News Archive

Students interested in studying at NUI Galway are invited to an Information Evening in Dundalk on Thursday, 6 December. Students, parents, guardians and guidance counsellors are invited to attend the event which runs from 7 to 9pm in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk. The evening will begin with short talks about NUI Galway and the undergraduate courses it offers. Afterwards, current students and NUI Galway staff will be on hand to answer any individual questions in relation to courses and practical issues like accommodation, fees and scholarships, and the wide range of support services available to our students. The ever-increasing popularity of NUI Galway is in-part due to its innovative programmes developed in response to the changing needs of the employment market. NUI Galway is launching three new Arts degrees for enrolment in 2019. This includes a BA (History and Globalisation), BA Government (Politics, Economics and Law) and a BA Education (Computer Science and Mathematical Studies).  The University will also launch a new degree in Law and Human Rights for 2019 and Dr Conor Hanly from the School of Law will give a short presentation on Law at NUI Galway. The event will also have representatives from across the University’s five colleges available to answer questions about the programmes on offer, entry requirements, and placement and employment opportunities. St. Angela’s College and Shannon College of Hotel Management, both colleges of NUI Galway, will also attend the event. Members of the Accommodation Office will be on hand to answer any queries about on-campus or off-campus options, including the new Goldcrest on-campus development, which sees 429 new beds this year, bringing the total of on-campus beds to 1193. Sarah Geraghty, Student Recruitment and Outreach Manager at NUI Galway, said: “NUI Galway is dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning with a focus on developing highly skilled and employable graduates and dedicated to providing a positive, welcoming and inclusive student experience. The Information Evening in Dundalk is an opportunity for students to take a closer look at the opportunities available at NUI Galway and explore what it means to study at a world class university”. To find out more about the information evening in Dundalk, contact NUI Galway's Schools’ Liaison Officer, Elish Carr at 087-7794010 or email elish.carr@nuigalway.ie -Ends-   

NUI Galway’s Medical Orchestra will present a varied and rich progrmame of work to include the premiere of a five-minute original piece of music entitled Vena Vitae, as part of the Arts in Action 2018-2019 programme. The concert is in aid of Cancer Care West and takes place on Wednesday, 5 December at 6pm in the O’Donoghue Centre at NUI Galway. This original piece of music, Vena Vitae was composed and arranged by Máirtín O Connor and Garry O Briain that features a scientific background involving the sounds emanating from a chemotherapy machine as the infusion reaches the patient. The piece captures rhythms and the translation of sounds to musical notation and arrangement for all sections of the orchestra, described as “an Ode to healing”. The Medical Orchestra will be joined by an ensemble of musical guests including Jim Higgins, The Smiths, Carl Hession, Matthew Berrill and Mary McPartlan. Speaking about this special concert, Mary McPartlan, Artistic Director of Arts in Action at NUI Galway, said: “The orchestra has been in existence now for ten years and its main aim has always been to enrich and support the medical students, in reaching their own individual creative spaces, thereby supporting their overall wellbeing, their academic endeavor and their work in the study of medicine.” David O’Donnell from Cancer Care West, said: “Cancer Care West are thrilled to be the benefiting charity from this very unique fundraising event. Funds raised will help support cancer patients and their families who are attending our Support Centre on Seamus Quirke Road.” The medical students’ participation in the annual Arts in Action programme is one of the highlights of the academic year. The orchestra was formed from a close partnership with colleagues in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, which allows NUI Galway’s medical students to express themselves through their music and contribute positively to the wider community. Tickets are €15 with all proceeds going to Cancer Care West and available from www.cancercarewest.ie (News and Events), or on the door on the night at the O’Donoghue Centre in NUI Galway. -Ends-

A new report launched today (26 November) by safefood finds that parents view weaning as an exciting but challenging time as they deal with lots of information and advice when starting their babies on solid foods. The research was carried out by the Health Promotion Research Centre at NUI Galway. Dr Colette Kelly, lead author of the study and Director of the Health Promotion Research Centre at NUI Galway, said: “Weaning an infant to solid foods is an exciting time for parents but they can feel anxious about what, when and how to feed their baby. Parents want practical and clear information at the time they are starting to feed solids to their baby.” Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, Director, Human Health & Nutrition at safefood, said: “The first two years in a child’s life is a critical time for growth, development and establishing healthy eating habits for the child and for the whole family. We carried out this research to hear from parents about their experiences of weaning their babies on to solid foods. A worrying factor is the reliance on commercial baby foods rather than confidence in their own home cooking.” In the research, parents were open about the many challenges that they faced: Choosing baby foods to introduce at the weaning stage can be confusing. Varying opinions and advice from grandparents, family and friends about what to do. Practical advice needs to be available when the time is right, not in the new born period. Weaning can bring up feelings of inadequacy, embarrassment and guilt for parents. Dr Phil Jennings, HSE Director of Public Health and National Lead for the Healthy Childhood Programme, welcomed the report, stating: “The findings further confirm the support that parents require at this crucial stage of their child’s development. Professional advice and support is available from public health nurses, GPs and practice nurses.”  The time to introduce solid foods is important - not before 17 weeks and not after 26 weeks (for both breastfed and formula-fed babies). This timeframe is recommended by health experts as before 17 weeks, a baby’s kidneys and digestive system are immature and may not be able to handle food and drinks other than milk. Delaying the introduction of solid foods beyond 26 weeks is not recommended because babies that are 26 weeks old need solid food to meet all their energy and nutrient requirements and the baby is now ready to develop important skills for eating a mixed diet. Other important advice for parents who are introducing their babies to solid foods is to: Always stay with your baby when he/she is eating to make sure he/she doesn’t choke. Never add any foods to your baby’s bottle (this includes rusks) as this can cause choking and can damage teeth. Avoid foods and drinks high in fat, salt or sugar as they encourage unhealthy food preferences which persist through life. From six months, babies should be introduced to drinking from a cup or beaker. Tap water can be offered to your baby in a cup at meal and snack times. Cow’s milk (full fat) can be offered as a drink from one year onwards. Use foods that you would normally eat as a family - there is no need to go out and buy special weaning foods, however be mindful of the salt content when making family meals especially when adding stock or gravy granules to dishes. While commercial baby foods can be convenient for when you are out and about, these should be the exception and not every day. Allow plenty of time for feeding, particularly at first. Until now your baby has only known food that comes in a continuous flow from a nipple or teat. Your baby needs to learn to move solid food from the front of the tongue to the back in order to swallow it. The food tastes and feels different – it’s bound to take time so don’t be surprised if baby initially spits the food out or appears to dislike it. It will take time for baby to become used to new tastes and textures. Encourage babies to be involved at mealtimes, eat a variety of foods, hold finger foods and spoons and encourage them to try and feed themselves. Avoid distractions at mealtimes such as televisions, phones or tablets. Mealtimes are an ideal opportunity to interact with baby. The research was funded by safefood and was led by NUI Galway in collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast. The NUI Galway research report, What parents think about weaning - An island of Ireland study is available to download from https://www.safefood.eu/Home.aspx  -Ends-

Galway City Council and Gaillimh le Gaeilge have announced that Dr John Walsh, Roinn na Gaeilge and Dr Dorothy Ní Uigín, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway will lead a team of experts in language planning over the next few months to prepare a seven-year Irish Language Plan for Galway City 2019-2026. The objective of the Irish Language Plan, in line with Government policy, is to increase on an incremental basis, the communicative use and knowledge of Irish in Galway city as a community language. A new steering Group, Coiste Stiúrtha Pleanála Teanga Gaillimh (CSPT Gaillimh), was jointly established by Gaillimh le Gaeilge and Galway City Council to support, guide and oversee the progress and the delivery of an Irish Language Plan for the city. Members of the Coiste represent a broad cross-section of the public, private, community and voluntary sectors in Galway city. Speaking about the work ahead, Dr John Walsh, NUI Galway, says: “Over the next few months, we look forward to working with Coiste Stiúrtha Pleanála Teanga Gaillimh, to ensure that we deliver a successful language plan for the city. The planning project will comprise two phases; firstly a review of existing relevant research and international best practice and secondly a consultation exercise with relevant stakeholders and interested parties. We also hope to gain a better understanding of the needs and desires of the Irish language networks already operating in the city.” Speaking on the Irish Language Plan, Galway City Council Chief Executive, Brendan McGrath says: “Galway City Council is very pleased to be involved with this initiative for Galway city. It will provide an effective structure and a resource base for sustainable Irish language planning in Galway city for the period 2019-2026 and beyond.” Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge, Bernadette Mullarkey says: “This is an exciting time ahead not only for the Irish language but also for Galway City. As members of CSPT Gaillimh, we look forward to working closely with Dr John Walsh and Dr Dorothy Ní Uigín as we engage with the people of Galway to set out a range of practical, cost-effective, achievable initiatives with a specified timeframe in the plan. The clear objective of the plan will be to further promote, support and increase the communicative use of the Irish language as a norm in everyday life as well as delivering on Galway’s status as Ireland’s Bilingual City.” Dr John Walsh is a Senior Lecturer in Irish at the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, specialising in sociolinguistics. Dr Dorothy Ní Uigín, is Acting CEO of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, at NUI Galway. She is interested in language teaching and acquisition. This Irish Language Project is co-funded by Foras na Gaeilge through An Roinn Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta and Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe. -Ends-   Plean Teanga do Chathair na Gaillimhe Tá sé fógartha ag Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe agus Gaillimh le Gaeilge go mbeidh an Dr John Walsh, Roinn na Gaeilge agus an Dr Dorothy Ní Uigín, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh  i gceannas ar fhoireann saineolaithe sa phleanáil teanga chun plean teanga seacht mbliana (2019-2026) a ullmhú agus a sheachadadh do Chathair na Gaillimhe. Is é cuspóir phlean teanga Chathair na Gaillimhe, de réir pholasaí an Rialtais, cur le húsáid agus eolas cumarsáide na Gaeilge mar theanga pobail i gCathair na Gaillimhe ar bhonn incriminteach. Bhunaigh Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe agus Gaillimh le Gaeilge coiste stiúrtha nua (Coiste Stiúrtha Pleanála Teanga Gaillimh (CSPT Gaillimh) le tacú le agus treoir a thabhairt d’ullmhú agus seachadadh plean teanga do Chathair na Gaillimhe. Tá ionadaíocht ar an gCoiste ó na hearnálacha poiblí, príobháideacha, pobail agus deonacha i gCathair na Gaillimhe. Ag labhairt dó ar an obair atá amach rompu, dúirt an Dr John Walsh: “Le linn na míonna amach romhainn, táimid ag súil le dul ag obair leis an gCoiste Stiúrtha Pleanála Teanga, Gaillimh le cinntiú go n-ullmhófar plean teanga rathúil don chathair.  Beidh dhá chéim i gceist leis an tionscadal pleanála: ar an gcéad dul síos, déanfar athbhreithniú ar thaighde cuí atá déanta cheana agus ar an dea-chleachtas idirnáisiúnta; agus ar an dara dul síos, reáchtálfar beart comhairliúcháin leis na páirtithe leasmhara cuí. Tá súil againn chomh maith tuiscint níos fearr a fháil ar riachtanais agus ar mhianta na ngréasán Gaeilge atá ag feidhmiú sa chathair i láthair na huaire.” Ag tagairt don phlean teanga, deir Brendan McGrath, Príomhfheidhmeannach Chomhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe: “Tá Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe an-sásta bheith páirteach sa tionscnamh seo do Chathair na Gaillimhe. Tabharfaidh sé struchtúr éifeachtach mar aon le bonn acmhainní do phleanáil teanga inbhuanaithe i gCathair na Gaillimhe don tréimhse 2019-2026 agus thairis sin.” Deir Bernadette Mullarkey, Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge: “Tá tréimhse spreagúil amach romhainn, ní hamháin don Ghaeilge ach do Chathair na Gaillimhe chomh maith. Mar bhaill de CSPT Gaillimh, táimid ag súil le bheith ag obair go dlúth leis an Dr John Walsh agus an Dr Dorothy Ní Uigín, agus muid ag freastal ar mhuintir na Gaillimhe chun réimse de thionscadail phraiticiúla agus insroichte, a bheas éifeachtach ó thaobh costais de, a leagan amach. Beidh tréimhse ar leith i gceist leis na tionscadail. Is é cuspóir an phlean ná úsáid na Gaeilge mar ghnáth-theanga laethúil a chur chun cinn, a chothú agus a mhéadú chomh maith le stádas na Gaillimhe mar Chathair Dhátheangach na hÉireann a chur i bhfeidhm ar bhealach níos suntasaí.” Tá an Dr John Walsh ina Léachtóir Sinsearach le Gaeilge i Scoil na dTeangacha, na Litríochtaí & na gCultúr áit a múineann sé an tsochtheangeolaíocht. Tá an Dr Dorothy Ní Uigín ag feidhmiú mar Phríomhfheidhmeannach Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. Tá spéis faoi leith aici i dteagasc agus sealbhú teanga. Tá an Tionscadal Gaeilge seo á chómhaoiniú ag Foras na Gaeilge tríd an Roinn Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta agus Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe. CRÍOCH          

