News Archive

NUI Galway praised for driving an open, transparent culture of quality, and promoting equality and diversity Recommendation to mainstream best practice in support services to manage increasing student numbers and needs relating to international students, access, disability and mental health NUI Galway has successfully completed a review as part of quality checks conducted by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the state agency responsible for the external quality assurance of further and higher education and training in Ireland. A panel of national and international education experts conducted a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of the university’s quality assurance procedures, highlighting examples of good practice which were seen to deliver positive benefits for students and staff, and making recommendations on areas for improvement in the coming years. NUI Galway was praised for: The openness and transparency of their self-evaluation process, publishing their report and sharing helpful case-studies. Driving a culture of quality to ensure that all staff have ownership of quality assurance and enhancement Promoting equality and diversity through the appointment of senior leadership in these areas, student work on gender recognition and achievement of the institution-level Bronze Athena Swan award Having conducted a full review of research activity and performance The positive contribution of professional support services such as its academic writing, career development, learning and teaching and researcher development centres The expert panel identified the following areas for improvement for the university: Consideration of the future role and development of the Quality Office with possible links to related support services such as its Centre of Excellence in Learning and Teaching, to share good practice and developmental activities Consideration of a direct reporting relationship by the Quality Enhancement Committee to internal academic governance bodies A review to comprehensively understand their programme development and provision Ongoing annual monitoring of individual school review outcomes to assess progress in achieving development goals Develop a system to mainstream support service projects that are successful and demonstrate impact thus managing increasing student numbers and the complexity of their diverse needs in the areas of international, access, disability and mental health  Professor Sibrandes Poppema, former President of the University of Groningen, chaired the expert review panel: “The Review Team was deeply impressed by the inclusive process of developing the Institutional Self-Evaluation Report, where staff and students were visibly involved, as well as by the format of the document, especially the integrated case studies. The open character of the process was reflected in the publication of the ISER on the external website. The institution has a clear direction and has taken commendable steps in developing an accessible policy and procedures repository, professional support services for the students, research quality improvement measures and internationalisation, equality and diversity, as reflected in the Bronze Athena Swan.” President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “NUI Galway welcomes this positive QQI review, its findings and looks forward to addressing the valuable recommendations as we embark on a new strategic era here at the University. The review acknowledged our openness and transparency throughout the self-evaluation process but also our commitment to driving a ‘culture of quality’ and promoting ‘equality and diversity’ throughout our community for the public good.  We take quality very seriously and value the confirmation of our compliance with quality assurance regulatory and statutory requirements. We commit to continuous improvement across the campus to meet the needs of our students, including our support services, our teaching and learning and our research agendas.” Through its CINNTE cycle of reviews, QQI assesses and reports on how effectively all 19 publicly-regulated higher education institutions are maintaining and enhancing quality in education.  The reviews explore how institutions have improved their teaching, learning and research systems, and how well institutions have aligned with their own mission, quality indicators and benchmarks.  Reports on University College Dublin, University of Limerick, IT Carlow and Waterford IT will follow in 2020. Padraig Walsh, CEO of QQI highlighted the value of the CINNTE review process to the entire higher education system: “Every QQI CINNTE review is based on rigorous assessment by a panel of national and international experts of the quality of education provision across an entire institution.  Each one serves as a useful tool, allowing students to evaluate and have confidence in the quality of their education. The whole-hearted engagement of our HEIs with their expert panels, the examples of good practice so often brought to light, and the way in which subsequent recommendations are embraced are especially deserving of praise. Together, they ensure the student is situated at the very heart of the teaching and learning agenda.” Read the NUI Galway CINNTE report in full. Read the NUI Galway Summary Quality Profile. ENDS

NUI Galway will host a conference to investigate the importance of the school environment for children’s learning, wellbeing and participation. Entitled ‘21st Century Schools: Inclusive, Flexible & Dynamic Learning Environments: The impact of physical design on student learning and participation’, the conference will take place on Monday, 7 October and is being hosted by the Galway Occupational Therapy Department and a collaborative forum of educators, educational psychologists, therapists and designers. The conference features national and international experts on learning environments and school seating, as well as examples of flexible design classrooms with innovative furniture design, presentations from local children from Scoil Cholmáin Tuairíní, Galway Educate Together National School and the Claddagh National School and an expert panel discussion on the application of research to practice. This conference will be of great interest to schools and school support teams in Galway and particularly any schools hoping to build, renovate or purchase furniture.  The conference also provides an opportunity for teachers and school support teams from health and disability services to learn and share knowledge together around this important area creating a real platform for ongoing change. A Teaching Council Research support grant is subsidising the event ensuring it is accessible to as many practitioners as possible. International and National Experts on Learning Environments and School Seating are presenting including: Professor Peter Barrett, University of Salford; Dr Tony Hall, NUI Galway; Simon Dennehy, CEO, Perch Dynamic Solutions; Thomas Grey, leading member in the consortium tasked with developing the Universal Design Guidelines for Early Learning and Care settings; Richard Brennan, founder and past President of the Irish Society of Alexander Technique Teachers; and Mary Murphy of Occupational Health and Safety Services and Jan Van Haaren (Industrial Design and Display Screen Environment (DSE) Assessor. The conference will take place in the Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS) Building, North Campus. Registration for the event is available https://hse.clr.events/event/128423:learning-environments-conference or contact Michelle Bergin at Michelle.bergin2@hse.ie for further information. -Ends-

Dr Jessamyn Fairfield, a Nanoscientist from the School of Physics at NUI Galway is fundraising for the initiative Homeward Bound, a ground-breaking leadership programme for women working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Homeward Bound culminates in a research trip to the Antarctica this November and aims to heighten the influence and impact of women in making decisions that shape the planet. Launched in 2016, the inaugural programme culminated in the largest ever female expedition to Antarctica. Homeward Bound takes place over the course of a year, supporting women in science to significantly improve their clarity, confidence, shared vision and strategic capability. It helps women to take up leadership roles globally and to proactively contribute to a sustainable world both individually and collectively. At the end of the programme this November, Dr Fairfield and her cohort will travel to Antarctica, an iconic and challenging landscape that is experiencing some of the most severe consequences of climate change, with implications for the entire world. Dr Jessamyn Fairfield, School of Physics at NUI Galway, says: “To solve societal challenges like climate change, we can’t ignore the talents of half the population, women, and especially at the leadership level. Research has shown that diverse groups produce better science, better business, and more creative solutions to problems. We don't just need diversity of people - we need diversity of thought.” This is the second expedition trip Dr Fairfield will make. In June 2017 Jessamyn completed a two-week Arctic Circle residency program on board a ship that brought together scientists and artists who together looked at ways of highlighting the importance of the Arctic and how the changes there will affect humanity. During the trip Dr Fairfield built a detector out of ice to capture energy from cosmic particles passing through. Homeward Bound was founded 10 years ago by Fabian Dattner (an Australian leadership activist and consultant), in collaboration with Antarctic marine scientist Jess-Melbourne Thomas. Together, they garnered the support of significant scientific bodies and women of influence, created a strong leadership team and teaching faculty to get the project off the ground. In 2015, the project went viral and the first leadership programme and Antarctic voyage took place in 2016. Dr Fairfield has opened a crowdfunding page to support this year’s programme and funds raised will go towards the Homeward Bound programme costs, which cover leadership coaching and tools, visibility and science instruction, and of course, the capstone voyage to Antarctica in November 2019 with 100 women in STEM from around the world. The programme is also funded in part by the Office of Equality and Diversity at NUI Galway. For more about Homeward Bound, visit: https://homewardboundprojects.com.au/about/. Visit Jessamyn’s crowdfunding page at: https://chuffed.org/project/jessamyns-leadership-voyage-homeward-bound To read Dr Fairfield’s blog ‘In Search of Polar Perspectives’ visit: https://letstalkaboutscience.wordpress.com/2019/09/04/polar-perspectives-homeward-bound/ -Ends-

NUI Galway’s Moore Institute will host a seminar discussing the Pictorial Map of Galway on Thursday, 10 October from 2-5pm. Offering a bird’s-eye view of the city immediately prior to its surrender to Cromwellian forces in 1652, the map records in exceptional detail the life and times of its inhabitants. From the city’s defences, quays, public buildings and private residences to features such as the town gibbet, this map has an extraordinary story to tell. Printed on nine sheets measuring approximately 2m x 1.4m in total, the map survives in only two copies – one in the James Hardiman Library at NUI Galway and the other in Trinity College, Dublin. As part of the seminar, the map will be on display, giving attendees a very rare opportunity to see this treasure of Galway history which was donated to the library in 1852 by Lord Oranmore and Browne. The seminar celebrates the appearance of the Royal Irish Academy’s publication of Paul Walsh’s study of the map, Renaissance Galway: Delineating the Seventeenth-Century City, which has been produced by the Irish Historic Towns Atlas (www.ihta.ie). A formal launch of the book will take place afterwards in the Galway City Museum at 6pm, by the Mayor of Galway, Councillor Mike Cubbard. During the seminar, a panel of experts will describe key aspects of the map. Areas of discussion include the fortifications, Irish-language place-names, conventions of map-making in the period, and the social and political history of Galway in the era in which it was produced. Speakers include: Professor Nicholas Canny; Sarah Gearty, RIA; Dr Pádraig Lenihan, NUI Galway; Dr Annaleigh Margey, Dundalk IT; Dr Bríd McGrath, Trinity College, Dublin; Dr Nollaig Ó Muraíle, NUI Galway; and Paul Walsh, author, Renaissance Galway. Director of the Moore Institute at NUI Galway, Professor Daniel Carey, said: “The map of Galway appeared in a momentous era of conflict and political change in the city. This seminar gives us a chance to understand this history more intimately with the help of a range of leading figures.” The seminar will take place in Room G010 in the Moore Institute, Hardiman Building. Attendance is free and open to the public. To register visit https://bit.ly/2o3S3zJ. For further information contact: daniel.carey@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

