Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton T.D. has today officially opened an international conference on youth participation hosted by the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at University of Galway.  The two-day event brings together stakeholders from practice, policy, research and academic communities, particularly those working in youth work, child protection and welfare, community development, and education sectors to focus on genuine power sharing with children and young people.  Galway-based Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton T.D., said: “I am delighted to open this important international conference on youth participation. Children and young people have a right to be heard and to have a meaningful role in shaping the decisions that affect their lives. This conference provides an invaluable opportunity to share ideas and learn from national and international experience on how we can move beyond consultation towards genuine partnership with young people. By empowering young people to contribute to policy, research and practice, we can build more inclusive, responsive and sustainable communities for the future.” Professor John Canavan, Chair of UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre at University of Galway, said: “The conference recognises young people as key stakeholders in a global world undergoing huge and rapid transformation – in the not distant future, they will either benefit from, or suffer the consequences of social and political choices being made now. It is critical that they are included in these decision-making processes.”  A keynote speaker at the conference, Raphael Denis, a Tanzanian youth participation practitioner at Citizens for Change, said: “Too many systems still treat young people as voices to be heard, rather than partners in shaping change. The shift we need is not just more participation, but more power; trusting young people as co-researchers and co-producers of knowledge. It’s time for this shift to be made more practical, and this conference is a step towards that direction.”  The two-day conference, under the heading - Shifting Power: New Frontiers in Youth Participation – takes place at University of Galway on June 11th and 12th.  This year’s theme reflects the growing global emphasis for children and young people to participate in decisions that affect their lives and it also recognises Ireland’s place among the leading countries on child and youth consultation and engagement, as noted by the OECD.  Among the specially curated events is “From Talk to Track”, a live music lab hosted by Kabin Crew Teens, the youth-led creative hub based in Knocknaheeny, Cork. They will deliver a live youth-led songwriting, recording, and performance process in response to the themes and insights from the conference with the aim of creatively translating conference learning, exploring themes such as power-sharing, participation, equity, inclusion, and the role of adult allies through music and collaborative creativity.  The conference will also showcase national and international experiences from a range of participation structures including youth councils, advisory groups, consultation bodies, co-produced and participatory action research initiatives across a range of educational, youth work and child welfare settings.  Participants will be invited to identify practical pathways for impact within their own professional contexts.  Key insights and participant perspectives gathered will be disseminated and used to inform future engagement with policymakers, practitioners, and other key audiences, supporting the advancement of more effective and inclusive youth participation strategies.   Ends  

 Professionals looking to future-proof their careers and explore flexible learning opportunities are invited to the annual Adult Learning information evening at University of Galway. The event will showcase a wide range of part-time and flexible study opportunities, including Microcreds and Springboard+, designed to help professionals upskill, reskill and advance their careers in today’s rapidly evolving employment market. Hosted by the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development, the information evening takes place on Wednesday, June 17th from 5.30pm-7.30pm in the Orbsen Building on the University’s south campus. One of the featured talks will explore the impact of AI on the future of work and employment trends, offering valuable insights into the changing skills landscape and emerging career opportunities. Attendees will meet course representatives and learn more about part-time courses across a range of high-demand sectors, including Business and Management, Science and Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Languages, and pre-university courses. The event will also introduce the University’s newly developed Diploma Series in Advanced Manufacturing. These interdisciplinary courses are tailored for professionals from science and engineering backgrounds, particularly those working in MedTech and engineering sectors. Focused on digitalisation, sustainability and smart manufacturing, the courses are designed to align with evolving industry needs and future workforce demands. Nuala McGuinn, Director of the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development, University of Galway, said: “As skills needs continue to evolve across many sectors, our University is committed to offering relevant, high-quality part-time courses that support lifelong learning and equip individuals and employers with the expertise needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. “This information evening provides an excellent opportunity for adult learners to explore flexible learning pathways that