July 2006

31 July 2006: Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway, is expanding its range of translation studies through the medium of Irish. A new M.A. in Translation Studies has come on stream to meet the rapidly growing demand for professional Irish translators at home and abroad. Applications for the two-year, full-time masters course, the highest accredited course in this discipline ever to be offered in the country, will be accepted until 04 August. The course is also available over one year as a Postgraduate Diploma. "The demand for translators with third-level qualifications has been on the increase since the Official Languages Act which has effectively made all public bodies bilingual. Highly skilled translators are also in demand in Brussels, following the newly-acquired status of Irish as an official working language of the European Union", commented Eoin Ó Droighneáin, Department Head, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway. Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge is NUI Galway's national institute pioneering third-level education through the Irish language. A range of diploma and higher diploma translation courses has been on offer for five years at the Acadamh. The new M.A. in Translation Studies complements the existing offering but also takes the level of accreditation higher. Eoin Ó Droighneáin added, "Acquiring professional translation skills and achieving a recognised third-level qualification is becoming an important career move. Our translation courses are designed to suit people's needs, whether it's a worker who wants to study part-time to improve their career path or someone who wants to study full-time to embark on a new career in Brussels." Part of the Acadamh's agenda is to bring the University to the people and to empower communities in Gaeltacht areas. Its two-year, part-time diploma in translation studies will be held in September in Ráth Cairn, Co. Meath; Gleann Cholm Cille, Co. Donegal; and in An Cheathrú Rua, Co. Galway. In addition to translation courses, NUI Galway's Acadamh offers a growing range of courses through Irish including: Communications; TV & Radio Skills; Language Planning; Drama; and IT. Applications are now being accepted for all courses. For more information, telephone Cassie Ní Chathasaigh in Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway, on 091 869 022 or e-mail aistriuchan@oegaillimh.ie -end-

31 Iúil 2006: Tá Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh, ag leathnú a raon cúrsaí trí Ghaeilge i Léann an Aistriúcháin. Tá M.A. nua i Léann an Aistriúcháin ann anois chun an t-éileamh ar aistritheoirí gairmiúla Gaeilge in Éirinn agus thar lear, éileamh atá ag fás go tapa, a shásamh. Is é an cúrsa M.A. lánaimseartha thar dhá bhliain seo an cúrsa is airde creidiúnaithe dar cuireadh ar fáil riamh in Éirinn san aistriúchán Gaeilge. Glacfar le hiarratais go dtí an 4 Lúnasa. Tá an cúrsa ar fáil freisin mar Dhioplóma Iarchéime, thar bhliain amháin. "Tá an t-éileamh ar aistritheoirí a bhfuil cáilíochtaí tríú leibhéal acu ag méadú ó tugadh isteach Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, a dhéanann cuideachta dhátheangach de gach cuideachta phoiblí in Éirinn. Tá éileamh ar aistritheoirí a bhfuil ardscileanna acu sa Bhruiséil freisin mar gur glacadh leis an nGaeilge le déanaí mar theanga oifigiúil oibre de chuid an Aontais Eorpaigh", a dúirt Eoin Ó Droighneáin, Ceann an Aonaid Aistriúcháin, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh. Is é Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge institiúid náisiúnta OÉ Gaillimh chun ceannródaíocht a thabhairt i réimse an oideachais tríú leibhéal trí Ghaeilge. Tá raon cúrsaí aistriúcháin ag leibhéal dioplóma agus ard-dioplóma á thairiscint ag an Acadamh le cúig bliana anuas. Cuireann an M.A. nua i Léann an Aistriúcháin leis an méid atá ann cheana féin agus cuireann sé creidiúnú ar fáil atá níos airde ná rud ar bith a bhí ann go dtí seo. Dúirt Eoin Ó Droighneáin freisin, "Is céim chun cinn thábhachtach anois ó thaobh gairme de scileanna gairmiúla aistriúcháin a shealbhú agus cáilíocht aitheanta tríú leibhéal a bhaint amach. Tá ár gcúrsaí deartha le dul in oiriúint do riachtanais daoine éagsúla, m.sh. duine atá ag obair agus atá ag iarraidh staidéar páirtaimseartha a dhéanamh le cur ar a c(h)umas dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ó thaobh gairme de nó duine atá ag iarraidh staidéar lánaimseartha a dhéanamh le bheith in ann tabhairt faoi ghairm bheatha nua sa Bhruiséil." Is cuid de chlár oibre an Acadaimh é an Ollscoil a thabhairt go dtí na daoine agus cumhacht a thabhairt do na pobail sna ceantair Ghaeltachta. Reáchtálfar an dioplóma páirtaimseartha dhá bhliain i Léann an Aistriúcháin i mí Mheán Fómhair i Ráth Cairn, Co. na Mí; i nGleann Cholm Cille, Co. Dhún na nGall; agus ar an gCeathrú Rua, Co. na Gaillimhe. Chomh maith le cúrsaí aistriúcháin, cuireann Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh, raon cúrsaí trí Ghaeilge ar fáil, raon atá ag fás i gcónaí. Áirítear ar na cúrsaí sin: Cumarsáid; Scileanna Teilifíse agus Raidió; Pleanáil Teanga; Drámaíocht; agus Teicneolaíocht Faisnéise. Táthar ag glacadh anois le hiarratais le haghaidh na gcúrsaí ar fad. Is féidir tuilleadh eolais a fháil ach glaoch ar Chassie Ní Chathasaigh in Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh, ag 091 869022 nó ríomhphost a sheoladh chuig aistriuchan@oegaillimh.ie -críoch-