NUI Galway’s Access Centre and professional services firm Grant Thornton recently launched a Professional Engagement Module (PEM), a new and experiential module of learning. This experiential based model of learning focuses on the selection and engagement of professional Mentors and Access Students, (Mature and School Leavers) in the participation of a specifically designed eight-week module of structured interactive learning. As a result of taking part in the programme, students gain exposure to the professional environment, develop career skills and increase their career readiness. It is a combination of mentoring, time spent in the Grant Thornton offices, and workshops that combine to give the students self-belief around progression in education and in planning for their careers. Aengus Burns, Advisory Partner with Grant Thornton, said: “Grant Thornton recognises the responsibility for the social impact we have on the community we work and live in and as a firm is committed to making a real difference in the community. Grant Thornton is delighted to be involved with NUI Galway’s Access Programme.” The Access Programmes, which Grant Thornton has become involved with, target students in the community who have the ability to benefit from and succeed in higher education but who, for a variety of social and economic reasons, are under-represented at third level. Designing and leading the initiative for NUI Galway, Dr Mary Surlis said: “Grant Thornton PEM offers a very exciting opportunity to our students to engage in a professional setting, and to experience the support and encouragement of dedicated committed professionals, this will benefit our students enormously.” -Ends-

The NUI Galway Youth Academy, an outreach programme aimed at 9-12 year olds, recently received a gift of €250,000 over the next six years from Merit Medical, a leading multi-national medical device company with significant operations in Galway, employing close to 1,000 people. The gift was announced at the recent Youth Academy graduation ceremony which took place on campus. The Youth Academy programme provides children with a taste of university life and the opportunity to study a fun but high level course in a college subject area. The initiative was established by NUI Galway’s Mary Dempsey, Vice Dean, College of Engineering and Informatics, Dr Caroline Heary, School of Psychology, and Dr Lorraine McIlrath, Community Knowledge Initiative, to enhance the educational potential of children and inspire progression to higher education. Since piloted in 2012, enrolments have grown from 64 participants in its first year to nearly 700 participants per annum. The number of courses on offer has increased 10 fold and 66% of the courses are offered in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subject areas. The reach has expanded beyond Galway with participants often travelling from Mayo, Roscommon, Westmeath, Offaly and Clare for the Saturday morning classes. Mary Dempsey, Senior Lecturer and co-founder of the Youth Academy, said: “A guiding principle of NUI Galway’s Youth Academy programme is to offer 25% of places on a full scholarship basis and provide children and inter-generational families with access to the university campus, its resources and knowledge, and encourage a sense of belonging. Although the programme has supported hundreds of scholarships since 2012, the very generous gift from Merit Medical will create early educational intervention scaffolds and higher educational pathways for many more deserving children over the next six years. I am very grateful to Mark Butler and his team for supporting NUI Galway’s Youth Academy programme in the provision of equality of opportunity for all children. This unique partnership will enable the NUI Galway Youth Academy programme to continue to develop, impact positively on children and combat disadvantage.” Mark Butler, Executive Vice President, European Operations, Research and Development, and Strategy, Merit Medical, said: “As a worldwide leader in the development, manufacture and distribution of medical devices, Merit Medical are proud to partner with NUI Galway’s Youth Academy programme. At Merit Medical we believe in children, their fantastic view of the world, their talent, their creativity and passion for innovation. It is important to capture this creativity from a young age, to ignite imagination and power curiosity. Through the academy the interest and enthusiasm for STEM subjects and related areas are increased, building the next generation of Scientists, Engineers and Mathematicians. “The Merit Story started with a single idea, build a stronger, safer disposable syringe, from that single idea the next great healthcare company was born. Today Merit holds over 800 patents and pending applications representing thousands of inventions. So who knows what the future will bring for children graduating from this Youth Academy programme. We are hopeful it will have given participants a broader perspective on all the fantastic opportunities awaiting them in the world of STEM. We encourage them to work harder in school and to realise that anything is possible and you’re never too young to think Big!” For further information, please visit https://youthacademy.nuigalway.ie/ -Ends-

CÚRAM, the Science Foundation Ireland Centre for Research in Medical Devices based at NUI Galway and Galway Film Centre’s 2018 ‘Science on Screen’ documentary, A Tiny Spark will have its world premiere at Pálás Cinema in Galway on Saturday, 1 December at 1pm. Directed by Niamh Heery and produced by Caroline Kealy of Swansong Films, A Tiny Spark examines the effect of cerebrovascular illness and stroke on people’s lives and specifically looks at research into the blood clots that cause stroke. With a mixture of dramatic first person accounts and beautiful animation sequences highlighting the functions of the various parts of the brain, A Tiny Spark is a film about science’s ability to affect real change for human life. A Tiny Spark focuses on stroke and cerebrovascular research being led by Neuroscientist, Dr Karen Doyle from CÚRAM and Galway Neuroscience Centre in NUI Galway, which involves analysis of removed blood clots to see what information they may yield. This is the first study of its kind in the world and is an international collaborative study between NUI Galway, hospital partners in Beaumont Hospital and throughout Europe, and the Mayo Clinic in the US. The research is carried out in partnership with Cerenovus. This documentary highlights the groundbreaking research being carried out by Dr Doyle and her research team at NUI Galway. For the first time ever they are analysing thousands of stroke-causing blood clots collected from patients around the world. These little bundles of cells could carry a wealth of information, which could point to big improvements to people’s lives by improving stroke prevention and treatment. In the film we meet three incredibly brave stroke survivors who show us that it is sometimes the little things that people miss in life after a stroke, or the small victories during recovery that mean so much. Contributors to the documentary feature individuals who have had a stroke: Rebecca Slattery from Limerick who had a stroke shortly after she turned 30 and became a new Mum; Trevor Neville from Limerick, a father of two who had a stroke aged 31; and Helen Liddy from Clare who suffered a stroke aged 63 in 2016. Dr John Thornton, Consultant Neuroradiologist, Beaumount Hospital, and Helena Heffernan, Stroke Group Coordinator, Irish Heart Foundation also feature in the documentary. Professor Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director of CÚRAM at NUI Galway, said: “This year’s film will focus on stroke and clot research which is yet another area of research which will have a significant impact on audiences all over the country. These stories, narrated through our Science on Screen documentaries, show the real challenges that people face when living with chronic illness but also how we are trying to address them here at CÚRAM, to improve quality of life for all.” Galway Film Centre Manager, Alan Duggan, said: “The Science on Screen commission scheme shows the real human side of the application of science. We are delighted to continue working with CÚRAM on this scheme and we will be supporting Niamh, Caroline and the filmmaking team in bringing ‘A Tiny Spark’ to the screen this year.” The 2018 ReelLife Science primary school winning videos will be screened before the world premiere of A Tiny Spark, followed by a Q&A with Dr Karen Doyle and her research team, and with documentary producer, Caroline Kealy and director, Niamh Heery. To view a short trailer of A Tiny Spark, visit: https://vimeo.com/291731458/072c556b3d To book free tickets for the world premiere on Saturday, 1 December at Pálás Cinema, Spanish Arch, Galway, visit: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/a-tiny-spark-premiere-screening-tickets-52811744349 The Science on Screen scheme has been running since 2016 and has awarded €35,000 each to three previous documentaries on topics such as Parkinson’s disease (Feats of Modest Valour), tendon injury (Mending Legends) and diabetes (Bittersweet: The Rise of Diabetes). The films have reached audiences of over half a million people and have received success at festivals internationally. Full details on all previous Science on Screen films can be found here: www.galwayfilmcentre.ie/category/science-on-screen and http://curamdevices.ie/curam/public-engagement/science-on-screen/. -Ends-

