Dr Veronica McCauley, Dr. Kevin Davison, School of Education, NUI Galway, co-facilitated Ireland’s contribution to the Ocean Literacy campaign by gathering together key marine stakeholders from across Ireland to discuss and debate the challenges and solutions towards more ocean literature citizens in Ireland.  The primary target group for this research is children from second level education.

Sinéad Ní Ghuidir, Lecturer, Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas (MGO), School of Education, NUI Galway, is collaborating with Deirdre Ní Loingsigh in the University of Limerick on a project to set up a working group interested in collating examples of classroom practice and language teaching in the Irish classroom. Prof Do Coyle, the external examiner for the Professional Masters in Education (PME) will be in Galway at the beginning of June and has agreed to give a short talk on her own experience of similar projects. The session will be followed by a general meeting of interested parties in order to set up a research project specifically focussed on the Irish language classroom. The talk will take place on Thursday 2 June at 2.00pm.  Venue TBC. For further enquiries, please contact Sinéad Ní Ghuidir via email

To mark International Museum Day, the Irish Reasearch Council (#LoveIrishResearch) asked two researchers to talk about the importance of museums as sites for educating the public on our shared heritage, contemporary culture, and our future. One of the researchers, Sally McHugh ( @thefordofthekings ) Postgraduate Scholar in the School of Education at NUI Galway, wrote about working on her project, “Innovation in Heritage Education: Towards a Synthesis of Formal and Informal Learning.” Sally's project is supervised by Dr Tony Hall, Lecturer in Educational Techology, School of Education, NUI Galway.

Dr Veronica McCauley, Science Educator, School of Education, NUI Galway, attended the Irish Association of Science Education Lecturers (IASEL) national gathering in Trinity College Dublin on Tuesday 17th May.  The gathering welcomed Science Education Lecturer representation from across the country. The inaugural meeting of IASEL was held on 15th May 2000, and since then it has provided an opportunity for science educators to network, share best practice, and contribute to science education policy development.  This recent meeting invited presentations on best practice and evaluation strategies in science education from seven universities in relation to initial teacher education on their respective concurrent and consecutive programmes.  Picture from left to right:Dr. James Lovatt (Dublin City University), Dr. Veronica McCauley (NUI Galway), Dr. Odilla Finlayson (Dublin City University), Dr. Alison Graham (University College Dublin), Dr. Declan Kennedy (University College Cork), Dr Majella Dempsey (NUI Maynooth), Mr. Rory Geoghegan (University College Cork), Dr. Colette Murphy (Trinity College Dublin), Dr. Peter Childs (University of Limerick) and Ms. Mary Mullaghy (Trinity College Dublin)

The third year students from the BA Maths and Education Programme at NUI, Galway organised a two day maths camp for transition year students from Coláiste Iognáid (Twitter: @Jes_school1) on the NUIG campus, on the 12th and 13th of May. The camp was called 'Maths is Murder' and involved students being presented with a CSI-type murder mystery which they solved using their maths skills, allowing them to gain experience with all strands of Leaving Certificate curriculum.  On the first day of the Maths is Murder event, the scene was a Crimecall type scenario; our NUIG Community Guard Hugh Rogers came in and outlined to the students what the Maths is Murder camp would entail. The activities included cryptography, using technology and still CCTV images to estimate heights, shoe sizes etc.  Students were provided with a map of the campus and used this to estimate the distances between the crime scenes.  The student investigators used the clues at the crime scene to pinpoint the shooter’s exact location and then inspect this area.  The final activity was a moot court scenario in which the students argued their points in order to prove their suspect guilty “beyond all reasonable doubt”! This project forms part of one of thethird year modules and has the purpose of building links between the University and the community.  We would like to thank Eir and the Students Union shop for providing some sponsorship of this Summer Camp.

'Breaking the SEAL - Schools, Archives, Learning' was conceived and completed by Paul Flynn (@FlynnDPaul) Galway Doctoral Research Scholar in the School of Education, NUI Galway and Library Archivist, Barry Houlihan (@stagedreaction).  This innovative project, funded by the SU EXPLORE Initiative, aimed to connect Leaving Certificate History students to the resources of the James Hardiman Library at NUIG and in doing so begin to establish the 21st Century Skills they will require at third level and beyond.  These skills include: Finding Primary & Secondary Sources Interpreting Primary & Secondary Sources Academic Writing Digital Skills Leaving Certificate History students are required to complete a research project that is worth 20% of their final mark in that subject feeding into their final CAO tally for entry to third level education.  Opening up the library archives to these students would provide them with an opportunity to research topics where materials are easily accessible and locally relevant. Twenty four students from Presentation College Headford (PCH) in County Galway visited NUI Galway for a day with their History teacher Mr. James Shovlin and were given a tour of the library archives and four targeted workshops.  Each workshop was focused on a particular 21st Century Skill.  A second set of workshops were held at PCH, where students created and refined content for their research poster presentation in Hardiman Research Building on campus at NUI Galway on 13th May 2016. This research poster exhibition allowed students to exhibit and present their work to the staff and students at NUIG as well as family and friends who attended.  The participating students were presented with certificates of completion by Dr. Mary Fleming, Head of the School of Education, and received their Digital Badge of Completion. For more information on this project and future schools participation contact: p.flynn10@nuigalway.ie

Dr Tony Hall, Lecturer in Educational Technology, School of Education, NUI Galway, recently facilitated a design-based research (DBR) seminar at Stanford University, entitled: 'From Dewey to the Digital: Design-Based Research in Educational Contexts'. The discussion centred on key topics in design-based research and the learning sciences, with participants examining how to design bespoke solutions to meet the local requirements of diverse learning settings, but as design-based researchers, aiming to contribute also to the broader knowledge base of principled, systematic design in the learning sciences.  Tony illustrated his talk throughout by reference to NUI Galway's specific approach to design-based research.

Scoil an Oideachais, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas (MGO) 2016 ag an Teachers Ball ag ceiliúradh chríoch an chláir.

Staff from the School of Education, NUI Galway, guest edited a 'Special issue International Journal of Mobile and Blended Learning (IJMBL) Journal, Mobile Learning in Teacher Education.  The staff were Dr Tony Hall, Seán Ó Grádaigh ( Twitter: @SeanOGraTek ) and Sinéad Ní Ghuidhir ( Twitter: @ Snighuidhir ) The International Journal of Mobile and Blended Learning (IJMBL) provides a forum for researchers in this field to share their knowledge and experience of combining e-learning and m-learning with other educational resources.  Providing researchers, practitioners, and academicians with insight into a wide range of topics such as knowledge sharing, mobile games for learning, collaborative learning, and e-learning, this journal contains useful articles for those seeking to learn, analyse, improve, and apply technologies in mobile and blended learning.  The journal spans theoretical, technical, and pedagogical issues in mobile and blended learning.  These embrace comprehensive or critical reviews of the current literature, relevant technologies and applications, and important contextual issues such as privacy, security, adaptivity, and resource constraints. Inspired by the first two MiTE Conferences, 2015 and 2016, founded by Seán Ó Grádaigh, School of Education, the IJMBL special issue features international research on mobile learning in teacher education from the UK, US, Poland, Israel, Portugal and Ireland.

The good news!   QS World University Rankings by Subject 2016, shows that NUI Galway gained an international ranking in Education (Ranked 201-250, 4th in the country) this year.  Other subject successes included Geography (Ranked 151-200, 4th in the country) whilst maintaining last year’s rankings in English (ranked 151-200, 3rd in the country).

The School of Education, NUI Galway recently launched an iBook 'The Story of 1916' by staff member Seán O'Grádaigh (@SeanOGraTek). It was launched by Dr Jim Browne, President of NUI Galway and the Ireland 2016 team (@ireland2016) with pupils and staff of Scoil Chroí Íosa, Newcastle Road, Galway. This multi-touch book tells the story of the 1916 Rising in Dublin.  It is packed with videos, interactivity and multimedia to engage readers with an authentic learning experience, which brings this period of Irish history to life.  It was built as part of Ireland’s Centenary Programme. The iBook is FREE and is available for download from the iTunes Store, with iBooks on your Mac or iOS device.  Multi-touch books can be read with iBooks on your Mac or iOS device. Books with interactive features may work best on an iOS device. iBooks on your Mac requires OS X 10.9 or later

School of Education, NUI Galway, Hardiman & IRC Scholar, Ms Sally McHugh (@fordofthekings) attended the recent MuseumNext 2016 Conference in Dublin.  The conferemce theme this year was on the future of museums. Sally has been interested in the move towards creative practices in European museums and the move away from traditional scholarship.  This new movement is towards themes on social justice, diversity, inclusivity and to emotional experiences.  For example, the Chester Beatty library in Dublin is conducting research on the 'Creative Museum'. The provisional title for Sally's research is: 'Innovation in heritage education: towards a synthesis of formal and informal learning.  Her supervisor is Dr Tony Hall.

The Research Expertise Exchange (REX) Project Team held their most recent technology design meeting in the School of Education, NUI Galway.  Funded by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, REX aims to design and develop an online portal to support the integration of educational academic research and teacher professional practice. REX is collaborative educational technology research and development project between Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, University of Limerick and National University of Ireland, Galway.  With the increasing emphasis on teacher research within initial teacher education and across the continuum of teacher professional practice, REX will provide an online, blended resource to support teacher research in classrooms and schools.

The School of Education, NUI Galway, Postgraduate Research Seminar took place on Wednesday, 6 April 2016.  This seminar is part of the School's annual Research Seminar Series, the purpose of which is to highlight research activity in the School and to provide a forum for discussion. The seminar consisted of a number of parallel sessions, during which research students from the School of Education, NUI Galway presented on their current or recent educational research – in areas such as leadership of learning, literacy and numeracy, technology in education, special educational needs, intercultural education and science education. It was very well attended with great questions asked from the enthusiastic audience who were delighted to hear about the array of research being undertaken. Our Contemporary Research in Irish Education, Volume 3 - Book of Abstracts is available to download.  It was compiled by Dr. Veronica McCauley, lecturer in science education and it gives information on all the research projects presented at this event.

Dr Tony Hall, Lecturer in Educational Technology, School of Education and Visiting Scholar in the Faculty of Education, University of Hull recently delivered a seminar on design-based research (DBR), and its potential in the conceptualisation, deployment and evaluation of technology-enhanced learning. Tony's talk positioned design-based research as a contemporary research methodology in education, and exemplified DBR in practice.  His visit has focused on further developing research collaborations between the School of Education, NUI Galway and the Faculty of Education, University of Hull, particularly in the design of mobile learning in education.

Dr. Tony Hall, Lecturer in Educational Technology, School of Education, NUI Galway has been made a Fellow of the International Society for Design and Development in Education (ISDDE). An international professional society for educational designers and design-based researchers, ISDDE was established to help develop, promote and advance systematic, principled design of educational environments, innovations, solutions and technologies. 'The Fellows are designers and project leaders with outstanding records, together with some representatives from government agencies and foundations that fund such work.' www.isdde.org

The Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) Conference 2016 was hosted by the School of Education, NUI Galway and held in Galway at the weekend, opening on Thursday evening in the Aula Maxima on campus before moving to the Radisson Blu Hotel in the city for Friday's and Saturday's parallel sessions, meetings and symposia. First hosted by UCG in 1976, the theme of ESA1 2016 was 'Education as a Public Good'.  The School of Education contributions encompassed both conference papers and symposia:  Spotlights on the diversity gap: An examination of the socio-demographic backgrounds of applicants and entrants to primary teacher education programmes in Ireland.Dr Manuela Heinz, Dr Elaine Keane. Collaborative school-university partnerships – how cooperating teachers, principals, student teachers and university tutors see it.Dr Manuela Heinz, Dr Mary Fleming, Dr Bonnie Thompson Long Standardised Assessment: Sacrificing the Individual for the Success of the Majority.Michael Mc Namara Innovative Approaches to Researching, Promoting, and Teaching Ocean Literacies in Ireland and Europe.Dr Veronica McCauley, Dr Kevin Davison, Dr Patricia McHugh Washout or Watershed? Evaluating NQTs' use of mobile technology for teaching and learning during their early years of teaching.Seán Ó Grádaigh, Sinéad Ní Ghuidhir, Dr Brendan Mac Mahon Knowledge Development within a Professional Development Programme for Out-of-Field Mathematics Teachers.Dr Máire Ní Ríordáin, Dr Catherine Paolucci, Dr Laura O’ Dwyer Bringing research and data into teacher professional development.Annelie Eberhardt, Dr. Manuela Heinz Impact of Learning one Foreign Language on Teaching another Foreign Language.Dr. Patrick Farren Symposium: The Naturalistic Context of Design-Based Research (DBR).Paul Flynn, Martin McHugh, Dr. Eílis Flanagan, Dr. Tony Hall, Dr. Veronica McCauley The full conference programme and book of abstracts can be downloaded here.

The School of Education, NUI Galway will host the next meeting of the Network for Educational Action Research in Ireland (NEARI).   You can see some of their ideas at  http://eari.ie  and http://eariblog.edublogs.org. NEARI are an independent, non-profit organisation and its members are a cross sectoral group of teachers and educators.  This network is for everyone interested in any aspect of action research / reflective practice.   This event will be an opportunity to meet up and network with other action researchers. The theme for this meeting is Sharing Action Research with Others. Location: Education building, Nuns' Island, National University of GalwayDate: 23rd AprilTime: 10.30 to 14.30 Following the success of the ‘Round Robin’ presentations at previous meets, NEARI invite anyone who wishes to do so, to give a short talk or presentation (possibly 5 mins).  This could be about on your action research or on the theme of the day, or you may wish to share a reading from the literature that inspired you.  Please let Pip Ferguson know (pip.ferguson@dcu.ie), as the schedule can be tweaked accordingly. Email Pip Ferguson on pip.ferguson@dcu.ie by 5pm on 8th April to reserve a seat. (Places limited).

Dr Tony Hall, Lecturer in Educational Technology, School of Education, NUI Galway,  recently spoke about design-based research (DBR) at the University of Twente, Netherlands. Hosted by Professor Susan McKenney, leading educational design researcher, Department of Education, Twente University, Tony presented on the design-based research being undertaken at NUI Galway's School of Education (SoE), and how researchers in the SoE are working on the principled, systematic design of learning innovations and technologies across a diverse array of educational contexts and settings, formal and informal. Entitled 'From Dewey to the Digital', Tony's talk traced DBR's emergence as intelligent experimentation, and its potential in developing bespoke technology-enhanced learning solutions in context. Tony presented to a wide audience in Enschede, including educational design researchers, teacher educators, educational technologists and STEM designers.

Farewell and good luck to the BA Mathematics and Education (BME) Class of 2016, from all in the School of Education, NUI Galway. This group of student teachers finished with a flourish after four years of study by organising and contributing to the 'Mathematics and Education, 5th Annual Research Symposium'. Keynote speakers included Prof. Ailish Hannigan, Associate Professor of Biomedical Statistics at the Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick and Dr Anne Brosnan, National Coordinator of the Project Maths Development Team (PMDT).

Good news! Education, NUI Galway was one of the 11 subjects ranked in the QS subject rankings released this week. See these links for details: QS Top Universities NUI Galway Press Release

Paul Flynn, School of Education PhD Candidate and Galway Doctoral Research Scholar has been invited to attend the International Conference of the Learning Sciences 2016 in Singapore 20-24 June.  The theme of the conference is 'Transforming Learning, Empowering Learners’.  Paul has been selected to participate in a Doctoral Consortium at ICLS 2016.  This is an elite grouping of only 12 PhD candidates from around the globe to discuss issues surrounding the Learning Sciences and Design-Based Research.  For more details email p.flynn10@nuigalway.ie You can also follow Paul on Twitter @FlynnDPaul

The 3rd Annual Statistical Summer School will be held at the School of Education, NUI Galway, June 22nd-24th 2016.  This Summer School is the third in a series being organised collaboratively by the School of Education, NUI, Galway and the Department of Education and Professional Studies, UL.  This event has arisen out of a desire to develop statistical competence in the domain of educational research, while promoting data awareness and impact on policy and intervention. This year’s Summer School, facilitated by Dr. Laura O’ Dwyer (Boston College), will focus on strategies, techniques, tactics, and issues in the development of surveys as measurement instruments.  It will emphasize the theoretical, measurement and practical considerations (including reliability and validity, etc.) in the development of measurement instruments.  The Summer School will include demonstrations and hands-on practice in survey development and data analysis and detailed materials will be provided. For more information please see the attached document. In order to register for this Summer School please email maire.niriordain@nuigalway.ie  or via the website link available at http://bit.ly/1mUG5le Places are limited to 25 participants.

Dr Tony Hall, Educational Technology Lecturer, School of Education, NUI Galway visits Omega Technology (http://www.omegatechnology.gr ) in Athens. The focus of the work over the past week has been to take the Q-Tales pedagogical design framework and related design schema, developed at NUI Galway by Drs Michael Hogan, Bonnie Long, John Breslin and Tony Hall, and using a gamified design approach, create prototype literacy mini-games for the Q-Tales educational ebook platform. The primary development environment for the technology is C# in Unity 3D, led by Theodoros Doukoulos.