Details of a new degree in Community and Family Studies, to be delivered through distance learning, have been announced by NUI Galway's Community Education Centre. The four-year part-time degree will commence in late September with a closing date for applications on September 15th. This degree is designed to enable participants to further develop and enhance their understanding, knowledge and skills relevant to Family and Community work practice and policy in Ireland or abroad. Areas of study will include community development, family support, adolescence, childcare, health, political and general socio-economics. To accommodate the work and family commitments of adult learners, the course will be delivered through distance learning, which is a combination of workshops, assignments and learning materials. Students will attend around six workshops per year. The workshops will be held at a number of geographic locations throughout Ireland: Galway, Clare/Limerick, Leitrim and Offaly. Deirdre Hardiman, Community Education Officer, NUI Galway, commented, "Following on from the existing success of the Diploma in Community Development Practice, the degree will serve NUI Galway's strategy of supporting the social, economic, educational and cultural needs of Irish Society. The new course has already generated huge interest among development agencies, community activists, social workers and volunteers around the country". The Batchelor of Arts course will be run by NUI Galway's Community Education Centre. Students are awarded an NUI Diploma in Arts: Community and Family Studies upon successful completion of the first two years of the programme and a Bachelor of Arts Community and Family Studies on completion of the four-year cycle. Application forms are available from and should be returned to the Programme Administrator, Community Education Centre, Hygeia Office Block, Nuns Island, NUI, Galway, Tel: 091 495472. Application forms may also be downloaded from: http://www.nuigalway.ie/communityeducation Deadline for Application: Friday, September 15th 2006 -ends-

24 July 2006: An NUI Galway researcher has won a major award in the UK for his ongoing work in combating chronic pain. Dr David Finn, a lecturer in the department of Physiology at NUI Galway, is today being awarded the prestigious 2006 Wyeth Pre-Clinical Award, by the British Association for Psychopharmacology, at a ceremony in Oxford. Chronic, persistent pain affects millions of people worldwide, significantly impairing health and well-being and is the most common symptom for which patients seek medical help. In Ireland, over half a million people suffer from chronic pain on a daily basis. The overall objective of Dr Finn's research is to increase understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms by which stress impacts on pain, inflammation, mood disorders and cognition. According to Dr Finn, "Suffering due to persistent pain has significant, far-reaching socio-economic consequences. Pain is likely to become an even greater medical and socioeconomic problem in countries like Ireland, which have an increasingly ageing population". In the working population, lower back pain is responsible for more disability than cancer, heart disease, stroke and AIDS combined. One in six people in Ireland suffering from pain has lost a job because of their condition and pain costs the Irish economy over €1.2 million per week in disability benefit payments alone (Pain in Europe Study, 2003). Dr Finn's research looks into three different research fields; pain, aversion (i.e. stress and anxiety) and cannabinoids. Cannabinaoids are the biologically active constituents of the cannabis plant or their biologically active synthetic alternatives. In 2005, Dr David Finn was awarded a President of Ireland Young Researcher Award (PIYRA), worth in excess of €900,000. - ends -

24 July 2006: NUI Galway's Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI) will today (Monday) present certificates to eighteen Galway-based asylum seekers who have completed its web technology course. Presentations will also be made to companies and individuals who contributed to its 'Community Computer Recycling' initiative. Eamon Ó Cúiv, T.D., Minister for Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, and Cllr. Niall Ó Brolcháin, Mayor of Galway, will be special guests at the ceremony. DERI, funded by Science Foundation of Ireland (SFI) and based at NUI Galway, is at the forefront of European research into the next stage of web technology known as the Semantic Web. Through its extensive local outreach programme, it has helped contribute enormously over the last two years to the development of what it calls 'An Online Galway Accessible to All'. According to Brendan Smith, DERI's Community/Education officer, "The course for asylum seekers took place in the computer room of the Eglinton Hotel, Salthill. Over a six-month period, 48 individuals attended and were provided with the facilities to learn how to set up their own personal websites, utilise email, computer telephony and other online communication services. The greatest benefit for participants was that the course provided them with the opportunity to re-establish and maintain regular direct and real-time contact with their friends and families in their homelands or elsewhere around the world. Thanks to the generosity of individuals and organisations such as Údarás na Gaeltachta, the Galway Technical Institute and the Galway Public Library, many of these students will now have their own personal computer." DERI's internet courses operate throughout Galway City and county. In cooperation with Galway City Council, Galway County Council, HSE, Galway Centre for Independent Living and other NUI Galway departments, DERI provides technology courses to an array of communities including active retirement organisations, parents groups, business people, residents associations, schools and specific groups such as Gort's Brazilian population. - ends - For further information please contact Brendan Smith. Community & Educational Outreach Officer, Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI), NUI Galway brendan.smith@deri.org. 087-2935106