Competition about sharing the story of research in just three minutes, with three slides, in front of three judges Free audience tickets have gone on release for the grand finale of NUI Galway’s Threesis competition. The fast-paced event will feature a series of three-minute talks by researchers who will share the story of their research using just three presentation slides, with the winners to be selected by three judges. The final takes place on Thursday, 29 November in the O’Donoghue Theatre on campus from 5.30pm. A series of training workshops and heats have taken place on campus over the last number of weeks in preparation for the final. The initial 80 participants have been whittled down to just 12 finalists. Professor Lokesh Joshi, NUI Galway’s Vice-President for Research, commented: “Our university has some amazing people carrying out incredible research across all disciplines. Threesis brings some of these people on a journey which empowers them to communicate the story of their research clearly and concisely. The grand finale promises to be a really interesting event, full of fascinating, bite-sized insights into incredible research. Not only is there the challenge of time, but the participants have been tasked with using clear and jargon-free language.”  The NUI Galway Threesis finalists are: Conall Holohan, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute – ‘Fat to Energy: A Naturally Circular Story’. Brigid Hooban, School of Medicine – ‘Evaluating the contribution of different sources to antibiotic resistance in the environment’. Edidiong Bassey, School of Business and Economics, and Whitaker Institute – ‘Technology as a tool for reform: A case of Tax Administration’. Eoghan Dunne, Engineering and IT and TMD Lab – ‘Preventing a wet problem’. Eoin McEvoy, Engineering and IT, Biomedical Engineering and Computation Biomechanics - ‘Predicting Heart Failure: Insights from Mechanical Engineering and Thermodynamics’. James Blackwell, School of Physics and Medical Physics Research Cluster – ‘Finding Brain Tumours using Ultrasound’. Sarah Carthy, School of Psychology and the Risky and Extreme Behaviour Research Group – ‘Counter Narratives for the Prevention of Violent Radicalisation’. Siobhán Morrissey, School of Humanities – ‘Enid Blyton: War and Nationalism’. Katie Gilligan, School of Medicine, Discipline of Surgery, Lambe Institute – ‘Engineering vesicles to carry a cancer suppressing message for the treatment of breast cancer’. Peyman Sadrimajd, School of Natural Sciences – ‘Saving our planet: 3 equations of Biogas’. Niall Ó Brolcháin, Insight Centre for Data Analytics, Engineering and IT – ‘Our environment, our health, our wellbeing’. Sarah Murphy, School of Medicine – ‘An Econometric Analysis of Growing Up in Ireland Data, to Look at the Incidence of Illnesses among Breastfed, Non-Breastfed and Exclusively-Breastfed Cohorts’. The Threesis competition was initiated at NUI Galway in 2012. It is open to all research students and postdoctoral researchers at NUI Galway. Finalists include undergraduate students, PhD candidates and posdoctoral researchers from across all Colleges on campus. The judges in the final will be: Lorna Farren, Director of Marketing and Communications at NUI Galway; Dr Sylvia Maretto, Research Office, NUI Galway; and John Crumlish CEO, Galway International Arts Festival. Professor Andy Shearer from NUI Galway’s School of Physics will act as MC for the evening. Tickets are available on www.eventbrite.com (type in Threesis) or on the Threesis website at www.nuigalway.ie/threesis. -Ends-

Students interested in studying at NUI Galway are invited to an Information Evening in Tralee on Thursday, 22 November. Students, parents, guardians and guidance counsellors are invited to attend the event which runs from 7 to 9pm in the Brandon Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry. The evening will begin with short talks about NUI Galway and the undergraduate courses it offers. Afterwards, current students and NUI Galway staff will be on hand to answer any individual questions in relation to courses and practical issues like accommodation, fees and scholarships, and the wide range of support services available to our students. The ever-increasing popularity of NUI Galway is in-part due to its innovative programmes developed in response to the changing needs of the employment market. NUI Galway is launching three new Arts degrees for enrolment in 2019. This includes a BA (History and Globalisation), BA Government (Politics, Economics and Law) and a BA Education (Computer Science and Mathematical Studies). The University will also launch a new degree in Law and Human Rights for 2019 and Dr John Danaher from the School of Law will give a short presentation on Law at NUI Galway. The event will also have representatives from across the University’s five Colleges available to answer questions about the programmes on offer, entry requirements, and placement and employment opportunities. Shannon College of Hotel Management will also attend the event. Sarah Geraghty, Student Recruitment and Outreach Manager at NUI Galway, said: “NUI Galway is dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning with a focus on developing highly skilled and employable graduates and dedicated to providing a positive, welcoming and inclusive student experience. The Information Evening in Tralee is an opportunity for students to take a closer look at the opportunities available at NUI Galway and explore what it means to study at a world class university.” To find out more about the information evening in Tralee, contact NUI Galway's Schools’ Liaison Officer, Caroline Duggan at 087-2391219 or email caroline.duggan@nuigalway.ie -Ends-

NUI Galway and University Hospital Galway recently presented the Tarpey Scholarships to students, Chloe Conlon and Fiona Geraghty. The scholarships are part of the Hazel and Tanya Memorial Fund which was established by the Tarpey family in memory of their daughters who tragically passed away. Hazel and Tanya Tarpey were sisters who left a long lasting impression on many members of staff who encountered them in the Diabetes Centre and across every ward and discipline in the hospital before they both passed away of a rare genetic autoimmune disease that affects the endocrine glands called APECED (autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy). Their parents, Tim and Mary and siblings, Ruth and Dermot wanted to honour the memory of Hazel and Tanya by fundraising to establish these two annual scholarships in their names. The memorial fund grants two annual research student scholarships in NUI Galway, one each in the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Chloe Conlon, a fourth year medical student from Sligo Town, was presented with the School of Medicine scholarship, with Fiona Geraghty, fourth year nursing student from Williamstown, Co. Galway, receiving the School of Nursing and Midwifery scholarship  Last year’s scholarship winners Grace Cosgrove and Cherie Tan also attended the presentation and expressed gratitude to the Tarpey family. School of Nursing and Midwifery recipient of the Inaugural Tarpey Scholarships, Grace Cosgrove, said: “I wanted to use the money generously provided by the Tarpey family to further my education in nursing and increase my skills at ward level so that my clinical practice would improve and that the skills I have acquired will directly benefit my patients. The Electrocardiogram (ECG) course taught me skills on carrying out and interpreting ECG’s. From this I have now gained understanding into different cardiac arrhythmias, their treatments and can now carry out ECG independent from a doctor. This has reduced waiting times for my patient on the ward and has facilitated prompt action in any abnormalities.” Cherie Tan, School of Medicine Recipient of the Inaugural Tarpey Scholarships, said: “The scholarship was used to attend the National Cancer Annual Meeting (NCAM) 2018 held in Singapore. The theme for NCAM 2018 was ‘Medical Informatics: From Big Data to Precision Oncology’. Through NCAM 2018, I learnt about how large medical data is synthesized to personalized medicine for individual patients in the field of oncology, an area which I hold special interest.” NUI Galway’s Professor Sean Dinneen who cared for both sisters said: “The Tarpey sisters left a deep and lasting impression on all who encountered them, especially because of their extraordinary courage.” -Ends-

A major international conference on the topic of Extended Working Life policy will take place at NUI Galway on the 22-23 November. The conference entitled ‘Gender and health impacts of policies extending working life’ is based on the work of COST Action IS1409, an international network involving over 100 researchers from 34 countries.  The network which has run since April 2015 is funded by COST – European Cooperation in Science and Technology. COST provides networking opportunities for researchers and innovators in order to strengthen Europe’s capacity to address scientific, technological and societal challenges. The network and conference will be hosted by the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology in NUI Galway. Dr Áine Ní Léime from the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology at NUI Galway and Chair of COST Action, said: “This conference showcases the work of the COST Action network over four years and offers an opportunity to open up a debate on the complex issue of extended working life in Ireland. While working past traditional state pension age may be beneficial for many people in rewarding sedentary jobs, it may be more problematic for those in physically demanding work or those in precarious employment.” This conference will feature over 50 presentations on the gender and health implications of policies designed to extend working life. These policies have been introduced across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries as a response to population ageing and anticipated increased pension costs. They include increasing state pension age and requiring increased contributions to qualify for state pensions, which have important implications for different groups of workers. Mairead McGuinness, MEP and Vice President of the European Parliament will give an opening address by video. Keynote speakers include Dame Professor Carol Black, Newnham College Cambridge, Expert Adviser on Health and Work to the NHS, Professor Chris Phillipson, University of Manchester, Professor Fiona Alpass, Massey University, New Zealand and Professor Libby Brooke, University of Melbourne. Mairead McGuinness, Vice President of the European Parliament, says: “With better diets and medical advancements, we are living longer and healthier lives. We are also working longer, a development which some welcome and others do not. This conference will look at the gender and health impacts of policies extending working life, an important and timely topic. We have seen significant changes in women’s involvement in the workforce. In Ireland before 1973, women who worked in the civil service were obliged to retire once married – things are very different today with women actively participating in the workforce. However, women today across the EU typically have lower pensions than men; for many reasons such as lower earnings; having part-time work or needing to take time out from their careers to look after family members. The contribution of women is sometimes overlooked, particularly in rural areas and on farms, where their work is not always recognised or counted.” There will be a roundtable session on Extended Working Life policy in Ireland on Thursday, 22 November at 1.15pm involving policy-makers and stakeholders including representatives from the Irish Pensions Authority, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Eurofound, Age Action and the National Women’s Council of Ireland. The conference will take place in the Institute for Lifecourse and Society, North Campus, NUI Galway on 22-23 November. To register, visit: http://www.conference.ie/Conferences/AddRegistration.asp?Conference=557 -Ends-

