News Archive

More than 40 students and academics at NUI Galway have been honoured at the annual National University of Ireland awards.  NUI Galway awardees were commended for exceptional achievement in academic endeavour and span the wide range of learning at the University, from history, the Irish language and modern languages, to literature, medicine, education and engineering. Among the awardees were 28 from NUI Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, including students honoured with the Dr Henry Hutchinson Stewart Medical Scholarships, one among the oldest awards to be offered by the National University of Ireland. President of NUI Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “This clearly highlights the high calibre of students studying at NUI Galway. We respect their academic excellence. “I congratulate everyone on their achievements and I would also like to pay tribute to the teachers and educators and other support staff for their work with our students and in helping them to achieve such high standards.” Dr Patrick O’Leary, former Head of Chemistry at NUI Galway and began his term as Registrar of NUI this month, said: “The NUI Awards reward exceptional achievement in academic endeavour but also seek to resource some of our brightest minds to continue their academic careers. Today we make awards in a wide variety of areas and the work spans studies of the early medieval era to the NUI Dr H H Stewart Medical Scholarships and Prizes, highlighting the importance of medicine and healthcare during Covid-19.  Congratulations to all the awardees.” Full details on the NUI Galway students and academics honoured at a special awards ceremony hosted by the National University of Ireland are listed below:  Among those awarded First Prize were: Recipient Award Martin O’Donoghue Publication Prize in Irish History, joint award Monika Jurkiewicz NUI Travelling Doctoral Studentship in Latin American Literature Tammy Strickland NUI Travelling Doctoral Studentship in Neuroscience Ciara Shortiss NUI Travelling Doctoral Studentship Prize in Spinal Cord Injury Regeneration Jenny Dixon NUI Scholarship and Prize in Education, joint award Lauren McMahon Pierce Malone Scholarship in Engineering Colm Ó Flathúin Scoláireacht Chiste Theach an Ardmhéara sa Ghaeilge Adam Mac Donnacha Duais Chiste Theach an Ardmhéara sa Ghaeilge Keith Dowling French Government Medal and NUI Prize for Proficiency in French   First prize awardees from the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, included:  Dr Evan White Anaesthesia Rebekah Sartini General Practice Brianna Reilly Medical Microbiology Róisín Thornton Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dr Sinead McKenna Ophthalmology Rosie Waldron Paediatrics Adithi Gowda Physiology Thomas Butler Psychiatry Ellen Casey Public Health Dr Emma Callaghan Surgery Anu Mohandes Nair General Nursing Joseph Doherty Podiatric Medicine Elise Byrne Speech and Language Therapy   The following were awarded Second Prize, Third Prize or Commendation:  Professor Niall Ó Dochartaigh and Dr Eugene Costello both received Commendations in the Irish History category. NUI Galway was also successful in a number of Dr H H Stewart Literary Scholarships including Chloe Bright in English and Bláithín Breathnach in French, with Bláithín also receiving a Commendation in Italian. Chloe Kennedy was awarded 2nd prize in Spanish, and Amy Kennedy 3rd prize in German. In the Irish categories Muireann Ní Cheannabháin was presented with 2nd prize in the Duaiseanna an Dr T K Whitaker sa Ghaeilge, and Amy Cox was awarded 2nd prize in Scoláireacht Liteartha an Dr H H Stewart sa Ghaeilge Awardees from NUI Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences also included:  Second prize: Shania Coutinho, Anatomy; Anmol Mahesh, Biochemistry, Dr Aoife Fitzpatrick, Clinical Radiology, Cian Buckley O’Sullivan, General Practice; Zachary Hanrasi, Pathology; Emily Grehan, Midwifery; and Heather Gallen, Podiatric Medicine. Third Prize: Caoileann Nic Dhonncha, Anatomy; Dr Sarah Eustace, Clinical Radiology; Dr Rionagh Lynch, Medicine; Dominic Butler, Paediatrics; Wei Yang Lim, Pathology; Amy Marian Collins, General Nursing; and Muibat Cole, Children’s Nursing. Commendation: Dr Rionagh Lynch, Surgery Ends

Tens of thousands of antigen test kits are being provided to students at NUI Galway alongside Project UniCoV as part of public health efforts to limit the spread of Covid-19.  From Monday 17 January, students will be able to collect packs at four locations across campus.  Professor Breda Smyth, Chief Investigator of Project UniCoV and HSE West Director of Public Health, urged students to avail of the kits as well as additional testing, by signing up to take part in Project UniCoV.   “Everyone attending campus needs to adhere to the basic public health measures in the first instance – including not coming to campus if you have symptoms and are supposed to be self-isolating or restricting movements. “Being able to offer free antigen test kits on campus at NUI Galway and giving students the opportunity to take part in Project UniCov demonstrates how we can take a layered approach to public safety and the welfare of students and staff.” Students can collect five tests at a time. They are being advised to test twice a week, three days apart. They are also being advised to self-isolate if they test positive or develop symptoms and to follow public health advice.  Students are also being encouraged to avail of the option for further free antigen and/or salvia PCR testing for 12 weeks in semester two. A special QR code is being made available to students to support the research.  NUI Galway students are also encouraged to get the vaccine booster, to continue to wear face coverings and sanitise hands.  The University saw high levels of compliance from students with public health guidelines during the academic year and we thank them for that.  The distribution of free antigen test kits is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.  John Hannon, Director of Student Services at NUI Galway, said: “There was huge demand for free antigen testing from students in semester one and we know there will be huge demand again. The distribution of the free kits is one of many key steps we are taking as a university to help minimise the spread of Covid and keep our community as safe as possible.” Funded by Science Foundation Ireland, the Department of Further and Higher Education Research Innovation and Science, and the Health Service Executive, Project UniCoV aims to determine the feasibility of two rapid testing modalities - antigen testing and saliva PCR testing.  The research project is ongoing in four partner universities. To date, more than 27,700 rapid tests have been carried out, and about 3,300 students and employees have been tested bi-weekly. Further detail on unicov.org. Ends

€7.57million Government funding, investing in new educational, lifelong skills, personal and professional development programmes for students  NUI Galway has today launched a new educational programme that will prepare students to deal with the complexity and uncertainty of life and the future world of work.  Designing Futures has been developed to enhance the employability of NUI Galway graduates by offering additional practical and creative teaching, learning and skills development alongside traditional degree studies. More than 1,500 students are taking part in design thinking programmes each year, with more than 300 students attending new transdisciplinary modules in 2021/22.  Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, T.D., said: “Designing Futures is a really exciting and dynamic programme which aims to deliver a unique mix of skills coaching, trans-disciplinary modules and curriculum reform all underpinned by technology. “It is creating a sustainable system where every undergraduate embarks on a personalised and assessed learning journey. And crucially it has been designed with enterprise and international partners, ensuring graduates are employable and ready for the new world of work.   “NUI Galway continues to dream big, to think big and to lead on the biggest issues facing our country.” NUI Galway’s Designing Futures is funded by €7.57 million from the Higher Education Authority’s Human Capital Initiative of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. More than 100 students who have been supported by the Designing Futures team are running their own business or start-up.  The programme aims to -   Promote greater student engagement with civic society, community and enterprise, while expanding their education and preparedness for life and a career. Empower students to design personalised skills development pathways and to ensure graduates transversal skills achievements are recognised alongside their degree. Enhance NUI Galway and Ireland’s position as a leader in innovative, student-centred and enterprise-engaged education in Europe and internationally. President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “We at NUI Galway are delighted to announce the formal launch of the innovative Designing Futures programme, which directly aligns with and promotes the values of our University Strategy, Shared Vision, Shaped by Values (2020-2025).  “The University has a proud history and tradition of excellence in education, both in Ireland and globally. Designing Futures will deploy innovative educational technologies; open educational and strategic partnership with enterprise, creative and civic organisations; and bespoke, tailored support for students’ personalised learning.  “As a consequence, this exciting new programme will significantly enhance NUI Galway’s position as a leader in education in its region, and on the national and international stage. Through the Designing Futures programme, we are delighted to contribute substantively to preparing the next generation of our graduates who can creatively tackle the complexities and challenges of the world today, as we live and learn through and beyond this pandemic.” Designing Futures has been developed with enterprise, civic and cultural links at its core. Partners include Aerogen, Boston Scientific, SAP, Rent the Runway, Mbryonics, Veryan, Channel Mechanics and Medtronic and the Galway International Arts Festival.  Professor Michelle Millar, Dean of Students and Designing Futures Programme Lead, NUI Galway, said: “Designing Futures reaffirms our continued commitment at NUI Galway to ensuring the best possible education for our students, particularly in these challenging times.  “The innovative design of the programme will ensure our graduates are exceptionally well-placed to face and handle the complexities of today’s world, while also making the most of future opportunities in life after university.  “As well as their academic and disciplinary knowledge, and engagment with enterprise and civic and social partners, Designing Futures contributes to students’ holistic and rounded education through specialised personal development and success coaching. Designing Futures recognises, enhances and supports the totality of students’ experience at third-level, so that they will graduate well-equipped for the world of today, and tomorrow.”  Designing Futures has three core pillars -  1. A personalised student experience scaffolded by success coaches to support students to “design their futures” with a key focus on maximising their university experience. This incorporates an innovative personal development module, Designing Your Life (DYL), linked with and based on the approach which has been developed by Stanford University.  2. A new state of the art human-centred design studio, IdeasLab, which intersects with our enterprise partners to develop curricular and co-curricular experiences that are driven by design thinking, technology-enhanced learning, curiosity, creativity and empathy. 3. A new suite of modules focused on trans-disciplinary learning and action, which breaks down the traditional silos of academic specialism, promoting innovative thinking and problem-solving. Modelled on an approach developed in Georgia Institute of Technology, multidisciplinary teams of staff and students are brought together to solve research challenges in culture, enterprise and society. Ends