The Sea Change game design challenge is open to Galway (Ireland) and Lund (Sweden) CoderDojo members aged 10-18. The challenge is being organised by NUI Galway as part of their contribution to a European project called “Sea Change” which aims to establish a fundamental “Sea Change” in the way European citizens view their relationship with the sea.  The challenge is to use the fun and popularity of designing and playing tech games to raise awareness of Marine issues like the need to protect cold-water coral reefs, how we can begin to address the scourge of micro-plastics, and how we can maintain healthy oceans and seas, for ourselves, for the animals that live in them, and ultimately for the planet. You and your team can use your CoderDojos and mentors to develop your games. The game design will be reviewed by a panel of experts and judged on ‘best concept’ and ‘ease of use’.  The winning game will be included in an iBook about cold water corals that will be presented as a teaching resource to secondary schools and the name of the winning team will be inscribed on a special Sea Change Coder Dojo Challenge plaque.  There will also be cash prizes for the top 2 teams in each country: first prize: 500€; second prize: 250€. At the launch, two scientists will talked about their work on corals, and plastics in our ocean, to provide ideas for game development.  Other resources are available (newsletters, poster, fact sheet, ocean literacy booklet, videos) on the project website: www.seachangeproject.eu. Dr Veronica McCauley from the School of Education, NUI Galway and Dr Anthony Grehan, Earth and Ocean Sciences, School of Natural Science, gave an interview about the launch on the Keith Finnegan Show.  It's available on their podcast:  http://galwaybayfm.ie/the-keith-finnegan-show-thursday-february-25th/ from 01:01:57. Competition Time-Table Registration by: 26 March, 2016 Submission by: 14 May, 2016 Winners announced: 11 June, 2016

The Irish Conference on Game Based Learning (iGBL), formerly the Irish Symposium on Game-Based Learning, now in its sixth year, will be hosted by Trinity College Dublin on 1st and 2nd September 2016. This conference provides a forum for all stakeholders interested in exchanging ideas, projects, and best practices on the use of games and game-based approaches to support motivation, learning, and change. Researchers will be able to present and share their latest findings. Students will have an opportunity to present their research or showcase their games, and meet specialists in this field  to obtain constructive feedback. Instructors will have the opportunity to discover new game-based teaching approaches and share new game-based skills that they can integrate in their teaching. Companies will be able to showcase their products and explain how these can be used in the context of learning and motivation. Prospective presenters can now submit their abstract through the online submission system.We welcome abstracts from a wide range of stakeholders, including researchers, instructors, or students, who will have the opportunity to conduct workshops, present research results, or provide insights on how they managed to design or use games for educational or motivational purposes. Important Dates 8th March 2016: Abstract submission deadline. 8th April 2016: Notification of acceptance. 8th April 2016: Successful research-based presentations are invited to submit a paper to be included in the conference proceedings. 19th April 2016: Early-bird registration deadline. 3rd May 2016: Registration deadline. 31st May 2016: Final submission of presentations and research papers.For more information on iGBL2016, please email us at: igblcon...@gmail.com or visit the official website .

Congratulations to Dr Mary Higgins who was conferred with her PhD in Education (Learning Sciences) at the Spring Conferring on Wednesday 24th February.   Dr Higgins’ thesis, entitled: “Applied Learning: A Design Model for Further Education in the 21st Century”, developed a bespoke design-based research model, AACES, to support applied and technology-enhanced learning in adult, continuing and further education.  Dr Higgins’ research was supervised by Dr Tony Hall, Lecturer in Educational Technology, School of Education, NUI Galway.

Mr Brendan Smith, Co-Founder of CoderDojo Galway City, recently provided members of the Galway Branch of the Irish Science Teacher's Association (ISTA) with a 2-hour workshop on using Scratch software in an educational context. This CoderDojo event was organised by Dr Veronica McCauley, Science Educator in the School of Education, NUI Galway.  It gave science teachers the opportunity to try out the 'Scratch' coding software in a supportive and fun learning environment.

School of Education, NUI Galway, PHD Candidate and Galway Doctoral Research Scholar has been invited to attend the European Educational Research Association (EERA) - 7th Histories of Education Summer School at the University of Groningen, Netherlands in June 2016. This is a highly prized conference with only 30 PhD Candidates from across the EU invited to attend. Engaged in design-based research, Paul is exploring the history of education for community formation in undergraduate initial teacher education. For more details contact p.flynn10@nuigalway.ie

School of Education, NUI Galway, 'Physics Hooks' launched on YouTube The Physics Video Hooks project, spearheaded by Dr Veronica McCauley, Lecturer in Science Education and designed by Martin McHugh, Doctoral Candidate in Science Education and John Byrne, a Science and Physics teacher in St. Paul’s Secondary School, Oughterard, has been officially launched on YouTube. The Hooks Series offers science educators a collection of videos that capture novel and engaging aspects of Physics. They are short, smart video clips that can be used to draw learners in and engage them in scientific inquiry and discovery. They are based on Junior Science topics, but they can be extended to Senior Cycle also. Previously, the hooks were only available through Apple iBooks and www.sciencehooks.scoilnet.ie. The new YouTube platform allows School of Education designed resources to reach a wider audience of students and educators. The videos are available for free at: http://tinyurl.com/physicshooks For more content, be sure to subscribe to PhysicsHooks!

The second cohort of Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching (PDMT) / Dioplóma Gairmiúil sa Mhatamaitic don Mhúinteoireacht (DGMM) (240 teachers) were conferred in the University of Limerick last Saturday bringing the number of graduates of the programme to over 525 (i.e. both Cohorts 1 and 2).As for the first PDMT / DGMM conferring in January 2015, we were delighted that the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan, TD, attended and spoke at the ceremony. We continue to work with Cohorts 3 and 4. Coordinated by EPI*STEM, UL, the PDMT / DGMM is jointly accredited by UL - NUIG under their strategic alliance and delivered nationwide through a consortium of Higher Education institutions. Click on the link to the UL news item re PDMT / DGMM conferring last Saturday: http://www.ul.ie/news-centre/news/secondary-teachers-advance-their-abilities-in-mathematics-at-ul/

Picture (L-R): Dr. Brendan Mac Mahon,  Professor Eero Ropo, School of Education, University of Tampere, Finland (external examiner), Ellen McCabe, Professor Rod Stoneman, Dr. Tony Hall. Congratulations to Ms Ellen McCabe, Huston School of Film and Digital Media and PhD student, Structured PhD Digital Arts and Humanities (DAH), College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, who has successfully defended her thesis, entitled: 'Living the Stories We Create: An Educational Response to Narrative in the Digital Age.' Using Shakespeare's Macbeth as a case-study, Ellen's thesis explored the implications of digital media for learning within the Irish Leaving Certificate English Curriculum, and the potential of new media to support the realignment of formal learning contexts to contemporary perceptions and expectations of narrative. The research was jointly supervised by Professor Rod Stoneman and Dr. Seán Crosson, Huston School of Film and Digital Media, and Dr. Tony Hall, School of Education.  Dr. Brendan Mac Mahon, School of Education, acted as internal examiner.

The School of Education, NUI Galway will host the Second International Conference on Mobile Technology in Teacher Education (MiTE 2016) on 15th and 16th January in the Ardilaun Hotel, Galway. On Friday, 15th January, the conference will provide an academic platform for emerging research, and on Saturday, 16th January, the focus will be on the practitioner application of mobile technology in the classroom, in the form of hands-on workshops and showcases on mobile apps for teaching, learning and assessment. NUI Galway’s School of Education is aware of the potential that mobile technology has for improving the teaching and learning experiences of pupils in the classroom.  This two-day conference will celebrate the possibilities and explore the challenges of integrating mobile technology in teacher education and in the broader field of education in order to promote best practice by teachers, students and schools.  Contributors include experts in the field of mobile technology, including representatives from mainland Europe, the US, Nordic countries and Asia. Seán Ó Grádaigh, NUI Galway’s School of Education, and Co-Chair of the MiTE 2016 Conference, said: “Mobile Technology has the ability to change how we Teach, Learn and Assess.  Students can now learn when, where and how suits them best and Teacher Education can play a central role in the integration of this technology in the classroom.” Keynote Speaker Stephen Heppell is a Professor at Bournemouth University, Chair in New Media Environments, Emeritus Professor Anglia Ruskin University, and Visiting Professor of the University of Wales, Newport.  Professor Heppell is best known for his work at Ultralab, part of Anglia Polytechnic University.  There, he worked on education projects such as ‘Learning in the New Millennium’, ‘Schools OnLine’, development of ‘Think.com’ and ‘Talking Heads’.  In 2003, he left UltraLab and is now CEO of the education consultancy firm, Heppell.net, a global and flourishing policy and learning consultancy, which now has an enviable portfolio of international projects all around the world. Dr Mary Fleming, Head of School of Education at NUI Galway, said: “My colleagues and I are delighted to be involved in this conference again this year.  Mobile Technology is a significant and growing area of educational research and we welcome this opportunity to build on the School of Education’s engagement with new teaching and learning practices and approaches in the classroom.” MiTE 2016 is open to parents, teachers and students who are interested in seeing and hearing how mobile technologies, for example, smartphones/tablets, can contribute positively to the learning processes within our classrooms today.  To find out more see http://www.gratek.ie/mite2016/index.php

Dr Tony Hall of the School of Education, NUI Galway, was invited to deliver the opening keynote lecture at the #dariahTeach Open Humanities Workshop in Belgrade, which brought together 20 participants from 9 different countries (Germany, Ireland, UK, Greece, Denmark, France, Serbia, Switzerland, Holland) to explore key issues in developing interactive, multimodal, localizable, open-access and open-source teaching materials. #dariahTeach is a European strategic partnership aimed at fostering innovative teaching and learning practices among members of the DARIAH (Digital Research Infrastructure for the Arts and Humanities) network. This Strategic Partnership is under the lead of Maynooth University, Ireland, with six other participating institutions:  Aarhus University, Denmark; Athena Research and Innovation Center in Information Communication & Knowledge Technologies (Greece); Austrian Academy of Sciences; Belgrade Center for Digital Humanities, (Serbia); Erasmus University Rotterdam (The Netherlands); and the University of Lausanne (Switzerland). Tony’s talk on design-based research explored concepts and principles for the design, development and deployment of models of technology-enhanced in educational contexts. The keynote lecture and presentation is available to view at: http://dariah.rs/en/dariahteach-open-humanities-workshop/

Mr Keith Rowe, a graduate teacher of the School of Education, NUI Galway and ICT and Maths teacher, St Aloysius College, Athlone, presented on teaching the Irish Computer Society (ICS) Curriculum in schools. The presentation to the ICT methodology of the PME, School of Education covered key aspects of the ICS Curriculum, including digital media design and literacy, digital storytelling, programming and coding, and design with micro controller-based kits for cross-curricular, constructionist learning in schools.

The School of Education, NUI Galway held a Research Seminar Series (RSS) event, 'Rethinking Instructional Approaches in Second Language Immersion Programmes: Emerging Themes and Controversies' given by guest speaker, Professor Jim Cummins on Thursday, 10 December 2015. Emeritus Professor Jim Cummins, Department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto, Canada, is a noted world leader in second language learning and literacy development research.  He holds a Canada Research Chair and has been a recipient of the International Reading Association's Albert J. Harris award. He also received an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from the Bank Street College of Education in New York City. He has led or been involved in many research projects,including, in recent years, a large-scale SSHRC-funded project entitled "From Literacy to Multiliteracies: Designing Learning Environments for Knowledge Generation within the New Economy”, a project to validatethe Ontario Ministry of Education's Steps to English Proficiency assessment tool, and a research review on English Language Learners' academic trajectories. Dr. Cummins has co-authored several books on literacies in education, and has seen his work translated into Japanese and Spanish.

The School of Education, NUI Galway held a Research Seminar Series event 'Rethinking Instructional Approaches in Second Language Immersion Programmes: Emerging Themes and Controversies'  given by guest speaker, Emeritus Professor Jim Cummins, Department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto, Canada, on Thursday, 10 December 2015Dr. James Cummins is a noted world leader in second language learning and literacy development research.  He holds a Canada Research Chair and has been a recipient of the International Reading Association's Albert J. Harris award. He also received an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from the Bank Street College of Education in New York City. He has led or been involved in many research projects, including, in recent years, a large-scale SSHRC-funded project entitled "From Literacy to Multiliteracies: Designing Learning Environments for Knowledge Generation within the New Economy”, a project to validatethe Ontario Ministry of Education's Steps to English Proficiency assessment tool, and a research review on English Language Learners' academic trajectories. Dr. Cummins has co-authored several books on literacies in education, and has seen his work translated into Japanese and Spanish.

Drs Bonnie Long and Tony Hall, School of Education, NUI Galway, latest publication on the R-NEST design model for digital storytelling in teacher education features in a special issue of the Australasian Journal of Educational Technology on educational design research, edited by Theodore J. Kopcha, University of Georgia; Matthew M. Schmidt, University of Hawaii and Susan McKenney, University of Twente, Netherlands. Download paper at: http://ajet.org.au/index.php/AJET/article/download/2535/1311

Pictured at the recent Winter Conferring in NUI Galway, L-R: Dr Veronica McCauley, Dr Diogo Gomes, Dr Eilís Flanagan, Dr Tony Hall, School of Education. Congratulations to Dr Eilís Flanagan and Dr Diogo Gomes who were both awarded their PhDs in Education at the Winter Conferring on Wednesday 25th November.  Dr Gomes’ thesis, entitled: “Dialectical dividends: Fostering hybridity of new pedagogical practices and partnership in science education and outreach”, was supervised by Dr Veronica McCauley, Lecturer in Science Education, School of Education, NUI Galway.  Dr Tony Hall, Lecturer in Educational Technology, School of Education, supervised Dr Flanagan’s thesis, entitled: "Digital ensemble: Exploring the design of technology-enhanced learning to mobilise and augment post-primary students’ engagement with English literature."

Dr. Veronica McCauley, Lecturer in Science Education, organised a Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) event in the School of Education, NUI Galway to showcase an abundance of online teaching resources for teachers.  Local science teachers from the Galway branch of the Irish Science Teacher's Association (ISTA) network and their Chairperson, Dee King, attended.  Also in attendance were student science teachers from the Professional Masters of Education (PME) programme. Dr. Stephanie Nelson (Queens University Belfast) and John O’Donoghue (Trinity College Dublin), National Education Coordinators for the RSC facilitated this event. The Royal Society of Chemistry provided a wealth of online teaching resources.  The 90 minute workshop provided an oportunity for science teachers to learn how to find the best resourcesin the shortest time.  Time was provided to assess the suitability of these resources, and everyone found something they could use in class the next day.  The newest developments were also showcased.  This workshop was aimed at everyone from trainee to experienced teachers, and was interactive and informal.  Both Junior and Senior Cycle resources were reviewed on the evening and a bundle of freebies were provided to each teacher.

Dr Veronica McCauley, Science Teaching Lecturer in the School of Education, NUI Galway demonstrates to Professional Masters of Education (PME) Year 2 pre-qualified teachers, how to create non-newtonian fluid, AKA scientific slime!

3rd International Irish Narrative Inquiry Conference, March 10th and 11th 2016 Call for Abstracts In this conference we seek to explore the doing of narrative inquiry in its many forms and to take seriously the time, place and significance of its doing.

Mr Seán Ó Grádaigh, Lecturer on the Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas (MGO) Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme in the School of Education, NUI Galway, will be presenting at 'uLead 2016 - the Summit of Educational Leadership!' Seán is the Co-ordinator of Mobile Technologies in ITE and his vision is to integrate iPads in all aspects of the MGO programme.

Ms Sinéad Ní Ghuidhir, Lecturer on the Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas programme, becomes the second member of the School of Education, NUI Galway, to become an Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE), 2015.  Sinéad recently attended the Apple Distinguished Educator Institute in The Netherlands.

We are delighted to announce that Seán Ó Grádaigh, Léachtóir on the Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas (MGO) programme in the School of Education, NUI Galway, has been featured by Apple Inc. His story is now live in the 'Teaching with iPad' section on Apple’s Education site. It’s a great honour to have an Irish educator showcased on Apple’s site, providing a compelling story of content creation using tools such as iBook Author. The Icing on the cake is that the sample resources and content showcased are in Irish. Take a spin over and view the story and enjoy some beautiful images of Galway Bay here. Well done to Seán and all our MGO team! 

Dr Elaine Keane was invited by Professor Norman Denzin (Distinguished Professor of Communications, College of Communications Scholar, and Research Professor of Communications, Sociology, and Humanities, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA) to provide a workshop on Prof. Kathy Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory at the 11th International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in May 2015. While there, she also ran a symposium on ‘Coding for Interpretation and Performance’ with Professor Johnny Saldana (Professor Emeritus Arizona State University, and author of multiple qualitative textbooks), Professor Paul Mihas (Director of Education and Qualitative Analysis at the Odum Institute for Research in Social Science at the University of North Carolina), and Dr Charles Vanover (University of South Florida St. Petersburg College of Education). Elaine is currently working with Professor Kathy Charmaz (originator of constructivist grounded theory) and Professor Robert Thornberg (Linkoping University, Sweden) as co-author on a chapter on grounded theory for the 5th edition of the Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research (2016).

Collaborative research paper presented at American educational research association conference in chicago Dr Brendan Mac Mahon of the School of Education, NUI Galway co-presented a paper entitled 'Multilingualism: Challenges and Opportunities in the Irish Post-Primary Education Sector' along with colleagues Dr Melanie Ní Dhuinn and Dr Ann Devitt, School of Education, TCD at the recent American Educational Research Association (AERA) 2015 conference in Chicago. The paper was selected as part of the Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) Symposium at the AERA conference.

Happy 10th birthday to NUI Galway's BA Mathematics and Education programme!