An NUI Galway academic has contributed to a major new book on Brexit and Northern Ireland. Tom Felle, Head of the Discipline of Journalism and Communication at NUI Galway, is one of 26 contributors to the study. The seminal and very timely book brings together distinguished ex-politicians, journalists, writers and academics from both sides of the Irish Sea to examine the conundrum of Brexit and Northern Ireland in terms of its potential political, economic, social and cultural implications. Contributors include former Progressive Democrat TD and junior minister Liz O’Donnell, former Irish ambassador Ray Bassett and editor and media commentator Roy Greenslade. In his chapter, entitled ‘A History Lesson for Brexiteers’, Felle argues that a failure to understand or give consequence to the Irish position in the corridors of power in Whitehall, combined with anti-Irish sentiment in sections of the British press have legitimised arguments in favour of a no-deal Brexit, According to Felle: “Large swathes of the British public have been conditioned for years by sections of the very hostile British press to be anti-EU, so it was perhaps no surprise the UK voted leave. That focus has now switched from the EU, in part, on to the Irish Government. The story is portrayed by the pro-Brexit press as one of the Irish being difficult and obstinate, and of the Taoiseach, and Tánaiste as pandering to republicans. The legitimacy of Ireland’s position is never given a moment’s consideration on the pro-Brexit press. “Brexit has caused a seismic schism in British society and its scars will be felt for a generation. It has threatened the fragile peace in Northern Ireland and the economic well-being and prosperity of nearly six million people on the island of Ireland.  The long-term damage to the British economy and society – no matter the outcome – will be monumental. A handful of newspaper editors have played with fire when it came to influencing public opinion and setting the agenda regarding the EU for years”, he argues. The book Brexit and Northern Ireland: Bordering on Confusion, is published in association with the Centre for Brexit Studies at Bermingham City University and is published by Bite-Sized Books later this month. The book is edited by ex-BBC journalist John Mair and Dr Steve McCabe from the Centre for Brexit Studies at Birmingham City University. ENDS

The PhD Scholarship is a collaboration between NUI Galway, Baboró International Arts Festival for Children, and Branar Téatar do Pháistí NUI Galway’s College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies is pleased to offer one postgraduate scholarship in Early Years Performance to support full-time PhD research within the Structured PhD in Drama and Theatre Studies programme, commencing January 2020. The deadline for receipt of applications is 5pm, Wednesday 16 October. This fully funded PhD Doctoral Research Scholarship in Early Years Performance is an opportunity for a doctoral student to explore the area of the impact of live performance on early years’ children (0 – 6 years) in a national and/or international context working in close partnership with NUI Galway, Baboró International Arts Festival for Children, and Branar Téatar do Pháistí. As Ireland’s flagship international arts festival devoted to children and families, Baboró places creativity for children at its heart and is committed to ensuring that every child can access enriching cultural experiences. This latest initiative builds on Baboró’s close affiliation with NUI Galway, which includes inputs into the University’s programmes across Drama, Creative Writing, Children’s Studies, Psychology, Child, Youth and Family Studies, Social Science, Human Rights and Marine Science.  Branar Téatar do Pháistí is one of Ireland’s leading theatre companies making innovative, high quality productions that inspire children and their families. The company tours extensively nationally and internationally every year. Branar also supports artists to make work for young audiences through tailored programmes of resource sharing and creates opportunities for children to explore their own arts practice in school settings. This research opportunity will follow a Creative Europe funded project, MAPPING, a pan-European project with 18 partners from 17 European countries running from 2018 – 2022, investigating the relationship between performer and early years audiences. The selected candidate will also have an opportunity to follow the work of Branar Téatar do Pháistí in the development of a new work for early years as part of the MAPPING project and will be given access to the annual Baboró International Arts Festival for Children, which takes place every October, and its year-round projects and team. Candidates may have a background in Psychology, Sociology, Children’s Studies, Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies, Education or English. NUI Galway, Baboró and Branar encourage applications from researchers with a background in the performing arts, arts-in-education or research on the value of the arts, but this is not a prerequisite. The successful candidate will engage in teaching over the course of their PhD. Dr Charlotte McIvor, Director of Postgraduate Studies in Drama, Theatre and Performance at NUI Galway, said: “Drama and Theatre Studies' collaboration with Baboró and Branar Téatar do Pháistí furthers our commitment to both theatre for children and young audiences and Irish-language theatre. NUI Galway's role in supporting this groundbreaking area of research as we try to reach and understand how to affect younger and younger audiences will yield dividends for not only our local arts ecology, but the wider national and international creative industries working in this area.” To see scholarship requirements visit https://bit.ly/2lEYqbC or to discuss relevant topics, please contact Dr Charlotte McIvor at charlotte.mcivor@nuigalway.ie. Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm, Wednesday, 16 October. -Ends-

NUI Galway collaborate with GMIT-led research to support policy on seafood safety and consumer health   A study carried out by a research team led by Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) in collaboration with NUI Galway has resulted in the development of the world’s first scientific-based shellfish traceability tool. The research was recently published in two scientific papers in the international peer-reviewed journal, Science of the Total Environment. The study was led by Dr Conor Graham of the GMIT Marine and Freshwater Research Centre in collaboration with Dr Liam Morrison, Earth and Ocean Sciences, Ryan Institute in NUI Galway. This unique tool used trace elemental fingerprinting of shellfish soft tissues and shells to identify the harvest location of blue mussels and scallops with 100% success, including mussels reared at two sites, located just 6 kilometres apart within the one bay. In addition, the trace elemental fingerprinting approach not only correctly identified the site of harvest of scallops but was also able to distinguish between harvesting events just six weeks apart, both with 100% success. Trace elemental fingerprinting is somewhat similar to genetic analyses except instead of identifying the variation in a number of genes to create a unique genetic identifier, trace elemental fingerprinting analyses how large numbers of trace elements contained naturally within the flesh and shells of shellfish vary uniquely according to growing sites. Although the shells of mussels and scallops are composed primarily of calcium carbonate, other elements are incorporated into their shells at relatively low levels as they grow, which is determined by the bioavailable concentrations of these elements in the surrounding water column in which the shellfish live. Lead scientist, Dr Conor Graham of GMIT, says: “In recent years’ consumers have become more food conscious seeking traceability of produce and while such tools exist for agriculture, until now no scientifically based system existed to trace both farmed and wild shellfish produce to their source. The aquaculture of shellfish such as mussels and oysters and the wild fisheries for scallops, razorfish and clams is a multi-million industry in Ireland supporting thousands of jobs in rural maritime communities around our coasts. This research aimed to create the world’s first scientifically based traceability tool for Irish bivalve shellfish (two shells) in order to promote this ecologically sustainable food.” Co-lead of the study, Dr Liam Morrison, Earth and Ocean Sciences, Ryan Institute, NUI Galway said: “In the context of an ever-expanding human population, we are increasingly relying on seafood as a source of proteins and other essential nutrients. Shellfish from wild populations and aquaculture account for a significant portion of overall global production and this research collaboration was aimed at obtaining data to support policy on seafood safety, health and environmental protection.” The research was also conducted in association with the European Food Safety Authority, UCD and the Marine Institute. To read both papers from the study in the journal Science of the Total Environment, visit: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969719340987?via%3Dihub and https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969719322740?via%3Dihub -Ends-

Empathy Jam Galway, a user experience research and design event which is sponsored by NUI Galway, will be held in the Portershed, Eyre Square, on Saturday, 2 November. The first Empathy Jam took place in New York in 2016 and the very successful inaugural Empathy Jam Galway in 2018. Empathy Jam will bring together Galway residents and technologists to collaborate on new ways to feel connected, supported, and excited about imagining and creating our future. Participants in the event will be given a challenge to solve in relation to improving the everyday lives of those around them. With help from experienced mentors, they will then collaborate and innovate to reach a creative solution while learning or practicing User Experience Design methods. Through Empathy Jam, participants will learn how empathy can connect us all, solve problems, and build something with lasting impact. User experience (UX) advocate, NUI Galway alumnus and event co-organiser, Diarmaid Ó Fátharta, said: “From my experience of attending Empathy Jam in New York in 2017, I discovered how important and essential the skill of empathy is to the development of solutions for current and future challenges. We saw the same with Empathy Jam Galway last year. Empathy Jam Galway will give participants the opportunity to learn about empathy and to become aware of this ability when working in various scenarios, including building technological solutions.” Mairéad Hogan, Lecturer in Business Information Systems at NUI Galway, said: “This event is a fantastic opportunity to bring together students, industry and residents. Working together, in an empathetic way, we can produce solutions to the problems that affect us all in this city. Empathy Jam will allow participants the chance to devise an array of potential solutions to problems in Galway City ranging from mental health to water safety.” The event is €10/€15 early bird registration for students/non-students and €20 for late registration. Tickets to the event are now available at  https://empathyjamgalway.clr.events/event/128866:empathy-jam-galwayclr.ie/128866. With the high demand last year, those wanting to attend are advised to book early.  For more information on Empathy Jam Galway contact empathyjamgalway@gmail.com. -Ends-

Seolfar an tionscadal taighde, Gaeltacht.net in Institiúid de Móra, Leabharlann Shéamais Uí Argadáin, OÉ Gaillimh, ar an 7 Deireadh Fómhair ar a 3pm. An cuspóir atá ag Gaeltacht.net ná líonra sóisialta a chur ar fáil do mhuintir na Gaeilge thar sáile le cuidiú leo dul i dteagmháil le foghlaimeoirí eile agus a gcuid scileanna teanga a fhorbairt. Ar an suíomh is féidir le baill próifíl a chruthú agus teachtaireachtaí a sheoladh eatarthu. Tá feidhm chasta ann ina féidir le baill teachtaireacht mheandrach agus físchomhrá a bheith acu. An mana atá ag Gaeltacht.net ná “Ceangail, Cruthaigh, Cothaigh”. Tugtar seans do na baill bualadh ar an líonra sóisialta ar líne, scileanna teanga a fhorbairt trí thascanna teanga cruthaitheacha agus cuidiú lena chéile dul i bhfeabhas. Leanfaidh an tionscadal ar feadh ceithre sheachtain. Ar Gaeltacht.net tá trí chúrsa ar fáil: Tasc An Lae, Dúshlán na Seachtaine agus Misean na Míosa. Cuirtear tascanna gonta simplí ar fáil d’fhoghlaimeoirí ar leibhéail A1 agus A2 (Tosaitheoir, Bunúsach) achan lá le linn an chúrsa. Dírítear isteach ar scil teanga gach aon lá – Dé Luain ar an éisteacht, Dé Máirt an léitheoireacht, Dé Céádaoin agus Dé Sathairn tá comhrá struchtúrtha curtha ar fáil. Déardaoin tá tasc scríbhneoireachta, fágtar Dé hAoine oscailte do smaointí na rannpháirtithe, agus úsáidtear Dé Domhnaigh le dul siar, athmhachnamh a dhéanamh agus aiseolas a thabhairt don fhoireann taighde. Sa chúrsa Dúshlán na Seachtaine beidh tasc dírithe ar fhoghlaimeoirí ar leibhéal B1 (Meánleibhéal) le déanamh gach Luan le linn an tionscadail. Ar deireadh, tá Misean na Míosa ann do dhaoine le hard-chaighdeán sa teanga atá sásta rud amháin dúshlánach a dhéanamh sa teanga i rith na míosa. Dúirt Ronan Connolly, mac léinn doctúireachta le Scoil an Oideachais, OÉ Gaillimh: “Braitheann rath an chomhphobail seo ar rannpháirtithe a bheith gníomhach, cuidiú lena chéile agus comhluadar a chothú ann. An dúshlán is mó le tionscadal mar seo ná daoine le Gaeilge mhaith a mholadh le páirt a ghlacadh nó a clárú mar “Chúntóirí Teanga” agus misneach a thabhairt do na foghlaimeoirí, an chuid is mó dóibh atá lonnaithe sna Stáit Aontaithe. Táimid ag súil le go leor cuiditheoirí agus rannpháirtithe a bheith páirteach sa thriail seo. “Teastaíonn ón taighde tacaíocht a chur ar fail d’fhoghlaimeoirí thar lear trí chóras bunaithe ar dea-chleachtadh an oideachais. Tá fáilte mhór roimh achan duine clárú ar an suíomh agus páirt a ghlacadh, agus cuirtear fáilte roimh aon aiseolas.” Ag an seisiún eolais ar 7 Deireadh Fómhair, pléifear an tionscadail taighde agus tugtar réamhspléachadh ar na tascanna atá romhainn sna seachtainí atá le teacht. Beidh an t-imeacht oscailte don phobal. Is féidir leat an tionscadal a leanúint ar Twitter ach leas a bhaint as #Gaeltachtnet. Mura féidir leat freastal, beidh seisiúin eolais ar line chomh maith – tuilleadh eolas ar fail ag Gaeltacht.net. -Críoch-

