January

Ten-year strategic partnership to focus on expanding academic links, student engagement, local and global events and the creative sector in the west NUI Galway and Druid have agreed a 10-year strategic partnership building on the existing relationship between the University and the renowned theatre company.  NUI Galway will be Druid’s exclusive academic partner, with the company offering internship opportunities and working to strengthen and enhance the success of NUI Galway’s Creative Arts programmes. The University will host an exhibition to mark Druid’s 50th birthday and NUI Galway 180th anniversary in 2025.  Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of NUI Galway, said: ““Great things start at NUI Galway, and Druid is one of those. We have a great tradition here of the creative arts and this partnership with Druid renews this relationship and is very much embedded in our values. When you ask why a student from Boston, Berlin or Beijing would choose to study in Galway, one aspect is the unique opportunity they have to learn with our world class creative organisations, including Druid.” Druid is also committed to expanding its impact on the NUI Galway campus with bespoke on-site performances and conversations, the first of these was Druid Gregory, outdoors in the University’s Quadrangle in September 2020. Garry Hynes, founder and Artistic Director of Druid, said: “For the past 10 years, the Druid Academy at NUI Galway has been a tremendous source of pride and inspiration for us as a company, working with students as they embark on their careers in theatre.  “We are delighted to announce the next stage of this academic partnership, deepening the relationship between ourselves, the students and the wider academic community in NUI Galway, the place where Druid was founded in 1975.” Druid and NUI Galway will work together to devise strategies to further develop Galway’s international reputation and engage with and integrate diverse and new communities and cultures in the region.  There will also be a focus on the NUI Galway alumni, partly through Druid’s international productions, as well bringing renewed visual presence for the creative arts company on campus, engaging and inspiring students and staff. Druid will also help to create greater awareness of the NUI Galway undergraduate and postgraduate courses within the arts community, at home and abroad, through mutual enhancement of the Druid Academy, Druid Artist-in-Residence and the Druid Archive, which is held by the University. Professor Patrick Lonergan, Professor of Drama and Theatre Studies at NUI Galway, added: “Druid is not only an inspirational theatre company; it is also one of Galway's most successful and resilient businesses. Our students will learn from their example as they build their own creative arts enterprises, working in the west of Ireland, nationally, and internationally - just as Druid do.  “We've already achieved so much from working together: the next decade of cooperation promises to be hugely exciting.” To view Garry Hynes and Marie Mullen reflecting on the origins of the Druid Theatre visit https://youtu.be/S5NszCy59Mo.  For more information on the partnership visit https://youtu.be/KimKW14Rr2w or learn more about Drama at NUI Galway at https://www.nuigalway.ie/drama/. Ends

Leagfaidh an chomhpháirtíocht straitéiseach deich mbliana béim ar naisc acadúla agus rannpháirtíocht mac léinn a fhorbairt, ar imeachtaí áitiúla agus domhanda agus ar an earnáil chruthaitheach san iarthar Tá OÉ Gaillimh agus Druid tagtha ar chomhaontú maidir le comhpháirtíocht straitéiseach 10 mbliana a threiseoidh an caidreamh reatha idir an Ollscoil agus Druid, ar compántas drámaíochta é a bhfuil ardcháil air. Beidh OÉ Gaillimh ina chomhpháirtí acadúil eisiach ag Druid, agus tairgfidh an comhlacht deiseanna intéirneachta agus féachfaidh sé le cláir OÉ Gaillimh sna hEalaíona Cruthaitheacha a láidriú agus a fheabhsú. Eagróidh an Ollscoil taispeántas chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh in 2025 ar an leathchéad bliain ó tháinig Druid ar an bhfód mar aon le comóradh 180 bliain OÉ Gaillimh.   Deir an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh: “Is iomaí tionscadal iontach ar cuireadh tús leis in OÉ Gaillimh, agus áirítear Druid ar cheann acu sin. Tá traidisiún láidir ealaíon cruthaitheach anseo againn, agus déantar athnuachan ar an traidisiún sin leis an gcomhpháirtíocht seo le Druid atá ag teacht go mór lenár luachanna. Dá bhfiafrófá díot féin cén t-údar a bheadh ag mac léinn as Bostún, Beirlín nó Béising teacht go Gaillimh chun staidéar a dhéanamh, gné amháin is ea an deis uathúil atá ann a bheith i mbun foghlama lenár n-eagraíochtaí cruthaitheacha den chéad scoth, agus áirítear Druid ar cheann acu sin.” Tá rún ag Druid chomh maith an lorg a fhágann sé ar champas OÉ Gaillimh a mhéadú trí thaibhléirithe agus imagallaimh shaincheaptha a reáchtáil. Ba é Druid Gregory an chéad cheann acu sin, a cuireadh ar bun amuigh faoi aer i gCearnóg na hOllscoile i Meán Fómhair 2020. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Garry Hynes, bunaitheoir agus Stiúrthóir Ealaíne Druid: “Cúis bhróid agus inspreagtha dúinn mar chomhlacht le 10 mbliana anuas is ea Acadamh an Druid in OÉ Gaillimh, agus an obair atá ar siúl againn le mic léinn atá ag tabhairt faoina saol oibre in earnáil na hamharclannaíochta.  “Tá an-áthas orainn céad chéim eile na comhpháirtíochta acadúla seo a fhógairt, agus a bheith in ann cur leis an gcaidreamh atá againn leis na mic léinn agus an pobal acadúil níos leithne in OÉ Gaillimh, an áit ar bunaíodh Druid in 1975.” Oibreoidh Druid agus OÉ Gaillimh as lámha a chéile chun straitéisí a fhorbairt a chuirfidh le cáil idirnáisiúnta na Gaillimhe agus féachfaidh siad le caidreamh a chothú leis na pobail agus na cultúir éagsúla nua sa réigiún, agus iad a chomhtháthú.   Beifear ag díriú chomh maith ar alumni OÉ Gaillimh, rud a bhainfear amach i bpáirt trí léiriúcháin idirnáisiúnta Druid, agus déanfar athnuachan ar láithreacht súl an chomhlachta ealaíon cruthaitheach seo ar an gcampas chun go dtarraingeofar aird na mac léinn agus na foirne trí chéile, agus go dtabharfar inspioráid dóibh. Cabhróidh Druid chomh maith níos mó feasachta faoi chúrsaí fochéime agus iarchéime OÉ Gaillimh a mhúscailt laistigh den phobal ealaíon sa bhaile agus i gcéin trí fheabhas a chur i gcomhpháirt ar Acadamh an Druid, ar Scéim Ealaíontóir Cónaitheach Druid agus ar Chartlann Druid, atá i seilbh na hOllscoile. Chuir an tOllamh Patrick Lonergan, Ollamh le Léann na Drámaíochta agus na hAmharclannaíochta in OÉ Gaillimh, leis an méid thuas agus dúirt: “Ní hamháin gur compántas amharclannaíochta inspioráideach é Druid, ach is é ceann de na gnóthaí is rathúla agus is láidre i nGaillimh é chomh maith. Foghlaimeoidh ár mic léinn óna bhfuil bainte amach acu agus iad ag tabhairt faoina bhfiontair ealaíon cruthaitheach féin a chothú in iarthar na hÉireann, go náisiúnta agus go hidirnáisiúnta, díreach ar nós Druid.  