News Archive

The Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at NUI Galway has launched its national Schools' Science Essay Competition 2007. Sponsored for the third year by medical technology company Medtronic, the competition is open to all students in the senior cycle of secondary schools in Ireland. This year's essay title is Genetic Engineering: Panacea or Pandora's Box? Closing date for receipt of entries is Friday, October 26th 2007. REMEDI's Schools' Science Essay Competition was launched in 2005 to stimulate discussion among students on the ethical and societal implications of advances in biomedical research. The aim is to generate interest in science among second level students and encourage more to go on to study science at third level. Last year's competition generated a lot of interest in science issues among students, with an increase of over double the number of entries since 2005. The eventual winner was Paul Kelliher from Killorglin, Co. Kerry. Professor Tim O Brien, Director, REMEDI, explained: "The purpose of this project, as with all our secondary school initiatives, is to encourage young people to take an active interest in contemporary scientific research, and to consider a career in this field. Science communication should always be a two way process. While it is important for REMEDI personnel to publicly discuss research taking place in the areas of stem cell and gene therapy, it is equally important for our scientists to listen to the public's views on this research – and we've found 16-18 year olds are more than eager to express their views on some of the questions raised by this research." This year's essay is 'Genetic Engineering: Panacea or Pandora's Box?': As scientists advance their ability to identify, screen and manipulate genes; is gene therapy a potential panacea for the terrible illnesses we cannot cure, or a Pandora's box where genetically enhanced 'designer babies' with perfect looks and high IQs become a reality?". Winners of the competition in 2005 and 2006 were presented with their prizes at the BT Young Scientist Festival in Dublin, by Minister for Education & Science Mary Hanafin T.D. This year's competition prizes include a laptop, iPOD, crystal trophies and school prizes of science equipment bursaries. Full details of the competition rules, helpful hints and additional information on how to enter are available on the education section of the REMEDI website www.remedi.ie. REMEDI is an SFI funded research institute at the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science located at NUI Galway. ENDS

NUI Galway was successful in securing four substantial SFI research grants announced recently in Dublin by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, T.D. Professor Christopher Dainty, SFI Professor of Experimental Physics at NUI Galway was the largest award of €4.5million for research in applied optical techniques. Optics is concerned with lighting, displays such as TVs and computers, CDs and DVDs, healthcare and manufacturing but also human vision. This research will focus on improving diagnostic methods which would lead to early diagnosis of disease in the eye and prevention of blindness in old age. As individuals live longer, and the overall population ages, problems of eye disease are becoming more severe, and the need for early detection of conditions such as macular degeneration and glaucoma becomes more important. Optical imaging, enhanced by a technique called "adaptive optics" -- invented by astronomers to obtain better images in telescopes -- will allow doctors to make earlier diagnoses of these and other diseases of the eye. Other research areas being investigated include optical storage systems, free-space optical communication systems and lithography. Professor Dainty, on receipt of the award, said: "This renewal of our funding for the next five years reflects a vote of confidence by the international scientific community in our wide-ranging research programme. Reviewers praised our commitment to academic excellence and our focus on educating research leaders of the future". Other NUI Galway recipients included Professor Matthew Dallas Griffin, based at the Mayo Clinic, USA; Dr Thomas Ritter from the Regenerative Medicine Institute; and Dr Stephen Rea, who received one of four President of Ireland Young Researcher Awards (PIYRA) 2007. Professor Nicholas Canny, Vice President of Research at NUI Galway offered his congratulations to all of these recipients of SFI awards which have brought distinction to themselves and to NUI Galway. He added, "Their research will contribute to the enrichment of the community through the advancement of knowledge and the application of that knowledge to industry." SFI, the national foundation for excellence in scientific research, invests in academic researchers and research teams who are most likely to generate new knowledge, leading edge technologies, and competitive enterprises. SFI has responsibility for investment of €1.4bn under the current National Development Plan and the Strategy for Science, Technology & Innovation up to the year 2013. - ENDS -

Centre to be results-focused on solving pressing child and family issues in Irish society President Mary McAleese will launch the Child and Family Research Centre (CFRC) at the National University of Ireland, Galway today, Friday, 7 September, 2007. The Centre aims to improve outcomes for children and their families, and advance practice and policy in Ireland and internationally, through research, evaluation and service development. According to Dr Pat Dolan, Director of the Child and Family Research Centre, there is a need for more research that focuses on finding ways to support children and families in crises and prior to the escalation of problems. He said: "While social difficulties such as child poverty, youth suicide and violence within families are often brought to public attention, solutions to these problems are neither highlighted nor adequately shared among interested stakeholders, including families themselves". This launch is timely as the Centre expands its' capacity to work directly with policy makers and frontline child welfare professionals such as social workers, teachers and community youth workers in response to the increasing demand for services that deliver the best outcomes for children and families. Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President, NUI Galway welcomed the establishment of the Centre: "This unique partnership between the University and the HSE, and supported by The Atlantic Philanthropies, will, through its research and teaching outputs, have a direct impact on improving the quality of life for children and families in Ireland. It marks the continuing development of world-class research and social science policy centres on our campus." In 2007 the Child and Family Research Centre was awarded significant support from The Atlantic Philanthropies Ireland under its Disadvantaged Children and Youth Programme which aims for better health and life outcomes for young people experiencing adversity. Over the next five to ten years the CFRC will become a leading centre of excellence, with over 20 full-time staff and PhD students and an international visiting faculty programme. ENDS

Is é a bheidh mar aidhm ag an Ionad seo ceisteanna tábhachtacha maidir le leanaí agus teaghlaigh i sochaí na hÉireann a réiteach agus a chinntiú go mbeidh torthaí a gcuid oibre le feiceáil Seolfaidh an tUachtarán Máire Mhic Giolla Íosa an tIonad Taighde um Leanaí agus Teaghlaigh (CRFC) in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, inniu, Dé hAoine, an 7 Meán Fómhair 2007. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an Ionad saol leanaí agus a dteaghlaigh a fheabhsú, agus cleachtas agus beartas a chur chun cinn in Éirinn agus go hidirnáisiúnta, trí thaighde, trí mheasúnacht agus trí fhorbairt seirbhíse. Dúirt an Dr Pat Dolan, Stiúrthóir an Ionaid Taighde um Leanaí agus Teaghlaigh, go bhfuil gá le tuilleadh taighde atá dírithe ar bhealaí a aimsiú chun tacú le leanaí agus le teaghlaigh atá i ngéarchéim sula dtéann na fadhbanna atá acu i ndonas. Dúirt sé: "Cé go dtarraingítear aird an phobail ar dheacrachtaí sóisialta cosúil le bochtaineacht i measc leanaí, féinmharú i measc na n-óg agus foréigean i measc teaghlach, ní tharraingítear aird ar bith ar dheacrachtaí a réiteach agus ní chuirtear na réitigh seo in iúl do pháirtithe leasmhara, na teaghlaigh féin san áireamh". Tá an seoladh seo ag tarlú ag tráth a bhfuil forbairt ag teacht ar acmhainn an Ionaid oibriú go díreach le lucht déanta beartais agus príomhghairmithe cúraim leanaí cosúil le hoibrithe sóisialta, múinteoirí agus oibrithe pobail don aos óg, mar fhreagairt ar an éileamh atá ann do sheirbhísí a chinntíonn na torthaí is fearr do leanaí agus do theaghlaigh. D'fháiltigh an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, Uachtarán, OÉ Gaillimh roimh bhunú an Ionaid agus an méid seo a leanas á rá aige: "Beidh tionchar díreach ag an gcomhpháirtíocht speisialta seo idir an Ollscoil agus Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte, le tacaíocht ó Atlantic Philanthropies Ireland, ar cháilíocht beatha leanaí agus teaghlach in Éirinn trí thorthaí taighde agus teagaisc. Léargas eile fós é bunú an Ionaid seo ar an bhforbairt leanúnach atá ar siúl againn maidir le hionaid taighde agus beartais eolaíochta sóisialta den scoth a fhorbairt ar ár gcampas." In 2007, bhronn The Atlantic Philanthropies Ireland tacaíocht shuntasach ar an Ionad Taighde um Leanaí agus Teaghlaigh faoi Chlár na Leanaí faoi Mhíbhuntáiste agus na nÓg. Is é atá mar aidhm leis an gclár seo sláinte agus saol níos fearr a chinntiú do dhaoine óga a bhfuil deacrachtaí áirithe le sárú acu. Sna cúig go deich mbliana amach romhainn forbrófar an CFRC mar ionad feabhais. Beidh breis agus 20 comhalta foirne lánaimseartha agus mic léinn PhD, mar aon le clár cuairte dáimhe idirnáisiúnta san Ionad. CRÍOCH

One of the most recent service learning programmes to come on stream at NUI Galway has been awarded a prestigious European Award for Languages. The award-winning module 'Service Learning in Italian' sees third and fourth year students in the Arts Faculty teach Italian in local primary schools as part of their course. The European Award for Languages (also known as the Language Label) recognises creativity and innovation in improving the quality of language learning and teaching. Through the 'Service Learning in Italian' module, primary schools gain access supported language classes without requiring them to find extra funding or resources. Meanwhile, third-level students have an opportunity to practice their language and teaching skills, supporting wider links between the university and the community. Service learning is a relatively new phenomenon at third-level in Ireland, but has been well established in the US for many years. Rather than traditional lectures or university classes, the learning process happens through working with the wider community on a project or issue that links to the students' degree subject area. NUI Galway, with the support of its Community Knowledge Initiative, now has over a dozen courses with this specific civic dimension. Service learning is neither volunteering nor work-placement, but is a distinct approach to teaching and learning that is designed to be academically robust whilst also linked to community needs. The teaching method was first piloted at NUI Galway three years ago with Nursing students who worked in an AIDS hospice in Zambia and a hospital in Belize; and with Bio-medical and Mechanical Engineering students who developed a range of innovative tools and resources for disabled, elderly and others facing particular challenges in daily life. A range of service-learning modules are now available across faculties at the University. Dr. Anne O'Connor of the Italian Department at NUI Galway, who coordinated the 'Service Learning in Italian' pilot programme, commented, "We are thrilled to receive a European Award for Languages 2007. Our new module aims to foster positive attitudes towards language learning for all involved, both primary and third-level students. The module also develops links with the community, giving students the opportunity to exercise social responsibility. Primary school children who participate, range from ages six to ten and are taught in an interactive and enjoyable way." The European Award for Languages is coordinated by the European Commission and managed on a decentralised basis by each member state. The award is managed in Ireland by Léargas. The award will be presented at a special ceremony in Dublin on 26 September European Day of Languages. ENDS

