News Archive

28 November 2006: The winners of the 2006 Lady Gregory Research Fellowships at NUI Galway have been announced. They are Siobhán McDermott, Stephanie Egan, and Nora De Buitléir. All are doctoral students within the Faculty of Arts. The Lady Gregory Fellowships are enabled by philanthropic support and the Faculty of Arts at NUI Galway. Six Fellowships have been awarded since the establishment of these prestigious awards in 2005. Under the Lady Gregory Fellowship scheme, each student receives €20,000 per year over a period of three years. Recipients of the award include students of Archaeology, Old Irish, German, Geography and Political Science & Sociology. Over the coming years additional fellowships will be offered to a total value of €540,000 by 2009. Among the new winners, Siobhán McDermott, from Tyrone will study 'The Archaeology of Truagh, Co Monaghan'. Stephanie Egan from Castlerea, Co. Roscommon will study 'The Geographies of War and International Relations' and Nora De Buitléir from Killiney, Co. Dublin, will study 'The Theatre of the Frontier Region of Northern Italy and Southern Austria, the Sudtirol/Alto Adige'. Announcing the winners, Professor Kevin Barry, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, spoke of the value of research in the Humanities, in Languages, and in Social Sciences. Quoting recent international studies he supported the view that the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences "Lead the way in promoting understanding of the nation's history and other cultures, religions and societies, thereby helping to sustain national identity, multicultural tolerance and interaction. Furthermore, they enable the expansion of strategically important sectors of the economy, in particular the creative and cultural industries, which include heritage, galleries, museums, theatres, cinema, publishing, and other key elements of a knowledge society open to the larger world of ideas and innovation". NUI Galway will continue to support research within the humanities, languages and social sciences. High achieving graduates of any university and nationality are eligible to apply for funding under the Lady Gregory awards. ENDS Further Information contact Karen Walsh, Arts Faculty Office Tel: 091- 493958

27 November 2006: From amongst the ranks of its illustrious graduates, NUI Galway annually awards individuals who as a result of their outstanding contribution to Irish and international life have, in a very special way, honoured their former alma mater. Reflecting the Annual Alumni Awards Programme's aim to award those who have gone on to become leaders in their profession or who have excelled in their pursuits at national and international level, this year the Programme has chosen to award: AIB Award for Literature, Communication and the Arts: Seán O'Rourke, RTÉ journalist and broadcaster; Bank of Ireland Award for Business & Commerce: Irial Finan, President of Coca Cola, Bottling Investments; Duais Hewlett Packard don Ghaeilge: Mairéad Ní Nuadháin, RTÉ Commissioning Editor for Irish language and Education Programming; Medtronic Award for Healthcare and Medical Science: Professor Patrick Gullane, Otolaryngologist (Head and Neck Surgeon)-in Chief, University of Toronto; NUI Galway Award for Law, Public Service & Government: Brian O'Donnell, Founding partner of Brian O'Donnell & Partners; Seavite Award for Natural Science: Dr. Reg Shaw, MD of Wyeth's Dublin BioPharma Campus; and TBD Award for Engineering, IT and Mathematics: Patrick & Thomas Coffey, Directors of the Coffey Group. Announcing the awardees, Professor Gerard Hurley, Vice-President for Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs, NUI Galway, said: "Each year, NUI Galway recognises outstanding alumni across many diverse spheres of public and professional life for their exceptional achievements and contribution to society. These outstanding graduates serve as an inspiration for our current students and are excellent ambassadors for their alma mater." Launched in 2000, under the aegis of the NUI Galway Alumni Association, the annual awards celebrate the life-long value of an NUI Galway education and recognise individual excellence among the more than 60,000 graduates worldwide. Former recipients include Mr. Michael D. Higgins T.D.; Pádraig Ó Céidigh, MD Aer Arann; Maria Mahon, CEO Irishjobs.ie; and Declan Kelly, CEO Financial Dynamics. 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, 3rd March 2007. -ends- For further information please contact: Michelle Ní Chróinín/Ruth Hynes, Press Office, NUI Galway, Tel: 091 493361, michelle.nichroinin@nuigalway.ie or Mr JB Terrins, Director of Alumni Relations, 091 495411, jb.terrins@nuigalway.ie Note to editors: For a full list of former Alumni Award Winners visit http://www.nuigalway.ie/alumni/program_alumni_award.html Seán O'Rourke, AIB Award for Literature, Communication and the Arts, graduated with a BA in 1977. He is one of Ireland's leading broadcasters and a stalwart of current affairs programming. After University, he joined the Irish Press Group, as a sports reporter, feature writer and political correspondent. Since 1989, he has been a programme presenter-editor with RTÉ, working on This Week, Morning Ireland, Today Tonight, Prime Time and Family Matters. He has been presenter of the News at One on Radio Once since 1994. Mr O'Rourke also presents The Week in Politics on RTÉ. Irial Finan, Bank of Ireland Award for Business & Commerce, graduated with a BComm in 1977. In his current role as President, Bottling Investments, he is responsible for all Coca Cola Company bottling operations and equity investments worldwide. From 2000 to 2003, Mr Finan served as CEO of Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company SA, during which he managed the merger integration of Coca Cola Beverages plc and Hellenic Bottling SA and led the combined company in 26 countries. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Management Accountants, sits on the Board of Directors of Eircom Group plc., and is a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee for Alltracel Pharmaceuticals. Mairéad Ní Nuadháin, Duais Hewlett Packard don Ghaeilge, graduated with a BA in 1974. I bhfómhar 2000, ceapadh Mairéad ina heagarthóir um choimisiúnú ar chláir Ghaeilge agus oideachasúla RTÉ. Roimhe sin, bhunaigh sí Léargas agus bhí sí ina léiritheoir sraithe ar an tsraith faisnéise Ghaeilge sin, a ainmníodh do Dhuaiseanna IFTA (Irish Film and Television Academy) 2000 sa chatagóir 'Gnéchlár is Fearr'. Tá cláir shiamsaíochta agus cláir faisnéise eile léirithe aici chomh maith. Chomh maith le cláir RTÉ do TG4 a bhainistiú, lena n-áirítear cúrsaí reatha, cláir spóirt, cláir irise agus cláir do leanaí, bhí baint aici, freisin, le cláir ilchultúir agus oideachais le gairid, mar shampla Turas Teanga, Scannal agus Health Squad. Chuir sí tús leis an gcéad sraith ilchultúir de chuid RTÉ, is é sin Mono, atá ar an aer anois le trí shéasúr agus a bhfuil ag éirí thar barr leis. Professor Patrick Gullane, Medtronic Award for Healthcare and Medical Science, graudated with a BSc in 1970, and embarked on a career in otolaryngology - head and neck surgery. In 1989 he was appointed as Otolaryngologist-in-Chief at the University Health Network in Toronto. In 1997 he was appointed as Wharton Chair in Head and Neck Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital, and in 2002 as Professor and Chair to the Department of Otolaryngology, University of Toronto. Dr Gullane is recognised globally as a leader in the field of head and neck surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Diplomat of the American Board of Otolaryngology and he has served as the President of the American Head and Neck Society and the President of the North American Skull Base Society, and is the current Vice-President of the Triological Society. Brian O'Donnell, NUI Galway Award for Law, Public Service & Government graduated from NUI Galway in 1974 with a BA and subsequently in 1976 with an LLB. He practiced with one of Ireland's most prestigious law firms, William Fry, where he served as managing partner from 1996 – 1999. In 1999, he set up his own practice, O'Donnell & Partners, specialising in mergers and acquisitions. During the course of his career Mr. O'Donnell has acted for Irish Life plc in its privatisation and the Doyle Hotels in their acquisition by Jurys plc. He has also acted in a number of pro bono cases, including the famous Blaise Gallagher case where a quadriplegic boy received the then largest damages ever achieved in Ireland. He is one of only a handful of Irish lawyers included in the International Who's Who of mergers and acquisitions and has been named in Global Counsel 3000 as Ireland's leading corporate and commercial lawyer. Dr. Reg Shaw, Seavite Award for Natural Science, graduated with a BSc in 1971 and subsequently with a PhD in 1974. He is currently Managing Director of the Wyeth BioPharma Campus in Dublin. Wyeth BioPharma Campus is one of the largest integrated biopharmaceutical facilities in the world. It was officially opened in Dublin in September 2005. The facility produces Wyeth's best known drugs – Enbrel, a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, and Prevenar, a vaccine for preventing pneumococcal disease in infants. The product cycle - from cell culturing in a test tube through to bulk manufacturing, packaging and distribution – is, unusually for the industry, carried out on site. This model employed by the Campus is considered a frontier-type investment. Dr Shaw is heading the project to extend the product manufacturing cycle from basic product development right through to the finished product. Patrick & Thomas Coffey, TBD Award for Engineering, IT and Mathematics, graduated in 1967 and 1969 respectively with BEngs. The Coffee Group, established by Patrick and joined by Thomas in 1974, is today one of the leading service providers in the building, civil and environmental engineering industry in Ireland and the greater London area contracted with such recognisable projects as the Galway Eastern Approach Road and the renovation of the Royal Albert Hall, London. The Coffee Group has been a stalwart supporter of NUI Galway graduates, and is well known as a nurturing ground for the University's engineering professionals and entrepreneurs. It employs students on placement, more than any other company since the initiation of the Civil Engineering placement programme, and sponsors graduate students in Civil Engineering at NUI Galway.

The positive impact of the Internet on communities and individuals will be the focus of a free public seminar from 9.30am-1.30pm on 28 November entitled eNeighbourhoods - Putting Communities onto the World Wide Web. Organised by NUI Galway's Digital Enterprise Research Institute, the event will be held at the IDA Business Park, Lower Dangan, and will look at how people can now use the Internet to view and talk to each other across continents at a fraction of the cost of a telephone call, create their own online communities and access affordable technologies. According to Brendan Smith, Community/Education Outreach Officer, DERI, "In the nineteen nineties, it was the mobile telephone that spawned a massive leap in connecting people. Today the Internet gives individuals with limited physical/geographical mobility a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded people. It can reconnect families and friends, with people using webcams and Internet phones to see and hear their loved ones in real time. Also, the Internet can also give a forum and even an identity to communities, parishes – community groups of every kind". Topics covered by the seminar, which will be opened by Lord Mayor of Galway City, Councillor Niall O Brolcháin, will include: Putting your Parish & Community onto an Online Encyclopaedia Online Community Newsletters Internet Technologies aimed at Increasing Citizens' Involvement - in the decision making process of local and national government Green Mapping of Galway City Setting up & Maintaining a Free Easy-to-manage Website for Community Groups Writing & Publishing a Novel Online Based out of NUI Galway, DERI is one of the world's leading research establishments involved in developing the next generation of the World Wide Web known as the 'Semantic Web'. Through its outreach programmes, it seeks to increase awareness of the practical benefits that the World Wide Web can offer to communities. Internet courses for a myriad of groupings include active retirement associations, business organisations, schools, parents, university students, residents and disability groups have been provided over the years. This free seminar will bring experts together to demonstrate what is on offer to the ordinary members of society. For bookings please contact Brendan Smith, DERI, NUI Galway on 087 2935106 or email Brendan.smith@deri.org -ends-

