April 2009

Over 150 delegates from Ireland, Europe and the US today attended the 2nd annual GlycoScience Ireland Conference held in NUI Galway. The aim of the event is to bring Irish researchers together to provide visibility and collaborative opportunities for Irish glycoscientists with international academic and industrial communities that will be responsible for the translation of glycoscience discoveries into commercial and clinical realities. The conference involved a number of presentations from distinguished speakers from industries, regulatory agencies and academia from the US and Europe and highlighted that Ireland is rapidly becoming a centre of excellence in glycosciences with a wealth of expertise that is directly relevant to the Biopharmaceutical and Food Industries in Ireland and abroad. Commenting on the conference, Lokesh Joshi, SFI Stokes Professor of Glycosciences, at NUI Galway said "Building on the success of last year's event, this conference continues to look at trends in Glycosciences taking a broader international view that highlights Irish science internationally and facilitates Irish based scientists in networking with many global leaders in this field". "Glycoscience is a rapidly emerging science that studies complex sugars in the body and is fundamental to clinical research and biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. However, with the global competition in biotechnology and biopharmaceutical research continually shifting, Ireland needs to harness the synergy of existing skills and strengthen it with talent in order to gain a competitive edge to remain in the leadership position in this field ," he concluded. Dr Ruth Freeman, Head of Industry-Research Development at SFI, added: "GlycoScience Ireland continues to play a significant role in furthering Ireland's international reputation as a centre of excellence in glycosciences. In a very short space of time it has attracted significant attention from the industrial sector and has received support and research funding from biopharmaceutical, biotechnology and high-end instrument developer companies that will be responsible for the translation of glycoscience discoveries into commercial realities. GlycoScience Ireland was established in 2007 with the aim to provide a forum for communication and interaction between Irish glycoscientists and industry representatives in Ireland and further abroad that will be responsible for the translation of glycoscience discoveries into commercial and clinical realities. -Ends-

(Leagan Gaeilge) When performing the official opening of this year's Féile Joe Éinniú (Joe Heaney Festival) on Friday, 1 May 2009, Máire Nic Fhinn will donate material relating to famous singer, Joe Éinniú, to the archive at NUI Galway's Gaeltacht centre Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim in Carna, Co. Galway. Born in Áird Thoir, Carna, Connemara in 1919, Joe Éinniú is considered the finest exponent of sean-nós singing of his generation. Máire Nic Fhinn knew Joe well from the time she worked for Gael Linn, who published many of his recordings, and through organising cultural events in which Joe participated. As a result Máire has compiled a valuable collection comprising of audio-visual material, sound recordings, images, and documents that give important and interesting insights into the work and life of Joe Éinniú. "I am delighted that the material will be available in the Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim Archive in Carna, Joe's home place, for access by the local community," says Máire Nic Fhinn. This new material will augment the extensive Joe Éinniú collection already in the possession of the Áras in Carna. This includes a music and song archive that was compiled in University of Washington, USA, where Joe spent his later years lecturing in Irish culture and traditional music. Joe died in Seattle in 1984. The Joe Heaney Festival Organising Committee, headed by Mícheál Ó Cuaig, bestowed this particular archive on Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim, NUI Galway, so that the local community and Irish scholars could have access to it. "We are delighted to accept this valuable material and we are very grateful to Máire for this act of the utmost generosity," said Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim Administrator, Séamas Ó Concheanainn. "The whole Joe Éinniú collection at Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim will be digitised and made available in accessible formats to the local community and to those pursuing studies at Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge and NUI Galway". Ábhar Luachmhar ar an Bhfonnadóir Clúiteach Joe Éinniú le Bronnadh ar Champas OÉ Gaillimh i gCarna (View in English) Bronnfaidh Máire Nic Fhinn ábhar a bhaineann leis an bhfonnadóir clúiteach Joe Éinniú ar chartlann OÉ Gaillimh i gCarna; Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim, tráth a mbeidh Féile Joe Éinniú na bliana seo á hoscailt go hoifigiúil aici ar an Aoine, an 1 Bealtaine 2009. Meastar gurbh é Joe Éinniú, a rugadh san Aird Thoir i gCarna i 1919, sár-fhonnadóir sean-nóis a linne féin. Bhí aithne mhaith ag Máire Nic Fhinn ar Joe le linn di a bheith ag obair le Gael Linn, a d'fhoilsigh amhráin dá chuid, agus trí bheith ag eagrú imeachtaí cultúrtha a mbíodh Joe páirteach iontu. Dá bharr sin tá cnuasach luachmhar, á áiríonn ábhar fuaime agus físe, taifeadtaí fuaime, pictiúir agus doiciméid, bailithe ag Máire a thugann léargas tábhachtach agus spéisiúil ar shaothar agus ar shaol Joe Éinniú. "Is cúis mhór áthais domsa go mbeidh an t-ábhar seo lonnaithe i gCartlann Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim i gCarna, baile dúchais Joe féin, agus go mbeidh sé ar fáil do phobal na dúiche gar go bhaile," a deir Máire. Cuirfear an t-ábhar úr seo i dtaisce le cnuasach cuimsitheach ábhair ar Joe Éinniú atá i seilbh an Árais i gCarna cheana. Áirítear ar an ábhar atá sa chartlann i gCarna cheana féin cartlann cheoil agus amhrán a cuireadh i dtoll a chéile in Ollscoil Washington i Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá, áit ar chaith Joe tréimhse mar léachtóir ar chultúr agus ar cheol dúchais na hÉireann. Bhásaigh Joe i Seattle i 1984. Bhronn Coiste Reáchtála Fhéile Joe Éinniú, faoi stiúir Mhíchíl Uí Chuaig, an chartlann seo ar Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim, OÉ Gaillimh ar mhaithe leis an ábhar a bheith ar fáil do phobal na háite agus do scoláirí Éireannacha. "Is cúis mhór áthais dúinn an t-ábhar luachmhar seo a bheith á bhronnadh orainn agus tá muid go mór faoi chomaoin ag Máire as an mbeart fíorfhlaithiúil seo," a deir Riarthóir an Árais Séamas Ó Concheanainn. "Beidh an bailiúchán uile a bheas idir lámha ag an Áras ar Joe Éinniú á dhigitiú agus á chur ar fáil i mbealaí a bheas áisiúil do phobal na háite agus do spriocphobail Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge agus Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh". -Críoch-

