September 2009

NUI Galway is undertaking a research project to establish the extent of the infestation in Connemara of the alien plant species Gunnera tinctoria or 'giant rhubarb' as it is commonly known. The project is investigating the best methods of controlling the growth or eradicating the plant completely and is calling on local people to report sightings of infestation. Previously 'giant rhubarb' was seen as a structurally beautiful plant however, in recent years this botanical wonder has been growing out of control. A native of Chile, it can grow up to two metres tall and as it multiplies can dominate entire landscapes. Because of its size it overshadows native flora and poses a serious threat to the rich biodiversity of Connemara. Gunnera tinctoria spreads so rapidly and extensively as each plant produces up to 250,000 seeds which are dispersed by birds. It also spreads by underground rhizomes and just a small fragment of the root can sprout a whole new plant. Dumping of garden waste and movement of soil from infested sites are thought to be the main means of spreading the plant. Gunnera tinctoria thrives in the damp acid soils found in parts of Connemara and Achill Island. It also favours disturbed ground and is common at roadsides, building sites, quarries and can even be found in National Parks. Maria Corcoran, who is undertaking the study with the Applied Ecology Unit at NUI Galway, said: "This plant is actually not related to rhubarb. However, it seems to relish the terrain, climate and soil of Connemara. The cost of treating and removing infestations can be substantial, therefore it is important that its occurrence is recorded and every effort is made to control it. If the spread of Gunnera tinctoria is not checked, the damage it will cause to the biodiversity of the region will be irreversible". The project is being run by NUI Galway in association with the biodiversity project 'People and Nature'. If anyone has any information as to areas where the plant might be growing, or for more information on the project, please contact Maria Corcoran at galwaygiantrhubarb@gmail.com or 086 1683089, or contact the 'People and Nature' Project Manager, Elaine O'Riordan in the Applied Ecology Unit, Centre for Environmental Science at NUI Galway, at 091 493863 or elaine.oriordan@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

Up to 300 Jobs to be Generated by Construction Project (Leagan Gaeilge) The Taoiseach Brian Cowen T.D. visits NUI Galway today (Friday, 25 September) for a sod turning ceremony marking the construction of a new €40 million Engineering Building. The construction project will employ up to 300 people and is due for completion by September 2011. BAM Building Ltd. has been signed as the main contractor for what will be one of the largest construction projects west of the Shannon and on completion will be the largest Engineering Building in the country. Speaking at NUI Galway, An Taoiseach said: "The new Engineering Building will be financed through a combination of exchequer funding and resources realised by NUI Galway, including philanthropy. The new building will bring benefits to Galway City and its surrounds by creating jobs for the next two years. Longer term it will enable NUI Galway to continue to produce excellent engineering graduates supporting the Smart Economy in areas such as innovation and renewable energy technologies". NUI Galway has recently seen soaring engineering programme applications which reflect favourably on carefully thought-out new programmes. These include Energy Systems Engineering, designed in response to a growing demand for professional engineers to work in the energy sector. Another new course is Engineering Innovation, which aims to create a new type of electronic engineer with skills in innovation and entrepreneurship essential to delivering the Smart Economy. The 14,200 square metre Engineering Building will accommodate the College of Engineering and Informatics, housing 110 staff and approximately 1100 students. It will include green-building initiatives, and with its exposed construction design will itself be utilised as a teaching tool for the students. High-tech renewable energy systems, environmentally friendly heat generation using carbon-neutral biomass, rainwater recycling, ground source heat pump, and low-embodied energy construction materials wherever possible will underpin the building's green credentials and provide working examples for engineering students to study. President of NUI Galway, Dr James J. Browne, said: "This new Engineering Building reflects our commitment to providing students with the highest quality learning experience in engineering education. NUI Galway enjoys a strong reputation in engineering, evidenced by this year's increase in undergraduate engineering entry to over 250 students – a 25% increase on the previous year. This approach to education at NUI Galway is based on the University's key research strengths and our strong linkage with industrial partners. We offer a range of innovative programmes - from Biomedical to Energy Engineering – which highlight the University's commitment to the national and regional needs of the SMART economy". Designed by award-winning architects RMJM (Scotland) in partnership with Taylor Architects of Castlebar, Co. Mayo the building will be the largest constructed in one development on the NUI Galway city campus and will be situated to the north of the Quincentennial Bridge. Cuireann an Taoiseach Tús Oifigiúil le Tógáil an Fhoirgnimh Innealtóireachta Ghlais Nua in OÉ Gaillimh (View in English) Tabharfaidh an Taoiseach Brian Cowen T.D. cuairt ar OÉ Gaillimh inniu (Dé hAoine, 25 Meán Fómhair) ag searmanas leis an gcéad fhód a thiontú don Fhoirgneamh Innealtóireachta nua €40 milliún. Fostófar suas le 300 duine ar an tionscadal tógála seo atá le críochnú faoi mhí Meán Fómhair 2011. Is iad BAM Building Ltd. an príomhchonraitheoir ar an tionscadal tógála seo atá ar cheann de na tionscadail tógála is mó atá ar bun siar ón tSionainn agus nuair a bheidh an foirgneamh tógtha beidh sé ar cheann de na Foirgnimh Innealtóireachta is mó sa tír. Ag labhairt dó in OÉ Gaillimh, bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Taoiseach: "Déanfar maoiniú ar an bhFoirgneamh Innealtóireachta nua trí mheascán de mhaoiniú ón státchiste agus ó acmhainní de chuid OÉ Gaillimh, acmhainní daonchairdis san áireamh. Bainfidh Cathair na Gaillimhe agus an ceantar máguaird tairbhe as an bhfoirgneamh nua trí na poist a chruthófar as seo go ceann dhá bhliain. Go fadtéarmach cuirfidh sé ar chumas OÉ Gaillimh scothchéimithe Innealtóireachta a chur ar fáil a thacóidh leis an nGeilleagar Glic i réimsí amhail nuálaíocht agus teicneolaíochtaí fuinnimh in-athnuaite." Tháinig méadú suntasach ar na hiarratais ar chlár Innealtóireachta OÉ Gaillimh le gairid, agus is maith an oidhe sin ar chláir nua ar caitheadh an-dua leo. Ar na cláir sin tá an clár Innealtóireachta Córas Fuinnimh, a bhfuil faoi freagairt don fhás san éileamh ar innealtóirí gairmiúla in earnáil an fhuinnimh. Is cúrsa nua eile an cúrsa Nuálaíochta Innealtóireachta a chuirfidh cineál nua innealtóirí leictreonacha ar fáil a mbeidh scileanna nuálaíochta agus fiontraíochta acu, scileanna atá riachtanach chun an 'Geilleagar Glic' a chothú. Beidh Coláiste na hInnealtóireachta agus na hIonformaitice lonnaithe san Fhoirgneamh Innealtóireachta 14,200 méadar cearnach, ina mbeidh 110 comhalta foirne agus timpeall 1100 mac léinn. Beidh tionscnaimh 'ghlasa' á n-úsáid agus an foirgneamh seo á thógáil, agus leis an dearadh tógála oscailte a bheidh air úsáidfear é mar uirlis teagaisc do mhic léinn amach anseo. Beidh dintiúirí glasa an fhoirgnimh bunaithe ar chórais fuinnimh in-athnuaite ardteicneolaíochta, giniúint teasa nach ndéanann dochar don timpeallacht trí bhithmhais atá neodrach ó thaobh carbóin de, athchúrsáil uisce fearthainne, caidéal teasa ón talamh, agus ábhair thógála lagfhuinnimh agus beidh mic léinn innealtóireachta in ann staidéar a dhéanamh ar na córais sin mar shamplaí gníomhacha. Dúirt an Dr James Browne, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh: "Is léiriú an Foirgneamh Innealtóireachta nua seo ar ár ndílseacht i leith scoth-thaithí foghlama ó thaobh oideachais innealtóireachta de a chur ar fáil do mhic léinn. Tá dea-cháil ar OÉ Gaillimh as an innealtóireacht, mar a léiríonn an méadú go breis agus 250 mac léinn a tháinig ar líon na bhfochéimithe innealtóireachta i mbliana – méadú 25% ar an mbliain roimhe sin. Tá an cur chuige seo i leith an oideachais Innealtóireachta in OÉ Gaillimh bunaithe ar phríomhláidreachtaí na hOllscoile agus ar an nasc láidir atá againn le comhpháirtithe sa tionscal. Cuirimid réimse clár nuálaíoch innealtóireachta ar fáil – ón Innealtóireacht Bhithleighis chuig an Innealtóireacht Fuinnimh – rud a léiríonn a dhílse atá an Ollscoil do riachtanais náisiúnta agus réigiúnacha an gheilleagair ghlic. Is iad na hailtirí clúiteacha RMJM (Albain) i gcomhar le Taylor Architects, Caisleán an Bharraigh, Co. Mhaigh Eo a dhear an foirgneamh seo – an foirgneamh is mó a thógfar mar chuid d'aon iarraidh amháin ar champas na hOllscoile i nGaillimh. Is ó thuaidh de Dhroichead na gCúig Chéad a bheidh an foirgneamh suite. -críoch-