20 November 2006: NUI Galway will welcome secondary school students, parents and teachers from all over Ireland to its Open Day on Thursday, 30 November, 9am – 3pm. This year there is a special emphasis on providing information for parents, who play a crucial role in helping students choose what to study at third-level. Mary Coyle, Schools Liaison Officer, commented, "Completing the CAO form can be a stressful time for young people as they try to choose from the options available. Support from their parents plays an important part in helping them understand their choices and make the best decisions. On Open Day we hope to provide the information needed to make the decision-making process easier for everyone involved". Throughout the day there will be introductory lectures from across the faculties of Arts, Law, Commerce, Science, Celtic Studies, Medicine & Health Sciences, and Engineering. Over 70 exhibition stands, with academic staff and students on hand, will give an overview of campus life with information on everything from individual courses, to accommodation, to careers advice. The Open Day will also incorporate campus tours and laboratory demonstrations as well as information on extracurricular activities such as sports and societies. The University has a strong and justified reputation as a student-centred organisation and emphasises a commitment to the holistic development of each student. According to Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President, NUI Galway, "Going to University is one of the most exciting experiences of a lifetime, providing a unique opportunity to study, in depth, subjects that are really of interest. We help our students acquire knowledge and skills which are highly valued by employers and to make new and lasting friendships". The close proximity of the University to Galway City, one of the fastest developing cities in Europe and a thriving, bustling centre of culture and commerce, provides students with ready access to all facilities a modern city offers. Students of NUI Galway not only enjoy the social and cultural life of a dynamic energetic city, but also one of Europe's most beautiful and unspoiled hinterlands including the Connemara Gaeltacht, its rich cultural and artistic traditions, the Burren and the Aran Islands. For further information contact Mary Coyle on 091 492814, email mary.coyle@nuigalway.ie or visit www.nuigalway.ie. -ends-

20 November 2006: NUI Galway has launched a limited edition DVD, Claíocha Arda, which describes the life and work of Máirtín Ó Cadhain, one of the most prominent Irish language writers of the twentieth century. The limited edition DVD gives an insight into Máirtín Ó Cadhain's vision and life and is part of the centenary celebrations of his birth. The DVD which is subtitled in English has been issued by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway's national institute pioneering third-level education through the Irish language. Claíocha Arda roughly translates as 'fortification', which is a metaphor for the challenges Ó Cadhain faced in his lifetime. While television footage of Máirtín Ó Cadhain is in short supply, this DVD is a collection of the best of RTÉ's archive. Ó Cadhain himself talks about his youth, school life, republicanism, starting to write, literature, and what he believed was the root of all storytelling - love. "Silim gan an grá nach féidir scéalaíocht a dhéanamh/Without love there is no storytelling", Máirtín once said. Peadar Mac an Iomaire, Director of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, comments, "Máirtín Ó Cadhain was a pioneer of Irish-language modernism and his literary legacy is a national treasure. Claíocha Arda allows us an insight into the inspirations behind Máirtín's writings in his own words. This film is an inspiration to the young and the not so young when they see the loyalty and devotion of this man to his own community. Academics, historians, writers and students are just some of the audiences who will enjoy this DVD, which is certain to become a collector's item." The DVD contains an extract from Ó Cadhain's novel Cré na Cille and describes the inspiration for its characters. Ó Cadhain spoke Russian and was interested in the major Russian writers such as Dostoevsky, Chekhov and Maxim Gorki. Reflecting this, music by Shostakovich, Rachmaninov and Stravinsky is used on the DVD to add atmosphere to the black and white footage. The limited edition DVD is available for sale by contacting Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge on 091 492428 or caitriona.nichoirbhin@oegaillimh.ie -ends- Notes to editors: For more information, please contact Bríd Seoige: Tel. 00 353 91 495 302, Email: brid.seoige@oegaillimh.ie

…world's largest Semantic Web project goes from strength to strength at NUI Galway... 20 November 2006: Key next generation technologies for the Internet are being developed at the Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI), NUI Galway, which will be the backbone of Ireland's knowledge economy. Professor Manfred Hauswirth, Vice Director of DERI, states that, "The success and growth of the knowledge economy in this country will be linked to our ability to easily create, share and retrieve information and data across organisations. To make this process efficient it has to be mechanised, which can only be achieved through self description of data and processes, namely by adding semantics into them." Using semantics, (tagging data to allow computers understand its meaning) DERI is developing technologies enabling people, organisations and systems to better collaborate and interoperate. The work being carried out by over eighty researchers, the biggest project of its kind in the world, will also involve other aspects of the digital society spanning from the public sector, e.g., health or governmental administration, to the personal domain, e.g., community portals which support novel ways for people to share information and interact. Professor Hauswirth was speaking in advance of Research Day at DERI on 23 November, which will see leading academics and industry experts convene at NUI Galway to receive an update on the technologies being developed by the institute and discuss the future of informatics in Ireland. Chaired by DERI's Directors Prof. Stefan Decker and Prof. Manfred Hauswirth, the day will offer a forum for researchers and practitioners coming from a wide variety of areas to discuss common interests, share and exchange expertise and establish new connections inside Irish academic institutions as well as with industry. According to Professor Hauswirth, "The mission of DERI is to establish semantics as the core pillar of modern computer engineering. We are three years into this huge and exciting project and are on the cusp of tagging the entire web, which will lead us into the next generation of the Internet and computing. We have over eighty of the best researchers in the world, from 16 different countries, working in Galway to drive this project forward in tandem with the rise of the knowledge economy." The DERI Research Day will be held in DERI Galway, IDA Business Park, Lower Dangan, Galway and attendance is by invitation only. Presentations will be made on topics including Web Services eXecution Environment; Semantic Web Search Engine; Information Centric Access in the case of SIOC; and Large Scale Sensor Networks. -ends-

Cuirfidh OÉ Gaillimh fáilte roimh dhaltaí meánscoile, tuismitheoirí agus múinteoirí ó cheann ceann na tíre go dtí a Lá Oscailte Déardaoin, an 30 Samhain 9r.n. – 3i.n. I mbliana, cuirfear béim ar eolas a thabhairt do thuismitheoirí faoin ról tábhachtach a bhíonn acu cabhrú le daltaí rogha a dhéanamh faoina n-ábhar staidéir don tríú leibhéal. Dúirt Mary Coyle, An tOifigeach um Idirchaidreamh le Scoileanna, "Bíonn sé an-deacair ar dhaoine óga an fhoirm CAO a chomhlánú mar gheall ar an rogha atá ann. Cabhraíonn a dtuismitheoirí leo an rogha is fearr a dhéanamh. Ar an Lá Oscailte tá súil againn an t-eolas a chur ar fáil a chabhróidh le gach duine páirteach an cinneadh is fearr a dhéanamh." I rith an lae, beidh réamhléachtaí ó na Dámha seo, na Dána, Dlí, Tráchtáil, Eolaíocht, Léann Ceilteach, Leigheas & Eolaíochtaí Sláinte agus Innealtóireacht. Beidh 70 seastáin ann ar an lá agus comhaltaí foirne acadúla agus mic léinn ar fáil chun léargas a thabhairt ar shaol an champais idir cúrsaí, lóistín agus gairmchomhairle. Beidh turais den champas ar fáil ar an Lá Oscailte chomh maith le taispeántais saotharlainne agus eolas faoi ghníomhaíochtaí seach-churaclaim cosúil le spórt agus cumainn. Tá clú agus cáil ar an Ollscoil mar eagraíocht a thugann tús áite don mhac léinn agus bíonn béim láidir ar fhorbairt iomlánaíoch gach mac léinn. Dúirt an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, "Tá sé ar cheann de na heispéiris is fearr sa saol dul ar an Ollscoil, agus beidh an deis agat mionstaidéar a dhéanamh ar ábhair a thaitníonn leat. Tugaimid cabhair do na mic léinn eolas agus scileanna a fháil a theastaíonn ó fhostóirí agus cuireann siad aithne ar dhaoine nua, aithne a mhaireann go brách". Tá Cathair na Gaillimhe ar cheann de na cathracha is tapúla fás san Eoraip agus tá sí ina hionad rafar, spleodrach cultúir agus tráchtála; de bharr go bhfuil an Ollscoil chomh gar sin don Chathair, ní bhíonn deacracht ag mic léinn teacht ar na saoráidí go léir a bhíonn ar fáil i mbaile mór nua-aimseartha. Bíonn sult le baint ag mic léinn OÉ Gaillimh as an saol sóisialta agus cultúir atá sa chathair fhuinniúil bhríomhar seo, ach lena chois sin bíonn siad in ann taitneamh a bhaint as ceann de na cúlchríocha is áille agus is glaine san Eoraip, lena n-áirítear Gaeltacht Chonamara, traidisiúin shaibhre chultúir agus ealaíon, Boirinn agus Oileáin Árann. Chun eolas breise a fháil déan teagmháil le Mary Coyle ar 091 492814 nó mary.coyle@nuigalway.ie. É sin nó cliceáil ar www.nuigalway.ie. - críoch -

20 November 2006 – Speaking at NUI Galway recently, Dr. Garret FitzGerald said Irish society "could eventually find that we had created an ethical wasteland – a society without human values, corroded by materialism, selfishness and also hedonism" unless "firm ethical foundations can be laid in our schools". His speech 'Civic Republicanism and Public Morality' was part of a keynote seminar series focusing on themes related to civic engagement and active citizenship, hosted by the University's Community Knowledge Initiative. Dr. FitzGerald, former Taoiseach and current Chancellor of the National University of Ireland, said, 'Irish society still retains some pre-modern elements which by the start of the 20th century had largely disappeared in the rest of Northern Europe. These include an almost tribalist form of localism, and a client list approach to politics, together with a weak commitment to the state and the payment of taxes democratically levied by the state. In other words, our state is still marked by a notable absence of what has become known as civic republicanism. He continued, "Unless firm ethical foundations can be laid in our schools for what I would describe as a new 'civic republicanism' – the prospect of improving, or even maintaining, the quality of Irish society as we move further in the 21st century seems pretty grim. Many – but clearly today not all – parents will no doubt assist such a process, in their own way, but the schools – both primary and secondary – hold the key to this project". The Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) is a project at NUI Galway that promotes partnership with communities and endeavours to enhance social commitment within communities. Funded by philanthropic donations, the CKI hopes to reinvigorate the civic mission of higher education in Ireland, putting communities at the centre of debate. "We were delighted to have Dr. FitzGerald speak with us, as it was an educational and informative event for people of the Galway community," said Lorraine McIlrath, CKI Project Coordinator. The keynote series is being offered as a response to the increased alienation and declining social commitment that is common in today's communities, and will host a number of high profile people who are knowledgeable in these areas. KEYNOTE SEMINAR SERIES SCHEDULE: Dr. Garret Fitzgerald, Ret. Leader and Chancellor of the NUI, Tuesday, November 14th, 3.00pm - 4.00pm, Civic Republicanism and Public Morality Mr. Alan Kerins, Alan Kerins African Projects, Thursday, 25th January 2007, 3.00pm - 4.00pm, speaking on his work with the Cheshire House, volunteering and how important it is today. Mrs. Mary Davis, Chair of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship, Thursday, 22nd February 2007, 3.00pm - 4.00pm, speaking on her work with the Taskforce on Active Citizenship, the Special Olympics and active citizenship in Ireland today Mr. Alan Rusbridger, Editor of the Guardian, Friday, 9th March 2007, 3.00pm - 4.00pm, speaking on his work with the Guardian, as well as Journalism, New Media and Democracy Mr. Maurice Mullard, University of Hull, Reader in Social Policy, Thursday, 19th April 2007, 3.00pm -4.00pm, speaking on his work with the University of Hull, citizenship, social policy and the war on terror Ms. Caroline Casey, The Aisling Foundation, Thursday, 27th September 2007, 3.00pm - 4.00pm, speaking on her work with the Aisling Foundation and active citizenship, as well as the role that volunteering plays in community.