Congratulations to the MSc Biotechnology team: Drs Aoife Boyd, Cindy Smith and Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh and to all the teaching staff of the programme. The NUI Galway MSc Biotechnology programme is the longest running course of its kind in Ireland and it continues to be the most up-to-date programme in the country. This was recognised at the Mansion House where this programme was awarded the 2016 Postgraduate Course of the year award -Science category. This postgraduate programme is highly regarded nationally and internationally as a programme through which students develop the skills, knowledge and experience required for a successful career in biotechnology. Graduates of the MSc Biotechnology programme are essential for Ireland’s smart economy that has at its core exemplary research, innovation and commercialisation.

The Mary Robinson climate conference will take place 6-7th July 2023 in Ballina.  For further info please see QR Code

MIDP students Xurxo Alonso Vázquez, Mai Ditie and Evench Gomez received a Certificate from the UN’s Food and Agriculture (FAO) Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Training at UCC in April. Also in the photo is Jannie Armstrong, from FAO's Global Support Unit who conducted the training. Following a study of the IPC technical manual, this training is supporting Xurxo, Evench and Mai to have a food security focus in their Research Projects for their MIDP Dissertations.

A team from Galway attended the First ENLIGHT European Dialogue in Uppsala University May 11th and 12th. The theme was sharing ideas on methodology for collaboration projects between universities and cities. Dr. Mark Justin Rainey, from Geography presented work on Community Conversations on Creative Space with a focus on Nuns Island and Dr. Una Murray attended to meet colleagues on ENLIGHT’s equity workpackage. Presentations from the event are available on the ENLIGHT Youtube channel and slides are published on the ENLIGHT website. 

Prof Frances Fahy and Dr Benjamin Schmid are in Berlin this week to meet with partners of the Horizon 2020 EnergyPROSPECTS project, led by the University of Galway. The partner meeting kicks off the final year of the project, which is investigating different forms of energy citizenship and the corresponding policy frameworks across Europe.

Dr Eugene Farrell is lead author on a research report 'Planning for change: coastal management abd climate adaptation in Derrynane, Co. Kerry'. The community participation workshop was done in partnership with the MSc Coastal and Marine Environments class, OPW and Vincent Hyland (Wild Derrynane). [Read]

Professor John Morrissey and Dr Una Murray from the Discipline of Geography, University of Galway, at the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) Annual International Affairs Conference on “Human (In)Security in an Unsettled World” on May 2nd. Prof. Morrissey was the conference organiser and one of the speakers. Both university academics are members of the RIA’s Standing Committee for International Affairs. The conference plenary address was given by Pedro Conceição, Director of the Human Development Report Office at the UNDP, who discussed the key global challenges of human security and human development the world faces today. The keynote was given by the Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, who outlined how Ireland is approaching its relations with China.  [Read]

Dr Eugene Farrell edited a new special issue in the world leading geomorphology journal Earth Surface Processes and Landforms with colleagues from the UK (Prof Irene Delgado-Fernandez; Dr Thomas Smyth), China (Dr Bailiang Li) and USA (Dr Christy Swann). This volume contains 25 manuscripts providing a unique snapshot into the state-of-knowledge of coastal dunes. On the back of this very successful two year long initiative, Dr. Eugene Farrell was invited (and accepted) to be an Associate Editor for the prestigious journal ESPL for the next four years. [Read more here]. 

Dr Eugene Farrell is lead author on a research report 'Planning for change: coastal management abd climate adaptation in Derrynane, Co. Kerry'. The community participation workshop was done in partnership with the MSc Coastal and Marine Environments class, OPW and Vincent Hyland (Wild Derrynane). [Read]

Prof Frances Fahy and Dr Emily Gray attended the Shared Green Deal Clean Energy Training in Vienna, Austria, 26-27th April 2023.

The Bsc. Social Sciences students recently visited Barcelona on their fieldtrip. Some of the themes we covered included: living cities, creative cities, the right to the city, housing and politics. Dr. Rachel McArdle, Dr. Kathleen Stokes and Dr. Mike Hynes led the fieldtrip.  

The 33rd Irish Environmental Researchers Colloquium (Environ 2023) was hosted in Letterkenny (Donegal) at the beginning of April. The conference was organised by the Atlantic Technological University (Letterkenny) and the Environmental Sciences Association of Ireland (ESAI). Two PhD students from the Geography Department returned to Galway with different prizes. Silvia Cascone got the prize for the “ESAI Best Overall Poster Presentation” with her poster titled “Coastal Dune Vulnerability Assessment as a Proxy for Nature-based Solution in Ireland” and Elena Aitova got the prize for the “Best Natural History Presentation” with her presentation titled “Carbon Balance of a Restored Irish Raised Bog: Comparing Model to Estimate GHG Emissions”.

The public are being urged not to walk on the dunes at Bertra beach this summer. The dunes at the popular beach overlooked by Croagh Patrick, located between Westport and Louisburgh, are being eroded for a number of reasons but primarily due to climate change and overuse. [Read]

The public are being urged not to walk on the dunes at Bertra beach this summer. The dunes at the popular beach overlooked by Croagh Patrick, located between Westport and Louisburgh, are being eroded for a number of reasons but primarily due to climate change and overuse. [Read]

Members of the Irish Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) Secretariat visited Maharees, Co. Kerry to get a guided tour of work done by a local volunteer group and Dr. Eugene Farrell. The CCAC learned how current government agencies are not set up to nimbly react to needs of coastal communities and how communities can identify their specific needs and articulate their own vision for a sustainable future in their area. The visit was highlighted in an opinion piece in the Sustainability and Climate Change Hub of the Irish Examiner [Read] 

A number of BSc Social Sciences students have published in the recent Mnágazine- International Voices on a number of topics including social media, friendship, sport and other topics. This magazine was created as part of the 2023 European Women's Studies class and includes articles, puzzles, poetry and more. This magazine includes many inspirational stories about women from across the world. Happy International Women's Day! 

Dr Kathleen Stokes, and co-author Dr Mary Lawhon (University of Edinburgh) have recently published a new research article “What counts as infrastructural labour? Community action as waste work in South Africa” in Area Development and Policy.

The Planning and Sustainability research cluster in Geography at University of Galway was delighted to host Leon Hirt, researcher at the Renewable Energy Systems group in the University of Geneva, this week. Leon presented an overview of Socio-technical theories and a case study of ST transition dynamics of solar PV in Switzerland.

UrbanLab Galway invites you to our Speak Out sessions where citizens present key issues and concerns about local development and discuss the future of Galway and the wider region. How can we make a better place? Let's hear what you have to say. If you wish to present or share your thoughts contact UrbanLab Galway via email at urbanlab@universityofgalway.ie   Galway Speakout Wednesday 22 March 2023 7.30 - 9.00 pm Upper Floor, Mick Lally Theatre Druid Lane Galway   Gort Speakout Thursday 23 March 2023 7.30 - 9.30 pm WB Yeats Room, Lady Gregory Hotel Ennis Road, Gort County Galway  H91 KN2N  

Associate Professor Maura Farrell was invited by the European Commission to Brussels on the 28th November to speak at the European Startup Village Forum. Maura presented on the University of Galway led, FLIARA (Female led Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Areas) project. 

Human (In)Security in an Unsettled WorldIn our unsettled world of intersecting human and environmental crises, an urgent global governance challenge lies in actioning new visions and strategies of overlapping human and environmental security. This year’s RIA Standing Committee for International Affairs conference takes up the challenge of envisioning a wider discourse of global security, and setting out how to address the planet’s overlapping insecurities more holistically. It aims to attract papers that reflect on the multiple (in)securities of our contemporary moment, how they intersect in complex ways, and how more effective security responses can be achieved. Further details are available here. For additional information, please contact Prof. John Morrissey.Conference Website 

Dr Eugene Farrell is lead author on a new research report with colleagues from SFI MaREI. The project identified key institutional barriers (governance; legal responsibility; stakeholder forum; tourism) and technical barriers (climate adaptation; funding; environmental designation; lexicon of climate resilience and sustainability; erosion and flooding; seasonal tourism) to coastal communities building resilience to climate change. The results illustrate the importance of empowering and resourcing local authorities and communities to manage their own coastlines and an urgent need to develop a coherent national policy that prioritises erosion and flood risks. [Read]

Dr Eugene Farrell was invited to present his Marine Institute funded project ("Increasing Coastal Resilience Using Terrestrial & Ocean Based Nature Based Solutions"; 2022-2026) to the marine team in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (January 2023).  Ireland has made a commitment under the newly developed Marine Strategy Framework Directive Programme of Measures to ‘Develop Nature based Solutions to conserve and restore estuarine, coastal and marine habitats'. Dr Farrells ongoing and future research programmes with colleagues in Geography, Civil Engineering and Earth & Ocean Sciences in the University of Galway will help deliver a roadmap to identify these solutions.

As Davos 2023 opened this week, Professor John Morrissey published a critique of neoliberalism in The Conversation that makes a plea to leaders to place human and environmental security ahead of endless profit.

Dr Eugene Farrell and leaders of the local voluntary group (Maharees Conservation Association) hosted the Climate Change Advisory Council secretariat and climate adaptation expert Karen Lavin (manager, New Zealand Climate Change Commission) last week to discuss the challenges of community-led coastal adaptation and climate actions in Ireland. 

Dr Eugene Farrell delivered a 1-day workshop for Engineers Ireland on 'Coastal processes and risk management'. The workshop focused on coastal protection in Ireland and future options linked to new technologies, new monitoring programmes and Nature-based Solutions.

MA in International Development students attended the Development Studies Association DSA Ireland Conference in the University of Limerick on November 17 which focused on Critical Perspectives on Sustainable Development. In the photo we have Olasunkanmi Akindele (Nigeria) Mai Ditie (Mali) Julieth Kweka  and Jackson Buzingo (Tanzania).

Congratulations to PhD student Chris Stewart who was awarded two 14C dates through the Bill Watts 14CHRONO Award from IQUA. These dates will be used on the lacustrine core retrieved from Glencullin Lough in County Mayo, helping constrain the timeline of sedimentation/environmental change since the Last Glacial Maximum in that locale. More information on IQUA awards can be found here: http://iqua.ie/awards/

After a series of six heats, 12 finalists have been chosen as contestants for the finale on Thurs 1st December at 5pm in the O'Donoghue Theatre. They will share the story of their research using three presentation slides, in three minutes, in front of three judges.  Finalists are from a variety of disciplines.  From Geography, Georgia MacMillan will be taking part and presenting her research on Dark Skies.   Tickets are free via Eventbrite - [more information]

Prof Frances Fahy, Lead Coordinator of the EnergyPROSPECTS European research project, was in Brussels this week with representatives from the EC to discuss the current status of the policy framework for Energy Citizenship.

Prof Frances Fahy and her SHARED GREEN DEAL team at Geography University of Galway are offering local/regional authorities and not-for-profit organisations the opportunity to partner with us to run social experiments focused on the following six priority Green Deal topics: Clean Energy, Circular Economy, Efficient Renovations, Sustainable Mobility, Sustainable Food, Preserving Biodiversity. SHARED GREEN DEAL will provide financial support of up to EUR 22,000 to run each local social experiment for one year from spring/summer 2023. In total, 24 European locations will be selected to run the social experiments (4 locations per stream).  See project website for more details: https://sharedgreendeal.eu/local-expt-call

“Benjamin Schmid, together with EnergyPROSPECTS partner Karin Thalberg (Jacques Delors Institute), participated in the 14th Citizens' Energy Forum, held in Dublin on 24 November. The Forum engages citizens’ interest groups, wide range of stakeholders including NGOs, businesses, as well as policy makers (ministries and regulators) on energy consumer issues in the context of the current energy crisis.” Link to event: https://ec.europa.eu/info/events/14th-citizens-energy-forum-2022-nov-24_en “

Dr Liam M. Carr was recently published in Coastal Environments in the West of Ireland: Sea, Land, and Spirit. His chapter, 'Can Knowledge Save Salmon? A Question of Consensus Ethics' examines the cultural and socioeconomic relationships between Atlantic salmon and coastal communities along the west of Ireland as a means of encouraging salmon conservation and restoration. The book is edited by Dr John Roney and Mark Beekey, both of Sacred Heart University. Dr Roney is Director of Sacred Heart's Irish Culture campus in An Daingean.

Dr. Rachel McArdle’s community mapping work with Pavee Point and TravAct Coolock is now published, and details of the launch are available here. 

PhD student Geoggia McMillan, last month,  presented as part of a panel at the Czech Republic Light Pollution workshop in Brno recently.  As her role is employment based, the main focus was on the work towards light pollution legislation, Georgia also got to include UG on the slides and reference the IRC position.   [Further info]

Associate Professor Maura Farrell provided the Keynote address for the recent EU CAP Network Rural Gender Equality event in Andolsheim, France. The event on the 15th November explored the crucial role of women in the economic and social development of rural areas. 

Dr. Una Murray attended the COP27 Climate Summit in Egypt as a member of the Irish Government Delegations Party Overflow. Una followed the COP27 Pavilion discussions on migration and displacement and attended Plenaries on Loss and Damage. The importance of keeping global warming within 1.5 degrees high on the Cop27 agenda was reiterated, along with need for a funding mechanism on Loss and Damage for those who already experience displacement due to climate change. Una met with Minister Eamon Ryan as part of the Irish delegation. 

New publication by Geography PhD student Yuhan Zheng, Deciphering the spatial and temporal evolution of urban anthropogenic resilience within the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration [Read]

A recent tourism publication to which Prof Mary Cawley contributed with colleagues in SEMRU (Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit), in the Whitaker Institute. Deely, John; Hynes, Stephen; Cawley, Mary (2022) Overseas visitor demand for marine and coastal tourism, Marine Policy, 143, 105176[Read]

In his column ‘Another Life’ in the Weekend Review of The Irish Times (Saturday, 5 November 2022), Michael Viney weaves a story around bog-deal (pine) in ancient & recent times in Ireland. The piece includes an iconic painting of pine stumps in west Mayo by Viney. Research carried out on bog-pine and oak in the Palaeoenvironmental Research Unit, University of Galway, is featured as well as related research on bog-oak and tephra (volcanic shards) carried out by palaeoecologists in Queen’s University Belfast and elsewhere in Europe and USA. See: Another Life: Connacht’s bog-deal - a gift of fierce fuel?https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2022/11/05/another-life-connachts-bog-deal-a-gift-of-fierce-fuel/ The illustration used here shows a pine stump from Derryeighter bog, west of Oughterard, Co. Galway that was sampled for dendrochronology and radiocarbon dating. The ring-width pattern of this long-lived bog-pine, which started life over 5300 years ago and died about 360 years later, is shown (red curve). Further details regarding this and other fossil pine timbers in the region are available in: O’Connell, M., Jennings, E., Molloy, K. 2021. Holocene vegetation dynamics, landscape change and human impact in western Ireland as revealed by multidisciplinary, palaeoecological investigations of peat deposits and bog-pine in lowland Connemara. Geographies, 1 (3), 251–291. https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7086/1/3/15 ‘The Other Clare’ that Viney refers to is the current volume (vol. 46, 2022). The article he refers to is available at: https://aran.library.nuigalway.ie/handle/10379/17199.

On the 21st of October 2022, BSc Social Sciences students were given a talk from Kenneth Deery, CEO of Galway Chamber, and discussions included what the future of Galway will and should look like. 

Dr. Una Murray’s work as editor for the FAO UN Report on the State of Land and Water in the Near East ad North Africa Region is published. Link to the Report is [here]

One of the MA in International Development Practice Students, Jackson Buzingo from Tanzania, attended the 50th Session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FA) in between 10 to 13 October 2022.

Students from the new MA in Geography (International Development Practice) are settling in well to college life and study. Photo shows them at a lecture with visitors from Makerere University School of Law, Uganda, who talked about refugees and trafficking. 

Prof Cathal O’Donoghue published a major Forestry Economics Report during the Summer, which was presented to a cross-party Oireachtas Committee [Read]

Páraic Mac Donnchadha of Grid International ran a very engaging training workshop with our Geography Master’s cohort – 30 students from all around the world. In a world where multi-disciplinarity demands us to work in ‘Teams’ on a daily basis, Páraic and colleague Marion demonstrated through practical activities the value of utilising all the synergies that are possible when working in teams. The full-day workshop gave students training in teamwork skills where both concern for results and for people go hand in hand to achieve outputs that exceed those achievable by individuals. It was a challenging and rewarding day for us all. 

On Monday 24th October, students in the Geography and Geosystems BSc programme had a field trip to Connemara in conjunction with local community organisations. The aim was to perform a baseline ecological study of a degraded blanket bog to determine the status and condition for future restoration efforts.

Gordon Bromley is heading a new collaborative project, funded by Geological Survey Ireland (Short Call 2022 programme), entitled ‘A multi-proxy geology approach to resolving critical uncertainties in Irish cosmogenic nuclide geochronology. Involving partners at UCD, University of Maine, and Maynooth University, this Galway-led 14 month-long investigation will combine cosmogenic geochemistry and traditional techniques such as 14C and U-Th dating, along with Quaternary geomorphology, to constrain in detail the demise of the last Irish ice sheet and help calibrate the cosmogenic technique for improved application throughout Ireland.

MA-ESD Programme Director, Prof. John Morrissey, and MIDP Programme Director, Dr Una Murray, have been appointed to the Royal Irish Academy’s Standing Committee for International Affairs for a 4-year term.

