March

Tá Oifigeach Sláine Acadúla ceaptha ag Ollscoil na Gaillimhe den chéad uair. Tá an té sin freagrach as oideachas a chur ar an bhfoireann agus ar na mic léinn maidir le sláine acadúil, tacú le Comhairleoirí Sláine Acadúla, agus imscrúdú a dhéanamh ar chásanna mí-iompair acadúil. Beidh an Dr Justin Tonra, léachtóir i nDisciplín an Bhéarla san Ollscoil, lárnach i gcur i bhfeidhm, i measúnú agus i bhfeabhsú an Pholasaí Sláine Acadúla agus na bpróiseas a bhaineann leis. Leagadh amach sa Pholasaí Sláine Acadúla a cuireadh i bhfeidhm san Ollscoil i mí an Mheithimh 2022 an cód cleachtais chun déileáil le cásanna ina sáraíonn mic léinn sláine acadúil trí mhí-iompar acadúil. Bhí an méid seo le rá ag an Dr Tonra: “Cé gur tharraing nithe a tharla le déanaí i réimse na hintleachta saorga aird ar an gceist, ba cheart go mbeadh mic léinn agus teagascóirí ar an airdeall i gcónaí faoi shláine acadúil. Is iad na prionsabail a bhaineann léi, macántacht, muinín agus freagracht atá ina gcrann taca ag an gcleachtas acadúil agus a chuireann bonn láidir faoi luach agus sláine oideachais ollscoile agus cáilíochtaí ollscoile. Tá deis againn anois aird phobal uile na hollscoile a dhíriú an athuair ar luachanna agus ar phrionsabail na sláine acadúla agus muid ag obair le chéile chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar na dúshláin agus na deiseanna a bhaineann le teagasc agus foghlaim sa lá atá inniu ann.” Bhí an méid seo le rá ag an Ollamh Pól Ó Dochartaigh, Uachtarán Ionaid agus Meabhránaí Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Is ceist ríthábhachtach í an tsláine acadúil don Ollscoil. Aithnítear go gcaithfidh institiúidí ardoideachais dul i ngleic le séitéireacht ar conradh, bradaíl, agus sláine na measúnuithe agus na hoibre acadúla ar bhealach comhordaithe agus córasach. Le feidhmiú an Pholasaí Sláine Acadúla agus le ceapachán an Dr Tonra, tá an Ollscoil ag léiriú a thiomanta atá sí maidir leis an fhoireann agus na mic léinn a oiliúint agus a chur ar an eolas maidir le dea-chleachtas acadúil.”  Bhain an Dr Tonra PhD amach sa Bhéarla ó Ollscoil na Gaillimhe in 2010. D’oibrigh sé mar Léachtóir i nDisciplín an Bhéarla ó 2016 i leith. Bhí poist aige roimhe sin in University College London agus in University of Virginia. Baineann a chuid spéiseanna taighde leis an litríocht agus an teicneolaíocht agus tá obair déanta aige i réimsí na ndaonnachtaí digiteacha, stair na leabhar, staidéar ar théacsúlacht agus ar bhibleagrafaíocht, eagarthóireacht léannta, agus filíocht agus ealaín na filíochta. Tá sé ar dhuine den dream a bhunaigh Cumann na nDaonnachtaí Digiteacha idir an Ríocht Aontaithe agus Éire, agus bhí sé ina Chomhordaitheoir Náisiúnta do DARIAH-Ireland. Bhí sé i gceannas ar ghrúpaí oibre do thionscadail atá maoinithe ag an Choimisiún Eorpach ar an Chianléitheoireacht (COST Action) agus ar an Léann Liteartha Ríomhaireachtúil (Fís 2020). In Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, is é an Stiúrthóir Cúrsa reatha é ar an MA Literature and Publishing agus roimhe sin bhí sé ina Stiúrthóir ar an PhD Struchtúrtha in Digital Arts and Humanities. Tá sé ina bhall freisin den Chomhairle Acadúil agus de Choiste Feidhmiúcháin Institiúid de Móra. Críoch

University of Galway has appointed its first Academic Integrity Officer with responsibility for educating staff and students on academic integrity, supporting Academic Integrity Advisors, and investigating cases of academic misconduct. Dr Justin Tonra, a senior lecturer based in the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) in the University, will be central in implementing, evaluating and refining the Academic Integrity Policy and its associated processes.  Introduced by the University in June 2022, the Academic Integrity Policy sets out the code of practice for dealing with instances where students breach academic integrity by engaging in academic misconduct. Dr Tonra said: “While recent developments in the field of artificial intelligence have brought the issue into focus, academic integrity should be of enduring concern for students and teachers. Its principles of honesty, trust, and responsibility are what sustain academic practice and uphold the value and integrity of a university education and its qualifications. Now is an opportune time to return the focus of the entire university community to the values and tenets of academic integrity as we work together to address the challenges and opportunities of teaching and learning today.” Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, Deputy President and Registrar at University of Galway said: “Ensuring academic integrity is a critical issue for the University. There is a recognition that higher education institutions need to tackle contract cheating, plagiarism, and the integrity of assessments and academic work in a coordinated and systematic manner. With the introduction of the Academic Integrity Policy and the appointment of Dr Tonra, the University is committed to educating and informing staff and students on good academic practice.”   Dr Tonra received his PhD in English from University of Galway in 2010. He has worked as a Lecturer in the Discipline of English since 2016 after holding previous appointments at University College London and the University of Virginia. His research interests lie at the intersections of literature and technology and comprise work in the fields of digital humanities, book history, textual studies and bibliography, scholarly editing, and poetry and poetics. He is a founding member of the UK-Ireland Digital Humanities Association, a former National Coordinator for DARIAH-Ireland, and has led working groups for European Commission-funded projects on Distant Reading (COST Action) and on Computational Literary Studies (Horizon 2020).  At the University of Galway, he is the current Course Director of the MA Literature and Publishing and has previously been Director of the Structured PhD in Digital Arts and Humanities. He also holds membership on Academic Council and the Executive Committee of the Moore Institute. Ends

At a special ceremony celebrating 20 years of student volunteering and community engagement at University of Galway, Irish rugby player and Barretstown Ambassador Mack Hansen joined students to share experiences of volunteering.   At the event more than 500 student volunteers were recognised for their efforts with an ALIVE Certificate for Volunteering, joining the 15,000 plus students who, over the last 20 years, have given their time and energy to build and strengthen communities.    The students were acknowledged by University of Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh for their volunteering commitments with national non-profit organisations such as Barretstown and campus student initiatives.    The ALIVE Student Volunteering Programme aims to connect students with volunteering projects that not only make an impact for the individual student’s personal and professional development but also creates social change through community solidarity.   Mack Hansen said: “As an ambassador for Barretstown I see firsthand the impact of volunteering and just how much volunteers get from their experience too. I was delighted to join the team from Barretstown and University of Galway for this special event to recognise the fantastic students who have given up their time to volunteer for organisations across Ireland.”    Lorraine Tansey, ALIVE Student Volunteer Programme Coordinator, said: “Since the pandemic we have now seen a resurgence of volunteering projects and a dramatic increase in volunteer recruitment campaigns from nonprofits, community groups and NGOs. As a result, University of Galway students have taken up the call to action and been volunteering with charity shops, fundraisers, health organisations and environmental campaigns to mention a few.”    May Queen Tugap, student of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law, said: “By giving my time and energy to support cultural events like the Baboro Festival and Music for Galway, I believe I am making a valuable contribution to the community and helping to create a more vibrant and inclusive society, where people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy and engage with the arts.”    As part of its commitment to civic engagement, University of Galway recently launched the first Civic Engagement Scholarship in an Irish higher education institution. The aim of the scholarship is to contribute to building global citizenship skills among students by enabling them to take on community action at Ireland’s leading campus for civic engagement.     Directed at new entry undergraduate students and valued at €1,500 per academic year for the duration of their degree programme, the scholarship provides training and hands-on skills development workshops, access to specialised conferences and networking, internship experience with the ALIVE Volunteering programme, and insight across a wide range of non-profit, humanitarian and social justice programmes.   Ends 