Maoiniú €7.57 milliún ón Rialtas, ag infheistiú i gcláir nua oideachais, scileanna fadsaoil, cláir forbartha pearsanta agus gairmiúla do mhic léinn  Inniu, sheol OÉ Gaillimh clár oideachais nua a ullmhóidh mic léinn chun dul i ngleic le castacht agus le héiginnteacht an tsaoil agus le saol na hoibre sa todhchaí. Forbraíodh An Ród seo Romhat chun infhostaitheacht chéimithe OÉ Gaillimh a fheabhsú trí theagasc, foghlaim agus forbairt scileanna praiticiúla agus cruthaitheacha breise a thairiscint le cois na céime traidisiúnta. Tá níos mó ná 1,500 mac léinn ag glacadh páirte i gcláir smaointeoireachta dearaidh gach bliain, agus tá níos mó ná 300 mac léinn ag tabhairt faoi mhodúil thrasdisciplíneacha nua in 2021/22. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Simon Harris, T.D., an tAire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta: “Is clár thar a bheith spreagúil agus dinimiciúil é An Ród seo Romhat a bhfuil sé mar aidhm leis meascán uathúil d’oiliúint scileanna, modúil thrasdisciplíneacha agus athchóiriú curaclaim a chur ar fáil agus an teicneolaíocht mar bhonn agus mar thaca leo ar fad. “Tá sé ag cruthú córas inbhuanaithe ina dtugann gach fochéimí faoi thuras foghlama pearsantaithe agus measúnaithe. Agus go ríthábhachtach tá sé deartha le comhpháirtithe fiontraíochta agus idirnáisiúnta, rud a chinntíonn go bhfuil céimithe infhostaithe agus réidh don saol nua oibre.  “Leanann OÉ Gaillimh de bheith uaillmhianach, gan aon teorainn lena smaointe agus ceannas á ghlacadh aige i ndáil leis na fadhbanna is mó atá os comhair na tíre." Tá maoiniú €7.57 milliún faighte ag An Ród seo Romhat in OÉ Gaillimh ó Thionscnamh Caipitil Dhaonna an Údaráis um Ard-Oideachas sa Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta. Tá níos mó ná 100 mac léinn a fuair tacaíocht ó fhoireann An Ród seo Romhat i mbun a ngnó nó a ngnólachtaí nuathionscanta féin. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an gclár -  -      Rannpháirtíocht níos mó mac léinn a chur chun cinn leis an tsochaí shibhialta, leis an bpobal agus leis an earnáil fiontraíochta, agus ag an am céanna a n-oideachas agus a n-ullmhacht don saol agus do shlí bheatha a leathnú. -      Cumhacht a thabhairt do mhic léinn chun conairí forbartha scileanna pearsantaithe a dhearadh agus a chinntiú go n-aithnítear na tras-scileanna atá bainte amach ag céimithe le cois na céime. -      Feabhas a chur ar sheasamh OÉ Gaillimh agus na hÉireann mar cheannaire san oideachas nuálach, mac léinn-lárnach agus dírithe ar an bhfiontraíocht san Eoraip agus go hidirnáisiúnta. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Tá lúcháir orainn in OÉ Gaillimh seoladh foirmiúil an chláir nuálach An Ród seo Romhat a fhógairt, clár atá ag teacht go díreach le luachanna ár Straitéise Ollscoile, Fís Roinnte, Múnlaithe ag Luachanna (2020-2025), agus a chuireann na luachanna sin chun cinn. “Tá dea-cháil le fada ar an Ollscoil mar gheall ar fheabhas oideachais, in Éirinn agus ar fud an domhain. Bainfidh An Ród seo Romhat leas as teicneolaíochtaí nuálacha oideachais; cuirfidh sé tús le comhpháirtíocht oideachais agus straitéiseach le heagraíochtaí fiontraíochta, cruthaitheacha agus sibhialta; agus cuirfidh sé tacaíocht shaincheaptha ar fáil d’fhoghlaim phearsantaithe na mac léinn. “Mar thoradh air sin, cuirfidh an clár nua spreagúil seo go mór le seasamh OÉ Gaillimh mar cheannaire san oideachas ina réigiún féin, agus ar an ardán náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta. Tríd an gclár An Ród seo Romhat, tá ríméad orainn cur go mór leis an gcéad ghlúin eile céimithe a ullmhú go mbeidh ar a gcumas dul i ngleic go cruthaitheach le castachtaí agus le dúshláin an domhain inniu, agus muid ag maireachtáil agus ag foghlaim sa phaindéim seo agus ina dhiaidh.” Forbraíodh An Ród seo Romhat le naisc fiontraíochta, chathartha agus chultúrtha ag a chroílár. I measc na gcomhpháirtithe tá Aerogen, Boston Scientific, SAP, Rent the Runway, Mbryonics, Veryan, Channel Mechanics agus Medtronic agus Féile Ealaíon Idirnáisiúnta na Gaillimhe. Dúirt an tOllamh Michelle Millar, Déan na Mac Léinn, Ceannaire Cláir, An Ród seo Romhat, OÉ Gaillimh: “Athdhearbhaíonn An Ród seo Romhat ár dtiomantas leanúnach in OÉ Gaillimh chun an t-oideachas is fearr is féidir a chinntiú dár mic léinn, go háirithe le linn na tréimhse dúshlánaí seo. “Cinnteoidh dearadh nuálaíoch an chláir go mbeidh ar chumas ár gcuid céimithe aghaidh a thabhairt ar chastachtaí shaol an lae inniu, agus ag an am céanna an leas is fearr is féidir a bhaint as deiseanna sa todhchaí tar éis dóibh an ollscoil a fhágáil. “Cuireann An Ród seo Romhat le heolas acadúil agus disciplín na mac léinn, agus a rannpháirtíocht le comhpháirtithe fiontraíochta, sibhialta agus sóisialta, agus anuas air sin cuireann an clár le hoideachas iomlánaíoch agus cuimsitheach na mac léinn trí fhorbairt phearsanta speisialaithe agus cóitseáil rathúlachta. Leis An Ród seo Romhat, aithnítear, feabhsaítear agus tacaítear le heispéireas iomlán na mac léinn ag an tríú leibhéal, ionas go mbeidh siad réidh do shaol an lae inniu agus amárach agus a gcéim bainte amach acu.” Tá trí ghné lárnacha sa chlár An Ród seo Romhat - Eispéireas pearsantaithe mac léinn le tacaíocht ó chóitseálaithe rathúlachta chun cabhrú leo a “dtodhchaí a dhearadh”, agus béim nach beag ar an leas is fearr a bhaint as a n-eispéireas ollscoile. Cuimsíonn sé seo modúl nuálach forbartha pearsanta, Ag Pleanáil don Saol, atá nasctha le agus bunaithe ar an gcur chuige atá forbartha ag Ollscoil Stanford. Stiúideo dearaidh úrscothach nua atá dírithe ar an duine, an tSaotharlann Smaointe, a mbeidh naisc dhoimhne aige lenár gcomhpháirtithe fiontraíochta agus a bhfuil sé mar aidhm leis eispéiris churaclaim agus chomhchuraclaim a fhorbairt a bhfuil inspioráid faighte acu ón smaointeoireacht dearaidh, ón bhfoghlaim le cuidiú teicneolaíochta mar aon leis an bhfiosracht, an chruthaitheacht agus an chomhbhá. Sraith nua modúl arna ndíriú ar fhoghlaim agus ar ghníomhaíocht thrasdisciplíneach, a bhriseann síos leagan amach traidisiúnta na speisialtóireachta acadúla, ag cur smaointeoireacht nuálaíoch agus réiteach fadhbanna chun cinn. Bunaithe ar chur chuige a forbraíodh in Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Georgia, tugtar meithleacha ildisciplíneacha foirne agus mac léinn le chéile chun dúshláin taighde i réimsí an chultúir, na fiontraíochta agus na sochaí a réiteach. Críoch

Pioneering study of heart cells supported by family of late Tyrone footballer to explain cause of death and develop genetic cures  The Cormac Trust, set up in the name of the late Tyrone footballer Cormac McAnallen, is to support research at NUI Galway into Sudden Adult Death Syndrome and the development of future genetic cures. The support from The Cormac Trust will enable research into the mechanism of disease and the discovery of new treatments using stem cell technology which allows researchers to grow heart cells in the lab.  The Cormac Trust was set up by Bridget and Brendan McAnallen after the sudden death of their son Cormac in March 2004 aged 24. Cormac was a well-known sportsman of exceptional fitness and of ostensibly perfect health up until the time of his death. He won the All-Ireland Football Championship with Tyrone in 2003.   The University’s Regenerative Medicine Institute REMEDI has enrolled 20 patients into a programme analysing heart cells and causes of death. Professor Tim O’Brien, Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Consultant Endocrinologist at Galway University Hospitals and Director of REMEDI, said: “We greatly appreciate the support from The Cormac Trust which enables research into the mechanism of disease and also discovery of new treatments using technology which allows researchers to grow heart cells in the laboratory.”  Bridget McAnallen, Cormac’s mother and director of the Cormac Trust, said “We are delighted that a cure for Long QT Syndrome, one of the most prevalent types of SADS, is on the horizon. Cormac McAnalllen died very suddenly from this condition which often has no symptoms and kills even the strongest and fittest young people without warning. This amazing and ground-breaking genetic research which involves North-South co-operation is, I believe, the first research to envisage a cure for this shocking condition, which not only can kill young people, but can be passed on and cause death in successive generations, and devastate families.” The issue of sudden cardiac death among young people became more widely known among the general public largely due to the death of Cormac and Irish youth rugby international John McCall and other subsequent cases. Since 2004, the McAnallen family have been keen to direct public attention to these cardiac conditions that cause such sudden deaths.  Researchers at NUI Galway have generated a biobank of cells which are created by taking skin biopsies and converting the cells to become any cell type in the body.  The new technology is known as induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs. These are cells that are derived from skin or blood cells that have been reprogrammed back into an embryonic-like pluripotent state that enables the development of stem cell therapies. The NUI Galway’s Regenerative Medicine Institute REMEDI is researching the stem cell technology, working with the Centre for Cell Manufacturing, to develop treatments for cardiac conditions associated with sudden death.  The research group includes Dr Terence Prendiville, Clinical Paediatric Cardiologist at the National Children’s Research Centre, based at the Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Professor Tim O’Brien and Sanbing Shen, Director of the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) programme at NUI Galway.  Funding from the Cormac Trust will support stem cell research to investigate causes and potential cures for Long QT syndrome (LQTS).  Dr Terence Prendiville said: “Sudden unexplained death in the young tragically strikes approximately 160 families a year on the island of Ireland. This is often the first time a family comes to medical attention and the condition may affect up to half of close relatives, unbeknownst to them. “Our research allows us for the first time to study heart cells - from someone who is alive or from someone who has died - to try and discover the cause of death, if unknown, and to develop genetic cures that will be the treatment of the future.” Ends

NUI Galway’s Access Centre will hold its annual information evening on Wednesday, 12 January, from 7-9pm. The event will focus on the needs of Mature Students and Adult Learners who may be considering full-time or part-time studies for the 2022-23 academic year. The online information evening is designed for those aged 23 or over wishing to find out more about study options at NUI Galway. Course experts and current students in the University will be on hand to provide support, information, and to answer questions from prospective students to help them decide which options best suit their personal circumstances and professional development needs. Kathleen Hartigan, Mature Students Officer at NUI Galway’s Access Centre, said: “We have seen over the years that mature students bring an enthusiasm and a motivation to learn that enriches our campus community, and we are dedicated to providing them with the necessary information to help them choose the best educational option at NUI Galway.” The University’s Career and Development Centre will deliver a presentation focusing on what course of study will best suit individuals needs and career pathways, and there will be an opportunity to hear from a diverse panel of current mature students. Staff from NUI Galway’s undergraduate and postgraduate courses, along with representatives from the University’s Student Services will also be present to guide attendees on the range of course options and supports offered at NUI Galway, while academic staff will answer specific queries on degrees and progression. Members of the Access Centre will be available to answer questions on pre-university courses in terms of Access courses, and the Disability Support Services, who have expertise in supporting students at third level who may have a long-term health condition (physical or mental), or a specific learning difficulty, will also be in attendance to give guidance to prospective students. Registration for this event is essential. Please register at www.nuigalway.ie/caoevents or contact maturestudents@nuigalway.ie. Further information is available at www.nuigalway.ie/mature  Ends

Beidh an tráthnóna eolais a eagraíonn Ionad Rochtana OÉ Gaillimh gach bliain ar siúl Dé Céadaoin, an 12 Eanáir, idir 7-9pm. Díreoidh an ócáid ar riachtanais na Mac Léinn Lánfhásta agus na bhFoghlaimeoirí Fásta atá ag smaoineamh ar thabhairt faoi staidéar lánaimseartha nó páirtaimseartha sa bhliain acadúil 2022-23. Eagraítear an tráthnóna eolais ar líne do dhaoine atá 23 bliain d’aois nó níos sine agus a dteastaíonn uathu tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi na roghanna staidéir atá ar fáil in OÉ Gaillimh. Beidh saineolaithe cúrsaí agus mic léinn reatha de chuid na hOllscoile i láthair chun tacaíocht agus eolas a thabhairt, agus le ceisteanna ó mhic léinn ionchasacha a fhreagairt le cabhrú leo cinneadh a dhéanamh faoi na roghanna is fearr a oireann dá gcúinsí pearsanta agus dá riachtanais forbartha gairmiúla féin. Bhí an méid seo le rá ag Kathleen Hartigan, Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Lánfhásta in Ionad Rochtana OÉ Gaillimh: “Chonaiceamar thar na blianta go mbíonn mic léinn lánfhásta díograiseach agus spreagtha chun foghlama, agus go gcuireann siad go mór le pobal an champais. Tabharfaimid gach eolas dóibh chun cabhrú leo an cúrsa oideachais cuí a roghnú in OÉ Gaillimh.” Déanfaidh Ionad Forbartha Gairmeacha na hOllscoile cur i láthair ina ndíreofar ar an gcúrsa staidéir is fearr a oirfidh do na riachtanais agus do chonairí gairme ar leith, agus beidh deis ann éisteacht le painéal de mhic léinn lánfhásta reatha ó réimsí éagsúla. Beidh comhaltaí foirne ó chúrsaí fochéime agus iarchéime OÉ Gaillimh, mar aon le hionadaithe ó Sheirbhísí Mac Léinn na hOllscoile, i láthair freisin chun treoir a thabhairt don lucht freastail maidir leis an raon cúrsaí agus tacaíochtaí a thairgtear in OÉ Gaillimh, agus freagróidh comhaltaí foirne acadúla ceisteanna ar leith faoi chéimeanna agus faoi shlite chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh. Beidh baill den Ionad Rochtana ar fáil chun ceisteanna a fhreagairt faoi chúrsaí réamh-ollscoile ar nós cúrsaí Rochtana. Beidh na Seirbhísí Tacaíochta Míchumais, arb é a gcúram tacú le mic léinn ag an tríú leibhéal a bhfuil riocht sláinte (fisiciúil nó meabhrach) fadtéarmach orthu, nó a bhfuil deacracht shonrach foghlama acu, i láthair freisin chun treoir a thabhairt do mhic léinn ionchasacha. Ní mór clárú don ócáid seo. Cláraigh ag www.nuigalway.ie/caoevents nó déan teagmháil le maturestudents@nuigalway.ie. Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil ag www.nuigalway.ie/mature  Críoch

