January 2008

Pictured at the launch of the Collingwood Cup 2008, sponsored by www.future.ie, which will be hosted this year by NUI Galway were, Front: NUI Galway Soccer Club players Eoin McCorman, Ballina, Co. Mayo and Seamus Connelly, Rosmuc, Co. Galway. Behind them are NUI Galway Vice President for External Affairs, Ger Hurley; James O'Toole, Sports Med West; and CEO of tournament sponsor (www.future.ie), Mickey McLoughlin. The Collingwood will run from Monday February 25th-28th 2008 with most of the games to be played at Dangan Sports grounds. The NUI Galway Soccer Club hopes to secure Terryland Park for the Cup Final, in what promised to be a major event not only for varsity soccer, but for the city of Galway and indeed for sport in Ireland. Twelve universities from north and south of the border will take part in this unique All Ireland competition which is now run on a knockout basis over four days. The first cup was played in 1914.

Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President of NUI Galway has announced that Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge will be opening a new Centre in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh in Corca Dhuibhne. Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge will commence their work in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh in a temporary location from September 2008. There is an understanding between the University and Údarás na Gaeltachta that the University will proceed with the construction of a new 1,700m² building on a 10 acre site owned by the Údarás, once planning permission has been granted. Mr. Éamon Ó Cuív, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is pleased to support this project and the Acadamh and University management are hopeful that Minister Ó Cuív's Department will supply generous funding for the building and running of this Irish Language Centre in Corca Dhuibhne, similar to the University Centres in An Cheathrú Rua, Carna and Gaoth Dobhair. The President had a special welcome for Tomás Ó Gairbheith and his wife Esther at a recent public meeting in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh. Tomás has made a generous donation which will be used by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in the construction of the new building in Corca Dhuibhne. The President had the following to say at the event: "The generous donation made by Tomás to Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge is a source of encouragement for myself and the Gaeltacht community. Tomás Ó Gairbheith is one of the most successful business men in Kerry and I am particularly delighted with the support he has shown for university education through Irish and the creation of language and knowledge-based employment in this region".

D'fhógair Uachtarán Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, go bhfuil Ionad nua de chuid Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge le lonnú i mBaile an Fheirtéaraigh i gCorca Dhuibhne. Cuirfear tús leis an obair i bhfoirgneamh ar cíos sa bhaile i mí Meán Fómhair 2008. Tá comhthuiscint idir an Ollscoil agus Údarás na Gaeltachta go dtógfaidh an Ollscoil foirgneamh nua 1,700m² ar shuíomh 10 n-acra de chuid an Údaráis ach cead pleanála a bheith ar fáil fá na choinne. Tá a thacaíocht léirithe ag an Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta, Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., don tionscadail seo agus tá muid dóchasach go mbeidh tacaíocht fhlaithiúil le fáil óna Roinn do thógáil agus do reáchtáil Ionad iompair agus buanaithe Gaeilge i gCorca Dhuibhne mar atá déanta ag an Ollscoil ar an gCeathrú Rua, i gCarna agus i nGaoth Dobhair. Chuir an tUachtarán fáilte faoi leith ag an ócáid i gCorca Dhuibhne roimh Thomás Ó Gairbheith agus a bhean chéile Esther. Tá Tomás tar éis bronntanas fhlaithiúil a chur ar fáil don Acadamh le húsáid i dtógáil an fhoirgnimh nua i gCorca Dhuibhne. Dúirt an tUachtarán ina óráid: "Is cúis mhór mhisnigh domsa agus don phobal Gaeltachta seo tacaíocht Thomáis don Acadamh. Tá Tomás Ó Gairbheith ar dhuine den lucht gnó is bisiúla i gCiarraí agus is mór agamsa go pearsanta a thacaíocht don ollscolaíocht Ghaeilge agus do chruthú fostaíochta teanga-lárnaithe agus eolasbhunaithe sa leathinis seo".