Tá an oiread sin bainte amach againn cheana féin as bheith ag obair i gcomhar le chéile, agus tá an chosúlacht air cheana féin gur tréimhse an-spreagúil a bheidh sna deich mbliana romhainn.” Is féidir Garry Hynes agus Marie Mullen a fheiceál ag déanamh machnaimh ar bhunús Amharclann an Druid trí chuairt a thabhairt ag https://youtu.be/S5NszCy59Mo. Tá tuilleadh eolais ar chuairt na comhpháirtíochta le fáil ag https://youtu.be/KimKW14Rr2w, nó foghlaim níos mó faoi Dhrámaíocht ag OÉ Gaillimh ag https://www.nuigalway.ie/drama/. Críoch

A team of researchers at CÚRAM, the SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices at NUI Galway, have discovered a radically new approach to the treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.  The study, published in Advanced Science, identified a groundbreaking therapeutic strategy for restoring the lining of the intestine of patients with the condition and other inflammatory bowel diseases.  The treatment could also help prevent further inflammation, which is how the disease progresses and worsens over time.  The NUI Galway CÚRAM researchers have designed a hyaluronan (HA) enema, which has shown significant potential in protecting against damage to the intestinal lining by decreasing inflammation and aiding in the maintenance of the health of the intestinal lining.  Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, or IBD, is characterised by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and effects over 3.2 million people in Europe.  Professor Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director of CÚRAM, said: ““The team strongly believes that the developed system can be delivered as an HA enema to act as a barrier-protecting system on the damaged colon barrier, reducing intestinal inflammation in the treatment of colonic inflammatory diseases.  “This will result in reduced inflammation and protection of the intestinal lining.”  The research represents a significant leap forward from the standard therapeutic interventions for colitis, which have focused mainly on maintaining remission levels, and do not address the root cause of the condition, especially damage to the intestinal lining and intestinal function. Dr Niranjan Kotla, conducted the principal research of the study at CÚRAM in collaboration with Dr Venkatakrishna R Jala, from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, James Graham Brown Cancer Centre, University of Louisville, in the US.   Dr Yury Rochev, co-lead on the publication added: "This research demonstrates the efficacy of a unique therapeutic strategy able to induce a positive effect on damaged colonic tissue. The reduction in inflammation will be of great benefit to patients and highlights the potential use of this treatment." Alongside the research into a specific therapeutic treatment for Crohn’s and colitis, CÚRAM researchers have also identified inflammation-specific targeted carriers for local drug delivery to inflammatory bowel disease.  The findings have been published in Biomaterials. The study looked at the highly challenging but potentially effective practice of delivering drugs directly to inflamed intestinal sites to treat inflammatory bowel disease, particularly Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.  The research team, led by Professor Abhay Pandit and Dr Yury Rochev in collaboration with Prof Larry Egan, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology at NUI Galway,  developed strong anionic charged inflammation targeted nanocarriers (IT-NCs) loaded with an immunosuppressant model drug.   “Our results suggest that IT-NCs have promising therapeutic potential as delivery carriers' in colitis management,” said Professor Pandit. This research was funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 - the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. The first study has been published in Advanced Science and is available here https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/advs.202103189 The second study has been published in Biomaterials and is available here, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142961222000035?via%3Dihub   Ends

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD has today announced Rural Voices, a new seminar series hosted by NUI Galway. The monthly sessions are being held to bring a renewed focus on rural issues at a national level. The seminars are planned as part of NUI Galway’s participation in the Higher Education and Research Network for Rural Development, established by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) as a commitment to Our Rural Future 2021-2025, Ireland’s new national rural development policy. Rural Voices is the first of its kind in Ireland. The events will feature research, projects and initiatives from academics and key rural stakeholders engaged in rural studies, including those in the Research Network for Rural Development. The first seminar takes place today Wednesday 26 January 2022.  It is open to the public, policy makers and key rural stakeholders, both nationally and internationally and can be accessed at https://bit.ly/3o1CIMa.   Launching the series, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, said: “This wonderful initiative provides a unique platform for Irish academics and rural stakeholders to put forward their projects and ideas as we work collectively to improve Rural Ireland.  “It is critically important that we all work together – government, academia and society – to address the major challenges and to seize the many opportunities ahead of us. “Rural Voices series is an exciting new opportunity for us to do just that. “Initiatives like these very much reflect and compliment the objectives of ‘Our Rural Future’ – the Government’s ambitious five year strategy which aims to transform Rural Ireland and provide more opportunities for our rural communities. “’Our Rural Future’ is already having a big impact the length and breadth of the country. Its objectives can only be further realised by initiatives like these.” President of NUI Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh welcomed the focus on rural studies.  “NUI Galway is delighted to lead this Rural Seminar Series in collaboration with the Department of Rural and Community Development. The series will provide an excellent opportunity for higher Irish Education Institutes and Research Centres to connect, network and learn from each other and in doing so, further rural research and development,” Professor Ó hÓgartaigh said. “I often speak about NUI Galway’s four key values of respect, openness, sustainability and excellence – and being here for the public good – this Seminar Series demonstrates our respect for heritage and rural life and our wish to sustain excellence in community and rural development practice.” The Our Rural Futures Higher Education and Research Network consists of academics engaged in rural research and policy in 16 Higher Education Institutions and three research institutions across Ireland. Associate Professor Maura Farrell, School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies, Discipline of Geography at NUI Galway was appointed to the Network by the NUI Galway President, Professor Ó hÓgartaigh. As part of her contribution to the Network, Professor Farrell will host the Rural Voices series, alongside her Geography colleagues in the NUI Galway Rural Studies Centre and in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development. Professor Farrell said: “Our aim in organising and hosting the monthly seminar series is firstly to provide a platform for Irish academics and key rural stakeholders to present their research or rural projects, but it also offers an opportunity to network with others engaged in a similar space, including academics and those with lived experience of rural issues. Initiating discussions around key rural issues is a small step on the road to finding solutions.” Dr Andrew Forde, Head of Rural Strategy and Social Enterprise at the Department of Rural and Community Development, is speaking at the opening session of this seminar series. Ends

NUI Galway Professor Pat Dolan has been appointed to a special panel to review children’s social care services in Northern Ireland.   Professor Dolan, Director of the Institute for Lifecourse and Society and UNESCO Chair at the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway, said a key part of the review will be listening to the voices of those with direct personal experience of the system.    Health Minister in the NI Executive Robin Swann MLA made the announcement, with the review to begin next month.   The panel will look at the support services for families, the care of children away from their families and how the services are currently structured, as well as looking at the support for staff. Professor Dolan said: “The creation of this panel enables an important gateway to hear the voice of the parents and young people with direct personal experience of social care services. It is intended that the review will lead to action in terms of better outcomes for service users and the professionals who work with and for them - where families views are not just heard but acted on”. Professor Ray Jones will be the independent lead reviewer assisted by an Advisory Panel, which includes Professor Dolan. The other members of the Advisory Panel are Her Honour Judge Patricia Smyth and Marie Roulston, OBE (former Director of Children’s services), along with young people and parents/carers with personal experience of children’s social care services.  The Children Order was introduced in Northern Ireland in 1995. It was designed to support and protect children to the highest extent possible. There are more children in care now than at any stage since the introduction of the Children Order and there has been a sharp increase since the start of the pandemic.  The review will engage throughout with parents; children and young people and with those working within and alongside children’s social care services. It is expected to run for 16 months. Young people, parents and carers are being independently recruited and supported by the Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC) and Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI). The review will also look at: - how families are supported to keep their children safe and well-cared for and enable them to stay together, and where this is not possible the provision of alternative care.   - how the current services are structured, managed and led.  - how front-line services are supported and developed to deliver the best possible outcomes for children, young people, families and parents who need their help and support. Ends 

Ten students at NUI Galway have been awarded scholarships at a virtual ceremony as part of the Johnson & Johnson Ireland Women in STEM2D (WiSTEM2D) Award Programme. This marks the inaugural year of the programme in NUI Galway. WiSTEM2D scholarship recipients will receive extensive industry mentoring and leadership training to help prepare them to pursue a career in STEM. WiSTEM2D refers to Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Manufacturing and Design. The WiSTEM2D programme underlines Johnson & Johnson’s commitment to developing and implementing high-impact strategies to support female students undertaking STEM2D degree courses at NUI Galway. The ten College of Science and Engineering students to be awarded the scholarships are: Ailíse Roche; Biomedical Science; Kilmurry, Co. Clare Aine Mitchell; General Science; Ballina, Co. Mayo Aisling Hanrahan; Biomedical Engineering; Liscannor Co. Clare Brenda Chanza; General Science; Swinford, Co. Mayo Karen Gillooly; Financial Maths and Economics; Williamstown, Co. Galway Luka Anna Mac Lochlainn; General Science; Moycullen, Co. Galway Rida Naseer; General Science; Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo Sabrina Kinga Szalaj; General Science; Gorey, Co. Wexford Shannon Hickey; General Science; Kilberry, Co. Kildare Thalyra Costa; Biomedical Engineering; Gort, Co. Galway Anna Rafferty, Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D University Lead and Director of Strategy, Johnson & Johnson Campus Ireland, said: “At Johnson & Johnson, we recognise that women are still under-represented in the STEM workforce in Ireland. Since 2016, Johnson & Johnson has supported nearly 300 female students across Ireland through the WiSTEM2D programme. We were delighted to extend our programme to include NUI Galway for this academic year, as we continue to work at building a diverse WiSTEM2D science community and developing a talent pipeline by nurturing and mentoring our future female STEM leaders. Over the last two years, we have worked very hard to ensure that the recipients of this award have not missed out on any opportunities despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.” Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of NUI Galway, said: “As the inaugural students to receive the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D bursaries at NUI Galway, these students are changemakers, making history and shaping the future of our university. We are very proud of our 10 Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D scholarship students in the College of Science and Engineering.  “By openly embracing and respecting all the talents in our society, we embrace and respect excellence. We are confident that the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D programme will empower our scholarship students to impact positively for the public good, for our society, our people and our planet.” NUI Galway PhD candidate, Aoibhín Sheedy is an alum of the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Award Programme, and founder of the NUI Galway WiSTEM Society. Speaking about the impact that the programme had on her career progression, Aoibhín said: “I took part in the WiSTEM2D Programme during my postgraduate studies at University College Cork. The programme enabled me to complete my master's thesis at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston. It also provided me with incredible opportunities, such as touring the Janssen Microbiome Institute and DePuy Synthes whilst in Boston. I am delighted that the female STEM students of NUI Galway now get the opportunity to take part in this programme. It has been one of the most defining elements of my career so far, and I know they will get as much from it as I have.” Currently, there are approximately 117,800 people across Ireland who are working in jobs that require STEM skills. However, the CSO reports that just 25% of these roles are performed by women, with just 5% in leadership roles. Whilst there has been a general upswing in the number of students choosing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects on their CAO applications, uptake among females remains low. Figures from a 2019 UCD Study reveals that over 40% of males list a STEM course versus just 19% of females. The virtual awards ceremony was also attended by Dr Anushree Dwivedi, Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D programme lead; Michael Gilvarry, General Manager, Cerenovus (Johnson & Johnson); Associate Professor, Mary Dempsey, Vice Dean, College of Science and Engineering, NUI Galway; families of the scholarship recipients; and student mentors. Recipients of the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Award scholarship were also presented with bespoke framed glass artwork created by Cork-based artist, Suzanne O’Sullivan. Ends

New Foundations initiative aims to deepen community and voluntary partnerships and supports North-South reconciliation Seven researchers at NUI Galway have secured funding as part of an initiative to support projects that will have a tangible impact on societal issues.  The awards have been made as part of the Irish Research Council’s New Foundations programme. They projects focus on NUI Galway partnerships which aim to deepen collaboration with community and voluntary organisations, global development, north-south reconciliation, our shared island and police-community relations They are:  Dr Conn Holohan will work with Galway Simon Community on immersive technology as a tool for advocacy and self-expression for people experiencing homelessness. Dr Elena Vaughan will partner with HIV Ireland in a stakeholder consultation and needs assessment to develop rights-based practice and policy guidelines to reduce HIV-related stigma in healthcare settings.  Dr Lindsay Reid will partner with Cúirt International Festival of Literature in her project - (Re)reading, (Re)writing, and (Re)shaping ‘The Classics’: Past, Present, and Future.  Dr Michaela Schrage-Frueh will partner with Age & Opportunity in the research project - Restorying Ageing: Older Women and Life Writing. Professor Patrick Lonergan will partner with Galway International Arts Festival on his research project - Diversity, Programming, and the International Arts Festival: Histories, Practices, and Policies.  Professor Jim Livesey was awarded funding for his research project - Citizens in Conflict: Early-Modern Political Theory and Contemporary Movements in Northern Ireland.  Dr Patricia Kennedy was awarded funding for her project - The Arts and New Digital Technologies for Peace Building and Reconciliation linked to Equality, Rights and Diversity.  Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris T.D., made the announcement, and said: “The community and voluntary sector plays a critical role in Irish life and will continue to do so. As these projects get underway, they support enhancement of the services this sector provides, while also providing excellent partnership opportunities for our researchers.”  Ends

More than 40 students and academics at NUI Galway have been honoured at the annual National University of Ireland awards.  NUI Galway awardees were commended for exceptional achievement in academic endeavour and span the wide range of learning at the University, from history, the Irish language and modern languages, to literature, medicine, education and engineering. Among the awardees were 28 from NUI Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, including students honoured with the Dr Henry Hutchinson Stewart Medical Scholarships, one among the oldest awards to be offered by the National University of Ireland. President of NUI Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “This clearly highlights the high calibre of students studying at NUI Galway. We respect their academic excellence. “I congratulate everyone on their achievements and I would also like to pay tribute to the teachers and educators and other support staff for their work with our students and in helping them to achieve such high standards.” Dr Patrick O’Leary, former Head of Chemistry at NUI Galway and began his term as Registrar of NUI this month, said: “The NUI Awards reward exceptional achievement in academic endeavour but also seek to resource some of our brightest minds to continue their academic careers. Today we make awards in a wide variety of areas and the work spans studies of the early medieval era to the NUI Dr H H Stewart Medical Scholarships and Prizes, highlighting the importance of medicine and healthcare during Covid-19.  