20 November 2006: Brendan McWilliams, author of the popular Irish Times column 'Weather Eye', will deliver a public lecture at NUI Galway at 7pm on 29 November, in the IT Building, room 125. The free public event, entitled 'From Elementary Curiosity to Chaos: A Brief History of Weather Forecasting', will take a fascinating look at the art and science of predicting weather through the years. McWilliams is a meteorologist, and for the past eighteen years he has written the daily Irish Times column, which is a fascinating and authoritative insight into our daily weather patterns. He is a former Deputy Director of Met Éireann and in the early 1990s served as Director of the Programme of Expert Studies on Climate Change on behalf of the Department of the Environment. According to McWilliams, "Our ancestors tried to predict weather changes by the appearance of the sky or by watching the behaviour of plants and animals. During the past 400 years our knowledge of the mechanics of the weather has progressed to the stage where accurate forecasts, based on the latest satellite technology, advanced computer models of the atmosphere and sophisticated communications networks, are taken more or less for granted. The current challenge for meteorology is to predict, not just tomorrow's weather, but the climatic evolution of our planet in the coming decades." The event is being hosted by NUI Galway's Environmental Change Institute (ECI), which leads research in areas such as Biodiversity, Climate Change, Marine Environment, Waste, Social and Economic Impact, Human Impact and Modelling Systems. Professor Gerard Jennings, Director of the ECI, commented, "This promises to be a fascinating and informational evening with one of Ireland's foremost experts on weather. In Ireland, discussing the weather is the perennial conversation piece and even more so now as people are noticing changing weather patterns and becoming more conscious of the human impact on our environment." For further information on the event, please contact Sarah Knight of NUI Galway's Environmental Change Institute on 086 3092663. - ends - Notes to editors Brendan Mc Williams is a meteorologist, and for the past 18 years he has written the daily Irish Times column 'Weather Eye'. He is a former Deputy Director of Met Éireann and in the early 1990s served as Director of the Programme of Expert Studies on Climate Change on behalf of the Department of the Environment. From 1998-2000 he was a Member of EU Fifth Framework Programme External Advisory Group on Global Change, Climate and Biodiversity, and has been, more recently, a Director and member of the Management Board of EUMETSAT, the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation in Darmstadt, Germany. He is an Honorary Life Member of both the Royal Dublin Society and the Irish Meteorological Society.

01 Samhain 2006:Tá Scoláireachtaí Spóirt, ar fiú breis is €90,000 iad, bronnta ar lúthchleasaithe OÉ Gaillimh ag Uachtarán na hOllscoile, an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, faoi Scéim Scoláireachtaí Spóirt na hOllscoile don bhliain seo. Is í seo an naoú bliain den scéim, a thugann tacaíocht do lúthchleasaithe a dhéanann éacht ina spórt féin agus atá ina mic léinn san Ollscoil. Cuidíonn an scéim scoláireachtaí agus sparánachtaí leis na mic léinn seo agus iad i mbun staidéir san ollscoil. Baineann buaiteoirí na bliana seo le réimse leathan spórt, lena n-áirítear Peil Ghaelach, Peil Ghaelach na mBan, Iománaíocht, Camógaíocht, Lúthchleasaíocht, Rámhaíocht, Badmantan, Cispheil, Galf, Sacar, Haca, Scuais agus Tonnmharcaíocht, agus is as réimse leathan áiteanna iad freisin. Tá ag éirí thar cionn leis an scéim le hocht mbliana anuas; d'imir go leor de na buaiteoirí ar son na hOllscoile i gcomórtais náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta agus d'éirigh go geal leo. Dúirt an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, go léiríonn an scéim tiomantas na hOllscoile do thacaíocht a thabhairt don fheabhas i gcúrsaí spóirt i measc a cuid mac léinn, agus é sin a éascú. "D'éirigh thar barr le Scéim na Scoláireachtaí Spóirt le hocht mbliana anuas agus tá an-chabhair tugtha aici do na lúthchleasaithe mic léinn a gcumas iomlán a chomhlíonadh. Léiríonn an tionscnamh seo tiomantas OÉ Gaillimh do chur chun cinn an spóirt, atá chomh tábhachtach sin ó thaobh saol sláintiúil a bheith ag na mic léinn", a dúirt sé. Tugadh €2,000 an duine arís i mbliana do dhá lúthchleasaí déag atá ar scoláireacht spóirt cheana féin agus atá fós san Ollscoil. Bronnadh scoláireacht (€2,000 an duine) ar naonúr mac léinn eile den chéad uair, agus tugadh €1,000 an duine do 47 eile, faoi scéim Spáranachtaí na hOllscoile. Chomh maith leis na gradaim sin, bronnfar gradaim eile ar mhic léinn a mbeidh eagraíochtaí spóirt ag déanamh urraíochta orthu: dhá scoláireacht i bpeil ghaelach urraithe ag Cadbury's mar chuid d'urraíocht ar 'Craobh fé21 Cadbury's', trí scoláireacht urraithe ag Galway United, agus gradam urraithe ag Sports Med West. Ar na mic léinn a bhuaigh Scoláireacht i mbliana tá Cian Nihill as Maigh Cuilinn (Cispheil), a d'imir 41 uair d'Éirinn agus a bhí ar an duine ba mhó a scoráil pointí d'Éirinn i gCraobhchomórtas na hEorpa faoi 16 agus faoi 18; Richard Macey as Sligeach (Dornálaíocht) a bhuaigh an Craobhchomórtas Sinsearach Trom-mheáchain Idir-Ollscoile agus Craobhchomórtas Trom-mheáchain Éadroim na Breataine agus na hÉireann in 2006; Fiachra Breathnach as Leitir Móir, Co. na Gaillimhe, atá ar phainéal sinsearach na Gaillimhe (Peil Ghaelach); agus David Mannion as Cnoc na Cathrach (Rámhaíocht) ar bhí ar fhoireann na hÉireann sna Home Internationals in 2005. Tugann na Scoláireachtaí Spóirt deis do mhic léinn páirt a ghlacadh ina spórt féin ag an leibhéal is airde amuigh, dar le Tony Regan, Oifigeach Spóirt agus Áineasa na hOllscoile: "Cuireann Scéim na Scoláireachtaí Spóirt go mór le héiteas spóirt OÉ Gaillimh. Cuidíonn na gradaim seo leis na mic léinn a bhuann iad leanúint ar aghaidh ag forbairt a gcuid scileanna agus buanna agus iad fós ar an Ollscoil", a dúirt sé. -CRÍOCH-

……..including FREE screenings of classic film at the Omniplex in association with the Irish Film Institute 14 November 2006: To mark 100 years since the birth of John Huston, the Huston School of Film and Digital Media at NUI Galway, will host a unique two day conference, from 23-24 November, to celebrate the life and work of the legendary director. As part of the centenary celebrations there will be a public screening of a brand new print of The Misfits, starring Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift, at 7pm on Wednesday 22 November at the Galway Omniplex. The last film Huston directed, The Dead, from the James Joyce short story and starring Donal McCann with Angelica Huston, will be shown at 9pm on Saturday, 25 November at the Galway Omniplex. Entry to both screenings is free of charge. Huston had strong connections with the west of Ireland, having made Craughwell, Co Galway his home for 18 years, where his fine Georgian manor house St Clerans still stands. In between hunting and fishing – he was joint master of the Galway Blazers - Huston continued his international film-making career and made significant contributions to the Irish film industry. Parts of Moby Dick (1956), Macintosh Man (1973) and the original Casino Royale (1967) were shot in Ireland and he chaired the committee which produced the Huston Report (1968), which marked an early attempt to establish an Irish film board. Tony Tracy, Huston School of Film & Digital Media, NUI Galway, commented, "Huston directed 41 films over 46 years and was much celebrated by his peers and associates, with 15 Oscar nominations. However, he has been under-represented in movie literature and criticism. This conference seeks to redress such neglect and provide a forum for as wide a consideration of his contribution to cinema as possible." Highlights of the conference will be panel discussions, film critiques and keynote speeches by Patrick McGilligan, contributing editor of American Film magazine, Luke Gibbons of Notre Dame University and by Joseph McBride of San Francisco State University. The Conference is sponsored by Coca-Cola Bottlers Ireland and is supported by the NUI Galway Millennium Fund. For more information contact Tony Tracy (091 512188) / tony.tracy@nuigalway.ie -ends- Notes to Editors A hugely versatile and charismatic figure in American film, Huston directed 41 films over 46 years - the first being the film noir classic The Maltese Falcon (1941), while his last was The Dead (1987), adapted from the James Joyce short story. Huston had a long and distinguished career as a writer, director and later as an actor, notably as the chillingly corrupt Noah Cross in Polanski's Chinatown (1974). He was nominated, in various capacities, 15 times for an Academy Award (Oscar), winning twice for his work as writer and director for The Treasure of Sierra Madre (1948). He has the distinction of being the only director to direct both his father and daughter to Oscar success: the first in Sierra Madre and Angelica in Prizzi's Honor (1985). He was recipient of an AFI Lifetime Achievement award in 1983.

