News Archive

Professor Ted Vaughan appointed Interim Director as University sets out ambitious research agenda for public good University of Galway has announced it is to establish the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, to pursue pioneering research into the understanding of disease, and solutions for healthcare. Professor Ted Vaughan has been appointed Interim Director of the new Institute, which will formally launch on Thursday October 10th 2024 at a special day-long event on campus. The Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation has been designed to spearhead groundbreaking research in understanding diseases and developing healthcare solutions, leveraging the University’s expertise in biomedical science and engineering. The new Institute brings together more than 200 researchers and academics across a wide range of fields of study, from groundbreaking discovery in biology to technological innovation of novel medical devices. University of Galway has also established the Research Institutes Technology Services Directorate, led by Dr Elaine Breslin. It will support the new research Institute and the existing Institute for Clinical Trials, which was formally established last year, by managing core facilities and technologies and by introducing new resources, to foster a world-class research ecosystem. The combined institutional investment in new research capacity will enhance the harnessing of scientific breakthroughs for the benefit of clinical trials and healthcare, by accelerating the provision of potentially disruptive and cutting-edge therapies and medical solutions, and how they are applied in the treatment of disease. Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “The establishment of the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, alongside the recently established Institute for Clinical Trials marks a step-change and a highly ambitious strategic approach to research at University of Galway. “People are our strength and the research work of our people in these institutions, and in partnership with others, will enable the translation of fundamental scientific research into potentially life-changing treatments and interventions that directly benefit society - fulfilling our mission to be here for public good. “We are a research-led institution, and the combined strength, capacity and expertise of these two institutes will allow us to expand our ambition and research agenda by bringing new discoveries and technologies into clinical practice while offering yet more learning and opportunities for our students, researchers and academics.” Professor Laoise McNamara, Head of School of Engineering, said: "The foundation of the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation is strong, built upon many years of pioneering research in biomedical engineering and health sciences at University of Galway. Its establishment marks a significant step change in our efforts, which seeks to empower our researchers to make substantial progress in our mission to develop cutting-edge therapies and innovative technologies. It will also enhance the environment for student learning by providing excellent research facilities, along with opportunities for research internships and enhanced research-led teaching." Executive Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Professor Walter Gear, said: “Professor Vaughan’s blend of both fundamental and applied research and innovation, his track record in research leadership and his experience of working collaboratively with the medtech industry, positions him to provide the leadership and impetus to build on our existing strengths to enable an acceleration of fundamental and applied understanding of disease, and an application of this understanding and knowledge to pre-clinical research to provide potential disruptive solutions for health.” Professor Ted Vaughan, Interim Director of the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation at University of Galway, said: “Our vision is to create the best possible environment in University of Galway for our research community to develop new healthcare technologies. We aim to address any remaining gaps in the research development pipeline from scientific discovery to innovation. “We want to support our research community to discovery, develop and deploy novel technologies and therapies to facilitate earlier detection and diagnosis, to reduce treatment times, to improve clinical outcomes for patients, and really pave the way for next generation technology in health.” The Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation will be led out of the College of Science and Engineering at University of Galway, creating a new environment to integrate and expand the excellence of the University’s research. It will operate in close collaboration with the University’s Institute for Clinical Trials, as well as CÚRAM, the Research Ireland-Taighde Éireann funded centre for medical devices, and BioInnovate, the Enterprise Ireland Innovators’ Initiative programme. This strategic combination of expertise will facilitate sustained, research-led development at University of Galway, further positioning Galway as the centre of Ireland’s global medtech hub and a significant contributor to economic growth and regional development.  Ends  

Two University of Galway researchers have been given the green light as part of Health Research Board funding for research to address health challenges. Dr Sinéad Lydon, Behavioural Psychologist with the School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, is leading a project that will allow patients to play an active role in ensuring safe care in hospitals. Dr Lydon has been awarded €408,085 for “Patient Involvement in Patient Safety - The PIPS Study” which will design an approach to patients playing a role in safety data collection in adult inpatient hospital care. This will provide evidence-based guidance for policy makers, health service managers and providers on how patients can best be involved in the data collection to support improved patient safety. Professor Andrew Smyth, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at the School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, will lead a project to examine the sources, benefits and harms of higher potassium intake and its associations with health, need for hospitalisation, cognitive function, physical function and mortality. Professor Smyth has been awarded €412,340 for “Sources and Health Impacts of Dietary Potassium (SHIP)” which aims to provide novel insights, inform dietary recommendations and population-level interventions to reduce non-communicable disease, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease.             Professor Jim Livesey, Vice-President for Research and Innovation at University of Galway, said: “The HRB funding awards to Dr Lydon and Professor Smyth is testament to the high-quality, patient-oriented and health research taking place at the University. Both projects will help to address important questions for health and social care and contribute to improvements in human health for patients globally. The scheme is a highly competitive process and I congratulate both of them on their success.” The HRB fund includes 29 Investigator-Led Projects across three overarching themes; patient-oriented research, population health research, and health service research. Ends