Congratulations to all the awardees.” Full details on the NUI Galway students and academics honoured at a special awards ceremony hosted by the National University of Ireland are listed below:  Among those awarded First Prize were: Recipient Award Martin O’Donoghue Publication Prize in Irish History, joint award Monika Jurkiewicz NUI Travelling Doctoral Studentship in Latin American Literature Tammy Strickland NUI Travelling Doctoral Studentship in Neuroscience Ciara Shortiss NUI Travelling Doctoral Studentship Prize in Spinal Cord Injury Regeneration Jenny Dixon NUI Scholarship and Prize in Education, joint award Lauren McMahon Pierce Malone Scholarship in Engineering Colm Ó Flathúin Scoláireacht Chiste Theach an Ardmhéara sa Ghaeilge Adam Mac Donnacha Duais Chiste Theach an Ardmhéara sa Ghaeilge Keith Dowling French Government Medal and NUI Prize for Proficiency in French   First prize awardees from the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, included:  Dr Evan White Anaesthesia Rebekah Sartini General Practice Brianna Reilly Medical Microbiology Róisín Thornton Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dr Sinead McKenna Ophthalmology Rosie Waldron Paediatrics Adithi Gowda Physiology Thomas Butler Psychiatry Ellen Casey Public Health Dr Emma Callaghan Surgery Anu Mohandes Nair General Nursing Joseph Doherty Podiatric Medicine Elise Byrne Speech and Language Therapy   The following were awarded Second Prize, Third Prize or Commendation:  Professor Niall Ó Dochartaigh and Dr Eugene Costello both received Commendations in the Irish History category. NUI Galway was also successful in a number of Dr H H Stewart Literary Scholarships including Chloe Bright in English and Bláithín Breathnach in French, with Bláithín also receiving a Commendation in Italian. Chloe Kennedy was awarded 2nd prize in Spanish, and Amy Kennedy 3rd prize in German. In the Irish categories Muireann Ní Cheannabháin was presented with 2nd prize in the Duaiseanna an Dr T K Whitaker sa Ghaeilge, and Amy Cox was awarded 2nd prize in Scoláireacht Liteartha an Dr H H Stewart sa Ghaeilge Awardees from NUI Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences also included:  Second prize: Shania Coutinho, Anatomy; Anmol Mahesh, Biochemistry, Dr Aoife Fitzpatrick, Clinical Radiology, Cian Buckley O’Sullivan, General Practice; Zachary Hanrasi, Pathology; Emily Grehan, Midwifery; and Heather Gallen, Podiatric Medicine. Third Prize: Caoileann Nic Dhonncha, Anatomy; Dr Sarah Eustace, Clinical Radiology; Dr Rionagh Lynch, Medicine; Dominic Butler, Paediatrics; Wei Yang Lim, Pathology; Amy Marian Collins, General Nursing; and Muibat Cole, Children’s Nursing. Commendation: Dr Rionagh Lynch, Surgery Ends

Tens of thousands of antigen test kits are being provided to students at NUI Galway alongside Project UniCoV as part of public health efforts to limit the spread of Covid-19.  From Monday 17 January, students will be able to collect packs at four locations across campus.  Professor Breda Smyth, Chief Investigator of Project UniCoV and HSE West Director of Public Health, urged students to avail of the kits as well as additional testing, by signing up to take part in Project UniCoV.   “Everyone attending campus needs to adhere to the basic public health measures in the first instance – including not coming to campus if you have symptoms and are supposed to be self-isolating or restricting movements. “Being able to offer free antigen test kits on campus at NUI Galway and giving students the opportunity to take part in Project UniCov demonstrates how we can take a layered approach to public safety and the welfare of students and staff.” Students can collect five tests at a time. They are being advised to test twice a week, three days apart. They are also being advised to self-isolate if they test positive or develop symptoms and to follow public health advice.  Students are also being encouraged to avail of the option for further free antigen and/or salvia PCR testing for 12 weeks in semester two. A special QR code is being made available to students to support the research.  NUI Galway students are also encouraged to get the vaccine booster, to continue to wear face coverings and sanitise hands.  The University saw high levels of compliance from students with public health guidelines during the academic year and we thank them for that.  The distribution of free antigen test kits is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.  John Hannon, Director of Student Services at NUI Galway, said: “There was huge demand for free antigen testing from students in semester one and we know there will be huge demand again. The distribution of the free kits is one of many key steps we are taking as a university to help minimise the spread of Covid and keep our community as safe as possible.” Funded by Science Foundation Ireland, the Department of Further and Higher Education Research Innovation and Science, and the Health Service Executive, Project UniCoV aims to determine the feasibility of two rapid testing modalities - antigen testing and saliva PCR testing.  The research project is ongoing in four partner universities. To date, more than 27,700 rapid tests have been carried out, and about 3,300 students and employees have been tested bi-weekly. Further detail on unicov.org. Ends