Almost 3,000 prospective students and their parents visited NUI Galway's campus for the Spring Open Day on Saturday, 25 April. A massive Open Day marquee housed a full range of subject-specific exhibition stands where information was provided by lecturers and students on programmes and subjects. There was also information on practical issues such as university accommodation, scholarships, and general support services available to students. Student ambassadors were on hand to assist with all queries about student life at NUI Galway. A programme of taster sessions ran throughout the day, designed to give a real insight in to university life, including Student Life and the Focus on your Career talks. Current NUI Galway students were also available to discuss the vibrant societies and sports clubs on campus, and the University's unique volunteering programme ALIVE. Caroline Loughnane, organiser of NUI Galway s Spring Open Day, said: "With an increase of almost double the national average for first preferences in CAO applications, we have continuous requests for information from prospective students. The University's first Spring Open Day provided all information first hand, from our lecturers and current students, and was a huge success". The range of courses available at NUI Galway is vast and varied and many are unique to the University. A new B.E. in Energy Systems Engineering is now on offer in response to the identification of Ireland s future energy needs as a national priority. The four-year honours degree will have its first intake in September and will produce professional accredited engineers, qualified to drive the emerging energy related industries. Engineering Innovation - Electronic is also in its first year and will provide graduates with specialised multi-disciplinary skills to start their own business, centered on the development of innovative, niche, market-led, electronic products. The Sports and Exercise Engineering degree is in its second year of accepting applicants and is the first of its kind available in Ireland. With a radical departure from traditional Arts degrees, BA CONNECT offers seven four-year degrees designed to increase the employability of graduates by developing distinctive skills and creating connections with life beyond the campus. At present, NUI Galway is the only Irish university offering a denominated degree in marine science and it now has the highest concentration of marine scientists of any institution in Ireland. This degree also offers training on board national training vessels in the third year of study. NUI Galway offers the only Podiatry degree in the Republic of Ireland. Podiatry is a healthcare profession that specialises in the management of disease and disorder of the foot, angle, knee, leg and hip. Throughout the Open Day, tours of the campus gave an insight into university life and the top class facilities offered at NUI Galway, including the brand new €22 million Sports Complex. The Centre s facilities include an international standard swimming pool, a national league basketball arena, 100 piece cardiovascular gym, an elite training gym for professional athletes and a climbing wall. -Ends-

The role played by NUI Galway in training a new generation of ocean leaders, diplomats and lawyers was highlighted at an international meeting of Law of the Sea Alumni in Tokyo. This training is carried out under the auspices of the United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme which aims to promote capacity building in law of the sea and ocean affairs for mid-career professionals from developing countries. Since 2004 the programme has trained 50 government officials from 41 countries by collaborating with 38 prestigious universities worldwide with expertise in the field of oceans law. NUI Galway has participated in the programme since its inauguration and has hosted career diplomats from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh, Mozambique and Myanmar over a three year period. On completion of their training in NUI Galway under the supervision of Dr Ronán Long at the University's School of Law, the research fellows undertake advanced training at the United Nations Legal Division in New York prior to returning to their government posts. The primary purpose of the Tokyo meeting was to share experience regarding the training programme as well as to review international best practice on the implementation of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The meeting was hosted by the Nippon Foundation of Japan and co-organised by the Ocean Policy and Research Foundation with briefings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and at Tokyo University. The meeting was opened by the Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, Mr Yohei Sasakawa, who shared his vision for greater international collaboration to ensure the peaceful and sustainable use of the oceans. In his address the Chairman underlined the importance his foundation placed on the training and education of a future generation of ocean leaders capable of addressing the pressing challenges faced in the ocean environment. This was followed by detailed briefings on the current law and policy challenges faced in the region including piracy, continental shelf delimitation, fisheries and coastal zone management. The new Director of the Ocean Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Koichi Ai, addressed the group on Japanese foreign policy concerning the oceans and placed special emphasis on the key role played by the participating educational institutes in the fellowship programme. The group received an in-depth briefing from the Executive Director of the Ocean Policy and Research Foundation, Mr Hiroshi Terashima, on the innovative and pragmatic approach taken by Japan in formulating the recently enacted Basic Act on Ocean Policy. Former Assistant Director-General of the FAO and eminent scholar Professor Emeritus Moritaka Hayashi provided an overview of the progress made by Japan in implementing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Dr Ronán Long from the School of Law at NUI Galway briefed the group on recent developments in European law and policy and reaffirmed Ireland's commitment to the next phase of professional development of the young diplomats through the establishment of a network of legal experts for the Asia Pacific region. The four days of meetings concluded with the participants from 15 countries agreeing a plan of action aimed at enhancing international cooperation on critical ocean law issues in the Asia Pacific Ocean region. -ends-