– The Challenge in Establishing a Knowledge Based Economy – 13 November 2006: Recently established Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) in Irish Third-Level Institutions will not achieve their full potential unless adequate investment is made in fostering links between academic institutions and specific industries and the transfer of technology from campus to the company is strategically managed. In their new book, 'Strategic management of Technology Transfer: The new Challenge on Campus', NUI Galway academics James Cunningham and Brian Harney argue this approach is critical if the Irish government is to deliver a real return on its promised investment of €3.8 billion in a Knowledge Economy. Commercialisation programmes at universities need to be developed further to meet industry needs, ensuring that knowledge generated is translated into new products, processes and services. James Cunningham, Senior Lecturer in Management at NUI Galway, makes the following recommendations for the success of TTOs: Effective creation, exploitation and commercialisation of research from third level institutions to sustain economic momentum. Hard measures for performance metrics, with national and local targets to be put in place. Soft measures (cultural aspects) to be put in place to ensure that the hard measures performance metrics will be reached. The attraction to Ireland of the best PhD students in the world. The internationalisation of Irish research and researchers in worldwide centres of excellence. Researchers to become more commercially aware and actively seek market opportunities for their research with the support of well resourced Technology Transfer Offices. Cunningham and Harney have reviewed national and international best practice in this area and present a framework to guide the strategic management of technology transfer in the Irish Third-level context. They argue that with a planned investment of €3.8 billion, delivering on the return to Ireland Inc is what will mark the success of the Government's Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy. Technology Transfer Offices will play a crucial strategic role in this and Cunningham and Harney are the first to lay down specific guidelines on the role of TTOs and how they should be developed in order to ensure adequate return on this investment. NUI Galway established a dedicated Technology Transfer Office (TTO), directed by Dr Daniel O'Mahony, in 2005 who is responsible for the strategic management and commercialization of university developed intellectual property and technologies and in forging links with industries leading to collaborative projects and co-development of new technologies. The TTO has recruited Commercialization Executives or Technology Transfer professionals in biotech, in ICT/engineering and in Business Development, it has invested in IP management systems, reinforcing the university's investment in technology transfer and technology commercialization. The TTO has also received support from Enterprise Ireland (EI) in filling other posts for Technology Transfer Professionals under the EI €30 million support scheme to strengthen technology transfer offices in universities. It also manages both the Technology Transfer Initiative program (focused on developing industry collaborative projects) and the EDP program which supports entrepreneurs in the formation of High Potential Start-up companies. Since establishment of the TTO at NUI Galway there has been a substantial increase in filing of invention disclosure forms and in patent filing, along with a sizable increase in licensing, in the spin-out of university developed technologies into new companies and in other technology transfer / commercialization activities – key metrics for technology commercialization identified in the new book. In light of the success of the Celtic Tiger, Ireland is seen as a model for developing countries, particularly the recent new entrants to the EU. However the tendency to highlight Ireland as a benchmark for knowledge economies is premature – we still have a long way to go. "Strategic Management of Technology Transfer: The New Challenge on Campus" by James Cunningham and Brian Harney is available from Oak Tree Press at http://www.oaktreepress.com/. – ends – For further information, contact: Dr. James Cunningham, NUI Galway, Tel: 091 493472/087 2655970, email: james.cunningham@nuigalway.ie or Ruth Hynes, NUI Galway, Press Office, tel: 00 353 (0)91 493361 Note to Editors – About the Authors Dr James Cunningham is a lecturer in strategic management in the Department of Management, a research fellow for Centre for Innovation and Structural Change (CISC) and EMBA Programme Director at NUI Galway. Prior to joining NUI Galway he lectured in the Department of Business Administration, at University College Dublin and worked as a strategy consultant. His research interests encompass three areas namely, strategy practice, strategy and the environment and entrepreneurship and technology transfer. His research has been published in leading journals and strategy books. He is the co-author of Enterprise in Action, now in its second edition, and he has completed commissioned reports for Udáras na Gaeltachta, Forfás, ICSTI and the Centre for Innovation and Structural Change (CISC). In addition, James has made a number of guest presentations on the subject of strategy practice, technology transfer and entrepreneurship. He also held a visiting professorship at the Department of Management and Organisation at Penn State University, Mr. Brian Harney holds a first class honours BA degree from the University of Dublin, Trinity College and a first class honours MBS (Corporate Strategy and Human Resource Management) from the National University of Ireland, Galway. In 2004 he was a recipient of the Irish Institute of Management Sir Charles Harvey Medal as one of the most outstanding graduates of a postgraduate Business Degree in Ireland. Brian has published in leading HR journals including the Human Resource Management Journal and in Advances in Industrial and Labor Relations. Brian's other main research interests include Strategy as Practice, University Technology Transfer and the determinants of HRM. Brian lectures in strategy and HRM at NUI Galway, and is currently pursuing a PhD, funded by a CISC scholarship, at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge where he is also the recipient of a Cambridge European Trust Bursary and a Fellow of the Cambridge European Society.

13 November 2006: Sports Scholarships amounting to over € 90,000 have been presented by NUI Galway President, Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, to athletes who are the recipients of this year's NUI Galway's Sports Scholarships Scheme. This is the ninth year of the scheme, which supports athletes who excel in their respective sporting fields and are students of the University. The scholarship and bursary scheme assists these students financially through their time in University and this year's selection of athletes is representative of many sports, including Gaelic Games, Athletics, Rowing, Ladies Football, Badminton, Basketball, Camogie, Golf, Soccer, Hockey, Squash and Surfing, and also includes a wide geographical spread. The scheme has been a phenomenal success over the past eight years, with many recipients representing the University with distinction at national and international level. Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President of NUI Galway, says the scheme shows the commitment of the University to supporting and facilitating sporting excellence in its students. "The Sports Scholarships Scheme has been a huge success over the years and has enabled top student athletes reach their full potential. This initiative illustrates NUI Galway's commitment to the promotion of sport which is so important in creating a balanced lifestyle for our students," he said. A total of twelve athletes, who are already on sports scholarships and are still studying at the University, have received € 2,000 again this year. A further nine students have received scholarships (worth € 2,000) for the first time, while an additional 47 students have benefited to the tune of € 1,000 each, under the University's Bursary scheme. In addition to these awards two students will receive Gaelic Football scholarships sponsored by Cadbury's as part of their sponsorship of the Cadbury U21 Football Championship; three scholarships sponsored by Galway United; and an award sponsored by Sports Med West. This year's Scholarship winners include Cian Nihill from Moycullen (Basketball), who has 41 International caps as well as being top scorer for U16 & U18 Irish teams at European Championships; Richard Macey from Sligo (Boxing), the 2006 Senior Intervarsity Champion at heavyweight as well as British and Irish Champion at light heavyweight; Fiachra Breathnach from Leitir Móir, Co. na Gaillimhe (Gaelic Football), a current Galway Senior panellist; and David Mannion, from Knocknacarra (Rowing), who represented Ireland in the Home Internationals in 2005. NUI Galway Sports & Recreation Officer, Tony Regan says the Sports Scholarship Scheme initiative encourages students to participate at the highest levels in sport. "The Sports Scholarship Scheme gives a tremendous boost to the sporting ethos of NUI Galway. These awards help the individual sports people continue to develop their sporting skills and talents at the University", he said. - ENDS -

Olive Braiden, Chair of the Arts Council, is to be special guest at the NUI Galway launch of the 'Jerome Hynes Best One Act Play Award' on Friday 24 November at 6pm in the Aula Maxima at NUI Galway. The award, which will be presented to the best Director/Writer of a one-act play, will be an annual event and is in honour of NUI Galway alumnus, the late Jerome Hynes, for his contribution to the arts. The launch will be hosted by the NUI Galway Alumni Association who also commissioned John Coll to design the sculpture being unveiled at the launch. The sculpture will be permanently showcased in the Bank of Ireland Theatre at the University. Catherine Hickey-O'Maoláin, Vice Chairperson of the NUI Galway Alumni Association, said "We are tremendously proud of Jerome as one of our own, one who contributed so much to this country's cultural life. Before his untimely death, Jerome was in line to be honoured with a prestigious Alumni Award and we thought it fitting that we pay tribute to him in another way – a way in which we hope he would approve." Jerome was a native of Galway and his sister is the theatre Director Gary Hynes. In 1981 he was appointed administrator, and later General Manager, of the Druid Theatre Company. He managed that organisation during its development into a major company, notably through its international touring. In 1988, he was appointed the first Managing Director, and later Chief Executive, of Wexford Festival Opera. In 2003, he was appointed by the Government as a member of The Arts Council and as Deputy Chair. He was also on the Board of the National concert hall as well as appointed by the Arts Minister John O Donoghue to chair a special committee on the traditional arts in 2005. A dramatic tribute performed by acclaimed actress Marie Mullen and members of NUI Galway DramSoc will also take place on the night. Further information is available from the Alumni Office on 091 493 750 or email alumni@nuigalway.ie -Ends-

07 November 2006: A new agreement has been put in place to support growth in the already significant medical devices industry in both the Border Midland and Western Region, Ireland and in the West Midlands, UK. The cooperation agreement, signed at NUI Galway, will involve the identification of areas for inter-regional working, particularly in the areas of collaborative research proposals, mobility of researchers and exchange of best practice in technology transfer from research labs and centres to the medical devices firms. The Centre for Innovation and Structural Change at NUI Galway, facilitated by the Border Midland and Western Regional Assembly, worked with the West Midlands Regional Development Agency - Advantage West Midlands - to set out the terms of the Inter-Regional Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement. This lays down a framework in which research and technological development activities of mutual benefit can be developed between institutions of higher education, research institutions, regional development organisations, business support agencies and companies in the regions. The Agreement is a result of an EU funded Interreg IIIB initiative to support the development of networks amongst regions in Europe. The President of NUI Galway, Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, welcomed the initiative, stating that, "This is an exciting opportunity for the research insitutions, technology transfer offices and medical devices firms in the regions to identify areas for joint activites, reducing duplication of effort and promoting effective responses to the needs of medical devices companies in both regions". The Project Director, Professor Michael Cuddy, commented that the signing of the Agreement represented a success story for European funded initiatives: "In developing the Agreement with colleagues in the regional development agency and the University of Coventry, the BMW Region is well placed to transfer and exploit best practice in research to support the medical devices industry as a key sector in the EU". The Agreement outlines five specific areas in which inter-regional Cooperation can take place: 1. Support for reciprocal exchanges of scientists, researchers, technicians and trainees for visits, study tours and advanced studies (and in particular the promotion of the Marie Curie Fellowships between Higher Education Instutions in the BMW and West Midlands regions) 2. Promoting and developing joint research on projects and programmes of mutual interest, with a particular focus on medical and health technologies 3. The organisation of bilateral scientific meetings and participation in conferences, symposia and inter-regional seminars; 4. Collaboration and participation in the submission of proposals and other actions requesting funding and other support from the European Commission and other sources; and 5. Direct support to the development of partnerships among SMEs and between SMEs and Higher Education, through collaboration and co-operation with regional business support agencies such as the Chambers of Commerce and Business Links. The Agreement will be for one year initially and will be reviewed by the institutions involved at the end of that period. Key stakeholders in both regions will be involved over the course of its implementation. This initiative, undertaken by the BMW region, supports the goals of the Irish Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (2006-2013) which addresses what it sees as 'vital' international dimensions of research and innovation in securing Ireland's position, by 2013, as a country that is internationally renowned for the excellence of its research, and to the forefront in generating and using new knowledge for economic and social progress, within an innovation driven culture. -ends- Contact: Professor Michael Cuddy, Project Director / Dr Lorna Ryan, Project Manager +353 91 524411 Notes to Editors The Centre for Innovation and Structural Change (CISC) is an interdisciplinary research centre at the National University of Ireland, Galway partnered by University College Dublin and Dublin City University Business School. CISC was formally launched at NUI, Galway by An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern T.D. on 1st March 2002. The key objective of CISC is to build an internationally recognised programme of research and research training on the innovation processes and policies that are fundamental to the development of a knowledge-based economy. CISC has been awarded competitive funding of Euro 2.8 million under the Irish Government s Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI) of the Higher Education Authority. NUI Galway, Centre for Innovation and Structural Change, www.nuigalway.ie/cisc The Border, Midlands and Western Regional Assembly was established by the Government on 21st July, 1999 and consists of 29 elected members from the constituent local authorities, within the B.M.W. Region. The Border, Midland and Western Region consists of the following 13 counties: Cavan, Donegal, Galway, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Westmeath. The Role of the B.M.W. Assembly is to: Manage the B.M.W. Regional Operational Programme under the National Development Plan. Monitor the impact of the EU programme under the National Development Plan/Community Support Framework framework within the BMW Region Promote the co-ordination of public services within the Region Advantage West Midlands is one of nine Regional Development Agencies in England whose role is to provide leadership and action to create more, better jobs and an improved quality of life in the West Midlands.