17 July 2006: Since it was first introduced in 2003, more than 500 international students have taken part in NUI Galway's online Diploma in Irish Studies. Now, for the first time, the Centre for Irish Studies at NUI Galway, is recruiting students from Ireland for the next cycle of the online diploma, which will begin in September 2006. The unique course has been endorsed by President Mary McAleese, who recently participated in an online seminar with students at Regis University in the USA. Expressing her enthusiastic support for the programme, the President commented, "Could anything better typify the move from donkey-and-cart picture postcard Ireland to the high-tech global leader in software technology that Ireland has become in recent decades? Here is a place for the intellectually curious to have their imaginations stretched and challenged." This programme, the first of its kind in the world, has been developed by NUI Galway in partnership with Regis University, Denver, Colorado, and is targeted at non-traditional and mature students primarily who do not have access to traditional programmes of study in this area. The purpose of the course is to provide a basic introduction to Irish life and culture through the disciplines of Archaeology, History, English, Irish, Political Science and Sociology. President McAleese went on to pay tribute to those involved in delivering the programme, "You are playing an important part in the shaping and reshaping of this new Ireland with its unique meld of the quaint and quantum physics, of tradition and trade, of craic and computer." The Presidential endorsement was welcomed by Dr Louis de Paor, Director of the Centre for Irish Studies at NUI Galway. 'We were delighted to have the opportunity to showcase Irish Studies online for President McAleese and even more so when she volunteered to participate in one of the online seminars. This online programme has been popular among students from North America, Japan, Malaysia, Afghanistan, and, more recently, from Australia and New Zealand. By opening it up to students based in Ireland, we hope to build on this success." Full details are available on the programme website at www.irishstudiesonline.org or from Samantha Williams at samantha.williams@nuigalway.ie -ends–

- as Professor warns of economic and social challenges facing Ireland's ageing population - At the launch of Ireland's first dedicated research centre on economic and social ageing, the Director of the new Irish Centre for Social Gerontology (ICSG) at NUI Galway, Professor Eamon O'Shea, today warned policy makers of the challenges facing rural communities as Ireland's demographics alter dramatically over the next number of years. Professor O'Shea warned of huge demographic changes ahead as one in four Irish people would be over the age of 65 by 2050 compared to the current figure of around one in ten. However, population shifts into towns and cities means that in some local rural districts up to one in three of the population may already be aged 65 years or over, particularly in Western regions. Meeting the personal and social needs of these scattered and ageing rural communities is a real challenge for Irish society and the disenfranchisement being felt by Ireland's rural aged will become acute over the next number of years without adequate investment in services and infrastructure. Professor O'Shea's comments were delivered at the official launch by An Tánaiste, Mary Harney TD, of the new €3 million Irish Centre for Social Gerontology at the JE Cairnes Graduate School of Business and Public Policy at NUI Galway. The Centre is the first of its type in Ireland which will examine the economic and social aspects of Ireland's ageing population across multiple disciplines including: social gerontology, economics, sociology, psychology, law, nursing and medicine. Professor O'Shea welcomed the Government's support for the Centre as an important step which would facilitate comprehensive research in the area and identify problem areas for Ireland's elderly. Speaking at the launch of the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, Professor O'Shea said, "Ireland is on the cusp of major demographic changes and the ICSG will be a vital resource in assisting Ireland's policy makers to plan and make provision for Ireland's ageing population. The formulation and implementation of measures to improve and enhance the participation of older people in economic, social and civic life has not been heretofore properly addressed in research in Ireland. Older people have too often been seen as drawing on public resources rather than as net contributors to society. ICSG seeks to both inform and influence attitudes to, and expectations of, older people as well as exploring innovative ways, through technology for example, to ensure that older people play a full part in society at all levels. Each of us has a role to play in ensuring that we include older people in social and community initiatives. " ICSG recently co- produced a research report funded by the National Council on Ageing and Older People on the quality of life for older people in long stay facilities and is currently completing a further report for the Council on the quality of life of older people living at home with a chronic illness or disability. ICSG is also working on a number of other research projects in the following areas: volunteerism, technology, dementia, and the ethnogerontology of Irish-born immigrant populations. ICSG is funded through a combination of public and private funding, including important financial support from Atlantic Philanthropies, and will work closely with stakeholder groups including Age and Opportunity, Age Action Ireland, Senior Citizens Parliament and the Federation of Active Retirement Associations to promote a holistic and positive view of ageing in Ireland. From September 2006, the ICSG will offer Ireland's first Diploma in Social Gerontology. -ends-