(Leagan Gaeilge) Ireland's older population are being cared for in large numbers by one of the most marginalised groups within the labour force, migrant workers. That is according to a report by NUI Galway's Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, being launched today (25 September) by the Minister for Older People and Health Promotion, Áine Brady T.D.. The Role of Migrant Care Workers in Ageing Societies research report examines the role of registered nurses and care assistants from other countries in caring for older people in Ireland. This group now account for one in three of the Irish older adult care workforce, which is twice the proportion of foreign carers in the general health care sector. Written by Dr Kieran Walsh and Professor Eamon O'Shea from the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology at NUI Galway, the research confirms the important and highly valued role of migrant workers in the care of older people, both in home and long-stay residential care settings. However, the report also highlights a number of issues associated with migrant care provision for older people in Ireland. These include communication, language proficiency, cultural understanding, education and training, discrimination and inadequate regulation. Dr Walsh highlights that: "These issues are intensified by the lack of funding and priority given to older adult care and, in particular, by the absence of support for migrant carers, employers and older people to cope with the cultural shift in the care workforce". The report calls for increased support structures in the areas of regulation, education, training, orientation and integration. According to Professor O'Shea: "It is impossible to separate the fate of migrant care workers from that of older people. There is an irony here that not only are migrant workers marginalised, but they care for older adults in Ireland who are themselves often marginalised in terms of resource allocation. This can only serve to undermine the integration of foreign carers even further. The migrant workforce is not receiving sufficient levels of support to negotiate current and future challenges in the older adult health and social care sector". Professor O'Shea added: "What we need, sooner rather than later, is a prioritisation of the older adult health and social care sector. Our older population require greater person-centred care that acknowledges the role and potential of migrant carers to deliver such care". The challenges that typically face migrant workers in becoming integrated into the health and social care labour market are exacerbated by the low priority given to older adult care in Ireland. The report suggests that failure to appropriately integrate migrant workers into the sector, and to address the key issues of resource allocation and funding in the sector, could ultimately impact on the quality of care available to older people in this country. Dr Walsh explains the role of migrant workers within the care sector: "Both employers and older people recognise the contribution that foreign nurses and care assistants are making to the care of older people. Nevertheless, if issues internal to older adult care are not addressed then retaining this valuable group of workers will become increasingly difficult". The report presents a set of recommendations across policy, practice and regulatory domains to help address the challenges and to capitalise on the opportunities that a multicultural care giving environment brings. In an international element to the research, researchers from the University of Oxford, Georgetown University and the University of Ottawa are investigating the same topic for the UK, US and Canada respectively. An international comparative report detailing some of the differences and commonalities across the four countries will be published later this year. For further information please contact icsg@nuigalway.ie or 091-495461. Léiríonn Tuarascáil Náisiúnta Ról na gCúramóirí Imirceacha ag Déanamh Cúraim do Dhaoine Scothaosta (View in English) Is ceann de na grúpaí is imeallaithe sa lucht saothair – na hoibrithe imirceacha – is mó atá ag tabhairt aire do dhaoine scothaosta in Éirinn. Tháinig an t-eolas seo ó thuarascáil Ionad Sheaneolaíocht Shóisialta na hÉireann, OÉ Gaillimh a sheolfaidh an tAire do Dhaoine Scothaosta agus Cothú Sláinte, Áine Brady T.D. inniu (25 Meán Fómhair). Scrúdaíonn an tuarascáil taighde The Role of Migrant Care Workers in Ageing Societies ról na n-altraí cláraithe agus na gcúntóirí cúraim a thagann ó thíortha eile chun cúram a dhéanamh do dhaoine scothaosta in Éirinn. Is ionann na daoine seo agus aon trian de na cúramóirí atá ag daoine scothaosta in Éirinn anois, agus dhá oiread líon na gcúramóirí eachtrannacha in earnáil an chúraim ghinearálta sláinte. Chuir an Dr Kieran Walsh agus an tOllamh Eamon O'Shea ó Ionad Sheaneolaíocht Shóisialta na hÉireann in OÉ Gaillimh an tuarascáil le chéile. Dearbhaíonn an tuarascáil an ról tábhachtach atá ag oibrithe imirceacha i gcúram do dhaoine scothaosta, sa bhaile agus in ionaid chúraim fhadtréimhseacha – ról a bhfuil ardmheas air. Mar sin féin, léirítear sa tuarascáil go mbíonn roinnt fadhbanna le cúram ó oibrithe imirceacha do dhaoine scothaosta in Éirinn. I measc na bhfadhbanna áirítear cumarsáid, cumas teanga, tuiscint chultúrtha, oideachas agus oiliúint, idirdhealú agus rialáil mhí-oiriúnach. Dúirt an Dr Walsh: "Ní chuidíonn easpa maoinithe agus tosaíochta do chúram scothaosta leis na fadhbanna seo, go háirithe agus an easpa tacaíochta a fhaigheann cúramóirí imirceacha, fostóirí agus daoine scothaosta chun déileáil leis an athrú cultúrtha atá tagtha ar an lucht cúraim". Éilíonn an tuarascáil struchtúr tacaíochta níos fearr maidir le rialáil, oideachas, oiliúint, eolas agus lánpháirtiú. Dar leis an Ollamh O'Shea: "Is í an chinniúint chéanna atá ag cúramóirí imirceacha agus daoine scothaosta beagnach. Ní hamháin go bhfuil oibrithe imirceacha imeallaithe, ach tugann siad cúram do dhaoine scothaosta in Éirinn atá imeallaithe chomh maith ó thaobh acmhainní a fháil. Ní bhíonn de thoradh air seo ach nach ndéantar cúramóirí imirceacha a lánpháirtiú ar chor ar bith. Níl dóthain tacaíochta á fáil ag oibrithe imirceacha chun déileáil leis na dúshláin atá agus a bheidh san earnáil cúram sláinte agus sóisialta do dhaoine scothaosta. Caithfear tosaíocht a thabhairt don earnáil cúram sláinte agus sóisialta do dhaoine scothaosta. Teastaíonn cúram dírithe ar an duine ó dhaoine scothaosta agus tá an cumas ag cúramóirí imirceacha an cúram sin a chur ar fáil". Ní chuidíonn an easpa tosaíochta a fhaigheann cúram do dhaoine scothaosta in Éirinn leis na dúshláin a bhíonn le sárú ag oibrithe imirceacha agus iad ag iarraidh lánpháirtiú sa chúram sláinte agus sóisialta. Is léir ón tuarascáil mura ndéantar oibrithe imirceacha a lánpháirtiú mar is ceart san earnáil, agus mura réitítear ceist an mhaoinithe agus na n-acmhainní san earnáil, d'fhéadfadh sé cur isteach ar chaighdeán an chúraim a fhaigheann daoine scothaosta sa tír seo. Mhínigh an Dr Walsh ról na n-oibrithe imirceacha san earnáil: "Tuigeann fostóirí agus daoine scothaosta araon an obair a dhéanann altraí eachtrannacha agus cúntóirí cúraim do dhaoine scothaosta in Éirinn. Mar sin féin, mura réitítear na fadhbanna a bhaineann le cúram do dhaoine scothaosta beidh sé i bhfad níos deacra na hoibrithe luachmhara seo a choinneáil". Tá moltaí déanta sa tuarascáil maidir le polasaí, cleachtas agus rialáil chun déileáil leis na dúshláin agus tairbhe a bhaint as na deiseanna a chuireann timpeallacht ilchultúrtha cúraim ar fáil. Agus thar lear, tá scrúdú á dhéanamh ag taighdeoirí ó Ollscoileanna Oxford, Georgetown agus Ottawa ar an ábhar céanna don Ríocht Aontaithe, do na Stáit Aontaithe agus do Cheanada. Foilseofar tuarascáil idirnáisiúnta chomparáideach níos deireanaí i mbliana ina mbeidh cur síos ar na difríochtaí agus na cosúlachtaí idir na ceithre thír. Tá eolas breise le fáil ar icsg@nuigalway.ie nó 091-495461. -críoch-