Irish Centre for Human Rights partners with Art for Human Rights and Human Rights in China and other rights organisations in special tribute A bronze bust of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Liu Xiaobo commissioned by Art for Human Rights and Human Rights in China (HRIC) has been donated to the Irish Centre for Human Rights at University of Galway. The sculpture was unveiled in the presence of Professor Siobhán Mullally, Director of the Centre, Bill Shipsey Founder and Director of Art for Human Rights and Fengsuo Zhou Director of HRIC - a friend of Liu Xiaobo and a fellow student leader during the Tiananmen Square Protests in 1989 - and several leaders of other international human rights organisations. The special dedication event also included a presentation and discussion with Irish Centre for Human Rights students and staff. The bust, by Czech sculptor Marie Šeborová, is the first bronze bust of the late Nobel Prize Laureate, poet and human rights defender to be placed on a university campus anywhere in the world. It will have a permanent home in the Irish Centre for Human Rights. The project has been realised in partnership with ARTICLE 19, Index on Censorship, Front Line Defenders, International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) and Humanitarian China. Professor Siobhán Mullally, Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the University of Galway, said: “We are honoured to participate in this project, to honour Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Liu Xiaobo. Liu Xiaobo’s lifelong commitment to the pursuit of human rights and democracy, and his remarkable courage in the face of adversity, exemplify the values and purpose of the Irish Centre for Human Rights. As a human rights defender, Liu Xiaobo devoted his life to the struggle for freedom and equality, challenging the everyday denials of justice, and abuses of state power. It is fitting that we honour him here today, where students, alumni and staff, commit daily to the pursuit of a more just world.” Interim President of University of Galway, Professor Peter McHugh, said: “The dedication of the bust of Liu Xiaobo on our University of Galway campus is in keeping with the value which our community places on the pursuit of human rights. It is also symbolic of our efforts to recognise those who have gone before us in this endeavour and I hope it acts as a constant source of inspiration to all those who are engaged with the Irish Centre for Human Rights and our wider student, staff, research and alumni community.” Fengsuo Zhou of Human Rights in China said: “I had the honour of standing alongside Liu Xiaobo on Tiananmen Square and later sharing prison time with him in high security Qincheng Prison. He passed away while still in incarceration, without ever receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. From the Tiananmen protests to Charter 08, and ultimately to his martyrdom in 2017, he symbolised the peaceful struggle for freedom and democracy in China. We honour his memory by erecting a statue in his name. His legacy continues to inspire us all.” Bill Shipsey of Art for Human Rights, said: “The Chinese Communist Party has tried to erase Liu Xiaobo’s memory since his death in a military hospital in China in 2017. But his words will outlast those of any autocratic leader and will be remembered and cherished by freedom loving and human rights respecting people everywhere. Say his name ‘Liu Xiaobo’. Art outlasts tyranny.” Ends

Universities in Ireland, Poland and Spain have come together to create new studies on all aspects of housing in Europe.   The online programmes are designed for national housing and European policymakers, housing and property professionals, housing managers, students, housing providers, NGOs and others.   Key European housing issues - from rights, to tenure, to homelessness, to roles of professionals and stakeholders - are explained by top European housing experts, in 48 short, accessible sections, with national examples, and up to date references.   The Centre for Housing Law, Rights and Policy at University of Galway developed the new Online Course on EU Housing Studies - available at https://www.housingstudies.eu/about-us - along with University of Silesia in Poland, the UNESCO Housing Chair at University Rovira I Virgili in Spain, and others.   Professor Padraic Kenna, Director of the Centre for Housing Law, Rights and Policy at University of Galway, said: “Housing is now recognised as a European Union issue by President Ursula von der Leyen. However, almost all housing and associated professional training, research and policymaking is focussed on national level issues. What we are aiming to achieve with this new approach is to bridge the knowledge gap which currently exists - identifying and relating the housing issues which are impacted by the EU, its policy making, and which affect its 450 million citizens.   “This will become an essential part of all progressive housing-related training and policymaking in the years ahead and will be invaluable for national housing and European policymakers, housing and property professionals, housing managers, students in housing and housing related professions, housing providers, NGOs and others. It provides an invaluable introduction to the area for those building a career and specialisation in housing anywhere in the EU.”   The course is fully-funded and was developed through EU Erasmus funding and provides accurate up to date information on all aspects of housing in Europe. Participants may proceed from the initial fully-funded course to accredited certification on paying a registration fee.    It addresses such issues as: Access and tenure of housing; Housing as market; Transactions with homes and funding; Roles and functions of Housing and Property Professionals and Stakeholders in Europe; Housing, city, territory and environment; Housing and New Technologies; Theory of housing studies; The right to housing; Development of housing; Forced loss and lack of housing.   Ends