Lá ar leith atá ann don Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh inniu. Is é seo an uair dheiridh aige tabhairt faoi sheachtain iomlán de bhronnadh céimeanna in OÉ Gaillimh. Tá sé anois i ndiaidh seacht lá a chaitheamh i mbun searmanas ar fhreastail os cionn 4,000 mac léinn orthu. Beidh an searmanas bronnta deiridh mar Uachtarán aige i mí Feabhra 2008. Seo a leanas a bhí le rá ag an Dr Ó Muircheartaigh agus na searmanais bhronnta beagnach thart: "Ba é an chuid ba dheise den phost bualadh leis na mic léinn agus a dteaghlach ag na searmanais bhronnta. Is é sin an chuimhne is fearr a bheidh agam ar an tréimhse a chaith mé anseo mar Uachtarán – aitheantas a thabhairt don mhéid atá bainte amach ag gach uile mhac léinn". Measann an tUachtarán go bhfuil idir chéimeanna agus dhioplómaí bronnta aige ar os cionn 40,000 céimí anois. Cuireadh tús le searmanais bhronnta an fhómhair in OÉ Gaillimh Dé hAoine, 19 Deireadh Fómhair, tráth ar bronnadh idir theastais, dhioplómaí agus chéimeanna ar 650 mac léinn as áiteanna ar fud na tíre ag searmanas do Mhic Léinn Lánfhásta. I rith na seachtaine freisin bronnadh Céim Mháistreachta Oinigh ar Eric Elwood, as an obair atá déanta aige ar mhaithe le Rugbaí i gConnachta; Tom Tuohy, as an obair dheonach atá déanta aige i mbun cúrsaí oiliúna i gClub Rámhaíochta OÉ Gaillimh; Tomás Ó Tuathail, as an obair atá déanta aige ar mhaithe le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge agus forbairt pobail i dTuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Mhaigh Eo; agus bronnadh Céim Mháistreachta Oinigh san Eolaíocht ar Alasdar Mac Cana, as an méid oibre a rinne sé thar thréimhse 20 bliain i mbun oiliúint phraiticiúil eolaithe i Roinn na Fisice agus Roinn an Oideachais in OÉ Gaillimh. CRÍOCH

Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh will today complete his final full week of conferrings at NUI Galway following seven days in which he conferred over 4,000 students. His final conferring ceremony as President will take place in February 2008. Dr Ó Muircheartaigh commented towards the end of the conferring ceremonies: "Meeting students and their families on graduation day is probably my favourite part of the job. It will stand out as the single most rewarding and memorable experience of my tenure, recognising as it does the achievement of each individual student". The President calculates that during his period of office he will have conferred degrees and diplomas on over 40,000 graduands. The annual autumn conferring ceremonies began at NUI Galway last Friday, 19 October when over 650 students from locations across the country were conferred, during the Adult and Continuing Education ceremonies, following completion of their certificate, diploma and degree courses. Three Honorary MA Degrees and one Honorary MSc Degree were also awarded this week to Eric Elwood, for his contribution to Connacht Rugby; Tom Tuohy, for his contribution as coach to NUI Galway Boat Club; Tomás Ó Tuathail, for his contribution to community development and Irish language and culture promotion in his native Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo; and Alasdar Mac Cana, for his contribution of over 20 years in the practical training of scientists in the Department of Physics and in the Education Department of NUI Galway. ENDS

The report of the second national HSE conference on ethnic minority health was launched at NUI Galway yesterday by Diane Nurse, National Planning Specialist, Social Inclusion, HSE. The conference, Participation of Ethnic Minority Communities in Primary Care Service Design, Planning and Delivery, took place in Galway in January of this year. The idea for the conference grew from an ongoing partnership between the Primary Care Department, HSE West, the Department of General Practice, NUI Galway and the Galway Refugee Support Group. The conference provided a forum to showcase examples of participatory approaches in research, service delivery and community health initiatives. Almost one fifth of the 150 delegates were ethnic minority community members, with the remainder drawn from statutory and non-statutory agencies. Speaking at the launch Diane Nurse of the HSE said: "It is clear that there is a growing awareness at European, national, regional, and local level that people affected by policy decisions have a right to be consulted about issues and decisions that affect their lives. Participation of ethnic minorities is not just an "add on". It is not down to individuals, individual projects or services. It comes through at national, regional and local level. It is informed and mandated by policy at government and organisational level. It is supported by a range of approaches including community development which has a lot to teach us in terms of participation. There are many examples to build upon and learn from. Participation strengthens and improves service for all of us. " The report identifies four key areas which featured strongly in presentations and group discussions and which conference delegates felt warranted particular consideration in the forthcoming National Intercultural Health Strategy and the implementation of the strategy thereafter. 1. GP services are the first point of contact with the health services for asylum seekers and ethnic minority communities. At this time many ethnic minority community members are having difficulty in general practice. Key recommendations are to improve the systems by which an asylum seeker 'finds' a GP and is 'accepted' on a GP list as a GMS patient. GP services need to be culturally appropriate with supports in place for both GP and patient (e.g. interpretation services and cultural competence training). 2. The mental health of asylum seekers is a cause for concern. For asylum seekers, mental health issues arising from experiences in their home countries are being compounded by experiences of direct provision accommodation and the prohibition on the right to work. Existing support services are either centrally based (i.e. Dublin), under resourced (e.g. Galway Rape Crisis Centre) or not always appropriate to the needs of individuals (e.g. psychiatric services for people requiring psychological services and supports). Appropriate psychological services should be in place around the country. 3. Language is a major barrier to effective healthcare for people from ethnic minority communities who have limited English. The main recommendation is for the development of a national interpretation service, staffed by trained interpreters and subject to on-going monitoring and evaluation. In addition, health information should be made available in a range of languages and individuals should be supported to attend English language classes as a longer term strategy. 4. Participatory approaches are strongly recommended as a suitable way of working for the development of culturally appropriate primary care services. The GMS modernization programme, training for GPs and other healthcare staff, and the development of an accredited and regulated interpretation service were just some of the service developments that would benefit from the 'voice' and 'expertise' of ethnic minority communities. At the same time, it was recommended that participatory approaches are developed and monitored in a critical manner. This report of conference proceedings has been sent to the HSE Social Inclusion Unit as a submission for the developing of the National Intercultural Health Strategy. The Intercultural Strategy aims to ensure that provision of health services is equal, accessible, culturally sensitive and appropriate in meeting the needs of minority ethnic communities. This includes improving access to health services, and reducing the risks of social exclusion and health inequalities experienced by minority ethnic groups, including travellers, asylum seekers, refugees and migrant workers. ENDS

A public lecture on the issue of Accountability in Foreign Policy and the role of Foreign Affairs Committees in delivering such accountability will be given on Thursday, 25 October, 2007 at NUI Galway by Michael D. Higgins T.D., President and Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs for the Labour Party and Adjunct Professor at NUI Galway. The free public event is part of the University's Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) Keynote Seminar Series which seeks to address pertinent issues facing the wider national and international community. The seminar 'The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs – Can it deliver accountability on Foreign Policy?' will be hosted in conjunction with the Irish Centre for Human Rights, where Michael is an Adjunct Professor. In his presentation, he will draw on his experience of the Irish Foreign Affairs Committee and also on some preliminary results from research he initiated into the working of similar committees across 17 European countries. According to Michael D. Higgins, "The recent Iraq War, its illegality, the rhetoric used to justify a pre-emptive strike, the misleading of Parliament and the international institutions, and above all, the tragic consequences that have flown from it, have raised the issue of the consequences of a gap between the moral concerns of a public, the actions of their Governments, and the response of their Parliaments". The seminar will question not only the classic question as to whether foreign policy should be accountable, but also whether it is even possible against the argument of some practitioners that foreign policy makers and their diplomatic agents must operate in a relatively secretive manner. Michael D. Higgins will give some examples to help illustrate the context in which Irish foreign policy decision making operates and to highlight some of the obstacles to accountability thrown up by this context. The seminar will be held in the Siobhán McKenna Theatre in the Arts Millennium Building at NUI Galway, from 1pm to 2pm. For further information, telephone the CKI office on 091 493823. -ends-