€7.57million Government funding, investing in new educational, lifelong skills, personal and professional development programmes for students  NUI Galway has today launched a new educational programme that will prepare students to deal with the complexity and uncertainty of life and the future world of work.  Designing Futures has been developed to enhance the employability of NUI Galway graduates by offering additional practical and creative teaching, learning and skills development alongside traditional degree studies. More than 1,500 students are taking part in design thinking programmes each year, with more than 300 students attending new transdisciplinary modules in 2021/22.  Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, T.D., said: “Designing Futures is a really exciting and dynamic programme which aims to deliver a unique mix of skills coaching, trans-disciplinary modules and curriculum reform all underpinned by technology. “It is creating a sustainable system where every undergraduate embarks on a personalised and assessed learning journey. And crucially it has been designed with enterprise and international partners, ensuring graduates are employable and ready for the new world of work.   “NUI Galway continues to dream big, to think big and to lead on the biggest issues facing our country.” NUI Galway’s Designing Futures is funded by €7.57 million from the Higher Education Authority’s Human Capital Initiative of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. More than 100 students who have been supported by the Designing Futures team are running their own business or start-up.  The programme aims to -   Promote greater student engagement with civic society, community and enterprise, while expanding their education and preparedness for life and a career. Empower students to design personalised skills development pathways and to ensure graduates transversal skills achievements are recognised alongside their degree. Enhance NUI Galway and Ireland’s position as a leader in innovative, student-centred and enterprise-engaged education in Europe and internationally. President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “We at NUI Galway are delighted to announce the formal launch of the innovative Designing Futures programme, which directly aligns with and promotes the values of our University Strategy, Shared Vision, Shaped by Values (2020-2025).  “The University has a proud history and tradition of excellence in education, both in Ireland and globally. Designing Futures will deploy innovative educational technologies; open educational and strategic partnership with enterprise, creative and civic organisations; and bespoke, tailored support for students’ personalised learning.  “As a consequence, this exciting new programme will significantly enhance NUI Galway’s position as a leader in education in its region, and on the national and international stage. Through the Designing Futures programme, we are delighted to contribute substantively to preparing the next generation of our graduates who can creatively tackle the complexities and challenges of the world today, as we live and learn through and beyond this pandemic.” Designing Futures has been developed with enterprise, civic and cultural links at its core. Partners include Aerogen, Boston Scientific, SAP, Rent the Runway, Mbryonics, Veryan, Channel Mechanics and Medtronic and the Galway International Arts Festival.  Professor Michelle Millar, Dean of Students and Designing Futures Programme Lead, NUI Galway, said: “Designing Futures reaffirms our continued commitment at NUI Galway to ensuring the best possible education for our students, particularly in these challenging times.  “The innovative design of the programme will ensure our graduates are exceptionally well-placed to face and handle the complexities of today’s world, while also making the most of future opportunities in life after university.  “As well as their academic and disciplinary knowledge, and engagment with enterprise and civic and social partners, Designing Futures contributes to students’ holistic and rounded education through specialised personal development and success coaching. Designing Futures recognises, enhances and supports the totality of students’ experience at third-level, so that they will graduate well-equipped for the world of today, and tomorrow.”  Designing Futures has three core pillars -  1. A personalised student experience scaffolded by success coaches to support students to “design their futures” with a key focus on maximising their university experience. This incorporates an innovative personal development module, Designing Your Life (DYL), linked with and based on the approach which has been developed by Stanford University.  2. A new state of the art human-centred design studio, IdeasLab, which intersects with our enterprise partners to develop curricular and co-curricular experiences that are driven by design thinking, technology-enhanced learning, curiosity, creativity and empathy. 3. A new suite of modules focused on trans-disciplinary learning and action, which breaks down the traditional silos of academic specialism, promoting innovative thinking and problem-solving. Modelled on an approach developed in Georgia Institute of Technology, multidisciplinary teams of staff and students are brought together to solve research challenges in culture, enterprise and society. Ends

Maoiniú €7.57 milliún ón Rialtas, ag infheistiú i gcláir nua oideachais, scileanna fadsaoil, cláir forbartha pearsanta agus gairmiúla do mhic léinn  Inniu, sheol OÉ Gaillimh clár oideachais nua a ullmhóidh mic léinn chun dul i ngleic le castacht agus le héiginnteacht an tsaoil agus le saol na hoibre sa todhchaí. Forbraíodh An Ród seo Romhat chun infhostaitheacht chéimithe OÉ Gaillimh a fheabhsú trí theagasc, foghlaim agus forbairt scileanna praiticiúla agus cruthaitheacha breise a thairiscint le cois na céime traidisiúnta. Tá níos mó ná 1,500 mac léinn ag glacadh páirte i gcláir smaointeoireachta dearaidh gach bliain, agus tá níos mó ná 300 mac léinn ag tabhairt faoi mhodúil thrasdisciplíneacha nua in 2021/22. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Simon Harris, T.D., an tAire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta: “Is clár thar a bheith spreagúil agus dinimiciúil é An Ród seo Romhat a bhfuil sé mar aidhm leis meascán uathúil d’oiliúint scileanna, modúil thrasdisciplíneacha agus athchóiriú curaclaim a chur ar fáil agus an teicneolaíocht mar bhonn agus mar thaca leo ar fad. “Tá sé ag cruthú córas inbhuanaithe ina dtugann gach fochéimí faoi thuras foghlama pearsantaithe agus measúnaithe. Agus go ríthábhachtach tá sé deartha le comhpháirtithe fiontraíochta agus idirnáisiúnta, rud a chinntíonn go bhfuil céimithe infhostaithe agus réidh don saol nua oibre.  “Leanann OÉ Gaillimh de bheith uaillmhianach, gan aon teorainn lena smaointe agus ceannas á ghlacadh aige i ndáil leis na fadhbanna is mó atá os comhair na tíre." Tá maoiniú €7.57 milliún faighte ag An Ród seo Romhat in OÉ Gaillimh ó Thionscnamh Caipitil Dhaonna an Údaráis um Ard-Oideachas sa Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta. Tá níos mó ná 100 mac léinn a fuair tacaíocht ó fhoireann An Ród seo Romhat i mbun a ngnó nó a ngnólachtaí nuathionscanta féin. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an gclár -  -      Rannpháirtíocht níos mó mac léinn a chur chun cinn leis an tsochaí shibhialta, leis an bpobal agus leis an earnáil fiontraíochta, agus ag an am céanna a n-oideachas agus a n-ullmhacht don saol agus do shlí bheatha a leathnú. -      Cumhacht a thabhairt do mhic léinn chun conairí forbartha scileanna pearsantaithe a dhearadh agus a chinntiú go n-aithnítear na tras-scileanna atá bainte amach ag céimithe le cois na céime. -      Feabhas a chur ar sheasamh OÉ Gaillimh agus na hÉireann mar cheannaire san oideachas nuálach, mac léinn-lárnach agus dírithe ar an bhfiontraíocht san Eoraip agus go hidirnáisiúnta. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Tá lúcháir orainn in OÉ Gaillimh seoladh foirmiúil an chláir nuálach An Ród seo Romhat a fhógairt, clár atá ag teacht go díreach le luachanna ár Straitéise Ollscoile, Fís Roinnte, Múnlaithe ag Luachanna (2020-2025), agus a chuireann na luachanna sin chun cinn. “Tá dea-cháil le fada ar an Ollscoil mar gheall ar fheabhas oideachais, in Éirinn agus ar fud an domhain. Bainfidh An Ród seo Romhat leas as teicneolaíochtaí nuálacha oideachais; cuirfidh sé tús le comhpháirtíocht oideachais agus straitéiseach le heagraíochtaí fiontraíochta, cruthaitheacha agus sibhialta; agus cuirfidh sé tacaíocht shaincheaptha ar fáil d’fhoghlaim phearsantaithe na mac léinn. “Mar thoradh air sin, cuirfidh an clár nua spreagúil seo go mór le seasamh OÉ Gaillimh mar cheannaire san oideachas ina réigiún féin, agus ar an ardán náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta. Tríd an gclár An Ród seo Romhat, tá ríméad orainn cur go mór leis an gcéad ghlúin eile céimithe a ullmhú go mbeidh ar a gcumas dul i ngleic go cruthaitheach le castachtaí agus le dúshláin an domhain inniu, agus muid ag maireachtáil agus ag foghlaim sa phaindéim seo agus ina dhiaidh.” Forbraíodh An Ród seo Romhat le naisc fiontraíochta, chathartha agus chultúrtha ag a chroílár. I measc na gcomhpháirtithe tá Aerogen, Boston Scientific, SAP, Rent the Runway, Mbryonics, Veryan, Channel Mechanics agus Medtronic agus Féile Ealaíon Idirnáisiúnta na Gaillimhe. Dúirt an tOllamh Michelle Millar, Déan na Mac Léinn, Ceannaire Cláir, An Ród seo Romhat, OÉ Gaillimh: “Athdhearbhaíonn An Ród seo Romhat ár dtiomantas leanúnach in OÉ Gaillimh chun an t-oideachas is fearr is féidir a chinntiú dár mic léinn, go háirithe le linn na tréimhse dúshlánaí seo. “Cinnteoidh dearadh nuálaíoch an chláir go mbeidh ar chumas ár gcuid céimithe aghaidh a thabhairt ar chastachtaí shaol an lae inniu, agus ag an am céanna an leas is fearr is féidir a bhaint as deiseanna sa todhchaí tar éis dóibh an ollscoil a fhágáil. “Cuireann An Ród seo Romhat le heolas acadúil agus disciplín na mac léinn, agus a rannpháirtíocht le comhpháirtithe fiontraíochta, sibhialta agus sóisialta, agus anuas air sin cuireann an clár le hoideachas iomlánaíoch agus cuimsitheach na mac léinn trí fhorbairt phearsanta speisialaithe agus cóitseáil rathúlachta. Leis An Ród seo Romhat, aithnítear, feabhsaítear agus tacaítear le heispéireas iomlán na mac léinn ag an tríú leibhéal, ionas go mbeidh siad réidh do shaol an lae inniu agus amárach agus a gcéim bainte amach acu.” Tá trí ghné lárnacha sa chlár An Ród seo Romhat - Eispéireas pearsantaithe mac léinn le tacaíocht ó chóitseálaithe rathúlachta chun cabhrú leo a “dtodhchaí a dhearadh”, agus béim nach beag ar an leas is fearr a bhaint as a n-eispéireas ollscoile. Cuimsíonn sé seo modúl nuálach forbartha pearsanta, Ag Pleanáil don Saol, atá nasctha le agus bunaithe ar an gcur chuige atá forbartha ag Ollscoil Stanford. Stiúideo dearaidh úrscothach nua atá dírithe ar an duine, an tSaotharlann Smaointe, a mbeidh naisc dhoimhne aige lenár gcomhpháirtithe fiontraíochta agus a bhfuil sé mar aidhm leis eispéiris churaclaim agus chomhchuraclaim a fhorbairt a bhfuil inspioráid faighte acu ón smaointeoireacht dearaidh, ón bhfoghlaim le cuidiú teicneolaíochta mar aon leis an bhfiosracht, an chruthaitheacht agus an chomhbhá. Sraith nua modúl arna ndíriú ar fhoghlaim agus ar ghníomhaíocht thrasdisciplíneach, a bhriseann síos leagan amach traidisiúnta na speisialtóireachta acadúla, ag cur smaointeoireacht nuálaíoch agus réiteach fadhbanna chun cinn. Bunaithe ar chur chuige a forbraíodh in Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Georgia, tugtar meithleacha ildisciplíneacha foirne agus mac léinn le chéile chun dúshláin taighde i réimsí an chultúir, na fiontraíochta agus na sochaí a réiteach. Críoch

Pioneering study of heart cells supported by family of late Tyrone footballer to explain cause of death and develop genetic cures  The Cormac Trust, set up in the name of the late Tyrone footballer Cormac McAnallen, is to support research at NUI Galway into Sudden Adult Death Syndrome and the development of future genetic cures. The support from The Cormac Trust will enable research into the mechanism of disease and the discovery of new treatments using stem cell technology which allows researchers to grow heart cells in the lab.  The Cormac Trust was set up by Bridget and Brendan McAnallen after the sudden death of their son Cormac in March 2004 aged 24. Cormac was a well-known sportsman of exceptional fitness and of ostensibly perfect health up until the time of his death. He won the All-Ireland Football Championship with Tyrone in 2003.   The University’s Regenerative Medicine Institute REMEDI has enrolled 20 patients into a programme analysing heart cells and causes of death. Professor Tim O’Brien, Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Consultant Endocrinologist at Galway University Hospitals and Director of REMEDI, said: “We greatly appreciate the support from The Cormac Trust which enables research into the mechanism of disease and also discovery of new treatments using technology which allows researchers to grow heart cells in the laboratory.”  Bridget McAnallen, Cormac’s mother and director of the Cormac Trust, said “We are delighted that a cure for Long QT Syndrome, one of the most prevalent types of SADS, is on the horizon. Cormac McAnalllen died very suddenly from this condition which often has no symptoms and kills even the strongest and fittest young people without warning. This amazing and ground-breaking genetic research which involves North-South co-operation is, I believe, the first research to envisage a cure for this shocking condition, which not only can kill young people, but can be passed on and cause death in successive generations, and devastate families.” The issue of sudden cardiac death among young people became more widely known among the general public largely due to the death of Cormac and Irish youth rugby international John McCall and other subsequent cases. Since 2004, the McAnallen family have been keen to direct public attention to these cardiac conditions that cause such sudden deaths.  