A new research project, Gaeltacht.net will be launched at the Moore Institute, James Hardiman Library, NUI Galway on Monday, 7 October at 3pm. Gaeltacht.net provides a social network for Irish learners living overseas to help them make contact with fellow learners and to develop their language skills. Members on the site can build a profile and message each other. The site also includes a feature allowing for instant messaging and video chats. The slogan of Gaeltacht.net is ‘Connect, Create, Communicate’. Members are given the opportunity to meet on the online social network, develop their language skills through creative language tasks and help each other to improve. The project will run for four weeks. There are three courses available at Gaeltacht.net: Tasc An Lae, Dúshlán na Seachtaine and Misean na Míosa. Short, simple tasks are provided for A1 and A2 (Beginner and Elementary) learners every day during the course. Each day focuses on one language skills – Monday is listening, Tuesday is reading, on Wednesday and Saturday a structured conversation session is available. On Thursday there is a written task, Friday is left open for participant suggestions, and Sunday is used as a day to revise, reflect and offer feedback to the research team. In the course Dúshlán na Seachtaine there will be a task provided every Monday for learners at B1 (Intermediate) level to complete during the course. Finally, the Misean na Míosa is for those with a high level of Irish who want one Irish language challenge each month. Ronan Connolly, a PhD student with NUI Galway’s School of Education, said: “The success of this community depends on participants being active, helping each other and fostering collaboration. The biggest challenge with a project like this is encouraging those with a good level of Irish to participate or register as a “Language Helper” and encourage the learners, the majority of whom are located in the USA. We are looking forward to many participants and helpers getting involved in this trial. “This research project aims to provide support to learners overseas based on good educational practise. Everyone is welcome to register and take part, and all feedback is appreciated.” At the information session on 7 October the research project will be discussed and there will be sneak preview of the upcoming tasks for the weeks ahead. The event will be open to the public. You can follow the project on Twitter by using the #Gaeltachtnet. If you are unable to attend, there will be an information session online also, additional details are available at Gaeltacht.net. -Ends-

As NUI Galway approaches its 175th year of providing academic excellence, over 6,000 students, parents and teachers are expected to attend the two-day event NUI Galway’s Open Days take place on Friday, 4 and Saturday, 5 October from 9am-3pm, with the main starting point being the Bailey Allen Hall. Students can expect to find information on the full range of undergraduate courses on offer with over 80 stands presenting for the two-day event, including four new courses for 2020 entry. The popularity of NUI Galway continues to grow with over 5,000 students choosing NUI Galway as their university of choice in their CAO applications in 2019. The University has experienced a year-on-year increase of over 5% in first preference applications, attracting 64% of all level 8 applicants from Connacht. Leaving Certificate, Fifth Years and Transition Year students are invited to attend, along with their parents, to find out why so many students choose NUI Galway as their university of choice. During Open Day NUI Galway’s university community comes together to host over 80 talks, information sessions, interactive zones and will be on hand to answer all questions. Current students will also be available to offer practical advice, lead campus tours, both in English and Irish, and will give prospective students a real sense of university life at NUI Galway. Tours of the accommodation options, the Alice Perry Engineering Building, the Nursing and Midwifery facilities, the Library and the O’Donoghue Centre for Drama Theatre and Performance will all be available throughout the day. The Bailey Allen Hall will host the main exhibition space where lecturers and students will be on hand to talk to prospective students and parents about all the courses on offer. NUI Galway will showcase four new degree courses for the 2020 entry: Law and Taxation; Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice; BSc Genetics and Genomics, and BSc Geography and Geosystems. Students will have the opportunity to speak to lecturers and course directors to find out exactly how these innovative courses will prepare them for dynamic and rewarding careers. Sarah Geraghty, Student Recruitment and Outreach Manager has the following advice for parents “Starting university is a major milestone in any young person’s life, bringing with it many new challenges and exciting opportunities. The road to get there is one which requires careful planning and consideration, and parents won’t want to miss the Parents’ Talk at Open Day where there will be representatives from all the key student services and supports. Parents and students are advised to be well prepared with questions, and the goal should be to come away knowing if the University will be a good fit for the students’ requirements and ambitions.” A programme of talks, workshops and masterclasses will run throughout the day. Highlights including: Sport at NUI Galway Mature Students information session Drama Workshop Careers Information- Building your Employability Applying for a SUSI grant Access routes into Education, including HEAR/DARE and FETAC Engineering and IT interactive zone There will be representatives from NUI Galway’s Support Services team available to meet students and parents at Open Day, including representatives from the Career Development Centre, Accommodation Office, Disability Support team, and the Access team who can provide information on Mature students entry, HEAR/DARE and FETAC entry. There will also be representatives from SUSI Grant Scheme, and for the first year the Bailey Allen Hall will have a sensory friendly period from 2.30-3pm on Saturday, 5 October. To get the most out of the Open Days, which run from 9am to 3pm, visitors are encouraged to view the timetable of talks and full programme in advance at http://www.nuigalway.ie/opendays/programme/.  To find out more visit www.nuigalway.ie/opendays, phone 091 494398 or email visit@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

Agus OÉ Gaillimh ar tí ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar shároideachas a chur ar fáil le 175 bliain, táthar ag súil go mbeidh níos mó ná 6,000 mac léinn, tuismitheoir agus múinteoir i láthair ag an imeacht seo a mhairfidh dhá lá. Reáchtálfar Laethanta Oscailte OÉ Gaillimh Dé hAoine agus Dé Sathairn, 5-6 Deireadh Fómhair ón 9am-3pm agus is i Halla Bailey Allen a chuirfidh a bhformhór tús lena gcuairt. Cuirfear eolas ar fáil do mhic léinn ar raon iomlán na gcúrsaí fochéime ar tairiscint, agus beidh níos mó ná 80 seastán eolais ann don imeacht dhá lá seo. San áireamh leo sin, cuirfear eolas ar fáil faoi cheithre chúrsa nua a mbeidh tús á chur leo in 2020. Tá an-éileamh ar OÉ Gaillimh i gcónaí, agus bhí sí mar chéad rogha ag breis is 5,000 mac léinn ar a gcuid iarratas CAO in 2019. Is ionann sin agus ardú 5% ar fhigiúr na bliana seo caite in iarratais chéad rogha ar OÉ Gaillimh, agus áirítear leis an líon iarratas sin 64% de na hiarratasóirí leibhéal 8 uile as cúige Chonnacht. Tugtar cuireadh do dhaltaí na hArdteistiméireachta, sa Chúigiú Bliain agus san Idirbhliain freastal ar an lá oscailte, in éineacht lena dtuismitheoirí chun fáil amach cén fáth go bhfuil OÉ Gaillimh mar chéad rogha ag an oiread sin mac léinn. Tagann pobal ollscoile OÉ Gaillimh le chéile ar an Lá Oscailte chun níos mó ná 80 caint, seisiún eolais agus zón idirghníomhach a reáchtáil, agus beidh siad ar fáil chun gach ceist a fhreagairt. Beidh mic léinn reatha ar fáil chomh maith chun comhairle phraiticiúil a thabhairt, turais den champas a threorú i mBéarla agus i nGaeilge, agus fíorbhraistint de shaol na hOllscoile in OÉ Gaillimh a thabhairt do mhic léinn ionchasacha. Reáchtálfar turais i rith an lae de na roghanna lóistín atá ar fáil, chomh maith le hÁras Innealtóireachta Alice Perry, na háiseanna Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais, an Leabharlann agus Ionad Uí Dhonnchadha don Drámaíocht, an Amharclannaíocht agus an Taibhléiriú. Is i Halla Bailey Allen a bheidh an príomhspás taispeántais, áit a mbeidh léachtóirí agus mic léinn ar fáil chun labhairt le mic léinn ionchasacha agus le tuismitheoirí faoi na cúrsaí atá ar fáil. Déanfaidh OÉ Gaillimh poiblíocht ar cheithre chúrsa céime nua a thosóidh in 2020: Dlí agus Cánachas; Dlí, Coireolaíocht & Ceartas Coiriúil; BSc Géineolaíocht agus Géanómaíocht; BSc Tíreolaíocht agus Geochórais. Beidh deis ag mic léinn labhairt le léachtóirí agus le stiúrthóirí cúrsa chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoin gcaoi a ullmhóidh na cúrsaí nuálacha seo iad do ghairmeacha dinimiciúla agus fiúntacha. Seo a leanas an chomhairle do thuismitheoirí a bhí ag Sarah Geraghty, Bainisteoir Earcaíochta Mac Léinn agus For-rochtana: “Tréimhse chinniúnach i saol an duine óig is ea tosú in ollscoil, agus is iomaí dúshlán agus deis a bhaineann léi.  Ní mór pleanáil go cuí agus machnamh stuama a dhéanamh sula dtabharfaí faoin mbóthar seo agus moltar do thuismitheoirí gan Caint na dTuismitheoirí a chailleadh ar an Lá Oscailte, áit a mbeidh ionadaithe ó gach ceann de phríomhsheirbhísí tacaíochta na mac léinn. Ba cheart do thuismitheoirí agus do mhic léinn a gceisteanna a bheith réidh acu, féachaint le fáil amach an bhfeilfeadh an Ollscoil do riachtanais agus d’uaillmhianta an mhic léinn. Beidh sraith cainteanna, ceardlann agus máistir-ranganna ar siúl i rith an lae. I measc na mbuaicphointí, áirítear na cinn seo a leanas: An Spórt in OÉ Gaillimh Seisiún eolais do mhic léinn lánfhásta Ceardlann Drámaíochta Eolas faoi Ghairmeacha – Ag Cur le d’Infhostaitheacht Iarratas a dhéanamh ar dheontas SUSI Bealaí rochtana ar an Oideachas, HEAR/DARE agus FETAC san áireamh. Zón idirghníomhach Innealtóireachta agus IT Beidh ionadaithe ann ó fhoireann Seirbhísí Tacaíochta OÉ Gaillimh chun buaileadh le daltaí agus le tuismitheoirí ar an Lá Oscailte, agus áireofar leo sin ionadaithe ón Ionad Forbartha Gairme, ón Oifig Lóistín agus ón bhfoireann Tacaíochta Míchumais. Beidh foireann an Ionaid Rochtana i láthair chomh maith, agus cuirfidh siad sin eolas ar fáil faoi bhealaí rochtana do mhic léinn lánfhásta, mar aon le hiontráil trí HEAR/DARE agus FETAC.  Beidh ionadaithe ann chomh maith ó Scéim Deontais SUSI, agus  beidh tréimhse chéadfach againn den chéad bhliain i Halla Bailey Allen ón 2.30-3pm, Dé Sathairn, 5 Deireadh Fómhair. Chun an tairbhe is fearr a bhaint as na Laethanta Oscailte, a bheas ar siúl ón 9am go dtí 3pm gach lá, moltar do chuairteoirí breathnú ar amchlár na gcainteanna agus ar an gclár iomlán roimh ré ag http://www.nuigalway.ie/opendays/programme/. Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil ar www.nuigalway.ie/opendays, glaoigh ar 091 494398 nó seol ríomhphost chuig visit@nuigalway.ie. -Críoch-