University of Galway students and staff will host SDG Week from September 16th-21st - dedicated to increasing awareness, engagement and action to help achieve the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG Week includes a mix of student and staff-led events, such as guided walks along the University’s biodiversity and SDG trails, seminars, roundtables, poster presentations, second-hand/pre-loved clothes sale and a quiz night. Among the highlights is a panel discussion - Engineering a sustainable transport system for Galway and the West Region – focusing on traffic congestion, with engineering experts addressing the Galway City Transport Strategy, Very Light Rail, Galway to Oughterard Greenway and sustainable mobility teaching and research. The event takes place on Tuesday evening, September 17th, in the Alice Perry Engineering Building. Deputy President & Registrar at University of Galway, Professor Becky Whay, said: “As the number one university in Ireland for sustainability, University of Galway is proud to host our second annual SDG Week. In 2023, the Government of Ireland designated University of Galway as a national SDG Champion and building on this success the University is now a national SDG Ambassador. Through SDG Week, we are advocating global sustainability and offering a platform for sustainability research and learning, with a focus on the education opportunities for our students.”  Another highlight of the week will be a talk by Professor Leon Tikly, University of Bristol, on tackling the decolonisation of higher education – the fundamental reconsideration of what is taught; how it is taught; who is teaching; and what traditional and inherent biases are in play. University of Galway Director of Sustainability, Dr Richard Manton, said: “University of Galway is using SDG Week to show some of the practical ways that people can adopt sustainable practices in their everyday lives: whether it’s a second-hand clothes sale, adding a pond to Terryland Forest Park or working with biomaterials at the Burren College of Art. We invite the public to experience our beautiful campus by joining a guided tour of our SDG Trail and Biodiversity Trail. Check out our website for a full list of events.” SDG Week will also see the launch of the University’s Annual Sustainability Report for 2023/24, which highlights and celebrates outstanding contributions from across our University community to progress the SDGs. A full SDG Week event listing is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/sdgweek/ Ends

 University of Galway hosts the 49th Sir Peter Freyer Memorial Lecture and Surgical Symposium, the largest Surgical Conference in Ireland this weekend.   The event offers a unique platform for healthcare professionals to present their research and clinical work and allows for merging of both scientific and clinical information.   The symposium is named in memory of the Galway-born surgeon, Sir Peter Freyer, who performed the first successful surgical operation to remove an enlarged prostate in 1900.     This year’s gathering will offer a forum to discuss the future of surgical training in Ireland and the implications of Sláintecare, the Government’s 10-year programme which was launched in 2018 to transform our health and social care services.   The symposium will hear keynote addresses from leading surgeons from America and Ireland, a focus on regionalisation, surgical care delivery and training and research and education sessions across the various surgical subspecialties.    Professor Keith Lillemoe, Surgeon-in-Chief and Chief of the Department of Surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and the W. Gerald Austin Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, will deliver the Memorial Lecture on Friday September 6th. Professor Lillemoe is also a Senior Director of the American Board of Surgery and in 2015 was inducted into the John Hopkins Society of Scholars. His lecture will be on the surgical leadership and mentoring in the modern era.     Professor Ronan Cahill is Professor of Surgery at University College Dublin and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. He is also Director of the Centre for Precision Surgery and the Digital Surgery Unit at UCD. He will deliver the State of the Art Lecture on Saturday September 7th.     Professor of Surgery at University of Galway, Dr Michael Kerin, who is hosting the event, said: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Lillemoe and Professor Cahill to our University and to this symposium. Their impactful work focuses on delivering high quality surgical care and achieving best outcomes for patients in the modern era, encompassing issues related to service provision, surgical training and support and gender equality in healthcare. Both lectures at the centre-point of a comprehensive programme showcasing some of the finest surgical research in this country.    “This conference signals the start of the academic year, and has been a mainstay of the National Academic Surgical Platform with input from a diverse group of consultants and trainees across all specialties in Irish surgery. We anticipate an enriching experience and engaging discussions aimed at shaping the future of surgical practice and education within our community, which will be invaluable in fostering collaboration and innovation in the surgical specialities.”   The full programme of events for the conference is available at https://freyer.ie/    Ends   