(Leagan Gaeilge) NUI Galway will hold an Open Day for students considering applying or those who have already applied to NUI Galway, and for their parents or guardians. The event will be held on Saturday, 25 April, from 10am to 3pm at the NUI Galway Campus. A unique Open Day marquee will house a full range of subject-specific exhibition stands where information will be provided by lecturers and students on programmes and subjects, as well as practical issues such as university accommodation, scholarships, and general support services available to students. Student ambassadors will also be on hand to assist all queries about student life at NUI Galway. A programme of taster sessions will also run throughout the day, designed to give a real insight in to university life, including interactive demos with the latest gadgets including X-boxes and Lego Mindstorm kits to becoming a stock market trader on NUI Galway's virtual stock market. Also highly recommended is the 'Student Life Talk' and the 'Focus on your Career Talk'. Caroline Loughnane, organiser of NUI Galway's Spring Open Day, emphasised the crucial role played by parents in helping students choose what to study at third-level: "Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions a student will ever make. We recognise the key role that parents play in supporting students as they take this important next step, and are keen to ensure that access is available to all of the information needed to support sons and daughters through their university career. This event is an excellent opportunity to speak to lecturers and current students and to find out more about the courses and campus". The range of courses available at NUI Galway is vast and varied and many are unique to the University. A new B.E. in Energy Systems Engineering is now on offer in response to the identification of Ireland s future energy needs as a national priority. The four-year honours degree will have its first intake in September and will produce professional accredited engineers, qualified to drive the emerging energy related industries. Engineering Innovation – Electronic is also in its first year and will provide graduates with specialised multi-disciplinary skills to start their own business, centered on the development of innovative, niche, market-led, electronic products. The Sports and Exercise Engineering degree is in its second year of accepting applicants and is the first of its kind available in Ireland. With a radical departure from traditional Arts degrees, BA CONNECT offers seven four-year degrees designed to increase the employability of graduates by developing distinctive skills and creating connections with life beyond the campus. At present, NUI Galway is the only Irish university offering a denominated degree in marine science and it now has the highest concentration of marine scientists of any institution in Ireland. This degree also offers training on board national training vessels in the third year of study. Podiatry is a healthcare profession that specialises in the management of disease and disorder of the foot, angle, knee, leg and hip. The only such course available in the Republic of Ireland, Podiatry as a career can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling and can give immense job satisfaction. Tours of the campus on the day will give an insight in to university life, and the top class facilities offered at NUI Galway, including the brand new € 22 million Sports Complex. The Centre's facilities include an international standard swimming pool, a national league basketball arena, 100 piece cardiovascular gym, an elite training gym for professional athletes and a climbing wall. If you would like to learn more, visitors can book a place at the Open Day and receive a programme in advance by logging on to www.nuigalway.ie/openday. For further information contact 091 493664 or email visit@nuigalway.ie Fáilte roimh thuismitheoirí ag Lá Oscailte OÉ Gaillimh (View in English) Beidh Lá Oscailte ar siúl in OÉ Gaillimh do dhaltaí a rinne iarratas nó ar mian leo iarratas a dhéanamh ar áit in OÉ Gaillimh agus beidh fáilte roimh a dtuismitheoirí nó a gcaomhnóirí. Beidh sé ar siúl Dé Sathairn, an 25 Aibreán, idir 10am agus 3pm ar champas na hOllscoile. Beidh ollphuball ann don lá agus seastáin do gach ábhar. Tabharfaidh léachtóirí agus mic léinn eolas ar na cláir agus ábhair éagsúla chomh maith le heolas eile cosúil le lóistín, scoláireachtaí agus seirbhísí ginearálta tacaíochta atá ar fáil do mhic léinn. Beidh mic léinn ar fáil chomh maith chun ceisteanna a fhreagairt faoi shaol an mhic léinn in OÉ Gaillimh. Ar feadh an lae, beidh blaiseadh le fáil de chláir éagsúla, agus léargas le fáil ar shaol na hollscoile trí thaispeántais idirghníomhacha de na giúirléidí is nuaí ar nós X-box agus Lego Mindstorm agus eolas maidir le bheith i do thrádálaí ar stocmhargadh fíorúil OÉ Gaillimh. Moltar freastal ar na cainteanna faoi shaol an mhic léinn agus faoi ghairmeacha beatha. Chuir Caroline Loughnane, an té a d'eagraigh Lá Oscailte an Earraigh, béim ar an ról lárnach atá ag tuismitheoirí cuidiú le daltaí ábhar a roghnú sa tríú leibhéal: "Ceann de na roghanna is tábhachtaí a dhéanfaidh dalta ar bith ná ollscoil a roghnú. Tuigimid an ról atá ag tuismitheoirí cuidiú le daltaí agus iad ag tógáil na céime seo, agus táimid ag iarraidh a chinntiú go bhfuil fáil ar an eolas ar fad a theastaíonn chun tacú le do mhac nó d'iníon agus é/í ar an ollscoil. Is iontach an deis í seo le labhairt le léachtóirí agus le mic léinn agus níos mó eolais a fháil faoi chúrsaí agus faoin gcampas". Is iomaí cúrsa éagsúil atá ar fáil in OÉ Gaillimh, go deimhin níl cuid de na cúrsaí ar fáil in aon Ollscoil eile. Tá B.E. nua in Innealtóireacht Córas Fuinnimh á chur ar fáil ag OÉ Gaillimh de thairbhe go n-aithnítear gur tosaíocht náisiúnta riachtanais fuinnimh na hÉireann san am atá le teacht. Glacfar leis na chéad mhic léinn ar an gcéim onóracha ceithre bliana i mí Mheán Fómhair agus cuirfidh an cúrsa innealtóirí creidiúnaithe gairmiúla ar fáil a bheidh cáilithe le tionscail fuinnimh atá ag teacht chun cinn a dhreasú. Tá Nuálaíocht Innealtóireachta – Leictreonach ar fáil den chéad uair agus é mar aidhm leis sainscileanna ildisciplíneacha a thabhairt do chéimithe le cur ar a gcumas tús a chur lena ngnó féin; gnóthaí a bheidh dírithe ar tháirgí nuálaíochta, nideoige, táirgí faoi chinnireacht an mhargaidh, agus táirgí leictreonacha a fhorbairt. Is í seo an dara bliain a bhfuiltear ag glacadh le hiarratasóirí ar an gcéim cheannródaíoch Spóirt agus Innealtóireachta Aclaíochta. Fearacht gnáthchéimeanna sna Dána, tá seacht gcéim cheithre bliana in BA CONNECT a fheabhsóidh infhostaitheacht na gcéimithe trí scileanna a fhorbairt agus naisc a chruthú taobh amuigh den champas. Faoi láthair, is í OÉ Gaillimh an t-aon ollscoil in Éirinn a bhfuil céim ainmnithe aici sa mhuireolaíocht agus is san institiúid seo is mó atá eolaithe mara le fáil. Sa tríú bliain den chúrsa tugtar deis do na mic léinn oiliúint a fháil ar bord bhád náisiúnta oiliúna. Gairm í an chosliacht a dhíríonn ar ghalair agus ar neamhoird sa chos, rúitín, glúin agus corróg. Níl an cúrsa seo le fáil in aon áit eile sa Phoblacht agus bíonn an-sásamh le fáil as post mar choslia. Gheobhaidh daltaí léargas ar shaol na hollscoile trí dhul ar thuras mórthimpeall an champais ar an lá, mar aon le léargas ar na háiseanna atá ar fáil in OÉ Gaillimh lena n-áirítear an tIonad Spóirt a chosain €22 milliún. Tá linn snámha ar chaighdeán idirnáisiúnta, cúirt cispheile sraith náisiúnta, giomnáisiam cardashoithíoch le 100 píosa trealamh, giomnáisiam traenála den scoth do lúthchleasaithe gairmiúla agus balla dreapadóireachta le fáil san Ionad. Má tá tuilleadh eolais uait, is féidir áit a chur in áirithe ag an Lá Oscailte agus clár a fháil roimh ré ach dul chuig www.nuigalway.ie/openday. Glaoigh ar 091 493664 nó seol ríomhphost chuig visit@nuigalway.ie chun eolas breise a fháil. -Críoch-

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr Eamon Ryan, T.D., made his first visit to NUI Galway yesterday, where he was welcomed to the Environmental Change Institute (ECI) by its Director, Professor Gerard Jennings. Researchers from the ECI's Energy, Environmental Technology and Environmental Informatics areas provided an overview to the Minister of active and ongoing research projects which are funding the next generation of 4th level environmental graduates. According to Professor Jennings, "Galway and the Western Region is an ideal location to conduct research on environmental and climate change to allow base-line studies to be performed on major global issues such as transboundary air pollution". Minister Ryan emphasised to environmental researchers the importance of making their research relevant by "taking it out into the real world through enterprise-led opportunities and patents but not just for the sake of strengthening the economy but for valid and sound environmental reasons". The 40 minute session with academic researchers was followed by a one-hour Question and Answer Session with the Minister chaired by the ECI's Development Manager, Dr Martina Prendergast. The session attracted over 80 key partners from local industry, business, local authorities, city council officials and representatives from national agencies such as Teagasc. Dr Martina Prendergast also welcomed the announcement by ESB of a series of initiatives to create and sustain up to 3,700 jobs in the new green economy. She stated that: "The majority of the jobs will be created in the areas of Smart Networks, Smart Metering, Electric Vehicles, Wind Energy and new Environmental Technologies. Such initiatives will require skilled graduates in areas such as Environmental Engineering. "According to an announcement by Minister Ryan at this session, "Ireland is in the top 3 or 4 countries in the world that can deliver initiatives such as Smart Grid Technologies, Cleaner Greener Energy, and Energy Efficiency". -Ends-

SPIE, the international optics and photonics society, is to honour Thomas Glynn of the School of Physics, NUI Galway as Fellow of the Society for his achievements in laser materials processing and optics education. SPIE will honour 59 new Fellows of the Society this year. Fellows are members of distinction who have made significant scientific and technical contributions in the multidisciplinary fields of optics, photonics, and imaging. They are honoured for their technical achievement, for their service to the general optics community, and to SPIE in particular. More than 600 SPIE members have become Fellows since the Society's inception in 1955. "The annual recognition of Fellows provides an opportunity for us to acknowledge outstanding members for their service to the general optics community," says María Yzuel, SPIE President. Professor Glynn's research centres on the optical properties of materials, and throughout his career, he has made numerous contributions to studies of the optical properties of a wide range of materials, to the applications of laser systems in materials processing, and to optics education. Just as important is his work in optics education and its broader dissemination of the principles and applications of photonics. Glynn is an active member of SPIE. He was elected to the SPIE Board of Directors for the term 2005-2007. He also was an organizer and chair of the Lasers & Optical Engineering conference (1997), and of the SPIE OPTO-Ireland regional conference (2002), both held in Galway. President of NUI Galway, Dr James J Browne, said: "It is a well deserved honour which reflects on the work of Professor Glynn, on the success of the National Centre for Laser Application (NCLA), the School of Physics and indeed on NUI Galway". -ends-