NUI Galway are organising a series of events to mark the fourth annual College Awareness Week, which takes place from 19-24 November. The campaign promotes the benefits of a post-secondary plan that supports students to become college ready and also showcases local role models. College Awareness Week aims to inspire and inform all students about the importance of having a post-secondary education plan. It advocates for students to have the choice to pursue the course best suited to their interests, abilities and dreams, whether that is a PLC qualification, an apprenticeship or a university degree. To celebrate the initiative, NUI Galway is teaming up with Archbishop McHale College, Tuam, Co. Galway, to launch the ‘Attract-Transition-Succeed’ project, which is a partnership between the University’s Access Programmes, Techinnovate Centre and the James Hardiman Library. The partnership will help build on the role of the NUI Galway Access programmes in developing educational models that will support and facilitate under-represented student groups, teachers, families, and communities to access and participate and succeed at third-level. Owen Mac an Bhaird, NUI Galway student teacher at Archbishop McHale College said: “We are delighted to be part of a nationwide campaign to promote the importance of post-secondary education. There are lots of options out there and College Awareness Week encourages people of all ages to consider further education as part of their future.” In addition to this launch, NUI Galway together with professional services firm Grant Thornton, are launching a mentoring programme called Professional Engagement Module, which will give students the opportunity to gain exposure to the professional environment, develop career skills and increase their career readiness. It is the combination of mentoring, time spent in the Grant Thornton offices, and workshops that combine to give the students self-belief around progression in education and in planning for their careers. Other events taking place during College Awareness Week will include: Talks from the University’s course coordinators to students in Further Education colleges studying QQI Level 6 courses about the pathway of progression to third-level. The launch of the 1916 Bursary Fund and Inclusive Centenaries Scholarships targeting students in the community who have the ability to benefit from and succeed in higher education but who, for a variety of social and economic reasons, are under-represented at third level. The University will celebrate the Access programmes during their Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, 22 November, and during the ceremony will officially launch the 20th anniversary of the Access Programmes in Galway which will take place next year. For more information on College Awareness Week visit www.collegeaware.ie. -Ends-

Dr Clare O’Leary, Phelim Murphy, Bernie O’Connor, Martin Hayes Over 1,800 students will graduate from across the five colleges at NUI Galway at the University's winter conferring ceremonies, which take place from Tuesday, 20 November to Thursday, 22 November. NUI Galway has also today announced the names of those to be conferred with Honorary Degrees at the 2018 Winter Conferring. The four individuals to be conferred during the week of 19 November are:  Dr Clare O'Leary - Consultant Gastroenterologist and an accomplished adventurer with a special interest in high altitude and expedition medicine Phelim Murphy – long serving GAA county and club administrator Bernie O’Connor - long serving GAA county and club administrator Martin Hayes - internationally-recognised traditional Irish musician Speaking on the announcement, NUI Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “NUI Galway is fortunate to be associated with many outstanding honorary graduates throughout its history and those being honoured at these conferring ceremonies form a particularly distinguished group. Each one has made an outstanding and distinctive contribution in their field. In honouring these exceptional individuals, we signal what we value in areas that matter to us and to our society – the role of sport and volunteering in rural communities, creativity and music, path-breaking women in sport. NUI Galway is very pleased to be in a position to recognise these exceptional individuals.  Their achievements speak to some of the activities in which we as a University are engaged – community development, culture and performance, and sporting endeavour. On behalf of NUI Galway I am delighted to honour them and their achievements in this way.” Dr Clare O’Leary – Irish gastroenterologist, mountain climber and adventurer. First Irish woman to climb Mount Everest and complete the Seven Summits. Also first Irish woman to reach the South Pole. Patron of Cork University Hospital Charity. Works as a gastroenterologist and general physician. Phelim Murphy and Bernie O’Connor - Both synonymous with Galway hurling for many decades, at Club and County level and pivotal figures in the development of the GAA.  Phelim Murphy – Chairman of Turloughmore Hurling Club, and member of Galway Hurling Board for many years. Former Assistant Secretary of Galway Hurling Board, Secretary, Team Selector, President of Connacht Council, Vice-President of GAA. Bernie O’Connor – life-long GAA colleague and friend of Phelim. Member of Oranmore/Maree Club. Served at county, provincial and national level on Hurling Development, Games Administration and Management committees. Manager of Galway Senior team in 1983, team selector of All-Ireland winning teams 1980, 1987 and 1988.  Martin Hayes - Renowned Irish fiddler from Co Clare and member of the Irish-American supergroup The Gloaming. Winner of the All-Ireland fiddle competition – one of only three fiddlers to be named All-Ireland Fiddle Champion in the senior division in two consecutive years. Member of Tulla Céilí Band. Active in traditional music scene in the U.S. and internationally. Winner of many awards, including TG4 Gradam Ceoil. The conferring ceremonies will take place at 10.30am and 3pm each day. -Ends- Searmanais Bronnta Geimhridh OÉ Gaillimh agus Céimithe Oinigh An Dr Clare O’Leary, Phelim Murphy, Bernie O’Connor, Martin Hayes Bronnfar céim ar bhreis is 1,800 mac léinn as na cúig choláiste in OÉ Gaillimh ag searmanais bhronnta an gheimhridh a bheidh ar siúl san Ollscoil ó Dé Máirt, an 20 Samhain go dtí Déardaoin, an 22 Samhain. Inniu d’fhógair OÉ Gaillimh ainmneacha na ndaoine a mbronnfar Céimeanna Oinigh orthu ag Bronnadh an Fhómhair, 2018. Seo a leanas ainmneacha an cheathrair a mbronnfar céim orthu an tseachtain dar tús an 19 Samhain:  An Dr Clare Murphy - Gaistreintreolaí Comhairleach agus taiscéalaí cumasach le spéis ar leith i leigheas a bhaineann le hairde mhór agus le turais taiscéalaíochta. Phelim Murphy - a bhfuil na blianta caite aige mar riarthóir contae agus club CLG Bernie O'Connor - a bhfuil na blianta caite aige mar riarthóir contae agus club CLG Martin Hayes - ceoltóir traidisiúnta a bhfuil cáil dhomhanda air Ag labhairt dó faoin bhfógra, dúirt Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Tá an t-ádh le OÉ Gaillimh céimithe oinigh den scoth a bheith aige in imeacht na mblianta agus is cinnte gur grúpa ar leith iad na céimithe oinigh atá á gceiliúradh ag na searmanais bhronnta seo. Tá a c(h)ion féin déanta ag gach céimí oinigh daoibh ina réimse féin. Trí onóir a thabhairt do na daoine eisceachtúla seo, léirímid na luachanna atá againn i réimsí a bhfuil tábhacht leo dúinne agus don tsochaí ina mairimid - ról an spóirt i bpobail tuaithe, cruthaitheacht agus ceol, mná ceannródaíocha i spórt. Tá an-áthas ar OÉ Gaillimh a bheith in ann aitheantas a thabhairt do na daoine eisceachtúla seo. Léiríonn a gcuid éachtaí roinnt de na gníomhaíochtaí ina bhfuilimid mar Ollscoil páirteach iontu – forbairt pobail, cultúr agus taibhléiriú, agus éachtaí spóirt. Thar ceann OÉ Gaillimh tá áthas orm onóir a bhronnadh orthu as a gcuid éachtaí.” An Dr Clare O’Leary – gaistreintreolaí, dreapadóir sléibhe agus taiscéalaí Éireannach.  An chéad bhean Éireannach a dhreap Sliabh Everest agus na Seacht Mullach.  Ba í an chéad bhean Éireannach í chomh maith a bhain amach an Pol Theas. Tá sí ina pátrún ar Charthanacht Ospidéal na hOllscoile, Corcaigh. Is gaistreintreolaí agus lia ginearálta í. Phelim Murphy agus Bernie O'Connor - Tá an bheirt fhear seo luaite le hiománaíocht na Gaillimhe le blianta fada, ag leibhéal Club agus Contae, agus is pearsana an-tábhachtach iad i bhforbairt an CLG.  Phelim Murphy – Cathaoirleach Chlub Iománaíochta an Turlaigh Mhóir agus ball de Bhord Iománaíochta na Gaillimhe le blianta fada.  Iar-Rúnaí Cúnta ar Bhord Iománaíochta na Gaillimhe, Rúnaí, Roghnóir, Uachtarán Chomhairle Connacht, Leas-Uachtarán CLG. Bernie O’Connor – comhghleacaí GLG agus cara buan le Phelim.  Ball de Chlub Órán Mór/Mheáraí.  D’oibrigh sé ar leibhéal contae, cúige agus náisiúnta ar Fhorbairt Iománaíochta, Riarachán Cluichí agus Coistí Bainistíochta.  Bainisteoir ar Fhoireann Sinsir na Gaillimhe in 1983, roghnóir ar na foirne a bhuaigh Craobh na hÉireann in 1980, 1987 agus 1988.  Martin Hayes - Fidléir Éireannach mór le rá as Co. an Chláir agus ball den sárghrúpa Gael-Meiriceánach The Gloaming. Buaiteoir Chraobh na hÉireann ar an bhfidil – duine de thriúr fidléirí a ainmníodh mar Sheaimpín na hÉireann ar an bhfidil sa rannóg shinsearach dhá bhliain as a chéile. Ball de Bhanna Céilí na Tulaí. Gníomhach i saol an cheoil thraidisiúnta i Meiriceá agus go hidirnáisiúnta. Is iomaí gradam atá buaite aige, lena n-áirítear Gradam Ceoil TG4. Beidh na searmanais bhronnta ar siúl ag 10.30am agus ag 3pm gach lá. -Críoch-

As part of National Science Week Ireland, NUI Galway’s O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance will host the free event NanoDance, exploring the science of the very small through dance theatre on 15-16 November at 6pm. Explore the world of nanoscience with dance and theatre! This multimedia production will examine the science of the very small through choreography, lighting and projections devised by visiting artist Deidre Cavazzi, Dance Department Chair, Saddleback College. The performance will be preceded by a short Nanoscience talk by Dr Jessamyn Fairfield from the School of Physics at NUI Galway. Eight performers, current and alumni students of NUI Galway, will take to the stage, bringing to life concepts like quantum confinement, wave/particle duality, and the relationship between frequencies and memristors.  This production provides a fun and creative way to merge scientific concepts with multimedia performance. Choreographer Deidre Cavazzi, a visiting fellow from Southern California, specialises in designing interdisciplinary productions to explore scientific concepts through live performances.  Deidre Cavazzi, said: “It has been exciting to work with NUI Galway and Dr Fairfield’s lab to develop this project. I hope to create an immersive and interesting environment for audiences to learn more about nanoscience while also enjoying a theatrical performance.” This work is supported by the Institute of Physics and Galway Science and Technology Festival. Performance will be approximately 75 minutes with no intermission, and is appropriate for all ages. Admission is free and pre-booking of tickets is advised by visiting www.eventbrite.ie and type in Nanodance, or visit: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/nanodance-tickets-52221724584.  To view videos from recent interdisciplinary productions, please visit Deidre Cavazzi’s ArchiTexture Dance Company website: http://www.architexturedance.org/interdisciplinary-projects.html. -Ends-