On Friday 20th 2022, students from the first year BASS social sciences course had a fieldtrip to the Burren with Burrenbeo, led in part by Áine Bird, Geography PhD student.

When: Thursday 27 October 2pm-4pmWhere: Zoom - Register hereUniversity of Galway's Rural Voices Seminar Series is collaborating with the RURALIZATION Horizon 2020 Project to co-host the project’s final national conference in Ireland. This 2-hour online conference, taking place via Zoom, will engage with the issue of farm generational renewal and the wider question of facilitating new generations in rural areas. You can find more information and the draft conference agenda [here]

Are you a young person interested in the future that exists for you in a rural area? Then join us for an afternoon of tea and chat exploring different visions for a sustainable rural future.  Date and time: Thursday 22 September 2022, 3-5pmLocation: THB-G011 Seminar Room, Hardiman Research Building, University of Galway This event is targeted at young adults aged approximately 18 to 30. Registration is required – register [here] to save your place.  As part of the RURALIZATION project the Rural Studies Research Cluster explored the visions held by youth for their ideal or ‘dream’ future in a rural area in 2035. During this meet-up we will discuss what the research found and debate the wider challenges to realising these future visions.  You can also find out more [here]

Prof Frances Fahy represented the University of Galway at the Green Deal Arena in Brussels. In the event, which is part of the SharedGreenDeal project, future images and transition paths in the areas of energy, circular economy, renovation, mobility, food and biodiversity are being discussed.”

Prof. Lorraine Elliott (Australian National University), hosted by John Morrissey and the Geopolitics and Justice Cluster, presented a talk on Sept. 7th on ’the centrality of justice in pathways to low carbon economies’, as part of this year’s welcoming event for all new postgraduate students”. [More information]  

Researchers from NUIG (Dr. Terry Morley, Geography) along with Údarás and the local Arts community are hosting a public event this Saturday (27th August) in Connemara to launch part of the MultiPeat project. This aspect of the project will involve community-led restoration of degraded blanket bog habitat. [Read]

Dr. Terry Morley’s research project using the Bog Commissioner’s Maps (1814) as proxies for historical peatland extent was highlighted in the Silicon Republic  and Agriland recently.  https://www.siliconrepublic.com/innovation/peatlands-ireland-data-climate-research https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/repeat-project-200-year-old-maps-helping-to-direct-our-climate-change-path/

Between July 18 and July 22 Geography staff and students participated in the UGI—IGU Centennial Congress, including: Liam Carr, Mary Cawley, Bronagh Dillon, France Fahy, Kate Flood, Rachel McArdle. The congress was a great chance to learn from the organisers before the 35th International Geographical Congress is held in Dublin in 2024 by the Geographical Society of Ireland. Please follow @IGC2024Dub for more updates. 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a fully-funded (fees and stipend), full-time PhD position at Ollscoil na Gaillimhe - University of Galway. The University of Galway is ranked within the top 1 % of higher education institutions world-wide. The project aims to develop a better understanding of the role of culture and creativity in the development of places (namely cities in the peripheral European context). You will be part of a team tasked with the delivery of UrbanLab Galway's commitments as part of its role in the IN SITU project which brings together leading approaches to investigating economic evolution and diversification in considering the future of place development in the urban context of six partner EU regions.   Funding Agency:  The project is funded by Horizon Europe under its Research and Innovation Actions.   Qualifications / Expertise:  The candidate should have a 1st or 2:1 Bachelor’s degree and/or a Master’s in human geography, sociology, economics or in a related social science area. The ideal candidate should have experience in as many of the following techniques: quantitative research skills; data mapping; data mining; database construction; literature review. The candidate should have excellent communication and organisational skills; be highly motivated and passionate about developing new products; and have strong written, oral and interpersonal skills. The candidate should be able to work independently and as a part of team.   Duties:  The successful candidate will be involved in: the surveying of partner regions and the identification of key challenges in developing urban areas in peripheral regions. This will involve mapping data and collating information of the key socioeconomic characteristics of each region. Key will also be an investigation into the role of the cultural and creative industries in addressing the development challenges faced by each region. Other duties: Conference and Meeting attendance and participation; Report and paper writing; Participation to training courses; Undergraduate teaching and/or laboratory demonstrations; Travel to project partners’ institutes; Other duties relevant to the post.   Start Date:  October 2022.   To Apply:  Applicants should submit a cover letter outlining their suitability to the post, a detailed CV, transcripts and the contact details of three referees. The application pack should be emailed to Dr. Pat Collins (p.collins@nuigalway.ie). Closing date for receipt of applications is 12:00 on Thursday, 15th of September 2022.   Fully funded (fees and stipend), full-time PhD position. The project is funded by Horizon Europe.   Dr. Patrick Collins Lecturer in Economic Geography School of Geography, Archaeology & Irish Studies UrbanLab Galway NUI Galway @galwaylab     Recent article: https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/2022/07/20/galway-is-well-able-to-carry-the-cultural-weight-of-the-nation-both-officially-and-unofficially/

Dr Eugene Farrell and Mr Brandon Taylor (2022 MSc Coastal and Marine Environments) successfully deployed Irelands first CoastSnap station in Derrynane, Co. Kerry in partnership with the OPW. The hugely successful worldwide CoastSnap project was designed in Australia. The Derrynane station stemmed from a student-led NUI Galway Explore project with Ms Emily Rick (2019 MSc Coastal and Marine Environments) and Dr. Farrell. [Further Info]

Seán Binder is a certified rescue diver who has spent years of his young life rescuing migrants from the sea at Lesbos in Greece. He now faces the threat of 25 years in prison, following charges by the Greek government of people smuggling and espionage. Seán joins John Morrissey in conversation at the O’Donoghue Centre on Saturday July 16th (2pm) for ‘Drowning’, an event that makes a stand for humanitarian, solidarity and human rights in protecting the most vulnerable. [Further info]

19-23 July Photovoice Exhibition of V'cenza Cirefice's research project exploring resistance to extractivism in the Sperrins. At the Playhouse Derry, opening night with artist talk on 21st July 7pm. All welcome. [further info]

Mars is the latest artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram.  Measuring seven metres in diameter, the artwork features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface. At an approximate scale of 1:1million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 10 kilometres of the surface of Mars.  Urban Galway together with Galway international arts festival invites you to join us July 14th - 17th on Peresse's plaza Nuns Island.  [further info]

Geographers Prof Frances Fahy and Dr Gary Goggins discuss tackling energy consumption in the most recent edition of Cois  Coiribe [Read]

Maeve McGandy, PhD student in Geography, presented her current research at the International Summer School of Political Ecology at the University of Ljubljana this week. The theme of the week was 'new concepts for just transitions'.

Kathleen Stokes participated the 8th Antipode Institute for the Geographies of Justice in Barcelona this June. Hosted by Antipode Foundation, the UCLA Institute on Inequality and Democracy and La Hidra Cooperativa, the institute brought together movement-based and university-based scholars to consider housing justice, mutual aid and solidarity, and academic power and precarity.

Representing the NUIG-led Energy PROSPECTS project, Dr Benjamin Schmid spoke on “Energy Citizenship; Ideals, Ideology and Ideal types in the Energy Transition” at the 3rd International Conference on Energy Research & Social Science, held June 20-23 in Manchester [More information]

Dr Eugene Farrell writes about the potential benefits of coastal and marine Nature-based Solutions to build climate resilience and tackle key societal challenges in Ireland. Cois Coiribe is a platform for views and opinions from some of our university’s top academics and researchers, demonstrating impact through powerful stories. [Read]    

Postgraduate researchers from across the School of Geography, Archaeology & Irish Studies enjoyed a hybrid writing workshop led my Dr Irina Ruppo from the Academic Writing Centre at NUIG. Great day working through writing challenges with fellow postgrads.

NUIG led Energy PROSPECTS H2020 held it's project meeting and international expert panel workshop on energy citizenship in ULB Brussels from May 29th - June 1st.  Pictured here are NUIG Geographers Prof Frances Fahy and Dr Ben Schmidt

Dr Gary Goggins, Adjunct Lecturer in Geography was an invited speaker at EUGreen Week this May, presenting the Wild Atlantic Nature project.

Dr Eugene Farrell was invited to present his community-based research on 'SDG13 - Climate Action' to the prestigious EuroCoast Zoominar series on Friday 27th May. The lecture ‘Building coastal resilience: one local community directing national policy’ is based on his ongoing research in Ireland and within the European Marine Board working group on 'Coastal Resilience'.

Congratulations to Dr Rachel McArdle and Kate Flood who both won travel bursaries from the GSI to travel to the IGU in Paris in July 2022

Maeve McGandy was awarded a GSI Postgraduate Fieldwork Travel Award at the 2022 Conference of Irish Geographers. This award will support Maeve’s PhD fieldwork in Mayo this summer.

Congrats to Dr Gary Goggins (Adjunct Lecturer in Geography), Prof Frances Fahy and their co-authors on their new publication in the international journal Energy Policy (Citescore 10.1, Impact 6.1):  The role of culture in advancing sustainable energy policy and practice. Link to the article is here.

“We know that Ireland doesn’t have the money to defend the whole coastline and the reality is that the social fabric of rural communities – already tearing at the seams – will break down completely as areas are left to fend for themselves and are eventually abandoned for higher ground,” says Dr Eugene Farrell [Read]

Thanks to our colleagues in UL for hosting a great CIG in Limerick last week. Many of our postgrads and post docs presented this year, and for many the event was their first face to face conference in years!

Dr Kathleen Stokes, Dr Aurianne Stroude and Prof Frances Fahy - present their research findings and hosted workshops with 13 lighthouse cities from across Europe exploring governance and sustainable lifestyles (15-18th May 2022)

A team from Galway attended the First ENLIGHT European Dialogue in Uppsala University May 11th and 12th. The theme was sharing ideas on methodology for collaboration projects between universities and cities. Dr. Mark Justin Rainey, from Geography presented work on Community Conversations on Creative Space with a focus on Nuns Island and Dr. Una Murray attended to meet colleagues on ENLIGHT’s equity workpackage. Presentations from the event are available on the ENLIGHT Youtube channel and slides are published on the ENLIGHT website

Dr Kevin Lynch and the Bertra Connected group are busy this week with Biodiversity Week events. The group has secured Heritage Council funding to develop stewardship of this Natura 2000 site. They will be developing a long term vision by collaborating with all stakeholders in the area, as well as those with interest from further afield. Get involved Events running all summer. Instagram, Facebook & Twitter @bertraconnected

Dr Maura Farrell was one of two Keynote Speakers at the Irish Rural Link 30th Anniversary Conference in Athlone on Friday, 6th May. The conference explored changes in Rural Ireland, past, present, and future and was opened by the Minister Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development. 

Four students (Julia Maine, Ben Ryan, Carlotta Schwoerbel, Brandon Taylor) from MSc Coastal and Marine Environments did a networking event with the Offshore Wind Energy Development Team at Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions at Trinity College on April 21st. As part of the day, the students led a round of the MSP Challenge Game, which invites players to take on various stakeholder roles while working collaboratively to reach important sustainability targets as they plan the future use of their marine and coastal environments. 

As NUI Galway is named the number one university in Ireland for Sustainable Development in Times Higher Education’s (THE) Impact Rankings 2022, and fifth in the world for Responsible Consumption and Production, we take a look at some of the projects leading the way in sustainably at the university. [Read]

Congratulations to BASS student Elizabeth Hunt, of NUI Galway, was named Editor of the Year Award for her work on Ethereal Magazine, the first time the award was given to a magazine editor. [Read]

Ireland is the only island nation without an integrated national coastal plan, and this creates barriers on the ground for communities in dealing with climate change, explains Eugene Farrell. [Read]

The Human Development Report Office of the UNDP published in February this year its Special Report on Human Security: New Threats to Human Security in the Anthropocene (https://hdr.undp.org/en/2022-human-security-report). This major report of 188 pages sets out the intertwined threats of human and environmental security the world is facing. Professor John Morrissey was one of the contributing authors. You can watch a summary of the report here. On 12 April 2022 (2-4pm), the Human Development and Capability Association (HDCA) will hold a webinar on the report, which will feature presentations from the report team leader at the UNDP, Dr Heriberto Tapi, and three of the authors: Andrew Crabtree (Copenhagen Business School) Oscar Gómez (Asia Pacific University) John Morrissey (National University of Ireland, Galway) Webinar registration: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/webinar-on-the-2022-undp-hdro-special-report-on-human-security-tickets-311330336417

You can now watch the 3rd session of NUI Galway's new Rural Voices Seminar Series on the Rural Studies Centre YouTube Channel. Please see: https://youtu.be/01Nv0i0tt5c   This session, entitled 'Exploring social enterprises as rural development actors – potential and limits of their engagement with their places', featured Dr Lucas Olmedo from the Department of Food Business and Development, Cork University Business School, University College Cork and Dr Mara van Twuijver from the Utrecht School of Economics, Utrecht University, Netherlands, who highlighted the potential of rural social enterprises as contributors to rural development through their research analysing the engagement of such enterprises within their local contexts and reflecting on the benefits and limitations of rural social enterprises as partners when contributing to sustainable rural development.   Registration details for the next session, taking place on the 27th of April from 3-4pm, will be released soon.

Participating in a side event panel at the UN Commission on the Status of Women on March 16, Dr. Una Murray spoke about promoting gender-equitable norms to advance women’s empowerment in the context of climate change.  [Further info]The photo includes Minister Roderic O'Gorman, The Irish Ambassador to the UN, Geraldine Byrne Nason, and Marta Lucía Ramirez, Vice President of Colombia and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, with Una in the bottom right of the photo. OECD’s twitter card highlighted the new Masters in International Development Practice available here.

On Friday March 25, Dr Eugene Farrell presented to over 5000 school children aged between 8-12 years in over 250 classrooms around Ireland. The "Meet the Scientist" webinar initiative is part of the START (Schools Teaching Awareness of Randomised Trials) Competition led by Prof Declan Devane and his team in NUI Galway and the Health Research Board-Trials Methodology Research Network. The school children got to learn what geography is, what geographers do and why coastal dunes are important.

Dr Gordon Bromley, supported by Dr Liam Carr, returned to An Teallach in the Scottish Highlands, to continue his research recording the retreat of Scotland’s last ice sheet 17-21k years ago. Over the space of 4 days and 50km, rock samples were collected for further lab analysis back in the PRU. 

As part of International Women's Day, Dr Una Murray and Dr Maura Farrell were featured in interviews in the Irish Farmers Journal and via a Podcast connected to the Journal's Irish Country Living Podcast Series.  The feature explored the gender aspect of agriculture both in Ireland and from an international development perspective.  The podcast can be accessed via the following link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/irishfarmersjournal/the-good-room-2

Helena Tatgenhorst and Katie McGovern, students in the MSc in Coastal and Marine Environments went to Inis Mór to collect data for Helena's thesis. A gorgeous three days was had on the island.  Quadrats were taken at two intertidal sites that are hand harvested by local seaweed harvesters. Helena will return throughout the semester to collect additional quadrat and drone data.

The new five-year Shared Green Deal is funded through the EU’s Horizon2020 scheme with researchers working with families in fuel poverty, schools, housing associations and businesses to cut carbon emissions. The overall project involves 24 separate social experiments - taking place in neighbourhoods across Europe - looking at how organisations and individuals can work together to make daily lives more sustainable. Prof Fahy's team is leading the Clean Energy strand of experiments. The research is intended to assist the EU in reaching the target of carbon neutrality by 2050 and to create change at the local level. [Further info]

Even though we all love our trips to the beach, we seldom give a second thought to how the beach is feeling (stick with me this is going somewhere!). Until that is, we can clearly see the beach or dunes are in a bad state, stressed and battered by winter storms maybe, or just looking a bit dishevelled and in need of some care. While they may not have feelings we can certainly think of them in the sense of being healthy or in bad health. As coastal scientists we try to better understand how they work: what are the factors that support healthy growth, or the causes of deterioration over time. [Read]

Professor John Morrissey was one of the contributing authors to the newly published UN strategy report on human security, New Threats to Human Security in the Anthropocene: Demanding Greater Solidarity. The report sets out the intertwined threats of human and environmental security the world is facing, and the urgent need for global solidarity in the Anthropocene. More from UN News, US Homeland Security, NHK World Japan, Saudi Gazette, Zee News India and Modern Diplomacy, or watch a summary on the report here.

NUI Galway Geography is hosting the Care Peat Peatland Management and Restoration Conference on the 28-29th of April. The conference will demonstrate the state of knowledge and science on peatlands from a policy, management, and restoration perspective, and will bring peatland experts from across the EU. Further information can be found HERE with links to register and submit abstracts.

Drawing on work from environmental education, evaluation, and practitioner research, this paper presents a discussion of programme evaluation practices from the practitioner’s perspective. This paper serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners as it provides a framework to support future evaluations led by practitioner evaluators. [Read]

  The next session of NUI Galway's Rural Studies Centre Seminar Series will feature John Daly, Economist at the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) who will present an overview of NWRA's recent report entitled 'Regional Vacancy and Dereliction Analysis', which has identified just over 44,000 properties that were either vacant or derelict in the Northern and Western Region, accounting for 37% of all empty properties in Ireland.  Date: Wednesday, February 23rd, 2022 Time: 15.00-16.00 Please register in advance for this Zoom meeting here: bit.ly/NUIGSeminar

Gordon Bromley has been awarded a Franklin Research Grant by the Americal Philosophical Society to explore the terrestrial impact of abrupt climate change in Ireland. This project combines cosmogenic geochronology and glacial geomorphology to test how the last glaciers in Kerry (a proxy for temperature) responded to rapid jumps in North Atlantic circulation at the end of the last ice age. 