NUI Galway will confer three Honorary MA Degrees this week on Eric Elwood, for his contribution to Connacht Rugby; Tom Tuohy, for his voluntary contribution as coach to NUI Galway Boat Club; Tomás Ó Tuathail, for his contribution to Irish language promotion and community work in Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo; and an Honorary MSc Degree on Alasdar Mac Cana, for his contribution of over 20 years in the practical training of scientists in the Department of Physics and in the Education Department of NUI Galway. The honorary ceremonies will take place Monday 22, Tuesday 23 and Thursday 25 October, 2007, in conjunction with the Autumn Conferring Ceremonies which will see the graduation of over 4,000 students. Eric Elwood will be recognised for his contribution to rugby in Connacht. A dedicated servant to the Galwegians club in Galway, he first represented his province Connacht in 1989 against Ulster. He went on to represent Connacht a record 177 times and played his last match for Connacht in April 2005. He entered the international scene in 1993 and went on to win 35 caps for Ireland scoring 296 points and he played his last test against Romania in October 1999. Tom Tuohy, a native of Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, will be honoured in recognition of his contribution to the sport of rowing in NUI Galway over a period of more than 30 years. "Tom Tuohy has for more than 20 years been the driving force behind the story of Rowing at NUI Galway. His enormous contribution to the club has been based on a love of the sport and a deeply-felt connection to and pride in his alma mater. All of these efforts have been on an entirely voluntary basis. Tom has been and remains an unpaid coach and mentor at a time when selfless volunteerism in Irish society is a very rare thing indeed", commented fellow rowing clubman Ruadhán Cooke. Alasdar Mac Cana will be honoured for his contribution of over 20 years in the practical training of scientists in the Department of Physics and in the Education Department of NUI Galway. Originally from Armagh, his work in NUI Galway came after a lifetime of teaching in the UK, when he "retired" with his wife, Magdalen Conlon from Spiddal, to live in Connemara. Professor Tom Glynn, Department of Physics, NUI Galway, said: "we are honouring a man (now in his hundredth year) who has done truly wonderful patient work, over an extended lifetime, in educating generations of young scientists on both sides of the Irish Sea. At the same time, he has filled his life with extensive travel, experience, and adventure and left a lasting impression on all who meet him as a remarkable human being and a dedicated teacher". Tomás Ó Tuathail will be honoured for his contribution to community life and to the promotion of the Irish language in his native Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo. Professor Nollaig Mac Congáil, Scoil na Gaeilge, NUI Galway says: "Tomás Ó Tuathail, a native of Tourmakeady and one who farmed and kept a business there all his life, realised that the area was in serious decline economically and socially. He spent his life actively trying to regenerate the community in every way possible in tandem with others locally whom he inspired and energised. Societies were formed to address all aspects of sheep farming and rural development as well as social, cultural and educational matters in what once was a heartland of Irish language and heritage. Until his recent retirement Tomás was central to all these activities and, it is hoped, his leadership and example over the years will be replicated by others in the future". The annual autumn conferring ceremonies began at NUI Galway last Friday and Saturday, 19 and 20 October, when the Adult Education ceremony was held and where awards were conferred on 703 students who completed their certificate, diploma and degree courses at many locations across the country. ENDS

NUI Galway Head of the River will take place on Saturday, 27 October, the first major event of the 2007 / 2008 rowing season. While NUI Galway Boat Club expects that the season will culminate at the Beijing Olympics next August for some of its members, it will commence on home waters next weekend. The NUI Galway Head of the River course extends from Lough Corrib to just downstream of the Quincentennial Bridge, and is best viewed from the University campus, upstream and downstream of the bridge. The NUI Galway Head of the River is run on a time-trial basis, with the fastest crew over the course in each category winning the pennant, and the title "Head of the River". The main event will be the Men's Senior Eights, for the Gerry Colgan Memorial Trophy. The top category will be hotly contested, with the home club (winners in 2006) likely to be severely tested by a visiting crew from Molesey Boat Club in the UK. The Molesey crew contains two Olympic Gold Medallists (the legendary Searle brothers) as well as other Olympic and World Championship medallists from Britain, USA and Australia. This all-star line-up is by some way the most decorated crew to have ever competed in Ireland. Also visiting from the UK will be Latymer Upper School, from Hammersmith, London, who will compete in the Junior Men's categories, where they will face stiff opposition from the local junior strongholds, St Josephs and Coláiste Iognáid, as well as Tribesmen and Galway Rowing Club. In addition to the overseas entries, crews from all over Ireland will be taking part, in what should be a great day's racing, and a fantastic spectacle. This year the organisers have introduced a new format for the event, with dedicated lanes on the river for crews making their way to the Start, and for crews racing downstream. This will lead to a better spectacle for spectators, with all the different boat classes being run at 5 minute intervals over two sessions, from 10:00 to 12:00 & from 14:00 to 16:00. Live commentary will be provided, and the results of each event will be announced within minutes of the crews completing the course. Photo © Ian McDonald 2007 ENDS

- 1000's of graduate jobs under one roof - 65 major companies from business and industry will feature at the NUI Galway Graduate Recruitment Fair in Áras na Mac Léinn/Student Centre on Tuesday, 30 October from 1-5pm. The event will showcase opportunities for students in all Faculties, with a diverse number of fields such as civil engineering, financial services, accountancy, law, consultancy and many other professions. Major players in the medical device industry will attend such as Boston Scientific and Medtronic. Ireland's largest banks will also be present including Bank of Ireland and AIB. For those interested in a career in consultancy - two of Ireland's largest consultancy firms, Tata Consultancy Services and Accenture will also be represented. The IT and engineering sectors will also have representation through local and national companies including Coffey Construction, Sisk, SAP, IBM and Dell. This is an excellent opportunity for current students, graduates and postgraduates to meet with prospective employers to find out what the current job market has to offer and make invaluable contacts. Company representatives will include past graduates of the University who will be available to speak with students. The Career Development Centre team will also be providing a CV clinic on the day to review and provide advice on preparing a CV. Deirdre Sheridan, Career Development Adviser at the Career Development Centre advises those thinking of attending the event: "A well-crafted CV is your sales brochure so come prepared. You never get a second chance at a first impression." The event is a fantastic opportunity for both employers and students. Students should come prepared and identify the companies they want to approach and are interested in working for. A full list of exhibitors is available from www.nuigalway.ie/careers ENDS

A Public lecture on Breaking through the Pain Barrier; Physiology and Pharmacology in Sports Medicine will be given by Dr David Finn, Department of Pharmacology and Director of the newly launched Centre for Pain Research at NUI Galway in the Clinical Science Institute on Friday, 26 October at 8pm. Dr Aideen Henry, Sports Medicine Physician from the Galway Clinic and Programme Director of the 'Masters Programme in Sports and Exercise Medicine' and 'Masters in Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy' at NUI Galway, will open proceedings which will be followed by presentations from her students on the medications commonly used in sports medicine. The lecture will be of interest to sportspeople, coaches and anyone generally who is trying to maintain an active healthy lifestyle and finds themselves hampered by sports injuries. Dr. Henry said, "When a person is injured in sport they commonly use rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE regimen) and take anti-inflammatory tablets and have some physiotherapy treatment. We have invited Dr David Finn, an expert in the research on Pain, to give us some background information on how pain is perceived and how it can be modified in the body. Then our students, qualified medical doctors and chartered physiotherapists will give us an update on how medications in common use in sports medicine actually work." The meeting is free and open to the public. ENDS

Bronnfaidh OÉ Gaillimh Céimeanna Oinigh Máistreachta ar Eric Elwood, Rugbaí Chonnacht; Tom Tuohy, Club Rámhaíochta na Gaillimhe; Tomás Ó Tuathail, gníomhaí pobail agus teanga ó Thuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Mhaigh Eo; agus Alasdar Mac Cana, iarchomhalta foirne i Roinn na Fisice agus Roinn an Oideachais san Ollscoil. Bronnfar na céimeanna oinigh Dé Luain, an 22 Deireadh Fómhair, Dé Máirt, an 23 Deireadh Fómhair agus Déardaoin, an 25 Deireadh Fómhair, tráth a bheidh Searmanais Bhronnta an Fhómhair ar siúl. Bronnfar céimeanna ar os cionn 4,000 mac léinn ar fad. Tá clú agus cáil ar Eric Elwood as an méid oibre atá déanta aige don chluiche rugbaí i gConnachta. Tá an-luí aige le Club na nGaillimheach. D'imir sé a chéad chluiche do Chúige Chonnacht sa bhliain 1989 - cluiche i gcoinne na nUltach. Cúpla seachtain ina dhiaidh sin, nuair a bhí Eric 19 mbliana d'aois, thug sé aghaidh ar na All-Blacks. D'imir sé do Chonnachta 177 uair agus d'imir sé a chluiche deiridh do Chonnachta i mí Aibreáin 2005. Thosaigh sé ag imirt go hidirnáisiúnta sa bhliain 1993 agus d'imir sé d'Éirinn 35 uair. Scóráil sé 296 pointe agus d'imir sé a chluiche deiridh idirnáisiúnta in aghaidh na Rómáine i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 1999. Fear de bhunadh Bhaile an Róba, Co. Mhaigh Eo é Tom Tuohy. Bronnfar céim oinigh air mar aitheantas ar an méid oibre atá déanta aige ar mhaithe leis an rámhaíocht in OÉ Gaillimh le níos mó 30 bliain anuas. "Tá an-obair déanta ag Tom Tuohy chun an Rámhaíocht a chur chun cinn in OÉ Gaillimh le breis agus 20 bliain anuas. Is léir don uile dhuine go bhfuil an-suim ag Tom sa rámhaíocht agus go bhfuil luí ar leith aige lena alma mater. Rinne sé an obair seo ar fad ar bhonn deonach. Cóitseálaí agus meantóir deonach é Tom – rud atá neamhghnách go leor i sochaí an lae inniu nuair is deacair teacht ar oibrithe deonacha", a dúirt Ruadhán Cooke, comhghleacaí le Tom sa chlub rámhaíochta. Bronnfar céim oinigh ar Alasdar Mac Cana as an obair atá déanta aige le 20 bliain anuas ag cur oiliúint phraiticiúil ar eolaithe i Roinn na Fisice agus Roinn an Oideachais in OÉ Gaillimh. Rugadh Alasdar in Ard Mhacha, agus thosaigh sé ag obair in OÉ Gaillimh i ndiaidh a shaol a chaitheamh ag teasgasc sa Ríocht Aontaithe, tráth ar shocraigh sé féin agus a bhean chéile, Magdalen Conlon ón Spidéal, teacht chun cónaithe i gConamara nuair a chuaigh sé "ar scor". Seo a leanas a bhí le rá ag an Ollamh Tom Glynn, Roinn na Fisice, OÉ Gaillimh: "táimid ag tabhairt aitheantais d'fhear (atá anois 100 bliain d'aois) a rinne obair iontach agus a léirigh foighne ina chuid oibre i gcónaí, i rith a shaoil ar fad, chun eolaithe óga a oiliúint in Éirinn agus sa Ríocht Aontaithe. San am céanna, thaistil sé i mbaile is i gcéin, chonaic sé go leor agus d'éirigh leis an t-uafás a chur i gcrích, agus ba léir do gach duine ar casadh leis gur duine ar leith mar aon le múinteoir den scoth a bhí ann". Bronnfar céim ar Thomás Ó Tuathail mar aitheantas ar an méid oibre atá déanta aige ar mhaithe leis an bpobal agus cur chun cinn na Gaeilge i dTuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Mhaigh Eo. Seo a leanas a bhí le rá ag an Ollamh Nollaig Mac Congáil, Scoil na Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh: "Thuig Tomás Ó Tuathail, fear de bhunadh Thuar Mhic Éadaigh, a chaith a shaol i mbun feirme agus gnó sa cheantar, go raibh meath geilleagrach agus sóisialta i ndán don cheantar. Tá a shaol caite aige ag iarraidh an pobal a choinneáil beo le cabhair ó dhaoine áitiúla eile ar chothaigh sé spriorad pobail iontu. Bhunaigh sé coistí le déileáil le gach uile ghné den fheirmeoireacht caorach agus den fhorbairt tuaithe mar aon le ceisteanna sóisialta, cultúir agus oideachais sa cheantar seo ina raibh traidisiún láidir Gaeilge agus oidhreacht na hÉireann le brath ann tráth. Go dtí go ndeachaigh Tomás ar scor tamall ó shin, bhí ról lárnach aige sna gníomhaíochtaí seo ar fad, agus táthar ag súil go leanfaidh daoine eile an dea-shampla agus an cheannaireacht a léirigh sé i rith a shaoil". Cuireadh tús le searmanais bhronnta an fhómhair in OÉ Gaillimh Dé hAoine agus Dé Sathairn seo caite, an 19 agus an 20 Deireadh Fómhair, tráth ar reáchtáladh searmanas do Mhic Léinn Lánfhásta agus tráth ar bronnadh gradaim ar 703 mac léinn a rinne teastais, dioplómaí agus céimeanna in a lán ionad ar fud na tíre. CRÍOCH