The winners of the nationwide ReelLIFE SCIENCE video competition were announced as part of national Science Week 2018. Winners of the €1000 awards were Powerscourt National School, Co. Wicklow, Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny, and Lackagh Foróige group from Co. Galway. Winning videos were selected from a total of 175 entries from 80 schools and community groups around Ireland, by a panel of judges including aeronautical engineer and astronaut-candidate Norah Patten, BT Young Scientist and Technologist of the Year 2018, Simon Meehan and comedian and TV presenter Dara Ó Briain, who said: “I was delighted to be a guest judge in this year's competition and see how much enthusiasm, knowledge and energy is pouring out of Science classes across the country!" A group of 24 third and fourth class students from Powerscourt National School gave an entertaining and educational account of the body’s largest organ in ’Science and Me: The Skin’. Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny transition year students, Emer Tobin and Katherine Morrow, depicted the life of Rosalind Franklin, who was instrumental in the discovery of the structure of DNA. Lackagh Foróige group member Sean Janson demonstrated the ‘Science of Smashing’ with equations, experiments and personality. The competition is organised by NUI Galway and supported by the Science Foundation Ireland Discover programme, the Community Knowledge Initiative, CÚRAM Centre for Research in Medical Devices, and the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science at the University. ReelLIFE SCIENCE challenges Irish schools and community groups to communicate science and technology via engaging and educational short videos. Since being launched in 2013 by Dr Enda O’Connell and a team of volunteer scientists, this challenge has been met by more than 10,000 participants in 350 schools and groups around Ireland. Special guest judge Norah Patten said of the programme: “I think this is a fantastic initiative because the students are not only learning about a scientific topic - they are also developing skills to communicate what they’ve learnt. These types of hands on, practical projects will be really valuable as they progress through to the next stage of their career.” Other prize winners included: Gaelscoil Riabhach from Loughrea, Co. Galway Scoil Mhuire gan Smál from Carlow Mary’s College Galway Skerries Community College from Dublin Westside Youth Project from Galway Galway Parkinsons Association All videos can be viewed at www.reellifescience.com  and will be shown to the general public as part of the Galway Science and Technology Exhibition, held in NUI Galway on Sunday, 25 November. -Ends-

Seven NUI Galway postgraduate courses have been shortlisted in two categories for the national gradireland Higher Education Awards 2018. The categories include Best New Course and Postgraduate Course of the Year, and award winners will be announced on Friday, 23 November at a reception in Dublin. The postgraduate courses that have been shortlisted are: Best New Course: The MSc (International Accounting and Analytics), J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics; and the MSc in Patient Safety and Healthcare Simulation, School of Medicine Postgraduate Course of the Year Award in Business, Finance and Management: The MSc in Digital Marketing; the MSc in Strategy, Innovation, and People Management; and the MSc in International Management, run by the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics Postgraduate Course of the Year Award in Computer Science and Technology: The MSc in Business Analytics, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics Postgraduate Course of the Year Award in Science: The MSc in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security, Ryan Institute The annual Postgraduate Course of the Year Awards recognises excellence amongst Irish postgraduate course providers. The winning courses are judged on the success of the course including employability of graduates, recognition of the course’s quality or ranking by external bodies, research record of academic staff, and providing a good experience for students. Judges also take feedback from students into consideration when selecting a winner. Valerie Leahy, Postgraduate Recruitment Officer at NUI Galway, said: “We’re delighted to again make the shortlist for these important national awards; it’s great that the calibre of our postgraduate courses is being acknowledged, as is their effectiveness in terms of employability, and interaction with industry and business. These courses are now accepting applications and those interested can apply online via the NUI Galway postgraduate applications system at www.nuigalway.ie/apply. We also offer generous full-time taught masters scholarships for first-class students, so that’s another reason to consider NUI Galway for postgraduate studies.” NUI Galway offers a wide range of fourth level courses, developing programmes based on its traditional academic strengths of Arts, Social Sciences, Celtic Studies, Commerce, Medicine, Nursing, Health Science, Law, Engineering, Informatics and Science. These areas have been augmented with innovative Research Centres in areas as diverse as Biomedical Engineering, International Human Rights, Digital Media & Film Studies, and Regenerative Medicine. Over 5,000 postgraduate students (including international students) currently attend NUI Galway. -Ends-

CURAM’S award winning Science on Screen documentary, Bittersweet – The Rise of Diabetes will broadcast on RTÉ 1 on Wednesday, 14 November at 11.10pm on World Diabetes Day. CÚRAM, the Science Foundation Ireland Centre for Research in Medical Devices, based at NUI Galway and Galway Film Centre together run the partnership project Science on Screen, which aims to facilitate, promote and increase the inclusion of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) content in Irish film and TV production. Bittersweet is a half-hour documentary directed by Hugh Rodgers and produced by both Anna Rodgers and Zlata Filipovic of Invisible Thread Films. The film captures the Irish health system’s fight to treat the rising number of diabetic patients, and warns against this troubling epidemic facing our population. It follows the personal stories of young people who are living with diabetes and their daily struggle to manage it. Over the course of the documentary, it highlights the ground-breaking research and development in pharmacology and biomedical science at NUI Galway and other universities to treat diabetes, capturing the important work of CÚRAM’s Professor David Brayden and his team at UCD’s Veterinary Hospital, where they are developing new ways of delivering insulin to the body. The documentary also gives an insight into the treatment and management of diabetes featuring expert clinicians Professor Derek O’Keeffe and Helen Burke from NUI Galway, who use cutting edge technology to care for young people with diabetes, helping them to manage their chronic condition, through diabetes clinics at Galway University Hospital. Hugh Rodgers is an award-winning Director based in Dublin. In 2016 he directed The Story of Yes, a documentary on the marriage referendum, and it went on to be nominated for Best Single Documentary at the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA) 2016 and was commended at the prestigious Radharc Awards 2016. His work is notable for its emotive quality, finding the personal and engaging stories even within the most unexpected of topics. Anna Rodgers is an IFTA award winning director and producer, and has worked in documentary film and television for over 16 years. She won Best TV Director at the IFTAs, 2014 for her sensitive portrayal of sexuality and disability in the RTÉ documentary Somebody to Love. Professor Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director at CÚRAM in NUI Galway, said: “One of the key goals at CÚRAM is to provide easy access to our latest research findings and emerging technologies, so that the Irish public can stay informed about advances in science and healthcare. Science on Screen and our partnership with Galway Film Centre is one of our core public engagement programmes. It is really important for us to ensure that there’s a two-way flow of information happening between our researchers and members of the public, and the filmmakers have succeeded brilliantly in helping us do just that.” Professor Derek O’Keeffe, Consultant Physician, University Hospital Galway and NUI Galway, said: “This innovative diabetes documentary “Bittersweet” shows the silent burden of chronic disease on patients and their families. As a clinician my role is to help patients on this journey and to empower them to manage their medical conditions by harnessing the latest innovations, to allow them to live their best life. CÚRAM through its world class disruptive technologies program and public education partnership with Science on Screen and Galway Film Centre has again demonstrated the best of Irish research which will improve clinical care for all of our benefit.” Alan Duggan, Manager of Galway Film Centre, said: “We are delighted to facilitate the Science on Screen documentaries and to help CÚRAM showcase the incredible work and research carried out at the centre in NUI Galway. Hugh, Anna and Zlata did an incredible job in giving an insight into the research, treatment and management of diabetes through their wonderful film Bittersweet.” In 2015, CÚRAM joined forces with Galway Film Centre and Galway UNESCO City of Film, to invite filmmakers to make science films. The pilot of the ‘Science on Screen’ initiative, funded through Science Foundation Ireland’s Discover Programme, resulted in two high quality 26-minute science documentaries in 2016 that incorporated areas of research currently taking place in CÚRAM: Feats of Modest Valour and Mending Legends, followed by Bittersweet in 2017. Later in November the 2018 Science on Screen documentary will be announced and will have its world premiere in Galway in December. The award of €35,000 for the Science on Screen commission is funded by CÚRAM, and is helping to establish Ireland as a global hub of research expertise in medical device technology. CÚRAM aims to develop affordable, innovative and transformative device-based solutions to treat global chronic diseases and radically improve the quality of life for patients living with chronic illness. Bittersweet will broadcast on RTÉ 1 on Wednesday, 14 November at 11.10pm. To view a short video on Bittersweet, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3zMT_Te_Ys -Ends-

The highly-acclaimed Enigma Project brings mathematics to life through the fascinating history of codes and code breaking. This exciting project is coming to Galway as part of the 2018 Galway Science Technology Festival, which runs from 11-25 November. The Enigma Project brings you on a journey from ancient times to World War Two and on to today’s world of hacking and internet encryption. The wonderful British mathematician Dr James Grime will host a series of special events and talks which will include a demonstration of an authentic WWII Enigma machine and will share stories of its associations with Bletchley Park and the British mathematician, and father of computing, Alan Turing. Codes and code-breaking can be used to motivate and inspire pupils in the study of mathematics and will engage all pupils, and all ages. The Enigma Project is a maths project first but includes a lot of cross-curricular ties such as history, technology, computing, languages and more. A few of the Enigma Project events will be suitable for second level students ages 10 to 18, some for third level students and another for adults only. Presentations and code-breaking workshops will be followed by an introduction to the pioneering research being carried out at the Insight Centre for Data Analytics NUI Galway as well as a guided tour of the Computer and Communications Museum of Ireland. The Enigma Project workshops for secondary school students will take place on November 20 – 23rd at the Insight Centre for Data Analytics, Data Science Institute, NUI Galway, Dangan Business Park. This workshop was much in demand and quickly booked out. ‘An Evening with Alan Turing’  James Grime will give a talk entitled ‘An Evening with Alan Turing’ in the O’Flaherty Theatre, Arts & Science concourse at NUI Galway at 7.30pm on Wednesday, November 21st, suitable for an adult audience.  Click here to book You can also enjoy an Enigma Project Presentation and Workshop on Sunday, November 25th at the Exhibition in NUI Galway at 10am, 12.30pm & 3pm.  Free booking for the Exhibition Day talk and workshop will be released on Saturday,11 November, at11am on www.galwayscience.eventbrite.ie For more details visit GalwayScience.ie ENDS