(Leagan Gaeilge) RTÉ's television programme Nationwide, presented by Mary Kennedy, is to feature a special on NUI Galway. The show will broadcast on Monday, 20 April at 7.00pm. To view the Nationwide programme please visit www.rte.ie/news/nationwide NUI Galway graduates have played a pivotal role historically in all areas of the development of Galway, including the arts, industry and commerce. Established in 1845 as Queen s College Galway, NUI Galway is one of Ireland s foremost centres of academic excellence. With over 16,000 students, it has a long established reputation of teaching and research excellence in each of its colleges. Nationwide speaks to the current President, Dr James J. Browne, about the significance of the economic impact NUI Galway has both in the west of Ireland and nationally. Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, Professor of History at NUI Galway also speaks about the foundation of the University in Galway and how it has changed over the years. Professor Pat Dolan of the Child and Family Research Centre in the University's School of Political Science and Sociology talks about his recent appointment as the UNESCO Chair for Children, Youth and Civic Engagement, the first of its kind in Ireland. One of the areas which is already enhancing students and communities lives is NUI Galway's Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) and second year Irish and Philosophy student Orla Murphy from County Clare speaks about her experiences of being involved in the popular student volunteer programme ALIVE. RTÉ's Marine correspondent Tom McSweeney visits the Martin Ryan Institute and discovers what we can learn from deep-sea species, while Mary Kennedy is joined by Professor Vincent O'Flaherty, Director of the newly established Energy Research Centre. Clár Speisialta Nationwide ar RTÉ le díriú ar OÉ Gaillimh (View in English) Beidh deis ag pobal na tíre léargas a fháil ar chuid den obair iontach atá ar bun in OÉ Gaillimh ar chlár speisialta Nationwide a chuirfidh Mary Kennedy i láthair ar RTÉ. Craolfar an clár speisialta seo Dé Luain, an 20 Aibreán ag 7.00pm. Is léir go bhfuil an-bhaint ag céimithe OÉ Gaillimh le forbairt na Gaillimhe le blianta fada anuas, forbairt i réimsí éagsúla cosúil leis na healaíona, tionscal agus tráchtáil. Tá OÉ Gaillimh, a bunaíodh mar Choláiste na Banríona Gaillimh in 1845, ar cheann de phríomhionaid feabhais acadúil na hÉireann. Tá os cionn 16,000 mac léinn ag freastal ar an ollscoil agus cáil uirthi le fada an lá mar gheall ar a feabhas teagaisc agus taighde i ngach coláiste laistigh den ollscoil. Beidh Uachtarán na hOllscoile, an Dr James J. Browne, le feiceáil ar an gclár agus é ag trácht ar an tionchar eacnamaíoch atá ag OÉ Gaillimh ar iarthar na hÉireann agus ar an tír trí chéile ar an gclár speisialta seo de Nationwide. Labhróidh Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, Ollamh le Stair in OÉ Gaillimh faoi bhunú na hOllscoile i nGaillimh agus an t-athrú atá tagtha ar an ollscoil in imeacht na mblianta. Labhróidh an tOllamh Pat Dolan ón Ionad Taighde um Leanaí agus Teaghlaigh, a bunaíodh mar chuid de Scoil na hEolaíochta Polaitiúla agus Socheolaíochta san Ollscoil, faoina cheapachán nua mar Chathaoir UNESCO le Leanaí, Óige agus Comhpháirteachas Poiblí, an chéad cheapachán dá leithéid in Éirinn. Tionscnamh amháin atá ag cur go mór le saol na mac léinn agus le saol an phobail é Tionscnamh Eolais Phobail (CKI) OÉ Gaillimh agus labhróidh Orla Murphy, mac léinn Gaeilge agus Fealsúnachta dara bliana ó Chontae an Chláir faoina taithí féin ar ALIVE – clár obair dheonach na mac léinn. Tabharfaidh comhfhreagraí mara RTÉ, Tom McSweeney, cuairt ar Institiúid Mháirtín Uí Riain chun léargas a fháil ar an méid atá le foghlaim againn ó speicis domhainfharraige. Déanfaidh Mary Kennedy dreas cainte leis an Ollamh Vincent O'Flaherty, Stiúrthóir an Ionaid Taighde um Fhuinneamh a bunaíodh le déanaí. Críoch

NUI Galway lecturer, Dr Patrick Lonergan has won the STR Theatre Book Prize for Theatre and Globalisation – Irish Drama in the Celtic Tiger Era published by Palgrave Macmillan. The winner was announced yesterday by the actor, dramatist and director Steven Berkoff in Drury Lane Theatre, London. Speaking at the announcement, Kate Newey, a member of the judging panel, said: "We were all quite surprised at our nomination of Patrick Lonergan s Theatre and Globalisation for the short list. Each of us recounted how we picked it up, expecting difficult concepts, expressed in the highly technical language of economics and political theory, and with not much to speak to us as working theatre practitioners or scholars, only to find that each of us was gripped by the book. For me, it spoke to so much of what is current in theatre as an industry; and indeed, reinforces what I say as a theatre historian - that the theatre always has been a globalised international industry. Lonergan discusses the ways in which Irish theatre is a text-book example of an apparently unique national culture, marketed internationally. He introduces sophisticated ideas, with clarity and humour, and identifies the ways in which all of us think about the global and the local at the same time". Dr Lonergan's book will be launched formally on Friday, 17 April when NUI Galway will host the sixth annual conference of the Irish Theatrical Diaspora Project. Entitled 'Irish Drama: Local and Global Contexts', the conference will consider many important questions, from how Irish writers have responded to the challenges of globalisation, to what kinds of images of Ireland are being promoted abroad by our theatre companies - and how those images shape international attitudes to real Irish people. Speakers from Ireland, the UK, the US, France, and Austria will present papers on Irish theatre companies such as Druid, Charabanc, and Blue Raincoat – and on writers like Brian Friel and Samuel Beckett. Speakers will also explore Irish theatre in Britain, the status of theatre from Northern Ireland internationally, the production of plays by Martin McDonagh in Germany, community theatre in Belfast, the recent Roddy Doyle/Bisi Adigun adaptation of The Playboy of the Western World, and many other topics. Playwrights Ursula Rani Sarma and Elizabeth Kuti will also be present, to discuss their experiences of producing work in Ireland and abroad. Organiser and author of the winning STR Theatre Book Prize, Dr Patrick Lonergan, said: "I am truly honoured to be named the STR Theatre Book Prize winner and I look forward to its launch at the Irish Theatre conference in NUI Galway next week. I hope that this conference will be wide-ranging, provocative, and stimulating - and that it will help us to shed new light on the relationship of Irish theatre to the world stage". The conference is being held as part of a joint Trinity College Dublin/NUI Galway research project on Irish Theatre since 1975. The project is funded by the Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS), and runs until 2010. It is operated under the joint direction of Professor Nicholas Grene of TCD and Dr Patrick Lonergan NUI Galway. The event is free and open to the public; however, registration is required online at www.irishtheatricaldiaspora.org/ For further information, please contact Patrick Lonergan, 091 495609 Patrick.lonergan@nuigalway.ie -ends-