Déanfaidh Uachtarán na hÉireann Micheál D. Ó hUigínn an ceiliúradh seachtaine a oscailt Tá sraith imeachtaí seolta ag OÉ Gaillimh chun Lá Eitneachta Thaistealaithe na hÉireann a cheiliúradh, amárach Dé Máirt, an 1 Márta. Chuir Uachtarán na hÉireann, Micheál D. Ó hUigínn tús leis an gceiliúradh seachtaine le haitheasc tosaigh, ag plé cearta agus ceisteanna eile a bhíonn ag déanamh tinnis do Thaistealaithe. Dúirt an tUachtarán Ó hUigínn: “Tá lúcháir orm Ceiliúradh Lá Eitneachta na dTaistealaithe a oscailt arís i mbliana in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. “Is iontach an tsraith imeachtaí atá beartaithe don tseachtain agus molaim an lucht eagraithe as an gclár atá curtha le chéile acu. “Is lá mór é an lá inniu chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar stair shaibhir ársa Thaistealaithe na hÉireann, an t-aon mhionlach dúchasach in Éirinn. B’fhiú dúinn machnamh a dhéanamh ar an méid atá bainte amach againn mar phobal a aithníonn agus a chuireann luach ar thraidisiúin agus ar chultúr na dTaistealaithe, ach tá go leor le déanamh fós maidir le rannpháirtíocht iomlán agus comhionannas.” Is comóradh é Lá Eitneachta Thaistealaithe na hÉireann an 1 Márta ar aitheantas oifigiúil a bheith faighte ag Taistealaithe na hÉireann ón Rialtas mar ghrúpa eitneach ar leith agus ceiliúrann sé cultúr agus oidhreacht Thaistealaithe na hÉireann idir cheol, thraidisiúin cheardaíochta agus teanga. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Tá meas agus oscailteacht ainmnithe ag pobal na hollscoile mar phéire dár gcroíluachanna, agus trí chomhiarracht i dtionscnaimh éagsúla, táimid ag tabhairt faoin dúshlán ár bpobal a dhéanamh níos cothroime, níos cuimsithí agus níos éagsúla mar phobal oibre agus mar phobal staidéir. Is maith an oidhe orainn é go bhfuil buanna go léir na sochaí againn anseo. “Leanfaimid leis an obair atá ar siúl againn chun fáilte a chur roimh Thaistealaithe, tacú leo agus iad a chosaint mar chuid luachmhar de shaol na hollscoile. Tá ríméad orm go ndéanfaidh féile eitneachta na dTaistealaithe ceiliúradh ar an oscailteacht seo agus go mbeidh béim ar níos mó deiseanna ar mhaithe le tionchar dearfach agus cuimsiú.” Is comóradh é Lá Eitneachta Thaistealaithe na hÉireann ar aitheantas oifigiúil a bheith faighte ag Taistealaithe na hÉireann ón Rialtas mar ghrúpa eitneach ar leith agus ceiliúrann an lá cultúr agus oidhreacht Thaistealaithe na hÉireann idir cheol, thraidisiúin cheardaíochta agus teanga. Bíonn an ceiliúradh bliantúil eagraithe ag an tionscadal Mincéirs Misl'd in Education (MMIE) in OÉ Gaillimh. Baineann tionscadal MMIE le Taistealaithe na hÉireann a chumasú le dul ar aghaidh chuig an ardoideachas agus muintearas a aireachtáil ann. Tugann Mincéirs Misl’d in Education comhpháirtithe le chéile as Ionad Rochtana OÉ Gaillimh, Gluaiseacht Taistealaithe na Gaillimhe, Involve CLG, Grúpa Tacaíochta Taistealaithe Mhaigh Eo, Grúpa Tacaíochta Taistealaithe Shligigh, Ionad Forbartha Taistealaithe agus Idirchultúrtha an Iarthair, Tusla, an tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas agus ionadaithe mac léinn chun oibriú le chéile chun bacainní ar ardoideachas a bhaint. Ag an seoladh chomh maith bronnadh Gradam Michael McDonagh do Shármhaitheas Lucht Tacaíochta Phobal Taistealaithe na hÉireann, a ainmníodh in ómós don Taistealaí Éireannach agus feachtasóir ar son na gceart. Ba iad na buaiteoirí ná léachtóirí OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Deirdre Hardiman agus an Dr Helen Casey. Bronnadh ballraíocht saoil i gCumann Mincéirs Whiden ar chéimí de chuid OÉ Gaillimh, Jason Sherlock, freisin. I measc imeachtaí na seachtaine beidh plé painéil ar an ngá atá le Lucht Tacaíochta do Thaistealaithe na hÉireann; An Bille um Chultúr agus Stair an Lucht Siúil san Oideachas, 2018; Eispéireas Gipseach, Roma agus Taistealaithe na hÉireann ar baill den phobal LGBT+ iad laistigh dá bpobail féin; agus coiriúlú na fánaíochta ó pheirspictíocht na RA agus na hÉireann. Cuirfidh ceardlanna agus taispeántais chultúrtha deiseanna éagsúla ar fáil freisin don fhoireann, do mhic léinn agus don phobal tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi chultúr agus stair Thaistealaithe na hÉireann. I measc na mbuaicphointí beidh an dráma a bhfuil duaiseanna bainte amach aige Magpies on the Pylon a scríobh Michael Collins; grianghraif ón taispeántas cáiliúil taistealaithe Crown a thaispeánann gruaig na mban; agus Taispeántas Beo Thaistealaithe na hÉireann a bhí ar an gcampas inniu taobh amuigh d’Áras na Mac Léinn agus ina raibh Vaigín Bairille athchóirithe go hiomlán. Tá tuilleadh eolais agus naisc chun clárú do na himeachtaí le fáil ag www.nuigalway.ie/accesscentre/travellereducationofficer Críoch

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins opens week-long celebrations NUI Galway has launched a series of events to mark Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day, tomorrow Tuesday 1 March. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins led the opening of the week-long celebrations with a keynote address, exploring rights and other issues for the Traveller community. President Higgins said: “I am delighted to be opening today’s Traveller Ethnicity Day Celebrations hosted again this year by the National University of Ireland Galway. “The series of events planned during the week is so impressive and I commend the organisers for developing the programme. “Today is a day to celebrate the rich and ancient history of Ireland’s Traveller community who constitute Ireland’s only indigenous minority. Today is a day to take stock on how far we have come as a society that recognises and values the Traveller traditions and culture, but it is also a day to consider the road still ahead to full participation and equality.” Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day on March 1 marks the anniversary of when the Irish Government formally recognised Irish Travellers as a distinct ethnic group and celebrates Irish Travellers culture and heritage including music, craft traditions and language.  President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “Our university community has defined respect and openness as two of our core values, and through collective effort across many different initiatives, we are meeting the challenge of making our community a more equal, inclusive and diverse place in which to work and study. We are better for having all the talents in society here. “We will continue our determined work to welcome, support and vindicate the Traveller community as a part a valuable and valued part of the life of our university. I am delighted that our Traveller ethnicity festival will celebrate this sense of openness and highlight many more opportunities for further positive impact and inclusion.” Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day marks the anniversary of formal recognition by the Irish Government of Irish Travellers as a distinct ethnic group and the day celebrates Irish Traveller culture and heritage including music, craft traditions and language. NUI Galway’s now annual celebrations are organised by the University’s Mincéirs Misl’d in Education (MMIE) project. The MMIE project is about empowering Irish Travellers to transition and build a sense of belonging in higher education. Mincéirs Misl’d in Education brings together partners in NUI Galway Access Centre, Galway Traveller Movement, Involve CLG, Mayo Sligo Traveller Support Group, Sligo Traveller Support Group, Western Traveller Intercultural Development Centre, Túsla, the  Higher Education Authority and student representatives to work together to remove barriers to higher education.  The launch included the presentation of the Michael McDonagh Award for Traveller Ally Excellence, named in honour of the Irish Traveller and rights campaigner. The awardees were NUI Galway lecturers Dr Deirdre Hardiman and Dr Helen Casey.  NUI Galway graduate Jason Sherlock was also honoured with lifetime membership of the Mincéirs Whiden Society.  The week-long events include panel discussions on the need for Irish Traveller Allies; the Traveller Culture and History in Education Bill 2018; Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller LGBT+ people’s experience within their communities; and the criminalisation of nomadism from a UK and Irish perspective.  Workshops and cultural exhibitions will also offer a variety of opportunities for staff, students and the public to discover more about Irish Traveller culture and history.  Some of the highlights include the award-winning play Magpies on the Pylon by Michael Collins; photographs from the well-known Crown exhibition showing Irish Traveller women and their hair; and the Irish Traveller Living Exhibition which was hosted on campus today outside Áras na Mac Léinn and includes a fully restored Barrel Top Wagon. For further information and links to register for events at www.nuigalway.ie/accesscentre/travellereducationofficer  Ends

Cruthaíonn an tSeirbhís Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra agus OÉ Gaillimh comhpháirtíocht chun bás agus oidhreacht an taighdeora a chomóradh Inniu, sheol an tSeirbhís Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra agus an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta i gcomhpháirtíocht le OÉ Gaillimh Scéim Sparánachta Taighde Cuimhneacháin Karzan Sabah D Ahmed. Cruthaíodh an sparánacht chun aitheantas agus ómós a thabhairt do thaighdeoir OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Karzan Sabah D Ahmed, a bhásaigh i dtimpiste bhóthair lena bhean chéile Shahen Qasm agus a n-iníon Lina i mí Lúnasa 2021. Ag an am, bhí Karzan Ahmed ina iarrthóir PhD in OÉ Gaillimh i mbun taighde in Eolaíocht Chomhshaoil. Dhírigh a chuid oibre ar mheastóireacht a dhéanamh ar fheidhm éiceachórais feithidí i ngnáthóga feirme le cur san áireamh i scéimeanna nua agra-chomhshaoil agus bhí dlúth-chomhoibriú ar siúl leis an tSeirbhís Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra. Bhronn OÉ Gaillimh PhD iarbháis air in Eolaíocht Chomhshaoil i mí Dheireadh Fómhair. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, ag seoladh na sparánachta: “Táimid thar a bheith buíoch den tSeirbhís Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra agus den Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta as a dtacaíocht agus a gcomhpháirtíocht agus muid ag tabhairt ár gcomhghleacaí Karzan Ahmed agus a bhean chéile Shahen Qasm agus a n-iníon Lina chun cuimhne. “Ghoill a mbás go mór ar ár bpobal agus, go háirithe, orthu siúd a d’oibrigh go díreach le Karzan. Cabhróidh an sparánacht fhlaithiúil seo lena chuid oibre a thabhairt ar aghaidh, agus ag an am céanna déanfar ceiliúradh agus cuimhneofar ar a fheabhas agus ar a thiomantas agus ar thiomantas OÉ Gaillimh don réimse tábhachtach seo.” Dúirt an tAire Stáit le freagracht as Oidhreacht agus Athchóiriú Toghcháin Malcolm Noonan T.D.: “Rinne Karzan Ahmed taighde tábhachtach a raibh tionchar aige ar fheirmeoireacht le meas ar an Dúlra le linn a thréimhse in OÉ Gaillimh. D’oibrigh sé go dlúth le foireann na Seirbhíse Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra (NPWS) agus bhí sé thar a bheith fial lena chuid ama agus saineolais. “Tá an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta muiníneach go gcuirfidh an sparánacht taighde seo le taighde Karzan agus go dtabharfaidh sé deis do mhic léinn taithí ríthábhachtach a fháil i réimse na bithéagsúlachta feirme, i gcomhar leis an NPWS.” Reáchtálfar Scéim Sparánachta Taighde Cuimhneacháin Karzan Sabah D Ahmed mar chlár taighde samhraidh i Scoil na nEolaíochtaí Nádúrtha in OÉ Gaillimh, ag díriú ar fheirmeoireacht le meas ar an dúlra agus ar bhithéagsúlacht inveirteabrach. Beidh an scéim nua oscailte do mhic léinn ó gach institiúid ardoideachais in Éirinn a bhfuil suim acu ann. Críoch 