06 November 2006: NUI Galway's Atlantic Laser and Optics Forum (LightForum) holds its first annual meeting on 8 November in the Westwood House Hotel, Galway. The theme of the meeting is the expanding role of photonics (light and laser technology) in manufacturing, and will feature a number of invited international speakers, addressing important topics related to photonics in industry and society in general. The event will include strategic perspectives from the European Commission, international photonics research and the European manufacturing industry. Attendees will also be updated on recent developments in the Forum and in the Photonics community at NUI Galway, as well as new initiatives designed to make the interaction between industry and the photonics research community simpler and more effective. Tony Flaherty of the National Centre for Laser Applications, NUI Galway, explained, "Although we may not all realise, photonics has long been a fundamental technology for manufacturing such as telecommunications and information technology. More recently, photonics has become mainstream in areas such as medicine, where poor eyesight is being remedied by laser treatment, and in manufacturing, where laser processing is rapidly becoming the industry standard for many applications. As the use of photonics across industry expands and the Irish economy adapts to become a high-tech knowledge economy, the strength of our photonics research and expertise will be critical". The Atlantic Laser and Optics Forum provides a framework in which scientists and professionals in industry and the University can explore and develop interactions of mutual interest. The forum was launched last year and has had a busy year hosting courses, workshops and round-table discussions on topics as diverse as Adaptive Optics and Fiber-Laser Applications in Micro-machining. The Forum is the ideal way to join the laser users community in Ireland and meet professionals in other companies who have had similar issues or experiences relating to laser and optics innovation. The Forum is free to professionals in Irish industry and more information is available at http://www.nuigalway.ie/lighthouse/news3.html -ends-

06 November 2006: The European Commission has announced a grant of €2.8 million for an international research project which will take place at NUI Galway on bio-powered bio-electrochemical sensing systems. The Research Project, which is being run in collaboration with research groups across international universities, will be headed up by Dr. Dónal Leech of NUI Galway's Chemistry Department. The Specific Targeted Research Project (STREP) titled BIO-MEDNANO, aims to investigate technologies for the development of biocatalytic fuel cells and biosensors. For example, 21st century medicine will increasingly demand the monitoring and control of a range of medical conditions by sophisticated, miniaturised and integrated implantable devices. Current battery technology uses highly reactive lithium making miniaturisation expensive and difficult, and thus biocatalytic fuel cells will be of significant importance in medical devices of the future. Commenting on the announcement, Dr. Dónal Leech said: "Biocatalytic fuel cells represent a realistic opportunity for the provision of implantable power and there is enormous scope for the wider application of biosensors in the area of medical diagnostics, in environmental monitoring and in food quality. We are delighted to have secured this funding which will allow us to make important strides forward over the next number of years and look forward to leading the way in research in this field". The Biomolecular Electronics Research Laboratory of NUI Galway's Chemistry Department will co-ordinate the research project. It is a collaboration between NUI Galway and research groups at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the University of Southampton, the University of Rome, Czech Republic company BVT Technologies, and Finish organisations Abo Akademi and VTT Biotechnology. -ends- Note to editors: The major innovation of this project is related to an optimised combination of enzyme, mediator, and molecular bridges on novel electrodes to ensure efficient and sustainable electron transfer in order to power devices such as biosensors. Biocatalytic fuel cells are fuel cells which rely upon biocatalytic reactions at the electrodes to convert chemicals into electrical power. These fuel cells represent a realistic opportunity for provision of implantable power, given the exquisite selectivity of enzyme catalysts, their activity under physiological conditions, and the relative ease of immobilisation of isolated enzymes. Implantable biocatalytic fuel calls have thus been proposed, where the body's own chemicals are used to produce power in-viro. It is anticipated that the implanted biofuel cells could use body fluids, particularly blood, as the fuel source for the generation of electrical power, which may then be used to activate pacemakers, insulin pumps, prosthetic elements, or biosensing systems. Biofuel cells have also been suggested in military or security fields for detection of explosives.

06 November 2006: The Irish Studies Online Programme from NUI Galway's Centre for Irish Studies, is set to make its mark in Japan. Thursday last, at a function in Tokyo, His Excellency Brendan Scannell, Irish Ambassador to Japan, formally launched an exciting new development which will allow Japanese students the opportunity to be taught the online diploma in Irish Studies in their own language. The programme, developed in partnership between NUI Galway and Regis University, Denver, Colorado, provides an introduction to Irish life and culture through the disciplines of Archaeology, History, English, Irish Political Science and Sociology. All of the seminars and group discussions will be in Japanese. NUI Galway's Centre for Irish Studies, which has pioneered the development of online courses in Irish Studies, has appointed two highly qualified Japanese facilitators to teach the programme and provide tuition and guidance to students in Japanese. The online diploma, the first of its kind in the world, provides an overview of Irish history from the pagan Celtic world and the coming of Christianity, through to the cataclysmic famines of the 1840s, the establishment of an independent state in 1922, and Ireland's integration into the European community that has been ongoing since the 1970s. Students are introduced to Irish literature in both the Irish (Gaelic) and English languages, from the Old-Irish sagas and early Irish lyrics through the emergence of Anglo-Irish literature in the eighteenth century, to the twentieth-century revival of writing in Irish. Ambassador Scannell described this initiative as further evidence of commitment on the part of the Irish Education sector to consolidate its efforts in Japan. NUI Galway was represented in Tokyo by Prof Ger Hurley, Vice-President for External Affairs, Anna Cunningham, Director of International Affairs and Chinatsu Hakamada, a PhD student at Scoil na Gaeilge. Miss Hakamada addressed the gathering of 150 guests in fluent Irish and English. She has recently been appointed by the Centre for Irish Studies to teach the online programme and provide tuition and guidance to students in Japanese. Many of the guests at the reception availed of the opportunity to view a demonstration of the online programme. Given that 2007 marks the fiftieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan, this is an opportune time to launch such an initiative in Japan. While students will require a considerable degree of competence in English as most of the learning materials are in English, the online instruction will be provided through the medium of Japanese. "This is particularly important on an online programme," according to Dr Louis de Paor, Director of the Centre for Irish Studies, "as the level of interaction between students and their teachers online is greater than in traditional on-campus programmes. All of the seminars and group discussions will be in Japanese, as will all interaction between the students and their online tutor, and among the students themselves. This is a very exciting development for us, as it allows us, for the first time, to offer courses in Irish Studies to Japanese students in their own language." In order to celebrate this new initiative, the Centre for Irish Studies is offering a number of scholarships to the first intake of Japanese students on its online programme. -ends-

'Civic Republicanism and Public Morality' 06 November2006 – Dr. Garret FitzGerald, former Taoiseach and current Chancellor of the National University of Ireland, will deliver a seminar entitled 'Civic Republicanism and Public Morality,' at NUI Galway at 3pm on Tuesday, 14 November. Dr. Fitzgerald's talk will draw on a chapter from his recent book, 'Ireland in the World: Further Reflections', and on his recent address to the Annual Conference of National Principals and Deputy Principals of Second-Level Schools. Dr. Garret FitzGerald will speak as part of a keynote seminar series hosted and sponsored by the Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) at NUI Galway. Focusing on themes related to civic engagement and active citizenship, this keynote series is being offered as a response to the increased alienation and declining social commitment that is common in today's communities, and will host a number of high profile people who are knowledgeable in these areas. Dr. Garret FitzGerald is a former Foreign Minister and Taoiseach and is currently the Chancellor of the National University of Ireland and presides over its Senate. He has been a weekly columnist in the Irish Times for the last 50 years, is Chairman of the Future of Europe Committee of the Institute of European Affairs, as well as President of the Institute, and is also a Director of the Irish Chapter of Transparency International, Age Action Ireland and the Greater European Fund. The Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) is a project at NUI Galway that promotes partnership with communities and endeavours to enhance social commitment within communities. Funded by philanthropic donations, the CKI hopes to reinvigorate the civic mission of higher education in Ireland, putting communities at the centre of debate. "We are delighted to have Dr. FitzGerald speak with us and hope it will be an educational and informative event for people of the Galway community," said Lorraine McIlrath, CKI Project Coordinator. Those interested in attending this keynote address should email mary.bernard@nuigalway.ie or call contact Mary Bernard on 091 493823 for a free ticket. For further information, please contact Lorraine McIlrath, CKI Project Coordinator at 091 495234 or email lorraine.mcilrath@nuigalway.ie or Christina McDonald Legg, christina.legg@nuigalway.ie -ends-

Stem Cell Sciences plc (AIM:STEM), the global biotechnology company focused on the commercialisation of stem cells and stem cell technologies in research and novel cell-based therapies, is pleased to announce that the Group s Neural Stem Cells (NS cells) will enter preclinical testing for spinal cord injury in a groundbreaking collaboration with the world-renowned Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at NUI Galway. The initial study will examine the ability of the NS cells to provide functional improvements in models of spinal cord injury at REMEDI. Spinal cord injury affects more than 25 million people worldwide, with 130,000 new cases reported each year. It represents a considerable social and economic cost to both families and countries. "It's a really exciting opportunity for us to test our NS cells in preclinical models of spinal cord injury", said SCS's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Tim Allsopp. "We will examine how the cells remain viable, engraft and support natural repair processes. We are really pleased to be collaborating with NUI Galway's Regenerative Medicine Institute". Stem Cell Sciences' NS cells are unique in that they can be grown in serum-free and feeder-free cell culture conditions. Potentially, this makes them very effective when used in a variety of cell-based therapeutics. Professor Frank Barry, REMEDI's Scientific Director and a world-leading scientist in stem cell therapy, said: "For REMEDI to be able to evaluate a 'best in class' neural stem cell in conjunction with a world-leading company is a great opportunity for us, and underscores the efforts we are making in Ireland in finding novel therapeutic solutions for currently incurable conditions." Initial study results are expected in the first quarter of 2007. If this study proves successful, Stem Cell Sciences and REMEDI plan to expand the collaboration with more extensive testing. "It would be a great step forward if we demonstrate efficacy for our NS cells in this model" said Dr Peter Mountford, Chief Executive Officer of SCS. "With our capabilities in novel cell culture media development and stem cell uses in drug discovery, our next step was always to move into pre-clinical trials of illness and disease, using the NS cells." Dr Daniel O'Mahony, Director of Technology Transfer at NUI Galway said, "We are bringing together two technology leaders in their respective fields in the development of new treatments for spinal cord injury. This collaboration between REMEDI and SCS reinforces our commitment to industrial collaborations and to progressing technologies from the laboratory to the market place." -ends – For further information, please contact: Stem Cell Sciences plc 01316629829 Hugh Ilyine, Chief Operating Officer Sue Furber, Director of Finance & Company Secretary Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) +353 091 495198 Ita Murphy MSc, Communications and Outreach Manager Weber Shandwick|Square Mile 020 7067 0700 James White Notes to Editors Stem Cell Sciences plc (SCS, AIM: STEM) is a global biotechnology company, established in Melbourne, Australia in 1994, providing products in the burgeoning stem cell research and drug discovery markets, in addition to the targeted development of cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative disease and injury. The Company has established a leading intellectual property (IP) and technology portfolio that enables the commercial application of stem cells in drug discovery, providing the Company with early-stage revenue streams and technology development for at scale cell production of SCS cell-based therapeutics. SCS principal focus is in neurological disease. Revenues in the neurotech market, including pharmaceuticals, devices and diagnostics, grew 10% in 2005 to US$110 billion*. SCS operates as a group of independent operations with laboratories in Scotland, Japan and Australia, each of which is affiliated with an academic centre of excellence. These include the Institute of Stem Cell Research (ISCR), Edinburgh, UK, RIKEN Centre for Development Biology, Kobe, Japan and the Australian Stem Cell Centre, Melbourne, Australia. SCS has four business units focused on key sustainable business strategies. SC Proven® provides cell culture media (liquid formulations) and reagents that enable the growth and differentiation of stem cells. The first commercially available product, a novel, serum free, stem cell growth medium, has been exclusively licensed for manufacture and marketing to Chemicon, part of Millipore Corporation. SC Licensing licenses SCS proprietary technologies, such as Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES) and Stem Cell Selection, for application in laboratory-based research and discovery. SCS has licensed technology to major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies including Pfizer, Sanofi Aventis, GSK, Deltagen Inc and Lexicon Genetics Inc. SC Services provides specialised stem cell production for basic research and drug discovery, including high-throughput applications. SC Therapies' goal is to develop safe and effective cell-based therapies for currently incurable diseases. SCS is conducting preclinical evaluations of its neural stem cell lines in a number of therapeutic applications. The first preclinical programme is being undertaken by SCS' Japanese affiliate, which recently announced the exclusive licensing of human multi-potent adipose-derived stem (hMADS) cells for therapeutic purposes. SCS KK will conduct preclinical studies for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 2006. For further information on the company please visit www.stemcellsciences.com