Dr. Eugene Farrell (with partners Dr Steven Nash, Civil Engineering and Ms. Sheena Fennell, Earth & Ocean Science) received c.€400,000 funding from the Marine Institute to conduct a four-year investigation of the potential benefits of ocean-based NbS in Ireland on mitigating storm impacts by adapting existing wave-morphological models within the Brandon Bay Research Hub. The project also uses the extensive coastal community network available to the team to co-design low-cost citizen science monitoring programmes to systematically monitor coastal changes (topography; vegetation cover; biodiversity richness) in the vicinity of beach-dune NbS’s. 

Dr. Una Murray, Geography is evaluating a UN environmental governance project in support of the SDGs in 5 South-East European countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia).

You can now watch the opening session of NUI Galway's new Rural Voices Seminar Series, launched by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, on the Rural Studies Centre YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/jeUcd8FyyCY President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, delivered the opening address at this event, attended by 94 people, followed by a presentation from Dr Andrew Forde, Head of Rural Strategy and Social Enterprise at the Department of Rural and Community Development. Registration details for the next session, taking place on the 23rd of February from 3-4pm, will be released soon.

Despite Extractivism Exhibition Launch Thursday 20th January. V'cenza Cirefice's visual research on resistance to extractivism is part of this online exhibition and event series exploring the ways in which care, creativity and community persist, exist and resist despite - or because - of extractivism. The Despite Extractivism online exhibition assembles expressions of care, creativity and community from diverse sites of extraction and geographical contexts.   

V'cenza Cirefice and Patrick Bresnihan give the Seminar "The Spatial Injustice of Extractivism in the Sacrifce Zones of Ireland" for the Landscape, Law and Spatial Justice Seminar Series, UCD Sutherland School of Law from 12 noon- 1.30pm on Thursday 27th January. L106 Harty Boardroom. 

The opening session of Rural Voices, the Discipline of Geography's Rural Studies Centre Seminar Series 2022, established in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD), will feature Dr Andrew Forde, who leads on the development and oversight of the implementation of Our Rural Future. This session will focus on the national rural development policy context, the relationship between rural development and Ireland’s economic and social recovery, and the critical importance of prioritising a sustainable rural development agenda against a backdrop of mega trends such as climate change.   Date: Wednesday, January 26th, 2022 Time: 15.00-16.00   You can freely register in advance for this Zoom meeting here

Geography is proud to share that our very own Professor Michael O'Connell has been awarded the 2021 Frank Mitchell Award for Distinguished Service to Quaternary Research and Teaching by the Irish Quaternary Association (IQUA). Named for one of the leading figures in Irish Quaternary studies, Michael's award was announced during the IQUA Autumn Symposium (26th November) by his long-time colleague, Walter Doerfler, after which Michael was presented with a magnificent (and heavy!) sculpture of 5000-year old bog yew set upon engraved stone. Congratulations, Michael, and here's to many more years of Quaternary science!

A new white paper on Carbon Credits and Ecosystem Services has been jointly launched by the EU Carbon-Connects & Care-Peat projects. The analysis found that with the right framework in place it should be possible to finance the restoration of damaged peatlands, implement sustainable/alternative practices on peat soils, significantly reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions and provide a good living for farmers all at the same time. The report includes an analysis of a number of existing Peatland Carbon Credit schemes and accreditation standards and explores the potential of using Carbon Credits and other Ecosystem services to fund Peatland Restoration across Europe on a very large scale. The report also compares incomes from various types of farming common on peatlands across Europe with potential incomes from the sale of Carbon Credits and Ecosystem Services such as water storage and water purification. Download the White Paper Care Peat Website 

Brilliant to see the excellent work of so many of our geographers featured in the University Sustainability Report 

Congrats to Dr Eugene Farrell and all colleagues involved in the Coastal Atlas of Ireland which has just won theJournal.ie 'Best Irish Published Book of the Year 2021

Congratulations to Prof Cathal O'Donoghue, jointly awarded awarded the Miriam Hederman O’Brien Prize for 2020 for research on fiscal policy by the Foundation for Fiscal Studies.

The Moses research team at NUIG, Desiree Farrell, Dr Liam Carr, Prof Frances Fahy and Prof Stephen Hynes featured on RTE this week for their work on the Wild Atlantic Way [Read]

Dr. Terry Morley has recently been awarded a joint DAFM and EPA funded project in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin. The project, called RePEAT will digitise and geo-reference Irish peatland maps from the early 1800’s in order to allow for land use change and emission inventories and explore early environmental histories. The project runs for three years and will support one PhD and RA at NUI Galway and one post-doc at TCD. Further information can be found here

Dr Eugene Farrell received funding from the Office of Public Works to conduct a 12-month coastal research project within the Derrynane Seashore Nature Trail, Co. Kerry in partnership with the local community. The multi-disciplinary study will measure shoreline change in response to storms and biodiversity conservation response to local management interventions within the dune ecosystem. The project will support student dissertations in the 'Coastal and Marine Environments' MSc programme

New blog by Dr Kevin Lynch with videos and links to material to print to help you protect your beach and dunes. [further info]        

Prof Cathal O’Donoghue of the Discipline of Geography and ILAS  has been appointed to World Health Organisation panel of experts for its Well-being Economy Initiative - Fostering a culture of health for all in government recovery plans – building a healthier and fairer future for all. The expert panel will develop a strategy for the WHO in association with its European member states for a post-COVID world.  [Further info}

Congratulations to Prof. Chaosheng Zhang for the “Distinguished Service Award” from International Medical Geology Association (IMGA) in 2021, for exemplary service to IMGA and to Medical Geology. IMGA aims to provide a network and a forum to bring together the combined expertise of geologists and earth scientists, environmental scientists, toxicologists, epidemiologists and medical specialists, in order to characterise the properties of geological processes and agents, the dispersal of geological material and their effects on human populations.

Dr. Una Murray is currently working with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s (UN FAO) Near East and North Africa (NENA) Office on their first edition of a NENA FAO flagship publication on Land and Water Resources, which covers how climate change coupled with the complexities of an increasing urban population is a particular challenge to agri-food systems.

View the Discipline of Geography timetable and year handbooks for 2021/22 here.

Congratulations to our first graduates of the social science programme on their graduation today 24th August, 2021.

We have a new part time vacancy (0.8 FTE, 4 days p/w), an exciting opportunity to work with and international team of leading energy researchers on the H2020 EnergyPROSPECTS European project. If you are a researcher with experience in energy social sciences, energy citizenship, and/ or energy governance, this could be the job for you! This position is funded by the European Commission through the EU’s Horizon 2020 Programme and is available from November 1st 2021 to contract end date of April 30th 2024. Download the full application here. Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm September 8th, 2021. [Further Info]‌

Dr. Eugene Farrell featured in a Sunday Times article (by Ms. Sadbh Cox and Ms. Valerie Flynn, 15 August) asking experts how climate change will impact Ireland.

Dr. Eugene Farrell has multiple contributions in the 'The Coastal Atlas of Ireland' released this week by Cork University Press, 912 pp (€59). Dr. Farrell wrote on themes such as the impact of tides on Irelands coasts, maërl, catchment science and a case study on coastal management via community-led climate actions (Maharees, Co. Kerry).

Dr Terry Morley, Care-Peat Project, NUIG, will lead a site visit to the Care-peat restoration works at Cloncrow, Cloneyheigue and explore the processes involved in Peatland Restoration on a degraded section of raised bog. Saturday 21st August @ 3pm [Further Info}

Explore the wonders of Cloncrow Bog and Village, a rail led by Nuala Maddigan, Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Wednesdaty 18th August 7.00pm at Tyrrellspass Castle [Further Info]‌

Dr Shane Conway, Researcher in the Discipline of Geography’s Rural Studies at NUIG joined Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, James Claffey, National Rural Network Manager and Eileen Delaney from the EIP-AGRI Division of the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) at the FarmPEAT #EIPAgri Project launch that took place on the 29th of July 2021 at Clara Bog Visitor Centre. This project is developing a locally-led, innovative, results-based farm scheme for farmers who manage farmland surrounding some of Ireland’s finest remaining raised bogs. More info here. 

Dr Maura Farrell was recently invited to join the Royal Dublin Society Rural Affairs and Community Inclusion Working Group.  The goal of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee is to promote best practice and efficiency in farming to ensure farm household profitability and sustainability in Ireland.

Undergraduate Kineshia Nic Eiteagáin has published a portion of her dissertation research in RTÉ Brainstorm. The work examined levels of optimism within the Wild Atlantic Way business community at key points throughout the pandemic. Her work was supervised by Dr Liam Carr. [Read]

Dr Eugene Farrell contributed to a radio documentary 'Our Place - A Short Documentary On The Conservation of Maharees" by Ms Linda Fitzgerald that aired on Radio Kerry on July 17th. [Listen]

The Western Development Commission (WDC) have today published summary data from the recent survey of Creative Economy SMEs in the Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon counties. This sector survey was commissioned by the WDC and undertaken by Dr Patrick Collins NUIG (School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies and the Whitaker Institute), under the auspices of the West Regional Enterprise Plan[1]. The survey gathered responses from over 140 Creative Economy businesses and sought to identify and examine the challenges and opportunities they faced during the Pandemic. {Further info}

Prof. John Morrissey has published a new paper in the Journal of Human Security that draws upon the work of Judith Butler in conceptualizing the key challenges of global securitization in the aftermath of COVID-19. The paper theorizes a conjoined sense of human-environmental well-being, and sets out the import of tackling the overarching precarities of our ecologies and societies in strategies of securitization.  

Lalrremorii Alloway,Coastal and Marine Environments MSc student, currently in the field conducting a rapid habitat assessment of lowland hay meadows along the Shannon Callows SAC using scorecards with fellow student Chris Stewart as field assistant.

Geography is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Gary Goggins, Public Awareness Manager, LIFE IP Wild Atlantic Nature; Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as an Adjunct Lecturer in the School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies for a period of three years, commencing on September 1, 2021 – August 31, 2024.

Dr Una Murray (Geography) recently presented at a UNICEF Global Webinar, the results of a formative evaluation she led for a UNICEF programme on migrating children in the Horn of Africa. More details are available here. The webinar was recorded and is available here.

Fixed-term lectureship post in NUIG (Social Geography) Closing date: 5pm on Monday 12th July 2020 {Further Info}]

Dr Shane Conway, Postdoctoral Researcher in the Discipline of Geography’s Rural Studies Unit was recently elected to the International Farm Transition Network’s (IFTN) Board of Directors. Dr Conway is the only member of this board based outside the U.S.A., that includes representatives from the University of Missouri, South Dakota State University, University of Wisconsin–Madison. Founded in 1990, the IFTN is a network of service providers from different professional backgrounds working to assist farm businesses with their successful transition to an identified successor(s). More information can be found here.

A PhD Scholarship is available for four years to further our understanding of how beach-dune systems may be utilised as a nature-based solution for coastal protection.  Closing date for applications: 5pm, Wednesday, 30 June 2021. See full detail here https://mooreinstitute.ie/read/news/.

The European Network for Rural Development (ENRD) held a workshop entitled ‘LEADER – 30 years and preparing for the future: Delivering LEADER’s unique added value’ on the 3rd of June 2021. Dr Shane Conway was invited to speak at the plenary session of this meeting, where he highlighted the LEADER Programme's leading role in supporting community-led local development & innovative bottom-up actions at local level over the past 30 years, and how lessons learned from this successful Programme can help enhance the viability, sustainability and importantly vibrancy of rural Europe moving forward. More information about this workshop can be found here. 

The Whitaker Institute at NUI Galway have produced a new policy brief on a recent paper from the Rural Studies Unit published in the Journal of the European Society for Rural Sociology, Sociologia Ruralis, entitled ‘Going Against the Grain: Unravelling the Habitus of Older Farmers to Help Facilitate Generational Renewal in Agriculture'. This policy brief can be viewed/downloaded here.

The International Farm Transition Network (IFTN) based in the U.S.A. was held their annual conference from the 8th to 10th of June 2021. Dr Shane Conway was invited as a keynote speaker at this event, and presented his research to attendees on the social and emotional issues affecting farmers in later life. The IFTN is a network of service providers from different professional backgrounds across America (e.g., accountants, lawyers, farm managers, ag lenders, extension educators, etc.) working to assist farm businesses with their successful transition to an identified successor(s). More information about this conference can be found here.

Prof Frances Fahy has just been awarded a 5-year H2020 project under the New Green Deal for Europe Call. The Social sciences & Humanities for Achieving a Responsible, Equitable and Desirable GREEN DEAL (SHARED GREEN DEAL) project brings together 22 leading organisations from across the EU including 9 universities, 2 research institutions, 8 network organisations and 2 SMEs. The network partners cover core elements on the European Green Deal cross cutting priorities such as civil society, democracy, gender, energy, environment, circular economy and innovation. NUIG is leading the work programme on 'clean energy' specifically, working with local authorities across Europe to explore and develop community visions of successful and just energy transitions. The project aims to share actions, understandings, evidence, insights, responsibilities and benefits across stakeholders including policymakers and civil society. Issues of inclusivity and diversity are at the heart of the project to particularly account for disadvantaged and vulnerable social groups. This 5 million Euro project is the 4th European project that Frances has been awarded this academic year. 

Dr. Una Murray has completed an evaluation for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on their institutional response to address the migration, environment and climate change nexus. The IOM is the leading UN organization in the field of migration. Dr. Murray’s review was on how the IOM has impacted on and contributed to global and regional policy development including the UNFCCC, as well as examining organisational and cultural changes within IOM with regard to addressing climate change and migration. 

The Fenit Town Hall Dunes Action Group (DAG) was delighted to co-host a World Biodiversity Day Event May 22nd 2021 at the Fenit Island Tombolo. The event was in conjunction with Coastwatch Ireland. [Read]

Congratulations to Dr Chaosheng Zhang, School of Geography, Archaeology & Celtic Studies, who received Mayor’s Award under the category of “Arts, Culture, Heritage & Cúrsaí Gaeilge”. The award was announced by The Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Mike Cubbard in a virtual ceremony held in the evening of May 26.  The annual awards formally recognise the outstanding contributions that local volunteers, community groups and voluntary organisations have made in supporting the residents of Galway City during the past year.  This significant recognition is made to Dr. Zhang for his beautiful photography over the past 12 months capturing Galway at its best & for his kind and generous approach to sharing his creative talent for free with the people of Galway.

New York Times article, A Temporary U.S.-China Trade Truce Starts to Look Durable. Last year’s deal could set the rules for global commerce for years to come, leaving the door open to lavish Chinese subsidies and unilateral American tariffs. [Read]

Congratulations to Frances Fahy and the ENERGISE team on their new publication ‘Challenging practices: experiences from community and individual living lab approaches’ based on the final outputs of their H2020 project. Their open access article published in the May 2021 issue of the international journal Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy and is available to read here: https://doi.org/10.1080/15487733.2021.1902062

John Morrissey has been appointed International Consultant and Policy Advisor on Human Security in the Human Development Report Office (HDRO) of the United Nations. John will help lead an extension of the UN’s human security strategy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic by linking overlapping environmental and social justice concerns in a new vision for human development and global security.

Frances Fahy of NUI Galway's School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies is leading and coordinating the three-year project, EnergyPROSPECTS, exploring the various and challenging aspects of energy citizenship across Europe. Frances welcomed the 9 European partners to the kick off meeting on Wednesday 12th of May and more information on the project is available here.

Prof Frances Fahy and Dr Mary Jo Lavelle have published a Whitaker policy brief arguing that the concept of ‘consumption corridors’ provides a timely lens to initiate discussion and critically consider the potential of ascertaining maximum levels of consumption across Ireland. See full brief here.

John Morrissey writes in RTÉ Brainstorm on how the pandemic has highlighted the strengths of our students: “Students have the ability to passionately critique the world. In the throes of COVID-19, that they can do so from virtual portals in their family homes and student accommodations, denied the intellectual and social currents of everyday university life, is inspiring”.

Congratulations to our colleague Dr Kathy Reilly on her award for the 2020 Teaching Hero Awards. Award winners were announced at the Student Achievement Awards Ireland event on 29 April 2021 [Watch]

The idea that the public should have a say in large scale projects that involve the environment has been around a while. Since the 70s issues like nuclear energy, large dams, pesticide use (to name but a few) have pushed the demand for more public involvement in decision-making. Yet here we are in 2021 and a disgruntled public are still ‘up in arms’. Blog by Dr Kevin Lynch and Axel Leahy, Geography, NUI Galway.  [Read]

RTE Brainstorm article by Dr Kevin Lynch, Geography, NUI Galway. As the Government recently announced the return of inter-county travel from May 10th and is continuing to advise against international travel, it is inevitable that this summer will see an internal migration en masse to our coasts. It is a good time to think about how we might staycation in a more responsible manner this summer [Read]

Dr Gordon Bromley is leading new collaborative research with Dr. Maggie Jackson (Trinity College Dublin) and Dr. Pierre-Henri Blard (Université de Lorraine) that seeks to quantify the effects of geomagnetic variability on cosmogenic nuclide production. The overarching objective of the project is to refine the cosmogenic surface-exposure dating technique that is employed increasingly in cutting-edge palaeoclimate and geomorphic research. This project has been awarded funding by the European Commission's Europlanet programme.