(Leagan Gaeilge) NUI Galway is to offer a new B.E. in Energy Systems Engineering in response to the identification of Ireland's future energy needs as a national priority. The new four-year honours degree will have its first intake in September and will produce professional accredited engineers, qualified to drive the emerging energy related industries. Graduates of the programme will be multidisciplinary engineers equipped to solve problems across the whole spectrum of energy systems. The new degree programme can be applied for in the coming months through the CAO as change of mind option. The current National Development Plan and Programme for Government have placed a strong focus addressing energy issues. Additionally, the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation listed energy as a research priority. Most recently, draft building regulations for new homes have been published, which include a mandatory minimum renewable energy requirement. Professor Padraic O Donoghue, Dean of Engineering and Informatics at NUI Galway, commented on the new course: "A major expansion of energy related industries is emerging in Ireland to meet market demand and respond to national agendas. If Ireland is really to progress on energy issues, it needs many more graduates than are currently being produced who are trained specifically in energy related disciplines. This is crucial so that renewable energy technologies and industries can be optimised for domestic and international markets". Dr James J. Browne, President of NUI Galway and President of Engineers Ireland, commented on the new course: "NUI Galway is well positioned to deliver such an engineering programme in energy, as it has a strong range of all relevant engineering disciplines within its College of Engineering and Informatics. The new Engineering Building on campus, due for completion in 2011, incorporates many sustainable energy and environmentally friendly features. In itself, the building will provide a real-life experimental environment for students of the new programme". The Energy Systems Engineering programme will incorporate aspects of traditional civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, with emphasis on energy policy, economics, environmental issues and a strong focus on informatics. The programme will include a range of additional optional modules which will provide students with maximum flexibility to choose from diverse career paths. The multidisciplinary programme will culminate in integrated design projects that address the sourcing, conversion and utilisation of energy. -ends- (View in English) Beidh B.E. nua in Innealtóireacht Córas Fuinnimh á chur ar fáil ag OÉ Gaillimh de thairbhe go n-aithnítear gur tosaíocht náisiúnta riachtanais fuinnimh na hÉireann san am atá le teacht. Glacfar leis na chéad mhic léinn ar an gcéim onóracha ceithre bliana i mí Mheán Fómhair agus cuirfidh an cúrsa innealtóirí creidiúnaithe gairmiúla ar fáil a bheidh cáilithe le tionscail fuinnimh atá ag teacht chun cinn a dhreasú. Is innealtóirí ildisciplíneacha a bheidh i gcéimithe an chláir a mbeidh na scileanna cuí acu le fadhbanna a bhaineann leis na córais fuinnimh ar fad a réiteach. Is féidir iarratas a dhéanamh ar an gcéim nua as seo go ceann cúpla mí trí rogha an CAO do dhaltaí a athraíonn a n-intinn. Tá béim ar leith curtha sa Phlean Forbartha Náisiúnta agus sa Chlár Comhaontaithe don Rialtas ar aghaidh a thabhairt ar cheisteanna fuinnimh. Chomh maith leis sin tá fuinneamh ar cheann de na tosaíochtaí taighde atá luaite sa Straitéis Eolaíochta, Teicneolaíochta agus Nuálaíochta. Le fíordhéanaí chomh maith foilsíodh dréachtrialacháin foirgníochta do thithe nua ina bhfuil ceanglas éigeantach a bhaineann le híosmhéid fuinnimh in-athnuaite. Mheabhraigh an tOllamh Padraic O'Donoghue, Déan na hInnealtóireachta agus na Faisnéisíochta in OÉ Gaillimh an méid seo faoin gcúrsa nua: "Tá méadú mór ag teacht ar an líon tionscal fuinnimh atá ag teacht chun cinn in Éirinn le freastal ar an éileamh ón margadh agus mar fhreagra ar chláir náisiúnta oibre. Chun go n-éireoidh le hÉirinn fíordhul chun cinn a dhéanamh maidir le ceisteanna fuinnimh, tá i bhfad níos mó céimithe de dhíth a bhfuil sainoiliúint orthu i ndisciplíní fuinnimh ná mar atá á gcáiliú faoi láthair. Tá seo ríthábhachtach chun go bhféadfar an leas is fearr a bhaint as teicneolaíochtaí agus as tionscail fuinnimh in-athnuaite do mhargaí náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta." Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Dr James J. Browne, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh agus Uachtarán Innealtóirí Éireann faoin gcúrsa nua: "Tá OÉ Gaillimh breá ábalta clár innealtóireachta fuinnimh den sórt seo a sholáthar, mar tá réimse leathan de na disciplíní ábhartha innealtóireachta le fáil laistigh den Choláiste Innealtóireachta agus Faisnéisíochta. Tá go leor gnéithe a bhaineann le fuinneamh inmharthana agus atá neamhdhíobhálach don timpeallacht ag baint leis an bhFoirgneamh Innealtóireachta nua ar an gcampas atá le críochnú in 2011. Cuirfidh an foirgneamh féin timpeallacht thurgnamhach fhíorúil ar fáil do mhic léinn an chláir nua." Beidh tréithe traidisiúnta de chuid na hinnealtóireachta sibhialta, leictrí agus meicniúla ina gcuid den chlár Innealtóireachta Córas Fuinnimh; cuirfear béim chomh maith ar bheartas fuinnimh, ar an eacnamaíocht agus ar cheisteanna comhshaoil agus díreofar go háirithe ar an bhfaisnéisíocht. Beidh modúil roghnacha bhreise le fáil ar an gclár a thabharfaidh deis do mhic léinn an tslí bheatha is mian leo a roghnú. Beidh tionscadail chomhtháite dearaidh a thabharfaidh faoi fhuinneamh a aimsiú, a aistriú agus a úsáid mar thoradh ar an gclár ildisciplíneach. -críoch-

Some 95 primary school children who received introductory Italian language classes taught by NUI Galway students were awarded certificates at a recent 'Italian Day' on campus. The six-week Italian course was delivered in schools in Galway city by a group final year Arts students as part of a 'service-learning' programme under the umbrella of the University's Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI). In excess of 25 degree programmers offer service-learning modules at the University and aim to enhance partnership with the wider community. Service-learning allows students practical learning opportunities which also benefit the community. The primary schools involved in the programme were: St Nicholas National School, Claddagh; Scoil an Linbh Íosa, St Francis Street; and Galway Educate Together National School, Newcastle. None of the children had any previous knowledge of Italian and for many it was their first experience learning a continental European language, so the aim was on language teaching through fun and games. Dr Anne O'Connor of the Italian Department at NUI Galway, who coordinated the project, commented on the success of the service-learning programme, "This is an innovative way of providing exposure to modern languages in primary schools at no extra cost to the school involved with benefits for all parties. The University students benefit by getting involved in community and gaining practical teaching experience. Primary school children benefit from increased exposure to modern languages so that when they progress to second level, they will not be daunted by the prospect of learning a new language". -ends-