02 Samhain 2006: Seolfaidh Peadar Mac an Iomaire, Príomhfheidhmeannach Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, an DVD Claíocha Arda, ina bhfuil cur síos ar shaol agus ar shaothar Mháirtín Uí Chadhain ag Oireachtas na Gaeilge i nDoire ar an Satharn, 4 Samhain 2006 ag 2.30 i.n. sa Millennium Forum. Tugann Claíocha Arda spléachadh ar an bhfís gheal ar chaith Máirtín Ó Cadhain a shaol léi. Tá an DVD Claíocha Arda eisithe ag Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh mar chuid den chomóradh 100 bliain ar bhreith Mháirtín Uí Chadhain. Mhair Máirtín Ó Cadhain le linn don chéad naoi mbliana don craoladh teilifíse in Éirinn. Dá réir níl an oiread taifead físe dó ar fáil. Tugann an DVD seo an chuid is fearr de chartlann RTÉ le chéile. Tugtar deis cainte don Chadhnach féin cur síos ar a óige, a scolaíocht, poblachtánachas, tús na scríbhneoireachta, litríocht, agus síol na scéalaíochta - an grá! "Silim gan an grá níl aon scéalaíocht" a dúirt Máirtín. Úsáidtear ceol le Shostakovich, fear eile a bhfuil comóradh 100 bliain a bhreithe i mbliana, coinséartó cáiliúil uimhir a trí de chuid Rachmaninov, agus píosa le Stravinsky, d'fhonn atmaisféar a chruthú leis na pictiúir dhubha agus bhána. Bhí teanga na Rúise ag Ó Cadhain agus chuir sé spéis in obair na mórscríbhneoirí Rúiseacha ar nós Dostoevsky, Chekhov agus Maxim Gorki. Léirítear sliocht as pièce de résistance Uí Chadhain Cré na Cille agus déantar trácht ar fhoinse an úrscéil agus a charachtair sa DVD. Threabh Máirtín Ó Cadhain iomaire na litríochta Gaeilge san aois seo caite. D'fhág sé oeuvre atá i gcroílár litríocht na hÉireann. Is é Claíocha Arda a scéal is a dhán. Dúirt Peadar Mac an Iomaire "is inspioráid an scannán seo do dhaoine óga agus do dhaoine nach bhfuil chomh hóg le léiriú a fháil ar dhílseacht agus ar dhúthracht an fhir seo ar son a mhuintire féin. Ag an am céanna, ní raibh na hacmhainní faoina lámh lena linn a thabharfadh an deis dó féin agus don mhuintir sin a bhí gar dá chroí iad féin a chumasú mar ba mhian leis". Tá líon teoranta cóipeanna den DVD (500 cóip) le díol ón 7 Samhain 2006 ar aghaidh ach teagmháil a dhéanamh le hAcadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge 091 492428 nó caitriona.nichoirbhin@oegaillimh.ie CRÍOCH

02 November 2006: Geraldine Kennedy, editor of the Irish Times, will officially open the Moore Institute for Research in the Humanities and Social Studies at NUI Galway on Tuesday 7 November. The institute provides scholars an opportunity to engage in research and innovative thinking to promote the better appreciation of human cultural and social achievements in past centuries, and the enrichment and improvement of our world today. It is called after the Moore family of Moore Hall in County Mayo whose members, in successive generations, sponsored such change in the west of Ireland over the course of four centuries. The official opening will be followed by the inaugural lecture at the Institute entitled 'The Natural History of the Atlantic World'. This is a free event to which the general public are invited. In this illustrated lecture Professor Nicholas Canny, Academic Director of the Moore Institute, will investigate how, between the 1560s and the1720s, scientific writers in Northern Europe absorbed new knowledge about the peoples and resources of the Americas that had come within their reach through the process of discovery and exploration. Speaking about the new Institute, President of NUI Galway, Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh commented, "Research in the humanities is more important than ever in our Irish society which has changed so rapidly over the last number of years and continues to evolve on many levels. The social sciences allow us to understand not only our own culture, but also our responsibilities as citizens of the global village. The Moore Institute will develop the best scholars from around the world and imbue them with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to Ireland's social and economic fabric." The opening of the Institute will also be marked by seminars on the morning of the 7 November at NUI Galway on topics such as Connacht Landed Estates 1700-1920; Thomas Moore Hypermedia Archive and TEXTE - Transfer of Expertise in Technologies of Editing. -ends- Information for Editors : The Natural History of the Atlantic World. In this illustrated lecture Professor Nicholas Canny, Academic Director of the Moore Institute, NUI Galway, will investigate how, between the 1560s and the 1720s, scientific writers in Northern Europe absorbed new knowledge about the peoples and resources of the Americas that had come within their reach through the process of discovery and exploration. He will also consider how successive authors of texts suggested how more efficient use might be made of these resources for the betterment of all humanity. He will commence by explaining that the terms Natural History and Cosmography, which were in common use during these centuries, corresponded roughly with the terms Anthropology and Ethnography as these are used today meaning the study of human beings in relation to their natural environments. The lecture will commence with the attempts made by French, English and Dutch adventurers to establish settlements in Brazil, Florida, and on Roanoke Island (off the coast of North Carolina) during the late sixteenth century and on how these were reported upon both individually by participants and compositely in the illustrated 4 volume America by Theodore de Bry published from Frankfurt and translated into most major European vernaculars as well as in Latin during the early decades of the seventeenth century. From there it will proceed to discuss how for a brief interlude after 1604, a year that marked the cessation of military hostilities between Spain and several of the Northern European powers, adventurers from these countries first began to spill over into the Americas and then to take account of earlier Natural Histories of the Americas that had been written by Spanish authors. This will lead to a discussion of Natural Histories composed by a sequence of French and English authors who emulated these Spanish model texts. These more recent authors wrote principally of the peoples and resources of the islands of the West Indies and of the coastal areas of Canada. Special attention will be given to the writings of the French Dominican priests J.B. Du Tertre and J.B. Labat but the lecture will culminate with a consideration of the contribution to Natural History, and particularly that of the island of Jamaica, made by Sir Hans Sloane at the outset of the eighteenth century. This will show how he absorbed everything that had been written by his predecessors of whatever nationality, and it will make the case for Sloane being considered the first modern scientist. The lecture will be organized around the appraisals made by these authors of the resources that America offered to Europe, and around the illustrations they provided of plants, animals, and peoples in the places with which they had become familiar. It will take account both those that were native to the areas and those that had been introduced by Europeans and Africans from other parts of the globe. Attention will also be given to the descriptions and illustrations successive authors supplied of the production and processing of marketable commodities notably tobacco, cotton, cassava, sugar, fish and furs.

01 November 2006: World renowned entrepreneur and business leader Stephen Allott is to give a seminar at NUI Galway entitled, "From Science to Growth: Why Technology Transfer is Not Enough?" Stephen Allott is Chairman of Trinamo Limited, a management consultancy and security software reseller, which he co-founded in 2004, and former President of IT company Micromuse. The seminar, which is being run by the University's Centre for Innovation and Structural Change, will take place on Tuesday 7 November at 6.00pm in room BS118 at the J.E. Cairnes Graduate School of Business & Public Policy, NUI Galway. At the event, Stephen will also launch Strategic Management of Technology Transfer: The New Challenge on Campus written by Dr. James Cunningham and Mr. Brian Harney published by Oak Tree Press. The seminar will address the correlation between investment in scientific research and economic growth. Traditionally, more science does lead to more growth but Allott will question the exact mechanisms by which one leads to the other. He will investigate the relative impact of 'People Centric' mechanisms (entrepreneurs, recruitment by businesses of bachelor graduates and applied development work undertaken by PhDs employed in industry) compared to "Idea Centric" mechanisms (technology transfer via licensing and spin-outs). Allott, who also serves as City Fellow at Cambridge University, suggests that the economic impact of academic research could be substantially increased by using a focused range of People Centric initiatives to complement technology transfer programmes. For business people, the talk will outline how to obtain value from university interactions. Those wishing to attend the event should email Dr. Willie Golden, (willie.golden@nuigalway.ie) Director, Centre for Innovation and Structural Change or telephone 091 492817. -ends- Notes to Editors: Stephen Allott is both a business and a non-profit entrepreneur. After graduating from Trinity College, Cambridge with a degree in law, he practised at the Bar in private practice and then as in-house counsel with Babcock, Rank Xerox and Sun Microsystems. He then worked for McKinsey as a strategy consultant in telecoms and technology before joining Micromuse in 1995. At Micromuse he was President, CFO and a main board director, leading the NASDAQ flotation. From 2001 to 2004 he was a full time Visitor at the Cambridge University Computer Laboratory where he founded the Computer Laboratory Graduate Association (www.camring.ucam.org). In 2004 he co-founded Trinamo Ltd., which has two divisions, a management consultancy for software companies and a security software reseller (www.trinamo.com)

01 November 2006 - The fourth annual VOLT conference will be held at NUI Galway on 6 November, giving Irish volunteer coordinators a place to find peer support and share their knowledge and experience about good practice. VOLT (Volunteer Organisers Linking Together) is the Irish network of volunteer coordinators, and is facilitated and administered by Volunteering Ireland. This conference, Paving the Way: Leadership in Volunteer Management, will feature international speaker Susan J. Ellis, world renowned expert on volunteer management on her first ever visit to Ireland. Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, Life President of Focus Ireland will open the conference and Sean Kelly, representing the Taskforce on Active Citizenship, will provide an update on the work of the Taskforce. The annual VOLT conference gives Irish volunteer managers the opportunity to explore issues related to coordinating volunteer programmes. This conference will look at the issue of leadership in volunteer management, the concepts of leadership and what this means to those involved in managing volunteer programmes. Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy says "Leadership is about enabling people to realise their worth, their value and their potential". This conference will give volunteer managers the opportunity to reflect on their own leadership style, how they lead volunteers within their own organisation and how they harness leadership qualities in their volunteers. The conference is kindly sponsored by the Community Knowledge Initiative and the National Irish Bank and will take place in the Arts Millennium Building, NUI Galway. -ends- For more information visit www.volunteeringireland.ie or contact: Nancy Nuñez, VOLT Chairperson, Tel: 01 8722622, Mobile: 087 9258112, Email: volt@volunteeringireland.ie