- na mílte post do chéimithe faoi aon díon amháin - Beidh 65 cuideachta ón saol gnó agus ón tionscal i láthair ag Aonach Earcaíochta OÉ Gaillimh in Áras na Mac Léinn Dé Máirt, an 30 Deireadh Fómhair ó 1-5in. Beidh deiseanna ag an aonach seo do mhic léinn ó gach réimse cosúil le hinnealtóireacht shibhialta, seirbhísí airgeadais, cuntasaíocht, dlí, comhairleacht agus gairmeacha eile. Beidh na cuideachtaí is mó ó thionscal na bhfeistí leighis, Boston Scientific agus Medtronic mar shampla, i láthair freisin. Beidh na bainc is mó sa tír i láthair, Banc na hÉireann agus Bainc-Aontas Éireann san áireamh. Dóibh siúd ar spéis leo gairm sa réimse comhairleachta – beidh dhá phríomhghnólacht na hÉireann i láthair freisin – Tata Consultancy Services agus Accenture. Beidh ionadaithe ó na hearnálacha Teicneolaíocht Faisnéise agus innealtóireachta i bhfoirm cuideachtaí áitiúla agus náisiúnta lena n-áirítear Coffey Construction, Sisk, SAP, IBM agus Dell i láthair freisin. Deis iontach atá anseo do mhic léinn reatha, céimithe agus iarchéimithe bualadh le fostóirí ionchasacha, eolas a fháil faoi na poist atá ar fáil faoi láthair agus teagmhálacha a chruthú le daoine. I measc na n-ionadaithe ó na cuideachtaí éagsúla a bheidh i láthair beidh iarchéimithe ón Ollscoil seo ar fáil le labhairt le mic léinn. Beidh foireann an Ionaid Forbartha Gairme i mbun clinic CV ar an lá freisin chun eolas a thabhairt maidir le CV a ullmhú. Seo a leanas an méid a bhí le rá ag Deirdre Sheridan, Comhairleoir Forbairt Gairme san Ionad Forbartha Gairme: "Is ann do CV maith chun tú féin a chur chun cinn agus ba cheart go mbeadh CV maith agat. Ní bhíonn ach deis amháin agat dul i bhfeidhm ar dhuine." Deis iontach é an t-imeacht seo d'fhostóirí agus do mhic léinn. Ba cheart do mhic léinn beagán taighde a dhéanamh sula dtagann siad chuig an imeacht agus na cuideachtaí ar mian leo labhairt leo nó obair dóibh a aithint roimh ré. Tá liosta iomlán de na cuideachtaí a mbeidh ionadaithe acu ag an imeacht le fáil ag www.nuigalway.ie/careers CRÍOCH

New Report Calls on Government to Act Fast to Curb Sex Trafficking of Women At least 76 women were trafficked into Ireland for the purposes of sexual exploitation between 2000 – 2006, according to figures from a research report launched by former senator Mary Henry today, (October 18th) at NUI Galway. The majority of these women were trafficked from Eastern Europe but women were also trafficked into the sex trade in Ireland from Africa, Asia and South America. It is believed that most of these women ended up in private brothels throughout the country. The research authors, Dr. Eilis Ward of NUI Galway and Dr. Gillian Wylie of the Irish School of Ecumenics, TCD, have called for prioritisation of the needs of trafficked women in the recently published bill by the government in relation to sex-trafficking. "There should be no question any longer as to whether Ireland has a problem with sex trafficking of women," commented one of the research authors, Dr. Gillian Wylie of the Irish School of Ecumenics, TCD. "The problem has been clearly sign posted through this research and by findings from organisations working in the field". "We established through our survey and questionnaire a probable minimum number of 76," commented co-author, Dr. Eilis Ward of NUI Galway, "But in fact we will never know the exact number being trafficked into Ireland because of the nature of the sex trade and the nature of the criminality involved in trafficking. We suggest that the research for statistics can now be sidelined in favour of the development of a coherent, human rights approach to this distressing problem. The government needs to act fast to ensure that the problem does not grow". The research by the two academics was carried on over a two year period and involved a survey of agencies and organisations working in areas of prostitution, violence against women and migration in Ireland. It is the first such research of its kind for Ireland. The research identifies some patterns and trends for the sex-trafficking into Ireland and also identifies serious gaps in service provision and supports for those women who have been sex-trafficked. In particular the lack of a legislative framework has created an ad hoc situation with no clear policy or guidelines as to what happens women who have been identified as sex-trafficked. The research identifies, however, that good cooperation has developed among the state and non-state sectors but suggests that this may be confined to the Dublin area. Given that many of the women identified in the research ended up outside Dublin, this is a cause for concern. For instance, a women who was found by Gardaí in a private brothel in Sligo and who was believed to have been trafficked was brought to Mountjoy jail. "This effectively criminalised her for an act in which she was an extremely vulnerable victim of a serious crime" commented Dr. Ward. ENDS Notes The research also found an additional 75 cases which are possible sex-trafficking cases but the absence of substantive information meant that they could not be included in the probable category The single biggest national grouping of women identified as probably sex-trafficked was women from Nigeria (19 women) and the second was Russian women (8) Where contact was made, the research revealed the use of force, coercion and deception as part of the transit journey to ireland and evidence of extreme force and coercion was also found once the women came to Ireland. Of the 76 probable cases, 36 of those women disappeared from contact with agencies or individuals, 14 were repatriated to their home country and 12 remain in the Irish asylum system. Ten of them were granted either leave to remain in ireland or refugee status. The research revealed a consensus among those interviewed that service provision to victims of sex-trafficking is very underresourced and under funded. The research also places the context of sex-trafficking as a new phenomona in Ireland at a time when the sex-trade is expanding and becoming more difficult to control and poses great difficulties for Garda surveillance. Full report is available on www.nuigalway.ie/ssrc