National Parks and Wildlife Service and NUI Galway form partnership to mark researcher’s death and legacy  The National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in partnership with NUI Galway have today announced the Karzan Sabah D Ahmed Memorial Research Bursary Scheme. The bursary has been created to recognise and honour NUI Galway researcher Dr Karzan Sabah D Ahmed, who died in a road accident with his wife Shahen Qasm and baby daughter Lina in August 2021.  At the time of his death Karzan Ahmed was a PhD candidate at NUI Galway undertaking research in Environmental Science. His work focused on evaluating insect ecosystem function in farm habitats for inclusion in novel agri-environmental schemes and involved close collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service NUI Galway awarded Karzan Ahmed a posthumous PhD in Environmental Science in October. President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “We are extremely grateful to the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for their support and partnership in remembering our colleague Karzan Ahmed and his wife Shahen Qasm and their baby daughter Lina.  “Their deaths had a profound impact on our community and, in particular, those who worked directly with Karzan. This generous bursary will help to continue his work, celebrating and remembering his excellence and both his and NUI Galway’s commitment to this important area.” Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan T.D. said: “Karzan Ahmed undertook important and impactful research in High Nature Value farmland during his time at NUI Galway. He worked closely with staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and was exceptionally generous and giving with his time and expertise.  “The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are confident that this research bursary will continue to build upon Karzan’s research and afford students an opportunity to gain vital experience in the area of farmland biodiversity, in collaboration with NPWS.” The Karzan Sabah D Ahmed Memorial Research Bursary Scheme will run as a summer research programme in the School of Natural Sciences at NUI Galway, focusing on high nature value farming and invertebrate biodiversity. The new scheme will be open to interested students from all higher education institutions in Ireland.  Ends

Cartlann mhór ina bhfuil breis agus 600,000 leathanach ar fáil do lucht taighde Tá catalógú déanta ag OÉ Gaillimh ar chartlann Chonradh na Gaeilge, an eagraíocht Ghaeilge is sine in Éirinn, agus tá an chartlann sin seolta ag an Ollscoil. Déantar cíoradh sna cáipéisí ar chorradh agus céad bliain d’imeachtaí, d’fheachtais agus d’éachtaí an Chonartha agus tugtar léargas eisiach iontu ar chúrsaí teanga, cultúir, sóisialta agus polaitíochta a bhaineann le stair na hÉireann. In 2018, de thoradh cainteanna a thionscain an Dr John Walsh agus a lean ar aghaidh faoina stiúir, cuireadh an chartlann faoi choimeád i Leabharlann na hOllscoile. Bhí níos mó ná 600 bosca ábhair ann agus níos mó ná 600,000 leathanach. Tá sé ar cheann de na bailiúcháin is mó dár taisceadh in OÉ Gaillimh riamh. Tá catalógú déanta anois air ag an gcartlannaí Niamh Ní Charra. Tugann Cartlann Chonradh na Gaeilge deis don phobal fáil a bheith acu ar na príomhfhoinsí a bhain le forbairt polasaithe i leith na Gaeilge. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Tá an Ollscoil seo tiomanta don Ghaeilge mar a léirítear inár Straitéis don Ghaeilge. Is ar mhaithe leis an bpobal agus chun na pobail a bhfuilimid ag freastal orthu a chothú atáimid anseo. Ó tharla go bhfuil catalógú déanta ar an gcartlann anois, beidh fáil go forleathan air mar acmhainn thábhachtach teagaisc agus taighde.” Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Dr Niall Comer, Uachtarán Chonradh na Gaeilge: “Léiríonn gairmiúlacht agus tiomantas na foirne go ndearna muid an cinneadh ceart an chartlann luachmhar seo a lonnú anseo in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, agus gabhaim buíochas fosta leis an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán as an mhaoiniú agus an tacaíocht leanúnach a chuirtear ar fáil don tionscnamh seo.” Tá gach tréimhse deich mbliana ó bunaíodh Conradh na Gaeilge in 1893 go dtí go ndearnadh an bailiúchan a thaisceadh in OÉ Gaillimh in 2018 san áireamh sa chartlann. Bhí Conradh na Gaeilge ag plé leis an nGaeilge a chur chun cinn agus le breathnóireacht a dhéanamh agus taifead a choinneáil ar úsáid na Gaeilge i ngach gné den saol ó lá go lá. Seo samplaí de chuid de na míreanna is spéisiúla sa chartlann:   Teachtaireachtaí ó phríosúnaigh phoblachtánacha ar pháipéar toitíní a smugláladh as Príosún na Ceise Fada sna 1980idí agus comhfhreagras idir Conradh na Gaeilge agus Seirbhís Príosúin na Banríona maidir leis an gcosc ar chuairteanna i nGaeilge Clár Guth na nGaedheal 1904 ina bhfuil trácht ar an gcéad uair a bhí an teanór John McCormack ar stáitse taobh amuigh d’Éirinn nuair a bhí sé 20 bliain d’aois Bileog a bhaineann le hagóid in aghaidh chogadh Vítneam taobh amuigh d’Ambasáid Mheiriceá, 1972  Seiceanna do Phádraig Mac Piarais agus Traolach Mac Suibhne a bhfuil a síniú ar a gcúl ó na blianta 1912 agus 1920 Litreacha ó Bhreandán Ó Beacháin agus Seán O’Casey a bhaineann le léirithe ar a saothar Gaeilge  Samplaí de phacáistiú ilteangach, paicéad cnónna Aer Lingus ina measc Mórleabhar faoi cheangal leathair ina bhfuil liosta de na craobhacha (1904-1918), rud a léiríonn cé chomh láidir agus a bhí an eagraíocht ag tús an 20ú hAois Grianghraif de léirsithe ina rabhthas i mbun agóide faoina laghad clár Gaeilge a bhí ar an teilifís agus ar an raidió, agus faoi ghabháil daoine nár dhíol a gceadúnas teilifíse mar agóid ina aghaidh sin Miontuairiscí agus cláir na nArd-Fheiseanna bliantúla ó 1894 go 2008 ina léirítear an daonlathas agus an chruthaitheacht a bhain leis an eagraíocht Foclóir pearsanta lámhscríofa ó dheireadh an 18ú hAois, a bronnadh ar an dlíodóir, bailitheoir leabhar, agus fear a raibh spéis aige sa Ghaeilge, Ernest Reginald McClintock Dix in 1909 agus a tugadh do leabharlann Chonradh na Gaeilge ina dhiaidh sin Póstaeir ó chraobhchomórtais chlubanna CLG ag deireadh na 1950idí  Preasráiteas ag éileamh go gcuirfí deireadh le pionós an bháis in Éirinn, 1976  Tá ábhar sa chartlann a bhaineann le ceol, spórt, drámaíocht, reiligiún, polaitíocht agus imeachtaí ar nós fheachtas bliantúil Sheachtain na Gaeilge agus comórtais Oireachtais a mbeidh comóradh 120 bliain agus 125 bliain a mbunaithe faoi seach ann i mbliana. Tá tuairiscí na dTimirí sa chartlann chomh maith, ina bhfuil eolas mion le fáil ar na hathruithe a bhí ag teacht ar shochaí na hÉireann go háirithe sna 1960idí agus sna 1970idí, agus corrthuairisc ó na 1920idí. Labhair an Dr John Walsh, Ollamh Comhlach le Gaeilge in OÉ Gaillimh a bhí i mbun thiomsú na cartlainne, ar thábhacht na cartlainne do lucht taighde: “Is acmhainn an-luachmhar an bailiúchán seo do lucht taighde de bhrí go léirítear ann an obair cheannródaíoch a bhí ar siúl ag Conradh na Gaeilge i réimsí éagsúla, ar nós na bhfeachtas le seirbhísí raidió agus teilifíse, scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge, údarás Gaeltachta daonlathach, stádas na Gaeilge san AE agus cearta teanga a bhaint amach ar dhá thaobh na teorann.” Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag John Cox, Leabharlannaí na hOllscoile: “Cuireann an Ollscoil agus an Leabharlann an-bhéim ar an nGaeilge a chur chun cinn agus tacú léi. Táimid an-bhródúil as an mbaint a bhí againn leis an gcatalógú agus le cartlann chomh mór agus chomh tábhachtach seo a chur ar fáil don teagasc agus don taighde agus is léiriú é ar an gcomhpháirtíocht den scoth a bhí againn le Conradh na Gaeilge.” Tá fáil ag lucht taighde ar an gcartlann i Seomra Léitheoireachta na gCartlann agus na mBailiúchán Speisialta i Leabharlann OÉ Gaillimh.  Tá bailiúchán fairsing, beagnach 400 cartlann ar fad, ag OÉ Gaillimh, faoi chúram na Leabharlainne. Ar na réimsí is mó a bhfuil ábhar a bhaineann leo sa bhailiúchán tá an drámaíocht, scannáin agus na taibhealaíona, an litríocht, an stair agus an pholaitíocht, agus tá béim ar leith ar ábhar i nGaeilge.  I measc na mbailiúchán is cáiliúla tá cartlann Chonradh na Gaeilge agus cartlann Mary Robinson; páipéir liteartha John McGahern agus Thomas Kilroy; cartlanna compántas amharclannaíochta éagsúil, lena n-áirítear Amharclann na Mainistreach, Amharclann an Gheata agus Amharclann an Druid; Bailiúchán Tim Robinson ina bhfuil eolas mion faoi thíreolaíocht agus topagrafaíocht Chonamara; agus cartlanna ó eastáit mhóra talún i gCúige Chonnacht agus roinnt páipéar a bhaineann leis na Trioblóidí i dTuaisceart Éireann. Cuirtear an-bhéim ar chartlanna a fhoilsiú ar líne mar chuid de chlár digitithe leanúnach.  Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil anseo faoi na Cartlanna agus na Bailiúcháin Speisialta in OÉ Gaillimh: http://library.nuigalway.ie/collections/archives/   Is féidir le taighdeoirí brabhsáil tríd an mbailiúchán sula dtagann siad chuig an Leabharlann lena scrúdú via https://exhibitions.library.nuigalway.ie/s/cnag/page/home Críoch