Dr Eugene Farrell presented his research in the Hazard, Risk and Disaster (HRD) Research Lecture Series 2020-21 at Bath Spa University on April 14, 2021. The lecture on "Enablers and barriers to building resilience: a coastal community perspective" is based on Dr Farrell’s experiences working with coastal communities in Ireland and his work within the European Marine Board expert working group tasked with writing a position paper on ’Coastal Resilience’. [Read]

New article by Dr Michael O'Connell 'Advances in the study of post-glacial environmental change with particular reference to western Ireland' [Read]

Congratulations to all our students who were recognised with a Lá na nGradam Scholarship for their academic performance. Within our first year BASS programme (46 students) we had 13 awardees (i.e. just over 28%). Congrats to all involved. https://www.nuigalway.ie/conferring/la-na-ngradam/.

A new research exploring how sustainable practices change the way we relate to the world is being launched by Dr Aurianne Stroude, a postdoctoral researcher at NUI Galway. Participants are asked to do a 4 week journaling (15min each week) & 1 hour interview.  Further info : https://research-relatetotheworld.com/

The NUIG MOSES research team - Liam Carr, Frances Fahy, Desiree Farrell (Geography) Rebecca Corless, Stephen Hynes and Daniel Norton (Economics) - is pleased to announce their latest publication, a Case Study Booklet and Policy Brief - ‘Blue Growth Pathways for Marine and Coastal Tourism Trail Development in the Atlantic Area’, which is available to download from the MOSES website: http://mosesproject.eu/project_outputs/#Reports  

"Maintaining a culture of collaboration will help rural tourism businesses recover after Covid 19" Dr Therese Conway recently featured in Agriland, Irelands Largest farming news Portal. [Read]  

Dr Maura Farrell, took part in the Final Plenary Session of the European Network for Rural Development’s (ENRD) 'Rural Vision Week: Imagining the future of Europe's rural areas'. This online event, supported by the European Commission (DG AGRI), took place from the 22nd to 26th of March 2021. More information about this event, as well as links its various sessions can be found here.    

Dr. Terry Morley (Geography) was recently awarded additional funding for the EU INTERREG Care Peat project as part of a Call For Capitalisation initiative (total ERDF €444,964; Geography: €156,205). The capitalisation project will work toward the development of a unified methodology to assess greenhouse gas emissions from peatlands and engages directly with farmers to develop economically viable rewetting techniques.

Desiree Farrell (PhD researcher under advisement of Dr. Liam M. Carr and Prof. Frances Fahy) presented her work at the 2021 Donegal Marine Tourism Conference. For her doctoral research, Desiree has been exploring how the community and cultural identity of Ireland’s west coast is shaped through the lens of tourism. Her work within the community of Rathmullan, Co. Donegal, is part of the Interreg Atlantic Area Project MOSES examining Blue Growth strategies along Europe’s Atlantic Arc. Her presentation can be seen here

Frances Fahy is presenting the results of the MOSES European project at the 5th International Symposium on the Oceans in National Income Accounts taking place in NUI Galway this week. As the three-year MOSES INTERRG project is drawing to a close in July 2021, Frances’ presentation will explore ‘Blue Growth Pathways for Marine and Coastal Tourism Trail Development in the Atlantic Area’. Presenting on behalf of the NUIG research team – Frances Fahy, Desiree Farrell, Liam Carr (Geography) Rebecca Corless Stephen Hynes and Danny Norton (Economics), the research draws on the case study of the Wild Atlantic Way and presents a community-generated collaborative framework which can assist overcoming barriers and maximise opportunities in sustainable coastal tourism trail development.

Dr Shane Conway’s recent Geographical Society of Ireland (GSI) Doctoral Research Award 2020 for his PhD research completed in 2017 that explored the human dynamics affecting intergenerational farm transfer in later life was recently featured in the Irish Farmers Journal and That's Farming.  An NUI Galway press release on this award can also be found [here].

Congratulations to Dr Mary Jo Lavelle and Prof Frances Fahy on their recent publication in the international journal, Sustainability, Science and Policy. The paper aims to address the dearth of discussion around the concept of maximum levels of consumption. The article proffers that the concept of ‘consumption corridors’ provides a timely lens to initiate discussion and critically consider the potential of ascertaining maximum levels of consumption across Ireland. Consumption corridors demarcate the space for sustainable consumption by defining minimum and maximum consumption standards that permit individuals to satisfy their needs and to live a life they value without impairing the possibility of a good life for other people. The article is open access: Lavelle, M.J. and Fahy, F. (2021) Creating Context for Corridors of Consumption: A case study from Ireland Sustainability, Science and Policy Vol. 17 (1) 62-76 

A new European project exploring sustainable lifestyles across Europe is starting in Geography at NUIG in May 2021. Prof Frances Fahy (Geography, NUI Galway) is the lead Social Scientist on the CAMPAIGNers (Citizens Acting on Mitigation Pathways through Active Implementation of a Goal-setting Network) project which is a new three-year European study which aims to develop a ground breaking new approach that enables citizens to gain real-life experiences with low-carbon behaviours in various domains (e.g. transportation, energy, IT, banking, insurance, food, clothing, etc.). The CAMPAIGNers’ innovative approach will implement a ‘goal-setting network’, where over 100,000 citizens receive and create challenges to try out tailored adaptations to their daily routines. Their responses to these challenges, associated treatments, and short questionnaires will deliver unprecedented data of behavioural processes, (local) barriers to change, and motivators, allowing for empirically-based scientific support of cities in crafting policies to encourage low-carbon lifestyles. Together with local, national and EU policy makers insights are analysed regarding the ‘right-level-to-act’ and policy-ready recommendations are jointly derived. 

Geography at NUI Galway is pleased to announce that two new research posts are currently being advertised on two new exciting H2020 European Research projects: EnergyPROSPECTS and CAMPAIGNers, led by Prof Frances Fahy. More information on the posts can be found at:  https://www.nuigalway.ie/about-us/jobs/researchjobs/

NUI Galway, Geography climate action project to feature as part of Mayo PPN's going Green for St Patrick's Day. Murrisk local Niall Kelly talks about concerns for Bertra Beach and Dunes. He discusses its erosion due to climate change & storm damage. Niall is part of the local action group Bertra Connected (@bertraconnected) who are working with NUI Galway (@ilikedunes), Mayo Co Co, and the NPWS to find ways we can keep Bertra from disintegrating completely. [Further info]‌

A series of webinars providing an introduction to Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for coastal community groups involved in climate adaptation. [Further Info]

Congratulations to Dr. Chaosheng Zhang’s research group for the publication of a paper in a high-impact factor journal Environment International (Impact factor 7.577 in 2019). Title: Discovering hidden spatial patterns and their associations with controlling factors for potentially toxic elements in topsoil using hot spot analysis and K-means clustering analysis. Authors: Haofan Xu, Peter Croot, Chaosheng Zhang.

The Geopolitics and Justice Cluster in Geography and the Irish Centre for Human Rights are hosting an open access webinar from Dr Craig Jones from the University of Newcastle on Thursday, March 25th. Craig will be presenting a talk based upon his new book, The War Lawyers: The United States, Israel and Juridical Warfare(Oxford University Press).  Join Zoom Meeting: https://nuigalway-ie.zoom.us/j/94467296106?pwd=SU82VDhqUzRsZzRyT0VKSVZUM3dhQT09Meeting ID: 944 6729 6106Passcode: 853601

Dr Maura Farrell was an invited speaker at the Leitrim Community Development, Online Community Platform on Wednesday 24th February.  Dr Farrell delivered a presentation related to depopulation issues impacting rural areas.   

Dr. Audrey Morley will be participating as a panel speaker for the IIEA and Department of Foreign Affairs’ public webinar on “Ireland and the Arctic Council” on Monday, 1st March from 2:00 – 3:30 pm.  Web link to register [here].

New publication by Dr Pat Collins, Geography NUI Galway and Dr Dominic Power, Stockholm University titled 'Peripheral visions: the film and television industry in Galway, Ireland' [Read]  

Prof. John Morrissey has published a new paper in Irish Studies in International Affairs that draws upon the work of Michel Foucault on governmentality to critically examine the language of emergency in progressively framing climate security discourse.

Congratulations to Prof Frances Fahy and her colleagues in the University of Helsinki on their new international publication 'The role of practice-based interventions in energy transitions'. The paper outlines a framework for work to scale up practice-based interventions. Published this month in the international journal Energy Research and Social Sciences, the article is available to read here.

Geography at NUIG is the home to a new European H2020 project. Commencing on May 1st, Prof Frances Fahy will lead 9 partners across Europe on the 3 million Euro project EnergyPROSPECTS (PROactive Strategies and Policies for Energy Citizenship Transformation). This new 3-year project will work with a critical understanding of energy citizenship that is grounded in state-of-the-art SSH insights.

Dr Kevin Lynch has started a new Blog. In his own words “I am just going to throw out some ideas from my experiences looking at coastal issues and climate action. There’ll be some updates on projects too, including: Bertra Strand, Mayo; Grattan Beach, Galway; Achill Island's beaches”. [Blog]

Congratulations to the ENERGISE research team led by Prof Frances Fahy on another international publication from the H2020 project results. The paper ‘ Alternative energy imaginaries: implications for energy research, policy integration and the transformation of energy systems’ examines the shortcomings in the contribution of qualitative social sciences and humanities research to tackling challenges connected with energy and climate change. It is published in the March 2021 issue of Energy Research and Social Sciences and is available here.

The Discipline of Geography is delighted to welcome Bronagh Dillon to our team. Bronagh is a researcher with the international CCC -Catapult research team investigating educational, worldview and intercultural influences in young people’s climate and environmental literacy. She is undertaking a PhD in Geographies of Education under the supervision of Dr Kathy Reilly and Prof Frances Fahy. Prior to commencing this PhD, Bronagh completed a MSc in Education, Training and Management (Leadership) in 2020 from DCU. The title of her dissertation was Teachers’ Perceptions of Climate Change Education in Irish Primary Schools. Email address: B.Dillon10@nuigalway.ie

The second lecture of the Spring Lunchtime Lecture Series 2021 will take place Thursday 11th February, 2021.   The lecture will be delivered by Dr Shane Conway, Discipline of Geography, NUI Galway and titled 'Blinkered Vision: Generational Renewal in Agriculture at the Expense of the Older Farmer?'  To join the lecture on Thursday please click this link:  https://nuigalway-ie.zoom.us/j/95579895418

Dr Maura Farrell, recently presented and Chaired, The Embassy of Ireland in Mexico’s ‘St Brigid’s Day: A Celebration of Women in Agriculture in Ireland and Mexico’ webinar. The event took place online to a large audience in both Ireland and Mexico  [further info]

The first lecture of the Spring Lunchtime Lecture Series 2021 will take place Thursday 4th February, 2021.   The lecture will be delivered by Dr Mark Rainey and Dr Pat Collins, Discipline of Geography, NUI Galway and titled 'Imaging Galway: A Look through its Urban Past' [further info]

Dr Maura Farrell featured on RTE’s Eco Eye programme on the 5th of January speaking about the key opportunities and challenges facing rural Ireland.  The programme raised many issues regarding future planning issues relevant to rural Ireland, matters which are key to the MA in Rural Future Planning and Innovation:   [further information on this MA]

The research forms part of the ENNET Project which explores the role of networking and social capital in rural communities.  Following the publication of the article Dr Therese Conway was invited on the Joe Finnigan Show to discuss the impact of Covid 19 on Rural Areas further.  Podcast available here.

Dr Eugene Farrell and colleagues in NUIG (Ms Sheena Fennell, EOS; Dr Stephen Nash, Civil Engineering) have partnered with the Marine Institute and SEAI to deploy a long term wave monitoring buoy in Brandon Bay, Co. Kerry. Dr Farrell states "We want to improve existing coastal change models by developing better insights into why does change occur and how much change will occur if we dial up climate projections for rising sea levels and storminess. To answer these questions we require process-response coastal models and these are only possible if nearshore observations from wave buoys such as the one in Brandon Bay are deployed over long time periods to capture all the seasons." [further info]  

Congratulations to Dr Shane Conway, Postdoctoral Researcher in the Discipline of Geography's Rural Studies Unit at NUI Galway, who was recently announced as the winner of the Geographical Society of Ireland's Doctoral Research Award 2020 for his widely published research on the human side of farm succession and retirement in later life.

A new video by the European Commission's EIP-AGRI Service Point features Dr Shane Conway, Researcher in the Discipline of Geography's Rural Studies Unit at NUI Galway and the Irish National Rural Network (NRN), speaking about the value of the EIP-AGRI model's multi-actor approach in helping to bring about innovation and sustainability at farm level. This video was released at the 7th Rural Networks Assembly meeting on the 4th of December 2020.  You can view the video here.

Gordon Bromley is part of a new project led by former NUIG Geography postdoc, Maggie Jackson (TCD), that has been funded by Geological Survey Ireland (Short Call 2020 programme) to establish a high-resolution record of cryospheric change in the Wicklow Mountains during the last glacial-interglacial transition (or ‘termination’). This project, titled ‘Abrupt Climate Change in Ireland: Redefining our climate future through a lens of high-resolution glacial reconstruction’, will employ cosmogenic-nuclide dating of glacial deposits (to be conducted at NUIG and UMaine) and snowline reconstruction to quantify past abrupt climate shifts, providing data that, ultimately, will be used as targets for model simulations of Ireland’s future climate. 

MA-ESD Graduate, Matina Granieri, has begun a new role in Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability, leading an innovative environmental and climate justice program for the city. Matina won the Neil Smith Award on the MA-ESD and returned to her home city of Philadelphia in 2019. She recently wrote to MA-ESD Programme Director, John Morrissey, to say a lovely thank you to all colleagues who supported her on her Masters in Galway: “I’m humbled by the opportunity to help shape Philadelphia’s new environmental and climate justice programme. I find myself frequently falling back on what I learned on the MA-ESD program to guide my decisions, and feel well equipped with the critical mindset needed to engage with government systems while attempting to center human well-being. So, I'm sending many thanks for all the foundational materials you shared and the critical thinking you asked of us”.

Gordon Bromley is heading a new collaborative project, funded by Geological Survey Ireland (Short Call 2020 programme), entitled ‘Quantifying Ireland’s Dust Bowl: An interdisciplinary assessment of potential loess genesis, deposition, and dynamics in the Burren’. Involving partners at Uppsala University, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, and NUIG (Geography and EOS), these 14 month-long investigations will employ geochemistry, geochronology, and geomorphology to explore the origins and climatic significance of wind-blown sedimentary deposits in the Burren, Co. Clare. This is part of a larger ongoing project into the terrestrial manifestation of abrupt climate change in the North Atlantic basin.

Geography’s I Like Beaches project has been busy during the current COVID-19 restrictions. It has led 12 ‘outdoor classroom’ events on the beaches of Salthill, with nearly 150 students from 4 local schools learning about beach and dune process, and how these may contribute to climate change adaptation. The socially-distanced activities will continue after the Christmas break, drawing in a wider range of interested stakeholders as the year progresses. (Contact: kevin.lynch@nuigalway.ie) 

On Monday December 14th from 2.00pm to 4.15pm the RURALIZATION conference ‘Facilitating our Future Farmers: National and International Perspectives’ will be held online via Zoom. Among the aims of the four-year RURALIZATION project is to identify and assess innovative ways to facilitate new entrants into farming, succession and access to farmland. Most farmers in the EU are aged over 55 and only a small proportion are below age 35. Supporting generational renewal is one objective of the CAP post 2020. There are however many complex issues impacting generational renewal, such as farm viability, ease of farm transferability, the need for greater succession planning, access to farmland and the human dynamics involved. This conference brings together researchers and practitioners to explore how we can enable our future farmers gain access to farmland and the farming sector.  This online conference is co-hosted by the RURALIZATION project at NUI Galway Rural Studies and the National Rural Network.  The RURALIZATION project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 817642.  Find Our MoreRegister

A research team from the Discipline of Geography at NUI Galway is part of a consortium that have won a competitive international research funding award of €1.38 million under the JPI Climate SOLSTICE initiative to explore how young people across Europe experience the climate crisis. [Further Info]

Eugene Farrell is part of an NUIG team that received €29,909 funding from Geological Survey Ireland (Short Call 2020 programme) for a 14 month project titled “Linking ocean model predictions with coastal impacts using a low cost, time-lapse camera shoreline monitoring system”. Eugene and the team(Dr Stephen Nash, Civil Engineering; Ms Sheena Parsons EOS)  that will test a low-cost shoreline monitoring system using fixed, time-lapse cameras in Brandon Bay, Co. Kerry. Images will be captured at high frequency (every 10 mins) and analysed to determine wave run-up and shoreline elevation changes. The results will be used to validate a coupled tide-wave-morphological modelling system that is under development in a separate project.

Dr Eugene Farrell was recently invited to be part of the European Marine Board (EMB) Working Group on ‘Coastal Resilience’. The EMB is the leading European think tank in marine science policy focussed on advancing marine research and bridging the gap between science and policy. The Working Group is tasked with writing a position paper during 2021 to provide an overview of the current state of the art in methods and tools for coastal resilience and identify knowledge gaps for future challenges. The research will inform EU policy and promote science-based decision making in coastal conservation, restoration, habitat and biodiversity management.