- agus deir Ollamh amháin go mbeidh dúshláin mhóra eacnamaíocha agus shóisialta ag pobal scothaosta na hÉireann - Agus an chéad ionad taighde don aosú eacnamaíoch agus sóisialta á sheoladh in Éirinn, chuir Stiúrthóir an Ionaid nua don tSeaneolaíocht Shóisialta (ICSG) in OÉ Gaillimh, an tOllamh Eamon O'Shea, fainic ar do lucht déanta beartais faoi na dúshláin a bheadh ag pobail tuaithe na hÉireann sna blianta beaga le teacht mar gheall ar an athrú a thiocfaidh ar dhéimeagrafaic na tíre. Dúirt an tOllamh O'Shea go mbeadh athruithe móra déimeagrafacha ann sa todhchaí mar go mbeadh duine as gach ceathrar in Éirinn os cionn 65 faoi 2050, i gcomparáid le duine as deichniúr faoi láthair. Ach mar gheall go bhfuil go leor den daonra ag bogadh isteach i mbailte agus i gcathracha, ciallaíonn sé go bhfuil duine as gach triúr, i gceantair thuaithe áirithe, 65 bliain d'aois nó os a chionn cheana féin, go háirithe san Iarthar. Tá deacracht ag sochaí na hÉireann déileáil le riachtanais phearsanta agus shóisialta na ndaoine scothaosta faoin tuath mar atá siad agus is in olcas a bheas an scéal ag dul sna blianta amach romhainn gan infheistíocht cheart i seirbhísí agus in infrastruchtúr. Is í an Tánaiste, Mary Harney TD, a chuir tuairimí an Ollaimh i láthair agus an tIonad nua €3 mhilliún don tSeaneolaíocht Shóisialta á sheoladh aici i Scoil Iarchéime JE Cairnes don Ghnó & don Bheartas Poiblí in OÉ Gaillimh. Is é seo an chéad ionad den chineál seo in Éirinn a bhreathnóidh ar ghnéithe eacnamaíocha agus sóisialta de dhaonra scothaosta na hÉireann i ndisciplíní éagsúla cosúil le: seaneolaíocht shóisialta, eacnamaíocht, socheolaíocht, síceolaíocht, dlí, altranas agus leigheas. D'fháiltigh an tOllamh O'Shea roimh thacaíocht an Rialtais don Ionad mar chéim thábhachtach a d'éascódh taighde cuimsitheach a dhéanamh sa réimse agus fadhbanna na ndaoine scothaosta in Éirinn a aithint. Ag labhairt dó ag an seoladh dúirt an tOllamh, "Tiocfaidh athruithe suntasacha ar dhéimeagrafaic na hÉireann go gairid agus beidh an tIonad seo ina acmhainn riachtanach a chabhróidh le lucht déanta beartais na hÉireann pleanáil agus soláthar a dhéanamh do dhaoine scothaosta na hÉireann. Nuair a rinneadh iarrachtaí roimhe seo páirt na ndaoine seo sa saol eacnamaíoch, sóisialta agus sibhialta a fheabhsú i gceart ní dhearnadh dóthain taighde air. Breathnaítear go minic ar dhaoine scothaosta mar dhaoine a chaitheann acmhainní poiblí seachas mar dhaoine a fheabhsaíonn an tsochaí. Déanfaidh an tIonad seo iarracht an meon i leith na ndaoine seo a fheabhsú chomh maith le bealaí nua a fháil, trí theicneolaíocht mar shampla, lena chinntiú go mbeidh páirt iomlán ag daoine scothaosta sa tsochaí. Tá ról ag gach aon duine againn maidir lena chinntiú go bhfuil áit ag daoine scothaosta i dtionscnaimh shóisialta agus phobail. " Chabhraigh an tIonad le tuarascáil a chuaigh amach le gairid a bhí maoinithe ag an gComhairle Náisiúnta um Dhul in Aois agus Daoine Scothaosta maidir le caighdeán saoil daoine scothaosta i gcúram fadchónaithe. Faoi láthair, tá tuarascáil eile á críochnú ag an Ionad don Chomhairle maidir le caighdeán saoil daoine scothaosta a bhíonn ina gcónaí sa bhaile agus tinneas ainsealach nó míchumas orthu. Tá an ICSG ag obair chomh maith ar chúpla tionscadal taighde eile sna réimsí seo a leanas: obair dheonach, teicneolaíocht, néaltrú, agus eitnisheaneolaíocht na n-inimirceach a rugadh in Éirinn. Faigheann an ICSG maoiniú poiblí agus príobháideach, lena n-áirítear tacaíocht airgeadais ó Atlantic Philanthropies, agus oibreoidh sé go dlúth le páirtithe leasmhara lena n-áirítear Age and Opportunity, Age Action Ireland, Senior Citizens Parliament agus an Federation of Active Retirement Associations chun meon iomlánaíoch agus dearfach den aosú in Éirinn a chur chun cinn. Ó Mheán Fómhair 2006, cuirfidh an ICSG an chéad Dioplóma i Seaneolaíocht Shóisialta in Éirinn ar fáil. - Críoch -