Extensive archive containing over 600,000 pages is available to researchers The archive of Conradh na Gaeilge, Ireland’s oldest Irish language organisation, has been catalogued and launched by NUI Galway. The documents cover more than a century of Conradh’s existence, campaigning and achievements and provide an unparalleled insight into linguistic, cultural, social and political aspects of Irish history. In 2018, following discussions instigated and led by Dr John Walsh, the University’s Library became the custodian of the archives. It consisted of more than 600 boxes of material and over 600,000 pages, making it one of the largest collections ever deposited with NUI Galway. Now catalogued by archivist Niamh Ní Charra, the Conradh na Gaeilge Archive at NUI Galway gives researchers, students and the public unique access to primary sources about the development of Irish language policy. President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “Our University is committed to the Irish language through our Straitéis don Ghaeilge. We are here for the public good and to sustain the communities which we serve. Now that the archive has been catalogued, it will be widely available for use as a significant resource for teaching and research.” Dr Niall Comer, President, Conradh na Gaeilge, said: "The professionalism and dedication of the staff show that we made the correct decision to locate our valuable archive in NUI Galway and I would also like to thank the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for their continued funding and support for this project." Every decade is represented in the archive, from the founding of Conradh na Gaeilge in 1893 to the deposition of the collection with NUI Galway in 2018. Conradh na Gaeilge was actively involved in promoting, observing and documenting the use of Irish across all aspects of everyday life. Highlights in the archive include:  Republican prisoners’ messages on cigarette papers smuggled out of the Maze prison in the 1980s and correspondence between Conradh na Gaeilge and HM Prison Service on the ban on visits in Irish A 1904 Guth na nGaedheal programme featuring tenor John McCormack’s possible first performance outside of Ireland at the age of 20 A flyer relating to an anti-Vietnam war protest outside the American embassy, 1972  Cheques to and endorsed by Patrick Pearse and Terence MacSwiney in 1912 and 1920 Letters from both Brendan Behan and Seán O’Casey relating to productions of their work in Irish  Samples of multilingual packaging including an Aer Lingus peanuts wrapper. An oversized leather-bound book listing branches (1904-1918) showing the strength of the organisation at the beginning of the 20th Century Photographs of demonstrations protesting both the lack of Irish language programming on TV and radio, and the arrest of people who refused to pay their television licences as a result Minutes and programmes from the annual Ard-Fheis covering the period 1894 to 2008 showing the democracy and creativity in the organisation A handwritten personal dictionary from the late 18th century which was gifted to solicitor, book collector, and Irish language enthusiast Ernest Reginald McClintock Dix in 1909 and subsequently given to Conradh na Gaeilge library Posters from GAA club championships in the late 1950s  A press release calling for the end to the death penalty in Ireland, 1976  The archive includes material relating to music, sport, drama, religion, politics and events such as the annual Seachtain na Gaeilge campaign and Oireachtas competitions which celebrate their 120th and 125th anniversaries respectively this year. It also features the Timirí (organisers’) reports, which provide detailed information on changes in Irish society mainly during the 1960s and 1970s, and some reports from the 1920s. Dr John Walsh, Associate Professor of Irish at NUI Galway who led the acquisition of the archive, noted its significance to the research community: “This collection is a very valuable resource for researchers because it illustrates Conradh na Gaeilge’s pioneering work in various areas, for instance the campaigns for radio and television services, all-Irish schools, a democratic Gaeltacht authority, the status of Irish in the EU and language rights on both sides of the border.” John Cox, University Librarian, said: “Promoting and supporting the Irish language is a priority for the University and Library. Our engagement in cataloguing and making available for teaching and research an archive of such scale and significance is a source of great pride and represents the fruition of an excellent partnership with Conradh na Gaeilge.” The archive is open for consultation by researchers in the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room of the NUI Galway Library.  NUI Galway has an extensive collection of almost 400 archives, managed by its Library. Collection strengths include theatre, film and the performing arts, literature, history and politics, with a particular focus on material in the Irish language.  Collections of note include the archives of Conradh na Gaeilge and Mary Robinson, the literary papers of John McGahern and Thomas Kilroy, the archives of a range of theatre companies, including the Abbey, Gate and Druid, the Tim Robinson Collection detailing the geography and topography of Connemara, as well as the archives of several Connacht landed estates and a number of papers relating to the Northern Ireland Troubles. There is a strong focus on publishing archives online as part of an ongoing digitisation programme.  For more information about the Archives and Special Collections at NUI Galway visit http://library.nuigalway.ie/collections/archives/ Researchers can browse the contents of the collection in advance of accessing it in the Library via https://exhibitions.library.nuigalway.ie/s/cnag/page/home End

Two NUI Galway projects have been selected to develop solutions for operational challenges facing the Defence Forces. The research teams have secured funding as part of the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) -Defence Organisation Challenge. The researchers will collaborate with the Defence Forces to develop disruptive solutions to challenges faced by the Army, Navy and Air Corps while also having a potential to deliver significant societal impact. The first project, AltFuel4DF, will focus on convert waste to low-carbon fuel. The second, SafeGuard-Bio, will look at a novel device to detect multiple biological agents. Professor Jim Livesey, Vice President Research and Innovation at NUI Galway, said: “The successful projects in the SFI-Defence Organisation Challenge have huge potential and are a mark of the value our researchers place on responding to society’s needs.  “Collaboration is a vital element of research and as a public university it is profoundly important for our excellence to be put to the test in developing solutions for those who serve on the frontline while also creating the potential for societal impact.” The successful projects were announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris T.D. and Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney T.D. The NUI Galway projects are among just 10 selected as part of the SFI-Defence Organisation Innovation Challenge.  :: AltFuel4DF A joint project with Dr Rory Monaghan and the Institute of Technology Carlow will develop technologies to convert waste products like rubbish and residues from forestry and agriculture into sustainable low-carbon fuels. This will help the Defence Forces reduce emissions and improve energy security by cutting reliance on imported fossil fuels. Part of the project will analyse fuel use to establish greatest need. Within transport in the Defence Forces, there is potential for the low-carbon fuel to be used for ships, planes and vehicles on land. :: SafeGuard-Bio Led by Professor Lokesh Joshi and Dr Stephen Cunningham, the project is in part a result of a decade long collaboration with the Defence Forces and Aquila Bioscience.  The NUI Galway team, in collaboration with the Defence Forces, will develop a rapid and reliable platform for simultaneous detection of several biological threat agents from a single sample.  The solution has potential far beyond the security field, including aspects of public health and environmental monitoring for better awareness of infectious agents. Ends

Naoi n-ollscoil Eorpacha diantaighde ag obair chun deiseanna a mhéadú do mhic léinn agus chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar dhúshláin shochaíocha Tá fáilte curtha ag OÉ Gaillimh roimh thacaíocht an Rialtais do Chomhghuaillíocht Ollscoileanna ENLIGHT, a mhéadóidh deiseanna do mhic léinn agus don fhoireann chun staidéar, foghlaim agus oibriú ar fud na hEorpa. Tá maoiniú beagnach €445,000 bainte amach ag OÉ Gaillimh ón Údarás um Ard-Oideachas (ÚAO) chun an tionscnamh teagaisc, foghlama agus taighde uile-Eorpach a chur chun cinn as seo go ceann dhá bhliain go leith. Tugann ENLIGHT an t-ardán d’ollscoileanna chun cineál nua “campais” a chruthú ina mbeidh fáil níos éasca ag mic léinn agus ag comhaltaí foirne ar staidéar, oiliúint, teagasc, taighde agus roinnt seirbhísí ar bhonn idirnáisiúnta. Dúirt Leas-Uachtarán Idirnáisiúnta na hOllscoile, an tOllamh Becky Whay: “Is eiseamláir de chomhghuaillíocht ENLIGHT é tiomantas OÉ Gaillimh d’oscailteacht agus d’éagsúlacht inár nOllscoil, ag cruthú deiseanna do mhic léinn agus don fhoireann, agus dár réigiún cáiliúil san iarthar chomh maith. “Cuireann ár gcomhpháirtíocht i Líonra Ollscoileanna Eorpacha muid ar thús cadhnaíochta maidir le samhlacha a dhearadh do chomhoibriú, oideachas, taighde agus fás tras-Eorpach.” “Tá an tacaíocht mhaoinithe seo ón ÚAO ríthábhachtach dár gcumas an leas is fearr a bhaint as na buntáistí a thugann ballraíocht sa chomhghuaillíocht seo dúinn – dár mic léinn ar mian leo taisteal agus foghlaim ar fud na hEorpa agus dár bhfoireann ar mian leo dul i gcomhpháirtíocht le lucht léinn agus le seirbhísí gairmiúla.” Neartóidh maoiniú an Rialtais rannpháirtíocht OÉ Gaillimh in ENLIGHT agus tacóidh sé le malartuithe mac léinn agus comhoibriú agus rannpháirtíocht foirne. I gcomhghuaillíocht ENLIGHT tá – OÉ Gaillimh; Ollscoil Comenius, an Bhratasláiv (An tSlóvaic); Ollscoil Groningen (An Ísiltír); Ollscoil Bordeaux (An Fhrainc); Ollscoil Gent (An Bheilg); Ollscoil Tartu (An Eastóin); Ollscoil Gottingen (An Ghearmáin); Ollscoil Thír na mBascach (An Spáinn); Ollscoil Uppsala (An tSualainn). Tá sé mar aidhm ag ENLIGHT an t-ardoideachas a athrú i gcomhar lena chéile, ag tabhairt aghaidh ar dhúshláin shochaíocha agus ag cur caighdeán na beatha chun cinn mar aon le hinbhuanaitheacht agus rannpháirtíocht sheachtrach le pobail na n-ollscoileanna comhpháirtíochta. Dúirt Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh agus cathaoirleach reatha Chomhghuaillíocht ENLIGHT, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Tá OÉ Gaillimh thar a bheith sásta le tacaíocht an Rialtais maidir lenár rannpháirtíocht i gcomhghuaillíocht ENLIGHT a neartú. Tá na naoi n-ollscoil in ENLIGHT lonnaithe lasmuigh de phríomhchathracha rud a thugann dearcadh faoi leith dúinn ar an saol agus ar an bpobal. Le chéile, cuirimid borradh faoi fhorbairt ar bhonn réigiúnach, oibrímid go dlúth le dul i ngleic le dúshláin shochaíocha agus breathnaímid ar uaillmhian idirnáisiúnta mar bhealach leis an tionchar réigiúnach is mó a bheith againn.  In OÉ Gaillimh, is trína bheith oscailte do na caighdeáin is airde maidir le barr feabhais agus comhoibriú a dhéanaimid an freastal is fearr – agus a léirímid an meas is fearr – ar ár réigiún. Trí thacaíocht an Rialtais do ENLIGHT tabharfar an deis dúinne agus dár mic léinn agus dár bhfoireann foghlaim le chéile, barr feabhais a bhaint amach agus aghaidh a thabhairt ar dhúshláin chomhroinnte atá ag teacht lenár luachanna mar phobal ollscoile.” Tabharfaidh ENLIGHT ardán do OÉ Gaillimh do chomhpháirtíochtaí agus comhoibrithe chun maoiniú níos leithne a mhealladh faoin gclár Erasmus agus an clár Fís Eorpach. Neartóidh sé chomh maith comhpháirtíochtaí straitéiseacha na naoi n-institiúid rud a spreagfaidh comhoibriú oideachais, taighde agus nuálaíochta a chuirfidh lenár n-iomaíochas idirnáisiúnta agus lenár dtionchar domhanda. Mar chuid d’obair na comhghuaillíochta, beidh ócáid ar siúl ag OÉ Gaillimh i gcomhar le hOllscoil Uppsala sa tSualainn i mBealtaine 2022. Is é an téama ná Forbairt Uirbeach Inbhuanaithe agus tiocfaidh taighdeoirí, mic léinn agus páirtithe leasmhara réigiúnacha ó gach cearn den chomhghuaillíocht le chéile chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar chomhdhúshláin. Críoch