can help them advance their careers and respond to changing workplace demands.” The University’s growing portfolio of Micro-credentials will also be on show - short, flexible, accredited courses designed to deliver targeted, industry-relevant skills and knowledge in a focused timeframe. Developed in response to industry needs, these courses support professional development and career progression while allowing learners to balance study with work and personal commitments. An 80% fee subsidy is currently available for selected micro-credentials. Information will also be available on Springboard+ opportunities for 2026/27, including fully funded courses for unemployed learners and returners, as well as 90% funding for those currently in employment who wish to upskill. Courses are available in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Software Development, Construction, AgInnovation, Medical Technologies Regulatory Affairs, and Creative Technologies. The event is free. To register to attend and for more information visit: universityofgalway.ie/adultlearning/info_eve  Ends

University academics and researchers to partner on all seven new national research network ‘Rinn’ centres University of Galway is to lead the new €64.5 million Rinn Medical Devices Centre, part of the enhanced national research network established by Research Ireland. The announcement is part of an overall Government investment of €460 million in seven new Rinn centres, aimed at strengthening Ireland's coordinated national research system. University of Galway will partner on all seven Rinn research centres - one of only two institutions to do so. The announcement was made today by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless T.D. Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said: “Government investment of this scale, in this new initiative recognises the vital role of research and innovation in addressing pressing societal and economic priorities for Ireland and globally. Our leadership of Rinn Medical Devices, and partnering across all seven research centres, demonstrates the depth of research excellence in University of Galway, and reflects the scale of our success in the fields of medical devices and new healthcare therapies over the last decade as well as our excellence in energy, AI and quantum science.   “The Rinn Centres align closely with three of our research pillars - Innovation for Health; Sustainable & Resilient Environments: Earth & Ocean; and Transformative Data & AI; providing an exciting foundation for greater partnership across institutions, industry, community and the public sector.”University of Galway will lead Rinn Medical Devices research centre, focused on developing medical device innovations that address the chronic conditions most associated with ageing. The centre Director is Professor Abhay Pandit. The University will be a major partner in four new Rinn centres: Rinn Artificial Intelligence - a national hub to advance research and innovation in data science and AI. The Galway lead is Professor Edward Curry, Data Science Institute and School of Computer Science. Rinn Advanced Therapies, which will advance the development and manufacturing of personalised cellular immune therapeutics. The Galway Deputy Director is Professor Aideen Ryan, School of Medicine. Rinn Energy, which will drive energy system decarbonisation through a world leading research programme. The Galway leads are Professor Rory Monaghan (Deputy Director), School of Engineering and Professor Frances Fahy, Ryan Institute, College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. Rinn Quantum, which aims to establish Ireland as a global leader in quantum science. The Galway Deputy Director is Professor J-C Desplat, Irish Centre for High-end Computing (ICHEC).  University of Galway academics and researchers will also partner in Rinn Pharma and Biopharma, and Rinn Semiconductors. Aengus Parsons, Interim Vice-President for Research and Innovation, University of Galway, said: “Out of 17 research performing organisations, the University of Galway is one of only two to partner across all seven Rinn centres. This uniquely positions us to support interdisciplinary collaboration and maximise the impact of this national investment.” The Rinn Medical Devices centre, led by Professor Abhay Pandit, will focus on advancing innovative solutions to support healthy ageing and address major health challenges through cutting-edge research and collaboration. Supported by an investment of €64.5 million, the centre will build on over a decade of pioneering research and clinical breakthroughs from the CÚRAM Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices, which was established in 2015, and will further consolidate Galway’s position as a leading global medtech hub.  Professor Abhay Pandit, Director of Rinn Medical Devices, University of Galway, said: “Anchored within a dynamic ecosystem of researchers, clinicians, industry partners and innovators, Rinn Medical Devices will accelerate the translation of research into real-world health solutions and drive innovation in medtech from Galway to patients worldwide. At every step, patient voices, experiences, and priorities shape what we do and how we do it, ensuring that the devices we develop are not just scientifically sound, but genuinely meaningful to the people they're designed to help.”  The seven national Rinn Centres commence operations in July 2026 and will run for eight years. The centres have support from more than 200 industry partners, comprising over 100 multinational corporations and almost 100 SMEs. The Government initiative will directly enable multidisciplinary collaboration across 17 research-performing organisations and support 577 researchers and 800 PhDs. Ends