Cell EXPLORERS, Ireland’s unique science higher education outreach programme, has started a new season of workshops in schools across Ireland with the Fantastic DNA Roadshow for 2018-19.   Funded by Science Foundation Ireland and aimed at bringing hands-on real science to the classroom, last year Cell EXPLORERS visited 62 schools and 110 classes nationwide, engaging with 2,757 pupils across 15 counties, compared to 8 counties in 2016. One of the key goals of the Cell EXPLORERS’ Fantastic DNA Roadshow is to dispel the myths about who scientists are, who can become them, and what they do. Most children visited had not met a scientist before, and all children liked to learn from the approachable and fun Cell EXPLORERS scientists. Dr Shane McGuinness, National Coordinator of Cell EXPLORERS said: “It is so important to engage our young people in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) from an early age, to break the stereotypes around science and scientists. The growth of the programme, based on the volunteering activities of university and institutes of technology students and staff, is well beyond our expectations.” The programme began in 2012 as a single team based out of NUI Galway and has expanded to a total of ten partner institutions nationwide, with year-on-year growth in reach and engagement. The coming year will see an expansion of the programme delivery even further with partner teams gaining in size and autonomy with additional novel outreach events planned. Cathy Foley, Senior Executive, Education and Public Engagement at Science Foundation Ireland, said: “Cell EXPLORERS is delivering public engagement to children and families through the involvement of inspiring young people studying or working in Science from Higher Education Institutions. The Cell EXPLORERS team members act as mentors and inspiration to young children to engage and pursue a passion for STEM topics. For that reason, we are delighted to support the project through the SFI Discover Programme.” The lynchpin of Cell EXPLORERS is the dedicated team of volunteers, from undergraduate students across many different science backgrounds, through postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers or faculty members. Last year, the Cell EXPLORERS volunteer team exceeded 256 dedicated and passionate scientists acting as role models across the national network. The programme attempt to reach some of the schools where children might receive less exposure to STEM extra-curricular activities with 40% of schools visited last year located in rural areas and 30% part of the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) plan. Overall, teachers and parents agree about the importance of the programme in providing a first positive exposure to science to their pupils. They ranked the opportunity for each child to do an experiment and the interactions between pupils and local third-level science demonstrators as the most beneficial aspects of the visits. The ten-partner Cell EXPLORERS network is currently made up of the following institutions: NUI Galway, Athlone IT, Dundalk IT, IT Carlow, IT Tralee, Letterkenny IT, Maynooth University, University College Cork, University College Dublin and the University of Limerick. If you would like one of the teams to visit your school visit www.cellexplorers.com and find your nearest team to make a booking. Alternatively, follow the initiative on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Cell EXPLORERS activities, and the expansion of the programme to other institutions, is funded by a two-year award under the Science Foundation Ireland Discover Programme, NUI Galway and Galway University Foundation. -Ends-

NUI Galway is delighted to announce a public launch of a special exhibition of its Yeats Collection. The launch will take place on Friday, 9 November, at 5pm in the James Hardiman Library’s Special Collections Reading Room. Following controversial sales in the UK and Ireland of material from the Yeats’ family, the University is proud to confirm that its recent acquisitions ensure many valuable artefacts are to remain in Ireland. Now newly on display at NUI Galway’s James Hardiman Library, the display enhances the University’s existing special collections in the visual arts, and in English and Irish literature and theatre, showcasing its vibrant holdings of Irish cultural life. Most of all the exhibition highlights the art and culture of the west. It draws attention to the work of women in renewing Ireland’s culture, and the early years of Ireland’s theatrical renaissance. Fourteen original drawings of human and animal island life by Elizabeth Rivers reveal the sensitivity of an artist who spent more time on the Aran islands than all the Yeatses and Synges combined. Shown alongside original woodcuts and fine art books, these drawings, unusually, were made as illustrations for the very last Cuala Press book Stranger in Aran. Cuala Industries, founded by sisters Elizabeth and Lily Yeats as a feminist artistic collective, had by then become the foremost design workshop in Ireland. Its contributions to embroidery and printing are honoured by a unique hand painted banner used for publicity in art fairs. Further rarely-seen items highlight the contributions to the west of Lady Augusta Gregory and her son Robert Gregory, whose untimely death one hundred years ago in the First World War is remembered as part of forthcoming Armistice Day commemorations. A group of academics, writers, artists, and concerned citizens, including the poets Paul Muldoon, Vona Groarke, Michael Longley, Nick Laird, and Marie Heaney, widow of Seamus Heaney, led by NUI Galway’s Dr Adrian Paterson and Trinity College’s Dr Tom Walker wrote an open letter to then Minister of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphries, calling on her to save the collection for the nation. The sale and the controversy attracted worldwide interest, with questions asked in the Oireachtas, and feature articles published in the New York Times, the Irish Times, and other outlets. While it is clear that some items were saved, the sale still went ahead with all items available to the highest bidder. Curator of the exhibition, Dr Adrian Paterson from NUI Galway’s English Department, said: “As well as being exquisite pieces of art, these works represent the breadth of culture in the west of Ireland. We get to see famous actors, including a future president of Ireland, in rehearsal; we catch glimpses into the lives of farmers, fishermen, and all the varied fauna of the Aran islands; and view early examples of advertising as pioneering women promote their work in craft fairs. As the world gathers to remember Armistice Day, original drawings by Robert Gregory (who died near the front when his plane crashed one hundred years ago) are a reminder of what might have been. But it's not a sombre exhibition. It's an exciting one. These intimate pieces reveal the talent of unsung artists like Elizabeth Rivers and Elizabeth C. Yeats, as well as more famous ones like Jack B. Yeats and his poet brother W.B. And they tell us how much we still owe to that generation of artists.” The Yeats family collection is one of the most important to come out of Ireland this century. It features an entirely unique trove of material relating to the poet and Nobel Prize-winner W.B. Yeats, his brother Jack B. Yeats, their father the artist John Butler Yeats, and their sisters Susan (Lily) and Elizabeth (Lolly) Yeats. More than a family collection, it describes the making of modern Ireland by telling the story of the collaborations of the Irish Revival. The rescue of such important items for the nation and future generations in the west by NUI Galway is thus cause for celebration. To mark the acquisitions and to highlight existing artwork the new Yeats Collection Exhibition runs until Christmas. For more information contact the exhibition curators Adrian Paterson adrian.paterson@nuigalway.ie and Barry Houlihan barry.houlihan@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

The First World War was a devastating conflict, but how did artists at the time use cartoons to tell the story? An international conference held at NUI Galway will explore this question, discussing the impact of cartoons in Ireland and Europe during the war. The conference will take place in the University’s Moore Institute on Saturday, 10 November, in association with the 2018 Galway Cartoon Festival. The conference is coordinated by the discipline of French at NUI Galway, in collaboration with the French Honorary Consul to Galway and Connacht, Catherine Gagneux. The event is also supported by the French Embassy in Ireland, the Embassy of Belgium and Wallonie-Bruxelles International (WBI), the agency responsible for the external relations of the French-speaking communities of Belgium. The conference will highlight the cultural significance of the Franco-Belgian tradition of cartoon drawing, comic book production and graphic novel design. This is an artistic universe, and a major industry, typically referred to as bande dessinée, in which Franco-Belgian writers and artists have consistently been at the cutting-edge of formal and thematic innovation. The conference takes place in conjunction with the centenary of the Armistice that finally brought the devastation of the 1914–1918 conflict to an end. Invited presentations will explore the stylistic evolution and political exploitation of the cartoon and the comic strip over the course of the Great War and in the peace that followed. Professor Grace Neville of University College Cork, a leading specialist in Franco-Irish relations and the recipient of the French state’s highest award, the Légion d’Honneur, will deliver a keynote presentation. Professor Neville will discuss the influence of press cartoons in Ireland after 1916, together with representations of Ireland abroad. Also speaking will be the prize-winning Belgian graphic novelist, Jean-Claude Servais, who will discuss how his work highlights the role played by women in local resistance to wartime occupation in Belgium. French Honorary Consul Catherine Gagneux will give a presentation on the rise, use and influence of cartoons since WW1, using original drawings that will be exhibited at the conference. From the discipline of French at NUI Galway, Professor Philip Dine will explore the post-Armistice world order as portrayed in Hergé’s famous Tintin adventures, while his colleague Dr Coralline Dupuy will focus on the politics of gender representation in French-speaking cartoons published during the First World War. Director of the Moore Institute, Professor Daniel Carey, said: “The remarkable tradition of storytelling through comics – even of tragic events – is one of the great strengths of Franco-Belgian graphic art. This conference provides a unique opportunity to discuss this tradition and its connections in Ireland.” In a follow-up event, on Thursday 15 November, Sylvie Mossay, discipline of French and Education, NUI Galway, will invite students from second-level schools across Ireland to explore related issues through drawing, in an art workshop led by professional cartoonists and comic book artists. -Ends-