Nine European research-intensive universities working to increase opportunities for students and to address societal challenges NUI Galway has welcomed Government support for the ENLIGHT University Alliance, which will increase opportunities for students and staff to study, learn and work across Europe. NUI Galway has secured funding of almost €445,000 from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to progress the new pan-European teaching, learning and research initiative over the next two and half years. ENLIGHT gives universities the platform to create a new type of “campus” where students and staff have increased opportunities for international study, training, teaching, research and sharing of services. The University’s Vice President International, Professor Becky Whay said: “The ENLIGHT alliance exemplifies NUI Galway’s commitment to openness and diversity in our University, creating opportunities for students and staff, as well as for our renowned western region.  “Our partnership in a European University Network puts us at the forefront of designing models for cross European collaboration, education, research and growth.”  “This funding support from the HEA is critical to our ability to optimise the advantages that membership of this alliance opens up for us - for our students who wish to travel and learn throughout Europe and for our staff who wish to partner with fellow academics and professional services.” The Government funding will strengthen NUI Galway’s participation in ENLIGHT and support student exchanges and staff collaboration and engagement.  The ENLIGHT alliance includes - NUI Galway; Comenius University, Bratislava (Slovakia); University of Groningen (Netherlands); University of Bordeaux (France); Gent University (Belgium); University of Tartu (Estonia); University of Gottingen (Germany); University of the Basque Country (Spain); and Uppsala University (Sweden). ENLIGHT aims to collaboratively transform higher education, addressing societal challenges and promoting equitable quality of life, sustainability and external engagement with the communities of the partner universities. NUI Galway President and current chair of the ENLIGHT Alliance, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “NUI Galway is delighted with this Government support to strengthen our participation in the ENLIGHT alliance. “All nine of the universities in ENLIGHT are based outside of capital cities which gives us a particular perspective on the world and community.  "Together, we are regional drivers of development, working closely to tackle societal challenges and see international ambition as a means of maximising regional impact. At NUI Galway, we serve our region best - and respect it - by being open to the highest standards of excellence and co-operation. Securing Government support for ENLIGHT will afford us and our students and staff the opportunity to learn collectively, to excel and to address shared challenges consistent with our values as a university community.” ENLIGHT will give NUI Galway a platform for partnerships and collaborations to attract wider funding under the Erasmus and Horizon Europe programmes.  It will also strengthen strategic partnerships across the nine institutions, encouraging education, research and innovation collaborations, contributing both to our international competitiveness and collective global impact. As part of the work of the alliance, NUI Galway is partnering with Uppsala University in Sweden on an event in May 2022. The theme is Sustainable Urban Development with researchers, students and regional stakeholders from across the alliance coming together to address collective challenges. Ends

Well-being programme takes place over six weeks in higher education institutions across Europe  Initiative aims to study physical and mental health benefits for students and young people NUI Galway has launched a new well-being programme - Mind, Body, Boost - to support students’ physical and mental health and research its impact. The initiative is taking place in partnership with higher education institutions in six European countries and aims to address social isolation, poor lifestyle balance, mental health difficulties and low levels of physical activity of young people. Mind, Body, Boost also involves research to assess the impact and benefit of a six-week health and wellbeing programme on physical and mental health. Professor Michelle Millar, Dean of Students, NUI Galway, said: “We know from our students that the issues of anxiety and stress are real. Mind, Body, Boost provides us with a new opportunity to help our students improve their overall well-being, to prevent isolation and open the door to physical activity. Most of all, it is a huge opportunity to learn the impacts of this approach.” Mind, Body, Boost is designed to be accessible and welcoming for third level students with low levels of physical activity and mental health struggles and who have had limited opportunities to participate in physical activity, for whatever reason, through personal difficulties or other obstacles.  It is running in seven institutions across Europe. The programme recruits students via student sign-up and seeks referrals from student service, health professionals and educators.  An APP has been developed for participating students who will receive encouragement and motivation to achieve their goals each week. Today, Tuesday 8 February 2022, marked the introductory session for NUI Galway students, and sessions continue on campus on the same day each week for the next six weeks.  The sessions run for 25 minutes and 45 minutes and include a mix of low-moderate intensity physical activity, relaxation, and resilience sessions.  The project is co-funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus + Sport programme.  The partners include - Trinity College Dublin; University of Stirling, Scotland; University of Limerick; University of Lisbon, Portugal; Technical University of Munich, Germany; Vilnius University, Lithuania; and It’s Great Out There Coalition, Brussels. To find out more information visit www.mindbodyboost.eu Ends

A special new scholarship has been announced by University of Galway for entrepreneurial undergraduate students. The Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship, funded through the generous philanthropic support of the Liffey Trust, will run for an initial 10-year period. The scholarship will help to support students in University of Galway’s newly launched student innovation and entrepreneurship hub, IdeasLab. It will also help to promote the concepts of job creation, entrepreneurial development and education for life for undergraduate students commencing their studies. First year undergraduate students at University of Galway can apply for a scholarship valued at up to €9,000 for the duration of their studies at the University.  The inaugural students will be selected in March 2022.  President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “We welcome our new partnership with the Liffey Trust. A key strength of University of Galway is our partnership with business, industry, government and civic society to nurture graduates that are civic, innovative and entrepreneurial. The scholarship will sow the seeds to further enhance and support our vision for innovation, excellence and entrepreneurship in the region.” The Liffey Trust was established more than 30 years ago and has been supporting entrepreneurs to establish and grow new businesses since then. The University of Galway scholarship is named in honour of the founder of the Liffey Trust, Galway native Séamus McDermott, in recognition of his contribution to entrepreneurship in Ireland.  Professor Michelle Millar, Dean of Students in University of Galway, said: “We are delighted to broaden our scholarship portfolio to include the Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship. Our campus is filled with creative and innovative minds that this scholarship can make a real difference to.” For further information on the scholarship contact ideaslab@nuigalway.ie, or submit an application at https://bit.ly/3u2r0Vk.  Ends

An extraordinary audio archive from NUI Galway will be showcased at this year's Cúirt International Festival of Literature in Galway.  Nearly 100 years after they were first captured, wax cylinder recordings held in the University Library were digitised last summer with support from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.  The recordings were made by Tomás Ó Máille (1880-1938), the inaugural Professor of Irish at the University. Appointed in 1909, the Joyce Country native held the professorship until his premature death in 1938.  A pioneer in many ways, Tomás Ó Máille’s greatest foresight was his commitment to the newest technology of his day - audio recording. Focusing on folklore, song, and dialects, he created hundreds of recordings of Irish speakers from every county in Connacht and also Co Clare. He assisted the recording work of other collectors and scholars including Wilhelm Doegen, head of the Sound Department at the Prussian State Library in Berlin. In this concert as part of the Cúírt festival, Dr Deirdre Ní Chonghaile will introduce Tomás Ó Máille and his work, along with excerpts of his recordings from the NUI Galway archive. She will also introduce three special guests - singers Sarah Ghriallais, Mary Staunton, and Saileog Ní Cheannabháin - who will perform their own renditions of songs retrieved from Ó Máille’s recordings.  Speaking ahead of the Cúirt showcase, Dr Ní Chonghaile said: "This event sees one of Ireland’s most significant audio archives come to life for the first time and witnesses songs returning to their rightful place - in each community’s repertoire. We are thrilled to partner with Cúirt and Arts-in-Action to celebrate Tomás Ó Máille’s outstanding legacy in capturing artistic treasures of the Irish language from every county west of the Shannon." With surtitles in English, An Chartlann Bheo - Animating the Archive takes place at An Taibhdhearc on Wednesday 6 April at 1pm. It is free to attend but booking is advisable at https://www.cuirt.ie/whats-on/an-chartlann-bheo-animating-the-archive/. Ends

Den chéad uair ó 1930 i leith, beidh seod-chartlann fhuaime de chuid Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh i lár an aonaigh ag Féile Idirnáisiúnta na Litríochta, Cúirt na Gaillimhe. Beagnach céad bliain ó gabhadh iad ar fhiteáin céireacha, rinneadh na taifeadtaí i Leabharlann na hOllscoile a dhigitiú an samhradh seo caite le tacaíocht ón Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus na Meán. Is taifeadtaí iad seo a chruthaigh Tomás Ó Máille (1880-1938), an chéad Ollamh le Gaeilge san Ollscoil. De bhunadh Dhúiche Sheoigheach, ceapadh Tomás ina ollamh i 1909 agus lean sé air sa ról go bhfuair sé bás go hanabaí in 1938. Ceannródaí ab ea an Máilleach ar mhórán bealaí ach is suntasach go háirithe mar a dhírigh sé ar nua-theicneolaíocht a linne fhéin – an taifeadadh fuaime. Ag diriú ar bhéaloideas, amhráin, agus canúintí éagsúla, chruthaigh sé na céadta taifeadadh fuaime de chainteoirí Gaeilge as gach contae i gConnacht agus as an gClár. Freisin, chuidigh sé le bailitheoirí agus scoláirí eile taifeadtaí a chruthú, ina measc Wilhelm Doegen, stiúrthóir Roinn na Fuaime i Leabharlann na Prúise i mBeirlín. Sa cheolchoirm seo mar chuid d'fhéile Cúirt, cuirfidh Deirdre Ní Chonghaile Tomás Ó Máille agus a shaothar i láthair, agus cloisfear blaiseadh beag dá thaifeadtaí. Freisin, déanfaidh triúr aíonna speisialta – Sarah Ghriallais, Mary Staunton agus Saileog Ní Cheannabháin – a leagan féin d’amhráin as cartlann an Mháilligh a chanadh. Ag labhairt di roimh na hócáide uathúla seo, dúirt an Dr Ní Chonghaile: "Beidh an chartlann ina steillbheatha, beo ar ardán, agus na hamhráin a chruinnigh Tomás ar ais i mbéal an phobail. Tá ríméad orainn an deis seo a chruthú i gcomhpháirt le Cúirt agus Arts-in-Action. Seo ceiliúradh ar mhór-obair a rinne an Máilleach ag cruinniú saibhreas na n-ealaíon Gaeilge ó gach contae taobh thiar den tSionainn." Le fortheidil i mBéarla, beidh An Chartlann Bheo - Animating the Archive ar siúl sa Taibhdhearc ar an gCéadaoin 6 Aibreán ag 1.00in. Tá sé saor in aisce ach ní mór ticéid a chur in áirithe: https://www.cuirt.ie/whats-on/an-chartlann-bheo-animating-the-archive/. Críoch