19 December 2006: A leading lecturer in history at NUI Galway has praised a book of short stories and poems by Galway-based senior writers as a "precious collection of stories about bygone times and a wonderful Christmas gift". The book 21 - An Anthology, comes from the Salthill/Knocknacarra Active Retirement Writers Group, and is edited by well-known Irish author Michael Gorman. Many of the stories retrieve a rich written heritage, reflecting a world that has long passed with stories of childhoods in Ireland in the 1940s and 1950s. According to Dr. Caitriona Clear, Lecturer in History, NUI Galway, "The recent past is often farther away from us than the distant past, a time that seems only slightly different but belongs to a different culture, a different way of looking at the world. These stories bring back memories of only cold water in the tap, ice on the inside of bedroom windows, the Rosary in the evening in every house, and boxes of biscuits strapped onto the backs of bikes brought to cousins' houses in the days coming up to Christmas. 21 - An Anthology captures the texture of life we would otherwise forget about". Michael Gorman, a Programme Director at NUI Galway's International Summer School for Writers, who facilitated and compiled the book, comments "My instinct in preparing this collection was to preserve what is most easily endangered, that which is close to hand. I have always been drawn to reticent people rather than those who shout loudest. So, here, in their own words, are twenty-one individuals from all over Ireland who have lived, worked in or retired to Galway". In a poignant twist, the book is dedicated to some of the 21 authors who have passed away since the time of writing, making 21 - An Anthology an even more precious collection of writing. NUI Galway's Adult and Continuing Education Centre has been involved in working with and supporting Active Retirement groups in Galway city and county for the past ten years. 21 - Anthology is published by NUI Galway and can be purchased for just €10 from Áras Fáilte, the information centre on campus. -ends-

19 December 2006: The U.S. Board of Galway University Foundation was formally launched by the Irish Consul General in New York, Mr. Tim O'Connor, at a reception hosted recently at the Irish Consul's residence in New York. Galway University Foundation generates financial support for NUI Galway's programmes and activities from a range of private individuals and institutions. The new board will help nurture lasting relationships with donors in the U.S. who share NUI Galway s vision for the future. The U.S. Board will be chaired by NUI Galway graduate Declan Kelly who is CEO of Financial Dynamics US. He will work to raise awareness of the University and assist with the monumental capital campaign that the University has initiated to improve the physical resources offered to its growing student body of 15,000. The development programme will include planned new buildings and enhancements of current facilities, all financed by University resources and a combination of government and private, philanthropic funding. Following the inaugural meeting of the Board in the US, the new members were introduced to a gathering of 150 prominent New York Irish Americans together with University Alumni and Friends. At the meeting, Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President, NUI Galway outlined his ambitions for the University "NUI Galway's Governing Authority recently authorised a visionary Capital Development plan, amounting to a €400 million investment in new buildings and enhancements to current facilities. This vision for our 'Campus of the Future' will ensure that we provide the platform from which the young people of today will make their contribution to ensuring that Ireland continues to hold it's place and to play it's part in the knowledge society of the future". The full list of the Galway University Foundation board members in the US are as follows: Declan Kelly, (Chairman), C.E.O Financial Dynamics (Graduate) Mike Higgins, M.D. Real Estate Finance & CIBC World Bank (Graduate) Aedhmar Hynes-McGovern, CEO, Text 100 Public Relations (Graduate) Frank Mooney, Partner, Dunnington, Bartholow & Miller Irial Finan, President - Bottling Investments, Coca-Cola Worldwide (Graduate) Dómhnal Slattery, Chairman & Managing Partner, Claret Capital (Graduate) John MacNamara, Chairman, Galway University Foundation Tom Joyce, Executive Director, Galway University Foundation Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President, NUI Galway The Board appointments are for three years. -ends-

18 December 2006: Environmental researchers from the Civil Engineering Department and Environmental Change Institute at NUI Galway have been awarded a three-year research grant to develop, commission and assess innovative environmental technologies for treating wastewaters from small towns and large villages. The research is seen as a major initiative in developing sustainable environmental products and services for the domestic and export markets, as well as meeting the requirements of EU directives on water quality. According to Dr. Michael Rodgers, Civil Engineering, NUI Galway, who heads up the research, "This project is a strategic step towards developing the knowledge, skills and products Ireland will need in order to command a strong stake-hold in the burgeoning environmental technology industry. It is one of the fastest growing sectors in the EU, supplying €183 billion worth of goods and services a year, and is also highlighted in the Government's recent Strategy Document for Science, Technology and Innovation". The grant is co-funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the EU Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP), and the National Council for Forest Research and Development (COFORD) under the National Development Plan. Dr. Rodgers will carry out the research work with members of his twenty–person team of engineers and scientists from Ireland, China, Denmark, Spain and Poland. The present value of the team's contracts on such national and international environmental research projects is in excess of € 2.2 million. On location at a local authority site, the NUI Galway team will design and develop technologies to clean wastewater for discharge to any surface or groundwater body. Innovative environmental technologies will be developed to remove a range of contaminants from the wastewater, including organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, microorganisms, odours and solids. Nutrients from the wastewater will fertilise willow trees and the chipped willows will be used as biofuel. The performance of the technologies will be monitored by on-line analysers and sensors, and will be interrogated and controlled from NUI Galway's campus, while computer models will be built and calibrated to provide designs for a range of population sizes. Capital and running costs of different technologies will be evaluated and compared to provide design guidelines for consultants, architects, local authorities, developers, agriculture, industry and planners. The research will provide the basis for a unique Irish water and waste facility for leading edge research, knowledge creation, graduate training, and the development and commercialisation of eco-innovative environmental technologies. There is also scope for education, public information and policy planning. Dr. Rodgers continued "There is great support for the NUI Galway project from environmental technology stakeholders as they have also identified the industry's potential for market growth at home and abroad. All stakeholders will be invited to take part in the research project. It is expected that new commercial environmental products will be developed from this and other industry/higher education projects part-financed through national agencies that include EPA, COFORD, Enterprise Ireland, HEA, IRCSET, Marine Institute, SFI, and Teagasc". -ends -

18 December 2006: The first ever conferring of the Master of Science in Software and Information Systems (MScSIS) took place recently at NUI Galway. The MScSIS is a collaborative programme between NUI Galway and Regis University in Denver, USA. It was created in response to the rapid pace of change in the techniques and technologies employed within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry and the need for employee skills to remain up-to-date with these changes. Twenty-four students graduated in total with a further graduation taking place in Regis University. Commenting on the graduation, Seamus O'Grady, Director of Adult Education, NUI Galway said, "The class of 2006 represents a 100 per cent retention rate of those who started the course in August 2004. It is a wonderful testament to the work which NUI Galway and Regis have done to make this course a success". The two-year, part-time programme is delivered entirely on-line and is open to honours degree graduates in Science, Engineering or other relevant disciplines, and to other degree graduates with three or more years of relevant experience. "The programme is designed for people wishing to update their ICT skills with a specific emphasis on software development and/or databases, and who require the flexibility offered by online learning", explained Dr. Sam Redfern, Programme Academic Director. "It also suits professionals working in the ICT area who wish to formalise and gain accreditation for their skills". Course materials are written in self-instructional format, are easy to follow and are accompanied by continuous assessment exercises, research questions and a recommended course textbook. Each module is delivered over an eight-week period with specific topics outlined for study during each of these eight weeks. "Establishing a set timetable of study which guides the students as they undertake each module, ensures that they keep up to speed with the recommended programme schedule", according to Nuala McGuinn, Course Co-ordinator. "This is particularly important with distance learning programmes where students may fall behind in course work as they are not attending class on a regular basis". While there are no seminars or tutorials as part of this programme, the students are not alone. An e-tutor is assigned to each module and is available during each eight-week period to answer queries that they may have regarding course content and to provide individualised feedback on the weekly continuous assessment exercises. By combining the strengths of both Universities and the power of the internet, the MScSIS has become truly global with over 120 people currently studying for the MScSIS across Ireland, Europe, Australia and the US. -ends- Notes to Editors For further details please visit the programme website at www.it.nuigalway.ie/onlineITMSc