University of Galway research has highlighted significant gaps in Ireland’s education system which are holding back digital teaching and learning for young people.   The report, commissioned with the support of Google, identified how Ireland is experiencing a significant shortage of teachers, with Maths, Engineering and new STEM subjects such as Computer Science among the hardest vacancies to fill.    The new research - Capacity for, Access to, and Participation in Computer Science Education in Ireland - was led by the School of Education at University of Galway and looked at what is holding back Ireland’s digital education, and what can be done to address the challenges.   A copy of the report is available via University of Galway's School of Education publications' webpage   It found that one of the main barriers to expanding Computer Science education in Ireland’s schools is a lack of qualified teachers.    :: As of August 2022, there were just 34 accredited Computer Science teachers.    :: Out of a total of 140 teachers involved with the Computer Science programme, the vast majority of those teaching it were doing so without Teaching Council accreditation for the subject.    :: In focus groups with school leaders and teachers, the research revealed that a lack of qualified teachers was the number one barrier to making Coding and Computer Science available at their school.   Dr Cornelia Connolly, lecturer in University of Galway’s School of Education and lead author of the report, said: “Although the Irish education system has embraced computing in the curriculum at post-primary - by introducing Coding as a Junior Cycle short course and Computer Science as a stand-alone Leaving Certificate subject - we are a long way off making this important 21st century subject available to all students.”   The research report noted that as Ireland is working to become a digital leader at the heart of European and global digital developments – the development of computing skills and a flourishing Computer Science education ecosystem are essential to this transformation.    It also highlights the necessity for Ireland’s education system to incorporate significantly more digital skill and computational development in schools if we are to ensure the ongoing digital transformation of the economy.    The researchers found a low level of understanding of the importance of the subject of Computer Science amongst students, teachers and the relevant stakeholders, with other courses such as Wellbeing pushing Coding and Computer Science off the timetable.   The report highlighted that in 2022:  Only 15.6% of schools offered Computer Science at Leaving Certificate -  114 out of 728 post-primary schools  117 out of 728 post-primary schools offered Junior Cycle Coding  34 accredited Computer Science teachers in Ireland  Of a total of 140 teachers involved with the Computer Science programme, the vast majority of those teaching the subject are doing so without Teaching Council accreditation for the subject A significant gender gap in participation in the subject is emerging: 60% of Junior Cycle Coding, and 70% of Leaving Certificate Computer Science students in 2022 were male  The report highlights a range of emergent challenges and recommendations for the effective integration of Computer Science skills and practices within formal education in Ireland across the primary and post-primary sector.    There is a necessity for all students attending primary and post-primary school to have equal opportunity to develop basic Computer Science understanding and skills, including computational thinking and coding.   Dr Connolly added: “We need to develop a shared understanding and strengthen the acceptance of Computer Science as a foundational competence for all, enabling young people to become active participants in a digital economy and society. While young people are often assumed to be ‘digital natives’ who can pick up computer skills with ease, the research indicated this is not the case. Young people have a high level of access to phones and smart technology, yet teachers report that their technical use and understanding of computers is much lower. To address this, the report recommends that computing education needs to be introduced at an earlier age.”    Ends

University of Galway’s Access Centre and Grant Thornton have celebrated five years of their joint Professional Engagement Module, an experience-based module of learning for Access students.  Over an eight-week period, Access Students are assigned a mentor from Grant Thornton Galway and take part in a specifically designed module of structured, interactive learning. As a result of taking part in the programme, students gain exposure to the professional environment, develop career skills, and increase their career readiness.  The mentoring, time spent in the Grant Thornton offices and workshops run as part of the module combine to give the students self-belief around progression in education and in planning for their careers. Aengus Burns, Advisory Partner with Grant Thornton, said: “This is our fifth year of interaction with the University on this programme, we are delighted to support it. We believe it is very important to show students through the Access Programme what opportunities there are in this industry, how Grant Thornton interacts with its own staff and clients, and present opportunities to these students.”  Vice President for Engagement at University of Galway, Dr Paul Dodd, said: “This programme speaks to the importance of diverse learning experiences and collaborations with the wider community and industry. The benefits of this relationship between the Access Centre and Grant Thornton are very apparent in the way that the students speak about their mentors and the motivation it has given them to persist and strive for success within their chosen courses.” The Access Programmes are for those with the ability to benefit from and succeed in higher education but who, for a variety of socio-economic reasons, are under-represented at third level. Dr Mary Surlis, Senior Academic Manager in University of Galway’s Access Centre, said: “This year marks the fifth year of Professional Engagement Module and our much-valued relationship with Grant Thornton. The programme offers a very exciting opportunity to our students to engage in a professional setting, and to experience the support and encouragement of dedicated committed professionals, this will benefit our students enormously.” University of Galway Access student Nathan Martin said: “To visit the Grant Thornton offices and see how things operate in a real business setting, not just theorizing it, actually getting to see it in action, is hugely beneficial to us. It keeps our drive going. That for me fermented it in my own head that I really do want to do the course that I have chosen, and I believe for my fellow students it has given them the same passion and drive to keep going as well.”  Ends

University of Galway has launched its inaugural Nelson Mandela Anti-Racism Week. Taking place throughout the week until Friday March 24, the events coincide with International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed each year on March 21st.  The week-long programme also commemorates the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela being awarded an honorary doctorate by University of Galway in 2003. On that occasion, Mandela said: “It is a source of great pride to be honoured by an Irish university. To stand here at the University and receive an honorary doctorate makes one feel part of that proud lineage of scholarship, learning and wisdom that had been passed down the centuries of Irish history.” The extensive range of initiatives outlined in the programme of events includes both student and staff led activities such as workshops, a diversity café, exhibitions, virtual reality experience, race equality training, Traveller and Roma film festival, society events, and cultural events. Guest speakers include Emer O’Neill, Rosemarie Maughan, Dr Amanullah De Sondy, Ikenna Anyabuike, Ashwin Chacko, Mary Watson and Sharmilla Beezmohun. Highlights during the week include: Photo Exhibition: Celebrating Racial Diversity at University of Galway Experiencing Direct Provision through the eyes of University of Galway Students (Virtual Reality Experience),  Remembering Nelson Mandela’s Conferring Ceremony at the University of Galway, (Thursday, March 23 at 11.30am in the Aula Maxima, Quadrangle) where South African Ambassador to Ireland, Yolisa Maya, will deliver the keynote address Panel discussion: The Intersection between Racism and Public Spaces by Emer O'Neill, Rosemarie Maughan and Amanullah De Sondy (Friday March 24 at 11am, The Cube, Áras na Mac Léinn) Dr Helen Maher, Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion said: “The week aims to empower the University community to act on Nelson Mandela’s Anti-Racism vision and the University’s values of respect, openness, excellence and sustainability, through the advancement of race equality and anti-racism which aligns with the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy. I very much look forward to continuing to engage with everyone in progressing a transformative equality, diversity and inclusion agenda at University of Galway.”  To mark the inaugural Nelson Mandela Anti-Racism Week, the Office of the Vice President for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion has awarded funding to 11 projects as part of the annual Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Project Fund. The funding is available to staff and students on a competitive basis for a variety of Anti-Racism projects within the University. In addition, the University is hosting the first national HEA conference on Race Equality in Higher Education on March 20 to highlight the structural, institutional, and historical dimensions of racism which have informed past and current practices in HEIs and the societies in which they are situated. Owen Ward, EDI Programme Manager for Race Equality at University of Galway, said: “The diverse programme of events during Nelson Mandela Anti-Racism week is based on a collaborative approach throughout the university, supported by the Office of the Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. The events are designed to be deliberative and interactive, facilitating discussion, learning and engagement on a wide range of issues relevant to race, ethnicity and anti-racism.” For further information and to register for events visit https://www.universityofgalway.ie/equalityanddiversity/raceequality/nelsonmandelaanti-racismweek/  Ends