Based on their high points in the Leaving Cert, 76 first-year students at NUI Galway will be awarded Entrance Scholarships at a special ceremony on Saturday, 2 February, 2008. Each student will receive a cheque for €1,600 and a specially designed scroll to mark their achievement in last summer's exams. Entrance Scholarships are given annually to all NUI Galway new entrants who reached a minimum of 560 points in their Leaving Cert (590 in Medicine and Health Sciences). Among the Entrance Scholarship Awardees, 24 reached the maximum 600 points. The number of students achieving such high points is growing every year. This year, the scholarships will be awarded to students from 51 individual schools, large and small, throughout the country. The winners represent 16 counties including Armagh, Clare, Cork, Down, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Laois, Mayo, Meath, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary and Westmeath. NUI Galway President Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, who will present the cheques and a specially designed scroll at the event, said, "The University strives constantly to support and promote academic excellence across all the disciplines. The Entrance Scholarship ceremony is an opportunity to give special recognition to our first-year students who have already proved academic prowess through their Leaving Cert results. It is also a chance to give due credit to their parents and secondary school teachers for their contribution to such success". The ceremony will also feature 50 other individual College/Faculty awards and prizes. -ends-

Bronnfar Scoláireachtaí Iontrála ar 76 mac léinn ón gcéad bhliain in OÉ Gaillimh ag searmanas speisialta a bheidh ar siúl Dé Sathairn, an 2 Feabhra 2008. Ghnóthaigh na mic léinn i gceist scoth na marcanna i Scrúdú na hArdteistiméireachta. Bronnfar seic ar fiú €1,600 é ar gach mac léinn chomh maith le scrolla a dearadh go speisialta mar cheiliúradh ar na marcanna iontacha a ghnóthaigh na mic léinn seo i Scrúdú na hArdteistiméireachta an samhradh seo caite. Bronntar Scoláireachtaí Iontrála ar gach mac léinn nua in OÉ Gaillimh a ghnóthaigh 560 pointe, ar a laghad, i Scrúdú na hArdteistiméireachta (590 pointe i gcás cúrsaí Leighis agus Eolaíochtaí Sláinte). As measc na mac léinn sin a mbronnfar Scoláireacht Iontrála orthu, d'éirigh le 24 mac léinn an t-uasmhéid de 600 pointe a fháil. Tá níos mó agus níos mó mac léinn ag fáil pointí arda gach uile bhliain. I mbliana, bronnfar scoláireachtaí ar mhic léinn as 51 scoil éagsúil ar fud na tíre, scoileanna beaga agus móra san áireamh. Tá buaiteoirí againn as 16 chontae ar fad. Ina measc tá Ard Mhacha, An Clár, Corcaigh, An Dún, Dún na nGall, Baile Átha Cliath, Gaillimh, Ciarraí, Cill Dara, Laois, Maigh Eo, An Mhí, Ros Comáin, Sligeach, Tiobraid Árann agus An Iarmhí. Dúirt Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, a bhronnfaidh seic agus scrolla atá deartha go speisialta ar gach mac léinn ag an ócáid, go bhfuil sé "mar aidhm leanúnach ag an Ollscoil feabhas acadúil a bhaint amach agus a chur chun cinn i ngach uile disciplín. Deis é searmanas bronnta na Scoláireachtaí Iontrála le haitheantas speisialta a thabhairt dár mic léinn chéad bhliana – mic léinn a bhfuil a gcumas acadúil léirithe acu cheana féin leis na marcanna a ghnóthaigh siad i Scrúdú na hArdteistiméireachta. Deis atá ann freisin buíochas a léiriú dá dtuismitheoirí agus múinteoirí meánscoile as an obair iontach atá déanta acu". Bronnfar 50 gradam agus duais eile a bhaineann le Coláistí/Dámha éagsúla ag an searmanas seo freisin. - críoch -

On Wednesday 30 January, the 36th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, NUI Galway's Centre for Irish Studies will host a public talk entitled 'Understanding Bloody Sunday'. Dr Niall Ó Dochartaigh, author of From Civil Rights to Armalites and a lecturer in the University's School of Political Science and Sociology, will deliver the lecture at 8pm in the Joseph Larmor Theatre, Arts & Science Building. Bloody Sunday, as it became known, took place on 30 January 1972 when thirteen civilians were shot dead by British soldiers at a civil rights march in Derry. This tragic part of history will be in focus again this year with the expected publication of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry report, also known as the Saville Inquiry. According to Dr Ó Dochartaigh, "In the weeks before Bloody Sunday, efforts were made to use proven channels of communication between the