University of Galway has made more than 4,000 offers to new undergraduate students for the 2026/27 academic year. With Round 1 CAO offers issued today, University of Galway shared a message of congratulations to the Leaving Certificate class of 2026 for their efforts and achievements. Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said: “Today is a milestone for all students taking the next step in their education. On behalf of University of Galway, I wish them all well and for those who are lucky enough to come to our university, we are delighted to welcome them. You deserve huge congratulations on your achievements at school and in the Leaving Certificate and I wish you every success as you begin this exciting new chapter. “University is a time to learn, to challenge yourself, to make new friends and to discover new opportunities. We look forward to supporting our new students throughout their time with us and providing them with an excellent education and opportunities and the very best student experience and campus in the country. “I would also like to acknowledge colleagues across the University who do so much work behind the scenes to support students and their families, from preparing offers and orientation and the warm welcome that all our new students get at University of Galway.” With another year of record levels of applications to the CAO, University of Galway expects more than 3,800 students to register to begin their undergraduate studies in September. Round 1 offers show some trends across University of Galway’s programmes, including: Pharmacy (MPharm) - the 5-year undergrad course at University of Galway is due to have its second intake of students in September and has expanded to 75 places, up from 40 in 2025, responding to the need for qualified pharmacists and the demand for the career. BSc (Zoology) is a new programme for 2026, with points at 473 and about 40 students expected to enrol in the first intake. Courses offering Gaeilge experienced an increase in points, such as BComm (Gaeilge) and BA (Gaeilge agus Leann Aistriúcháin), cutting off at 488 and 405 respectively 25 courses at University of Galway saw points increases this year, bringing the number of courses cutting off over 500 points to 28, which is half of all courses offered by University of Galway. All Engineering programmes remain above 500 points, emphasising the significance of sectors such as medtech in the region and strong career opportunities for graduates. Programmes in the creative arts saw increased demand with the BA (Drama, Theatre and Performance) increasing by 44 points to 404 and the BA (Music) up by 12 points to 413. The flagship science degree, BSc (GY301) cut off at 455, up 15 on last year and increases were also seen in Earth and Ocean Sciences, Biotechnology, Marine Science and Financial Mathematics & Economics.    Nursing and Midwifery saw continued growth, in particular the Bachelor of Midwifery Science increasing from 429 to 498 points. Ends

 University of Galway is part of a new European Union research project that will advance sustainable ruminant agriculture through microbiome science. Rumen-Innovate is a consortium including 11 universities and research bodies as well as farming organisations and industry in eight countries across Europe to support the training and development of the next generation of ruminant microbiome scientists. With EU-funding of €4.8 million, the project’s focus is on cleaner air, more sustainably produced food, and healthier animals. Dr Sinead Waters, lecturer in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences in University of Galway, said: “Our participation in Rumen-Innovate provides University of Galway and our Ryan Institute with the opportunity to contribute to novel transformative research at the intersection of microbiome science, animal production, and climate action. Importantly, this collaboration will produce highly skilled researchers and technologies with real-world impact for the livestock sector.” The project is funded under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network as part of Horizon Europe. University of Galway will host two doctoral students in ruminant microbiome science to advance the generation of greenhouse gas mitigation technologies to improve sustainable agriculture. Ruminant microbiome scientists study the complex communities of bacteria, archaea, protozoa, and fungi living inside the digestive tracts of animals like cows and sheep. Their research focuses on improving animal health, boosting feed efficiency, and reducing agricultural methane emissions. Cattle and sheep produce a significant amount of methane, a greenhouse gas that is far more potent than CO₂ in the short term. The network addresses critical global challenges facing the livestock sector: feeding a growing population sustainably, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ruminant animals, and improving animal health and production efficiency. The project is funded under the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme (Grant Agreement ID: 101311612). Full project details are available on the EU CORDIS database: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101311612 Ends  