NUI Galway’s School of Geography and Archaeology will host an event to kickstart local climate action that threatens the long-term future of Bertra Strand in Co. Mayo. The event is being run by the EU Aelclic Project on Tuesday, 1 October at The Tavern, Murrisk, Co. Mayo at 7pm. Located on the southern shore of Clew Bay, Co. Mayo, Bertra Strand and its dunes are in a precarious state. It has been pounded by a series of storms in the past decade with dire consequences. These and other pressures, especially climate change, threaten its long-term future. An integrated vision is needed for the future welfare of the whole coastal landscape, where the natural environment is inextricably linked to that of the local communities of Murrisk, Lecanvy and Belclare. To kickstart local climate action this event is being run by the EU Aelclic Project. Ongoing coastal erosion and flooding, a perceived lack of integration in planning and management to-date, and local jobs into the future are issues that have been identified in the area. Dr Kevin Lynch, School of Geography at NUI Galway, says: “We must capitalise now, on the surging political consciousness of climate-related threats that coastal communities have been highlighting for years. Locally led actions supported by responsible authorities can drive real change, if citizens act now.” The event will hear of international experiences from Professor Enzo Pranzini (University of Florence), Professor Bas Pedroli (Wageningen University) and Dr Maura Farrell (NUI Galway). Discussing good practices from Ireland and abroad it will demonstrate that solutions do exist that can be beneficial to the communities and the natural environment at the same time. The outcomes of the event are expected to be, a greater awareness of possible solutions and a solid commitment from those interested to work together to take action. In light of the recent school climate strikes it would be a particularly opportune time for younger concerned citizens to come along and have their voice heard. The event is free and open to everyone. There will be four 5-minute talks by the visiting speakers, with plenty of time for questions. This will be followed by an opportunity to speak to the experts over refreshments. The EU Aelclic Project is engaging local communities and stakeholders, local and national authorities and the academic community in a joint approach to managing and planning for this valuable landscape in the face of climate change, see www.aelclicpathfinder.com. Running parallel to the project work, Mayo County Council has developed a climate adaptation strategy for the county (see Climate Ready Mayo report on www.mayococo.ie). For more information about the event contact Dr Kevin Lynch, School of Geography, NUI Galway at kevin.lynch@nuigalway.ie or phone 091 495779. -Ends-

NUI Galway’s School of Chemistry and CÚRAM, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Medical Devices, will host a celebration of the centenary of Professor Thomas Dillon on Wednesday, 2 October with attendees from all over Ireland, and beyond. Professor Thomas P. Dillon, a former revolutionary, was appointed Professor of Chemistry at the then University College Galway (UCG) in 1919. A century later, and the scientific topics he started exploring, such as the study of carbohydrates and sugars, as well as research into Ireland’s seaweeds, are still relevant in today’s cutting-edge research that will be discussed throughout the day at the Thomas Dillon Centenary Symposium. The programme will also include a lecture from Dillon’s grandson, Professor Niall Dillon of Imperial College London. Niall is a renowned molecular biologist who is carrying out research on stem cells and early mammalian development and its relevance to cancer. The public event will begin at 5pm, featuring stories, science and dance. To begin the evening, there will be a “Threesis” challenge, where research students will present their thesis succinctly and engagingly in only three minutes aimed especially for a lay public audience, and a ballet piece performed by Youth Ballet West inspired by Dillon’s description of the “benzene ring” and choreographed by Ester O Brolchain. A historical lecture by Professor Dillon’s granddaughter, the author Honor O Brolchain at 6 pm will tell the story of “The ‘remarkable’ Thomas P. Dillon: chemist, revolutionary and professor”. Thomas P. Dillon, born in Co. Sligo, was working as assistant to Professor Hugh Ryan at UCD in 1912 when he met his future-wife Geraldine Plunkett, and through her Dillon met her brother Joseph Mary Plunkett and many others involved in revolutionary activities at this turbulent time in Ireland’s history. He was a member of the Irish Volunteers and acted as Chemical Advisor in the 1916 Rising. He and Geraldine were married on Easter Sunday 1916, and watched the Rising start from their window in the Imperial Hotel, O’Connell Street, where they were honeymooning. For his role working for republican candidates in the 1918 elections, Dillon was jailed in Gloucester for more than a year. Upon his release from jail, Dillon went straight to Galway for a job interview, keen to continue his scientific career and he was appointed Professor of Chemistry in 1919, a post he held for 35 years. He was an enthusiastic teacher and wrote the first chemistry textbook in Irish. He believed Ireland should be exploiting its natural resources, and his pioneering research in the fields of alginates (polysaccharides from seaweed) gained him an international reputation. Under his stewardship, the School of Chemistry became a magnet for students, including two of the first women professors of chemistry in Ireland. When he retired in 1954, he was succeeded by his former student Proinsias S. O’Colla, establishing a tradition of research in carbohydrate and glyco-sciences, which continues at NUI Galway to this day. As well as in the Schools of Chemistry and School of Natural Sciences, research into the role of sugars in biological processes and health is also a key component of various investigations taking place in CÚRAM, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Medical Devices. This includes development of medical devices based on polysaccharides, very much in the spirit envisaged by Dillon himself. The med-tech industry is a major employer in the Galway region, and R&D in medical devices as well as carbohydrates as renewable natural resources has and will have a large part to play in the regional economy. Paul Murphy, Established Professor of Chemistry of NUI Galway’s School of Chemistry says: “Dillon’s foresight in trying to develop useful products from carbohydrates is just as relevant, if not even more relevant today. Aside from the relevance to health, carbohydrates are highly renewable carbon stores and will certainly have roles to play in generating chemical feedstocks for making drugs or for the production of smart materials in future years. This is potentially very important for the future of the West of Ireland given our proximity to the sea and importance of agriculture to the region.” Honor O Brolchain, author and family historian said of her grandfather: “Referred to as ‘remarkable’ by diverse people, he was the kind of man you could, and would, ask to do anything, and he did – running an organisation, setting up a canteen, starting an Aid Fund and, in the case of Galway, enhancing and expanding a Chemistry Department, while fending off the violent extremes of the Black-and-Tans, and representing the University in 1935 in a debate on the uniting of Ireland. He was an interesting, complex and generous man.” The event is open to the public and will take place from 5pm on Wednesday, 2 October in the ILAS Building, North Campus, NUI Galway. Details of the programme can be found on www.dillonsymposium.wordpress.com and to register free attendance, visit: www.eventbrite.com and search for ‘Thomas Dillon’. The event is supported by CÚRAM, and The Royal Society of Chemistry Republic of Ireland Local Section. -Ends-

Caitlín Ní Chualáin, the 2019/20 Sean-Nós Singer-in-Residence at NUI Galway, will give a series of sean-nós singing workshops beginning on Tuesday, 1 October at 7pm. The free workshops will run every second week, taking place on the 1, 15 and 29 of October, and 12 and 26 November. Each workshop will take place in the Seminar Room at the Centre for Irish Studies, NUI Galway. From an Teach Mór Thiar, Indreabhán, Caitlín cites her father, Máirtín Pheaits Ó Cualáin, a winner of Comórtas na bhFear at the Oireachtas in 1944 and 2001, as a major influence. She also draws on the rich tradition of sean-nós singers from the area. Caitlín won Comórtas na mBan at the Oireachtas in the years 2005, 2008 and 2014 and the coveted Corn Ui Riada, the premier competition for sean-nós singing at the Oireachtas festival in 2016. Cailtín can frequently be heard on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, where she also works as a journalist, and at concerts and workshops. Further information available from Samantha Williams at 091-492051 or samantha.williams@nuigalway.ie. This project is funded by Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta and An Chomhairle Ealaíon in association with the Centre for Irish Studies at NUI Galway. -Ends-