security forces and the Catholic community to avert confrontation. These efforts were clearly and decisively rejected at the highest levels of the British army command structure in Northern Ireland." During the talk, Dr Ó Dochartaigh will trace the development of British security policy in Derry in the months before Bloody Sunday, examining the way in which deep divisions between military and police commanders on the ground were reflected in changing policies at the highest levels of the British state. While some in the security forces desperately attempted to prevent the outbreak of violence at the march, others deliberately prepared to stage a major confrontation. Dr Ó Dochartaigh will follow the development of this struggle through the decisions of the British government in the months before the march, in the shaping of the British army's plan to deal with the march on the day, and in the minute-by-minute details of the army operation on Bloody Sunday. Everyone is welcome to attend the event. For further information contact the Centre for Irish Studies on 091 492051. ENDS

Múscailt 2008, NUI Galway's Spring Arts Festival, takes place from 4-8 February. For five days, the campus will be alive with concerts, theatre, dance, exhibitions, story-telling, films and live performances from student societies and special guests. Produced by the University's Arts Office and Societies Office, Múscailt is now in its eighth year. As always, the Societies have put together an action-packed week of events including the Witless Music Festival, Poetry Slam, Fleadh Imboilg, Ceili Mór, Art Soc's Up on the Down side, and a New Talent Comedy Night. Flamboyance and fun are big on the agenda with the festival taking inspiration from this year's musical in the Black Box Theatre Back to the 80's. The musical is modelled on classic movies like Back to the Future, and follows the graduating class of William Ocean High School set to a soundtrack of the biggest hits of the 80's. NUI Galway is a great source of new writers, dramatists and performers and the Jerome Hynes Original One Act Play Series promises to be very special, with nine new works being premièred and judged. Several young original artists will be featured this year including students and graduates including: Heather Murphy and her glorious photographic show Seascape; Aimee Jeane Levey with her drama Cryptosporidium Town; and David Rock with his kaleidoscope of colour images in Pushing the Light 2. Limerick four piece Indie pop band We should be Dead will play at the Gala Opening in the Aula Maxima on Monday, 4 February, at 1pm. The group exploded onto the Irish music scene in 2007 with their debut single Forget Romance Let s Dance', and their debut album is one to watch in 2008. For fans of traditional music and dance the Arts in Action Traditional Concert takes place on Thursday, 7 February, at 7.30pm in the Aula Maxima. This evening features internationally renowned musicians such as Frankie Gavin, Mairtín Ó Connor, Ronan Browne, Arty McGlynn and Roisín Elsafty. Also on the line up are sean nós dancer Roisín Ni Mhainín, singer Mary MacPartlan and storyteller Clare Muireann Murphy. To add to the evening each of the artists will give a brief history of their art form and instrument. For those interested in the visual arts, highly regarded Welsh artist Timothy Emlyn Jones' installation on the glass bridge called 'The Idea of the Rain' is a piece of art that people can actually walk through. Jones also brings his fascinating Gallery Exhibition called 'In Praise of Bad Weather' which includes a variety of studies of rain that he has made since he settled in the Burren in 2003. Equally exciting is a new show from acclaimed artist Michael Mayhew, who presents 'Upon Reflection - a look back at The Rituals of Being not Being'. Mayhew was Tulca Artist in Residence at NUI Galway in November 2007, and he returns to tell the amazing story of his performance where 14 stories of people who have vanished from other's lives were heard, words selected and then tattooed onto his body. There will be an opportunity to view the work as a whole on DVD, and to listen to Mayhew engage in a conversation focusing on the issues of new approaches within Live Art Practice. These and many more events are all open to the public. For further information call the Socs Box on 091-492852 or visit www.muscailt.nuigalway.ie -ends-