11 December, 2006: Details have been announced of NUI Galway's eighth annual Gala Banquet, which will take place at the Radisson SAS Hotel on Saturday 3rd March 2007, and will focus on volunteerism. The 2007 Gala Banquet will celebrate the ALIVE (A Learning Initiative & Volunteering Experience) programme that enables students to register for volunteering opportunities. ALIVE was established in 2003 to harness, acknowledge and support the contribution that NUI Galway students make by volunteering. Professor Ger Hurley, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs, NUI Galway, said, "NUI Galway is leading the way in integrating civic engagement with practical skills learned in the classroom (service learning). The ALIVE programme was established to support the contribution that our students and staff make by volunteering. The programme has to date offered over 700 NUI Galway students and staff volunteers the opportunity to help develop partnerships between the University and the community while advocating active citizenship". Income from the Gala Banquet itself will also contribute to this initiative. One of the highlights of the evening, which has established itself as a premier national event and one of the key social occasions in the West of Ireland, is the presentation of seven annual Alumni Awards. These awards celebrate the life-long value of an NUI Galway education and recognise individual excellence and achievements among the University's more than 60,000 graduates worldwide. The Alumni Awards are; Medtronic Vascular Award for Health Care and Medical Science; Seavite Award for Natural Science; Bank of Ireland Award for Business and Commerce; AIB Award for Literature, Communications and the Arts; TBD Award for Engineering, IT and Mathematics; Duais Hewlett-Packard don Ghaeilge and the NUI Galway Award for Law, Public Service and Government. Tickets for the banquet cost €150 each and €1,500 for a table of 10. For further information, please telephone 091 495266 or email: gala@nuigalway.ie -ENDS- Notes to Editors: Contact: Michelle Ní Chróinín, Press & Information Officer, NUI Galway 091-493361 or michelle.nichroinin@nuigalway.ie Biographies Seán O'Rourke, Winner of the AIB Award in the area of Literature, Communication and the Arts, graduated with a BA in 1977. He is one of Ireland's leading broadcasters and a stalwart of current affairs programming. After University, he joined the Irish Press Group, as a sports reporter, feature writer and political correspondent. Since 1989, he has been a programme presenter-editor with RTÉ, working on This Week, Morning Ireland, Today Tonight, Prime Time and Family Matters. He has been presenter of the News at One on Radio Once since 1994. Mr O'Rourke also presents The Week in Politics on RTÉ. Irial Finan, Winner of the Bank of Ireland Award for Business & Commerce, Irial Finan is EVP, The Coca-Cola Company and President of Bottling Investments and Supply Chain. The Bottling Investments Group is creating a totally new model for managing our consolidated bottling investments by creating what is essentially an internal bottler that will interact with our concentrate business in the same way as our independent bottlers. Irial has spent 25 years in the Coca-Cola bottling system, most recently as chief executive officer of Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company SA, our third largest anchor bottler, with operations in 26 countries. Irial has been part of the Coca-Cola system since 1981. From 2001 to 2003, he served as chief executive officer of Coca-Cola HBC, during which time he managed the merger integration of Coca-Cola Beverages plc and Hellenic Bottling SA, and led the combined company s operations in 26 countries. From 1995 to 1999, he was managing director of Molino Beverages, with responsibility for expanding markets, including the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Romania, Moldova, Russia and Nigeria. Prior to that role, Irial worked in several markets across Europe. From 1991 to 1993 he served as managing director of Coca-Cola Bottlers Ulster, Ltd., based in Belfast. He was finance director, Coca-Cola Bottlers Ireland, Ltd., based in Dublin from 1984 to 1990. Irial serves on the boards of directors of Coca-Cola Amatil, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Coca-Cola FEMSA, Coca-Cola HBC, and the Supervisory Board of CCE AG. He will also coordinate the Company's board representation with other boards. The general managers of the Company-owned bottlers report to Irial. He is also a non-executive director of Alltracel Pharmaceuticals and chairman of their Audit Committee. He also serves as a non-executive director for Co-operation Ireland. Irial holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from National University of Ireland in Galway and an Associate (later Fellow) of the Institute of Chartered Management Accountants. Mairéad Ní Nuadháin, Duais Hewlett Packard Gaeilge. Is í Mairéad eagarthóir coimisiúnaithe ar chláir Ghaeilge, oideachasúla agus ilchultúir in RTÉ. Is í a bhunaigh "Léargas" agus bhí sí ina léiritheoir sraithe ar an tsraith fáisnéise Ghaeilge sin, a cheiliúir deich mbliana ar an aer i mbliana. Tá cláir shiamsaíochta agus cláir eile fáisnéise léirithe aici chomh maith i mBéarla agus i nGaeilge. Mar chuid dá cúram cláir a sholáthar gach bliain do TG4, tá sraitheanna ar nós "An Tuath Nua," "Bean an Ti," "Bia 's Bóthar," "Ardán" agus go leor clár eile curtha ar fáil, lena n-áirítear cúrsaí reatha, cláir spóirt, cláir irise agus cláir do leanaí. Ba í freisin a choimisúnaigh cláir ilchultúir faoi Éireannaigh nua agus cláir oideachais do RTÉ, mar shampla "Turas Teanga," "Families in Trouble," "Mono," "Who's Afraid of Islam?" agus "No Place Like Home." Is as Bealach an Doirín, Co. Ros Comáin í ó thús agus bhí cónaí uirthi tar éis na hollsoile i nGaillimh, áit a raibh sí ina comhalta de lucht bunaithe an Druid Theatre agus ina haisteoir leis an Taibhdhearc. Nuair a bhí sí in OÉ Gaillimh (Coláiste na hOllscoile, Gaillimh ag an am), bhí sí ar dhuine de na chéad reachtairí mná ar an gCumann Liteartha agus Díospóireachta (Lit and Deb). I mBaile Átha Cliath atá sí anois ach choinnigh sí an tsnaidhm leis na healaíona i nGaillimh, trína ballraíocht i mBord Macnas, agus tá sí ina ball freisin de Bhord Feidhmiúcháin an Celtic Film and Television Company. Professor Patrick Gullane, Medtronic Award for Healthcare and Medical Science. Upon graduating from NUI Galway in 1970, Dr. Patrick J. Gullane embarked on a career in otolaryngology - head and neck surgery - and in 1989 he was appointed as Otolaryngologist-in-Chief at the University Health Network in Toronto. In 1997 he was appointed as Wharton Chair in Head and Neck Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital, and in 2002 as Professor and Chair to the Department of Otolaryngology, University of Toronto. Dr Gullane is recognised globally as a leader in the field of head and neck surgery and his professional achievements has been celebrated by, amongst others: The Harris P. Mosher Award, Triological Society, 1990; Millennium Society Award, American Academy of Otolaryngology, 2004; Distinguished Service Award, American Academy of Otolaryngology 2005; George Davey Howells Memorial Prize in Otolaryngology", University of London, 2005; Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Honorary Fellowship, 2006. Most recently Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, recognized Dr Patrick Gullane's leadership and contribution to his field with a "Tribute Event and Gala Evening" and an endowed Fellowship Chair. Dr Gullane is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Diplomat of the American Board of Otolaryngology. He has served as the President of the American Head and Neck Society and the President of the North American Skull Base Society, and is the current Vice-President of the Triological Society. He has published 210 papers in peer-reviewed journals and 56 chapters in textbooks and published 8 books on Head and Neck Surgery. He serves on the editorial boards of 10 professional journals. Dr Gullane has lectured as a visiting professor in 42 countries. He has facilitated the establishment of four University Chairs in Head and Neck Oncology and Reconstruction, from private funding donations in excess of $12.5 million. Brian O'Donnell, NUI Galway Award for Law, Public Service & Government Brian O'Donnell graduated from NUI Galway with a BA (Leg.Sci) (Hons) and LLB (Hons), 1974 and 1976. He was admitted to the Role of Solicitors in 1976. Having interned in general practice in Galway for two years Brian O'Donnell was appointed in-house counsel to IDA Ireland. In 1980 Brian O'Donnell was head hunted by William Fry, one of Ireland's largest law firms as a corporate law specialist. He was one of the youngest equity partners ever appointed at the age of 28. During the course of his career Brian O'Donnell acted for Irish Life plc in its privatisation; for Waterford Wedgwood plc in its acquisition of Wedgwood; represented Chevron's mining interests in Ireland; B.T. and BP's in its energy interests in Ireland. He has acted in many healthcare projects and hospital projects particularly the Mater Private Hospital. He advised Doyle Hotels, in its acquisition by Jurys plc and acted for the Irish Press Group for many years and had the task of chairing the liquidation meeting of Irish Press Newspapers Limited. He has also acted in the mergers of a number of regional newspaper groups and radio stations. Brian O'Donnell has acted as legal adviser in large family corporate mediation cases such as Doyle Hotels Group, Blarney Woolen Mills/Meadows & Byrne, Williams Group etc. Pro bono cases have been many, the best known of which was the Blaise Gallagher case where a quadraplegic boy received the then largest damages ever achieved in Ireland. Brian O'Donnell was the managing partner of William Fry on a number of occasions culminating in 1999 in its most successful period in its then 150 year history. In 1999 Brian O'Donnell surprised the legal establishment in Ireland by resigning from William Fry having decided to establish Brian O'Donnell & Partners, a specialist corporate law firm to concentrate on banking, finance, private equity, healthcare and acquisitions of both companies and assets. Shortly after establishing Brian O'Donnell & Partners the practice formed the first ever exclusive association between an Irish and a worldwide international law firm, US based Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP. Jointly both firms have worked on significant cross border transactions in the telecoms, technology and energy areas. In 2005 Brian O'Donnell and Dr Mary Patricia O'Beirn-O'Donnell (MB, M.MED SCI. NUI Galway 1977, MRC PSYCH) established Vico Capital. Vico Capital has become one of the most successful Irish based privately owned property investors abroad particularly in the City of London. During the last 18 months Vico Capital has acquired €650 million approximately of grade A offices blocks in Canary Wharf and in the City. Its tenants include Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse and the British Government. Recently Vico Capital completed the acquisition of Sanctuary Buildings (a 230,000 sq ft grade A office block let to the British Government as the headquarters of the Dept of Education & Skills). Brian O'Donnell has been one of only a handfull of Irish lawyers included in the International Who's Who of mergers and acquisition lawyers and has been named in Global Counsel 3000 as Ireland's leading corporate and commercial lawyer. Dr. Reg Shaw, Seavite Award for Natural Science,graduated with a BSc in 1971 and subsequently with a PhD in 1974. He is currently Managing Director of the Wyeth BioPharma Campus in Dublin. Wyeth BioPharma Campus is one of the largest integrated biopharmaceutical facilities in the world with. It was officially opened in Dublin in September 2005. The facility produces Wyeth's best known drugs – Enbrel, a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, and Prevenar, a vaccine for preventing pneumococcal disease in infants. The product cycle - from cell culturing in a test tube through to bulk manufacturing, packaging and distribution – is, unusually for the industry, carried out on site. This model employed by the Campus is considered a frontier-type investment. Dr Shaw is heading the project to extend the product manufacturing cycle from basic product development right through to the finished product. Patrick & Thomas Coffey, TBD Award for Engineering, IT and Mathematics. Paddy Coffey established Coffey Construction in 1974, a building construction and engineering firm with brother Tom Coffey joining a few years later. The company is now one of the leading companies in the building, civil, environmental and specialist engineering industry in Ireland with such recognisable projects as the Dublin Outer Ring Road and the Leixlip-Ballycoolin Water Supply Scheme. It is also active in the Greater London area with projects such as the renovation of the Royal Albert Hall and the Slough S.T.W. In recent years, the Coffey Group have become involved in the Design, Construction and Operation of Waste Water and Potable Water Treatment Works, Directional Drilling, Trenchless Technology, Wind Farms and Asphalt Production. Great emphasis is placed on continuous professional development for both employer and employees and on quality, health and safety and sound environmental management. The Group considers these matters a primary responsibility and imperative for good business management. The Coffey Group will realise a turnover of €100m this year. The brother's company is a stalwart supporter of NUI Galway graduates and is well known as a nurturing ground for the University's engineering professionals and entrepreneurs. It employs students on placement (PEP) more than any other company since the initiation of the Civil Engineering placement programme and sponsors graduate students in Civil Engineering at NUI Galway.

11 December 2006: The Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at NUI Galway has announced the winners of the Schools' Science Essay Competition 2006, sponsored by Medtronic. First prize went to Leaving Certificate student, Paul Kelliher, who studies at Killorglin's Intermediate School, Co. Kerry. Runner-up was Sarah Grace of the Loreto Abbey Secondary School in Dalkey, and honourable mentions were achieved by Caoilfhionn Ni Chonghaile of the Sacred Heart School in Westport and Saraid McCarrick of St Attracta's Community School, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo. With prizes including laptops, iPODs and school science bursaries, hundreds of essay entries came from sixty schools across the country. Competition was steep, with a particularly high standard of writing amongst the students who reached the "Top 11 short-list" reviewed by a high profile panel of scientists and journalists. Commenting on the winning essay, competition judge and freelance science journalist Cormac Sheridan said, "Paul's essay crackles with ideas that are expressed with great verve. He is a writer with real intellectual energy and genuine potential". The competition, for which students wrote essays on the topic 'The Quest for Immortality: Who Wants to Live Forever?', was co-ordinated by REMEDI, a Science Foundation Ireland funded research centre at NUI Galway, and was sponsored by REMEDI industrial partner Medtronic. The competition aims to challenge young people to think about and express their views on recent advances in the science and technology field, a view eloquently expressed by Tom Kennedy, a member of the judging panel and editor of Science Spin magazine: "I like the competition because it gets participants thinking about science yet it has nothing to do with the points race. It is relatively easy to repeat given facts in a report or exam paper, but to write well about any subject it is necessary to understand it first." Organised as part of a joint REMEDI and National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science secondary school outreach programme called GRO (Galway Regional Outreach), the competition will run annually. REMEDI also runs additional school and general public awareness initiatives throughout the year which are designed to facilitate dialogue in the areas of stem cell and gene therapy research. The winning essays were selected by a high profile panel of judges which included: Prof Frank Barry (Scientific Director of REMEDI), Mr Leo Enright (Chair of the Discover Science & Engineering Steering Committee), Mr Tom Kennedy (Editor of Spin Science Magazine) and Mr Cormac Sheridan (Freelance Science Journalist). For additional information on REMEDI outreach programmes, visit www.remedi.ie -ends-