Coastal Change, Climate Adaptation and Mitigation, Free 3-day webinar on the 17th-19th November, See here: [Programme] [Registration]  

Dr John Morrissey has published a new paper with Yairen Jerez Columbié in Territory, Politics, Governance on climate resilience and human security in the Caribbean. By analysing the climate security practices of Cuba, and by interrogating the genealogy of the broader Caribbean’s hurricane culture, the paper shows how an effective human security vision for climate justice and resilience can be achieved by recognizing and integrating the valuable forms of locally attuned knowledge that continue to emerge and coalesce in vulnerable geographies.

Dr Kathy Reilly has published a new book working with co-editors Dr Lisa Moran (Edgehill University, UK) and Dr Bernadine Brady (School of Political Science and Sociology, NUI Galway). This new volume draws together scholarly contributions from diverse, yet interlinking disciplinary fields, with the aim of critically examining the value of narrative inquiry in understanding the everyday lives of children and young people in diverse spaces and places. Incorporating insights from sociology, geography, education, child and youth studies, social care, and social work, the collection emphasises how narrative research approaches present storytelling as a universally recognizable, valuable and effective methodological approach with children and young people. The chapters point to the diversity of spaces and places encountered by children and young people, considering how young people ‘tell tales’ about their lives, highlighting the multidimensionality of narrative research in capturing everyday lived experiences. [Read]

The European research project MOSES involving NUIG Geographers Desiree Farrell, Liam Carr and Frances Fahy seeks to understand and quantify the sustainability dimension of Blue Growth with respect to the potential environmental impacts of key strategic marine sectors across the EU Atlantic Arc member states.  The project is now in the final year and as part of the dissemination of results the team has organised an international Webinar series. Each participating country will host a webinar and NUI Galway is hosting the first in the series on Tuesday 17 November at 1pm  via Zoom.   The webinar will include presentations on: An Introduction to the Wild Atlantic Way -Daithí Gallagher, Fáilte Ireland Wild Atlantic Way tourists: A survey of spending, activities and attitudes - Daniel Norton, NUI Galway Building a sustainable marine tourism trail through community voices: Rathmullan, Co. Donegal - Desiree Farrell, NUI Galway  The MOSES Project is funded by the EU INTERREG Atlantic V Programme (2014 to 2020), Priority 4 Enhancing Biodiversity and the Natural and Cultural Assets

Congratulations to Dr. Chaosheng Zhang, who is featured on Galway Advertiser’s ‘Galway Entertainment Guide’ on October 22, 2020. In an interview with Galway Advertiser, Dr. Zhang talked about his experience of linking geography and photography. “To take good photos, you need to learn geography! This is my personal experience,” Dr. Zjhang says. “Geography is about people and space, as well as time. First and most importantly, you need to know where you can find beautiful sceneries,” and then “you need to be at the right place at the right time, and this is really challenging!”  Click here for the link to the full article in Galway Advertiser.

The MSc in Coastal and Marine Environments spent two successful days aboard the RV Celtic Voyager, conducting preliminary research on Galway Bay water quality and searching for microplastics. The annual cruise, now in its 6th year, is supported by the Marine Institute.

Dr Shane Conway, Researcher in the Discipline of Geography's Rural Studies Unit at NUI Galway chaired a session at this year’s Burren Winterage School AIP-AGRI Symposium on the solutions tested and lessons learned from Ireland's innovative EIP-AGRI projects to date. The use of these EIP-AGRI learnings to inform the new CAP Strategic Plan was also explored at this event, held virtually via Zoom on the 21st of October 2020. More information about the Burren Winterage School can be found here.

Congratulations to Dr. Chaosheng Zhang who is having a photo exhibition in Eyre Square Shopping Centre in Galway City, organized by Galway City Council. This is the first in a series of exhibitions under the Government’s art and culture ‘Getting Through Covid-19 Together’ campaign opens from October 15. Since 2017, Dr. Zhang has been taking photos of the city and around the NUI Galway campus. His photos have been used in various publications at the university and by business groups, and are also widely shared on social media.

Dr Maura Farrell was an invited speaker on the 13th October by the European Commission during the European Week of Regions and Cities to a session on the Long Term Vision of Rural Futures 2040.  Maura presented on Socially Inclusive Rural Futures.  In the afternoon, Maura was invited to take part in an open on-line discussion with EU Vice- President, Dubravka Šuica (Democracy and Demography); Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski (Agriculture and Rural Development) and Commissioner Elisa Ferreira (Cohesion and Reforms).  The sessions were moderated by the European Network for Rural Development. 

John Morrissey has published his fifth book, Haven (Edward Elgar 2020). It presents a transformative understanding of security in responding to the Mediterranean refugee crisis by drawing critically on the UN concept of ‘human security’. From a range of Arts, Humanities and Social Science disciplines, and through case studies incorporating key governmental, NGO and refugee perspectives, the book critiques the major geopolitical, economic and social issues of the crisis. It documents the prioritisation of population management techniques that are underpinned by conventional territorial logics of security, before considering the alternative priorities of human security that can facilitate an active human rights framework and a more holistic and humanitarian interventionism. In advancing a human security approach to the crisis, the book interrogates the human consequences of conflict and displacement, challenges the impoverished thinking of statist security agendas that divide the world into zones of sanctuary and abandonment, and reflects critically upon our interconnected global sense of precarity, particularly so in our COVID-19 world.

Congratulations to Dr. Chaosheng Zhang, who is the winner of the Photography Competition of ‘Best Things in Life are Free’ organised by Galway Advertiser. The competition was launched on World Photography Day, August 19th, and ran until 17th September. There were over 600 competition entries and the stunning photo of the sunrise on the Long Walk from Dr. Zhang is the winning photo. The photo is published on Galway Advertiser of October 1.

Dr Maura Farrell was recently appointed to the European Network for Rural Development Thematic Group, which will contribute to developing the EU 'Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas' announced by the President of the European Commission

Press release recently published by the Marine Institute, that summarizes Dr Audrey Morley's survey in the Nordic Seas on the Celtic Explorer [Read].   Please see here a video compilation of the survey.

Dr Shane Conway, Researcher in the Discipline of Geography's Rural Studies Unit at NUI Galway presented how lessons learned from Ireland's existing 23 EIP-AGRI Operational Groups are helping to build future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) interventions in an Irish context on the final day of the EIP-AGRI online seminar on 'CAP Strategic Plans: the key role of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems in Member States'. EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, also spoke at this seminar that took place from the 16th to 18th of September 2020. The programme for this event can be viewed/downloaded here.

Dr Eugene Farrell and Ms Sheena Fennell (Senior Technician, Earth & Ocean Sciences NUIG & Ryan Institute) deployed an AWAC and ADCP in nearshore (15m) Brandon Bay Co Kerry last week as part of the ongoing coastal monitoring programme that focuses on The Maharees. The ocean observations are in partnership with the Marine Institute. The wave and current data will assist in validating a numerical model of the hydrodynamics of the bay which in being developed by Mr Andi Egon (PhD candidate) in Civil Engineering NUIG with Dr Stephen Nash. The model will support coastal erosion management decisions. Sincere thank you to Dr Martin White (EOS)  for loaning the sensors to the project. 

This paper presents the longest terrestrial record of ice sheet volume on the Antarctic continent yet constructed. We used multiple cosmogenic nuclides to date relict moraines in the Transantarctic Mountains to show that the massive East Antarctic Ice Sheet has persisted on the landscape in more-or-less its current configuration for at least 15 million years, and may have been thicker than present during periods of relatively warm climate. [Read]  

An infographic of Ireland's 23 EIP-AGRI Operational Group projects, produced by the NRN team at NUI Galway, Dr Shane Conway and Dr Maura Farrell, is featured in the 7th edition of the EIP-AGRI Service Point's Agrinnovation magazine (p.6). This new publication also includes a piece from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) about how these projects are supporting the design of future policy measures. You can view/download this magazine here.

Dr. Chaosheng Zhang had an online photography exhibition during NUI Galway Virtual Summer Festival, August 23-26, 2020 (www.nuigalwayevents.ie).  Dr. Zhang’s photography was featured in the newspaper Galway City Tribute dated August 28, 2020.  From 2017, Dr. Zhang has been taking beautiful photos Galway and campus of NUI Galway. His photos have been used in various publications at the University and widely shared on social media. Four calendars have been published based on his photos. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Zhang made 10 of his photos publicly available via social media for free downloading.

Congratulations to Dr. Chaosheng Zhang!! Two photos taken by Dr. Zhang were used by Irish television TG4 in the weather forecast program on September 1, 2020. One photo was reflections of sunrise over the Claddagh, Galway, and the other one was Dunquin Pier of Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry. [Photos]

Dr. Chaosheng Zhang and his PhD student Haofan Xu published a paper titled ‘Investigating spatially varying relationships between total organic carbon contents and pH values in European agricultural soil using geographically weighted regression’ in Science of the Total Environment. The journal is an internationally famous journal in environmental sciences. [Read]

Most recent Irish Quaternary Association (IQUA) Newsletter (No. 64: 08/2020) now available here: Included is a list of recent publications relating to the Quaternary in Ireland. Congratulations to Adrienne Foreman who is mentioned as Eileen Reilly IQUA award recipient.

Dr Eugene Farrell and Ms Emily Rick (MSc student in Coastal and Marine Environments 2019-2020)  published a review in Ocean Focus (Summer 2020 edition - available via subscription). The article "Kelp: a nature-based solution for coastal protection?" examines if the unique traits of kelp (durability, size, age, resilience and biomass density) make it suitable as a potential long-term coastal protection strategy in Ireland. They also discuss "the driftweed dilemma" which describes ongoing conflicts between beach users of how to manage the large volumes of discarded and living kelp washed onshore during storms. [Read]  

Evolution of Ireland’s Industrial, Science and Technology Policy examines the evolution of industrial, science and technology policy from a small country perspective. In particular, the monograph focuses on the evolution of Irish industrial development, the develop of Irish industrial cluster with a distinct focus on the case of the medical technology cluster in the West of Ireland. The monograph reflects on the future industrial, science and technology policy considerations that Ireland as a small open economy needs to focus on in order to evolve, maintain, and grow its international industrial, science, and technology reputation and standing. 

"Extracting Us" is an online exhibition and conversation on the feminist political ecologies of extractivism, going live on the 3rd August.  A launch event takes place on the 13th August.  V'cenza Cirefice, PhD in the geography department, is featured in this exhibition. 

Dr Eugene Farrell was part of two special reports in the Irish Examiner as part of Ocean Week 2020. The reports describe the work of coastal communities in Kerry and Cork to combat erosion and the challenges of implementing new climate action policies within existing planning structures. [Read article 1]  [Read article 2]

Dr Shane Conway, Researcher in the Discipline of Geography's Rural Studies Unit at NUI Galway, was recently featured in the Irish Farmers Journal (23rd of July, 2020) advocating for the social and emotional needs of the older generation of the farming community to be taken into account in light of calls for a new Early Retirement Scheme for farmers. Dr Conway also condemns the previous scheme in 2007 requesting older farmers to ‘cease agricultural activity forever’ in this piece. [Read] 

The winners of the President’s Awards for Teaching Excellence 2020 were announced last week and our colleagues, Dr Therese Conway, Dr Mike Hynes, and Professor Frances Fahy won the Team Teaching Award. Congratulations to the all the nominees and award winners.

The NRN team at NUI Galway, Dr Shane Conway and Dr Maura Farrell, ran a ‘LEADER Programme Promotion Week’ on the NRN's social media channels from the 29th of June to the 5th of July 2020. This pioneering initiative provided rural communities and entrepreneurs with an in-depth insight into the LEADER Programme 2014-2020, and also helped future applicants conceptualise their ideas and see what is possible through LEADER’s unique ‘bottom up’ community-led approach to rural development, particularly as they prepare to rebuild, redevelop and re-energize as part of Ireland’s Covid-19 crisis recovery response. Please click here for further info.

Dr Gordon Bromley and Dr Maggie Jackson have been awarded a higher education teaching grant by the European Geophysical Union for their project 'The Great Irish (Virtual) Glacial Tiki Tour'. This project will deliver a teaching package comprising virtual tours of glacial geomorphological features and the impact of glaciers in Ireland. [Further info]

'Imposing a Lockdown is much easier than lifting one'    Galway Film Fleadh animated film by Dr Pat Collins, Geography, NUI Galway. [watch]

Dr John Morrissey, Geography NUI Galway, writes on the global governance challenge of human security in our COVID-19 world. [Read]

Jeffrey Black, Dakota Holmes (both 2017-18 MSc graduates) and Dr Liam Carr have published their research, 'A Geography of Marine Plastics' in Irish Geography. The paper reviews the geography of marine plastics research, and the pervasive and persistent effects of plastic on the marine system to aid the discussions of comprehensive mitigation measures. The discussion points raised in this paper highlight the need for a global systems perspective that considers geography, environmental impacts, and sources in order to develop effective mitigation responses to marine litter Dakota is currently a Hardiman Phd Scholar under the advisement of Audrey Morley, while Jeffrey is beginning his doctoral studies at Colorado State University with Dr Rebecca Gruby, focusing on marine conservation and governance in the global tropics.

Geography at NUI Galway is delighted to welcome Dr Aurianne Stroude to the Discipline. Funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, Dr Stroude will be working with Professor Frances Fahy on an 18 month research project focusing on sustainable practices with a view to understanding how they contribute to transforming the relation to the world of the people performing them. According to Aurianne ‘my idea is to analyse the different elements of specific social practices (food consumption, mobility and zero waste living) and to analyse their effects on the way people experience the world (passive relation) and the way they appropriate it or assimilate it (active relation)’. Welcome to Geography at NUI Galway Aurianne!

Congratulations to all of our students who recently received awards in the post from the University, as the 2020 NUI Galway Lá na nGradam(Awards Day) ceremony had to be cancelled this year. 16 of the 38 students about to embark on the 4th year of the new Applied Social Science Degree and 9 of the 41 students about to enter 3rd year BASS were honoured for their first class performances in the previous year of the BASS Programme - a remarkable achievement, congrats to all!

Dr John Morrissey, Geography, NUI Galway, was commissioned to write a political ecology critique of the COVID-19 pandemic in Transforming Society, one of the UK’s biggest lobby forums endeavouring to bring expertise and ethics to UK government policy. [Read]

This year the Burrenbeo Trust Learning Landscape Symposium is going online from 8th - 11th July. Addressing the theme of 'the importance of valuing your local place in a post-Covid world', some of the leading experts who will speak at the event include Richard Louv – journalist and author of Last child in the woods; Katalin Czippán – deputy chair of Commission on Education and Communication (CEC) of the IUCN; David Sobel – author and environmentalist who pioneered the Place-Based Education movement; and, Paddy Madden – educationalist, author and founder member of Engage with Nature.  [Further details]  [Register free]  

New publication by Dr Pat Collins,Geography, NUI Galway in Sciendo [Read]

Ongoing research collaboration between Geography at NUI Galway (Dr. Liam Carr and Desiree Farrell) and the community of Rathmullan, Co. Donegal has been featured on Highland Radio. The radio interview represents an example of community stakeholders demonstrating ownership in the research process. The study is nearing its final phase, and has been examining the impacts of the Wild Atlantic Way on the community of Rathmullan. [listen] 

Looking for new ways to keep the kids occupied during the COVID lockdown? Check out the The Ryan Institute Nature at Home series (@NatureAtHomeIE). Learn through simple exercises about about birdsong, pond life & bugs [here], and if you have a beach near by, about beach erosion [here].

The Rural Studies Cluster is part of the RURALIZATION Horizon 2020 project.  RURALIZATION is based around the idea that a process of ‘ruralisation’ can change development patterns in rural areas overcoming population and economic decline and generating new opportunities. To foster the ruralisation process across Europe, we need new policy-relevant knowledge, which the RURALIZATION project will generate. For updates on the project, check out the latest newsletter [here]  

Dr Shane Conway and Dr Maura Farrell in the Discipline of Geography's Rural Studies Unit have produced a new Video Blog (Vlog) series on behalf of the Irish National Rural Network (NRN) featuring farmers who are participating in Ireland's 23 EIP-AGRI projects located throughout the country. You can view the video here.

During this time of disruption, widespread suffering and elevated outrage about the racial and economic injustices of our societies, the SCORAI community will be coming together this week (June 10-12th) for the 4th International SCORAI conference focusing on Sustainable Consumption and Social Justice in an Urbanizing World.  Chaired by Prof Frances Fahy from NUI Galway and Prof Jennie Stephens from Northeastern University Boston, this virtual conference provides us with a valuable opportunity to share ideas and catalyze transformative change:  https://cssh.northeastern.edu/scorai2020/  We have an inspiring program that will engage directly with the transformative moment we are in.  The conference will open on Wednesday June 10th with a keynote reflection by Esteban Kelly, a visionary leader of the solidarity economy and Executive Director of the US Federation of Worker Cooperatives. This will be followed by a keynote presentation by Sherilyn MacGregor from Manchester University on integrating social justice into sustainable consumption work to set the stage for the rest of the conference.  The exciting conference program then has multiple parallel sessions on a wide diversity of issue areas, additional inspiring keynotes, yoga classes for all conference participants each day, and an art exhibit that critically examines issues of consumption.  With over 340 researchers, activists, and practitioners already registered from 33 countries, and 6 continents, the conference has representatives from all the SCORAI hubs across the globe.  More information is available here: https://cssh.northeastern.edu/scorai2020/

Dr John Morrissey’s piece in ZNet, one of the biggest e-magazines on the Left in the US, on the origins of COVID-19, the excesses of late modern capitalism and how we might govern and live differently [Read].