Tá tús curtha leis an gclárú do lá oscailte bliantúil fochéime Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, a thabharfaidh deis do na mílte dalta agus a dtuismitheoirí nó a gcaomhnóirí cuairt a thabhairt ar an gcampas stairiúil cois abhann seo i gcroílár chathair na Gaillimhe.  Beidh Lá Oscailte an Earraigh ar siúl ar an gcampas Dé Sathairn, an 25 Márta idir 9am agus 3pm.  Tá sé oscailte do gach scoláire sa tsraith shinsearach, iad siúd atá ag déanamh na hidirbhliana san áireamh. Buailfidh cuairteoirí le mic léinn reatha Ollscoil na Gaillimhe agus cloisfidh siad ó ollúna agus léachtóirí den scoth faoi na cúrsaí ceannródaíocha atá ar fáil agus an taighde nuálach atá idir lámha. Ní iontas ar bith go bhfuil an ollscoil seo i measc an 2% is fearr d’ollscoileanna an domhain. Dúirt Sarah Geraghty, Stiúrthóir Earcaíochta Mac Léinn agus For-rochtana: "Tugann lá oscailte Ollscoil na Gaillimhe deis do mhic léinn ionchasacha agus do thuismitheoirí eolas a chur ar chúrsaí, ábhair, slite beatha agus saol an mhic léinn san Ollscoil agus is deis iontach atá anseo bualadh lenár n-ollúna, léachtóirí agus mic léinn reatha agus labhairt leo. Tá cúig thaispeántas i gceist leis an imeacht agus beidh an clár is mó riamh againn le níos mó ná 100 caint faoi chúrsaí, ábhair, gairmeacha agus tacaíochtaí do mhic léinn. I measc na mbuaicphointí áirítear Saol na Mac Léinn, Spórt, Staidéar Thar Lear, Gairmeacha agus obair dheonach ALIVE. Eagróidh an tIonad Rochtana seisiún ar bhealaí iontrála eile, ar thacaíochtaí do mhic léinn lánfhásta agus ar an mbealach iontrála QQI/FETAC/PLC. B’fhéidir go mbeadh suim ag muintir na ndaltaí i gCaint na dTuismitheoirí a bheidh ar siúl ag 11.30am áit a mbeidh comhairle agus treoir le fáil ar an gcaoi is féidir le tuismitheoirí tacú lena gclann agus iad ag dul ar aghaidh chuig an tríú leibhéal.    Leag Sarah Geraghty, Stiúrthóir Earcaíochta agus For-rochtana na Mac Léinn, béim ar an tábhacht a bhaineann le deiseanna a sholáthar do dhaltaí chun an campas a fheiceáil agus smaoineamh ar a gcuid staidéir amach anseo. Táimid ag súil fáilte a chur roimh na daltaí go dtí an campas áit a bhfaighidh siad taithí mhaith ar shaol na hollscoile, áit a bhfuil teagasc bunaithe ar thaighde, béim ar scileanna infhostaitheachta, socrúcháin, staidéar thar lear agus córas tacaíochta a thabharfaidh deis dóibh barr feabhais a bhaint amach. Tabharfaidh an lá oscailte blaiseadh de shaol an choláiste do dhaltaí na sraithe sinsearaí agus tá súil againn go dtuigfidh siad go mbeidh deis iontach acu agus iad ag staidéar san ollscoil amach anseo.”  -      Cuireann an Ollscoil os cionn 60 bunchéim ar fáil a aithnítear go hidirnáisiúnta i réimsí cosúil le Leigheas, Altranas, Eolaíochtaí Sláinte, na Dána, Eolaíocht, Innealtóireacht, Gnó, Dlí agus Bainistíocht Óstáin. -      Tugann breis agus 90% de na cúrsaí deis do mhic léinn tabhairt faoi shocrúchán oibre agus/nó staidéar thar lear chun a chinntiú go mbíonn céimithe réidh don ionad oibre, agus go mbíonn tóir ag fostóirí sa bhaile agus thar lear orthu. -      Féadfaidh mic léinn a roghnaíonn staidéar a dhéanamh in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe a bheith muiníneach go dtabharfar aitheantas ar fud an domhain dá n-obair chrua agus dá gcáilíochtaí. Tá creidiúnú aitheanta go hidirnáisiúnta ag go leor de na cúrsaí a chuireann Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ar fáil agus ní iontas ar bith í a bheith ar an 2% is fearr de na hollscoileanna ar fad ar domhan. Mar chéimí de chuid na hollscoile, beidh mic léinn páirteach i bpobal domhanda láidir agus dinimiciúil de bhreis agus 110,000 alumni. Is gá clárú roimh ré, agus tá tuilleadh eolais agus an clár iomlán ar fáil ag https://www.universityofgalway.ie/opendays/, nó ríomhphost a sheoladh chuig opendays@universityofgalway.ie. Críoch

Tá Gradaim Aitheantais bronnta ag Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ar scoláirí ar éirigh leo pas le gradam, idir 90% agus 100%, a bhaint amach i scrúduithe ardleibhéil Gaeilge an Teastais Shóisearaigh.  D’fhreastail breis agus 100 scoláire as Co. Dhún na nGall, Co. an Chláir, Co. Mhaigh Eo, Co. Liatroma, Co. Shligigh, Co. Ros Comáin agus Co. na Gaillimhe ar ócáid speisialta a reáchtáladh i Halla Bailey Allen ar champas na hOllscoile chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar na héachtaí a bhain na scoláirí meánscoile seo amach.   Áirítear na scoláirí seo i measc an 2.6% de scoláirí na tíre ar éirigh leo pas le gradam a bhaint amach sa pháipéar ardleibhéil T2 Gaeilge go náisiúnta, nó an 3.6% de na scoláirí a bhain pas le gradam amach sa pháipéar ardleibhéil T1 Gaeilge sa Teastas Sóisearach in 2022. Chuir Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh fáilte chroíúil roimh na scoláirí agus a dteaghlaigh, agus rinne sé comhghairdeas leis na príomhoidí agus leis na múinteoirí a bhí i láthair ón 36 scoil ar a bhfuil na scoláirí ag freastal freisin, agus é ag tabhairt aitheantais dóibhsean as an dea-obair atá ar bun acu féin sna scoileanna. “Tá mé chomh sásta go bhfuil ar ár gcumas ómós a thaispeáint don chéad ghlúin eile Gaeilgeoirí, i bhfianaise go bhfuil an Ghaeilge chomh tábhachtach dúinn ar fad anseo san Ollscoil agus go bhfuil an Ghaeilge chomh lárnach inár bhféiniúlacht.” Bhí an méid seo le rá ag an t-Ollamh Pól Ó Dochartaigh, Uachtarán Ionaid agus Meabhránaí Ollscoil na Gaillimhe agus é ag tréaslú leis na scoláirí: “Ba cheart go mbeadh sibhse an-bhródúil asaibh féin.  Is léir gur scoláirí eisceachtúla sibh, a bhfuil sárchumas sa Ghaeilge agaibh, agus is údar misnigh dúinne é go bhfuil bhur leithéid ann, agus go bhfuil todhchaí na Gaeilge slán.” Aithnítear an tábhacht a bhaineann lena chinntiú go mbeidh pobail bhisiúla Ghaeilge sa Ghaeltacht agus taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht i gcéad straitéis Ghaeilge na hOllscoile, Straitéis na Gaeilge 2021-2025, a seoladh i mí Iúil 2021.  Tugadh aitheantas do na pobail sin ag an ócáid cheiliúrtha seo agus an Ollscoil ag déanamh cúraim don ról a chuir sí roimpi sa Straitéis, ó thaobh ceannasaíocht a thabhairt don ardoideachas i nGaeilge agus meas a léiriú ar lucht labhartha na Gaeilge. Críoch 