An international conference taking place at NUI Galway illustrates how Irish scholars were at the forefront of scientific knowledge in Western Europe as far back as the 7th century. The Science of Computus conference which takes place from Friday, July 14th - Sunday July 16th, will bring together leading scholars from all across Europe, the US and Japan to look at the contribution of Ireland to the development of European science and the origins of present-day mathematical and astronomical ideas. The Science of Computus – the mathematics required to calculate the date of Easter -provoked much debate and controversy in early medieval times. The date of Easter was the most important in the Christian calendar as it dictated the date of all other Christian festivals. However, it was the Irish who led the way in developing mathematical models by which the date of Easter could be most accurately decided, becoming since the 7th century the leading experts in the field of computistics study. Irish scholars travelled throughout Europe gaining a reputation for their knowledge and learning, and held influential positions in courts across Europe. Ireland now seeks to lead the way in Europe's Knowledge Economy. Millions are being invested in producing high-level graduates in the field of technology and science. However, as conference coordinator and Ireland's pre-eminent early medieval scholar, NUI Galway's Prof. Dáibhí Ó Cróinín notes, "From the seventh century Ireland led the way in scientific learning and knowledge throughout Western Europe. Ireland was the knowledge economy of the 'Dark Ages', we invented it. The Irish were head-hunted across Europe for their mathematical and scientific knowledge. Like the early medieval ages, the spread of the Irish diaspora across the world ensures Irish men and women remain in key positions of influence across Europe and the world. However, we now face a challenge in developing our knowledge based economy and recreating the scientific knowledge and learning that was a key feature in the seventh century. Ireland not only needs to attract high-quality researchers but also to invest in its own graduates to ensure that we are to the forefront of scientific learning in Europe." For further information please see conference website at www.foundationsirishculture.ie/conference2006. -ends- For further information, please contact Prof. Dáibhí Ó Cróinín,Department of History, NUI Galway. Tel : 091 492 697

United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, has appointed Professor William Schabas, Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, NUI Galway, to the Board of Trustees of the Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation in Human Rights. The Voluntary Fund was established in 1987 by UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar to provide technical cooperation to countries upon the request of their Governments. The focus is on providing practical assistance for the building and strengthening of national structures that have a direct impact on the overall observance of human rights and the maintenance of the rule of law. The Board of Trustees assists in fund-raising and provides expert advice and support to the Voluntary Fund. Members are appointed by the Secretary-General for a three-year term and are chosen for their independence and wide experience in the field of human rights and technical cooperation. Commenting on his appointment, Professor Schabas, said: "It is a great honour to be selected to join this distinguished Board and I look forward to taking up the challenge to develop and advise on human rights structures across the globe. I welcome the opportunity to assist the Secretary-General, and the High Commissioner for Human Rights in building the fund and strengthening its already important impact in the promotion of human rights." Professor Schabas will join human rights notables on the Board, such as Ligia Bolivar Osuna from Venezula, Mary Chinery-Hese from Ghana, Vitit Muntarbhorn from Thailand and Viacheslav I. Bakhmin from Russia. William Schabas is Professor of Human Rights Law at NUI Galway, where he has been the Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights since 2000. He will continue in his role as Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights while serving as a board member of the Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation in Human Rights. -ends- Professor William A. Schabas Irish Centre for Human Rights Tel: + 353 (0)87 412 9551