Research by Dr Shane Conway in the Discipline of Geography's Rural Studies Unit on the various emotional and social factors governing the behaviour patterns and attitudes of older farmers facing the ‘twin processes’ of farm succession and retirement has recently been featured on the International Farm Transition Network (IFTN) website based in the U.S.A.  You can read this article here.

Research carried out on the human side of farm succession and retirement in later life by Dr Shane Conway, Researcher in the Discipline of Geography's Rural Studies Research Cluster at NUI Galway has recently been featured in the Agricultural Economics section of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln website in the U.S.A. Please see: https://agecon.unl.edu/international-perspectives-farm-succession-and-retirement-later-lifeThis research gives voice to the older farmer's position in the Generational Renewal narrative.As demographic trends in many parts of the U.S.A., Europe and beyond reveal an inversion of the age pyramid with those aged 65 years and over constituting the fastest growing sector of the farming workforce, the recommendations set forth in this research from NUI Galway are equally as applicable and relevant in the U.S.A. as they are in an Irish context

Join us for NUI Galway's Virtual Open Day today! It is the perfect opportunity to talk us about studying Geography at NUI Galway. Join us live from 12-3pm at www.nuigalway.ie/opendays #NUIGalwayLive

Now entering the end of year one, the Horizon 2020 RURALIZATION project General Assembly meeting was held online on April 22nd and 23rd. The Rural Studies Cluster lead work on the project’s research and innovation framework. Dr Aisling Murtagh and Dr Maura Farrell led the session to evaluate current work and future steps related to the research and innovation framework. The meeting also included a dedicated session on the consequences of COVID-19 for the project’s work and future research focus. Find more information here. You can also stay up to date with the project by signing up the newsletter.

Dr Shane Conway, Researcher in the Discipline of Geography's Rural Studies Unit has recently been selected as Ireland's National Expert on a new two and a half-year project supported by the European Commission (DG AGRI) entitled 'Smart Rural 21'. This project aims to promote and inspire villages to develop and implement smart village approaches and strategies across Europe, and to draw conclusions and support future CAP interventions on smart villages. 17 villages are selected across Europe to receive guidance and technical support through the project. 5 villages have already been selected in Ireland (Dingle, Co. Kerry), Finland, France, the Czech Republic and Greece, and a further 12 villages will be selected up until the 5th of May 2020.   Rural communities can submit their expression of interest to participate in this project here.

New Whitaker Policy Brief by Dr Liam Carr & Eoin ÓFátharta. Discipline of Geography, 'The Economic Value of Outdoor Recreation on a Coastal Beach and Dune System in Ireland’s Southwest'  [Read]

Brainstorm article from Geography staff and students highlighting the value of the Irish coastal ecosystem & need for a coherent national investment policy for communities along the Wild Atlantic Way. [READ]

Nominees for this year's National Farming for Nature Awards have just been released. This inspiring initiative is now in its third year and aims to source and share stories of farmers across Ireland who are adjudged to be managing their land and livestock in a way that really benefits nature in their area. Dr Shane Conway, Researcher in the Discipline of Geography's Rural Studies Unit is on the judging panel for this award.  You can read a short extract about each of the nominees here

Congratulations to Galway Doctoral Research Scholar Adrienne Foreman who received the Eileen Reilly research award. The award is for postgraduate members of IQUA in memory of Eileen Reilly, an Irish Quaternary scientist, for training courses, conference attendance, laboratory analysis or fieldwork. Adrienne will be using the award for laboratory analysis (cosmogenic nuclide surface exposure dating)  

A virtual seminar was held on the coronavirus crisis in the Moore Institute on Thursday 3rd April.  The speakers were Dr John Morrissey (Geography), Dr Nessa Cronin (Irish Studies), Dr Kevin O’Sullivan (History) and Dr Pádraic Moran (Classics). It was streamed live on Facebook [watch]

A consortium of 23 organisations, led by the Greifswald Mire Centre, National University of Ireland Galway (Dr. Terry Morley and Niall O’Brolchain) and the Wetlands International European Association, call on the preservation of peatlands in the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy. The position paper, part of an INTERREG NWE Project: Care Peat draws on the links between climate change, agriculture and peatland conservation. As agriculture is one of the main causes for peatland drainage, the paper focuses on the potential of the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to reduce this degradation.[further info]

In June 2020, Prof Frances Fahy will be Co-Chairing the 4th International SCORAI conference on sustainable consumption on behalf of the international Sustainable Consumption Research and Action Initiative (SCORAI) and Northeastern University in Boston. The theme for the 4th International SCORAI conference is Sustainable Consumption & Social Justice in an Urbanizing World. The world has changed dramatically since we began planning this conference many months ago, and we have shifted the conference format to be online only. We are grateful to have the opportunity to transition to a fully digital conference format that will reduce our collective consumption while preserving vitally important sharing of ideas.For more details and to register for this conference please visit our website

A short peice by Dr. John Morrissey as part of the Haven Project, ‘We are all waiting now: the new global sense of precarity’    [Read] 

Frances Fahy’s research focuses on sustainable consumption and along with 7 of her international colleagues (in Canada, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, the UK, Mexico, Hong Kong and the USA) she has established a new research project - Consumption and wellbeing in the time of Covid: We are living in interesting times. The Coronavirus is changing the way we interact, teach, study, work and consume. In response to this, Frances is working with 1st and 3rd year BASS students, inviting them to reflect on changes that are taking place in their everyday lives. In this process they are bringing together students from around the globe who may be living similar experiences. They hope that through this experience they can learn together how our consumption is changing, how our views of the world are changing, and what this means in relation to our wellbeing.  For more information or to join the study please email frances.fahy@nuigalway.ie

Read the Geography Newsletter, 30th March, 2020

Read the Geography Newsletter, 23rd March, 2020

Congratulations to Dr. Chaosheng Zhang, who has recently been appointed as an Associate Editor of Journal of Geochemical Exploration. The journal is dedicated to the publication of research studies that cover new developments in the application of analytical geochemistry and geoinformatics. Dr. Zhang already holds three other editorial positions: Section Editor of Data in Brief, Coordinating Editor of Environmental Geochemistry and Health; Editorial Board member of The Science of the Total Environment.

Congratulations to Natasha Keenaghan who successfully defended her PhD thesis in February 2020. Drawing from perspectives in geography and media studies Natasha’s thesis examines the role of NGOs in changing public attitudes towards distant humanitarian crises. Natasha’s thesis was examined by Professor Rob Kitchin (Maynooth University) and was supervised by Dr Kathy Reilly (Geography, NUIG)

Dr Maura Farrell and Dr Shane Conway presented the aims, objectives, practices and progress of Ireland’s 23 locally-led EIP-AGRI Operational Groups to a group of students from the University of Paris Seine and the University of Cergy-Pontoise in France, studying a Master's degree in European and International Studies who recently visited NUI Galway. This is another example of the Rural Studies Unit's continued efforts to increase the impact and international awareness of research projects being carried out in the Discipline of Geography at NUI Galway. 

Read the Geography Newsletter, 9th March, 2020 [download]

Read the Geography Newsletter, 2nd March, 2020 [download] 

On Friday, 28th February 2020, Dr Audrey Morley and Dakota  Holmes went to the Iveagh House in Dublin to launch the Network of Arctic Researchers in Ireland (NARI) with the Marine Institute and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. [further info]    

This Saturday 29th February,  Dr Pat Collins, Geography, NUI Galway wil take part in Ireland’s Edge which  returns to Ballina bringing together a compelling range of voices that span diverse disciplines, sectors and industries to discuss Ireland; where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we want to go. [Further Info]

Read the Geography Newsletter, 24th February, 2020 [download]

Learn more about the RURALIZATION Horizon 2020 project in its first newsletter. This includes a special feature on the Rural Studies Cluster who are part of the project.  [Read]

Read the Geography Newsletter, 17th February, 2020 [download]

Sunday Independent article: "Analysis confirms north Mayo Ceide Fields dates back 6,000 years, making it older than the pyramids" [READ][READ]

Dr Eugene Farrell was interviewed by Finnish journalist Mr Hannu Taavitsainen on coastal research he was conducting in Ireland last summer. Hannu has written a short article for the Finnish Association of Science Editors and Journalists. The finnish journalist was very interested in learning about Dr Farrell’s experience with coastal communities and the search for management solutions (e.g. dune fencing in article picture). Hannu was also very impressed with the CIG 2019 / EUGEO conference organised by staff members Dr Kathy Reilly and Dr Frances Fahy. [Read]

Dr Shane Conway, Researcher in the Discipline of Geography's Rural Studies Unit featured in a recent episode of RTÉ’s Ear to the Ground, where he discussed the importance of part-time farming, not only to the survival, continuity and future prosperity of the Irish agri-food industry, but also to the broader sustainability, viability and vibrancy of rural society, by incentivizing such farmers and their families to live and work in their local community.  You can view a clip of Shane discussing the intrinsic link between farming and rural sustainability here.  The full version of this particular episode of Ear to the Ground can be found on the  RTÉ Player (Season 27, Episode 11).

Intergenerational Considerations for Generational Renewal Policy Strategies' research by Dr Shane Conway Dr John McDonagh and Dr Maura Farrell in the Discipline of Geography's Rural Studies Research Unit at NUI Galway is featured in a recent ARC 2020 (Agricultural and Rural Convention) Rural Dialogues publication (p.38-40). [Read]

Publicationby Porf. Michael O'Connell, Dr Karen Molloy and Dr Eneda Jennings, Palaeoenvironmental Research Unit, School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies, NUI Galway on the stone-wall fields at Céide Fields, Co. Mayo. [download]

NUI Galway is making great strides in the area of sustainability and has plans for further work as outlined in this new article published in Ireland’s Yearbook of Education co-authored by Prof Frances Fahy.  [Read]

Steering Demand? New energy geographies publication by Dr Mary Greene and Prof Frances Fahy examines the intersections of policy, practice and lives in energy-systems-change. [Read]

Read the Geography Newsletter, 4th February, 2020. [download]

Dr Pat Collins recently published a Whitaker Institute Policy Brief titled Planning for a better Ireland: Trusting in the wisdom of crowds. The policy brief can be read in full here.

Adrienne Foreman, PhD student at the  Discipline of Geography, NUI Galway,  takes us through a typical day and what it’s like to be a Palaeoclimatologist.[download]

Professor Ulf Strohmayer, (Geography, NUI Galway) takes us through a typical day and what it’s like to be a Urban Geography  [download]

  Read the Geography Newsletter, 4th February, 2020.

Labhair an Dr. Eugene Farrell ag féile Éigse na Bríde 2020 i gCiarraí Theas. Chuir an Dr. Farrell fadhbanna agus réitigh ar athrú aeráide ar fáil do phobail chósta in Éirinn.

Are you a woman in the natural/geosciences in Ireland?  If so, we want to know whether you think academic lifestyles are attractive. If you have a PhD and are interested in participating please register for: February, 18th, UCD Dublin February, 19th, NUI Galway  

Congratulations to Professor Frances Fahy  on her recent appointment as Personal Professor at NUI Galway.  Wishing you continued sucess Frances.

Read the Geography Newsletter, 20th January 2020.

Stories exploring the past, present and future of Abbeyleix Bog will be shared at a community mapping workshop in the town on Saturday 25 January.  For further information please see here

Dr Aaron Potito (Geography, NUI Galway) takes us through a typical day and what it’s like to be a Palaeoecologist. [download]

[READ] Geography Newsletter, January 2020.

Daithí Maguire presenting his PhD research while attending the Geological Remote Sensing Group's 30th Anniversary AGM at the European Space Agency's Centre for Earth Observation in Frascati in December. Funding for his trip was provided by the Marine Institute

Together with the Marine Institute and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the launch of the NARI, the Network of Arctic Researchers in Ireland

Dr Gary Goggins was recently invited to write a contribution for the journal One Earth on how we can transform society's food choices. This short reflection piece focused on the role of large organizations in the food system. To read this and other contributions to the debate, click here.

Dr. Chaosheng Zhang attended ARC 2019 Asia Resilience Centre Conference at Korea University in Seoul during November 10-13, 2019 as an invited speaker, with the flight and local costs covered by the local organiser. Dr. Zhang made a presentation titled “Exploration of spatially varying relationships in environmental geochemistry in the big data era”.

Dr Maura Farrell attended the Volunteer in Sport Awards ceremony in Farmleigh House, Dublin on the 12th November as a member of the judging panel appointed by the Sports Council of Ireland.  Other members of the judging panel present: Paraic Duffy, Trevor Ringland, Maura Farrell, Joanne O'Riordan, Keith Kelly, Mary Knowlan Hickey, Shane O'Connor, Benny Cullen, Michelle Dwyer, Des Fitzgerald, Jimmy Deenihan and Nina Arwitz

Letter to the irish times on "Restoring geography as a compulsory school subject" [READ]

The Royal Irish Academy Oireachtas Science Pairing Scheme was officially launched on Monday, November 18th, by Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, at Academy House in Dublin: https://www.ria.ie/oireachtas-science-pairing-scheme. The scheme is a collaborative project between the RIA and the Houses of the Oireachtas to enable expert research on a range of AHSS and STEM themes to positively impact in the political sphere. Three colleagues from Geography have been chosen for the scheme: Dr Marie Mahon and Dr Maura Farrell will be working with Deputy Declan Breathnach and Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin on the topic of rural sustainability; and Dr John Morrissey will be working with Senator Ivana Bacik on human security and Ireland’s international development policy.

Prof. Seamus Grimes was a guest lecturer at the East China Normal University Humanities and Social Sciences, Huashi city on November 13th, 2019, hosted by the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences of East China Normal University, the 146th "Educational Lectures on Humanities and Social Sciences of East China Normal University" hosted by the School of Urban and Regional Sciences The 539 meeting room of the school's Zihuan Building was held as scheduled. [further info]

Professor Mary Cawley of the Population and Migration research cluster, will be presenting on Diasporic links and on-going transnational relationships in migration and return, on Wednesday 13th November at 1pm.   All are welcome to attend. For more information click here.

Our MSc graduate Dearbhla Jordan (now of the Climate Action Regional Office) will appear on The RTE Documentary ‘Will Ireland Survive 2050?’ Article link, RTE, Monday 11th Nov @ 9.30pm.   Meteorologist Gerald Fleming and climate activist Dr. Cara Augustenborg examine the disturbing consequences of extreme global weather, with the programme featuring the plight of Bertra Strand, Co Mayo, where staff and students of Geography’s MSc have been working for a number of years.

As the ENERGISE project is soon to be concluded, the project team is happy to share a project summary video on the ENERGISE website and youtube about the project methodology, implementation process and outcomes.  The main project results were also shared with policy-makers, businesses, NGOs, academics and others at a final conference held in Barcelona on October 15th, and with a more general audience through a press release that you can read online, with links to more ENERGISE materials, including detailed research findings.   More information on ENERGISE is available on the project website, and you can join us on Twitter and Facebook as well.You can also contact the project coordinators:  frances.fahy@nuigalway.ie or gary.goggins@nuigalway.ie

The Third Arctic Award – an award which highlights successful and impactful development projects from Arctic areas - was granted to the BuSK project (Building shared knowledge capital to support natural resource governance in the northern periphery), coordinated by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) with NUI Galway as a research partner. [Read More]

Research by Dr Shane Conway, Dr Maura Farrell and Dr John McDonagh in the Discipline of Geography's Rural Studies Research Unit at NUI Galway, focusing on 'Intergenerational Considerations for Generational Renewal in Agriculture Policy Strategies' has recently been featured on the ARC 2020 (Agricultural and Rural Convention) platform. ARC 2020 is a multi-stakeholder European Union wide platform that involves over 150 civil society networks and organisations (from 22 EU Member States) all working on issues affected by the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).  Please see here.  

The NRN team at NUI Galway, Dr Shane Conway and Dr Maura Farrell, we have designed and produced an Irish language version of a booklet highlighting and promoting Ireland’s 23 EIP-AGRI Operational Group projects funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) under Ireland’s Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020. This publication was officially launched by Dr Conway at an EIP-AGRI workshop at this year’s Burren Winterage School on the 24th of October 2019 in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. A piece about this launch and a link to the booklet can be found on the NRN website, please see here. 

Dr Eugene Farrell was invited to give a public lecture to the Galway Geological Association on the 22nd of October. The lecture focussed on the environmental monitoring programmes conducted by Dr Farrell in partnership with staff and students in NUIG. Observations collected during field experiments are critical to understanding how coastal system behave today but also how they will respond to changing boundary conditions such as rising sea levels and extreme water levels. Contemporary process-response models are an important part of the long term trajectory of mapping geomorphic systems evolution.

A new book co-edited by Frances Fahy, Gary Goggins (NUIG) and Charlotte Jensen (Aalborg University) was officially launched last week in Barcelona at the European Roundtable for Sustainable Consumption and Production (ERSCP) Conference by Dr Sylvia Lorek, Sustainable Europe Research Institute, Germany. The book, 'Energy Demand Challenges in Europe', examines the role of citizens in sustainable energy transitions across Europe. The book was published by Palgrave MacMillan as part of the Palgrave Pivot series and is free to download.

3rd year Geography students visited Athenry  as part of their Field Based Learning, module. They visited @teagasc and @galwayruraldev where they heard about agri sustainability and rural development measures. The students are currently undertaking a SWOT analysis of of Athenry.