Tá sé fógartha ag RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta inniu gur ar Ghearóid Ó Tuathaigh a bhronnfar Gradam RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta i mbliana. Is as Luimneach do Ghearóid Ó Tuathaigh ó dhúchas, Ollamh Emeritus le Stair in Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh, cé go bhfuil a shaol oibre caite aige i gCo. na Gaillimhe agus é ag cur faoi i  mBearna ansin i gceantar Chois Fharraige le blianta fada.  Tá sé aitheanta mar dhuine de staraithe móra ár linne, agus bíonn sé le cloisteáil go rí-mhinic ar chláracha ar RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta i mbun plé, anailíse agus díospóireachta ar cheisteanna polaitiúla agus socheolaíochta na tíre.  Níor leasc leis riamh a chuid léinn agus saineolais a roinnt go fiail leis na héisteoirí, agus tá meas air dá réir, agus don ómós a léirigh sé féin don teanga agus do phobal na Gaeltachta riamh anall.  Is Iar-Chathaoirleach é ar Chomhairle RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, agus tá tréimhsí caite aige mar chathaoirleach ar Údarás na Gaeltachta agus mar Chathaoirleach Gníomhach ar Bhord na Gaeilge, mar leas uachtarán ar Ollscoil na hEireann Gaillimh agus ar Chomhairle an Stáit, gan ach cuid acu a lua.  Tá sé pósta ar Mharie Gleeson as Leitir Ceanainn, agus tá triúr clainne orthu - Colm, Eimear agus Caoimhe.  Dúirt Gearóid Mac Donncha, Ceannaire Gníomhach RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta: “Tugann Gradam RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta deis don tseirbhís aitheantas a thabhairt do dhaoine nó do ghrúpaí as a saothar ar son na teanga agus ar son phobal na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta, agus is cinnte go bhfuil a chuid déanta ag Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh sa ngort sin le blianta fada anuas agus is pribhléid dúinn  a bheith in ann an gradam seo a bhronnadh air i mbliana.  Tá urraim mhór ag pobal an Raidió dó, agus é sin thar a bheith tuillte aige.  Léiríonn a chuid oibre a ghrá is a phaisean don Ghaeilge, don stair, don oideachas, don phobal....agus don gCumann Lúthchleas Gael chomh maith.  Tréaslaím a ghradam leis, go mba fada buan é.” Bronnfaidh Gearóid Mac Donncha Gradam RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltacha ar Ghearóid Ó Tuathaigh oíche Dé Sathairn le linn Chorn Uí Riada ag Oireachtas na Samhna i gCill Airne.  Is é Jarlath Daly a dhear an dealbh cré-umha a bhronnfar air. Beidh Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh faoi agallamh maidin Dé Domhnaigh ar an gclár An tSeachtain le Máirín Ní Ghadhra ag 9.30 am beo  ón Oireachtas i gCill Airne. -CRÍOCH- Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, Professor Emeritus NUIG, awarded Gradam RTÉRnaG Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, Professor Emeritus of History in NUI Galway, was presented with Gradam RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta at the Oireachtas festival at the weekend.  This award recognises people and organisations for their work for the Irish language, and the Gaeltacht and Irish-language communities. Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh is originally from Limerick, but has spent his working life in Galway and he has lived in Bearna for many years now.  He is recognised as one of the great historians of our time, and is a regular contributor to RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta programmes, particularly political and historical shows.  He has demonstrated an unwavering generosity with his knowledge of Irish history and society, and offers insightful analysis of contemporary events.  Gearóid is a former Chairperson of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta Council, and has also spent time as Chairperson of Údarás na Gaeltachta, as Acting Chairperson of Bord na Gaeilge, as Vice President of NUIG and on the Council of State, to name but a few. He is married to Marie Gleeson, and they have three adult children, Colm, Eimear and Caoimhe. Gearóid Mac Donncha, Acting Head of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, presented the award to Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh on Saturday night at the Oireachtas festival in Killarney.  He said: “Gradam RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta offers us an opportunity to recognise people or groups for their work for the language, and for the Gaeltacht and Irish-language communities, and it’s a privilege for us to be able to present Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh with this award for his work in this area over many years.  He is held in very high esteem by Raidió na Gaeltachta listeners, and rightly so.  His work demonstrates his commitment and passion for the Irish language, culture, history, education, the community and the GAA, and I’d like to congratulate him on this award.” The bronze award was created by Jarlath Daly, and features a book, a quill and the Celtic Triskele. -ENDS-

Research conducted by scientists at NUI Galway in collaboration with the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) has revealed that climate change will reduce the nutritional quality of one of the world’s major staple crops, the common bean. The research, published today in the international journal Nature Scientific Reports, indicates that both the nutritional quality and the yields of the common bean will be reduced under drought stresses arising in southeastern Africa by 2050 as a result of climate change. The scientists conducted crop simulation modelling, combined with field trials and molecular laboratory experiments to analyse the yields and the nutritional quality of the crop. The crop modelling analysis revealed that the majority of current common bean growing in areas in southeastern Africa will become unsuitable for bean cultivation by the year 2050. They also demonstrated reductions in yields of common bean varieties in field trial experiments at a research site that was representative of future predicted drought conditions.   The nutritional analysis of the different common bean varieties, grown under the level of drought stress that will occur due to climate, revealed that important micronutrients for human health, such as iron, were reduced in all of the bean varieties, while anti-nutritional compounds such as phytic acid and lead were increased. The NUI Galway research, funded by Irish Aid, Science Foundation Ireland and the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), indicates that under climate change induced drought scenarios, future bean servings by 2050 will have lower nutritional quality, posing challenges for ongoing climate-proofing of bean production for yields, nutritional quality, human health, and food security. Lead scientist of the study, Professor Charles Spillane, Director of the Ryan Institute at NUI Galway, said: “Our research, and recent research by other groups, is generating an emerging body of evidence that climate change will reduce the nutritional quality of many of the world’s staple crops due to the effects of rising temperatures, reduced rainfall and rising CO2 levels on the nutritional composition of the crop-derived foods that underpin global food security and human health. “As it takes decades to develop and disseminate new crop varieties, major investment is needed now to climate-proof our crops and cropping systems so that both their yields and nutritional quality can be resilient to future climate change stresses. Our results highlight the need for accelerated development and seed-system distribution of heat-tolerant and drought-tolerant common bean varieties that can maintain yields while also improving nutritional quality, for example, through genetic ‘biofortification’ breeding under future climate change scenarios.” Dr Andy Jarvis, from the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security, indicated: “Given that diets in Africa rely significantly on plants, there is major cause for concern if climate change leads to lower levels of essential nutrients such as protein, iron and zinc in our diets by 2050. Such loss of dietary nutrients in foods will further aggravate the nutritional deficiency experienced by hundreds of millions of people, particularly the poorest in developing countries in Asia and Africa.” NUI Galway PhD students, Marijke Hummel and Brendan Hallahan, further added: “Dietary deficiencies of micronutrients such as iron constitute major public health problems globally, particularly amongst women and children in sub-Saharan Africa. The Food and Agriculture Organisation’s 2018 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the world has indicated that for the third year in a row there has been a rise in world hunger, where climate variability and extremes are now a key force behind the recent rise in global hunger. In addition to negative impacts on crop yields, our group’s research reveals that the nutritional quality of our crop-derived foods will decline under climate change stresses, which will most heavily impact on the poorest and most nutritionally insecure in our societies.” The research was conducted between Malawi and Ireland as a collaboration between NUI Galway, the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). NUI  Galway is one of the 13 strategic research partners globally for the CCAFS program. To read the full study in Nature Scientific Reports, visit: http://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-33952-4 -Ends-

NUI Galway-coordinated EU funded NEPHSTROM project announces patients with diabetic kidney disease are now being enrolled in a clinical trial studying the use of a novel stromal cell immunotherapy NEPHSTROM, a large European Union Horizon 2020-funded research project coordinated by NUI Galway is now actively enrolling patients in a clinical trial. NEPHSTROM, which includes 12 academic, clinical and commercial partners from Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and the UK, is carrying out a randomised, placebo controlled clinical trial of a novel allogeneic stromal cell therapy to treat diabetic kidney disease. Diabetic kidney disease is the single leading cause of end stage renal disease in the industrialised world, accounting for 40% of new cases of end stage renal disease in the US and EU and has a five-year mortality rate of 39% – a rate comparable to many cancers. The NEPHSTROM team is carrying out a first in man clinical trial of a novel stromal cell therapy called ORBCEL-M, for diabetic kidney disease. ORBCEL-M was discovered by Dr Stephen Elliman, Chief Scientific Officer at Orbsen Therapeutics, an NUI Galway spinout cell therapy company. ORBCEL-M performed well in pre-clinical models as a therapy for diabetic kidney disease demonstrating significant improvements in kidney function and structure. The NEPHSTROM clinical trial represents a significant step towards preparing this therapy for clinical use. The pan-European NEPHSTROM clinical trial is being led by the renowned nephrologist, Professor Giuseppe Remuzzi at the Mario Negri Institute in Bergamo, Italy with clinical trial recruitment sites in Italy, Ireland (HRB Clinical Research Facility, NUI Galway), and the UK (UHBFT, Birmingham and BHSCT, Belfast). The primary aim of the clinical trial is to establish the safety and efficacy of ORBCEL-M. The NEPHSTROM team of researchers also hope to show that important markers of diabetic kidney disease are improved, meaning that the therapy actually works, as well as being safe. Professor Timothy O’Brien from NUI Galway, founding Director at Orbsen Therapeutics and coordinator of the NEPHSTROM consortium, said: “In my clinical practice, I encounter patients commonly with diabetic kidney disease who face the unpleasant possibility of dialysis or kidney transplantation. The outcome of this clinical trial may give patients another alternative and new hope.” Steve Elliman, Chief Scientific Officer in Orbsen Therapeutics at NUI Galway, said: “Encouraged by the promising results of the pre-clinical models, we are optimistic taking ORBCEL-M to the next stage to further investigate the immunotherapy as a solution to slow or stop progressive diabetic kidney disease. On behalf of Orbsen, we are privileged to be engaged with some of the European Union’s leading researchers and institutions through NEPHSTROM.” Professor Giuseppe Remuzzi, Mario Negri Institute, Bergamo, Italy, and the clinical trials lead investigator, commented: “It’s a privilege to have the first patients enrolled and receiving the experimental treatment at the Mario Negri Institute. The complementary skills and expertise of the four participating European centres provide a critical network demonstrating the clinical feasibility of this innovative therapy and the opportunity for additional coordinated trials in diabetic patients with progressive kidney disease for whom new therapies are urgently needed.” For more information about the project and enrolling patients in the clinical trial, contact Professor Matthew Griffin, NEPHSTROM clinical lead, NUI Galway at matthew.griffin@nuigalway.ie or 091 495436.   For further information about NEPHSTROM (EC Project code 634086) visit: www.nephstrom.eu.                                 -Ends-

NUI Galway will hold its annual Postgraduate Open Day on Tuesday, 6 November, from 12-3pm in the Bailey Allen Hall, Áras na Mac Léinn. The Open Day is an important event for professionals, graduates and current undergraduates who are focusing on their future, with the aim of upgrading their qualification, broadening their skills-set, increasing their specialist knowledge and ultimately improving their job prospects and earning power. The Open Day will showcase over 170 of NUI Galway’s full-time and part-time postgraduate taught programmes, and an extensive range of research masters and doctoral research options. Academic staff and students will be on hand to answer questions on specific courses and opportunities at the University. Talks at the Postgraduate Day will include a panel discussion on Postgraduate Practicalities, chaired by the Director of Student Services John Hannon. Professor Lucy Byrnes, Dean of Graduate Studies, will give a talk on Funding for Postgraduate Research (PhDs and Research Masters). The Career Development Centre will also be hosting a Personal Statement Workshop on the day. Valerie Leahy, Postgraduate Recruitment Officer, explains why students should seriously start researching their options early: “A key part of the decision to pursue a postgraduate qualification is finding out as much as possible about the application process and the funding options available. The upcoming Open Day brings together all the key people and organisations that provide support to postgraduate students.” NUI Galway is also launching a number of new programmes for entry in 2019, and the Open Day will showcase these offerings including a number of new Masters of Education options: MEd Special Inclusion Education; MEd (Education in Design, Learning and Technology); and MEd Education Leadership. The Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway also recently launched LLM International Migration and Refugee Law and Policy, which will focus on developing knowledge of international, regional and domestic law, policy and practice in areas of migration, human trafficking and refugee law. Those interested in finding out more about this unique programme will have the opportunity to meet academic staff at Postgraduate Open Day. Other new courses being launched include MSc AgInnovation, MSc Interventional Cardiovascular Medicine, MSc Cheminformatics and Toxicology. To explore NUI Galway’s suite of new and unique postgraduate programmes, and to book your place at the Open Day visit http://www.nuigalway.ie/postgraduate-open-day/. -Ends-