Researchers at NUI Galway today (11th July 2006) announced that clinical trials of stem cells on heart disease patients could start collaboratively between NUI Galway and University College Hospital within two years, subject to regulatory approval. The research will be the first of its type in Ireland. The announcement was made this week as NUI Galway plays host to an international conference in regenerative medicine, which examines stem cell and gene therapy in a number of areas including heart disease, arthritis and neurological conditions. The conference brings together international researchers who will seek to rapidly advance progress in the area of regenerative medicine to bring research to the clinical trial stage. The conference taking place from Tuesday, 11th July – Wednesday 12th July is being held by the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at NUI Galway in conjunction with Georgia Tech/Emory of Atlanta and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Commenting on the announcement, Prof. Timothy O Brien, REMEDI Director and Chair of Medicine at NUI Galway said, "This is a major announcement for the development of stem cell research in Ireland. We will primarily focus on the cardiovascular area but hope to rapidly advance towards therapies in other areas. This conference is a valuable opportunity to harness the expertise at the Mayo Clinic and Georgia Tech by building a strong alliance with these Institutes to accelerate progress." "Despite progress in modern medicine, an increasing number of patients are experiencing advanced heart failure. Stem cell research may offer new therapies to improve heart function and improve the outcome for these patients. This clinical trial will make a significant contribution to research in this area" added Dr. Pat Nash, Consultant Cardiologist at University College Hospital, Galway. REMEDI scientific Director and leading researcher in adult stem cell therapy, Frank Barry, concluded, "We have developed a very strong expertise at REMEDI in the extraction and preparation of human stem cells from bone marrow and we are finalising protocols for the preparation of stem cells for clinical use. This will be an important step forward in this research area." Regenerative medicine looks at the repair or replacement of tissues and organs by incorporating the use of cells and genes to regenerate healthy tissues and recent research in the area has opened up new opportunities to transplant stem cells to repair or regenerate tissues damaged by trauma or disease. The conference will feature over twenty speakers advancing the latest thinking and developments in orthopaedic, neurological and cardiovascular regenerative medicine. The conference will be attended by representatives from US and Irish universities, industry partners and government agencies. -ends- Note to Editors: The Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) is a world-class biomedical research centre focusing on gene therapy and stem cell research. In state-of-the-art facilities, researchers at REMEDI work together to combine the technologies of gene therapy and adult stem cell therapy with the aim of regeneration and repair of tissues. The unique feature of the research carried out at REMEDI is the novel integration of both therapies in a complementary research and development programme. Based in the National University of Ireland, Galway, REMEDI was established in 2003 through a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Science Engineering and Technology (CSET) award, and industry funding. The institute is located at the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science and incorporates the National Cell and Gene Vector Laboratory, a GMP grade vector and cell production facility. REMEDI is a partnership involving scientists, clinicians, and engineers in academic centres and in industry. It is a unique cluster of talented and committed individuals who share a vision in developing new and successful treatment options for patients.

Beidh dioplóma nua páirtaimseartha á reáchtáil ag Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge i réimse na haisteoireachta an bhliain seo chugainn. Cuirfear tús leis an gcúrsa i Meán Fómhair 2006 agus déanfar ceardlanna aisteoireachta á reáchtáil gach Satharn ar an gcampas sa Cheathrú Rua. Tá an dioplóma seo feiliúnach do dhaoine a bhfuil spéis acu san aisteoireacht ghairmiúil, do dhaoine atá ag plé leis an drámaíocht phobail nó do dhaoine a bhfuil spéis acu san aisteoireacht ar bhonn pearsanta. Is cúrsa an-phraiticiúil a bheidh ann a thabharfaidh oiliúint san aisteoireacht agus sa phuipéadóireacht agus beidh deis ag baill an chúrsa a gcuid scileanna a chur i bhfeidhm nuair a chruthóidh siad dráma le chéile. Cothóidh an cúrsa scileanna foirne chomh maith. Is scileanna iad seo atá luachmhar in aon réimse oibre. Ní gá taithí aisteoireachta a bheith ag iarratasóirí. Fáilteofar roimh iarratais ó aon duine a bhfuil suim acu sa drámaíocht agus a bhfuil an Ghaeilge ar a dtoil acu. Beidh an rogha ag baill an chúrsa deiseanna fostaíochta a ghlacadh i réimse na haisteoireachta stáitse agus i réimse na haisteoireachta teilifíse. Glacfar suas le fiche duine ar an gcúrsa. Ní mór iarratas a dhéanamh go luath le háit a chinntiú. Le haghaidh tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoin gcúrsa cuir glaoch ar Nora Nic Con Ultaigh in Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh ag 091 495381 nó seol ríomhphost chuig nora.nicconultaigh@oegaillimh.ie. -críoch-