University of Galway has presented students who achieved a distinction, between 90% and 100%, in their higher level Irish Junior Certificate examination with a Special Irish Recognition Award. Over 100 students from Donegal, Clare, Mayo, Leitrim, Sligo, Roscommon and Galway attended a special event in the Bailey Allen Hall in University of Galway to recognise and celebrate their achievements. These students are among the 2.6% of students across the country who achieved a distinction in the higher level T2 Irish paper, or the 3.6% of students who achieved a distinction in the higher level T1 paper in the 2022 Junior Certificate examinations. University of Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh welcomed the students and their families and also congratulated the teachers and principals from the 36 schools they are attending while recognising the hard work being done in the schools.  “I am very pleased that we can give the next generation of Irish speakers the respect and recognition they deserve, particularly as the Irish language is so important to us here at Ollscoil na Gaillimhe and that it is such a central part of our identity.” Deputy President and Registrar, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh also congratulated the students saying: “You should all be very proud of yourselves. You are exceptional students, with exceptional ability in the Irish language, and you are all a great source of encouragement to us as we can rest assured that the future of the Irish language is in safe hands.” The importance of thriving Irish-speaking communities in the Gaeltacht and beyond is recognised in the University’s first Irish language strategy, A Strategy for the Irish Language 2021-2025, which was launched in July 2021.  These communities were given due recognition at this event with the University fulfilling its role in leading higher education in the Irish language and showing Irish speakers respect, as is set out in the Strategy. Ends 

Business leaders from the west of Ireland are invited to a University of Galway business summit, focusing on addressing challenges companies face in terms of talent attraction and retention, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and sustainability issues. Organised by the University’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, the Regional Business Summit – Engaging People and Leading on Sustainability, takes place on campus on Friday March 31, from 8.45am to 1.30pm in the Bailey Allen Hall. The goal of the event is to provide business leaders with the tools and strategies they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing business landscape. Attendees will hear from speakers in Enterprise Ireland and Ibec, experts in local and national companies including PwC, Deloitte, Fidelity, Genesys and Nulla Carbon, as well as academics, who will share strategies for attracting and retaining top talent. They will also gain insights into how sustainability considerations can be integrated into business operations and decision-making processes and develop a better understanding of ESG. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with other business leaders and share their own experiences and best practices. Professor Alma McCarthy, Head of J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at University of Galway, said: "Attracting and retaining top talent is a critical issue for businesses of all sizes in the region, and with the growing importance of ESG and sustainability, companies are under increasing pressure to operate responsibly and ethically. Our event will provide attendees with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in this new era of business." The Regional Business Summit is the second in the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics Thinking Beyond event series and is held in partnership with Galway Chamber and ITAG. For further information or to register visit https://universityofgalway.ie/thinkingbeyond/regionalbusinesssummit/.   Ends

Registration has opened for University of Galway’s annual spring undergraduate open day, which will provide an opportunity for thousands of students and their parents or guardians to visit the historic, riverside campus in the heart of Galway city.    The University’s spring open day will take place on campus on Saturday March 25 from 9am to 3pm. It is open to all senior cycle students, including those doing transition year. Visitors will meet current University of Galway students and hear from world leading professors and lecturers about the cutting-edge courses on offer and the innovative research that puts it among the top 2% of universities on the global stage.  Sarah Geraghty, Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach, said: “University of Galway open day offers prospective students and parents an opportunity to explore courses, subjects, careers and student life at the University and a great chance to meet and talk to our professors, lecturers and current students.”  The event is spread across five exhibitions and the schedule includes the largest ever programme of talks with more than 100 talks featuring all courses and subjects, as well as career and student support. Some highlights includes Student Life, Sport, Study Abroad, Careers and ALIVE volunteering. The Access Centre will host a session on alternative pathways, mature student supports and the QQI/FETAC/PLC entry route.  Parents may be interested in the Parents’ Talk taking place on at 11:30am with advice and guidance on how parents can support the progression to third level.   Sarah Geraghty, Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach, highlighted the importance of providing students with opportunities to explore the campus and think about their future studies: “We look forward to welcoming students to the campus where they can expect a true university experience with research-led teaching, a focus on employability skills, placements, study abroad and a support ecosystem that prepares individuals to reach their potential. The open day will give senior cycle students a taste of college life and hopefully a sense of great possibility for their future university studies.”   The University offers more than 60 internationally recognised undergraduate degrees coverings areas such as Medicine, Nursing, Health Sciences, Arts, Science, Engineering, Business, Law and Hotel Management.  More than 90% of courses offer students a work placement and/or study abroad opportunity ensuring graduates are work place ready, and sought after by employers at home and abroad.  Students choosing to study at University of Galway can be confident that their hard work and qualifications will be recognised worldwide.  Ranked in the top 2% of universities globally, many of the courses provided by University of Galway hold internationally recognised accreditation. As a graduate of the university, students will be joining a strong and dynamic global community of over 110,000 alumni.  Advance registration is required, with further information and the full programme available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/opendays/, or by emailing opendays@universityofgalway.ie.  Ends

University of Galway has appointed its second ever full-time Traveller Education Officer to lead on the recruitment of and support students from the Irish Traveller community. Anne Marie Stokes, a Traveller and alumnus of the University, succeeds Owen Ward in the role and will manage the Mincéirs Misl'd in Education - Empowering Irish Travellers project to transition and build a sense of belonging in Higher Education. The project is funded by the Higher Education Authority's Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH 3) fund, and the role will be shared across University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University Galway-Mayo. As Traveller Education Officer, Anne Marie Stokes will work in partnership with various stakeholders, including Irish Traveller organisations and the Irish Traveller community, and build on critical government policies and strategies to provide a detailed, evidence-based understanding of barriers to access, progression and retention in higher education for Irish Travellers. Anne Marie Stokes, Traveller Education Officer, said: “I am proud to take up my new role with the Access Centre at University of Galway as I have seen the University’s commitment to increasing the number of Travellers reaching higher education. I am very passionate about education, and I have a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree from University of Galway, and I look forward to supporting the further development of outreach, recruitment and support strategies to not only enable Traveller students to access university but to succeed once they do.” Having previously worked with the Galway Traveller Movement, Anne Marie Stokes has also delivered cultural awareness training and anti-racism training to numerous service providers and industries. She now joins a multi-disciplinary team of professionals supporting students that are under-represented in higher education from the pre-entry stage of the student journey and throughout their time in University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University Galway-Mayo.  Imelda Byrne, Head of the Access Centre at University of Galway, said: “The need for further engagement with the Irish Traveller Community has been identified through both practice and policy. A lot of progress has been made in recent years, but Irish Travellers are still heavily under-represented in higher education. We are delighted with Anne Marie’s appointment to continue and build on the work that has been done to date and look forward to new collaborations.”  Ends

Shannon College of Hotel Management has presented over 100 students with degrees from its world-renowned institution, while also celebrating the recovery of the hospitality industry globally which has faced many challenges as a result of the pandemic. Founded by Dr Brendan O’Regan in 1951, Shannon College is part of University of Galway and is the only third level college in the country with 100% graduate employment. Many of its graduates are currently working in some of the most renowned hotels around the world including Claridge’s London, Intercontinental Miami, Hilton Seychelles and the Ritz Carlton Toronto.  The most recent cohort of graduates hailed from ten countries including Ireland, India, China, Malaysia, South Korea, Seychelles and Germany.  Speaking at the conferring ceremony which took place on Thursday, Adrian Sylver, Head of Shannon College, said: “The industry is rebounding after a turbulent period. Central to this resurgence is the people. You graduate today with a degree in International Hotel Management, your degree has equipped you with skills highly sought in the industry. You have mastered modules in all the key business disciplines and those specific to the hospitality industry. Additionally in Shannon we have strived to hone your management and interpersonal skills. The Shannon qualification goes beyond the academic studies, lifelong skills are developed that will make you stand out in the industry. Tourism, Ireland's largest indigenous sector and biggest regional employer, is on a strong recovery trajectory after the difficulties of the pandemic.”  Professor Geraint Howells, Executive Dean of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law at University of Galway, said: “It was wonderful to attend the conferring at Shannon College. The Shannon College spirit was present as ever and it was obvious why our graduates are so sought after due to their wide range of skills and professional and welcoming attitude.” Elaina Fitzgerald Kane, Chairperson of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, said: “There are significant opportunities for new graduates starting their tourism careers as well as those seeking career progression across the length and breadth of the country. This is one of Ireland’s most exciting sectors.”  Ends 