Researchers at NUI Galway have generated a biobank of cells which are created by taking skin biopsies and converting the cells to become any cell type in the body.  The new technology is known as induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs. These are cells that are derived from skin or blood cells that have been reprogrammed back into an embryonic-like pluripotent state that enables the development of stem cell therapies. The NUI Galway’s Regenerative Medicine Institute REMEDI is researching the stem cell technology, working with the Centre for Cell Manufacturing, to develop treatments for cardiac conditions associated with sudden death.  The research group includes Dr Terence Prendiville, Clinical Paediatric Cardiologist at the National Children’s Research Centre, based at the Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Professor Tim O’Brien and Sanbing Shen, Director of the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) programme at NUI Galway.  Funding from the Cormac Trust will support stem cell research to investigate causes and potential cures for Long QT syndrome (LQTS).  Dr Terence Prendiville said: “Sudden unexplained death in the young tragically strikes approximately 160 families a year on the island of Ireland. This is often the first time a family comes to medical attention and the condition may affect up to half of close relatives, unbeknownst to them. “Our research allows us for the first time to study heart cells - from someone who is alive or from someone who has died - to try and discover the cause of death, if unknown, and to develop genetic cures that will be the treatment of the future.” Ends

NUI Galway’s Access Centre will hold its annual information evening on Wednesday, 12 January, from 7-9pm. The event will focus on the needs of Mature Students and Adult Learners who may be considering full-time or part-time studies for the 2022-23 academic year. The online information evening is designed for those aged 23 or over wishing to find out more about study options at NUI Galway. Course experts and current students in the University will be on hand to provide support, information, and to answer questions from prospective students to help them decide which options best suit their personal circumstances and professional development needs. Kathleen Hartigan, Mature Students Officer at NUI Galway’s Access Centre, said: “We have seen over the years that mature students bring an enthusiasm and a motivation to learn that enriches our campus community, and we are dedicated to providing them with the necessary information to help them choose the best educational option at NUI Galway.” The University’s Career and Development Centre will deliver a presentation focusing on what course of study will best suit individuals needs and career pathways, and there will be an opportunity to hear from a diverse panel of current mature students. Staff from NUI Galway’s undergraduate and postgraduate courses, along with representatives from the University’s Student Services will also be present to guide attendees on the range of course options and supports offered at NUI Galway, while academic staff will answer specific queries on degrees and progression. Members of the Access Centre will be available to answer questions on pre-university courses in terms of Access courses, and the Disability Support Services, who have expertise in supporting students at third level who may have a long-term health condition (physical or mental), or a specific learning difficulty, will also be in attendance to give guidance to prospective students. Registration for this event is essential. Please register at www.nuigalway.ie/caoevents or contact maturestudents@nuigalway.ie. Further information is available at www.nuigalway.ie/mature  Ends

Beidh an tráthnóna eolais a eagraíonn Ionad Rochtana OÉ Gaillimh gach bliain ar siúl Dé Céadaoin, an 12 Eanáir, idir 7-9pm. Díreoidh an ócáid ar riachtanais na Mac Léinn Lánfhásta agus na bhFoghlaimeoirí Fásta atá ag smaoineamh ar thabhairt faoi staidéar lánaimseartha nó páirtaimseartha sa bhliain acadúil 2022-23. Eagraítear an tráthnóna eolais ar líne do dhaoine atá 23 bliain d’aois nó níos sine agus a dteastaíonn uathu tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi na roghanna staidéir atá ar fáil in OÉ Gaillimh. Beidh saineolaithe cúrsaí agus mic léinn reatha de chuid na hOllscoile i láthair chun tacaíocht agus eolas a thabhairt, agus le ceisteanna ó mhic léinn ionchasacha a fhreagairt le cabhrú leo cinneadh a dhéanamh faoi na roghanna is fearr a oireann dá gcúinsí pearsanta agus dá riachtanais forbartha gairmiúla féin. Bhí an méid seo le rá ag Kathleen Hartigan, Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Lánfhásta in Ionad Rochtana OÉ Gaillimh: “Chonaiceamar thar na blianta go mbíonn mic léinn lánfhásta díograiseach agus spreagtha chun foghlama, agus go gcuireann siad go mór le pobal an champais. Tabharfaimid gach eolas dóibh chun cabhrú leo an cúrsa oideachais cuí a roghnú in OÉ Gaillimh.” Déanfaidh Ionad Forbartha Gairmeacha na hOllscoile cur i láthair ina ndíreofar ar an gcúrsa staidéir is fearr a oirfidh do na riachtanais agus do chonairí gairme ar leith, agus beidh deis ann éisteacht le painéal de mhic léinn lánfhásta reatha ó réimsí éagsúla. Beidh comhaltaí foirne ó chúrsaí fochéime agus iarchéime OÉ Gaillimh, mar aon le hionadaithe ó Sheirbhísí Mac Léinn na hOllscoile, i láthair freisin chun treoir a thabhairt don lucht freastail maidir leis an raon cúrsaí agus tacaíochtaí a thairgtear in OÉ Gaillimh, agus freagróidh comhaltaí foirne acadúla ceisteanna ar leith faoi chéimeanna agus faoi shlite chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh. Beidh baill den Ionad Rochtana ar fáil chun ceisteanna a fhreagairt faoi chúrsaí réamh-ollscoile ar nós cúrsaí Rochtana. Beidh na Seirbhísí Tacaíochta Míchumais, arb é a gcúram tacú le mic léinn ag an tríú leibhéal a bhfuil riocht sláinte (fisiciúil nó meabhrach) fadtéarmach orthu, nó a bhfuil deacracht shonrach foghlama acu, i láthair freisin chun treoir a thabhairt do mhic léinn ionchasacha. Ní mór clárú don ócáid seo. Cláraigh ag www.nuigalway.ie/caoevents nó déan teagmháil le maturestudents@nuigalway.ie. Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil ag www.nuigalway.ie/mature  Críoch