James Hardiman Library, NUI Galway, has taken custody of approximately 4,500 volumes which form the Henry Library. The books, which were collected by The Reverend Joseph Henry D.D and bequeathed to the Tuam Diocese on his death in 1885, are a unique collection of 16-19th century books. An agreement has been signed by Bishop Richard Henderson, Bishop of Tuam, Killala & Achonry, (on behalf of the Diocesan Council) and NUI Galway which allows for the transfer of the books from Galway's St Nicholas's Collegiate Church to the University on long-term loan. The Reverend Joseph Henry was born in 1821 and came from a distinguished family in Tuam, Co. Galway. He was son of Hugh Robert Henry of Toghermore House and of Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Robert Langrishe, Baronet. A graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, he was ordained in 1852 and served in Keady, Co. Mayo before going to Lima, Peru where he spent the next 20 years as Consular Chaplain. From 1876, until he died in 1885, Dr. Henry served the Church of All Saints in Blackrock, Co. Dublin. His collection is a great example of a late Victorian library. As well as examples of Bibles in several languages, Biblical commentaries and theology, there are books on history, geography, topography, Classical Civilisation, literature and travel. The majority of the books are of the 18th and 19th centuries but the 16th and 17th centuries are also represented. Marie Reddan, Librarian, NUI Galway, said, "We are honoured that the Diocese has considered our library as a home for this collection and it will add immensely to the rare collections we already house. However, our intention is not only to undertake the stewardship and preservation of the books but also to make the Henry Library accessible to the wider community". The books were originally housed in the Synod Hall in St. Mary's Cathedral, Tuam and more recently St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, Galway where they became part of the St. Nicholas' Library and Heritage Project. One of the aims of the project – a FÁS project which was begun in 1990 – was to preserve the books for future generations. Before this work began a number of trainees underwent a course in book conservation at Marsh's Library, Dublin. Since then the books have been cleaned, waxed, indexed and preparation of a general catalogue of the material has taken place. -ends–

NUI Galway's newly refurbished Carron Field Station has today been named in honour of NUI Galway's first Professor of Botany, the late Professor Máirín de Valéra. In a special ceremony on Friday, Minister Síle de Valera unveiled a commemorative plaque, which names the field station after her aunt. Located close to the village of Carron in the heart of the Burren, Co. Clare, the field station was established in 1975 as a teaching and research facility for the University. Professor Emer Colleran, Director of the Environmental Change Institute (ECI) at NUI Galway said, "The naming of the refurbished Carron Field Station in honour of Professor de Valéra is appropriate, given the University and ECI-stated mission to expand outreach activities, and to increase access by the external community to University learning and research programmes. The intention is that the field station is made more widely available to first, second and third-level educational Institutions, and in particular to local community groups with an interest in environmental issues." Apart from its use as a field teaching centre for university undergraduate students, the station has facilitated a wide range of environmental research projects. One of the on-going research projects focuses on the development of sustainable land management practices for the unique range of habitats found in the Burren region. Liaising with local landowners and acknowledging their expertise is an essential element of this research, particularly in relation to developing Turlough management systems. NUI Galway wishes to recognise the contribution of the University's former Professor of Botany, the late Máirín de Valéra, to teaching and field research by naming the research field station in her honour. Máirín de Valéra, daughter of Eamonn de Valéra, joined the Department of Natural History at University College Galway in 1939. She was solely responsible for teaching Plant Science at University College Galway for many years, and was appointed as the first Professor of Botany in 1962. Approximately €500,000 was recently spent to fully refurbish and modernise this unique facility, with the majority of the funding being provided by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) through the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI). -ends-

The Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) will host a 'Conference in Regenerative Medicine' at NUI Galway, in conjunction with US academic partners Georgia Tech and the Mayo Clinic, from 11-12 July. The conference will feature over twenty speakers advancing the latest thinking and developments in orthopaedic, neurological and cardiovascular regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine approaches the repair or replacement of tissues and organs by incorporating the use of cells and genes to regenerate healthy tissues. Themes addressed at the event will include cellular therapy, gene therapy, biomaterials science, immunology and tissue engineering. "One of the central elements of this new technology is the transplantation of stem cells for the repair or regeneration of tissues damaged by trauma or disease. Progress in this field is dependent upon close alliances between scientists, clinicians and engineers. Our conference will seek to advance these research ties and expand our shared knowledge base", commented Frank Barry, REMEDI Scientific Director. NUI Galway has worked closely for many years with Georgia Tech, which recently opened its first applied research facility outside the United States in Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Professor Anthony Windebank, leading expert in regeneration of the nervous system at the prestigious Mayo Clinic is currently based at REMEDI as part of a Science Foundation Ireland E.T.S Walton Fellowship. REMEDI Director, and Chair of Medicine at NUI Galway, Timothy O'Brien, commented, "This conference comes just weeks after the Irish government announced its Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation. The strategy points out that Ireland must underpin its lead in the biotechnology arena and we seek to advance this by forging ever stronger links with our US counterparts such as Georgia Tech and the Mayo Clinic." The conference runs from 11-12 July and will be attended by representatives from US and Irish universities, industry partners and government agencies. -ends- Notes to editors: The Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) is a world-class biomedical research centre focusing on gene therapy and stem cell research. In state-of-the-art facilities, researchers at REMEDI work together to combine the technologies of gene therapy and adult stem cell therapy with the aim of regeneration and repair of tissues. The unique feature of the research carried out at REMEDI is the novel integration of both therapies in a complementary research and development programme. Based in the National University of Ireland, Galway, REMEDI was established in 2003 through a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Science Engineering and Technology (CSET) award, and industry funding. The institute is located at the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science and incorporates the National Cell and Gene Vector Laboratory, a GMP grade vector and cell production facility. REMEDI is a partnership involving scientists, clinicians, and engineers in academic centres and in industry. It is a unique cluster of talented and committed individuals who share a vision in developing new and successful treatment options for patients. For further information contact: Ita Murphy MSc Communications and Outreach Manager Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) & National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science (NCBES) National University of Ireland Galway Phone: +353 (0)91 495198 Mobile: Phone: +353 (0)91 495198 Email: ita.murphy@nuigalway.ie