Denis O Brien, Chairman of Digicel Group and founder of Communicorp Group, which owns and manages a portfolio of media and broadcasting-related companies in Ireland and seven other European countries, will be the keynote speaker at NUI Galway on Friday, 2 October at the NUI Galway - Connacht Tribune Centenary Conference 'Journalism in the Future: The Changes and Challenges'. Mr O'Brien is one of Ireland's leading entrepreneurs with extensive investments across several sectors including international telecoms, radio, media, property, aircraft leasing, golf and other leisure interests. Great interest is expected in his keynote address on Media -The Future in light of O'Brien's views on the media sector in recent times. Other speakers at the conference include Roy Greenslade, Professor of Journalism at City University London and a media commentator since 1992, most notably for The Guardian. He also writes a column for the London Evening Standard. He has been a journalist for 41 years and has worked for many of Britain's national newspapers. Speaker Pat Loughrey is Director of BBC Nations and Regions, with overall responsibility for the BBC s television, radio and online programmes and services in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the 12 English Regions. Since the Donegal native took on this role in 2000, he has presided over an era of unprecedented growth for the BBC outside London, including a £50m annual increase in expanded local output in all parts of the UK and the introduction of the BBC s first Open Centres and digital buses. Mr Loughrey is also currently a visiting Professor of Journalism at the University of Ulster. Professor John Horgan, the Press Council of Ireland's inaugural Press Ombudsman will also speak at the event as will journalist and author Niall O'Dowd. Founder of IrishCentral.com as well as of Irish America Magazine and the Irish Voice Newspaper in New York, Niall O'Dowd is also an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University Journalism School. President of NUI Galway, Dr James J. Browne, commented: "This is a very interesting and turbulent time in the newspaper and print media industry globally, so this conference is especially timely. The insights of the distinguished panellists and keynote speaker will be of considerable interest to the business and media interests nationally". NUI Galway offers a popular Masters in Journalism and over the years graduates and students of the programme have been winners of various national awards for young journalists. President Browne added: "To mark the 100th anniversary of The Connacht Tribune newspaper and to celebrate the partnership between NUI Galway and The Connacht Tribune in journalism education it is fitting that the University host this event. We in NUI Galway value our relationship with the newspaper. Many of our students and graduates have gone on to work at The Connacht Tribune, forging important journalistic careers. Award-winning journalism graduates from this University like Harry McGee and Conor Pope have cut their teeth at The Connacht Tribune, many highly respected journalists began their careers with the Tribune". Dave O'Connell, Group Editor of the The Connacht Tribune expressed his delight with the University hosting such a prestigious event: "We at The Connacht Tribune are delighted to be involved with NUI Galway, there's great synergy between the two institutions and we are particularly grateful that the University see fit to honour us in our centenary year". Full programme and registration details are available for viewing at www.conference.ie. Places are limited and are on a first come first served basis. -Ends-

Data protection and DNA is the theme for the 2009 Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) Annual Science Essay Competition. Now in its fifth year, the competition, which is co-sponsored by REMEDI and the NUI Galway College of Science, is open to all students in the senior cycle of secondary schools in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The closing date for submissions is Friday, 30 October, 2009. Entries should be no longer than 1000 words exploring the theme 'Are people's DNA sequences their business and nobody else's?'. Winner and runner-up prizes include a laptop, video iPod, crystal trophies and science equipment bursaries for the students' school. For competition rules and entry forms please visit www.remedi.ie/education. REMEDI's Annual Science Essay Competition was launched in 2005 to stimulate discussion among students on the ethical and societal implications of advances in biomedical research. The aim is to generate interest in science among second-level students and encourage more to go on to study science at third-level. REMEDI is an SFI-funded research institute at the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science located at NUI Galway. Professor Frank Barry, Scientific Director of REMEDI and Director of the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, said: "This competition is a worthwhile outreach initiative which exemplifies the successful promotion of science by NUI Galway. It also fits with the Irish government's 'Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation' approach to developing an economy fuelled by research and development. Effective science communication, as demonstrated in this essay competition, has a vital role in building relationships between young people, schools and the scientific community". Last year's competition generated a great deal of interest in science and bioethical issues among students with over 120 entries from 16 counties. The winner was Daniel O'Reilly from Castleblayney College, Co. Monaghan, with Bobby Tang of The Royal Belfast Academical Institution taking the runner-up prize. -ends-