Cuirfear tús le sraith de cheardlanna amhránaíochta ar an sean-nós in Ionad Léann na hÉireann, OE Gaillimh ag 7in, Dé Máirt, 1 Deireadh Fómhair. Beidh na ceardlanna a reachtáil gach dara seachtain ar an 1, 15, 29 Deireadh Fómhair, agus 12 agus 26 Samhain i seomra seimineáir an Ionaid ar Bhóthar na Drioglainne. Is as an Teach Mór Thiar, in Indreabhán, Caitlín agus tá oidhreacht shaibhir cheolmhar le cloisteáil ina cuid amhránaíochta a fuair sí óna muintir féin sa mbaile. Bhuaigh Caitlín Comórtas na mBan ag an Oireachtas sna blianta 2005, 2008 agus 2014 agus thug sí léi Corn Ui Riada, an príomhghradam don amhránaíocht ar an sean-nós i 2016. Tá na ceardlanna saor in aisce agus beidh fáilte roimh chách. Tuilleadh eolais ó Samantha Williams ag 091-492051 nó samantha.williams@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

First lecture in series features prominent activists and marks week of global action on climate change NUI Galway will host the first in a series of free public lectures on the theme of Climate Justice, co-hosted by the University’s Ryan Institute and the Irish Centre for Human Rights. The event, entitled Climate Justice: Who’s Responsibility is it?’, will take place on Monday, 23 September at 6pm in the Aula Maxima. Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of NUI Galway, will open the event. Speakers will include: Niamh Garvey, Trócaire; Sadhbh O'Neill, Climate Case Ireland and Stop Climate Chaos; Saoirse McHugh, Green Party; Bulelani Mfaco, Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland; Eddie Mitchell, 'Save Leitrim' and 'Love Leitrim' campaigns; and Kaluba Banda, Irish Aid Fellow and candidate on NUI Galway’s award-winning MSc Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security. The event is timed to coincide with several key events in Ireland and internationally, including the United Nations Climate Action Summit, the Global Climate Strike and the High Court judgment in Friends of the Irish Environment CLG v The Government of Ireland, Ireland and the Attorney General ('Climate Case Ireland'). Professor Siobhán Mullally, Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway, said: “Climate justice is an urgent equality and human rights concern. Human rights lawyers and advocates need to hold states to account for the continuing failure to meet our legal obligations on climate change, and our obligations to future generations to address this issue now. We need to use the tools of human rights law, and the skills of human rights movements, to mobilise and to demand change, urgently and without further delay. Environmental destruction is a human rights issue of our age.” Professor Charles Spillane, Director of the Ryan Institute at NUI Galway, said: “The 500 researchers in NUI Galway’s Ryan Institute are all deeply engaged in research and innovation activities to transition to a more sustainable future. Climate change and climate justice transitions are central to such sustainability pathways in Ireland and globally. Sustainability transitions will require transformative changes at scale across our societies and economies.  “It has been estimated that the richest 10% of the world¹s population are responsible for almost half of total lifestyle consumption emissions. At the other end of the income scale, the poorest 50% of people on the planet are responsible for only 10% of total lifestyle consumption emissions. While contributing the least to causing the climate change problem, it is the poorest & marginalised in our societies that are the most vulnerable to climate change impacts and shocks.” Professor Spillane added: “As the world¹s leaders assemble for the Climate Action Summit in New York, there are major action challenges to be addressed relating to distributive justice to strengthen the resilience of the most poorest and marginalised in society. While ‘Leaving No One Behind’ and ‘Reaching the furthest behind first’ has been a clarion call of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs, it remains to be seen what scale of climate justice actions will be deployed by our governments and institutions towards such ambitions.” For more information see: https://bit.ly/2lIQZQu. -Ends-

Connecting Innovation and Healthcare in the West of Ireland  Minister of Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen TD and Minister of State with special responsibility for Mental Health and Older People, Jim Daly TD, officially opened the third national Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) on Monday, 16 September at NUI Galway’s Lambe Institute for Translational Research based at Galway University Hospital. Both the President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh and CEO of Saolta University Healthcare Group, Tony Canavan, welcomed the arrival of the HIHI in the West. First launched by Minister for Health Simon Harris TD at its headquarters at University College Cork in 2016, Health Innovation Hub Ireland is assisting in the establishment of Ireland as a leading location for start-ups and expanding healthcare companies. HIHI allows easy interaction with hospitals and primary care centres. Collaboration between the health service and enterprise is leading to the development of new Irish healthcare technologies, products, and services.  The continued growth of the Health Innovation Hub Ireland and expansion into the west, marks a continued pattern of growth for the HIHI nationally. This expansion follows the October 2018 launch of the second office based at Trinity College Dublin on the St. James Hospital Campus. Nationally, Health Innovation Hub Ireland plays a unique role within the Irish healthcare ecosystem working at both ends of the innovation pathway - at the very earliest stage from ideation through to concept development and at the later stage of proof of concept in a clinical environment. In Galway, HIHI works closely with other Enterprise Ireland programmes including BioInnovate Ireland and BioExel at NUI Galway and leverages the medtech expertise within the University including the Translational Medical Device Lab, led by Professor Martin O’Halloran, CÚRAM, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Medical Devices and the HRB Clinical Research Facility at NUI Galway, led by the HIHI PrincipaI Investigator, Professor Martin O’Donnell. HIHI Galway is at the cutting edge of excellence in healthcare, clinical and engineering research with easy access to experts and the next generation of innovators. Companies based in the West such as Ostoform and Feeltect are just a few of the companies benefiting from the HIHI’s unique ecosystem. HIHI - a national central hub to the health and innovation ecosystem  HIHI was established by Department of Business, Enterprise, Innovation, and the Department of Health, supported by Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). As a unique joint government initiative, HIHI offers companies the opportunity for pilot and clinical validation studies and provides the health service with access to innovative products, services, devices. HIHI works to impact Irish business and Irish healthcare in three key areas.  1. Industry: HIHI matches companies with relevant clinical teams, overseeing a study of each product in an Irish clinical setting.   2. Healthcare: HIHI is an open door to all healthcare staff to assess ideas to solutions they have encountered in their work. HIHI acts as mentors and advises on taking an idea and developing it into a service or product.   3. Education: Delivering a series of five HIHI workshops and a diploma in healthcare innovation, HIHI is embedding an innovation culture in Irish healthcare.  To date, HIHI has engaged with more than 256 companies and 160 healthcare employees to discuss their innovative ideas. HIHI issues an annual call but also welcomes direct engagement through any of its offices in Cork, Dublin and now Galway. Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen, TD, commented: “As Minister for State in the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I very much welcome the launch of the third national Health Innovation Hub Ireland here in NUI Galway. HIHI is a wonderful means of facilitating collaboration between all the various players involved in the health, enterprise and research sectors for the ultimate benefit of Ireland’s citizens. Galway, in particular, is a city that has both a thriving academic centre and a rapidly expanding MedTech sector.  I wish HIHI well in its endeavours and look forward to seeing the benefits of its work in the future.” Professor Martin O’Donnell, Professor of Translational Medicine at NUI Galway and HIHI Principal Investigator, Galway, said: “Based at NUI Galway we have multi-disciplinary award-winning teams in healthcare, clinical and engineering research at the Lambe Institute for Translational Research. Health Innovation Hub Ireland combines expertise from NUI Galway and the HSE to deliver projects in healthcare and industry. With a strategic location, embedded in the heart of the hospital, research and teaching, the Hub is a welcome resource to clinicians, researchers and companies.” Minister of State with special responsibility for Mental Health and Older People, Jim Daly TD,commented: “I am delighted to see the expansion of Health Innovation Hub Ireland here in Galway, building on the Hubs in Dublin and Cork. This ground-breaking initiative between the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation and the Department of Health is supporting companies access healthcare experts and bringing new technologies to market as well as improving patient outcomes. Enterprise Ireland is supporting a vision of innovation in healthcare and supporting companies and innovators in healthcare to reach their potential.” CEO of Saolta University Healthcare Group, Tony Canavan, commented: “The HIHI facilitates a unique partnership between the health service and the enterprise sector to enable healthcare research and innovation will over time improve outcomes for patients. Critically, it gives staff working on the front line of the health service an opportunity to bring their ideas and proposals to the Hub that will ultimately improve outcomes for our patients. We are delighted that the Saolta Group and in particular University Hospital Galway is part of this initiative and I would encourage staff to share their knowledge and make proposals.” Speaking about the growth of the Health Innovation Hub Ireland: HIHI Principal Investigator, Professor John Higgins, said: “The opening of the Health Innovation Hub in Galway is another key step in making HIHI a truly national organisation following the extension from Cork to Dublin and now Galway. It is a prelude to the HIHI extending to the rest of Ireland. Throughout the healthcare system, if you have an idea or burning desire to bring about change, a solution or a wish to bring innovation in, the HIHI opens that door. The national presence of the HIHI is a testimony to industry and healthcare working together.” -Ends-

Michael Flaherty, a sixth year student at Coláiste Éinde in Galway City, will represent Ireland at the international Brain Bee World Competition, which takes place from 19-23 September, in South Korea. The Brain Bee is a neuroscience competition aimed at students in their later stages of second-level education and draws 30,000 students annually from over 30 countries. Students prepare for the competition by studying material on brain structure and function. Michael was announced winner of the first Brain Bee competition in Ireland as part of the Brain Awareness Week events. The Irish leg of the competition, hosted by NUI Galway, was conducted by Galway Neuroscience, a community of academic staff and researchers. The inaugural Irish Brain Bee attracted 13 students from Galway City schools St. Joseph’s (the Bish), Salerno and Coláiste Éinde. Professor John Kelly, Irish organiser of Brain Bee and NUI Galway Professor in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, said: “We are delighted to have got this competition started, and Michael will be a wonderful representative for the international competition.” Emma Dalton, Michael’s Science Teacher at Coláiste Éinde, said: “I came across the Brain Bee competition through an email sent out to the Transition Year coordinator. It was such an exciting competition and something I would have loved to take part in myself as a student so I was delighted to offer this opportunity to my class. I was really proud when four of my Leaving Certificate students took on the challenge and added a book of neuroscience to their study plans.” Michael said: “The road to competing internationally at the International Brain Bee World Championship in South Korea has been challenging, but I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to compete. Biology, especially neurobiology, has always piqued my interest. Learning more and contributing to further development in these fields is an aspiration of mine which this competition has definitely supported. This experience has been absolutely amazing and I am grateful to the people who have helped me along the way, mainly my biology and chemistry teachers, John Kelly and my family and friends, especially my fantastic sister Elizabeth who will travel with me.” Financial support to help with Michael’s trip has been kindly provided by Galway Neuroscience and by Neuroscience Ireland. -Ends-   