NUI Galway has announced it is to sponsor Cumha go Hora, a new musical research and performance project based at the University. The project will seek to retrieve and revive old Irish folk songs and support the creation of new ethnic material. Cumha go Hora takes its title from Cumha, meaning parting sorrow in Irish and Hora, meaning elation or celebration in Romanian. The first output of the project will be a concert at Galway's Augustinian Church on 18 July at which traditional Irish songs, both new and old, will be set to new string arrangements by Garry O'Briain and played by Romanian quartet, ConTempo, Galway Ensemble in Residence. The concert, also called Cumha go Hora, will include performances by Mary McPartlan, well-known traditional and contemporary singer, musicians Garry O'Briain, Dave Carty, Seamie O Dowd and Eddie Lynch and the award-winning NUI Galway Choir. Songs on the night will include Elizabeth Cronin's version of Lord Gregory as interpreted from a collection edited by her grandson, Professor Dáibhi Ó Cronín, NUI Galway. New songs include Cumha, written by Padraig O hAoláin and translated into English by Tim Dennehy, which is a song of sorrow for the changing lifestyles in deepest Connemara. Kiss the Moon and Sanctuary, written by Vincent Woods and set to music by Máirtín O Connor, will be featured along with Seanfhocal by Douglas Gunn, a specially commissioned piece for NUI Galway Choir. Mary McPartlan, recent graduate of NUI Galway and artistic director of the project, commented, "We are creating a new sound by experimenting with ethnic culture and giving a new richness to traditional folk music. Through the project, artists such as ConTempo, who are Romanian classical musicians, will be able to perform some of this country's most precious and previously unheard musical heritage in a revolutionary classical format." The Cumha go Hora project will see a true merging of styles to produce a new dynamic sound that will enrich and extend the experience of traditional music. The Arts Office at NUI Galway is plans to further develop the research part of the project with students, staff, ConTempo and traditional musicians all collaborating. The new and rare material will be documented and there will be future concerts at NUI Galway. Cumha go Hora, the concert, will be performed in a special event during Galway Arts Festival 2006 on Tuesday 18 July at 8.30pm in the Augustinian Church, Augustine Street, Galway. Tickets:€15/12 from Arts Festival box Office at 091-566577 or www.galwayartsfestival.com -ends-

The Irish Environmental Movement - from Carnsore Point to the Rossport Five This week sees the publication of 'Green Nation: Irish Environmental Movement from Carnsore Point to the Rossport Five , by Dr. Liam Leonard, the Galway-based writer and lecturer in Environmental Politics and Social Movements at NUI Galway. Green Nation examines community-based campaigns over the past thirty years that have become the basis for Ireland's grassroots environmental movement. Starting with the 'No Nukes' protests at Carnsore in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Green Nation traces the emergence of a nascent ecopopulist movement that has witnessed a number of campaigns including anti-mining protests at Tynagh, Donegal and Croagh Patrick, anti-toxics activism in Cork and the heritage dispute at Mullaghmore. The book also looks at the campaigns against incineration in Galway, Meath and Cork, the anti-roads protests at the Glen of the Downs, Carrickmines and Tara/Skryne and the ongoing campaign of 'Shell to Sea' in Mayo which gave rise to the 'Rossport 5', who were imprisoned for seeking justice for their community in North Mayo. Green Nation examines the mobilisation and agenda setting undertaken in these disputes, locating them in the context of a wider rural identity that has shaped grassroots environmentalism in Ireland. According to Green Nation's author Dr. Liam Leonard, Environmental Change Institute, NUI Galway, "Ireland's recent social history has been characterised by a series of environmentally based community challenges. Throughout the decades of state-sponsored, multinational-led development and infrastructural expansion in Ireland, the voice of the grassroots environmentalist has always been heard. Local communities have proven themselves to be adept at mobilising responses, framing arguments and establishing the networks and alliances that become possible in a populist society." Green Nation addresses a relative gap in literature about environmentally based community social movements which have emerged since the 1970s. These campaigns have been primarily rural, with campaigns in cities such as Cork and Galway still retaining a rural perspective as local communities came to identify themselves with the surrounding hinterlands in the face of modernisation. The book is available from www.choicepublishing.ie. Title: Green Nation: The Irish Environmental Movement from Carnsore Point to the Rossport 5 Author: Liam Leonard Publisher: Choice Publishing, Drogheda ISBN: 1-905451-11-3 - ends-