R&D collaboration the first for Beckman Coulter in Ireland Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin TD today (Monday 21st January 2008) announced that Beckman Coulter Inc, a worldwide provider of biomedical testing systems, with the support of IDA Ireland, is to launch an innovative four year collaborative research programme with NUI Galway in the field of Molecular Diagnostics. Headquartered in Fullerton, California, Beckman Coulter is a leading manufacturer of biomedical testing instrument systems, tests and supplies that simplify and automate laboratory processes. The company's facility in Galway manufactures a wide range of chemistry, haematology and immunoassay reagent products used in conjunction with the company's diagnostic systems. Molecular Diagnostics is a major growth sector in the diagnostics industry and has a market potential of $2bn annually. It can provide rapid and sensitive alternatives to traditional microbiological tests and immunoassays by detecting molecules of DNA from bacteria, viruses and cancer cells in patient samples with 'sample-to-answer' results. This investment represents the first collaborative research project undertaken by Beckman Coulter in Ireland. The collaboration will involve the creation of a research team of 10 Masters and PhD researchers based in NUI Galway and building on Intellectual Property already developed in the university. Welcoming the ground breaking collaboration Minister Martin said "Government policy and IDA Ireland's strategy is working to establish Ireland as a world class strategic location for research and development in the fields of science and technology and to foster novel approaches to R&D through innovative investments and industry academic partnerships". "IDA Ireland in supporting this complex industrial research programme between Beckman Coulter and NUI Galway is building on historic research in NUI Galway which was funded by Enterprise Ireland. NUI Galway's unrivalled reputation as a centre of excellence in the field of molecular biology diagnostics was a major factor in the decision by the company to proceed with this research collaboration. The high quality of the Beckman Coulter management team and its Galway workforce were critical considerations in attracting this next generation R&D investment to Galway. It is anticipated that success in this project potentially could lead to future manufacture of the company's Molecular Diagnostic assays in Galway" concluded the Minister. Mike Whelan, Group Vice President of Beckman Coulter's High Sensitivity Testing group said "With these agreements, we will take a big step toward the launch our 'sample-to-result' molecular diagnostic system, including a differentiated menu of moderately complex tests that address urgent clinical decisions. The agreements give us access to intellectual property for the development of tests for infectious diseases including sepsis; hospital-acquired infections; and sexually transmitted diseases, such as Chlamydia and Neisseria." Mr Whelan added, "The combination of NUI Galway technologies with ours gives us a glimpse of the next generation of molecular diagnostics. Our goal is that our simplified, automated solution will allow these time-consuming, complex, and labour-intensive tests to migrate into the routine hospital lab. So physicians will get diagnostic information within hours, instead of days or weeks, and be able to begin treating patients much sooner." Welcoming this new partnership with Beckman Coulter, NUI Galway President, Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh praised the work of the University s National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science (NCBES) and the Microbiology Department who are leading this research initiative. "The work of these departments harnesses the skills of leading edge researchers who are addressing some of the most challenging and important issues at the frontier of modern biomedical research – with the ultimate goal of changing the way patients are treated and healed. The research and technology development collaboration with Beckman Coulter will ultimately improve patient care and is a strong endorsement from industry of the quality and importance of the research being undertaken at NUI Galway." Commenting on the announcement, Professor Terry Smith, Director of the NCBES, and Molecular Diagnostics Programme Director said "This is a very significant research collaboration for both NUI Galway and Beckman Coulter, in that it leverages the combined diagnostics test and instrumentation capabilities of both partners resulting in the development of break-through technologies for the diagnosis of infectious diseases in humans. These partnership agreements also validate the infectious disease molecular diagnostics test R&D being carried out at NUI Galway, highlighting our world-leadership in this area." ENDS