(Leagan Gaeilge) NUI Galway has been named 'University of the Year 2009' in the Sunday Times University Guide, securing the prestigious accolade for a second time. Outperforming 21 other third-level institutions, NUI Galway's strong record in graduate employability, research commercialisation, and this year's 11% increase in CAO applications were among the reasons for the Award. NUI Galway won the inaugural University of the Year in 2002, and this year was noted as the number one university mover in The Sunday Times annual league table to 4th position. The award is not only based on league table position but on an assessment under 22 criteria on the university's role on a local, national and international level. NUI Galway has produced six spin-out companies in the first half of 2009 and 27 patents, while research income increased by a third last year, despite the economic downturn. The University was lauded for its industry collaboration, specifically in the area of medical device technologies for which the Galway region has an international reputation. The University's research in biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine is an integral support to the local medical device industry cluster. Many of the newer courses at NUI Galway, which added to the rise in first-choice applications, have been designed to be responsive to the changing needs of the employment market and meet the needs of Ireland's Smart Economy. New courses in Energy Systems Engineering will support the renewable energy market; Electronic Engineering Innovation will deliver business-savvy entrepreneurial graduates; while the range of new BA Connect degrees reflect areas of research growth in the Humanities. Alastair McCall, Editor of The Sunday Times University Guide 2010, said: "NUI Galway is the epitome of what third level education should be about. It provides a first-rate student experience with modern cutting-edge facilities. Its graduates are sought after throughout Ireland and beyond, and the NUI Galway name is synonymous with high quality. "The university is a key driver of the local economy in the west of Ireland and its commercial exports and spin-offs span the globe. It has forged a reputation in digital enterprise and the medical device industry that allows NUI Galway to punch way beyond its weight. Even the president of the United States is benefitting from innovations made in Galway. Making NUI Galway our Irish University of the Year was one of the easier decisions to make". Speaking about the announcement, President of NUI Galway, Dr James J. Browne, said: "It is very gratifying to be recognised as University of the Year. NUI Galway has been rapidly developing world-class facilities on our 250-acre riverside campus, through a €320 million building programme. Our new Sports Centre and swimming pool opened last year; a state-of-the-art concert hall and conference facility opened this month, and construction has just begun on a new €40 million Engineering Building". Dr Browne continued: "The University offers our students world-class teaching and encourages active engagement with the learning experience through opportunities such as volunteering, work placement, international exchange programmes, sports clubs and vibrant student societies. Our focus on student engagement contributes to our leading retention rate among universities and strong employment figures for our graduates". He added: "On a national level, our institutional agenda engages with the needs of the economy and the government's strategy for the Smart Economy. Our strong record of industry collaboration and world-class research in fields such as biomedicine, renewable energy, and internet technologies feed into and support the national agenda and economy". In terms of research, The Sunday Times also noted the internet technology deployed by the Obama Administration's Recovery.gov website to bring an unprecedented level of transparency to the US Government, which was developed at NUI Galway's Digital Enterprise Research Institute. With over 16,000 currently registered at the University, NUI Galway will welcome prospective undergraduate students and their families to the campus from 2-3 October, during its Autumn Open Days. To view The Sunday Times article please click here. Gradam Ollscoil na Bliana ag OÉ Gaillimh den Dara hUair (View in English) Ainmníodh OÉ Gaillimh mar 'Ollscoil na Bliana 2009' in The Sunday Times University Guide, an dara huair di an gradam measúil seo a thuilleadh. D éirigh le OÉ Gaillimh, thar 21 institiúid tríú leibhéal eile, an gradam seo a bhaint amach agus ar na cúiseanna ar éirigh léi an Gradam a bhaint bhí tóir a bhíonn ag fostóirí ar chéimithe ó OÉ Gaillimh, tráchtálú taighde, agus an méadú 11% ar líon na n-iarratas CAO i mbliana. Bhuaigh OÉ Gaillimh an chéad ghradam Ollscoil na Bliana in 2002, agus i mbliana d éirigh léi a bheith ar an ollscoil is airde a léim ar thábla sraithe bliantúil The Sunday Times nuair a bhain sí an ceathrú háit amach. Ní amháin go bhfuil an gradam bunaithe ar an áit a fhaigheann an ollscoil ar an tábla sraithe ach bíonn sé bunaithe chomh maith ar mheasúnú de réir 22 critéar ar ról na hollscoile ar leibhéal áitiúil, náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta. Tá sé fhochomhlacht bunaithe ag OÉ Gaillimh agus tá 27 paitinn cláraithe aici sa chéad leath de 2009, agus mhéadaigh an t-ioncam taighde inti d'aon trian anuraidh, ainneoin lag trá an gheilleagair. Moladh an Ollscoil as a comhpháirtíochtaí tionscail, i réimse na dteicneolaíochtaí feistí leighis go háirithe, réimse a bhfuil cáil idirnáisiúnta ar Ghaillimh as. Is taca lárnach do ghrúpa tionscail áitiúil na bhfeistí leighis an taighde atá ar bun ag an Ollscoil in innealtóireacht bhithleighis agus sa leigheas athghiniúnach. Go leor de na cúrsaí nua in OÉ Gaillimh a chuir leis an méadú ar iarratais chéadrogha, leagadh amach iad ag freagairt do riachtanais mhargadh na fostaíochta atá ag athrú agus tá siad ag teacht le riachtanais Gheilleagar Glic na hÉireann. Tacóidh cúrsaí nua in Innealtóireacht Córas Fuinnimh le margadh an fhuinnimh in-athnuaite; cuirfidh an cúrsa nua i Nuálaíocht Innealtóireachta – Leictreonach céimithe fiontraíochta a bheidh ina saineolaithe gnó ar fáil; agus léiríonn an rogha nua céimeanna BA Connect an fás atá ar réimsí taighde sna Daonnachtaí. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Alastair McCall, eagarthóir The Sunday Times University Guide 2010: "Is sampla den scoth OÉ Gaillimh ar an rud is oideachas tríú leibhéal ann. Cuireann sí taithí den scoth ar fáil don mhac léinn mar aon le háiseanna ceannródaíocha nua-aimseartha. Tá tóir ar a cuid céimithe ar fud na hÉireann agus thar lear, agus samhlaítear ardchaighdeán leis an ainm OÉ Gaillimh. "Tá an-tionchar ag an ollscoil ar an ngeilleagar in iarthar na hÉireann agus tá a cuid onnmhairí tráchtála agus a fochomhlachtaí le fáil ar fud na cruinne. Tá cáil bainte amach aici di féin san fhiontraíocht dhigiteach agus sa tionscal feistí leighis, réimse a bhfuil OÉ Gaillimh ar thús cadhnaíochta ann. Tá uachtarán Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá, fiú, ag baint tairbhe as earraí nuálaíocha a dhéantar i nGaillimh. Bhí sé ar cheann de na cinntí ab éasca againn OÉ Gaillimh a ainmniú mar Ollscoil Éireannach na Bliana." Ag labhairt dó faoin ainmniúchán, dúirt Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr James J. Browne: "Is cúis mhór áthais dúinn gur tugadh aitheantas dúinn mar Ollscoil na Bliana. Tá OÉ Gaillimh ag forbairt áiseanna den chéad scoth go tapa ar ár gcampas 250 acra ar bhruach na habhann, trí chlár tógála €320 milliún. D'oscail an tIonad Spóirt agus an linn snámha nua anuraidh; d'oscail halla ceolchoirme agus áis comhdhála den chéad scoth an mhí seo, agus táthar díreach tar éis tosú ar Fhoirgneamh Innealtóireachta €40 milliún." Lean an Dr Browne air: "Cuireann an Ollscoil teagasc den scoth ar fáil dár mic léinn agus spreagann sí iad le bheith rannpháirteach go gníomhach sa taithí foghlama trí dheiseanna amhail obair dheonach, socrúchán oibre, cláir mhalartaithe idirnáisiúnta, clubanna spóirt agus cumainn bhríomhara mac léinn. Cuidíonn an bhéim a leagaimid ar rannpháirtíocht na mac léinn linn líon ard mac léinn a choinneáil thar ollscoileanna eile agus cuireann sin leis na figiúirí arda fostaíochta i measc ár gcéimithe." Chomh maith leis sin, dúirt sé: "Ar leibhéal náisiúnta, téann ár gclár oibre institiúideach i ngleic le riachtanais an gheilleagair agus le straitéis an rialtais maidir leis an nGeilleagar Glic. Cuireann an obair atá curtha i gcrích againn maidir le comhoibriú tionscail agus taighde den scoth i réimsí amhail bithleigheas, fuinneamh in-athnuaite, agus teicneolaíochtaí gréasáin leis an gclár oibre náisiúnta agus le geilleagar na tíre." Ó thaobh taighde de, luaigh The Sunday Times chomh maith an teicneolaíocht idirlín a forbraíodh in Institiúid Taighde na Fiontraíochta Digití in OÉ Gaillimh agus atá á húsáid ag láithreán gréasáin Lucht Riaracháin Obama, recovery.gov, chun go mbeadh Rialtas SAM níos trédhearcaí ná mar a bhí riamh. Tá breis agus 16,000 mac léinn cláraithe in OÉ Gaillimh, agus fáilteoidh an Ollscoil roimh dhaltaí ar spéis leo céim a dhéanamh san ollscoil agus roimh a dteaghlaigh chuig an gcampas, ar na Laethanta Oscailte, an 2 agus an 3 Deireadh Fómhair. -Críoch-