Preclinical validation to commence following EU funding of €4.5m The European Union has awarded a European Consortium €4.5 million for the ELR-Scar project to validate a novel hydrogel biomaterial that will prevent scar tissue from forming in the heart following a heart attack. Myocardial infarction (MI), or heart attack, happens as a result of ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Europe has the highest rates of IHD worldwide, equalling almost 26.5 million patients. In the days and weeks following a heart attack, the damaged cells of the heart are replaced by scar tissue. This scarring or 'remodelling 'of the heart tissue can cause further dysfunction and complications for the patient. Professor Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director of CÚRAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices at University of Galway, said: "There is a clear medical need for new treatment solutions that can prevent scar tissue formation and irreversible cardiac remodelling. Our hope is that this hydrogel will do exactly that to fundamentally improve clinical practice, reducing the enormous burden that a heart attack and its leading cause, ischaemic heart disease, places on society and the individual patient." Professor Pandit leads the ELR-Scar consortium and recently received the prestigious George Winter Award 2022 from the European Society for Biomaterials. The consortium includes seven industry and academic partners across Ireland, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Lithuania, Poland and the Netherlands. The hydrogel solution being developed by the team is biospecific, which means that its properties or activities vary according to the specific biological molecule it interacts with. It will have enhanced adhesion to cardiac tissue and is made of a degradable biomaterial that would be administered to the patient through an intravenous, endocardial catheter.  This EU funding recognises the importance of tackling economic and personal health burdens and adds to the €70 million in EU investment generated by CÚRAM researchers during its first eight years.  ELR-SCAR draws on collaborations across Western and Eastern European countries to work on the project's regulatory, manufacturing, and clinical needs.  Ends

Researchers at University of Galway have found that people with symptoms of depression were more likely to suffer an acute stroke and have a worse recovery afterwards. The findings come from a new INTERSTROKE study, published in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The research paper is available here.  INTERSTROKE is a global study of 26,877 adults with an average age of 62, across 32 countries including participants in Europe, Asia, North and South America, the Middle East and Africa. Participants with stroke were matched to controls who had not suffered a stroke, but were similar in age, gender, racial or ethnic identity. Dr Robert P Murphy was the study author and consultant Stroke Physician and researcher at the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway.  Dr Murphy said: “Depression affects people around the world and can have a wide range of impacts across a person’s life. Our study provides a broad picture of depression and its link to risk of stroke by looking at a number of factors including participants’ symptoms, life choices, and antidepressant use. Our results show depressive symptoms were linked to increased stroke risk and the risk was similar across different age groups and around the world.” The INTERSTROKE study found:  Of study participants, 18% of those who had a stroke had symptoms of depression compared to 14% of controls who did not have a stroke. After adjusting for age, sex, education, physical activity and other lifestyle factors, people with depressive symptoms before stroke had a 46% increased risk of stroke compared to those with no depressive symptoms. The more symptoms of depression participants had, the higher their risk of stroke.  Participants who reported five or more depressive symptoms had a 54% higher risk of stroke than those with no symptoms. Those who reported three to four depressive symptoms and those who reported one or two symptoms of depression had 58% and 35% higher risk, respectively. While people with symptoms of depression were not more likely to have more severe strokes, they were more likely to have worse functional outcomes one month after the stroke than those without depressive symptoms. Professor Martin O’Donnell, Professor of Neurovascular Medicine at University of Galway and Consultant Stroke Physician at Galway University Hospitals, co-led the international INTERSTROKE study in partnership with Professor Salim Yusuf from the Population Health Research Institute at McMaster University, Canada. Professor O’Donnell said: “The goal of INTERSTROKE is to better understand the importance of risk factors for stroke in different regions of the world and impact of stroke. In the INTERSTROKE study we have previously examined the roles of hypertension, alcohol, lipids and psychosocial stress as global determinants of stroke risk. The current analysis provides deeper insights into the association of depressive symptoms with stroke risk, reporting an increased risk. These analyses suggest that effective identification and management of depression may also be associated with reduce stroke risk, although the observational nature of the study does not permit definitive conclusions.” A series of findings have been released as part of the wider INTERSTROKE project including:  Alcohol risk factors for acute stroke Anger, emotional upset and heavy physical exertion may trigger stroke Psychosocial stress tied to higher risk for acute stroke Ends

Beidh fáilte mhór roimh an bpobal in Ionad Charna, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge nuair a sheolfar an saothar aistriúcháin Conamara Chronicles: Tales from Iorras Aithneach tráthnóna Dé Céadaoin an 14 Márta ag 7pm. Is í an Dr Róisín Nic Dhonncha a sheolfaidh an t-aistriúchán a rinne Liam Mac Con Iomaire agus Tim Robinson, nach maireann, ar Annála Beaga ó Iorrus Aithneach, bunaithe ar ábhar a thiomsaigh Seán Mac Giollarnáth ó scéalaithe agus seanchaithe Iorras Aithneach sna 1930idí. Ba é an Gúm a chuir amach an saothar den chéad uair sa mbliain 1941 agus tá cáil mhór ar an téacs ó sin. Déantar trácht in imeacht 14 chaibidil ar na hoileáin, an drochshaol, corraíl pholaitiúil na linne, pearsana mór le rá, smuigléireacht, sagairt agus naoimh, báid agus bádóirí sna hAnnála Beaga. Is sna téacsanna seanchais seo a dhéantar buanú ar imeachtaí móra an phobail agus is é leagan na muintire ar a stair féin é. Bronnfaidh muintir Sheáin Mhic Giollarnáth ábhar cartlainne breise le Seán Mac Giollarnáth ar an Ionad mar chuid den seoladh. Bronnadh 61 leabhar nótaí & téacsanna eile de chuid Sheáin Mhic Giollarnáth cheana ar Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge agus rinneadh clárú agus digitiú ar an ábhar seo mar chuid de mhórthogra taighde de chuid an Údaráis um Ard-Oideachas, PRTLI5. Tá taighdeoirí agus an pobal ag tarraingt ar an ábhar seo go leictreonach ón mbliain 2017 i leith. Tá sé i gceist an t-ábhar nua a bhronnfar a chur leis an mbailiúchán digiteach de réir a chéile.

University of Galway’s Áras na hOllscoile in Carna will host the launch of Conamara Chronicles: Tales from Iorras Aithneach, on Tuesday March 14 at 7pm. The event is open to the public. Dr Róisín Nic Dhonncha will launch the publication which is an English translation by Liam Mac Con Iomaire and Tim Robinson of Annála Beaga ó Iorrus Aithneach, based on material compiled by Seán Mac Giollarnáth from storytellers and tradition-bearers in Iorras Aithneach in the 1930s. The state publishing agency An Gúm originally published the influential text in 1941. The Chronicles consist of 14 chapters which carry accounts of islands, the famine era, political unrest, prominent personalities, smuggling, saints and priests, boats and boatmen. These traditional tales commemorate major community events and are a significant repository of folk history. The Mac Giollarnáth/Forde family will also donate additional archive material relating to Seán Mac Giollarnáth to Ionad Charna as part of the event. Some 61 manuscripts and texts associated with Seán Mac Giollarnáth were previously donated to Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge.  This material has been catalogued and digitised as part of PRTLI5, a major research project funded by the HEA. Researchers and the general public have continual digital access to the material since 2017 and it is intended to augment the digital collection with the new donation over time. Ends