Secondary school students representing all the Provinces of Ireland participated in the final of the Debating Science Issues (DSI) competition on Thursday, 2 April, at the Science Gallery in Trinity College Dublin. Students from St Mary's Secondary School in Macroom, Co. Cork emerged as the All-Ireland winners. Funded by the Wellcome Trust, the debating competition is coordinated by NUI Galway's Regenerative Medicine Institute REMEDI, a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), in conjunction with science research and discovery centres throughout Ireland. The All-Ireland final involved students debating the motion that 'Opposing evidence-based theories such as evolution damages all science'. Other national finalists included St Dominic's High School, Santa Sabina, Sutton, Co. Dublin, Belfast High School, Belfast City, and St Attracta's Community School, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo. DSI is a dynamic debating competition, which invites young people to engage in debate on the cultural, societal and ethical implications of advances in biomedical science. Open to students in the senior cycle of secondary school, the competition provides a great opportunity for students to expand their communication and scientific skills. Debates in the national finals involved students defending their arguments on the scientific and ethical implications of both embryonic stem cell research and evolution theory. This All-Ireland competition is unique in involving a number of research centres and secondary schools from both the Republic and Northern Ireland; REMEDI, NUI Galway; Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre and TYNDALL Institute, UCC; Biomedical Diagnostics Institute, DCU; Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin and W5 in Belfast. Judges on the day included Lorcan O'Raghallaigh of Discover Science and Engineering; Dr John Denari of IRCSET; Bridget Kelly of CLARITY, UCD; Tom Ziessen, Public Engagement advisor of the Wellcome Trust; Dr Annie Curtis of SFI; Greg Smith of NUI Maynooth; Emily de Grae of the Irish Council for Bioethics; Dr Jennifer Ralph from SFI and Dr Charlotte Holland of DCU. Dr Annie Curtis, Scientific Programme Manager, SFI, commented: "This debate competition is an excellent example of the education and outreach programmes being carried out by the SFI CSETs. This collaborative approach to education and outreach is key to encouraging young people to consider career opportunities in science and engineering. It is important that we attract young people into careers in science and engineering as Ireland's future economic success is dependent on having this highly skilled workforce". Professor Frank Barry, Scientific Director of REMEDI at NUI Galway: "We hope that this collaborative outreach competition will be a useful tool in facilitating increased awareness of the important research taking place in Ireland among young people and the Irish public in general. It is imperative, however, that this is not one-way traffic. While it is important for research centres to communicate to the public, it is equally important for us, as scientists, to listen to what the public, including young people, think of our work. At a time when scientific research itself is taking so many different directions, it is critical that we open the doors for discussion so that we can ensure that everyone has their say on the societal and ethical implications of biomedical research". -Ends-

(Leagan Gaeilge) NUI Galway invites members of the public to a Science Research Day on campus on Monday, 20 April. Academics and researchers from the College of Science at NUI Galway will present their latest research in a series of short presentations throughout the day, from 9am to 5.30pm in room IT 125 of the IT Building. The event will showcase some of the cutting edge research being carried out by scientists across several diverse disciplines from chemical, mathematical and physical sciences to the biological sciences. Dr Fawaz Aldabbagh, Vice-Dean of Research, College of Science, NUI Galway, comments: "This is a special day in the University calendar, as scientists across all disciplines in our College will get together to present and debate their research in a forum that is open to the public. Talks will be topical and aimed at a lay-audience. The variety of topics to be discussed will include climate change, marine science, fighting cancer, evolution, genetics and stem cell research. Many of our scientists are leaders in their field and world-renowned. We welcome local industry and the general public to participate in this event". While presentations will take place in the IT Building, a simultaneous Postgraduate Poster Competition will be held in the foyer of the Orbsen Building. For further details and a running order of presentations, check the College of Science website www.nuigalway.ie/science/news or contact Claire Mitchell on 091 493700. Lá Taighde á reáchtáil ag Coláiste na hEolaíochta in OÉ Gaillimh don Phobal (View in English) Ba bhreá le OÉ Gaillimh dá mbeadh an pobal in ann freastal ar Lá Taighde Eolaíochta a bheidh ar siúl ar an gcampas Dé Luain, 20 Aibreán. Tabharfaidh idir lucht acadúil agus thaighdeoirí ó Choláiste na hEolaíochta in OÉ Gaillimh léargas ar an taighde is déanaí atá ar bun acu i bhfoirm láithreoireachtaí gairide a bheidh ar siúl idir 9am agus 5.30pm i seomra IT 125 san Fhoirgneamh IT. Tabharfar léargas don phobal ar an taighde ceannródaíoch atá ar bun ag eolaithe sna disciplíní éagsúla lena n-áirítear eolaíocht cheimiciúil, eolaíocht mhatamaiticiúil, eolaíocht fhisiceach agus eolaíocht bhitheolaíoch. Bhí an méid seo le rá ag an Dr Fawaz Aldabbagh, Leas-Uachtarán um Thaighde, Coláiste na hEolaíochta, OÉ Gaillimh: "Lá speisialta é seo i bhféilire na hOllscoile mar go dtugann sé deis d'eolaithe as na disciplíní ar fad sa Choláiste teacht le chéile chun an taighde atá ar bun acu a chur i láthair agus a phlé i bhfóram atá oscailte don phobal freisin. Ábhar iontach suimiúil a bheidh dírithe ar an bpobal a bheidh faoi chaibidil i gcaitheamh an lae. I measc na n-ábhar a bheidh faoi chaibidil beidh athrú aeráide, eolaíocht mhuirí, dul i ngleic le hailse, éabhlóid, géineolaíocht agus taighde gascheall. Is ceannródaithe ina réimse saineolais féin iad go leor dár n-eolaithe a bhfuil cáil dhomhanda bainte amach acu dóibh féin. Tá fáilte roimh lucht tionscail agus roimh an bpobal páirt a ghlacadh san imeacht seo". Cé go mbeidh na láithreoireachtaí ar siúl san Fhoirgneamh IT, beidh Comórtas Póstaer Iarchéime ar siúl san fhorhalla in Áras Oirbsean. Má theastaíonn tuilleadh eolais agus clár na n-imeachtaí uait, breathnaigh ar láithreán gréasáin Choláiste na hEolaíochta ag www.nuigalway.ie/science/news nó glaoigh ar Claire Mitchell ag 091 493700. -Críoch-

State Pathologist, Professor Marie Cassidy, will open Ireland's first conference to examine the link between forensic science and human rights on Friday, April 24 at NUI Galway. During the two-day conference, experts on war crimes, sexual violence, human identification and forensic investigations will draw on examples from countries including Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Burma. Entitled 'Human Rights and Forensic Science', the conference aims to explore the current and future applications of various disciplines of forensic science to the field of human rights. Taking an interdisciplinary approach speakers come from a wide range of backgrounds including law, medicine, science and human rights. The event is being co-hosted by NUI Galway's Irish Centre for Human Rights and the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification at the University of Dundee. Delegates will be addressed by a range of notable speakers and scholars in addition to State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy. There will be presentations by forensic anthropologist Professor Sue Black, head of the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification at the University of Dundee, and Professor William Schabas, Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway. Commenting on the upcoming event, Dr Ray Murphy, of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, said: "The investigation of war crimes and large scale violations of human rights poses significant challenges when compared to ordinary criminal investigations. Analysis of crime base evidence and human remains is a key component in such investigations. Linking remote perpetrators to specific crimes and crime scenes requires a multidisciplinary approach involving forensic science, anthropology, and law. International experts attending this conference will provide a unique insight into the role that each discipline plays in the investigation of atrocities". The Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway supports the study and promotion of human rights and humanitarian law at undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral level. Since its establishment in January 2000, the Centre has developed a global reputation for excellence in the field of human rights teaching, research and advocacy. The Centre of Anatomy and Human Identification is part of the internationally acclaimed School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee. The unit is the most experienced in the UK regarding human identification, forensic anthropology, facial identification and the study of the human body. 'Human Rights and Forensic Science' will be of interest to law enforcement, medical and legal professionals, as well as those with an interest in human rights. For further information or to book a place contact the organisers Ms Éadaoin O'Brien e.obrien9@nuigalway.ie or Ms Niamh Hayes niamh1@gmail.com at the Irish Centre for Human Rights. Alternatively online registration is available at www.conference.ie. -ends-