NUI Galway has become a designated University of Sanctuary, a movement aimed at promoting the inclusion of International Protection Applicants, refugees and Irish Travellers within the community. Places of Sanctuary Ireland (PoSI) is a network of groups in local communities which share the objectives of promoting a culture of welcome and inclusiveness across Irish society for those seeking International Protection in Ireland. Their University of Sanctuary initiative encourage and celebrate the good practice of universities, colleges and institutes welcoming refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants into their university communities in meaningful ways. The University of Sanctuary steering committee at NUI Galway also includes the Irish Traveller community in its remit, with a focus on the promotion of Irish Traveller culture as an innate and positive element of Irish society, and to address the low levels of participation at second and third-level education amongst Irish Travellers. President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, commented: “The University of Sanctuary responds to many issues that affect and animate Irish society today, including the promotion of meaningful integration for Ireland’s newest communities, breaking down barriers to education, and eliminating discrimination in all its forms. It is also an exemplar of our values as they have emerged in our university strategy, in particular our values of respect and inclusiveness. As such, our designation as a University of Sanctuary is a distinctive signal of the character of NUI Galway, seeing ourselves as part of and not apart from our wider society.” The movement’s placement within the University’s Access Centre gives effect to the commitment to broaden access to university education from under-represented groups, while the involvement of the Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) and its approach to civic engagement ensures that this initiative is sustained well in to the future through the promotion of continued student and staff engagement with the initiative.    President Ó hÓgartaigh continued: “On behalf of our University community, I look forward to working with all of our communities to make Galway city and county a ‘Community of Sanctuary’ over the coming year.” To celebrate the official designation, NUI Galway will host a designation ceremony on Thursday, 21 November. -Ends-

NUI Galway will host an Irish Research Council Funded Creative Connections Initiative workshop on Friday, 27 September, examining questions of European identity through a focus on the themes of sport and digital media. The workshop will draw on a range of disciplines in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences (AHSS) and STEM areas from NUI Galway, Trinity College Dublin, and Queen’s University, Belfast to examine the topic of European cultural identity. Additional strands in the network will examine the themes of schooling and curriculum design, and landscape as key components of Europe’s shared cultural heritage and identity. These strands will be used as a prism through which participants will explore European cultural identity, its construction and current crisis. NUI Galway partner in this initiative, Dr Seán Crosson of the University’s Huston School of Film & Digital Media and leader of the Sport and Exercise Research Group, said: “Sport annually engages millions of diverse people across Europe, both as participants and spectators. Participants engage in sport in a wide variety of competitive, educational, recreational and, increasingly, health-related contexts, while spectators attend sporting events or follow them via the mass media. Widespread engagement with sport, accelerated by considerable technological and digital media advancements, means that sporting practices and representations contribute significantly to the social construction of cultural identities. In its various forms, sport offers a unique opportunity to encourage an appreciation among citizens of their shared cultural heritage and common values at the heart of European identity.” Workshop two will facilitate an interdisciplinary examination of the interconnection of sport and digital media and their roles in constructions of European cultural identity, bringing together researchers in film, digital media, sport and leisure studies, French studies, psychology, media and communication studies, and medicine. The keynote speaker at the workshop will be Professor Alan Tomlinson, Professor in Leisure Studies, University of Brighton. A leading contributor in the area of sport and media studies, Professor Tomlinson’s work includes Sport and the Transformation of Modern Europe: States, media and markets 1950-2010 and The Sport Studies Reader. Professor Tomlinson’s lecture ‘Sport, Digital Media and European Cultural Identities’ will explore where and how sport contributes to or problematises conceptions of European cultural identity, with examples from the mass media and new/digital media forms. The workshop will take place in Moore Institute, Humanities Research Building from 10.30am-5pm. A full schedule for the day long workshop is available at https://www.tcd.ie/trinitylongroomhub/research/European-Culture-project.php7 -Ends-

CÚRAM, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Medical Devices based at NUI Galway, is now enrolling for its fourth Teachers in Residence Programme, with applications being accepted until 11, October 2019. CÚRAM’s Teachers in Residence Programme has ten places available for five primary and five secondary school teachers with priority placement given to teachers from DEIS schools. Participants will learn about and receive resources for the classroom in science engagement activities, science capital teaching approaches designed to support teachers in helping students find more meaning and relevance in science subjects, and lesson plan kits developed by teachers for teachers, that are linked with the primary and junior cycle science curricula.  During the residency, teachers will work directly with world class researchers from CÚRAM and receive private tours of the laboratories to learn about the cutting edge medical device research taking place there and its impact on healthcare in Ireland and globally. The residency runs from October 2019 until March 2020 for nine evenings. As part of the programme, teachers and students are invited to attend interactive workshops run by CÚRAM and participants of the programme. Teachers from all disciplines are invited to participate, in support of encouraging multidisciplinary approaches to teaching science. Kathleen Lally, a secondary school teacher from Calasanctius College in Oranmore who participated on the course from 2018-2019 had this to say about her involvement: “The best outreach programme by far that we have ever participated in. The dual approach of targeting teachers and students is fantastic, enthusing both by giving a glimpse of cutting edge technology in Science outside the classroom. We cannot recommend this course highly enough.” Teachers in residence work with CÚRAM researchers to develop high quality content for the classroom that is relevant, exciting, practical and easy to use. Lesson plan kits developed by teachers from primary and secondary schools will include; Biomaterials, Healing the Heart, Mending the Musculoskeletal System, Fixing the Brain and Exploring Stem Cells Professor Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director, CÚRAM, NUI Galway, said: “We have been delighted with the innovation and creativity shown by the primary and secondary school teachers who have participated in the first three years of the programme. If we can inspire our teachers by providing access to current, cutting edge Irish research and work with them to incorporate it into classroom activities, our hope is that they in turn can inspire their students for years to come.” CÚRAM is also a partner in the Department of Education and Skills’ Junior Cycle for Teachers *STE(A)M in Junior Cycle initiative, to develop Continuous Professional Development workshops for Junior Cycle teachers around MedTech research and career opportunities. The JCT STE(A)M workshops will allow for interdisciplinary responses to societal challenges in subject-specific and cross-curricular contexts. To apply for a place in the Teachers in Residence Programme or find out more information, please contact sarah.gundy@nuigalway.ie. Lesson plan kits developed by previous years’ teachers can be downloaded at: http://www.curamdevices.ie/curam/public-engagement/teachers-in-residence/.   -Ends-

A study carried out by the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics at NUI Galway has examined the problem of social media overload, which is the feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted by the amount of communication and information demands a person is exposed to through social media channels, that may require energy and cognitive processing beyond their capabilities. The research specifically focused on identifying the causes of social media overload amongst third level students, and how it affects their academic performance. The use of social media is pervasive across the globe with Facebook alone having 2.7 billion monthly users (Statista, 2019). While social media undoubtedly provides many advantages to users, researchers are now more closely scrutinising the problematic effects of platforms such as Facebook.  The research found that social media overload is triggered by a fear of missing out, or FoMO. In terms of consequences, it found that third level students who report higher levels of social media overload perform less well academically. The study also examined why this relationship between social media overload and poor academic performance exists. The data suggests that being constantly overloaded by social media diminishes a person’s self-control. It takes self-control to study every evening, put the effort into submitting high quality assignments, or partake in extracurricular activities. Engaging in social media diminishes self-control (for example, attempting to partake in multiple WhatsApp group conversations simultaneously), the result being that the activities which enhance academic performance are less likely to be conducted.  Lead author of the study, Dr Eoin Whelan, Senior Lecturer in Business Information Systems, J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics at NUI Galway, said: “Social media overload is becoming an ever increasing problem in modern society, so it is important to understand its causes and consequences. Our study finds that people who have a high fear of missing out, or FoMO in modern parlance, are more likely to suffer social media overload. They will also perform less well academically as being constantly bombarded by social media depletes the self-control needed to study diligently and develop one’s career. The insights from our study can be used to develop targeted cognitive and technological interventions to mitigate social media overload, for example through self-control training, and the development of emotion sensing technology which adapts automatically when a user is becoming overloaded.”   To read the full study in the journal Computers and Education, visit: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360131519302453?via%3Dihub