Éilíonn Tuarascáil Nua ar an Rialtas Gníomhú Anois chun Gáinneáil Ghnéis ar Mhná a Chosc Tugadh ar a laghad 76 bean isteach go hÉirinn chun mí-úsáid ghnéasach a bhaint astu idir 2000 – 2006, de réir na bhfigiúirí ó thuarascáil taighde a sheol an t-iarsheanadóir Mary Henry inniu, (18 Deireadh Fómhair) in OÉ Gaillimh. Tháinig formhór na mban seo ó Oirthear na hEorpa ach tugadh mná isteach freisin go hÉirinn ón Afraic, an Áise agus Meiriceá Theas. Ceaptar gur i ndrúthlanna príobháideacha ar fud na tíre a cuireadh formhór na mban seo. Tá sé iarrtha ag údair an taighde, an Dr Eilis Ward ó OÉ Gaillimh agus an Dr Gillian Wylie as Scoil Éacúiméinice na hÉireann i gColáiste na Tríonóide, go dtabharfaí tús áite do riachtanais na mban a ndéantar gáinneáil orthu i mbille a d'fhoilsigh an Rialtas le gairid i ndáil le gáinneáil gnéis. "Níor chóir go mbeadh aon dabht ann níos mó maidir leis an bhfadhb atá sa tír seo maidir le gáinneáil ghnéis ar mhná," a dúirt an Dr Gillian Wylie as Scoil Éacúiméinice na hÉireann i gColáiste na Tríonóide. "Tá an fhadhb léirithe ag an taighde seo agus ag an obair atá ar bun ag eagraíochtaí sa réimse seo". "Leis an suirbhé agus an ceistneoir ceapaimid gur 76 bean a bhí i gceist," a dúirt an t-údar, an Dr Eilis Ward as OÉ Gaillimh, "Ach ní fios go cinnte cé mhéad a tugadh go hÉirinn mar gheall go bhfuil an gháinneáil mídhleathach. Molaimid go gcuirfí an taighde ar leataobh anois agus go ngcuirfear cur chuige comhtháite, cearta daonna ar fáil don fhadhb seo a réiteach. Caithfidh an Rialtas gníomhú anois chun nach rachaidh an fhadhb seo in olcas". Ghlac an taighde dhá bhliain ar an mbeirt acadúil seo agus, mar chuid de, rinneadh suirbhé ar ghníomhaireachtaí agus ar eagraíochtaí a bhfuil a gcuid oibre dírithe ar an striapachas, foréigean i gcoinne na mban agus imirce in Éirinn. Is é seo an chéad taighde den chineál seo ar Éirinn. Léiríonn an taighde patrúin agus treochtaí áirithe don gháinneáil ghnéis in Éirinn agus, chomh maith leis sin, go bhfuil bearnaí móra sa tseirbhís agus sa tacaíocht a fhaigheann na mná seo. Mar gheall nach bhfuil creat reachtaíochta ann tá cás ad hoc cruthaithe agus gan aon bheartas ná treoirlínte soiléire ar fáil maidir le mná a aithnítear mar mhná a ndearnadh gáinneáil orthu. Léirigh an taighde, áfach, go bhfuil comhoibriú ar bun idir na hearnálacha stáit agus neamhstáit ach ceaptar gur i mBaile Átha Cliath amháin a tharlaíonn sé sin. Is ábhar imní gur taobh amuigh de Bhaile Átha Cliath sa deireadh a bhí go leor de na mná a aithníodh sa taighde. Mar shampla, tugadh bean a fuair na Gardaí i ndrúthlann phríobháideach i Sligeach agus a measadh go ndearnadh gáinneáil uirthi, go príosún Mhuinseo. "Rinneadh coirpeach aisti nuair is íobartach a bhí inti i ndáiríre" a dúirt an Dr Ward. CRÍOCH Nótaí Thángthas trasna ar 75 cás eile ina raibh gáinneáil i gceist ach de bharr easpa eolais ní fhéadfaí iad a áireamh sa taighde. An grúpa náisiúnach is mó a aithníodh ná mná as an Nigéir (19) agus an dara grúpa is mó ná mná as an Rúis (8). Sa chás go ndearnadh teagmháil leis na mná, léirigh an taighde gur úsáideadh lámh láidir, comhéigean agus dallamullóg chun na mná a thabhairt go hÉirinn agus bhí fianaise ann gur úsáideadh lámh láidir agus comhéigean nuair a bhí na mná in Éirinn chomh maith. As an 76 cás, níor fhan 36 de na mná i dteagmháil leis na gníomhaireachtaí ná le duine ar bith, cuireadh 14 ar ais chuig a dtír dhúchais agus tá 12 fanta i gcóras tearmann na hÉireann. Ceadaíodh do dheichniúr acu sin fanacht in Éirinn nó tugadh stádas dídeanaithe dóibh. Bhí gach duine sa taighde ar aon fhocal maidir leis an tseirbhís d'íobartaigh sa chás seo a bheith gann ar acmhainní agus ar mhaoiniú. De réir an taighde chomh maith, meastar gur feiniméan nua in Éirinn í an gháinneáil ghnéis agus go bhfuil sí ag méadú agus ag fáil níos deacra a smachtú agus níos deacra ag na Gardaí súil a choinneáil orthu. Tá an tuarascáil iomlán le fáil ar www.nuigalway.ie/ssrc

D'fhógair an tAire Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta, Micheál Martin T.D. (Dé Céadaoin, an 10 Deireadh Fómhair 2007) go mbunóidh Smith & Nephew, an chuideachta teicneolaíocht leighis, i gcomhar le REMEDI, Institiúid an Leighis Athghiniúnaigh in OÉ Gaillimh, clár ceithre bliana Taighde agus Forbartha chun leigheas nua a fháil do ghalair chnámh agus alt, cosúil le hoisté-airtríteas. Tá IDA Ireland ag tacú leis an infheistíocht – infheistíocht a chosnóidh sa bhreis ar €6 mhilliún. Soláthraíonn Smith & Nephew teicneolaíocht leighis ar fud an domhain, lena n-áirítear cóireálacha ortaipéideacha agus ionchlannáin do ghlúine, corróga agus guaillí. Bhunaigh Fondúireacht Eolaíochta Éireann REMEDI mar ionad Eolaíochta, Innealtóireachta agus Teicneolaíochta in 2004 agus aithnítear REMEDI anois mar phríomhionad na hÉireann do thaighde ar theiripe gascheall agus géinteiripe. Tá saineolas ar leith ag an ionad i dtaighde airtítis agus cuirtear béim ar leith ar thorthaí a chuid taighde a úsáid chun teiripe nua a úsáid i ngalair ortaipéideacha, chardashoithíocha agus néaracha. Dúirt an tAire Martin agus fáilte á chur roimh an gclár aige "Taighde agus Forbairt nuálaíoch atá i gceist leis seo agus beidh sé fíorthábhachtach chun leigheas nua a fháil ar oisté-airtríteas, riocht coitianta a ídíonn na hailt agus nach bhfuil aon leigheas air faoi láthair. Cuireann oisté-airtríteas costas mór ar an gcóras sláinte i ngach tír agus, mar gheall go mbaineann sé le haois, méadóidh na costais seo de réir mar a rachaidh daonra an domhain in aois. Tagann an clár nua seo le straitéis an Rialtais Éire a chur chun cinn i dteicneolaíocht nua Taighde & Forbartha agus biteiripic nua." Oibreoidh Ionad Taighde Smith & Nephew in York (sa Ríocht Aontaithe) i gcomhpháirtíocht le REMEDI chun teiripe nua a fhorbairt trí ghaschealla ó smior dhuine fásta a úsáid chun loingeán sláintiúil a fhás arís agus ailt a bhfuil damáiste déanta dóibh a dheisiú. Tá airíonna sna gaschealla a d'fhéadfadh fíocháin nua shláintiúla a chruthú chun an damáiste ón ngortú nó ón ngalar a leigheas. Dúirt Peter Arnold, Stiúrthóir Ghrúpa na Teicneolaíochta in Smith & Nephew: "Tá an-áthas orainn a bheith ag oibriú i gcomhpháirtíocht le REMEDI mar go bhfuil aithne agus meas orthu mar cheannairí sa réimse seo. Níl aon rogha athghiniúnach ar fáil faoi láthair do dhaoine a bhfuil oisté-airtríteas agus riochtaí eile matánchnámharlaigh orthu. Bhainfeadh othair óga go háirithe an-tairbhe as seo mar go gcaitheann go leor acu blianta ar phianmhúcháin láidre sula bhfaigheann siad alt nua." "Is é an aidhm atá le comhpháirtíocht Smith & Nephew agus REMEDI teiripe nua ortaipéideacha a fhorbairt a chabhróidh le daoine a bheith gníomhach agus saor ó phian níos faide ina saol trí leas a bhaint as gaschealla ó dhuine fásta chun loingeáin nó cnámha nua a fhás." Dúirt an tOllamh Frank Barry, Stiúrthóir Eolaíoch REMEDI: "Is iontach an éacht í seo. Tá áthas orainn oibriú le Smith & Nephew chun teiripe nua, chillbhunaithe a fhorbairt d'oisté-airtríteas. Chomh maith leis an tacaíocht ó Smith & Nephew ba mhaith linn aitheantas a thabhairt don tacaíocht ó Fhondúireacht Eolaíocht Éireann – murach í ní bhunófaí REMEDI – agus an tacaíocht ón IDA a chabhróidh linn teiripe nua airtrítis a fhorbairt. Tá teicneolaíocht forbartha ag Ionad Taighde Smith & Nephew cheana féin, atá in ann loingeán daonna a fhás ó ghaschealla ó dhuine fásta. Tríd an gcomhpháirtíocht le REMEDI – a bhfuil saineolas acu i loingeáin oisté-airtrítis a dheisiú – forbrófar teiripí nua ortaipéideacha níos sciobtha. Leis na teiripí seo ní bheidh gá nó ní bheidh an oiread deifre le hailt nua agus ansin ní bheidh an oiread gá le pian a bhainistiú go fadtréimhseach. Tá oisté-airtríteas ar bhreis agus 100 milliún duine ar fud an domhain, agus tá sé ar cheann de na cúiseanna is coitianta le míchumas. Díríonn aon chóireáil atá ann faoi láthair ar an riocht gan leigheas ar an bpian a bhainistiú agus ar ghlúin nó ar chorróg nua a thabhairt don duine sa deireadh. Beidh James Huckle, Bainisteoir Cláir i dTeicneolaíochtaí Cumasúcháin in Ionad Taighde Smith & Nephew, agus an tOllamh Frank Barry, Stiúrthóir Eolaíoch REMEDI agus saineolaí in innealtóireacht gascheall ó dhuine fásta, i gceannas ar an tionscadal. Beidh deichniúr taigdheoirí ag obair i REMEDI ar an tionscadal in York. Chomh maith leis sin, tabharfaidh Ionad Taighde Smith & Nephew tacaíocht don tionscadal. Tá ardscileanna bainistíochta agus saineolas acu ar thaighde i gcomhpháirtíocht le lucht acadúil agus leis an tionscal. D'fháiltigh Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh roimh an bhfógra, ag rá, "Is iontach an sampla an chomhpháirtíocht seo idir REMEDI agus Smith & Nephew de chomhpháirtíocht idir an lucht acadúil agus an tionscal. Thar ceann OÉ Gaillimh, fáiltím go mór roimh an infheistíocht seo mar go mbeidh tairbhe le baint acu siúd a bhíonn ag fulaingt ó ghalair chnámh agus alt ón dtaighde eolaíoch agus nuálaíoch seo". Úsáidfear saotharlanna REMEDI in OÉ Gaillimh agus a saotharlann déantúsaíochta chun gaschealla ó dhuine fásta a dhéanamh do na trialacha cliniciúla. CRÍOCH