Graduates welcomed back to campus to celebrate academic achievements during Covid University of Galway has announced plans to welcome almost 1,000 graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021 back to campus over three days for special celebratory events. The programme runs from March 14-16, 2023.  The events have been organised specifically for graduates who completed studies in 2021 and whose winter conferring was postponed and also for graduates who completed studies in 2020 and were conferred in absentia due to public health restrictions during the pandemic. Speaking ahead of the conferring ceremonies, University of Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “Looking back over recent years and the experience of the pandemic for our students, we know that they deserve huge credit for their perseverance and achievement in the face of uncertainty. They are certainly well-prepared for the challenges of life ahead! Reflecting on our values of respect and excellence, I would like to commend all of our graduates from 2020 and 2021 for learning in the midst of a pandemic, and congratulate them on their unparalleled achievements.  We are sorry that we weren’t able to celebrate earlier and more formally due to the interruptions of the pandemic. However, we hope these will be days of celebration for families and friends, and a chance for University of Galway to recognise them and their success. We thank them for waiting and for being with us on these days and from these days onwards”     Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, Deputy President and Registrar at University of Galway, said: “The last couple of years were extraordinary times and the classes of 2020 and 2021 have proven they are extraordinary and determined people to be able to complete their studies and graduate during a time of such upheaval and uncertainty. On behalf of University of Galway, I would like to congratulate each graduate on their hard work and achievement.” The celebration events will recognise graduates who came through undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes from the College of Science and Engineering, College of Business, Public Policy and Law, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. The full schedule for celebratory event is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/conferring  Ends

Cuirtear fáilte ar ais roimh chéimithe chuig an gcampas chun éachtaí acadúla le linn Covid a cheiliúradh  Tá pleananna fógartha ag Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ina gcuirfear fáilte roimh bheagnach 1,000 céimí ó ranganna 2020 agus 2021 chuig an gcampas thar thrí lá le haghaidh imeachtaí speisialta ceiliúrtha. Beidh na himeachtaí ar siúl ón 14-16 Márta 2023.  Tá na himeachtaí á reáchtáil go speisialta do chéimithe a chríochnaigh a gcuid staidéir in 2021 agus ar cuireadh a searmanas bronnta céime geimhridh ar athló agus do chéimithe a chríochnaigh a gcuid staidéir in 2020 agus ar bronnadh a gcéim orthu in absentia mar gheall ar shrianta sláinte poiblí na paindéime. Ag labhairt dó roimh na searmanais bhronnta, dúirt Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Ag breathnú siar le blianta beaga anuas agus ar an taithí a bhí ag ár gcuid mac léinn ar an bpaindéim, tá a fhios againn go bhfuil moladh mór tuillte acu as a mbuanseasmhacht agus an méid a bhain siad amach nuair a bhí éiginnteacht rompu. Is cinnte go bhfuil siad ullmhaithe go maith do dhúshláin an tsaoil amach rompu! Agus muid ag smaoineamh ar ár luachanna mar atá meas agus barr feabhais, ba mhaith liom ár gcéimithe go léir ó 2020 agus 2021 a mholadh as bheith i mbun léinn fad a bhí an phaindéim ann, agus comhghairdeas a dhéanamh leo as a bhfuil bainte amach acu.  Is oth linn nach raibh muid in ann ceiliúradh a dhéanamh níos luaithe agus ar bhealach níos foirmiúla mar gheall ar an bpaindéim. Tá súil againn, áfach, gur laethanta ceiliúrtha a bheidh anseo do theaghlaigh agus do chairde, agus deis d’Ollscoil na Gaillimhe aitheantas a thabhairt dóibh agus don mhéid atá bainte amach acu. Gabhaimid buíochas leo as fanacht linn agus as bheith linn ar na laethanta seo agus as seo amach.”    Deir an tOllamh Pól Ó Dochartaigh, Uachtarán Ionaid agus Meabhránaí Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Tá cúpla bliain thar a bheith aisteach curtha dínn againn agus tá sé cruthaithe ag ranganna 2020 agus 2021 gur daoine speisialta agus diongbháilte iad de bhrí go raibh siad in ann a gcuid staidéir a chríochnú agus céim a bhaint amach le linn tréimhse a bhí lán le héiginnteacht inar cuireadh isteach go mór orthu. Thar ceann Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a dhéanamh leis na céimithe ar fad as a gcuid oibre crua agus an éacht atá déanta ag gach duine acu.” Tabharfaidh na hócáidí ceiliúrtha aitheantas do na céimithe sin a rinne cláir fochéime, iarchéime agus PhD i gColáiste na hEolaíochta agus na hInnealtóireachta, Coláiste an Ghnó, an Bheartais Phoiblí agus an Dlí, Coláiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte agus Coláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta agus an Léinn Cheiltigh. Tá sceideal iomlán na hócáide ceiliúrtha ar fáil ag https://www.universityofgalway.ie/conferring  Críoch

University of Galway and Queen’s University Belfast have joined forces on a new cross-border initiative in education and spatial planning with post-primary school students and local authorities.  The project was held in collaboration with Geography staff and students at Presentation College, Athenry and Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew in Co Galway, and New-Bridge Integrated College, Banbridge, Co Down and The Royal School, Armagh, and was supported by the Planning departments of Galway County Council and Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.  It involved all students and staff carrying out a number of spatial planning and surveying exercises in the four locations across Galway and Northern Ireland, with guidance from planning staff.   The aim of this joint project was to link spatial planning as a statutory exercise conducted by local authorities to second and third level teaching in order to enhance the teaching and learning experience for teachers and students. The main vehicle for contributing to spatial planning is through local authority plan-making, county plans, and local area plans.  While statutory planning is predominantly about land use planning, it also encompasses economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability - all topics of interest to secondary school Geography, as well as to third level programmes on Geography and on planning. Dr Therese Conway, Director of the MA Rural Futures Planning and Innovation, Discipline of Geography, University of Galway, said: “This exchange is an invaluable learning experience for both staff and students. For university and school teaching staff it allows for an exchange on teaching methods and for the school students it allows that to get a taster for what geography and spatial planning are like as subjects at university, what options there are for careers in this area and how geography and planning matter in real world contexts.” Dr Marie Mahon, Director of the School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies, University of Galway, said: “This project provided an invaluable opportunity for us to collaborate with our colleagues in Queen’s University, and also to promote a new collaboration between Geography teachers north and south. It has given us new ways to think about how Geography can be taught using the medium of spatial planning, by examining the spatial development of the places in which we live. The fact that planners from both Galway County Council and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council have taken part in the project highlights the importance they also attach to public participation in the planning process, and the contribution that geography students and teachers alike can make to it.” Brian Corcoran, Executive Planner, Galway County Council, said: “This project has been a worthwhile cause in empowering young, second level students to think about the places we live while developing their interest and understanding of town and country planning.” Brendan Dunne, Senior Executive Planner, Galway County Council, said: “The cross-border collaboration between the local authorities and educational institutions from Galway and in Northern Ireland was a great success. The inter-relationship between planning and place-making is a common theme North and South and the involvement of second level students contributed to the success of this project.” Dr Neil Galway, Queen’s University Belfast, said: “We are delighted to participate in this SCOTENS-funded study as it offers a great opportunity for our future planners to develop their facilitation skills whilst working with an under-represented section of our society: teenagers.” The project was funded by SCoTENS- the Standing Conference on Teacher Education North and South, under its Seed Funding Scheme, which provides funding to support a number of collaborative research projects and professional activities in teacher education in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Ends