Tá fáilte ar ais á chur roimh na mílte céimithe de chuid OÉ Gaillimh ar an gcampas an tseachtain seo lena muintir agus lena gcairde ag na searmanais bhronnta a bheidh ar siúl as seo go ceann coicíse. Beidh an ceiliúradh ar siúl ón Déardaoin, an 31 Márta go dtí Dé Máirt, an 12 Aibreán agus beidh céimithe agus na daoine a bhfuil céim le bronnadh orthu a d’fhreastail ar cheithre choláiste na hOllscoile agus ar an Ionad Foghlama agus Forbartha Gairmiúla d’Aosaigh i láthair. Tá na searmanais á reáchtáil do chéimithe a chríochnaigh a gcuid staidéir in 2021 agus ar cuireadh a searmanas bronnta céime geimhridh ar athló, agus tá ceiliúradh speisialta bronnta céime ar siúl freisin do chéimithe a chríochnaigh a gcuid staidéir in 2020 agus ar bronnadh a gcéim orthu in absentia mar gheall ar shrianta na paindéime. Chláraigh thart ar 3,000 céimí ó 2020 agus thart ar 4,000 ó 2021 le freastal ar na searmanais. Déanfar sruthú beo ar gach searmanas bronnta freisin chun freastal ar mhic léinn agus a dteaghlaigh agus a gcairde nach bhfuil in ann a bheith i láthair. Tá sé fógartha ag OÉ Gaillimh cé hiad an t-ochtar a mbronnfar Céimeanna Oinigh orthu ag na searmanais chomh maith: Jean Kelly – Príomh-Stiúrthóir Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais ar scor, Grúpa Cúraim Sláinte Ollscoile Saolta, Ospidéal na hOllscoile, Gaillimh. An tOllamh David Harper – Ollamh le Pailé-ointeolaíocht in Ollscoil Durham agus saineolaí idirnáisiúnta mór le rá ar phailé-ointeolaíocht agus ar éabhlóid. Evelyn O’Toole – Bunaitheoir agus Príomhoifigeach Feidhmiúcháin Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS). An tOllamh Hubert McDermott – iarOllamh le Béarla in OÉ Gaillimh agus iarbhall d’Údarás na hOllscoile. Dick Byrne – Ailtire a chuireann go mór leis na healaíona i nGaillimh. Ronnie O’Gorman – Bunaitheoir agus úinéir an Galway Advertiser. Ailbhe Smyth – Acadóir agus gníomhaí Éireannach. Bob Quinn – Déantóir scannán, stiúrthóir, grianghrafadóir, scríbhneoir, eagarthóir agus ball d’Aosdána. Ag labhairt dó roimh na searmanais bhronnta, dúirt Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Is iontach an rud é go bhfuil na searmanais bhronnta ar ais ar an láthair, agus muid ag fáiltiú roimh na mic léinn sin ar fad ar ais ar an gcampas seo lena dteaghlach agus lena gcairde. “Ba mhaith liom ár gcéimithe go léir ó 2020 agus 2021 a mholadh as a bheith i mbun léinn fad a bhí an phaindéim ann, agus comhghairdeas a dhéanamh leo as a bhfuil bainte amach acu thar aon bhaicle eile.  “Is mór againn ár gcéimithe go léir agus chuir gach duine den ochtar laoch a bhfuil Céim Oinigh á bronnadh orthu go mór le réimsí éagsúla ─ na healaíona, cúrsaí gnó, an litríocht agus an iriseoireacht, an t-oideachas, agus an eolaíocht agus an leigheas. Tá an-áthas ar OÉ Gaillimh a bheith in ann meas a léiriú agus aitheantas a thabhairt go hoscailte do shárshaothar na ndaoine eisceachtúla seo.” Tá sceideal iomlán shearmanais bhronnta an gheimhridh 2021 agus 2020 le fáil ag https://www.nuigalway.ie/conferring/. Críoch

Thousands of NUI Galway graduates are being welcomed back to the campus this week with families and friends for almost two weeks of conferring ceremonies.  The celebrations take place from Thursday March 31 to Tuesday April 12 involving graduates and graduands of the University’s four colleges and the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development.  The ceremonies are being held for graduates who completed studies in 2021 and whose winter conferring was postponed and special graduation celebrations are also being held for graduates who completed studies in 2020 and were conferred in absentia due to public health restrictions during the pandemic.  Several thousand graduates from 2020 and 2021 have registered to attend the ceremonies. All ceremonies will be live streamed to accommodate students and their families and friends who cannot attend in-person.  NUI Galway has also announced the names the eight individuals to be conferred with Honorary Degrees at the ceremonies: Jean Kelly - Retired Chief Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Saolta University Health Care Group, University Hospital Galway. Professor David Harper - Professor of Palaeontology at Durham University and leading international expert on palaeontology and evolution. Evelyn O’Toole - Founder and CEO of Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS). Professor Hubert McDermott - Former Professor of English at NUI Galway and former Governing Authority member. Dick Byrne - Architect by profession and life-long contributor to the arts in Galway. Ronnie O’Gorman - Founder and owner of Galway Advertiser. Ailbhe Smyth - Irish academic and activist. Bob Quinn - Filmmaker, director, photographer, writer, editor and member of Aosdána. Speaking ahead of the conferring ceremonies, NUI Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “It is great to see the return of the conferring ceremonies in person, welcoming all those students back to our campus with family and friends.  “I would like to commend all of our graduates from 2020 and 2021 for learning through the pandemic, and congratulate them on their unparalleled achievements.  “We cherish all our graduates and each of the eight extraordinary Honorary Degree recipients has made an outstanding and distinctive contribution to the diverse fields of the arts, business, literature and journalism, education, and science and medicine. NUI Galway is very pleased to be in a position to openly respect the excellence of these individuals.” The full schedule for the winter 2021 and 2020 conferring ceremonies is available at https://www.nuigalway.ie/conferring/.  Ends

New Citizen Science survey led by NUI Galway to record sightings of red and grey squirrels in cities NUI Galway researchers are asking for public support as the battle for the revival of the red squirrel moves to the streets, parks and gardens of cities across the island of Ireland. The Urban Squirrel Survey, led by the University, is on a quest to find out more about the urban squirrel population, both the native red species and its rival, the invasive grey squirrel.  The research is focusing on the seven largest urban areas on the island of Ireland - Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Derry, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.  Since their introduction to Ireland in 1911, the grey squirrel has caused a number of problems for the red squirrel. The larger greys, which out-compete the reds for food and pass on a fatal disease to them, began to displace the red squirrel in many parts of the island of Ireland.  However, in some rural areas, the recovery of the pine marten, a native predator which predates on the larger, less vigilant grey squirrel, has contributed to the recovery of the red squirrel.  A number of surveys on squirrel species have been carried out since 2007 showing the recovery of the red squirrel, however recent studies suggest that urban areas may act as a refuge for the grey squirrel, which may hinder red squirrel re-establishment in towns, cities, and urban parks, and may act as a source for further grey squirrel spread in the future. The survey will be carried out by NUI Galway PhD researcher Emma Roberts and Dr Colin Lawton, researcher with the Ryan Institute in NUI Galway and lecturer in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Biology in the University’s School of Natural Sciences. It is being run in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, a programme of the Heritage Council. Ms Roberts said: “With the spread of urbanisation, parks and urban green spaces are becoming important habitats for squirrels. By understanding where both species occur in urban areas, we can plan conservation actions to protect our native red squirrel. “Red squirrels need a woodland to live in, so it can be difficult for an urban area to accommodate these animals. By researching their distribution in urban areas across Ireland, we can investigate the likelihood of their continued survival in certain areas and reestablishment in others.” Dr Lawton said: “Previously, surveys have been looking for squirrel records in all areas of Ireland, but this year we are focusing on urban areas, to highlight the increasing importance of these habitats to our wildlife and to see if they will remain a stronghold of the invasive grey squirrel.  “We rely on the help of the public, our Citizen Scientists to provide us with information from their local parks and gardens.” During the course of 2022, The Urban Squirrel Survey' is looking for information on squirrel sightings from the following urban areas; Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Limerick, Derry, Galway, and Waterford.  More information can be found on the survey Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@urbansquirrelsurvey) pages or email urbansquirrelsurvey@gmail.com. The online survey can be found at www.biodiversityireland.ie.  Ends

University organises weekend of events on March 25 and 26, showcasing everything on offer for new students  NUI Galway is to welcome hundreds of prospective students, parents, guidance counsellors and teachers back to campus for a weekend of Undergraduate Open Days. The University will be pulling out all the stops on Saturday March 25 and 26, from 9am to 3pm, as it showcases everything it has to offer for studies and life at NUI Galway.  The Spring Undergraduate Open Days are the biggest events to take place on campus since 2020 and include five exhibitions and a schedule of more than 50 talks each day. There are almost 70 undergraduate degrees on offer at NUI Galway in 2022.  Visitors will have the opportunity to meet lecturers, staff and students at the exhibitions to discuss courses, entry requirements, work placements and career opportunities.  Prospective students can explore the campus with seven different guided tours available including campus tours, accessibility tours and guided visits to teaching and learning spaces including engineering, nursing and midwifery and the library’s Makerspace.  Sarah Geraghty, Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach, is encouraging visitors to view the open day programme in advance.  “With over 50 talks scheduled, representing all courses, subjects and student supports on offer, it’s important for prospective students to plan their day and know in advance which talks are most relevant to them," Ms Geraghty said.  “After two years of virtual open days, we are very excited to bring this informative and dynamic event back on campus to showcase the endless career opportunities that await students. Nothing can match the sense of possibility that a student gets from visiting the university in person. It helps them to visualise college life and to explore very thoroughly the potential courses and pathways that are right for them.” The talks schedule will feature all courses across Arts, Science, Engineering, Business, Law, Nursing, Health Sciences and Medicine. It also includes talks on Student Life, Sport, Study Abroad, Careers and ALIVE volunteering.  The Access Centre will host session on alternative pathways, mature student supports and the QQI/FETAC/PLC entry route. Parents will also be interested in the Parents’ Talk taking place on Saturday only at 11am and again at 1pm which will address topics such as fees, funding, accommodation and student supports. Advance registration is required in order to attend the event, with further info at www.nuigalway.ie/opendays, or by emailing opendays@nuigalway.ie. Ends

A group of 22 female Afghan refugees have been welcomed to NUI Galway to learn about the opportunities for higher education at the University. The women fled their homeland less than five months ago following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban and have begun to make new lives in Galway and in the east of the country. The group were hosted by NUI Galway’s University of Sanctuary initiative and were given the chance to learn about the University, the campus, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes on offer, entrance pathways and scholarships. An Afghan and Irish cultural evening also took place in the Quadrangle with food and music bridging East and West for students, staff and visitors.  Welcoming the refugees to campus, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of NUI Galway, said: “Diversity in our University is a source of enrichment for our students and staff alike. As an institution we not only teach, but we also learn from the diversity of our community. Two of the core values at NUI Galway are Openness and Respect - these are realised through our University of Sanctuary initiative and we are proud to play a role in supporting the continuation of education for refugees.” Galway East Fine Gael TD Ciarán Cannon also joined the visit, after supporting some of the group to settle in Galway and working with Government to ensure the women secured refugee status and PPS numbers. Aidan Harte, NUI Galway’s University of Sanctuary Coordinator, said: “An increasing number of conflicts around the world are causing a staggering rise in displaced communities. This affects not only the countries which neighbour the conflict zones but it affects us here in Ireland as well. Ireland has an international obligation to offer protection to those fleeing conflict, and NUI Galway, as a designated University of Sanctuary, will offer a welcoming environment as a beacon of hope for those seeking sanctuary.” Professor Afshin Samali, Professor for Cancer Biology at NUI Galway, came to Ireland as a refugee in his late teens in 1985. He was introduced to the Afghan group by the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, last November and has since then supported and mentored them to navigate the education system in Ireland.  Professor Samali said: “The visit was a very special day for our community.  It provided us with the opportunity to identify ways to help these young people reach their full potential.  It also gave the group an insight into University life, and gave them something to aspire to.” Ends

Research team at the University exploring sustainable solutions for Tidal Energy  NUI Galway has today announced the first project under its Global Challenges Programme - a targeted research initiative to tackle six of the world’s most pressing issues. The Tidal Energy project will focus on solutions to secure transition to affordable and clean energy that also enhance the health and resilience of communities, wildlife and environment. Professor Jamie Goggins, Professor of Civil Engineering, MaREI Centre, Ryan Institute & School of Engineering, NUI Galway, will lead the project. Professor Goggins said: “The NUI Galway Tidal Energy project will engage with multiple stakeholders - including the people living in the coastal communities - to unlock the potential benefits for them in our drive to decarbonise the economy.  “The just transition is crucial in the work towards decarbonisation. So too is the importance placed on biodiversity and how we enhance the health and resilience of our ocean & coastal communities. Our aim in the Tidal Energy project is to create a blueprint to simultaneously achieve these ambitions.” The NUI Galway Global Challenges fund was unveiled as part of the University’s new Research and Innovation Strategy 2021-26. There are six areas of focus in the Global Challenges programme - Antimicrobial Resistance, Decarbonisation, Democracy, Food Security, Human-centred Data, and Ocean and Coastal Health. The Tidal Energy project is being supported under the theme of Decarbonisation.  Further information is available at https://stories.universityofgalway.ie/exploring-solutions-for-tidal-energy/index.html Professor Jim Livesey, Vice-President for Research and Innovation at NUI Galway, said: “Through our Global Challenges programme we are inviting our researchers to focus on the most pressing questions and the most difficult issues. As part of our mission as a research-led institution, it is incumbent upon us to work for the public good and also with communities and stakeholders, both local and globally, to respond to the challenges facing humanity.” The Tidal Energy project involves a number of key, interconnected elements: :: Exploring the development of next-generation tidal energy technology and tidal turbine blades. :: Site modelling and the assessment of the impact of climate change on site characteristics and extreme events for tidal energy technology.  :: Economic appraisal of tidal energy and the investigation of societal attitudes. :: Stakeholder engagement to better understand the needs and concerns of tidal energy developers, local authorities and the coastal communities. :: Systems to assess the interactions of tidal energy infrastructure with wildlife. :: Recruitment of five PhD researchers to the project. Globally, the tidal energy resource is estimated at more than 1200 terraWhats per annum. The world uses 17.7 terrawhats a year. The Tidal Energy project brings together a wealth of academic and research expertise and knowledge from across NUI Galway. The team includes Professor Goggins; Dr Stephen Nash, Senior Lecturer School of Engineering; Dr William Finnegan; Senior Research Fellow, School of Engineering; Professor Stephen Hynes, Professor in Economics and Director of the Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit; Dr Thomas Van Rensburg, Senior Lecturer, School of Business & Economics; Dr Gesche Kindermann, Lecturer, School of Natural Science; Dr Anne Marie Power, Senior Lecturer in Zoology, School of Natural Sciences), and Dr Colin Lawton Senior Lecturer, School of Natural Science. Ends