NUI Galway is to host the western launch of the new online education tool, EuroCreator. The EU project will be launched with a Roadshow at the School of Education Building on campus on Thursday, 24 September, at 7.30pm. EuroCreator is a new website and online repository that enables students and teachers from 27 European countries to share and download educational media and digital learning resources. This innovative new initiative is being supported by the European Commission as part of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009. Speaking about the project, Dr Tony Hall, Lecturer and Vice-Dean for Learning and Assessment, College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, NUI Galway, said: "EuroCreator is an innovative new development in educational technology that will enable educators and learners from across the EU to share their educational media and digital resources safely in a moderated environment. The project will help to promote collaboration and creativity in Irish and European education; and recognition by the European Commissioner for Education is an added incentive to educators and learners to utilise this new educational resource". The projects that students and teachers upload to EuroCreator will be assessed by educational experts, such as Brendan Smith from the Digital Enterprise Research Institute at NUI Galway. When the students and teachers upload media they will receive a certificate from Ján Figel', the EU Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Multilingualism. According to Jim Lenaghan, Chief Technology Officer, School of Education at NUI Galway: "EuroCreator is further testament to how NUI Galway is using innovative Information Communications Technology (ICT) to enhance the educational experience of learners across sectors: primary, secondary and third-level. The EuroCreator launch and Roadshow promises to be an exciting showcase of how ICT can be used innovatively and creatively in education". Educators, students and teachers interested to attend the EuroCreator Launch and Roadshow at the School of Education, NUI Galway, please contact NUIGalway@eurocreator.com -Ends-

NUI Galway graduates from the class of 1969 are invited to attend a Reunion on Saturday, 3 October. The Reunion celebrations will begin with a reception at 3pm in the Aula Maxima, at the University, followed by a bus tour of the campus. The celebrations will continue with a drinks reception in the Galway Bay Hotel, followed by a Reunion Dinner with entertainment provided by Marc Roberts. JB Terrins, Director of Alumni Relations at NUI Galway, encourages alumni to come along: "Reunion is a wonderful opportunity for graduates to revisit NUI Galway and renew old acquaintances. Many alumni from the class of 1969 have already booked their places with many more graduates returning to Galway for this event. Our reunion attendees never regret making the effort and are always delighted to see old friends". The NUI Galway Alumni Association serves 70,000 graduates worldwide with an extensive range of programmes administered by the Alumni Office. These include national and international alumni groups, publications, reunions and alumni awards. For further details on any of these programmes please visit www.nuigalway.ie/alumni. For further information or to book a place at the reunion please contact Colm O'Dwyer in the Alumni Office on 091 493750 or email alumni@nuigalway.ie. -ends-

President McAleese was recently presented with a copy of the first academic book on the new UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The book was co-edited by Professor Oddny Arnardottir of Reykjavik University in Iceland and Professor Gerard Quinn of the Centre for Disability Law & Policy at NUI Galway. NUI Galway President Dr James J. Browne and the Chancellor of the National University of Ireland and President of the Human Rights Commission, Dr Maurice Manning, were also present at the event. Professor Quinn said he was most grateful to President McAleese who has shown so much interest in the lives of persons with disabilities here in Ireland and around the world. He commented: "The new book should provide guidance to persons with disabilities as well as to Governments about the rights and obligations contained in the new treaty. It contains many exceptional contributions from academics in Harvard Law School as well as from judges sitting on the European Court of Human Rights and the Danish High Court". Professor Arnardottir said she looked forward to future collaboration on international disability law projects with NUI Galway. She recently delivered a public lecture, hosted by the Centre for Disability Law & Policy at NUI Galway, on the concept of equality in the new convention. President Browne commented that the book was an example of the kind of work on lifecycle policy challenges in areas such as disability, ageing and children that NUI Galway will produce in the coming years. The new Convention is the first human rights treaty adopted by the United Nations in the 21st century. It seeks to secure the equal and effective enjoyment of human rights for the estimated 650 million persons with disabilities in the world. It does so by tailoring general human rights norms to their circumstances. It reflects and advances the shift away from welfare to rights in the context of disability. The Convention itself represents a mix between non-discrimination and other substantive human rights and gives practical effect to the idea that all human rights are indivisible and interdependent. The Centre for Disability Law & Policy was established at the NUI Galway School of Law in 2008. Its research agenda includes the modernisation of services for persons with disabilities in Ireland. It is networked internationally and produces a European Yearbook on Disability Law & Policy with Maastricht University (Netherlands). It is part of a Lifecycle Research Allaiance on campus. -ends-