The first autonomous Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Vodafone connected Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) drone delivery of prescription medication and collection of patient blood sample for diabetes care NUI Galway and partners completed the world’s first autonomous beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone delivery of diabetes prescription medications (insulin, glucagon) and collection of a patient blood sample (HbA1c) between Connemara Airport and Inis Mór, Aran Islands. The Internet of Things (IoT) connected drone delivery was supported by the Irish Aviation Authority, operated in between commercial flights and was in contact with air space regulators at all times, showing the possibility of future deliveries of this kind within planned drone corridors. The NUI Galway led #DiabetesDrone project was run in partnership with several industry experts and stakeholders including, Skytango, Survey Drones Ireland, Wingcopter, Vodafone Ireland and global healthcare company Novo Nordisk. Dr Kevin Johnson, University of Limerick provided expert insight into state-of-the-art drone technology and Dr Spyridoula Maraka, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, USA, outlined the health care delivery issues involved in this innovative project. Novo Nordisk, the world’s largest insulin manufacturer, supplied the glucagon and insulin for the mission. It is crucial that people with diabetes have access to their lifesaving medicine at all times, which is often challenging in remote geographic regions and in times of natural disasters. Recent severe weather events, including storms Emma and Ophelia, demonstrated a clear need to develop the capability to deliver insulin and other critical medications (such as glucagon) in times of crisis. Project lead, Professor Derek O’Keeffe, Professor of Medical Device Technology, NUI Galway and Consultant Physician, Galway University Hospitals, said: “Climate change means that these types of severe weather events are becoming more prevalent. Individuals and communities in rural locations can become isolated for days after a severe weather event and an emergency may arise where patients can run out of their medicine. Therefore, it is incumbent on us to develop a solution for these emergencies, which addresses the clinical, technical and regulatory issues before a sentinel event occurs. To date medical drones have demonstrated success, for example in delivering blood, defibrillators and human organs for transplant. This #DiabetesDrone project represents another milestone in the use of drones to improve patient care.” The drone supplied by Survey Drones Ireland was a Wingcopter 178 Heavy Lift, with insulated parcel delivery box for the payload, an all-electric vertical take-off and landing drone that transitions into a very efficient forward flight once up in the air. It reaches destinations of up to 100 km distance in less than an hour. “We at Wingcopter are excited to support Survey Drones Ireland in the implementation of BVLOS missions with our technology and experiences from projects around the world”, states Ansgar Kadura, Chief Operating Officer at Wingcopter GmbH.  The drone was launched from Connemara Airport using a combination of software - one for the pre-flight check list and one for the mission flight. The drone was connected via Vodafone Ireland’s IoT network and it flew a pre-planned flight path using Q Ground Control software. This software allowed the connection of the primary cellular communications and backup satellite communications to be displayed, allowing the SUA Pilots on both sites to track the progress of the aircraft. This is very important, as is the need to implement the BVLOS emergency procedures. Once airborne the whole flight was monitored by the SUA Pilots from Survey Drones Ireland and Wingcopter. The Skytango software platform was used to manage checklists from all parties pre-launch and record the compliance of the operation from both an aviation and a medical regulatory standpoint, as well as inform stakeholders of the launch in realtime.  According to Steve Flynn, Founder and CEO of Skytango: “It is imperative that we win the hearts and minds of the communities we fly over when it comes to drone operations and connecting stakeholders and tracking compliance is a step toward that.” The launch team had a live FPV (first-person view) camera feed from the aircraft to ensure a visual from the drone once it flew beyond visual line of sight for safety. The second team on Inis Mór, Aran Islands, had a second ground control station with satellite telecoms so they could monitor the location of the drone to the destination, at the local airfield. Debbie Power, IoT Country Manager, Vodafone Ireland, said: “Vodafone Ireland are delighted to partner with NUI Galway and other experts for this world-first BVLOS diabetes drone mission. At Vodafone, we are committed to connecting for a better future and in using our technology to improve people’s lives, regardless of where they live. Our IoT network technology ensured the drone was contactable and connectivity thresholds were met and sustained throughout the flight, from ground level in Connemara to 130 metres across 18 kms of water, to landing on Inis Mór. The total flight distance covered on the first leg was 21.7 km, which included entering the correct air traffic sequence at both airports during take-off and landing. The return leg was slightly shorter, covering a total distance of 21.6 km. Both flights were completed on a single set of batteries and totalled just 32 minutes of flight time. The successful IoT connectivity allowed the flight to adhere to aviation regulatory standards and provides good evidence for further investigation into drone delivery corridor planning, as long range flights, like this one, can be mapped with our radio frequency network input.” Owen Treacy, Country Manager, Novo Nordisk Ireland, said: “For almost 100 years, Novo Nordisk has been bringing innovative solutions for people living with diabetes and other chronic diseases. We are delighted to support this world’s first initiative, as a proof of concept, which offers the potential to deliver life-saving medications for those patients’ dependent on insulin, in situations where normal delivery channels are disrupted.”  As a patient focused pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk understands the importance of maintaining continuity of medical supplies for patients all over Ireland. Whether this is due to inclement weather or other matters outside of our control, Novo Nordisk is committed to investigating all potential solutions to ensure patients have access to their recommended medicines.” Dr Marion Broderick, General Practitioner on the Aran Islands, said: “Drone delivery helps connectivity for island communities and has endless possibilities.” Marion Hernon, a patient with Diabetes on the Aran Islands, said: “Insulin is essential for my survival and having a diabetes drone service in an emergency situation would ensure this survival while living on an offshore island.” Pauline Forde, Pharmacist, Staunton’s Allcare Pharmacy, Galway, commented: “It is extremely important that we have a way to deliver fridge medications such as insulin to patients in emergency situations which this drone delivery system allows us to do.” For more information about the project, visit: https://diabetesdrone.com/ and on Twitter @DiabetesDrone #DiabetesDrone -Ends-

NUI Galway one of two Irish Universities to rise in the 2020 global rankings NUI Galway has continued its rise in global ranking as the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2019/2020 today confirms the University’s position within the top tier of Irish universities.  NUI Galway made a significant rise in its ranking into the 250 -300 range, compared to 301-350 last year. NUI Galway’s improved position is primarily as a result of its continued focus on research excellence and impact, and is a testament to our students and our colleagues.   The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, now in their 16th year, apply rigorous standards, using global benchmarks across all university’s key missions - teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook. President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, commented: “This year, NUI Galway improved its score and its ranking band which we welcome as a reflection of the continuous effort across this University. Rankings are fragile measures and we at NUI Galway are determined to be true to our values of respect, excellence, inclusiveness and sustainability and further enhance our distinctive international reputation and reach, serving our students and our hinterland and drawing on the strengths of our people in research, teaching and societal impact. We look forward to seeing these strengths reflected in future international rankings. President Ó hÓgartaigh added: “There is a clear desire for third level education in this country as a means of advancing opportunities for our students and of reinvigorating our society.   Investment in an ecosystem that’s appropriate for our students in meeting that clear demand for a third level system that is internationally competitive is an imperative, not for us, but for our students and for society. “This week 53 years ago then Minister for Education Donagh O’Malley started a revolution at second level education. There is now an opportunity for a revolution for the next generation, now at third level.  We look forward to working with Government and our other stakeholders in envisioning and resourcing this shared future.” The THE World University Rankings, audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, go from strength to strength. The ranking included 1,396 institutions from 92 countries, drawing on data points on over 1,800 of the world’s leading research universities and more than 21,000 academic reputation survey responses. The exercise also analyses 12.8 million research publications and 77.4 million citations over five years, based on bibliometric data from Elsevier. The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2020 is available to view online at: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2020/world-ranking -Ends- OÉ Gaillimh i measc scoth-Ollscoileanna an Domhain OÉ Gaillimh ar cheann den dá Ollscoil Éireannacha a fuair ardú céime i ranguithe domhanda 2020   Tháinig ardú arís ar sheasamh OÉ Gaillimh i Ranguithe Ollscoile an Domhain de chuid Times Higher Education (THE) 2019/2020. Is dearbhú é seo go bhfuil an ollscoil ar cheann de na hollscoileanna is fearr sa tír.  D’éirigh le OÉ Gaillimh ardú suntasach a chur ar an rangú a tugadh dó go dtí an raon 250-300, i gcomparáid le 301-350 anuraidh. D'ardaigh rangú OÉ Gaillimh de bhrí go bhfuil sé ag díriú go leanúnach ar fheabhas agus ar thionchar an taighde, agus is aitheantas é seo ar shaothar ár gcuid mac léinn agus ár gcomhghleacaithe.  Tá Ranguithe Ollscoile Domhanda an Times Higher Education, le 16 bliana anuas, ag cur caighdeáin ghéara i bhfeidhm, ag úsáid tagarmharcanna domhanda do gach croímhisean ollscoile - teagasc, taighde, aistriú eolais agus léargas idirnáisiúnta. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, faoin scéal: “I mbliana, d'ardaigh marc agus banda rangaithe OÉ Gaillimh. Fáiltímid roimhe seo agus is léiriú é ar an iarracht leanúnach atá á déanamh ar fud na hOllscoile seo. Bíonn luaineacht ag baint le slata tomhais ranguithe agus cuirimidne in OÉ Gaillimh romhainn a bheith dílis do na luachanna atá againn eadhon meas, feabhas, cuimsiú agus inbhuanaitheacht, agus cuirimid romhainn chomh maith cur lenár gcáil idirnáisiúnta, freastal ar ár gcuid mac léinn agus ar an gceantar mórthimpeall orainn agus tarraingt ar láidreachtaí ár gcomhghleacaithe sa taighde, sa teagasc agus ó thaobh an tionchair a bhíonn againn ar an tsochaí. Táimid ag súil go dtabharfar aitheantas do na láidreachtaí sin i ranguithe idirnáisiúnta eile amach anseo. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Uachtarán Ó hÓgartaigh chomh maith: “Is léir go bhfuil an t-oideachas tríú leibhéal an-tábhachtach sa tír seo mar bhealach le deiseanna a chur ar fáil dár gcuid mac léinn agus ár sochaí a athbheochan an athuair.   Tá sé riachtanach go ndéanfaí infheistíocht in éiceachóras atá oiriúnach dár gcuid mac léinn, is é sin go ndéanfaí freastal ar an éileamh is léir atá ann ar chóras tríú leibhéal atá iomaíoch ar bhonn idirnáisiúnta, ní dúinne, ach dár gcuid mac léinn agus don tsochaí. “An tseachtain seo 53 bliain ó shin chuir an tAire Oideachais Donagh O’Malley tús le réabhlóid san oideachas dara leibhéal. Tá deis ann anois réabhlóid eile a thosú don chéad ghlúin eile atá ag staidéar ag an tríú leibhéal anois.  Táimid ag súil le hoibriú leis an Rialtas agus lenár bpáirtithe leasmhara eile chun an fhís agus na hacmhainní cuí a aimsiú don todhchaí.” Tá Ranguithe Ollscoile Domhanda THE , a ndéanann PricewaterhouseCoopers iniúchadh orthu, ag dul ó neart go neart. Rinneadh 1,396 institiúid in 92 tír a rangú, bunaithe ar phointí sonraí maidir le 1,800 de na hollscoileanna taighde is mó ar domhan agus ar níos mó ná 21,000 freagra a tugadh ar shuirbhé maidir le cáil acadúil.  Déantar anailís chomh maith ar 12.8 milliún foilseachán acadúil agus 77.4 milliún tagairt thar chúig bliana, bunaithe ar shonraí bibliméadrachta Elsevier. Tá Ranguithe Ollscoile Times Higher Education (THE) 2020 le feiceáil ar líne ag: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2020/world-ranking   -críoch-

The Global Goals Jam is an international event where creative teams work together on local challenges related to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals NUI Galway will host the Global Goals Jam, an international event which will see over 80 Jams held around the world on the weekend of the 20 September. Alumni, current students, staff and members of the public are invited to participate in the workshops that will seek to address local issues in light of the global development goals. The weekend workshops will demonstrate and teach how virtual reality technology works, experiment with 3D printing and explore all the MakerSpace resources in the James Hardiman Library, NUI Galway. Technology and social entrepreneurship workshops will allow participants to collaborate and launch solutions for long-term impact. The event is organised as a collaboration between NUI Galway’s James Hardiman Library, the volunteering programme ALIVE, and entrepreneurship programme, Launchpad, campus sustainability team, and the nonprofit organisation, The Ladder. Lorraine Tansey of ALIVE said: “Across the University campus are the tools and resources to connect students, staff and the public at large to the sustainable development goals and make real changes. We are delighted to come together for this event and highlight social entrepreneurship skills. Together we can work across disciplines to look at pressing environmental concerns.” To register to attend the event and learn more please visit www.studentvolunteer.ie/nuigalway/news/nui-galway-hosts-the-global-goals-jam-2020 -Ends- 

