University of Galway’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics has been announced as EY Luxembourg’s first higher education partner in Ireland and the UK. The partnership strengthens a relationship that has supported student development for more than two decades. The expanded link between the University and EY Luxembourg will offer students access to world-class expertise thanks to a suite of collaborative initiatives, including an annual summer school in alternative investments; direct mentorship from EY Luxembourg professionals; as well as employability activities and work placements opportunities. The partnership will also include guest lectures embedded in Management Accounting – reaching more than 550 undergraduate students. The partnership was officially launched with a visit by alumnus Robert White, Partner – Market Leader – EY Luxembourg; Europe West Wealth and Asset Management Assurance Leader on a visit to the campus. Speaking at the launch, Robert White said: “EY Luxembourg has had the tremendous pleasure of collaborating with University of Galway for more than 20 years now. This relationship has provided our firm with a proud line of inquisitive, mature and resilient graduates that have made a real difference in our business and for the clients we serve. “University of Galway’s commitment to industry collaboration, feedback and continuous improvement are attributes we value in our relationship. These reflective qualities are also evident in the graduates we have had the pleasure to welcome to EY. We are proud to formalise our partnership with University of Galway and look forward to many more years of collaboration and success.” During his visit to the campus, Mr White delivered guest lectures and met students interested in pursuing a work placement or graduate opportunities organised by the University’s Career Development Centre through their Employer in Residence programme. Mr White was the first University of Galway student to undertake a placement with EY Luxembourg 20 years ago. Professor Alma McCarthy, Executive Dean of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law, said of the partnership: “We are delighted to officially launch this partnership with EY.  It is a very valuable learning experience for students ensuring the curriculum is future-focused and they are industry-ready on graduation. The partnership builds on many years of successful collaboration between EY Luxembourg and University of Galway’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics.” Professor Karena Yan, Dean of J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, added: “This partnership brings world-class professional insight to Galway and opens international opportunities for our students in Luxembourg and beyond. By combining mentoring, guest teaching and meaningful work placements, we’re preparing graduates to lead responsibly in the financial services sector and to deliver impact for business and society.” Ends

 University of Galway has been awarded funding for 25 collaborative projects as part of the ENLIGHT European university alliance.  Academics and researchers leading the partnerships will focus on a range of areas including migration; cancer; hydrogen energy; multilingualism; accessible AI transformation; neurotherapies; and pain.  A total of €1.64million was awarded across the alliance to enable University of Galway staff to work with counterparts in 10 European countries across the ENLIGHT alliance, along with external stakeholders. The collaboration projects are all in areas linked to the University’s key research pillars of Innovation for Health, Creativity, Culture and Society, Transformative Data and AI and Sustainable and Resilient Environments.  Alexander Metcalfe, Vice-President for International, University of Galway, said: “ENLIGHT is a hugely positive initiative for University of Galway that has flourished in the last few years. This engagement with our ENLIGHT partners will support our strategic ambitions in education and research by providing diverse international opportunities to our university community and enabling our academics to further strengthen their international networks.  “The focus of this second stage of ENLIGHT funding is on embedding the European University Alliance in each partner institution and in each country. Our 25 funded projects demonstrate that we are doing just that here in the west of Ireland and we look forward to seeing the outputs of these initiatives over the coming years.”  ENLIGHT is an alliance of ten European universities in ten European countries, with the aim of transforming higher education and empowering learners as globally engaged citizens. ENLIGHT is funded under the European University Initiative, part of the European Commission’s flagship strategy for higher education. It is also supported by the Higher Education Authority.  In 2023, the European Commission announced ENLIGHT would be supported with a four-year, €14.4 million investment, with a significant portion of that funding earmarked for academic collaboration, emphasising the alliance’s commitment to supporting scholars.  The collaborative projects are supported through the European Thematic Network initiative, which enables a community of multidisciplinary academic teams from at least three universities in the alliance to join forces around a specific topic with societal relevance and impact. Ends  

University of Galway is inviting prospective students and professionals to take the next step in their academic and career journey at its Postgraduate Open Evening. The event takes place on campus on Tuesday, November 11th from 4–6pm in the Bailey Allen Hall, Áras na Mac Léinn. The evening offers a unique opportunity to explore more than 160 full-time and part-time postgraduate programmes, from taught and research master’s degrees, PhDs, as well as flexible online and blended learning pathways. Attendees will have the chance to meet lecturers, current students and other support staff to learn more about course content, entry requirements, career pathways, funding opportunities and the application process. A highlight of the evening will be the talk - The A–Z of a PhD at University of Galway - at 5pm, providing invaluable guidance for anyone looking to undertake a PhD. Information on scholarships and funding opportunities will also be available, including the €1,500 Taught Master’s Scholarship for EU students who achieve first-class honours in their undergraduate degree, and the Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas (MGO) - the Professional Master of Education bursary, which provides €2,000 per year to all student teachers on the two-year programme.             Caroline Duggan, Head of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Recruitment at University of Galway, said: “A postgraduate qualification can open doors, whether you are continuing from undergraduate studies or returning to education to advance your career. Our programmes are designed to equip graduates with specialised knowledge, real-world experience through placements and internships, and the skills to thrive in an ever-changing job market.” University of Galway offers postgraduate programmes across a broad range of disciplines, including Arts and Humanities, Business, Law, Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, Health Sciences, and Nursing. For more information or to register visit www.universityofgalway.ie/postgraduate-open-day. Ends