An chéad chomhoibriú Taighde & Forbartha do Beckman Coulter in Éirinn Inniu (Dé Luain, 21 Eanáir 2008) d'fhógair an tAire Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta, Micheál Martin TD, go bhfuil Beckman Coulter Inc, soláthraí domhanda de chórais tástála bhithmhíochaine, le tacaíocht IDA Ireland, chun comhchlár taighde ceithre bliana a bhunú le OÉ Gaillimh – taighde a bheidh bunaithe ar Dhiagnóisic Mhóilíneach. Is in Fullerton, California atá ceanncheathrú Beckman Coulter – ceann de phríomhdhéantúsóirí córas tástála ionstraimí, tástálacha agus soláthairtí bithmhíochaine a shimplíonn agus a uathoibríonn próisis saotharlainne. Déanann an chuideachta atá bunaithe ag Beckman Coulter i nGaillimh raon leathan táirgí imoibrithe ceimice, haemaiteolaíochta agus imdhíon-mheasa agus úsáid á baint as córais diagnóisice na cuideachta. Tá fás as cuimse ag teacht ar Dhiagnóisic Mhóilíneach laistigh den tionscal diagnóisice agus d'fhéadfadh sé $2 billiún a shaothrú go bliantúil. Is féidir leis an earnáil seo roghanna tapa agus íogaireacha a sholáthar seachas na tástálacha traidisiúnta micribhitheolaíocha agus imdhíon-mheasa trí mhóilíní DNA a bhrath ó bhaictéir, víris agus cealla ailse i samplaí othair agus i dtorthaí 'sampla go freagra'. Is ionann an infheistíocht seo agus an chéad chomhthionscadal taighde atá déanta ag Beckman Coulter in Éirinn. San áireamh sa chomhthionscadal seo beidh foireann taighde a chruthú – deichniúr taighdeoirí Máistreachta agus PhD – foireann a bheidh bunaithe in OÉ Gaillimh, mar aon le cur leis an Maoin Intleachtúil atá forbartha san Ollscoil cheana féin. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Aire Martin le linn dó an comhthionscadal taighde seo a fhógairt, "Tá beartas an Rialtais agus straitéis IDA Ireland ag feidhmiú ar mhaithe le hÉirinn a bhunú mar ionad straitéiseach den chéad scoth do thaighde agus d'fhorbairt i réimse na heolaíochta agus na teicneolaíochta agus chun cur chuige nua i ndáil le Taighde & Forbairt a bhunú trí infheistíochtaí nuálaíocha agus comhpháirtíochtaí acadúla sa tionscal". "Trí thacú leis an gclár casta tionsclaíoch taighde seo idir Beckman Coulter agus OÉ Gaillimh tá IDA Ireland ag cur le taighde atá déanta cheana féin in OÉ Gaillimh; taighde a fuair maoiniú ó Fiontraíocht Éireann. Is léir go raibh tionchar ag dea-cháil OÉ Gaillimh mar ionad taighde den scoth sa diagnóisic bhitheolaíoch mhóilíneach sa chinneadh a rinne Beckman Coulter leanúint ar aghaidh leis an gcomhthionscadal taighde seo. Bhí an-tionchar ag foireann bainistíochta ardcháilithe Beckman Coulter agus lucht oibre na cuideachta i nGaillimh ar an infheistíocht Taighde & Forbartha seo a mhealladh i dtreo na Gaillimhe." Ina theannta sin, dúirt an tAire, "má éiríonn go maith leis an tionscadal seo go mb'fhéidir go mbeadh ar chumas na cuideachta imdhíon-mheasa Diagnóisic Mhóilíneach a fhorbairt i nGaillimh amach anseo." Dúirt Mike Whelan, Leas-Uachtarán Grúpa ar Ghrúpa Tástála Ard-Íogaireachta Beckman Coulter, gur "céim mhór chun tosaigh na socruithe seo maidir le córas diagnóiseach móilíneacha 'sampla go toradh' a fhorbairt, lena n-áirítear sraith dhifreáilte de thástálacha measartha casta a d'fhéadfadh tionchar a imirt ar chinntí práinneacha cliniciúla. Ciallaíonn na socruithe seo go bhfuil teacht againn ar mhaoin intleachtúil chun tástálacha a fhorbairt do ghalair thógálacha lena n-áirítear seipseas; ionfhabhtuithe a fhaigtear san ospidéal; agus galair ghnéas-tarchurtha cosúil le Clamaidia agus Neisseria." Ina theannta sin, dúirt an tUasal Whelan, "Trí leas a bhaint as na teicneolaíochtaí atá ar fáil in OÉ Gaillimh agus ár dteicneolaíochtaí féin féadfaimid tuairim éigin a fháil ar a bhfuil i ndán dúinn sa réimse diagnóisic mhóilíneach amach anseo. Is é atá mar aidhm againne go gciallóidh ár réiteach simplí, uathoibrithe gur féidir na tástálacha casta, fada agus dlúthfhostaíochta seo a áireamh mar chuid de ghnáthchleachtas saotharlainne in ospidéil. Ciallóidh sé seo go mbeidh teacht ag dochtúití ar eolas dhiagnóiseach taobh istigh d'uaireanta an chloig, seachas a bheith ag fanacht laethanta nó seachtainí, agus go mbeidh ar a gcumas tús a chur le cóireáil othar níos luaithe." Le linn d'Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh a bheith ag labhairt faoin gcomhpháirtíocht nua seo le Beckman Coulter mhol sé obair an Ionaid Náisiúnta um Eolaíocht Innealtóireachta Bithmhíochaine (NCBES) agus Roinn na Micribhitheolaíochta, a bhfuil ról lárnach acu sa tionscnamh taighde seo. "Cinntíonn obair na rann seo go mbaintear leas as scileanna taighdeoirí den scoth atá ag obair ar chuid de na ceisteanna is dúshlánaí agus is tábhachtaí sa taighde bithmhíochaine. Is é atá mar aidhm leis an obair seo an modh a bhfuil cóir leighis á fáil ag othair a athrú. Is é a bheidh mar thoradh ar an gcomhthionscadal forbartha taighde agus teicneolaíochta le Beckman Coulter go gcuirfear feabhas ar an gcúram atá á fháil ag othair agus léargas maith an méid seo ar an tacaíocht atá á tabhairt ag an tionscal don taighde atá ar bun in OÉ Gaillimh." Le linn don Ollamh Terry Smith, Stiúrthóir NCBES, agus Stiúrthóir an Chláir um Dhiagnóisic Mhóilíneach, a bheith ag labhairt ag an ócáid dúirt sé gur "comhthionscadal suntasach taighde é seo do OÉ Gaillimh agus Beckman Coulter, agus go mbaineann sé leas as acmhainní tástála agus ionstraimíochta diagnóisice an dá pháirtí, rud a chiallíonn gur féidir teicneolaíochtaí nua a fhorbairt a chabhróidh chun galair thógálacha a aithint i ndaoine. Ina theannta sin, tacaíonn na socruithe comhpháirtíochta seo le Taighde & Forbairt atá ar siúl in OÉ Gaillimh ar dhiagnóisic mhóilíneach galar tógálach, léiriú eile fós ar ár seasamh domhanda sa réimse seo." CRÍOCH

Almost 400 children, aged 3 to 7, were at NUI Galway today for the University's third annual 'Teddy Bear Hospital'. The main aim of the day was to help dispel some of the fears children may have of a hospital environment. The event was organised by the Sláinte Society (the NUI Galway branch of the International Federation of Medical Students Associations - I.F.M.S.A.). At the 'Teddy Bear Hospital' children and their teddies visited the team of 'Teddy Doctors' and 'Teddy Nurses' who examined the patients and took a full medical history. Appropriate medical action was taken, whether it was applying bandages, or taking a trip to the Teddy X-ray machine or the Teddy MRI machine. There was also a Teddy Pharmacy fully stocked with nourishing vitamin juices and other healthy treats to promote healthy eating and dietary well being. Over 150 students volunteered their time to explain how treatments worked and dispel any fears the children might have. Many of the students who took part are studying health related disciplines at the University. NUI Galway's Juggling Society was also on hand to provide entertainment. The event was supported by Kelkin, Medtronic and Eli Lilly & Co. According to Riona Hughes, NUI Galway Societies Officer, "The Teddy Bear Hospital is just one example of the enthusiasm and creativity of our students. This event has gone from strength to strength each year and is of huge benefit to the local schools and children. This is just one small example of the community engagement that happens here on campus". The University has 89 active societies through which students make friends, pursue their interests, learn new skills and organise events such as the Teddy Bear Hospital. NUI Galway also runs the ALIVE programme to assist students who wish to volunteer with community organisations. -ends-

The Annual NUI Galway Graduate Studies Fair takes place from 1.30-5pm on Monday, 4 February, 2008 at Áras na Mac Léinn. The event will showcase 429 full-time and part-time postgraduate programmes at NUI Galway, including taught and research masters, and doctoral research options. Almost 3,500 postgraduate students currently attend NUI Galway. At the Graduate Studies Fair, 70 stands will provide information about opportunities at NUI Galway, with academic staff and current students on hand to answer questions about specific courses. A free seminar at 2.15pm will address 'Research & Funding Opportunities' while a presentation at 3.15pm will cover 'Careers and Making a Postgraduate Application'. Supported by Bank of Ireland, the Fair will also feature stands from other institutions across the country. According to John Hannon, Head of NUI Galway's Career Development Centre, "A postgraduate qualification can provide a real career boost. Whether you are a recent graduate or whether you secured your primary degree some years ago, there is a growing demand for people with postgraduate or 'fourth' level qualifications. More and more students now go straight onto postgraduate study in order to maximize their