NUI Galway’s Arts in Action and The James Hardiman Library in association with An Taibhdhearc, will host a very special evening celebrating the life and legacy of one of Ireland’s greatest actors, Siobhán McKenna, on Wednesday, 7 November. Set against an evocative multi-visual backdrop of archive film, TV and theatre footage, Lelia Doolan will pay tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of her friend, Siobhán McKenna. The event will feature archive material sourced from Siobhán McKenna and Druid Theatre archives in the Hardiman Library at NUI Galway. Celebrating 90 years of An Taibhdhearc, this unique evening will feature a live performance by acclaimed Irish singer, Rita Connolly who will perform a collection of songs by the award-winning Irish composer for film, TV and theatre, Shaun Davey, renowned for his large-scale concert works, The Brendan Voyage, The Pilgrim and The Relief of Derry Symphony. Rita Connolly will also perform The Deer’s Cry, which she recently performed in Croke Park during the Papal visit, the Special Olympics anthem May We Never Have to Say Goodbye and Ripples in the Rockpools from Granuaile. Speaking about the event, Mary McPartlan, Artistic Director of the Arts in Action programme at NUI Galway, said: “Arts in Action is about collaboration and highlighting the value and the historic richness of the Irish Language, Irish Culture and the Arts in general, that exists in the City and County of Galway. Having the opportunity to celebrate An Taibhdhearc 90, is a privilege for our students and staff at NUI Galway.” Aodh Ó Coileáin, Chair of An Taibhdhearc and Programme Director of the MA (Cleachtas Gairmiúil sna Meáin), Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, said: “An Taibhdhearc has always been proud of Siobhán McKenna’s association with the Middle Street Theatre. Her early memories included attending the Christmas pantomimes, but eventually in 1950, she was to amaze Galway audiences with her portrayal of Joan of Arc at an Taibhdhearc. It is fitting that town and gown should join to celebrate Siobhán McKenna’s legacy and also the historic links between an Taibhdhearc and the University. An Taibhdhearc’s Archive has been held at the James Hardiman Library in NUI Galway since 1990.” The evening will be opened by Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of NUI Galway. This special event will take place at An Taibhdhearc, Middle Street, Galway on Wednesday, 7 November at 8pm. Tickets are €20 and concession €15. To book tickets, visit: www.antaibhdhearc.com or phone 091 562024. For more on Arts in Action 2018-2019 programme of events, visit: www.nuigalway.ie/artsinaction/  and view An Taibhdhearc's promotional video about the event, here: https://youtu.be/buR9owlwiXA -Ends-

NUI Galway’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, will hold a practical symposium on Leadership on Friday, 9 November, with a view to a shift in conversation on Leadership from a focus on Personality and Behaviour to a focus on Capability, Capacity, Complexity and Development. The symposium will be led by Leadership Coach Jennifer Garvey-Berger and Director of Harthill Consulting, David Rooke. Jennifer, author of Changing on the job: Developing leaders for a complex world, is a Leadership Coach with Cultivating Leadership. She designs and teaches leadership programs, coaches senior teams, and supports new ways of thinking about strategy and people with clients facing these dramatic shifts in complexity, volatility, and change in their workplaces and markets. She blends deep theoretical knowledge with a driving quest for practical ways to make leaders’ lives better. David Rooke is Director of Harthill Consulting, which he co-founded in 1985. Since that time he has been working to develop ever more capable leadership within organisations. Inquiry lies at the heart of his work, he believes as contexts and people change, what is useful can only be understood and improved through explorations that move fluidly between the personal, the relational and the systemic. David has also authored Personal and Organisational Transformations and co-writer of the award winning Seven Transformations of Leadership article for Harvard Business Review. Speaking in advance of the event Dr Martin Hughes, MBA Programme Director at NUI Galway, said: “Accelerating leadership potential is a key element of the Executive MBA at NUI Galway and we are delighted to welcome this incredible panel for what promises to be a thoroughly engaging and interactive symposium.” Those attending can expect to walk away inspired by a heightened awareness of: the growth potential of your own personal leadership capacity, how you can develop in the company of others, how you can impact the growth of those round you, developing them as leaders practical ideas for developing Leadership in today's complex environment, how you can create a learning and action orientated community to bring about personal and systemic change. In addition to the symposium, participants are invited to join the speakers on Saturday, 10 November for a reflective discussion. Admission fee is €299 and places are limited to 90 and early booking is advised. For more details visit  www.leadershipforcomplexity.com.   -Ends-

Minister Mitchell O’Connor Launches NUI Galway Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Initiatives  University Publishes Annual Report, New Gender Identity Policy and LGBT+ Ally Programme   Minister for Higher Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD has launched NUI Galway’s annual report on equality, diversity and inclusivity for the academic year 2017/2018 as well as its new Gender Identity Policy and a new LGBT+ Ally Programme at an event on campus.  The annual report outlines key achievements during the year, including: The achievement of Athena Swan Bronze in May 2018 by both the University and its School of Medicine. The establishment and launch of the NUI Galway LGBT+ staff network. The launch of a University of Sanctuary campaign, with a view to being recognised among international universities for making education more accessible and welcoming to asylum seekers and refugees. Reform of University governance structures, with the reconstitution of Academic Council, which plays a critical role in setting the academic direction of the University and now has a minimum requirement of 40% male and 40% female membership. Speaking at the launch, Minister O’Connor said: “I’m delighted to launch this report which pulls together many strands of work to highlight that NUI Galway is embracing difference and has a solid foundation in place as it strives to be a bastion of equality and diversity.  NUI Galway has broken new ground in areas such as consent education and the work of its LGBT+ network, and it’s important that the education sector learns from such developments as we collectively work towards greater inclusivity.” NUI Galway’s Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, Professor Anne Scott added: “I am delighted to see this report of our programme of equality, diversity and inclusivity initiatives launched today by Minister Mitchel O’Connor. This annual report provides clear evidence that we in NUI Galway have made significant progress in building a sustainable equality, diversity and inclusivity culture in our university. We all appreciate that we are on a stimulating journey with significant challenges ahead. However our commitment to this broad-based agenda is clear and the publication of our Gender Identity and Gender Expression Policy and the launch of our new LGBT+ Ally programme is testament to that. We look forward with confidence to building on these achievements and continuing this important work in Academic Year 2018 - 2019.” The University also launched a new Gender Identity and Gender Expression Policy following extensive staff and student consultation.  The policy outlines NUI Galway’s commitment to recognise and support individuals’ gender identity and gender expression so that all members of the university community experience a positive and accepting environment where every member is treated with dignity and respect. The policy outlines the processes, facilities and structures introduced in order to help all members of our community improve their understanding of gender identity issues. A new LGBT+ Ally Programme was also announced on campus.  The Ally Programme is a staff-based initiative working towards increasing the knowledge, awareness, and support of LGBT+ colleagues and students. In partnership with the Students’ Union and Schools/Units within NUI Galway, the LGBT+ Ally Programme aims to create a safe and inclusive environment for staff and students of all sexual identities and genders at NUI Galway and to advocate for a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion. To access the annual report, gender identity and expression policy and information on the LGBT+ ally programme, visit: http://www.nuigalway.ie/equalityanddiversity/ ENDS

Students interested in studying at NUI Galway are invited to an Information Evening in Athlone on Thursday, 8 November. Students, parents, guardians and guidance counsellors are invited to attend the event which runs from 7-9pm in the Radisson Hotel, Athlone. The evening will begin with short talks about NUI Galway and the undergraduate courses it offers. Afterwards, current students and NUI Galway staff will be on hand to answer any individual questions in relation to courses and practical issues like accommodation, fees and scholarships, and the wide range of support services available to our students. The ever-increasing popularity of NUI Galway is in-part due to its innovative programmes developed in response to the changing needs of the employment market. NUI Galway is launching three new Arts degrees for enrolment in 2019. This includes a BA (History and Globalisation), BA Government (Politics, Economics and Law) and a BA Education (Computer Science and Mathematical Studies).  The University will also launch a new degree in Law and Human Rights for 2019 and Dr Conor Hanly from the School of Law will give a short presentation on Law at NUI Galway. The event will have representatives from across the University’s five Colleges available to answer questions about the programmes on offer, entry requirements, and placement and employment opportunities. Shannon College of Hotel Management will also attend the event. Sarah Geraghty, Student Recruitment and Outreach Manager at NUI Galway, said: “NUI Galway is dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning with a focus on developing highly skilled and employable graduates and dedicated to providing a positive, welcoming and inclusive student experience. As a result of our achievements in these areas, NUI Galway was named the Sunday Times University of the Year 2018 and our Information Evening in Athlone is an opportunity for students to take a closer look at the opportunities available at NUI Galway and explore what it means to study at a world class university.” To find out more about the information evening in Athlone, contact NUI Galway's Schools’ Liaison Officer, Caroline Duggan at 087-2391219 or email caroline.duggan@nuigalway.ie -Ends-

A new lecture series at the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies at NUI Galway, will continue with Professor of Health Psychology, Molly Byrne, on Thursday, 8 November at 5pm, in the Moore Institute. In her talk, Professor Byrne will track how her behavioural intervention research has evolved, changed and improved over the last decade. She will present some of the behaviour change intervention studies she has conducted, highlighting novel approaches, methodologies and tools which have improved the quality and impact of her research. She will reflect on the key lessons she has learnt along this research journey, as well as outline some ideas about current opportunities and challenges relevant to researchers in the area of health behaviour change. Dr Seán Crosson, Vice-Dean College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies at NUI Galway, said: “We are delighted to continue this lecture series which provides a great opportunity for our College and the University to make the general public more aware of the world-leading innovative research being undertaken in the college. This is the fifth speaker in the series which has featured contributions to date in the areas of social policy, education, political thought, online therapies, and language transmission.” Professor Enrico Dal Lago of NUI Galway’s Department of History will deliver the next lecture of the series on Thursday, 13 December at 5pm. Professor Dal Lago lecture is entitled The Social Origins of Agrarian Violence in Comparative Perspective: The First Ku Klux Klan in South Carolina and the Early Mafia in Sicily, 1865-1875’. -Ends-