Landmark international gathering in Galway to shape the future of EU and Atlantic Ocean Research The Marine Institute, University of Galway, and Atlantic Technological University, with the support of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, today unveiled the programme and opened pre-registration for Atlantic Summit Galway 2026. Taking place on 8-9 October 2026 at University of Galway, the Summit is an Associated Event of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026. Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 will bring together Europe’s leading ocean strategists, researchers, policymakers, innovators, and communities to shape the future of the Atlantic and Europe’s ocean research agenda.  Under the theme "Advancing Europe's Ocean Research, Innovation and Skills Agenda during Ireland's EU Presidency", the Summit will provide a unique forum for dialogue, collaboration, and strategic exchange at a pivotal moment for European ocean policy and international cooperation. The Atlantic connects us, it drives our economy, it shapes our climate and it holds enormous potential for Europe’s future. At a time of growing environmental, economic and geopolitical challenges impacting the Atlantic, the Summit will focus on several strategic objectives, including: Defining priorities and raising the ambition for the next chapter of Atlantic Ocean research and innovation; Advancing knowledge-based implementation of the EU Ocean Pact and Ocean Act; Accelerating innovation to strengthen Europe's competitiveness and global leadership in ocean science and technology; Addressing future capacity, training and skills requirements to support sustainable blue economy development. The Summit will convene senior representatives from the European Commission, national governments, research organisations, industry, regional authorities, civil society and international ocean initiatives, creating a unique opportunity to strengthen Atlantic cooperation, foster new partnerships and help shape future priorities for ocean research, innovation, and governance. At a time when ocean challenges increasingly transcend national boundaries, the Summit will provide a vital platform for collaboration across disciplines, sectors and countries, enabling shared solutions to shared challenges. Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, said: “Ireland’s Presidency of the EU Council falls during the second half of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. For many years Ireland has played a leading role in advancing Atlantic Ocean research and we are proud to make Galway the location yet again to set future ocean research and policy priorities. The Summit will help build the partnerships and solutions needed to address shared challenges for a healthy, resilient, and productive Atlantic Ocean." Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said: "As Europe looks to address increasingly complex ocean challenges, robust scientific knowledge and evidence-based decision-making have never been more important. Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 will provide a vital platform for connecting research, policy and practice, helping to inform future priorities for ocean sustainability, resilience, and innovation." Dr Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University, said: "The Atlantic region has enormous potential to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and societal benefit. Realising that potential will require investment in people, skills, and collaboration alongside research and technological advancement. Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 will bring together diverse expertise from across Europe and the wider Atlantic region to explore how we can build the talent, partnerships and solutions needed for a sustainable and competitive blue economy." Located on Europe's Atlantic seaboard, Galway is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence for marine and ocean science, research and innovation, making it an ideal location for this important gathering. The event represents a unique opportunity for ocean leaders to strengthen Atlantic cooperation and ensure that ocean policy remains at the forefront of Europe's competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience agenda. Over two days, participants will engage in a dynamic programme of keynote addresses, high-level policy dialogues, plenary discussions, and networking exchanges. The Summit will explore some of the most pressing opportunities and challenges facing Europe and the wider Atlantic region, including resilient coastal communities, the future of Atlantic economies, ocean observation and innovation, healthy and productive oceans, and the role of science diplomacy, governance and geopolitical change in shaping the future of the Atlantic. Reflecting the Summit's commitment to international cooperation and intergenerational engagement, the programme will also examine the future role of the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance as a model for ocean science diplomacy, partnership, and collaboration across the Atlantic basin. At a pivotal moment for Europe's ocean agenda, the insights and recommendations emerging from the Summit will contribute to implementation of the EU Ocean Pact and Ocean Act and help inform Europe's future ocean priorities. The summit will build ambition among European decision-makers and stakeholders for stronger and more targeted investment in ocean research and innovation under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10). Pre-Register Now Atlantic Summit 2026 | Atlantic Summit 2026 Pre-registration is now invited from individuals and organisations seeking to contribute to discussions shaping Europe's ocean future. To ensure balanced representation across policy, research, industry and society, places will be allocated through an application process. Given the strong level of interest anticipated from across Europe and beyond, prospective participants are encouraged to submit their applications early. Ends