"Today's investment establishing Systems Biology Ireland is clear evidence of the Government's ongoing commitment to further enhancing Ireland's scientific base to aid our economic recovery." the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Conor Lenihan T.D. said today (Tuesday, September 15th 2009). Minister Lenihan was announcing Government funding of €14.8million to be provided over the next 5 years for the establishment of the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) funded Systems Biology Ireland research centre, which is being led by University College Dublin and supported by researchers in NUI Galway. The Systems Biology SFI CSET will involve 69 highly skilled personnel working on the research programme including researchers at the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), the School of Medicine, and the School of Natural Sciences at NUI Galway. Professor Tim O'Brien, Director of REMEDI at NUI Galway commented: "The partnership between NUI Galway and UCD in systems biology with a focus on mesenchymal stem cells will facilitate REMEDI's translational goals in bringing novel regenerative therapies to the clinic". Systems Biology is a powerful new way to use the strength of computers and mathematics to understand biology. It seeks to unravel the complexities of cells through the use of models that predict biological behaviour. The research being undertaken will enable quicker and better treatments of a range of medical conditions, including various cancers, and should allow for better therapies to be delivered more effectively to patients. The new research centre is also being supported through the significant contribution of industry partners who include Ark Therapeutics, Hewlett Packard, Servier, Agilent Technologies, Siemens Ireland and Protagen AG. The Systems Biology SFI CSET will involve 69 highly skilled personnel working on the research programme. Making the announcement, Minister Lenihan added: "I am very excited by the potential economic and societal benefits likely to accrue to Ireland from the research being undertaken by the Systems Biology SFI CSET. It is one of the critical emerging areas in the Life Sciences worldwide. Ireland is now very well placed to become a world leader in this field given the very strong foundation we have here in the pharmaceutical and IT sectors. It should greatly assist the IDA to attract further high-end Foreign Direct investment and also allow Irish SMEs to grow. This centre, with its deep-rooted academic – industry partnership, encapsulates the essence of what our Smart Economy should and can be. " The Director of the new SFI CSET, Professor Kolch, outlined the potential of systems biology to speed up research and help target therapies to particular patient types by saying: "Systems biology takes a holistic view of the organism. It looks at the processes rather than the single components of a cell or a gene. Our research is unique in that we work with stem cells but the outcomes of our research will feed into a global effort to provide better therapies for cancer patients. Our work will help speed up the experimentation process, thereby reducing by years the time it takes to develop a new drug therapy." Welcoming the announcement of the new SFI CSET, Director General of Science Foundation Ireland, Professor Frank Gannon said: "As the pipeline for new therapeutic drugs becomes constricted it is recognised that a fresh approach to understanding disease is timely. The convergence of computer modelling and the study of the biological system brings new challenges and opportunities. This latest SFI CSET will add to the skill-base that is required for the pharmaceutical companies of the future in Ireland." Systems Biology Ireland is working with a range of industry partners to develop new technologies for biomedical research and will continue to develop the links with industry to harness the State s investment in the programme. "Life sciences customers will ultimately better understand the disease processes and will be able to develop new therapeutic treatments from the Systems Biology Ireland's research program," said David Medina, Executive Lead, Worldwide Life Sciences and Pharma Segment, HP. "As a result of HP and SBI s collaboration, vast amounts of data can now be affordably collected, stored, analyzed and applied from different sources on HP Extreme Data Storage technology." Dr. Laurent Perret, Président du Comité Scientifique du Groupe de Recherches Servier, Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, said "Servier Laboratories has had a long and productive association with Ireland, with two manufacturing plants and several research programmes in translational medicine. Systems Biology Ireland provides a further opportunity for Servier to engage in leading-edge research in Ireland and for us to work together to address unmet medical needs using an extraordinarily powerful technology". "Ark Therapeutics is strategically involved in this Irish Government-funded research programme as it believes it will bring about the generation of new biological therapeutics by moving science from the reductive process of the 20th century to a systems approach of the 21st", said John Martin, CSO of Ark Therapeutics. -Ends-

NUI Galway has announced details of Open Days to be held on Friday, 2 October and Saturday, 3 October. An important occasion for prospective students, Open Days provide an opportunity to talk to NUI Galway students and staff, explore the campus and find out more about courses of interest. Friday's Open Day, on 2 October, is aimed at school groups, although individuals are also very welcome to attend. Saturday's Open Day on 3 October, is for students thinking about university and their parents and families. With over 60 degree programmes on offer at NUI Galway, lecturers and Deans will be on hand at exhibition stands to answer questions on courses, CAO points and career paths. A talk specifically for parents at 11am on Saturday will give an overview of the career paths of NUI Galway graduates, as well as looking ahead to the job market of the future. Many of the newer courses at the University have been designed to be responsive to the changing needs of the employment market and meet the needs of the Smart Economy. NUI Galway recently saw a significant increase in demand for programmes across all colleges, with new courses in Energy Systems Engineering, Electronic Engineering Innovation, Maths and Education and the new BA Connect degrees proving very popular. The Open Days will feature a mix of taster sessions and short lectures to provide a feel for university life. Events will include hands-on science workshops, a virtual stock market demonstration, a mock criminal trial, and interactive sessions with IT systems and robotics. According to NUI Galway President, Dr James J. Browne, the Open Day is an opportunity to plan for the future: "Our University has a long-standing reputation and dedicated staff, many of whom are world leaders in their fields, committed to delivering the highest quality education and student experience. Our Open Days are the ideal opportunity to meet our lecturers and find out about courses which might be of interest. Research at this stage of the year takes the pressure off decision-making when filling out the CAO form in the New Year". During the Open Days, tours of the campus will allow prospective students to visit the new Sports Centre, home to 45 student sports clubs, and the newly refurbished Áras na Mac Léinn, the base for over 85 student societies. The tours will also take in, among other elements, accommodation and library facilities. For further details on the Open Day, visit http://www.nuigalway.ie/opendays/ -ends-

Atom, an innovative new internet tool from NUI Galway's Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI), is allowing parents easy access to information on activities, classes, camps, events, or services for their children. The technology has been licensed to the family listings website, www.mykidtstime.ie. A circle-based browser, Atom allows the user to quickly and intuitively browse different categories in a way which mirrors the brain's activity. The Atom browser is available in the 'look and book' service offered by www.mykidstime.ie and facilitates the way that parents interact with the listings data. The Atom Interface has two patented techniques for manipulating increased amounts of data and intuitively supports users through its easy-to-use functions. Originally created by DERI, the Atom browser was further developed and refined through research and development with Mykidstime, supported by the Enterprise Ireland innovation voucher scheme. Jill Holtz, co-founder of Mykidstime.ie, is pleased with the project's success: "With the help of DERI and with the support of Enterprise Ireland, we have been able to implement a really useful tool on our website which helps parents to find the information they are searching for even more quickly and easily. It is fun to use and the feedback so far from parents has been very positive: they like the tool and the way it improves their experience on the website. It is important to us to continue to innovate within our website but most importantly to improve the end user experience". John McGuire, Commercialisation Executive in the Technology Transfer Office in NUI Galway, commented: "This is pure technology transfer in action, from University to the market. It is also an example of a smaller entrepreneurial enterprise benefiting from research carried out at third-level institute. Hopefully this technology will be of use to many other organisations". -ends-