NUI Galway has joined a new European project to investigate how local initiatives can help meet climate change targets.  The 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 slash 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. 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. Researchers in Geography at NUI Galway are leading the Clean Energy strand of the research, working with communities in four locations across the continent to develop community visions for desirable energy futures. The NUI Galway research team is led by Professor Frances Fahy, a leading scholar and international researcher in social science and sustainability. Professor Fahy said: “Over the next five years we will be working alongside communities and local authorities to gain a deeper understanding of what local stakeholders want and expect for the future of energy and what EU energy targets can be most beneficial to local communities.” Under Shared Green Deal, 22 partner institutions across Europe will work together to examine the role social sciences can play in helping countries, communities and neighbourhoods to dramatically reduce carbon emissions.  Professor Fahy said: “Much of the recent focus on tackling climate change has centred on green technology development. However aspects of social justice and exploring how communities can respond at a local level are key pieces in the jigsaw of climate action. “This new Shared Green Deal project provides more social scientists in NUI Galway with valuable opportunities to build on our existing significant sustainability research profile and more importantly, to work with our communities on the transition toward sustainable futures”. As part of the project, skill-sharing workshops, toolkits for other local networks, and accessible training videos will be developed which especially focus on sharing energy-saving know-how between generations. Diversity and inclusivity will be at a key priority in Shared Green Deal, to ensure disadvantaged and vulnerable social groups are supported with the changes. For more information on the project please see: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101036640  Ends

DERIVE project aims to manage toxic E. coli threat to private water supplies Researchers at NUI Galway are to carry out a large-scale project that aims to protect private well owners from infection from potentially lethal bacteria.   The team based at the University’s Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology Group (ARME) have been awarded funding by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop detection and risk-management models. The DERIVE project focuses on pathogenic E. coli VTEC. The bacteria is carried naturally and harmlessly in the gut of cattle and sheep but it can cause severe gastrointestinal infection in humans.  Ireland has the highest incidence of VTEC infection in Europe with between 700 and 900 cases a year. Most people recover fully, but in up to 10% of cases the infection can progress to the potentially fatal kidney disease Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome, which may lead to long-term health consequences. The innovative research project will develop new, rapid, on-site detection methods, as well as risk models and open-source risk-management software to predict private drinking water contamination.  Principal Investigator Dr Liam Burke said: “Ireland represents the perfect storm for groundwater contamination with VTEC, as we have a lot of livestock and unfavourable geology, with often thin layers of soil and permeable underlying rock.  “Our frequent heavy rainfall also helps move pathogens from dung and land spread slurry, and even from our domestic wastewater treatment systems, into surface and ground waters.” The research will be an important step for Irish authorities in implementing risk-based “source to tap” approach under the new European Drinking Water Directive. Dr Burke added: “To protect well owners, we need to understand more about how VTEC is transported in natural water catchments.  “We want to identify the importance of factors such as climate and geology in order to be able to predict VTEC contamination under changing conditions. It’s also important that we can detect VTEC, and part of the project is focused on the development of rapid molecular tests that can be used on site.” The researchers will use DNA sequencing methods to characterize the VTEC found in water and compare them to VTEC causing human infection and to those found in animals and food. The project will begin in April 2022 and involves collaboration with University College Cork (UCC), Technological University Dublin (TUD) and Teagasc.  Once the study catchments are selected in summer 2022, the DERIVE team will engage with private well and private group scheme owners, farmers and local water groups to participate in the project.  Anyone interested in finding out more can visit www.nuigalway.ie/bac/ Ends

Clinical simulation and interprofessional education facility developed in partnership with Saolta University Health Care Group  Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly T.D. today officially launches the Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility at NUI Galway. The state-of-the-art space spans more than 20 immersive learning rooms, across 100m2, fitted out to hospital standard and simulating all aspects of a leading healthcare environment.  All training rooms are fitted with high-powered cameras and audio-visual equipment with remote and observation spaces for assessing and reviewing learning. Patients are replaced by complex manikins with physiological characteristics that respond to medical treatments and procedures in safe and realistic environments. Based at NUI Galway’s Clinical Science Institute, on the grounds of University Hospital Galway, it is the largest and most modern facility of its kind on a clinical site in Ireland.  The facility is a partnership between NUI Galway and Saolta University Health Care Group.  Minster Donnelly said: “This new facility at NUI Galway is at the forefront of delivering the best quality teaching and learning for our medical students and healthcare providers. Healthcare simulation brings the students and professionals together in a modern methodology for training.  “Advances such as this have tangible benefits to the staff delivering quality care within our health service and this, of course, benefits patients. This type of innovation and forward thinking is what will help to elevate the delivery of our world class health service and it is the cornerstone of the future of healthcare in Ireland.'' Healthcare simulation is an approach to training and education that aims to improve the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of clinical care through high impact, evidence-based training. There is growing evidence that it contributes to increased quality of patient care and survival.    NUI Galway Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility   Unique in Ireland - co-located on a clinical site and medical school - the facility includes: :: Skills labs, operating theatres, ICU space, emergency bays, in-patient wards, outpatient consultation rooms, delivery suites. :: Complex manikins range in age from premature infants to adults and maternity manikins simulate pregnancy and childbirth. :: Audio-visual system for recording training, streaming and linking to all areas of Saolta University Health Care Group :: Education and training for more than 600 medical students in clinical years and accessible space for more than 4,000 multi-professional clinical staff in Galway University Hospitals.  :: Observational rooms with one-way glass and multi-functional rooms with mobile furniture, easily switching from clinical to tutorial and debrief rooms.  The official opening took place alongside the launch of the National Strategic Guide for the Implementation of Simulation on Clinical Sites. The National Chief Academic Officers, working with Dr Colm Henry, Health Service Executive Chief Clinical Officer, and the National Doctors Training and Planning, have championed simulation and the development of the guide. The guide was written by Professor of Simulation Education Dara Byrne, School of Medicine, NUI Galway and Saolta University Health Care Group, and the simulation team at NUI Galway to support the strategic development of similar facilities on clinical sites in Ireland. Professor Byrne said: “The old, apprentice-style of learning for healthcare students and clinicians is no longer considered acceptable because of the increasing concern for the quality of patient care and safety and change in health care systems.  “As a result, there are fewer opportunities for the student to experience and build confidence dealing with a wide variety of diseases, traumas and treatment responses. As well as that, Covid-19 shone a light on the importance of simulation based education as the pandemic severely limited direct clinical exposure for students and trainees.” Professor Antony O’Regan, Director of Postgraduate Clinical Education, Saolta University Health Care Group and NUI Galway, said: “The launch today is a milestone for the west of Ireland. It represents the integrated work across the university and health sectors.  It highlights the potential benefits of developing Academic Health Science Systems.   “Saolta and NUI Galway aspire to be leaders in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education both nationally and internationally. This is reflected in the ongoing work to establish resources for clinical simulation across our region in order to support inter-professional education and lifelong learning.  “We are looking forward to the future and continued strategic development of our academic infrastructure and resources that are vital to patient care”. The National Strategic Guide for the Implementation of Simulation on Clinical Sites provides a framework for the resourcing and delivery of sustainable simulation that is multi-professional with a focus in team training for patient safety. It identifies the priority areas that should be addressed in establishing and delivering high quality healthcare simulation facilities, including human factors testing of new hospital equipment and medical devices before introduction to the clinical environment, of particular importance to the medtech industry in Galway.  Ends

NUI Galway and Ulster University lead flagship €4 million project to advance understanding of region and foster sustainable innovation   Cross-border research unveiled under Government’s Shared Island North-South Research Programme NUI Galway and Ulster University have been announced as the lead partners on a new strategic regional development research project under the Government’s North-South Research Programme.  The Atlantic Innovation Corridor is a cross-border collaboration focusing on themes such as rural entrepreneurial ecosystems, business scaling, female entrepreneurship, digitalisation, freight connectivity and mental health. University of Limerick and Galway Mayo Institute of Technology are co-partners on the research. The Atlantic Innovation Corridor will create a research team organised in hubs in Derry/Londonderry and Limerick and administered in the third hub in Galway. The four year project was announced by Taoiseach Michéal Martin T.D. and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris T.D. as part of the Government’s Shared Island North South Research Programme.  The Atlantic Innovation Corridor involves a series of research work programmes on sustainable regional development for the north-west of the island, the west and mid-west. Among the projects in the partnership are: Mentoring scheme for female entrepreneurs in the region. Identifying economic growth bottlenecks and how to take action; Business masterclasses for growth Mental health promotion Digital skills development, transformation and policy interventions in rural and peripheral regions Impact of Brexit and Covid on female entrepreneurship  Establishing the region and the partnership as an internationally recognised centre of excellence for impactful research. Exploring international freight transport connectivity through the north-west of the island, including rail connectivity and the potential of Foyle Port. Professor Jim Livesey, Vice President Research and Innovation at NUI Galway and Principal Investigator for the Atlantic Innovation Corridor, said: “This investment in large-scale social science research will create a resource for the region and the country.  “Our collaboration will produce engaged research that will help guide us through the transitions, digital, green and energy, that are before us. It will also form a base from which we can share our insights and experience with other regions of Europe and the world which have difficult histories and borders but seek to make progress together.  “This ambitious agenda is shared with our partners in the Western Development Commission, the North West Regional Development Authority and our collaborators in AwakenHub. We see this investment as a foundation from which we will build partnerships and engagement key across all these projects, our NUI Galway research community playing a great role and the Atlantic Innovation Corridor is an opportunity to deeply explore and understand our region with the express intent to leverage this to further sustainable develop. We are delighted to work with colleagues in Ulster University and in multiple other institutions across our island.” Professor Liam Maguire, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, Ulster University said: “Alongside the well-documented environmental factors of sustainable development, this unique partnership aims to explore and address human considerations including the responsiveness of communities and sectors to mobilise for collective action and innovation.” “From our progressive campus in Derry~Londonderry, we are uniquely placed to contribute to this three-city regional collaboration, incorporating research that can contribute insights, inform policy and drive forward practical solutions for the benefit of individuals, organisations and communities.” University of Limerick Vice President Research Professor Norelee Kennedy said: “UL is delighted to partner with our colleagues in NUI Galway, Ulster University and GMIT on the Atlantic Innovation Corridor exploring social capital and collective action capacity of the region. Through exploring entrepreneurship ecosystems in rural regions, business scaling in the Atlantic Corridor and the challenges and opportunities for smaller regional innovation systems UL will support the consortium in this ambitious programme of impactful, policy informing research.” The North-South Research Programme is a collaborative scheme funded through the Government’s Shared Island Fund. It is being administered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Ends