career prospects and earnings". Working with the 'fourth-level' theme, NUI Galway's graduate education opportunities are now under the banner go4th™. The University offers world-class fourth level education, developing programmes based on its traditional academic strengths of Arts, Social Sciences, Celtic Studies; Commerce, Medicine, Nursing, Health Science, Law, Engineering, Informatics and Science. These areas have been augmented with innovative Research Centres in areas as diverse as Biomedical Engineering, International Human Rights, Digital Media & Film Studies, and Regenerative Medicine. An online prospectus of all that is on offer at NUI Galway is available at www.go4th.ie. The postgraduate application process is also online, through PAC (Postgraduate Applications Centre www.pac.ie). "Most of our postgraduate applications for both taught and research programmes are now made online," says Valerie Leahy, Postgraduate Admissions Officer at NUI Galway, "the system is very easy to use and allows for quick turnaround and decision times". For further information on the Graduate Studies Fair visit www.go4th.ie/gsf -ends-

Beidh an tAonach Léinn Iarchéime ar siúl in OÉ Gaillimh idir 1.30 – 5 pm, Dé Luain, an 4 Feabhra 2008 in Áras na Mac Léinn. Beidh eolas le fáil faoi 429 clár iarchéime lánaimseartha agus páirtaimseartha atá ar siúl in OÉ Gaillimh, lena n-áirítear cláir mháistreachta mhúinte agus thaighde, mar aon leis na deiseanna atá ann taighde dochtúireachta a dhéanamh. Tá beagnach 3,500 mac léinn iarchéime ag freastal ar OÉ Gaillimh i láthair na huaire. Beidh 70 seastán ag an Aonach Léinn Iarchéime agus beidh eolas le fáil faoi na deiseanna ar fad atá ar fáil in OÉ Gaillimh. Beidh idir chomhaltaí foirne acadúla agus mhic léinn i láthair chun ceisteanna faoi na cúrsaí éagsúla a fhreagairt. Beidh seimineár dar teideal 'Research & Funding Opportunities' ar siúl ag 2.15pm agus beidh láithreoireacht dar teideal 'Careers and Making a Postgraduate Application' ar siúl ag 3.15pm. Is é Banc na hÉireann a dhéanann urraíocht ar an Aonach, agus beidh seastáin ann freisin ó institiúidí eile ar fud na tíre. Deir John Hannon, Stiúrthóir Ionad Forbartha Gairme OÉ Gaillimh, "cabhraíonn cáilíocht iarchéime go mór le duine post níos fearr a bhaint amach. Is cuma mura bhfuil do chéim díreach faighte agat nó má tá do chéim faighte agat le fada an lá, is cinnte go bhfuil an-éileamh anois ar dhaoine le cáilíochtaí iarchéime nó cáilíochtaí 'ceathrú' leibhéal. Téann níos mó agus níos mó mac léinn i mbun staidéar iarchéime anois ar mhaithe leis na gairmeacha agus na tuarastail is fearr agus is féidir a bhaint amach dóibh féin". Le téama an 'cheathrú leibhéal', tá deiseanna iarchéime OÉ Gaillimh anois á bhfógairt faoin mbranda ar a dtugtar go4th™. Soláthraíonn an Ollscoil oideachas ceathrú leibhéal den scoth, agus forbraítear cláir atá bunaithe ar láidreachtaí traidisiúnta acadúla OÉ Gaillimh – Na Dána, Na hEolaíochtaí Sóisialta, An Léann Ceiltreach, Tráchtáil, Leigheas, Altranas, Eolaíocht Sláinte, Dlí, Innealtóireacht, Faisnéisíocht agus Eolaíocht. Tá méadú tagtha ar na réimsí seo agus ar Ionaid Nuálaíocha Taighde i réimsí cosúil le hInnealtóireacht Bhithleighis, Cearta Idirnáisiúnta an Duine, Na Meáin Dhigiteacha & Staidéar Scannán agus Leigheas Athghiniúnach. Tá réamheolaire ar líne OÉ Gaillimh le fáil ag www.go4th.ie. Is féidir iarratas a dhéanamh ar chúrsaí iarchéime ar líne freisin trí PAC (An tIonad Iarratas Iarchéime www.pac.ie). Deir Valerie Leahy, An tOifigeach um Iontrálacha Iarchéime in OÉ Gaillimh gur féidir iarratas a dhéanamh ar fhormhór na gclár múinte agus taighde ar líne anois, agus gur "fusa an córas a úsáid agus cinntíonn sé nach gcuirtear mórán moille ar an bpróiseas trí chéile ná ar an bpróiseas déanta cinntí". Tá tuilleadh eolais maidir leis an Aonach Léinn Iarchéime le fáil ag www.go4th.ie/gsf - críoch -