A series of illustrated talks in Boston and New York next week will celebrate the work of one of Ireland's most important writers, John McGahern. The events will be hosted by the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway), which is home to John McGahern's archive of papers and manuscripts. Selected documents from the archive will be showcased during the US events which are entitled 'John McGahern in America'. This is the first time extracts of the John McGahern archive have gone on tour outside of Ireland. Prior to his passing in 2006, NUI Galway acquired John McGahern's archive, which is a complete collection of his papers and writings, providing an unparalleled view into a unique literary life. This extensive resource, comprising thousands of pages, is enormously rich in content and consists of forty years of writings, personal papers, correspondence, novels, drama, and short stories. Also included are short stories that appeared in The New Yorker magazine between 1963 and 1984. Dr John Kenny, Lecturer in Creative Writing at NUI Galway, commented in advance of the tour: "As these lectures will elucidate, many of McGahern's most significant short stories and literary subjects found their early iterations in the pages of some of America's most notable literary magazines and journals – The New Yorker, The Atlantic Monthly and The Yale Review. Thus this lecture series is especially fitting as it travels to Boston and New York - cities which are home to the literary forums which fostered and supported the work of this unique artist". The reputation of John McGahern (1934–2006) as a consummate stylist and master of fiction extends throughout the English-speaking world. The setting of his work, comprising six novels, three collections of short stories, a play and a memoir - ranges from the rural west of Ireland to Dublin and abroad, but returns always to the inland fields, lakes and bogs of Connaught and the lives of the people rooted there. President of NUI Galway, Dr James J. Browne, explains the association the University values with John McGahern: "Our University is fortunate to have enjoyed a progressively deepening association with John McGahern over almost 50 years. This association started during the brief period of his initial undergraduate studies and continued again when he became a teacher on Creative Writing and Irish Studies programmes. In 1994 he became an honorary doctor of the University and Adjunct Professor of Irish Studies in 2001". Dr Browne adds: "By choosing NUI Galway in the West of Ireland as the home for his literary archive, McGahern has entrusted us with a special responsibility. We must endeavour to make this resource available, as appropriate, to literary scholarship and interested readers. The University intends to promote and build upon the unique treasury we have in the McGahern Archive to enhance teaching and research in creative writing and Irish Studies". NUI Galway attracts doctoral students and visiting academics from all over the world to conduct research in the area of Irish Studies. The extensive McGahern archive is a hugely significant attraction to many such international scholars, enhancing the University's reputation as a world-class centre of literary research and study. To support literary scholarship, NUI Galway plans to invest significantly in its Library resources to ensure that scholars have the best environment in which to conduct their teaching and research. A proposed $25 million Humanities Research Building will provide world class facilities for researchers and a state of the art repository for the University's significant archival holdings. The 'John McGahern in America' events are supported by the Galway University Foundation. In Boston, special guests will include the President of Boston Public Library, Amy Ryan, while in New York the American Irish Historical Society will co-host. -ends-

This year NUI Galway and GMIT celebrate ten years of joint Foundation Courses, the pre-entry preparation programmes for third-level education. Aimed at mature students, the Foundation Courses consist of a series of evening lectures over a 25 week period. An open Information Evening for the NUI Galway Foundation Course in Engineering and Science will be held on Tuesday, 15 September. The Information Evening for the Foundation Course in Commerce and Business will be held on Thursday, 17 September. Both events will take place in room AC202 on the Concourse in NUI Galway at 7pm. Deirdre O'Connor, Access Officer with GMIT, commented: "The current economic climate has resulted in a substantial increase in the numbers of mature students wishing to gain entry to third level education and these courses ensure that students are adequately prepared". NUI Galway recently hosted a graduation ceremony for students who completed the 2008/2009 joint NUI Galway/GMIT Foundation Course in Engineering and Science and in Business and Commerce. At the ceremony 88 students were presented with certificates and many have now progressed to full and part-time degree programmes at both NUI Galway and GMIT. On congratulating the students, Trish Hoare, Mature Students Officer at NUI Galway, said: "I would like to acknowledge the level of commitment among the participants, many of whom were returning to education after a significant period of time". Foundation Courses are due to commence this October. Those interested can contact Mary Liddy, NUI Galway at 091-495445, email mary.liddy@nuigalway.ie, or Deirdre O'Connor, Access Officer, GMIT at 091-742129 or Deirdre.OConnor@gmit.ie. -ends-

The eighth annual NUI Galway Volunteering Fair will take place on Thursday, 24 September in Áras na Mac Léinn, from 1-5pm. With over 2,000 students, staff and members of the general public expected to attend, the Fair will be officially opened by Galway City Mayor Declan McDonnell. Over 60 charities and community organisations will showcase the wide range of volunteer opportunities available for students. This year NUI Galway's volunteer programme ALIVE is delighted to collaborate with the Galway Volunteer Centre in hosting the event. The Fair is part of a week-long celebration of volunteering at NUI Galway, the culmination of which will coincide with the national volunteering Give it a Swirl day on Friday, 25 September. Lorraine Tansey is Volunteer Coordinator of the ALIVE Programme at NUI Galway: "Students benefit enormously from getting involved with Galway city and county organisations. Whether it is working with youth, disability or social justice organisations, our students gain skills and experience while lending a hand. NUI Galway really values our community partners as they host and support our student volunteers. The Fair is great opportunity for students to see the range of activities within the Galway community they can avail of, while also providing a space for organisations to recruit much needed volunteers". Exhibitors at the Volunteer Fair will include: Rehab Care, Habitat for Humanity, Down Syndrome Ireland; Childline, Galway Refugee Support Group, Simon Community, Enable Ireland and Positive Mental Health. Lorraine Tansey added: "We are delighted to not only welcome community organisations to showcase their opportunities for volunteers but also to welcome members of the public onto campus". Established in 2003, the ALIVE programme at NUI Galway, was the first ever student volunteer programme to be embedded within an institution of higher education in Ireland. Through the ALIVE Programme, students can access an online database of volunteer opportunities. The programme also includes a series of workshops to help students make the most of their volunteering experience. At the end of the academic year students can apply for an ALIVE Certificate which is awarded by NUI Galway President, Dr James J. Browne, in recognition of their commitment to volunteering. To book a stand or for further information, please contact the ALIVE office on 091 493823 or email alive@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