Fourth year Mathematical Science student at University of Galway, James Hayes, has been awarded the prestigious 2022 Hamilton Prize. Mr Hayes is one of nine students to have been honoured by the Royal Irish Academy, which gives the prize to the top mathematical students in their penultimate year of study, as nominated by their university. The award commemorates famed Irish scientist William Rowan Hamilton and his discovery of quaternion algebra in Dublin on October 16, 1843 – a four dimensional number system which has been used in satellite navigation and video game programming.  In recognition of his mathematical excellence, James Hayes received a cash prize of €500, a certificate of achievement and attended an exclusive masterclass with the 2022 Hamilton Lecture speaker, Professor Avi Wigderson, of the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton. James Hayes, who is originally from Knockcroghery, Co Roscommon, said: "It was a great honour for me to receive the Hamilton Prize. I have had a passion for mathematics as long as I can remember, going back to my secondary school days in CBS Roscommon. I found the Hamilton Day masterclass with Professor Avi Wigderson, and chaired by University of Galway's own Dr Rachel Quinlan, particularly insightful. I would like to thank the RIA for organising the event, IBEC for their generous sponsorship of it, Professor Wigderson and Dr Quinlan for their generosity with their time, and the School of Mathematics at the University of Galway for their continuous support." Professor Cathal Seoighe, Head of the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at University of Galway, said: “I am delighted for James Hayes that he is this year’s winner of the Hamilton Prize for University of Galway. The prize is awarded to the best undergraduate mathematics students across the country and is a testament to James’ consistently excellent performance in his studies. James joins a long and talented list of Hamilton Prize winners in the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences and we feel very fortunate to have been able to attract these incredibly talented students and always look forward to seeing where their studies will take them next.”  Hamilton Day commemorates a ground-breaking discovery by one of Ireland’s most famous scientist. On October 16 1843, William Rowan Hamilton discovered quaternion algebra, while walking along the Royal Canal from Dunsink Observatory to the Royal Irish Academy. This was one of those very rare Eureka moments in the history of science. So excited was he by his discovery that he scratched his equation on the wall of Broome Bridge, Cabra. Hamilton’s discovery of quaternions was important in the development of modern abstract algebra and the quaternions remain useful in calculating rotations of solid bodies and are thus important in satellite navigation and video game programming. Ends

Tá Seachtain na Gaeilge 2023 á ceiliúradh in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe agus neart imeachtaí eagraithe ar champas na hOllscoile idir seo agus Lá Fhéile Pádraig. Ceann dena phríomhbhuaicphointí a bheidh ag tarlú i rith Seachtain na Gaeilge ná na Gradaim Aitheantais Gaeilge do scoláirí an Teastais Shóisearaigh a bheidh ar bun Dé Luain, 13 Márta at 5pm. Déanfar éachtaí na scoláirí ar éirigh leo ‘pas le gradam’ a bhaint amach i scrúduithe ardleibhéil an Teastais Shóisearaigh a cheiliúradh ag an ócáid speisialta seo. Tá Seachtain na Gaeilge 2023 lárnach i bhféilire imeachtaí na hOllscoile agus seo hé an chéad uair a mbeidh an fhéile á ceiliúradh ar champas na hOllscoile ó roimh na paindéime agus ó seoladh Straitéis na Gaeilge 2021-2025.  Leagann an Straitéis amach fís uaillmhianach le beocht a chur i gcampas dhátheangach na hOllscoile agus le bealach a leagan amach chun cultúr iomlán dátheangach a bhaint amach, trí pholasaithe oibríochta, struchtúir rialachais agus tacaíocht do phobal na Gaeilge.  I measc na n-imeachtaí a bheidh ar siúl áirítear: Tae agus Plé: Dé Máirt, 7 Márta ag 11rn. Má tá spéis agat bualadh le Gaeilgeoirí eile bí linn i Seomra na Coiribe i Sult, áit a mbeidh neart tae agus plé agus craic agus comhluadar. Ciorcal Amhránaíochta le TradSoc: Dé Máirt, 7 Márta ag 1in i gCaifé na Gaeilge, Áras na Gaeilge Ceardlann Gairmeacha le Conradh na Gaeilge: Déardaoin, 9 Márta ag 6in  Cartlann Chonradh na Gaeilge: Dé Céadaoin, 15 Márta ag 1in sa Téatar in Áras na Gaeilge.  Ócáid phoiblí, ina bpléifear tionscnamh nua taighde 'CARTLANN, Gníomhachas, teanga agus na meáin', agus gnéithe eile. Craoladh beo, le hagallamh leis an aisteoir, file agus taighdeoir, an Dr Colm Mac Gearailt. Oíche Chultúir Ghaelaigh: Dé Céadaoin, 15 Márta ag 7.30in in Áras na Gaeilge. Dúirt Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh agus Seachtain na Gaeilge á seoladh san Ollscoil aige: “Tuigeann muid ar fad luach agus fiúntas na Gaeilge agus tacaíonn muid go hiomlán le baill foirne, le mic léinn agus leis an bpobal atá ag feidhmiú trí Ghaeilge ina gcuid oibre, agus ag cur chun cinn agus ag neartú na Gaeilge mar theanga bheo.  Is cuid lárnach dhomhain dár bhféiniúlacht agus dár saol í an Ghaeilge agus leanfaidh muid den obair lena chinntiú gur ó neart go neart a thiocfaidh sí, agus muid ag tacú leis an mborradh atá tagtha ar an spéis atá á cur ag an gcéad ghlúin eile inti.”  Dúirt Oifigeach Gaeilge na hOllscoile, Caroline Ní Fhlatharta: “Beidh fáilte agus fiche roimh chách ag na himeachtaí go léir atá curtha le chéile chun freastal ar phobal Gaeilge na hOllscoile – idir chainteoirí líofa, foghlaimeoirí, agus daoine nach bhfuil acu ach cúpla focal, ach a bhfuil suim acu sa nGaeilge.”    Tá an clár imeachtaí iomlán atá beartaithe in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe le linn Sheachtain na Gaeilge ar fáil ag https://www.universityofgalway.ie/snag23/ nó https://su.nuigalway.ie/seachtain-na-gaeilge-4/. Críoch

University of Galway are celebrating Seachtain na Gaeilge 2023 with a number of events taking place on campus in the run-in to St Patrick’s Day. One of the main highlights taking place during Seachtain na Gaeilge is the Gradaim Aitheantais Gaeilge do scoláirí an Teastais Shóisearaigh which takes place on Monday March 13 at 5pm. The achievements of students who have achieved a 'pass with honours' in the Junior Certificate high level examinations will be celebrated at this special event. Seachtain na Gaeilge 2023 is an integral part of the University’s calendar of events and this year’s events are the first to take place on campus since the pandemic. It is also the first since the launch of the University’s inaugural Irish Language Strategy 2021-25 - a strategy which sets out an ambitious vision to bring the bilingual campus to life and to set out a way to achieve a fully bilingual culture, through operational policies, governance structures and support for Irish language communities. Highlights from the Seachtain na Gaeilge programme events include: -      Tae agus Plé: Dé Máirt 7 Márta ag 11am. Má tá spéis agat bualadh le Gaeilgeoirí eile bí linn i Seomra na Coiribe i Sult, áit a mbeidh neart tae agus plé agus craic agus comhluadar. -      Ciorcal Amhránaíochta le TradSoc: Dé Máirt 7 Márta ag 1pm i Caifé na Gaeilge, Áras na Gaeilge -      Ceardlann Gairmeacha le Conradh na Gaeilge: Déardaoin 9 Márta at 6pm -      Cartlann Chonradh na Gaeilge: Dé Céadaoin 15 Márta. Ócáid phoiblí, ina bpléifear tionscnamh nua taighde 'CARTLANN, Gníomhachas, teanga agus na meáin', agus gnéithe eile. Craoladh beo, le hagallamh leis an aisteoir, file agus taighdeoir, an Dr Colm Mac Gearailt. -      Oíche Chultúir Ghaelach: Dé Céadaoin 15 Márta ag 7.30pm i Áras na Gaeilge. University of Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “The Irish language is a value and valuable for us all and we are fully supportive of our staff, students and community in living their working lives through Irish, and in promoting and strengthening the Irish language. The Irish language is a central and deep part of our identity and our lives and we will continue to work in ensuring that the Irish language, which is increasingly engaging the next generation, goes from strength to strength.” University of Galway Irish Language Officer, Caroline Ní Fhlatharta, said: “Everyone is welcome to attend each of the events which have been carefully planned to suit the entire University community – fluent speakers, learners, and even those with very little Irish, but who are interested in the language.”  The full list of events celebrating Seachtain na Gaeilge at University of Galway is available to https://www.universityofgalway.ie/snag23/ or https://su.nuigalway.ie/seachtain-na-gaeilge-4/. Ends