(Leagan Gaeilge) Former President of Ireland, Dr Mary Robinson will today (Friday, 3 April) launch a new Centre for Disability Law and Policy at NUI Galway. The Centre is one of the first of its type in Europe and it is timely given the recent adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which Ireland has signed. The primary purpose of the new Centre is to conduct research on best international practice to assist in the ongoing process of reform taking place here in Ireland and throughout the world. The launch will be followed by a Round Table discussion composed of a panel of distinguished international experts from China, the USA, Hungary, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the European Commission. The experts will discuss the current global challenges in the field of disability followed by commentary from Irish specialists. The advancement of the rights of persons with disabilities was one of the hallmarks of Dr Robinson's presidency and she also played a major role, in her capacity as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, in initiating the new UN Convention. According to Dr Robinson: "The Centre for Disability Law and Policy represents the best a university can offer in a democratic society by placing its research assets at the disposal of the process of change. This is nowhere more important than in the field of disability both here in Ireland and abroad". Dr Robinson praised the intention of the new Centre to benchmark Ireland against international best practice as well as for its wide international links, especially with the University of Syracuse and the Harvard Project on Disability. She also noted that the estimated 650 million persons with disabilities are now officially acknowledged as the world's largest minority and that the vast majority of them live in dire circumstances in developing countries. She commended the work done already by the Centre on development aid and disability and urged more efforts by Ireland and other countries in that regard. Dr Robinson gave specific mention to the role played by the Director of the Centre – Professor Gerard Quinn – in helping to negotiate the new Convention and for his longstanding work in this field. The President of NUI Galway, Dr James J. Browne, spoke of the broad commitment of the University to 'civic engagement' which includes ensuring that its research prowess assists in the process of change by identifying innovative solutions. He noted that the new Centre will form part of a multi-disciplinary 'lifecycle research alliance' in NUI Galway, dealing with ageing at the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology and with families at the Child and Family Research Centre. It is envisaged that the three Centres will work collaboratively to bring their combined strengths to bear on lifecycle policy issues. Dr Browne acknowledged with special thanks the support of Atlantic Philanthropies in establishing the new Centre and indeed the two other Centres involved in the emerging 'lifecycle research alliance'. The current research programme of the Centre for Disability Law and Policy focuses on the individualisation of services as well as the development of a Baseline Study on the state of Irish disability law and policy. It holds important research contracts with the European Commission on eAccessibility for blind people on the internet as well as the mapping of the UN disability Convention in EU law and policy. The Centre already has a vibrant PhD programme and plans a dedicated LLM programme in 2010 as well as an annual Summer School. With its special emphasis on public policy analysis and law, the new Centre will also complement the excellent work of the National Institute on Intellectual Disability at TCD and the UCD Disability Studies Centre. Professor Gerard Quinn, Director of the Centre for Disability Law and Policy at NUI Galway, says: "This Centre joins a handful around the world. Our aim is to generate research that marks a constructive contribution to the process of change. Ireland was a pioneer in the field of disability discrimination law and its National Disability Strategy shows great promise. Our hope is to make a constructive contribution to the implementation of that strategy to identify policy solutions to current challenges by drawing on a rich vein of comparative experience throughout the world. In this way we hope to enrich policy debates at home and expand the repertoire of policy options available to Government. We will work collaboratively with a wide variety of stakeholders in Ireland and build our international links to ensure access to legislative and policy solutions that offer promise in Ireland". -ends- (View in English) Seolfaidh iar-Uachtarán na hÉireann, an Dr Mary Robinson, an tIonad Nua um Dhlí agus Beartas Míchumais in OÉ Gaillimh inniu (Dé hAoine, 3 Aibreán). Tá an tIonad seo ar an gcéad ionad dá leithéid san Eoraip agus tráthúil go leor tá an tIonad á sheoladh go gairid i ndiaidh d Éirinn Coinbhinsiún na Náisiún Aontaithe um Chearta an Duine faoi Mhíchumas a shíniú. Is é príomhchuspóir an Ionaid nua taighde a dhéanamh ar an gcleachtas idirnáisiúnta is fearr d fhonn cur leis an bpróiseas athchóirithe atá ar siúl anseo in Éirinn agus ar fud na cruinne. Reáchtálfar plé Comhchomhairle le painéal saineolaithe aitheanta idirnáisiúnta ón tSín, ó SAM, ón Ungáir, ó Oifig Ard-Choimisinéir na Náisiún Aontaithe um Chearta an Duine agus ón gCoimisiún Eorpach i ndiaidh sheoladh an Ionaid. Pléifidh na saineolaithe na dúshláin dhomhanda atá ann i láthair na huaire sa réimse míchumais agus ansin labhróidh saineolaithe ón tír seo faoin gceist. Ceann de bhuaicphointí uachtaránacht an Dr Robinson ba ea cearta daoine faoi mhíchumas a chur chun cinn agus bhí ról lárnach aici freisin, mar Ard-Choimisinéir na Náisiún Aontaithe um Chearta an Duine, i gCoinbhinsiún nua de chuid na Náisiún Aontaithe a bhunú. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Dr Robinson: "Is ionann an tIonad um Dhlí agus Beartas Míchumais agus an iarracht is fearr is féidir le hollscoil ar bith a dhéanamh i sochaí dhaonlathach trí acmhainní taighde a dhíriú ar phróiseas seo an athraithe. Baineann an oiread tábhachta leis seo i réimse an mhíchumais anseo in Éirinn agus thar lear agus a bhaineann le réimse ar bith eile". Mhol an Dr Robinson an obair atá beartaithe ag an Ionad nua a dhéanamh, is é sin a chinntiú go bhfuil Éire ag cloí go docht le dea-chleachtas idirnáisiúnta mar aon le naisc idirnáisiúnta a chruthú, go háirithe le hOllscoil Syracuse agus Tionscadal Míchumais Harvard. Chomh maith leis sin, thagair an Dr Robinson don 650 milliún duine faoi mhíchumas ar fud na cruinne – an grúpa mionlaigh is mó ar domhan – agus don chúis náire go bhfuil formhór dóibh ag maireachtáil i gcúinsí mífheiliúnacha i dtíortha i mbéal forbartha. Mhol sí an obair atá déanta ag an Ionad go dtí seo ar chúnamh forbartha agus ar mhíchumas agus dúirt sí gur cheart d Éirinn agus do thíortha eile níos mó a dhéanamh sa réimse seo. Thagair an Dr Robinson don ról tábhachtach atá ag Stiúrthóir an Ionaid – an tOllamh Gerard Quinn – in idirbheartaíocht an Choinbhinsiúin nua agus don obair iontach atá déanta aige sa réimse seo. Labhair Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr James J. Browne, ar thiomantas na hOllscoile do 'chomhpháirteachas poiblí' a chinntíonn go gcabhraíonn taighde ceannródaíoch atá ar bun in OÉ Gaillimh leis an bpróiseas athraithe trí réitigh nuálacha a aithint. Dúirt sé go n-áireofar an tIonad nua mar chuid de 'chomhfhiontar taighde' a bheidh dírithe ar aosú atá ar bun in OÉ Gaillimh – taighde atá ar bun ag Ionad Sheaneolaíocht Shóisialta na hÉireann i gcomhar le teaghlaigh san Ionad Taighde um Leanaí agus Teaghlaigh. Meastar go n-oibreoidh na trí Ionad i dteannta a chéile chun úsáid éifeachtach a bhaint as an saineolas atá acu maidir le ceisteanna beartais. Ghlac an Dr Browne buíochas as tacaíocht The Atlantic Philanthropies an tIonad nua a bhunú, agus ghlac sé buíochas leis an dá Ionad eile a bhfuil baint acu leis an gcomhfhiontar taighde nua. Tá clár taighde reatha an Ionaid dírithe ar indibhidiúlú seirbhísí mar aon le Staidéar Bonnlíne ar staid dhlí agus bheartas míchumais na hÉireann a fhorbairt. Tá conarthaí tábhachtacha taighde eAccessibility bunaithe ag an Ionad leis an gCoimisiún Eorpach do dhaoine dalla agus tá iniúchadh déanta ar Choinbhinsiún Míchumais na Náisiún Aontaithe mar atá i ndlí agus i mbeartas an Aontais Eorpaigh. Tá clár PhD forbartha ag an Ionad cheana féin agus tá sé beartaithe tús a chur le clár ainmnithe LLM in 2010 mar aon le Scoil Samhraidh bhliantúil. Díreoidh an tIonad nua go speisialta ar anailís a dhéanamh agus ar an dlí a bhaineann le beartas poiblí, ach chomh maith leis sin cuirfidh an tIonad nua leis an obair iontach atá ar bun ag an National Institute on Intellectual Disability i gColáiste na Tríonóide, Baile Átha Cliath agus ag Ionad an Staidéir ar Mhíchumais sa Choláiste Ollscoile, Baile Átha Cliath. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Ollamh Gerard Quinn, Stiúrthóir an Ionaid um Dhlí agus Beartas Míchumais: "Is beag Ionad den chineál seo atá bunaithe ar fud na cruinne go dtí seo. Is é atá mar aidhm againne taighde fiúntach a dhéanamh a chuirfidh le próiseas an athraithe. Ceannródaí ba ea Éire i réimse an dlí idirdhealaithe míchumais agus tuar dóchais a bhfuil scríofa sa Straitéis Náisiúnta Míchumais. Is é atá mar aidhm againn cur i bhfeidhm na straitéise sin a éascú agus réitigh bheartais a aithint le déileáil le dúshláin reatha trí leas a bhaint as taithí grúpaí eile ar fud an domhain. Ar an tslí seo, tá súil againn a bheith in ann cur le díospóireachtaí beartais in Éirinn agus na deiseanna beartais atá ar fáil don Rialtas a fhorbairt. Oibreoimid i gcomhar le páirtithe leasmhara in Éirinn agus cuirfimid lenár naisc idirnáisiúnta lena chinntiú gur féidir linn rochtain a fháil ar réitigh reachtacha agus bheartais a rachaidh chun tairbhe na hÉireann". -críoch-