This year's BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition saw fifth year student Catherine Duane of Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf, Dublin, receive top prize in an exciting national science essay competition organised by NUI Galway. Catherine, who won a laptop, trophy and €500 science bursary for her school, received her prizes from the Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin T.D., on the Science Foundation Ireland booth at the festival. The competition, co-ordinated by the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at NUI Galway, and sponsored by Medtronic, has now completed its third year. Essays were received from across the country on the theme of 'Genetic Engineering: Panacea or Pandora's Box?' The runner up prize of a video iPOD, trophy and €250 school science bursary went to Leaving Cert student Aidan Rowe of St Gerald's College, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Presenting the prizes for the third successive year, Minister Hanafin said: "Increasingly we are all aware of the vital role of science and technology in our lives. We are aware too, of the extent to which it will impact upon our future economic development. Competitions like the national science essay competition have an important role in raising the profile of science among young people. As students complete their CAO forms, it is important that we all encourage them to consider the vast range of exciting career opportunities in the fields of science and technology - from playstations to mutations, from bionics to photonics! I would like to congratulate all of the students who took part in the competition on their hard work and on the very high standard of research and writing. This level of dedication and expertise gives me great hope for the future of Irish science." Professor Frank Barry, Scientific Director at REMEDI and competition judge, thanked all the students who participated in the competition along with Medtronic and SFI for their work in supporting science education. Noreen Moloney, of competition sponsor Medtronic, said: "Medtronic are delighted to support the promotion of science and engineering through initiatives such as the REMEDI national essay competition. It is imperative we promote interest in science, engineering and technology among our young people and be assured of a pool of highly educated, talented graduates to drive our economy forward in years to come." Catherine Duane's essay was selected from a top-ten shortlist by a high profile panel of judges who met at REMEDI in November 2007 to choose a winner. The judges included: Leo Enright (Chair of the Discover Science & Engineering Steering Committee); Tom Kennedy (Editor of Science Spin Magazine); Prof Frank Barry (Scientific Director, REMEDI); Noreen Moloney (Medtronic); and Cormac Sheridan (Freelance Science Journalist). Commenting on Catherine's essay, competition judge Cormac Sheridan said: "Catherine s essay is a very polished piece of work. The writing is crisp and to the point, she handles the argument with great confidence, and it s superbly structured." Organised as part of a joint REMEDI and NCBES secondary school outreach programme called GRO (Galway Regional Outreach), the aim of the competition is to hear young people's views on contemporary scientific questions and to encourage students to consider studying science in third level. REMEDI is a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) funded research institute at the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science (NCBES) located at NUI Galway. To read the winning essays or for additional information on REMEDI outreach programmes, visit www.remedi.ie -ends-

Dr Colin O'Dowd, School of Physics, and Director of the Environmental Change Institute's Centre for Climate & Air Pollution Studies at NUI Galway, has been awarded a Doctorate in Science from the University of Manchester. The award was in recognition of highly distinguished published work resulting from research into atmospheric aerosols and their role in climate change. Dr O'Dowd has made a substantial, sustained and original contribution to knowledge and scholarship, and holds an authoritative international standing in his field of research. His research papers presented for the Doctorate of Science are regarded as having made the substantive part of the most significant advances in atmosphere aerosol research over the past twenty years. Dr O'Dowd directs the Centre for Climate & Air Pollution Studies (C-CAPS) in NUI Galway's Environmental Change Institute. Recently, C-CAPS secured significant research funding (in excess of €3 million) from the HEA, EPA and the Marine Institute in a series of research projects coordinated by Dr O'Dowd. The research focuses on aerosol-cloud-climate interactions, air-sea exchange of CO2 and ozone and regional climate modelling. The overarching aim of O'Dowd's research is to understand fundamental processes controlling climate change and air pollution and to build the most advanced climate prediction tools to provide accurate assessments of future climate change for Ireland. ends