Galway GP Dr Niamh O’Brien has been announced as the winner of the Dr Fiona Bradley national award. The presentation was made at a Joint Annual Meeting of the Association of University Departments of General Practice in Ireland and the Irish College of General Practitioners, hosted by University of Galway.  Celebrating the contributions of the late Dr Fiona Bradley, the national award in her memory is made to an individual who has made a sustained difference in health care in Ireland and/ or internationally.  Dr O’Brien, a graduate of the School of Medicine at University of Galway, is a GP based in Mervue, Galway city. The award citation described Dr O’Brien as “an outstanding exemplar of a general practitioner combining excellent clinical care with a fierce advocacy for all patients”.  Dr O’Brien said: “It is a great honour to receive this award in memory of the late Dr Fiona Bradley. Her legacy of service to patients who have medical and social disadvantage is one which I can only aspire to emulate. I consider it an enormous privilege to provide clinical care and advocacy to my patients in Mervue Health Centre and at the HSE West Addiction Services.” Dr Fiona Bradley’s parents, Brendan and Pamela attended the presentation of the award to Dr O’Brien at University of Galway. Dr O’Brien has combined supporting the development of the practice in Mervue with significant outreach work to patients who face particular difficulties in accessing services. She had led on service development in the Galway Drug Treatment Centre, within which she has led a multi-disciplinary team, with Clinical Nurse Specialist Orla O’Brien, in the delivery of addiction services to some of the most socially disadvantaged patients in the city and wider region.  From 2009 to 2015, Dr O’Brien also worked at Galway’s confidential support service for young people, Jigsaw, as a GP with a special interest in youth mental health. As it was a new service, Dr O’Brien was a key early advocate and champion among her colleagues and community. She has also been a strong contributor to the Discipline of General Practice at the University. As a GP trainee, she published research on the stress caused by out of hours work among both practitioners, and another often overlooked group, spouses. She produced an undergraduate teaching video on how GP’s can provide care to socially disadvantaged patients.   During the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr O’Brien continued to be a prominent and strong advocate for all patients including those most socially disadvantaged. In particular, she particularly highlighted the importance of access to Covid vaccinations for all patients. Together with her husband Cuan O’Brien, she represented her daughter Annie, as part of a test case, in challenging the Government’s decision to close special schools. She acts, on behalf of daughter Lucy and others, as a GP Adviser to the UK Brittle Bone Society. The citation concluded: “Niamh’s care for the individual patient facing her every day in the consulting room and her advocacy for those too vulnerable or disempowered to speak entirely for themselves has made a sustained difference to health care in this city and these islands. Niamh embodies the core principles which Dr Fiona Louise Bradley espoused so well in her lifetime.” Ends 

Business, higher education and policy-makers recently came together to explore the role of Recognition of Prior Learning in addressing skills needs and developing talent Leaders and policy-makers in higher education and enterprise came together today, Thursday March 2, for the first time to explore the role of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in upskilling, reskilling, and retaining key members of the workforce. University of Galway is one of 14 partner higher education institutions working towards embedding and expanding the RPL initiative to enable larger numbers of learners, particularly those in the workforce, to benefit from higher education. With RPL, a learner can get recognition from a higher education institution for the prior learning they have done in work, life and the community which in turn can provide a pathway to and through higher education. Using RPL, a higher education institution gives recognition for what someone already knows, understands and can do prior to, for example, starting on a programme or module. A dedicated online resource for learners, businesses, and higher education institutions was launched today at www.priorlearning.ie. This website is a jumping-off point for anyone seeking to engage with RPL as a route in to higher education and will provide businesses and enterprise with an understanding of how RPL can benefit workers. Suzanne Golden, RPL Project Lead at the University of Galway, said: “Recognition of Prior Learning is an essential component of the University’s approach to widening access to qualifications and supporting lifelong learning. Here in University of Galway we recognise that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. We aim to offer accessible and flexible progression routes for people who want to build on their prior learning.” University of Galway’s participation in the national Recognition of Prior Learning in Higher Education project is indicative of its willingness to engage with enterprise partners to understand the higher education needs of their employees. RPL can offer significant benefits to both employers and employees. It is a tool which can help employers to nurture and retain employees by contributing to career progression opportunities, whilst also boosting employee motivation. By recognising the skills, knowledge and expertise that an employee has learned in the workplace, RPL can also help to meet existing and emerging skills needs at a faster pace by avoiding duplication of learning, meaning employees don’t have to relearn things they already know. Ms Golden continued: “Working collaboratively with employers we can use RPL to identify opportunities that enable workers to ensure that their knowledge, skills and competences remain relevant and fit for purpose. RPL also creates agility in our system, helping us to value the learning achieved outside formal education and develop courses sensitive to employee’s existing skillsets. The national RPL in Higher Education project is raising awareness of how RPL may be harnessed in the future to deliver solutions for upskilling, reskilling, organisational development, talent retention and more in the enterprise sector. The launch of the new www.priorlearning.ie website is a welcome addition to those awareness raising initiatives.” RPL enquiries for University of Galway can be emailed to rpl@universityofgalway.ie Ends

Farmer's Yards to develop a new social organisation for the farming community University of Galway’s Rural Studies Centre is to lead a new social organisation for the farming community with a pilot initiative at Mountbellew Livestock Mart, Co Galway called Farmer's Yards. Established as an opportunity to support individual farmers and fit the farming community’s collective interests, requirements and values, the initiative will run through March and April this year. Its aim is to promote social inclusion, and in turn wellbeing, in the farming community by providing farmers in the area with a platform to come together as a local peer group in a familiar and friendly mart setting.  The pilot is funded by University of Galway’s Illuminate Programme with support from St Jarlath’s Credit Union.  The involvement of Mountbellew Livestock Mart in the Farmer’s Yards initiative is extremely important because in addition to its primary function providing a method of buying and selling livestock, the bidding ring and canteen at the mart also provides a vital social facility for the local farming community, particularly for those who have few other social outlets and may live alone.  The project is being led at University of Galway by Dr Shane Conway, who said: “Many farmers rely on their weekly visit to the mart to meet with their friends, exchange ideas and catch up on local news. Mountbellew Mart’s existing position and reputation as a focal point of activity within the heart of the rural community essentially provides it with a ready-made platform and network to diversify its services and establish a social group membership of farmers in its catchment area through this new initiative.  “The well-established Men's Sheds movement showcases the benefits of such a peer group at local level. The Rural Studies Centre at University of Galway believe that the Farmer's Yards social organisation for the farming community has just as much, if not more, potential to succeed. It is gender inclusive and it has an intergenerational aspect, bringing together men and women of all ages involved in farming in the form of a social hub for the entire farming community.”  As its name suggests, Farmer’s Yards enables farmers to take responsibility and ownership of their own social interactions. It provides them with an opportunity to come together in a secure and positive environment to chat about livestock and issues relevant to their livelihoods, as well as local news and other topics of interest over a complimentary cup of tea and biscuits the evenings the mart takes place. There will also be a weekly stock judging competition of cattle as well as guest speakers and demonstrations on a range of farmer focused topics such as understanding online mart bidding platforms, interpreting Euro-Star breeding indexes, options around farm succession and tips to improve physical health and wellbeing. Dr Conway added: “With more than one third of Irish farmers over the age of 65, this new social organisation for farmers, will also address recent calls by the European Commission for an increased emphasis on mechanisms that help older farmers enhance their quality of life by exploring possibilities under social policy.  “This is an important shift in focus, as previous policy aimed at stimulating generational renewal in agriculture, such as the most recent Early Retirement Scheme for farmers (ERS3) in Ireland, for example, requesting farmers to ‘cease all agricultural activity forever’ upon retirement and placed no regard on the wellbeing of the older generation of the farming, overlooking their identity and social circles in later life.” The Rural Studies Centre group at University of Galway said the Farmer's Yards initiative has the potential to contribute to the older farmer’s overall sense of happiness, belonging and self-worth, amidst the gradual decline of their physical capacities as they age. It will provide a social outlet for them to remain actively involved in the farming community, because for many, farming is a way of life, not just an occupation. Ends