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin TD today (Wednesday 10th October 2007) announced that Smith & Nephew, the global medical technology company, and REMEDI, the Regenerative Medicine Institute at NUI Galway, are to establish a four year R&D collaborative programme for the development of groundbreaking new treatments for bone and joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis. The investment, in excess of €6 million, is supported by IDA Ireland. Smith & Nephew is a global provider of medical technologies, including orthopaedic treatments and implants for knees, hips and shoulders. REMEDI, recognised as the Ireland's primary centre for stem cell and gene therapy research, was established as a CSET (Centre for Science, Engineering and Technology) in 2004 by Science Foundation Ireland. It has a core expertise in arthritis research and a particular emphasis on the translation of its research findings in the delivery of new therapies in orthopaedics, cardiovascular and neural diseases. Minister Martin, welcoming the collaboration, said "This is truly cutting-edge R&D and will be extremely important in the discovery of treatments for osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint condition for which there is currently no cure. The management of osteoarthritis involves substantial cost to the healthcare system in every country and, because it is associated with ageing, these costs are expected to rise as the global population ages. This collaboration is in line with the Government's strategy of positioning Ireland at the forefront of R&D in emerging technologies and novel biotherapeutics." The Smith & Nephew Research Centre in York (UK) will work in partnership with REMEDI to develop new therapies using adult bone marrow stem cells to promote the re-growth of healthy cartilage and repair damaged joints. Stem cells are known to possess properties which allow them to be programmed to create healthy new tissue to repair the damage caused by injury or disease. Peter Arnold, Group Director of Technology for Smith & Nephew, said: "We are delighted to be working with the team at REMEDI, who are widely recognised and respected as world leaders in this field. There are currently no regenerative options available for people suffering from osteoarthritis and other similar musculoskeletal conditions. This would be particularly beneficial for younger patients, who often spend many years on high doses of pain killers before receiving a joint replacement." He added: "The aim of the Smith & Nephew collaboration with REMEDI is to develop a new generation of orthopaedic therapies that will help people to remain active and pain free for much longer by harnessing the healing power of adult stem cells to promote the growth of new cartilage or bone." Professor Frank Barry, Scientific Director of REMEDI said: "This is a very significant milestone for us in our research programmes. We are delighted to be working with Smith & Nephew in the development of novel, cell-based therapies for osteoarthritis. In addition to this support from Smith & Nephew we acknowledge the critical support that Science Foundation Ireland has provided in the establishment of REMEDI and the funding provided now by IDA which will allow us to expand our efforts in developing a new generation of arthritis therapies. The Smith & Nephew Research Centre has already developed early prototype cell technologies, including the ability to grow human cartilage from adult stem cells. The collaboration with REMEDI, who have extensive expertise in osteoarthritis cartilage repair, will speed up the process of producing viable new orthopaedic therapies. These therapies will have the potential to alleviate or delay the need for joint replacement and lower the need for long-term pain management. Over 100 million people worldwide suffer from painful osteoarthritis, which is one of the most common causes of disability. Current treatments for the incurable condition largely focus on pain management and the eventual replacement of the affected knee or hip joint. The project will be led by James Huckle, Programme Manager for Enabling Technologies at the Smith & Nephew Research Centre, and Professor Frank Barry, Scientific Director of REMEDI and a leading expert in adult stem cell engineering. It will involve 10 researchers working at REMEDI. In addition, the project will receive support from the Smith & Nephew Research Centre in York which has strong management skills and expertise in running collaborative research involving academia and industry. President of NUI Galway Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh welcomed this announcement, saying, "This partnership between REMEDI with Smith & Nephew is a wonderful example of academic - industry collaboration. On behalf of NUI Galway I warmly welcome this investment, from which scientific research and innovation will ultimately yield real benefits to those suffering from bone and joint disease". The required facilities will involve the use of the REMEDI laboratories in NUI Galway and its manufacturing laboratory for the production of clinical batches of adult stem cells to be used in clinical trials. ENDS

Tom Creedon, HR Manager Medtronic awarded two students for academic excellence at the end of first year of the part-time Bachelor of Commerce at NUI Galway. This award was given to the Part-time Bachelor of Commerce students who received the highest average upon completion of the first year of studies following the summer 2007 exams. All non-degree holders were eligible. The award was divided between two students; Brian Guiry, from Concorde Travel in Ennis, Co. Clare and Michael Noone, from Bank of Ireland, Galway who both received the same overall mark. The Faculty of Commerce greatly values the support that Medtronic have given this particular programme. The Part-Time Batchelor of Commerce is a four year degree programme in business education. A Diploma in Management is awarded upon successful completion of the first two years. The programme is delivered via e-learning/blended learning which usually involves two introductory training and six weekend workshops per year. There is a high level of flexibility in the design of the programme and it is particularly well suited to real work situations. A strategic goal of the Cairnes Business School is to strengthen our links with companies like Medtronic and with the wider community. In our new strategy we will seek to work in partnership to develop new and flexible educational programmes and opportunities for collaborative research projects Medtronic is the world's leading medical technology company, providing lifelong solutions for people with chronic disease. Every 5 seconds, Medtronic products are helping to improve somebody's life all around the world. Medtronic's establishment in Galway came via its 1999 acquisition of Arterial Vascular Engineering (AVE). AVE had previously acquired the cardiovascular business of CR Bard Inc, including the Galway facility, which was set up by Bard in 1982. Medtronic employs over 2,300 people in Galway. These people are involved in the research, development and manufacture of a range of leading-edge, minimally invasive product technologies for the Vascular Division, including stents, stent delivery systems and angioplasty balloons. These products are used to treat arterial vessel disease in the heart and other regions of the body. The Galway site is also a centre of excellence for the Cardiac Rhythm Management Division, developing and manufacturing products to support heart failure therapy applications. ENDS

Seoladh an tIonad um Thaighde ar Phian go foirmiúil in OÉ Gaillimh Dé Céadaoin, an 3 Deireadh Fómhair 2007. Is é atá mar aidhm ag an Ionad um Thaighde ar Phian ionad barr feabhais do thaighde idirdhisciplíneach a chruthú idir an Ollscoil agus comhghleacaithe sa tseirbhís sláinte agus é mar chuspóir cur leis an tuiscint eolaíoch atá ar phian. Is ar na heolaíochtaí bunúsacha agus an pobal a bheidh an obair seo bunaithe. Cuireann pian ainsealach, sheasmhach isteach ar na milliúin daoine ar fud na cruinne, pian a chuireann bac ar shláinte agus dea-bhraistint daoine agus téann níos mó daoine chun comhairle dochtúra a lorg de dheasca pianta ná airí ar bith eile. In Éirinn, cuireann pian ainsealach isteach ar bheagnach leathmhilliún duine go laethúil. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Uachtarán Ó Muircheartaigh ag seoladh oifigiúil an Ionaid, "Cinnteoidh an tIonad um Thaighde ar Phian go mbeidh próifíl náisiúnta ag pian mar ábhar taighde agus deis eile atá ann freisin do OÉ Gaillimh ról ceannaireachta a ghlacadh i dtaighde ar chúrsaí sláinte agus forbairtí beartais in Éirinn." Is é an tIonad um Thaighde ar Phian an chéad ionad atá dírithe ar thaighde ar phian in Éirinn agus beidh taighdeoirí ó réimsí éagsúla léinn ag obair ann agus iad roinnte i gcúig ghrúpa faoi leith: Taighde réamhchliniciúil Gnéithe síceolaíocha agus néarshíceolaíocha den phian Pian a chóireáil agus a bhainistiú An daonra agus gnéithe beartais den phian Taighde réamhchliniciúil ar phian agus cleachtas cliniciúil a chomhtháthú Seo a leanas a bhí le rá ag an Dr David Finn agus an Dr Brian McGuire, Comhstiúrthóirí an Ionaid, "Forbairt iontach tábhachtach é seo a chinntíonn go mbeidh ról ag Gaillimh sa taighde ar phian go náisiúnta agus go hidirnáisiúnta" I measc cuid de na himeachtaí a bheidh ar siúl le linn sheoladh an ionaid beidh beirt aoichainteoirí - saineolaithe idirnáisiúnta sa taighde ar phian - i mbun cainte ag an Ionad. Tabharfaidh an tOllamh Chris Main, síceolaí cliniciúil agus údar téacsleabhar ildisciplíneach maidir le pian a bhainistiú ó Ollscoil Keele, spreagaitheasc faoi Psychosocial barriers to effective pain management agus labhróidh an tOllamh Irene Tracey, saineolaí aitheanta ar néar-íomháú sa taighde ar phian, atá i gceannas ar an aonad fMRI in Ollscoil Oxford, faoi Advances in Pain Neuroimaging. I measc an lucht oibre, cruthaíonn pian in íochtar an droma níos mó míchumais ná ailse, galar croí, stróc agus SEIF in éindí. Tá post caillte ag duine amháin as gach seisear in Éirinn atá i bpian de dheasca na riochta atá orthu. Cosnaíonn íocaíochtaí sochair i ndáil le pian den chineál sin os cionn €1.2 milliún in aghaidh na seachtaine (Pain in Europe Study, 2003). CRÍOCH

Scoil na Gaeilge's annual conference will take place 12-13 October to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the foundation of St. Anthony's Franciscan College, Louvain. The conference will be opened on Friday afternoon (Oct 12) by Senator Ronan Mullen and will discuss the contribution the Louvain friars made to Irish literature, history and hagiography. There will be eleven lectures in all. The keynote speakers include Fearghus Ó Fearghail (Mater Dei) who will discuss the importance of the Irish translation of the New Testament (1602); Angharad Price (University of Bangor) whose topic is the literary productions of Welsh Catholic exiles on the continent; and Martin Stone (Leuven) who will assess the Louvain friars' contribution to the study of Scotistc philosophy on the continent. The other speakers include Pádraig A. Breatnach, Marie-Louise Coolahan, Charlie Dillon, Mícheál Mac Craith, Nollaig Ó Muraíle, Tadhg Ó Dúshlaine, Marie Ó Tuathaigh and Salvador Ryan. Marie Ó Tuathaigh's talk on the adventures of Mary Stuart O' Donnell, the daughter the Earl of Tyrconnell never saw, should be particularly interesting, involving as it does a potent cocktail of religion, politics and cross-dressing. The conference will close with a showing of Antaine Ó Donnaíle's highly acclaimed documentary, Na hIarlaí san Eoraip. To coincide with the conference The James Hardiman Library is mounting an exhibition of books and manuscripts associated with Louvain. Pride of place will go to Duanaire Finn and the Book of the O' Conor Don, two manuscripts which were commissioned for Sorley McDonnell, a captain in the Tyrone Regiment of the Spanish army under the command of his second cousin John O' Neill, a son of the great Hugh O' Neill. Scoil na Gaeilge's Professor Micheál Mac Craith said, "Duanaire Finn is the most important anthology of Ossianic ballads that we have, while the the Book of the O'Conor Don contains over three hundred and fifty poems, most of them relating to contemporary events. Captain Sorley was buried in the cloister of St. Anthony's College and the Duanaire came into the possession of the Franciscans. The fate of the other manuscript was unknown until it came into the possession of the great antiquarian, Charles O' Conor of Belanagare in the 18th century. This is the first time that Captain's Sorley's most treasured possessions will have been together in nearly 400 years, a major coup that Scoil na Gaeilge and NUI Galway are delighted to have brought about." ENDS