Pictured (centre) is the Acting Ambassador of the United States of America, Chargé d'affairs Mr Robert Faucher on a visit to NUI Galway with (left) President of NUI Galway, Dr James J Browne and Ms Jacqueline Hynes. Originally from Drum, Athlone, Co. Roscommon, Ms Hynes is a recent Science graduate from NUI Galway, specialising in anatomy, and recipient of the 2009-10 Fulbright International Science and Technology Award. The Award is one of the most valuable and prestigious in the State Department's scholarship portfolio. Ms Hynes will be on a fully-funded PhD program in neuroscience at one of the top institutions in the US. Since graduating in 2007, Jacqueline has acted a research and teaching assistant in the Department of Anatomy at NUI Galway. Jacqueline carries out her research with Dr Siobhan McMahon in collaborative projects with NUI Galway's Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) and the Mayo Clinic of the US. She has presented her work in the area of spinal cord regeneration at a number of scientific meetings and has co-authored a number of recently submitted papers. Jacqueline also dedicates a large portion of her time to the teaching element of her job, where she assists in the education of medical and science students in a range of subjects, from cellular histology and neuroanatomy to microscopy techniques. She is also a registered learning disability worker for students of Anatomy at NUI Galway. The area of research that Jacqueline hopes to pursue for her doctoral studies is one that looks at the interface between the nature of the physical world and mind – human perception, awareness and attention. In the long-term, Jacqueline hopes that her work may also shed light on functional disorders such as Autism, ADD and Aspergers Syndrome. -Ends-

An internet technology developed at NUI Galway is to be used by President Obama's administration in its new website devoted to the $800 billion economic stimulus package. The administration's 'Recovery.gov' site will employ a web standard, created at NUI Galway's Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI), to bring an unprecedented level of transparency to the US Government. Researchers at DERI focus on the Semantic Web, which is the next incarnation of the internet which will be more intuitive because data will be defined and linked. One of the outputs of DERI's research is called Semantically-Interlinked Online Communities or SIOC. Aimed at connecting online community sites and internet-based discussions, SIOC is set to be utilised by 'Recovery.gov'. Creator of SIOC and lecturer in Electronic Engineering at NUI Galway, Dr John Breslin, said: "The possibilities afforded by deploying semantic technologies such as SIOC for government transparency are very exciting. Semantic technology allows the linking of government funding data, fed in from spreadsheets or forms, to contributions from the public, private organisations or the government themselves. This can be done not just within a single site but with external linked data from other public sources. You could imagine using this to discover the effect of how and where tax dollars and Euros are being spent on statistics for crime, education or innovation in a set of geographic regions". As announced by George Thomas, Chief Architect with the US General Services Administration, the Recovery.gov effort will bring transparency to the government towards allowing citizens and activists to access semantic data about everything from contracts and schedules to training and infrastructure costs. Since 2003, DERI has been supported by Science Foundation Ireland with a Centre for Science, Engineering and Technology grant. During this time, DERI has grown to over 120 members. Professor Stefan Decker, Director of DERI, says: "This is another example showing that investment in science and research has truly propelled Ireland into the forefront of technology. Our technology can bring a greater level of transparency and trust to governments as well as financial institutions - something that becomes increasingly important. The US Government has recognised this already". The SIOC project from DERI at NUI Galway is already being used by a range of applications including Yahoo! SearchMonkey and Drupal. -ends-

Former Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte T.D. and founder and Chairman of Libertas, Declan Ganley will debate the second Lisbon Referendum on Wednesday, 8 April, in the Davenport Hotel, Merrion Square, Dublin at 7pm. The debate will be hosted by the NUI Galway Alumni Association and moderated by alumni member and Irish Times Political Correspondent Harry McGee. RTÉ Radio presenter and NUI Galway alumni member Sean O'Rourke said of the event: "We're delighted to have these two distinguished speakers; it should make for a very interesting debate". Businessman Declan Ganley is the founder of the Libertas movement which lobbied against the adoption of the Treaty of Lisbon in Ireland in 2008. Mr Ganley recently launched his campaign to contest the European elections in June in the Connacht-Ulster constituency. Referring to the Lisbon Treaty, he said: "We are giving up an enormous amount of control over our own affairs and we are getting nothing in return". Pat Rabbitte T.D., who will speak in favour of the Treaty at the event, recently spoke on the danger of the economic situation and noted that early ratification of the Treaty would help to restore international confidence in Ireland. The NUI Galway Dublin Alumni Group runs several events annually, aimed at bringing together graduates of NUI Galway. Tickets for the event will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to graduates of NUI Galway who apply via email to colm.odwyer@nuigalway.ie or by phone on 091 493750. -ends-