A University of Galway professor has received a Discovery Award from Wellcome Trust to lead a project investigating how stem cells make fate decisions. Professor Uri Frank, who conducts research at the University's Centre for Chromosome Biology, is to lead a study to address a fundamental question in developmental and stem cell biology - namely how do stem cells know which cell type they should become in the right time and location? Professor Frank's team has been working on stem cell biology using an unconventional animal model – the cnidarian Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus, a close relative of jellyfish and corals. The cnidarian is highly regenerative, being able to regrow any lost body part. Also of interest is Hydractinia's ability to evade the consequences of time; these animals do not age and normally do not succumb to cancer or any other age-related disease. Professor Uri Frank said: "I am delighted to be granted a Discovery Award from Wellcome. This funding will allow us to expand the basic knowledge on stem cells. Discoveries we make in Hydractinia are likely to be relevant to other animals' stem cells, including those of humans.” The unusual traits displayed by Hydractinia are based on a population of stem cells that are the subject of the study. These cells, known as i-cells, are functionally related to early embryonic cells of humans. Like their human counterparts, Hydractinia i-cells can give rise to all cell types of the body. Other than human embryonic cells, which only exist during a narrow time window in early embryos, i-cells are retained through Hydractinia adult life. This uniquely makes them accessible for research in a whole-animal context. Stem cells are unspecialised cells, defined by their ability to self-renew and become a specialised cell type such as muscle, neuron, or skin cells. When stem cells differentiate into specific cell types, they are said to make a "fate decision" - the process by which a stem cell commits to becoming a particular type of specialised cell rather than maintaining its stem cell state or choosing a different specialisation path. Stem cells act in development, regeneration, and during maintenance of adult tissues. The Wellcome Trust Discovery Award provides funding for established researchers and teams who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing. Ends

University of Galway is to lead five research projects focused on tackling major societal challenges as part of a €6.6 million funding award from Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland. Four of the five funding awards went to the Centre for Chromosome Biology at University of Galway, which hosts a highly collaborative network of researchers investigating topics linked to the biology of genomes. All five awards went to scientists in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences at the College of Science and Engineering. The grants are made available through the Frontiers for the Future Programme, which supports high-risk, high-reward research programmes and innovative, collaborative projects with the potential to deliver economic and societal impact. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless T.D. announced a total of €23.6 million Frontiers for the Future funding to support 23 research projects focused on tackling challenges in AI, healthcare, agriculture, energy, and transport. Announcing the awards, Minister Lawless said: “The Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future programme supports the development of world-class research across a range of disciplines. The awardees – spanning 9 research institutions nationwide – have brought forward novel and innovative ideas with strong potential to deliver impactful solutions for major challenges facing society today. The programme itself promotes gender balance and provides opportunities for emerging investigators returning to research. I look forward to seeing the awardees’ progress over the coming years.” The five funded research projects include: Design and synthesis of glycomimetics (structural mimics of carbohydrates) to inhibit disease-promoting proteins associated with cancer and inflammatory diseases (Professor Helen Blanchard and Professor Paul Murphy, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences) Dissecting the unexpected roles of molecular motors and their substrates in preventing the mutations that fuel ageing, cancer and neurodegeneration (Professor Noel Lowndes, Director of the Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences) Using sea anemones to understand the evolution and mechanisms underlying development and disease (Dr James Gahan, Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences) Exploring how subcellular structures called centrosomes ensure correct cell division after genome damage or during cell aging (Professor Ciaran Morrison, Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences) Advanced genetic technologies to discover how our DNA is duplicated and support the development of anti-cancer therapies (Professor Corrado Santocanale, Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences)   Celine Fitzgerald, Interim Chief Executive of Research Ireland, commented: “Our Frontiers for the Future Programme is driven by feedback from the research community and represents a strong commitment to developing future talent in key areas. These 23 awards will fund a total of 86 research positions, comprising Postdocs, PhDs, Research Assistants and support staff. I’m very pleased with the opportunities that this targeted investment is creating, and greatly encouraged that crucial research on pressing issues will be facilitated as a result. The Frontiers for the Future awardees are from University of Galway, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin City University, Trinity College Dublin, Teagasc, Technological University of the Shannon, University College Dublin, University College Cork and University of Limerick. Ends

University of Galway is inviting aspiring engineers of all ages to a free full-day family event to celebrate engineering across Ireland with hands-on activities, exciting shows, documentaries and inspiring workshops. As part of Engineers Week 2025, ‘Engineering Our Future: Family Fun Day’ takes place on Saturday, March 1st, from 10am-4pm, at the Alice Perry Engineering Building, University of Galway. The day will combine science demonstrations with insights into fascinating research as well as opportunities for kids to make and do and experience first-hand how technology works. Professor Jamie Goggins from the School of Engineering at University of Galway and Director of Construct Innovate, Ireland’s national research centre for construction technology and innovation hosted at University of Galway, said: “Children are natural engineers. They love to design and build things, using whatever they can get their hands on. With knowledge, innovation and creativity engineers change the reality and future of all human beings. The day is allows us to put on activities which show the world of civil, environmental, mechanical, biomedical and electronic engineering and information technology. It is designed to allow young people and their families to explore engineering through exciting and fun hands-on activities and shows, as well as meeting with practising engineers to better learn about the world around us, understand the role of engineering in our lives and its impact on our future.” The full programme for Family Fun Day and booking details is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/engineersweek/familyfunday/. Among the events planned for the day are: ‘The Chemistry and the Celts’ - a show with an unmissable blend of history, science and storytelling, packed with fiery explosions, daring experiments, and plenty of audience participation. The ‘Bee Science’ show explains how flowers attract insects, what bees actually see, and the surprising role of sound in pollination Get up close with fascinating creatures in the ‘Leg to Legless’ workshop and meet live animals and uncover nature’s secrets about sustainability and adaptation. Film screenings: Cities of the Future challenges the viewer to imagine smart cities 50 years from now, built for sustainability with clean air, renewable energy, and innovative public transport. Dream Big: Engineering Our World, narrated by Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges, takes the viewer on a journey through some of the world’s most astonishing engineering marvels - from the Great Wall of China to solar-powered cars. City of 2050 - children are invited to imagine and design the Irish city of the future - powered by renewable energy, built with recycled materials, and inspired by nature. Throughout the day families will have the opportunity to build their own wind turbine; make their own biomaterial using slime; have fun with 3D printing and robotics; learn about buildings through a virtual world; test how conservation of energy works, investigate how cameras help us see beyond our eyes, explore the GEEC: Galway Energy Efficient Car designed and manufactured by University of Galway students; or relax at the free LEGO play area. A sensory room is also set up for the youngest engineers and all those who would like some timeout in peace and quiet. The Mount Lucas NZEB and Retrofit Mobile Training Unit will allow attendees to meet experts and learn about retrofitting homes to make them more energy-efficient, comfortable and healthier. This event is part of the Galway City NetZeroCities Pilot Cities Programme and in conjunction with the Laois Offaly Education and Training Board and Construct Innovate. Tickets are free and can be booked in advance for some shows and activities, but it will also be possible to attend shows without pre-booking on a first-come-first-served basis on the day. Ends