NUI Galway has formally launched the recently approved Centre for Pain Research (CPR). CPR aims to provide a centre of excellence for interdisciplinary research between the University and colleagues in the health service with the aim of advancing the scientific understanding of pain from the basic sciences to the population level. Chronic, persistent pain affects millions of people worldwide, significantly impairing health and well-being and is the most common symptom for which patients seek medical help. In Ireland, over half a million people suffer from chronic pain on a daily basis. President Ó Muircheartaigh in opening the Centre said, "The CPR will help ensure that the topic of pain has a national profile and will also provide another route by which NUI Galway plays a leadership role in health-related research and policy developments in Ireland." As Ireland's first dedicated centre for research into pain, the CPR incorporates researchers from a range of disciplines and is organised into the following five clusters: Pre-clinical research Psychological and neuropsychological aspects of pain Pain treatment and pain management Population and policy aspects of pain Integration of pre-clinical pain research and clinical practice Dr. David Finn and Dr Brian McGuire, Joint Directors of the Centre said, "This is a very exciting and important development which puts Galway very firmly on the national and international pain research map" To mark the launch, guest speakers included two internationally renowned experts in pain research. Professor Chris Main, a clinical psychologist and author of several authoritative multidisciplinary pain management textbooks from University of Keele, who gave a keynote address on Psychosocial barriers to effective pain management and Professor Irene Tracey, a recognised leader in the neuroimaging of pain who leads the fMRI unit at University of Oxford, who spoke on Advances in Pain Neuroimaging. In the working population, lower back pain is responsible for more disability than cancer, heart disease, stroke and AIDS combined. One in six people in Ireland suffering from pain has lost a job because of their condition and pain costs the Irish economy over € 1.2 million per week in disability benefit payments alone (Pain in Europe Study, 2003). ENDS

A commemorative publication, entitled John McGahern at NUI Galway, celebrating the John McGahern Archive at NUI Galway and the long-standing relationship between the writer and the University, will be officially launched by Chairman of The American Ireland Fund, Dr Loretta Brennan Glucksman later today (Monday, 8 October). The 48-page hardback volume, compiled and edited by Liz McConnell, Dr John Kenny and Dr Riana O'Dwyer, with an Introduction by Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President of NUI Galway, contains contributions from a range of University staff including Séamus O'Grady, Director of Adult & Continuing Education; Marie Reddan, Librarian; Fergus Fahey, Archivist; Keith Warnock, Vice-President For Physical Resources; Dr Riana O'Dwyer, Senior Lecturer, English Department; Dr John Kenny, English Department; Professor Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, History Department. The volume is illustrated, with eight colour portraits of John McGahern by Brian Bourke RHA which were commissioned by NUI Galway Arts Office following the deposition of his literary archive in the James Hardiman Library in 2003. Speaking about this volume, Dr Ó Muircheartaigh said; "John McGahern enjoyed a close association with our University, over a period of almost 50 years. ,iJohn McGahern at NUI Galway provides a picture of that relationship, which culminated in the University s library becoming the repository for McGahern s literary papers. Through the Archive and through this book, we maintain an enduring link with the writer and the man. " John McGahern's association with the University began with a brief period of undergraduate studies; he later taught on Creative Writing and Irish Studies programmes, became an honorary doctor of the University in 1994 and Adjunct Professor of Irish Studies in 2001. Prior to his passing in 2006 the University's James Hardiman Library acquired John McGahern's archive, a complete collection of his papers and writings, providing an unparalleled view into a unique literary life. The editors, Dr. John Kenny, Liz McConnell and Dr Riana O'Dwyer, described the book as "a testament to the vibrant relationship between McGahern and NUI Galway, with contributions providing a personal insight into the nature of that relationship and the general nature of the literary life and work of this major Irish artist of language." John McGahern and his life's work was also commemorated by NUI Galway in partnership with Leitrim County at the inaugural International Seminar in County Leitrim in July of this year, which was a launch pad for a major International Summer School which will commence in summer 2008. Dr Brennan Glucksman is Chairman of the American Ireland Fund which in 1985 awarded John McGahern the American Ireland Fund Literary Award. She is also founder of Glucksman Ireland House, a centre for Irish Studies at New York University. Glucksman Ireland House hosted A Celebration of John McGahern to commemorate the first anniversary of McGahern s death in March 2007. ENDS

Tionólfar comhdháil bhliantúil Scoil na Gaeilge, Comhdháil Litríocht 7 Cultur na Gaeilge 12-13 Deireadh Fómhair chun comóradh a dhéanamh ar Choláiste Proinsiasach San Antaine, Lobháin a bunaíodh 400 bliain ó shin. Osclóidh an Seanadóir Rónán Ó Maoláin an chomhdháil tráthnóna Dé hAoine agus déanfar plé i gcaitheamh an deireadh seachtaine ar an gcomaoin a chuir bráithre bochta Lobháin ar litríocht, stair agus naomhsheanchas na nGael. Beidh aon léacht déag ar fad ann. Ar na príomhchainteoirí beidh Fearghus Ó Fearghail (Mater Dei) ag trácht ar an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an leagan Gaeilge den Tiomna Nua (1602); labhróidh Angharad Price (Ollscoil Bangor) ar na saothair reiligiúnda i mBreatnais a d'fhoilsigh deoraithe Caitliceacha ar an Mór-Roinn; agus déanfaidh Martin Stone (Leuven) trácht ar an mbealach ar chuir Proinsiasaigh Lobháin fealsúnacht Scotus chun cinn san Eoraip. Ar na cainteoirí eile tá Pádraig A. Breatnach, Marie-Louise-Coolahan, Charlie Dillon, Mícheál Mac Craith, Nollaig Ó Muraíle, Tadhg Ó Dúshláine, Marie Ó Tuathaigh agus Salvador Ryan. Cuirfear spéis ar leith i léacht Marie O' Tuathaigh ar eachtraí Mary Stuart O' Donnell, iníon Iarla Thír Chonaill nach bhfaca a hathair riamh. Manglam pléascach den pholaitíocht, den chreideamh agus den trasghléasadh ab ea gníomhréim na mná neamhghnáiche seo. Chun clabhsúr a chur leis an gcomhdháil, léireoidh Antaine Ó Donnaíle Na hIarlaí san Eoraip, an tríú mír den tsraith iomráiteach fáisnéise a rinne sé do BBC, Thuaisceart Éireann. Mar chuid den chomhdháil beidh taispeántas leabhar agus lámhscríbhinní a bhaineann le Lobháin le feiceáil i Leabharlann Shéamuis Uí Argadáin. Tabharfar tús áite sa taispeántas do Duanaire Finn agus Leabhar Uí Chonchobhair Dhoinn, dhá lámhscríbhinn a choimisinigh Somhairle Mac Domhnaill, captaen i Reisimint Thír Eoin in arm na Spáinne, reisimint nuabhunaithe faoi cheannas a choil seisear, Seán Ó Néill, mac le hAodh Mór Ó Néill. Mar a dúirt an tOllamh Mícheál Mac Craith: "Is é Duanaire Finn an cnuasach is tábhachtaí ar fad de na laoithe Fiannaíochta a tháinig anuas chugainn, agus tá breis agus trí chéad go leith dán le fáil i Leabhar Uí Chonchobhair Dhoinn, a mbaineann an chuid is mó acu le himeachtaí comhaimseartha. Adhlacadh Somhairle Mac Domhnaill i gclabhstra na bProinsiasach i Lobháin agus tháinig Duanaire Finn i seilbh na mbráithre. Ní fios cad d'imigh ar an lámhscríbhinn eile nó gur éirigh leis an ársaitheoir cáiliúíl, Cathal Ó Chonchobhair Bhéal Átha na gCarr, teacht uirthi san 18ú haois. Tabharfar dhá sheoid seo an Chaptaein Somhairle le chéile sa taispeántas don chéad uair le beagnach 400 bliain, éacht a bhfuil Scoil na Gaeilge agus Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh thar a bheith mórálach as." CRÍOCH

Tá ómós tugtha ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, don fhiontraí, an Dr Tony Ryan, a cailleadh inné. Bhí sé 71 bliain d'aois. Bhí an Dr Ryan, ar bhronn OÉ Gaillimh Céim Dhochtúireachta Oinigh sa Dlí air sa bhliain 1987, ar dhuine de na fiontraithe ba mhó cáil in Éirinn. Ba é a bhunaigh Guinness Peat Aviation agus Ryanair. Bhunaigh an Ollscoil Institiúid Mháirtín Uí Riain sa bhliain 1992, an t-ionad um thaighde muireolaíochta in OÉ Gaillimh. Bunaíodh an Institiúid seo le cabhair ón Dr Tony Ryan a thug bronntanas don Ollscoil in onóir a athar, Martin Ryan (1902-1955). Fear fadbhreathnaitheach ba ea an Dr Ryan, agus is mór an tionchar a d'imir sé trí Institiúid Mháirtín Uí Riain a bhunú mar cheann de na mór-institiúidí um thaighde muireolaíochta ar domhan. Dúirt Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh: "Tá cáil ar fud an domhain mhóir ar Tony Ryan mar fhear gnó cumasach agus mar fhiontraí nuálach. Chomh maith leis sin, mairfidh sé inár gcuimhne mar dhaonchara eolach agus mar fhear a léirigh suim sna healaíona. Ábhar mórtais dó freisin ba ea gur Éireannach é. Tá gach duine anseo in OÉ Gaillimh a bhain leas as an bhfís a bhí aige agus an tacaíocht a thug sé d'Institiúid Mháirtín Uí Riain go mór faoi chomaoin aige. Is mian liom ar an ócáid bhrónach seo, comhbhrón a dhéanamh lena theaghlach agus lena chairde thar ceann gach duine anseo in OÉ Gaillimh." CRÍOCH