Tá Siollabas Nua Gaeilge don Chéad Bhliain Ollscoile seolta ag Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh agus Coláiste Phádraig Droim Conrach. Is toradh é an Siollabas seo ar Thionscadal de chuid na Meithle um Theagasc na Gaeilge ar an Tríú Leibhéal, Meitheal idir-institiúideach a d'eascair as an gcomhdháil 'Teagasc na Gaeilge ar an Tríú Leibhéal' a eagraíodh i gColáiste Phádraig, Droim Conrach i mí Feabhra 2008. Ba iad an Dr John Walsh, Scoil na Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh agus Dr Máirín Nic Eoin, Coláiste Phádraig a d'fheidhmigh mar chomhstiúrthóirí ar an Tionscadal. Tá sé mar chuspóir ag an Meitheal um Theagasc na Gaeilge ar an Tríú Leibhéal siollabas teanga agus áiseanna teagaisc agus foghlama a dhearadh agus a fhorbairt do mhic léinn na Gaeilge ar an tríú leibhéal, siollabas a bheadh bunaithe ar Fhráma Tagartha Chomhairle na hEorpa d'Fhoghlaim Teangacha. Le cabhair cómhaoinithe ó Fhoras na Gaeilge agus le tacaíocht ó ocht gcinn déag d'institiúidí tríú leibhéal ina bhfuil an Ghaeilge á teagasc, tá Céim 1 den Tionscadal – siollabas agus áiseanna teagaisc agus foghlama don Chéad Bhliain Ollscoile – réidh le seoladh anois. 'Tá an Siollabas nua bunaithe ar leibhéal B2 den Fhráma Tagartha Eorpach d'Fhoghlaim Teangacha. Tá sé dírithe ar fhorbairt scileanna an fhoghlaimeora, idir scileanna ginearálta foghlama agus scileanna cumarsáideacha a bhaineann go dílis le foghlaim teangacha' dar leis an Dr John Walsh comhstiúrthóir an Tionscadail. Tá ábhar an tSiollabais leagtha amach i bhfoirm topaicí a spreagfaidh féinfheasacht, feasacht teanga agus feasacht chultúrtha. Cur chuige tascbhunaithe atá i gceist agus déantar scileanna foghlama agus scileanna teanga na mac léinn a fhorbairt trí thascanna a bhunú ar théacsanna dílse Gaeilge. Is go leictreonach atá an Siollabas foilsithe, agus tá sé ar fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin an Tionscadail, www.teagascnagaeilge.ie, suíomh atá á riaradh ag an Dr Caoimhín Ó Dónaill in Ollscoil Uladh. Tá teacht ar an suíomh ar an Siollabas féin; ar ábhar samplach a léiríonn prionsabail an tSiollabais agus conas na prionsabail sin a chur i bhfeidhm sa seomra ranga; ar an bhfillteán foghlama do mhic léinn atá mar chuid lárnach den Siollabas; ar liosta acmhainní tacaíochta don mhac léinn; ar chuntas ar chúlra agus ar stair an Tionscadail a bhfuil an Siollabas mar thoradh air. -Críoch-

Professor Oddny Arnardottir of Reykjavik University in Iceland is to deliver a public lecture on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at NUI Galway. The lecture, which is being hosted by the Centre for Disability Law and Policy at NUI Galway, will take at 7pm on Friday, 11 September, 2009. Professor Arnardottir is one the world's leading thinkers on equality and non-discrimination law and sees the UN disability convention as advancing a fresh perspective on securing equal justice for persons with disabilities. She is co-author of the first book on the new UN Convention entitled The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – European and Scandinavian, which she wrote with the Director of the NUI Galway Centre for Disability Law and Policy, Professor Gerard Quinn. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is the first human rights treaty adopted by the United Nations in the 21st century. It seeks to secure the equal and effective enjoyment of human rights for the estimated 650 million persons with disabilities in the world. It does so by tailoring general human rights norms to their circumstances. It reflects and advances the shift away from welfare to rights in the context of disability. The Convention itself represents a mix between non-discrimination and other substantive human rights and gives practical effect to the idea that all human rights are indivisible and interdependent. The Centre for Disability Law and Policy at NUI Galway was established in 2008 and is one of the first of its type in Europe. The primary purpose of the 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. Professor Gerard Quinn said: "We are excited to host such a prominent thinker and activist on equality law and policy. Anybody interested in disability – either here in Ireland or throughout the world would benefit from her presentation". The lecture will take place in Room MY129, Áras Moyola on campus and is open to all members of the public. For further information on the lecture please contact Karen Walsh on 091 494020 or email karen.walsh@nuigalway.ie. -ends-

José Manuel Silva Rodríguez, Director General for Research at the European Commission, begins a tour of Irish universities at NUI Galway today (Monday, 7 September). The Director General develops EU policy in the field of research and technological development, helps coordinate research activities and promotes understanding of the role of the sciences. Speaking at a welcome reception in Galway last night, NUI Galway President, Dr James J. Browne, said: "As the Lisbon referendum debate gathers momentum in Ireland, it is important to recognise the significant contribution which EU programmes have made to Irish universities. EU support has enabled universities such as NUI Galway to develop and to achieve world-class research standards. This investment has transformed the Irish research landscape, and has enabled Ireland to play a key role in developing Europe's research-intensive smart economy". This represents another strong reason for a Yes Vote in the forthcoming Lisbon Referendum. Director General Rodríguez was confident of the future relationship between his office and Ireland's education institutions, explaining the purpose of his visit: "Over the last five years, European research and technology policy has come of age. By bringing together the research community, industry and policy-makers, it promotes scientific excellence and addresses the fragmentation and duplication in European research that leads to wasted resources, ground lost to our global competitors and a sub-optimal impact on economic growth and job creation. Making a genuine European research area come true is now a unanimously agreed objective that features high on the political agenda". He continued: "European citizens believe in science as a tool of progress, and support a more cooperative European approach to science and technology policy. Pooling brains and resources is key to make the EU competitive globally: we are more intelligent together than on our own. Ireland has a strong scientific expertise in many areas on which your country is building and developing its research capacity. Irish research centres and enterprises already benefit from EU funding. They have joined or established research partnerships and submitted ambitious research projects. Participating in an EU-funded project opens doors and brings you knowledge, training, partners etc. This is key for your research and your development". Dr Browne added: "Much of our current research strength can be attributed to the major investment over many decades of EU research funding. Over the lifetime of Framework Programmes 5, 6 and to date in Framework 7, NUI Galway has received almost €55 million of research funding – the vast majority through the Directorate General for Research. We hope to build on this success through our Strategy for Research, which focuses on clearly identified themes based on national and regional needs, as well as institutional knowledge strengths". Director General Rodríguez will travel onto Dublin on Tuesday. -ends-

NUI Galway today (3 September 2009) launched its new and extended Arts in Action Programme, which invites students to engage with the creative arts during their studies. Aimed at all students across the campus, Arts in Action offers access to a variety of international-standard arts events throughout the academic year. Among the highlights this year will be a workshop performance by the highly respected, Irish singer-songwriter, David Kitt. The programme also includes the multi-award winning theatre production, Stones in his Pocket by Marie Jones and a screening of the silent movie The Goldrush by Charlie Chaplin with live accompaniment from the Italian quartet Gatto Marte. In 2010, Arts in Action will feature a Traditional Arts concert with Máirtín O'Connor and Frankie Gavin, an illustrated lecture on Music Therapy, and an international Jazz concert featuring the UK's Portico. Mary McPartlan, Director of the Arts in Action Programme at NUI Galway, explains: "Established in 2006, Arts in Action is an original and unique programme which has become part of the University's extra curricular activities. The programme provides the best possible opportunity for students to experience the creative arts in an academic setting. This initiative is extremely important at a time when many efforts are being made to develop new audiences for the creative arts". The programme is part of NUI Galway's commitment to provide its students with access to new opportunities and positive life-enhancing experiences beyond the classroom. The Dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies, Dr Edward Herring, explains: "NUI Galway offers a unique student experience, and we are keen to ensure that our students receive a holistic education. The Arts in Action Programme gives students across the University the opportunity to experience drama, film, music and the visual arts. This artistic endeavour complements all that we offer students through our extensive sports facilities, vibrant societies and ALIVE volunteering programme". -ends-