WestBIC, CÚRAM, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Medical Devices at NUI Galway, and their European partners in Codex4SMEs Information and Networking Event are to host the Interreg North-West Europe project Codex4SMEs (Companion Diagnostics Expedited for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) on Wednesday, 18 September, at Hotel Meyrick, Galway.  Codex4SMEs aims to improve healthcare through enhanced adoption of personalised medicine. The objective is to establish a network, which supports SMEs along the value chain of Companion Diagnostics development.   The event will provide an opportunity to meet the nine European partners involved in the Codex4SMEs project and discover the supports that this project can bring to your SME. Participants will be given the opportunity to listen to companion diagnostics experts such as Dr Margot Jehle, lead partner, SMEs who will provide an introduction and overview of the Interreg Codex4SMEs project and the supports for SMEs, and Ultan Faherty, Halo Business Angel Network who will present tools to convince the investor to invest in your SME. Insight into new regulations that will affect Companion Diagnostic SMEs will be presented and networking sessions to meet other key players, stakeholders or potential new collaboration partners will be held.   Diarmuid Cahalane, Metabolomic Diagnostics who will be speaking at the event on the topic of Pathway to regulation and market for IVD Companies and start-ups’ feels this is a critical period for the country to solidify its place in the global field of data processing.    “Ireland is a world leader in data processing and medical science. Right now Ireland has the potential to lead the convergence of research in order to bring to market next generation medical technologies based on revolutionary bioinformatics. By combining the expertise within Irish research institutes with our commercial knowledge and global experience in life sciences and technologies, we are delivering a world class suite of solutions which can place Ireland firmly at the forefront of the healthcare revolution being fueled by bioinformatics”, he says.   Further topics to be covered by guest speakers include: ‘The transfer of diagnostics tests from “bench to bedside”’ by John O’Loughlin of the Rotunda Hospital; ‘Evaluation of how different IVD’s perform from clinical prospective’ by Dr Fergus McCarthy, an obstetrician at Cork University Maternity Hospital; ‘Engagement with pharmaceutical companies’ by Dr Leonard Marshall, Access and Innovation Manager at Roche Diagnostics; and ‘Overview of funding access and sustainability of projects within European environment’ by Jeanette Mueller of Accelopment.    Eunan Cunningham, WestBIC, one of the Irish Codex4SMEs partners, commented: “We are delighted to host this information and networking event in Galway. It provides an excellent opportunity for SMEs working in the Companion Diagnostics field to hear the latest information from experts in diagnostics, regulation, investment and other topics. There is a formal networking session incorporated into the event where attendees can meet up with other attendees and discuss collaborative projects and possibilities.”  Professor Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director at CÚRAM in NUI Galway, said: “Partnering in this project provides a valuable opportunity for CÚRAM to assist in strengthening the growth and development of SMEs in Ireland through the Codex4SME unique approach.” To register for the event and to find more details, visit https://bit.ly/2mbuLa5. -Ends-

NUI Galway is delighted to announce four professorial appointments at the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics.  Professor Esther Tippmann – Appointed Professor of Strategy, Leadership and Change Professor Jonathan Levie - Appointed Professor of Entrepreneurship and Regional Development Professor Alma McCarthy - Appointed Professor of Public Sector Management Professor Kate Kenny – Appointed Professor of Business and Society These appointments reflect a multi-year action plan the School has developed to cement its position as a leading national and global business school. Announcing the appointments, President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “These appointments give signal and substance to the international ambition of the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics. We serve our society and our hinterland best through the recruitment, promotion and development of top talent. I congratulate Alma, Esther, Jonathan and Kate on their appointment and look forward to working with them.” Professor Esther Tippmann - Professor of Strategy, Leadership and Change was previously a faculty member at UCD and Research Fellow at Grenoble Ecole de Management, France. Esther’s research area revolves around strategic challenges of internationally operating organisations, including multinational corporations and scaling or high-growth ventures. Esther currently serves as Senior Editor for the Journal of World Business and on the editorial boards of the Journal of International Business Studies and Long-Range Planning. Esther’s research also looks at subsidiary development and growth. Given Ireland’s reliance on foreign direct investment and large subsidiary base, her research contains many insights for subsidiary management. An article about her research can be found here. Professor Jonathan Levie - Professor of Entrepreneurship and Regional Development was formerly a Professor in the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow and has held research and teaching posts in London Business School, Babson College, INSEAD, and UCC. As an expert in entrepreneurial ecosystems and entrepreneurial growth, one of Jonathan’s first duties will be to provide leadership across NUI Galway’s large ecosystem of entrepreneurial and accelerator activities on campus. Jonathan has served as an elected director of the Global Entrepreneurship Research Association (GERA). He is currently a member of GERA’s Research and Innovation Committee. Jonathan’s most recent articles have appeared in Journal of Management Studies, Research Policy, Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, and Small Business Economics. A recently published research report he co-authored can be found here. Professor Kate Kenny - Professor of Business and Society has previously held research fellowships at Cambridge University and Harvard University. Kate’s work focuses on identity, affect, power and whistleblowing in organizations. Her work has been published in Organization Studies, Organization, Gender Work and Organizations, Ephemera and Human Relations among other journals. Kate’s books include Understanding Identity and Organizations’ and Affect at Work: The Psychosocial and Organization Studies’, and Whistleblowing: Toward a new theory. Kate currently serves on the editorial boards of two FT50 journals. Articles on her research and Whistleblowing in finance can be read here and here. Professor Alma McCarthy - Professor of Public Sector Management. Alma’s research interests include public sector leadership and human resource development among others, which has led to co-authored books, several chapters in edited books and many articles in journals such as the International Journal of Human Resource Management, Public Administration Review, and Human Resource Management Review. She is a Chartered Member of the CIPD, the American Academy of Management, the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology, and recently served as elected Vice-Chair and Chair of the Irish Academy of Management. Alma is currently leading a senior civil service leadership development evaluation project and report commissioned by the Department of Expenditure and Reform and is Principal Investigator for the Science Foundation Ireland funded talent management in national science foundations’ research project gathering data in Ireland, New Zealand, Finland, US, Hong Kong and Singapore. Articles on her research can be found here and here. Dr Tom Acton, Head of J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, NUI Galway, said: “The School has undergone tremendous transformation over the last five years, and we have seen extensive expansion of our programmes, students and staff. This set of professors is a key enabler of further transformation and impact, in discrete and distinctive areas of expertise, with a huge leap forward in particular areas of specialism and distinctiveness. We are truly excited to have a really great set of people in these roles.” The Whitaker Institute and J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics will co-host a series of free lunchtime public seminars on topics of relevance to our region and society, starting with individual seminars featuring each of the four appointed Professors. More details to be announced soon at: www.nuigalway.ie/cairnes and http://whitakerinstitute.ie/. To view a short video about the appointments, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76RQ2BqAWbY&feature=youtu.be -Ends-

NUI Galway’s Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) has been shortlisted for the 2019 Chambers Ireland Corporate Social Responsibility Awards. The CKI is one of 35 finalists shortlisted following 1,700 applications submitted for the awards.  The CKI has been shortlisted in the category of ‘Community Award’ alongside six others. This is the 16th year of the Corporate Social Responsibility Awards and only the second time that a university in Ireland has been shortlisted.  The Community Knowledge Initiative was established at NUI Galway in 2004 and originally funded by the Atlantic Philanthropies to foster and spread deeper commitments to community, civic engagement and social responsibility. A core function of the CKI has been to educate students for their role as active citizens and to ensure that the NUI Galway is a valuable resource to local, national and global communities. NUI Galway was the first university in Ireland to develop this commitment and since that time other universities and institutes of technology have followed the path created by NUI Galway.  Dr Lorraine McIlrath, Director of CKI, said: “As a university in Ireland, we want to better serve community and society in a sustainable and meaningful way. NUI Galway’s Vision 2020 centralises the importance of civic engagement, volunteering, service learning, research and engagement with communities as hallmarks of the University experience and practice.” Over the last fifteen years, the CKI has developed a series of pathways that connect the university, its staff and students to the community through civic engagement and social responsibility projects, including: the ALIVE Volunteer Programme which has seen over 12,000 students volunteer in the community over the last decade; Community Service Learning which sees 1,500 students undertake community projects every year; and the Youth Academy, a mini-university that caters for 10-12 year olds and provides 25 courses every semester. Another successful project is Café Saol, which was established on a pilot basis in 2015. It is the first and only social enterprise café on a higher education campus in Ireland, and it became a mainstream NUI Galway catering facility in 2018. The café promotes inclusive employment practices for those marginalised from employment. Dr McIlrath added: “All of the activities are only possible because of the community of practice approach we adopt to deliver all of our programmes. The CKI is a very small team so we work in partnership with 3,000 staff of the university. Our aim is to develop an ethos of engagement across the university, working in collaboration with others to create larger social change.” The Chamber Ireland Awards are partnered by Business in the Community Ireland, run in association with the Department of Rural and Community Development and sponsored by BAM Ireland.  The Awards event will take place in Dublin on Thursday, 19 September 2019.  -Ends-

NUI Galway’s Centre for Irish Studies is delighted to announce the appointment of Caitlín Ní Chualáin as Sean-Nós Singer-in-Residence for this year. From An Teach Mór Thiar, Indreabhán, Caitlín cites her father, Máirtín Pheaits Ó Cualáin, a winner of Comórtas na bhFear at the Oireachtas in 1944 and 2001, as a major influence. She also draws on the rich tradition of sean-nós singers from the area. Caitlín is married with seven children, several of whom are already singers and musicians in their own right. Caitlín won Comórtas na mBan at the Oireachtas in the years 2005, 2008 and 2014, and the coveted Corn Uí Riada, the premier competition for sean-nós singing at the Oireachtas festival in 2016. She is associated with the song Loingseach Bhearna, one that she learned from her father, and Amhrán na Buachaillí Bána is another favourite. Cailtín can frequently be heard on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, where she also works as a journalist, and at concerts and workshops. Dr Méabh Ní Fhuartháin of the Centre for Irish Studies welcomed the appointment saying: “We are delighted to have Caitlín Ní Chualáin join us as sean-nós singer in residence this year. Caitlín has a very distinctive voice which encapsulates the rich tradition that surrounds her. This appointment represents a fantastic opportunity for our students.” Caitlín will deliver a series of workshops at NUI Galway and will contribute to the expanding Sean-Nós Archive Collection. The workshops are free and open to the public and will begin on Tuesday, 1 October, at 7pm at the Centre for Irish Studies, NUI Galway.  This project is funded by Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta and An Chomhairle Ealaíon, in association with the Centre for Irish Studies at NUI Galway. For more information contact Samantha Williams at 091 492051 or samantha.williams@nuigalway.ie -Ends-