NUI Galway President, Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh has paid tribute to the entrepreneur Dr Tony Ryan who died yesterday at the age of 71. Dr Ryan, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws by the University in 1987, was one of Ireland's foremost entrepreneurs as founder of Guinness Peat Aviation and Ryan Air. The Martin Ryan Institute, which is the home of marine science research at NUI Galway, was established by the University in 1992 and made possible by the support of Dr Tony Ryan who made a generous gift to the University in honour of his father, Martin Ryan (1902-1955). Dr Ryan's foresight has had far-reaching effects, particularly in establishing the MRI as one of the foremost marine research institutions in the world. The NUI Galway President said: "Tony Ryan s achievements as an astute businessman and innovative entrepreneur are world-renowned. He will also be remembered as an insightful philanthropist and an enlightened man of the arts, with a strong sense of pride in his Irishness. We in NUI Galway, who benefitted from his vision and his support of the Martin Ryan Marine Science Institute, are deeply indebted to him. On the sad occasion of his passing, I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and close friends on behalf of NUI Galway. ENDS

Collaboration with world-leading pharmaceutical company will raise Ireland's international profile in new medical discoveries Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin TD today (Wednesday 3rd October 2007) announced that GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), with the support of IDA Ireland, is investing up to €14.6m in a collaboration with the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience (TCIN) and NUI Galway, on a major Research & Development programme for the discovery of new therapies to treat Alzheimer's Disease. At present, drugs available on the market can only treat the symptoms rather than the causes of Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the gradual death of cells in the brain leading to brain malfunction, and is set to become one of the developed world's largest socioeconomic healthcare burdens over the coming decades. An estimated five million Europeans of 65 years or more are currently suffering from Alzheimer's and related dementias, costing European Governments an estimated €55 billion annually.1 It is estimated that at present 1 in 3 eighty year olds suffer from Alzheimer's Disease2; and it is expected that about 11 million Europeans will suffer from Alzheimer's and related dementias in the next 50 years.3, 4 The prevalence of the disease is greater among women than men, because women, on average, live longer than men. The research programme announced today seeks to understand the causes of these diseases, and to develop therapies to assist in ameliorating these serious medical and social conditions. Minister Martin said, "This high-level collaboration is yet another example of how Ireland is rapidly becoming a leading global location for drug discovery and translational medicine. The status, reputation and capabilities of the parties involved are well matched to the strategic objectives of this ambitious, indeed ground-breaking project. This programme represents unrivalled proof of confidence in the future of the biotechnology sector in Ireland." The Minister also commended the availability and level of technical expertise internationally and here in Ireland to undertake this project. "The work to be carried out through this collaborative programme is very sophisticated and complex in nature. The GSK scientists, academic researchers and clinical partners in this consortium in Ireland are all established and respected researchers, representing the finest minds available on an international platform. The resources and expertise of the local clinical management at GSK's existing R&D bases in Ireland will also be at the disposal of this programme, helping to cement the very highest levels of scientific confidence and competence in the project," the Minister continued. Dr Neil Upton, Head of Translational and Pharmacological Sciences said "GSK is strongly committed to developing new medicines for neurological diseases. We currently have numerous research programmes across all phases of Research and Development for Alzheimer s Disease, some of which aim to alleviate symptoms and others to slow or halt disease progression. To turn these early projects into effective medicines for AD, we have increasingly invested in translational research and state-of-the-art technologies in order to support dose-prediction, identify novel pharmacodynamic end-points and aid selection of appropriate patient populations for clinical studies. This collaboration represents a meeting of minds, where all three institutions strongly believe that hypothesis driven research and translating preclinical discovery research into clinical assessment and investigation at the earliest possible time point is in the best interests of patients who are waiting for much-needed treatments." GSK has a very strong heritage in Ireland, employing over 1,600 people in sites across Cork, Dublin and Waterford. GSK's manufacturing operation in Currabinny, Co. Cork, which employs more than 600 people, has invested significantly in R&D activity in recent years and will be closely involved in the project. This partnership is the second GSK/academic collaboration in Ireland, GSK having collaborated with the IDA and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) in a joint investment worth up to €13.7 million last year with the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC) into R&D in gastrointestinal diseases. GSK has eleven Centres of Excellence for Drug Discovery (CEDD) worldwide. For this collaboration, TCD and NUIG will work jointly with GSK's UK based Neurology CEDD on the development of tools designed to make future clinical trials in Alzheimer's Disease more efficient, employing 22 highly qualified medical professionals, PhD students and Post-Doctoral Scientists. Prof. Nicholas Canny, Vice-President for Research at National University of Ireland, Galway said the university is delighted with the collaborative research programme with Trinity College and GlaxoSmithKline. "We hope that our studies into novel cognitive, electrophysiological and behavioural endpoints in patients with Alzheimer s disease together with the complementary investigations at our partner university Trinity College will lead to a better understanding of this devastating disease, ultimately leading to new approaches in disease treatment." Neuroscience is one of the major research strengths of Trinity College Dublin. The Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience is the only dedicated research centre in neuroscience on the island of Ireland. Trinity has strategically built its core competence in neuroscience over the past years through a funding base involving the Higher Education Authority, Science Foundation Ireland, the Health Research Board and international agencies via their support for outstanding quality science. TCD Provost, Dr John Hegarty said "With the support of IDA, this new venture with GSK cements Trinity College Dublin's position as a leading international reference site for neuroscience research. This model of strategic growth and partnership in areas of international research quality is at the heart of Trinity s research agenda". "As a university we are committed to world class excellence in research. This new collaborative research programme will enable leading academics and experts in neuroscience develop pioneering new therapies in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. As the only dedicated research institute in neuroscience in Ireland, it is fitting that TCIN should play such a central role in this project," concluded Dr John Hegarty.

Rocks, Rails and Ríomhaire: A Geo-Multimedia Tour of the Connemara Landscape on the Galway-Clifden Railway A Public lecture on Rocks, Rails and Ríomhaire: A Geo-Multimedia Tour of the Connemara Landscape on the Galway-Clifden Railway will be given by Ronán Hennessy, a PhD Student in the Department of Earth & Ocean Sciences & Environmental Change Institute at NUI Galway on Tuesday, 2 October at 8 pm. The seemingly untamed natural landscape of Connemara, and its potential as a tourism attraction, was a major factor in the routing of a railroad through the region in the closing years of nineteenth century. To celebrate the geological and railway heritage of Connemara, Mr. Hennessy has worked closely with the Galway Heritage Forum and with Galway County Council Heritage Officer Marie Mannion, to design a virtual field trip of the Connemara landscape. Using Google Earth as the virtual tour 'landscape', users can embark on a field trip following the now disused 49 mile long railway line, discovering the region's rich geological and geomorphologic heritage. 'Disembarking' at any of the eight stations along the route, users can investigate the local geology, visit the nearby mines and quarries, explore the famous glaciated Inagh and Maam valleys, and even take off from Alcock and Brown's landing site near Clifden – bound for Newfoundland, which coincidently shares a similar geological history with Connemara. Dr. Martin Feely, Senior Lecturer, Geofluids Research Group, Dept. of Earth and Ocean Sciences and Environmental Change Institute said, "Ronán s presentation will give a flavour of the revolution that is taking place in science with the transfer of real landscapes to the virtual space of pan, zoom, tilt and play. The lecture will appeal to people of all ages and interests as it combines archaeology, heritage, geology, local history and environmental technology." The lecture will take place in the Orbsen Building Seminar Room, Environmental Change Institute, NUI Galway. Tea, Coffee & Beverages will be available from 7:30p.m. Attendance is free and all are welcome. ENDS

NUI Galway is pleased to welcome Aer Arann as sponsor of its newly launched Alumni Award for Sports Achievement and Leadership. The award will acknowledge alumni who have made an outstanding contribution in the area of local and national sports achievement, sports coaching, sports health, sports promotion and/or development. Since 2000 NUI Galway has been annually awarding graduates who as a result of their outstanding contribution to Irish and international life have, in a very special way, honoured their former alma mater. The Aer Arann Sports Award will join the University's seven other Alumni Awards which award excellence in commerce, healthcare, science, engineering, IT, the arts, law and public service. Announcing the new Award, Professor Gerard Hurley, Vice-President for Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs, NUI Galway, said: "This Sports Award reflects a very strong legacy of past and ongoing NUI Galway sporting accomplishment. We will have a very strong pool of candidates from which to choose our winners. The Award brings to a perfect complement our Awards programme - each reflects a discipline, faculty or walk of life in which NUI Galway students have gone on to excel at national and international level". Aer Arann Chairman, Mr Pádraig Ó Ceidigh was awarded the Alumni Award for Business and Commerce in 2002. Commenting on the sponsorship of the new Sports Award, he said, "Aer Arann is committed to strengthening the communities in which we do business, and we re proud to be part of this programme. The candidates for the NUI Galway Sports Alumni Award represent a passion for achievement, which is an inspiration to my colleagues in Aer Arann and to me personally." The Awards will be presented to the distinguished alumni at the University's annual Gala Banquet, which will take place in Galway's Radisson SAS Hotel on Saturday, 1 March, 2008. Previous NUI Galway Alumni Awards recipients include: Seán O'Rourke, RTÉ journalist; Irial Finan, President, Coca-Cola; and Michael D. Higgins T.D. -ends-