A University of Galway researcher whose work focuses on therapies for cancers of the brain has been awarded a prestigious €1.5million grant by the European Research Council. Dr Catalina Vallejo Giraldo, School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, is also based at CÚRAM Research Centre for Medical Devices, funded by Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland, where her research combines biomaterials, brain mechanobiology and medicine to develop new targeted brain treatments. Dr Vallejo Giraldo’s €1.5million award is an ERC Starting Grant - given to talented early-career scientists who are embarking on independent work and show clear potential to be a research leader. Her current research is investigating cell-cell interactions in the brain and how they are influenced by the interplay within the cell environment, as well as altering the signals in the brain that manipulate cell fate. This research has the potential to develop and improve neuro-oncology therapies. The ERC Starter Grant will allow Dr Vallejo Giraldo to focus on the development of a new cancer therapy using a soft gel that contains a cancer fighting drug and is patterned with narrow channels to encourage the entry of cancer cells. Once inside, the cancer cells become trapped and compressed, disrupting their DNA repair mechanisms and rendering them susceptible to damage. This approach will improve drug-radiation effectiveness and allow localised therapy of brain cancer. Dr Catalina Vallejo Giraldo said: “Available drugs are only partially effective, and they work by damaging cancer cell DNA in combination with radiotherapy. In response, cancer cells ramp-up DNA repair processes, rendering these treatments largely ineffective. Mechanical deformation of the nucleus may transiently render cells highly susceptible to DNA damage and may represent a powerful adjunct approach for the treatment of brain tumours, where resistance to conventional DNA-targeting therapies is a significant contributor to therapy failure." Dr Vallejo Giraldo’s PhD training under Professor Manus Biggs, University of Galway lecturer with the College of Science and Engineering and researcher at CÚRAM, and subsequent postdoctoral work, have given her the experience of interacting with and leading multidisciplinary teams that involve members from academia, industry and the clinic including Universidad EIA, Colombia; Imperial College London; Cardiff University, UK; Neurent Medical, Galway; and the Mayo Clinic in the US. Dr Vallejo Giraldo added: “This is an enormous opportunity to work on a project I have been building towards for the last few years while training talented PhD students and post-doctoral researchers. I am exceptionally fortunate and grateful to have found great support from collaborators and mentors around the globe, as well as from University of Galway, CÚRAM, the different research centres, and my Biomedical Engineering discipline. I am particularly grateful to Dr Manus Biggs for his continued support.” Professor Biggs said: “The research that Dr Vallejo Giraldo will carry out with the support of this grant builds upon her previous work on neural biomaterials. Her findings have revealed a crucial necessity to expand upon our current understanding of the fundamentals of the mechanobiology of neural cells to develop novel biomaterials platforms that will expediate clinical translation pathways. I’m extremely proud of what she has been able to accomplish and look forward to Catalina making a significant impact with her future work.” Professor Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director of CÚRAM, said: "We are immensely proud of Dr Vallejo Giraldo and all of our graduates and their accomplishments in both academia and industry. CÚRAM provides high-quality training opportunities that is of great importance to the medtech talent pipeline, and our graduates are adding significantly to Ireland's research environment. The interdisciplinary nature of Dr Vallejo Giraldo’s work is an excellent example of how CÚRAM works to foster collaboration and excellence in research.” EU Research Commissioner Iliana Ivanova said: “The European Commission is proud to support the curiosity and passion of our early-career talent under our Horizon Europe programme. The new ERC Starting Grants winners aim to deepen our understanding of the world. Their creativity is vital to finding solutions to some of the most pressing societal challenges. In this call, I am happy to see one of the highest shares of female grantees to date, a trend that I hope will continue. Congratulations to all!” Ends

Researchers at University of Galway have revealed some of the lived experiences of undergraduate students before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. The report examines barriers to inclusion experienced by different student groups, including international students, those from an ethnic minority, students with disabilities and LGBT+ students. All students were undergraduate students in the College of Business, Public Policy and Law at the University of Galway. The report addresses undergraduate student experiences both before and during the Covid-19 pandemic, with data gathered from 2018 to 2021 through online surveys, individual interviews and focus groups. In total, 1391 students contributed to the research. Dean of Students, Professor Ciara Meehan, launched the report, and said: “The young people who went through education during the pandemic demonstrated enormous achievements and resilience. Every one of them should recognise this and remember that it will stand to them in time. As a University, it is important for us to engage with our students, to hear their voice and to respond appropriately. The pandemic was a unique challenge for us all and we are grateful to our research team of Dr Shivaun Qunilivan and Lucy Ann Buckley for working to record the experiences of our students and offer learnings.” Dr Shivaun Quinlivan, joint lead of the Inclusive Learning at University of Galway project and co-author of the report, said: “In order to improve inclusion, we first have to understand the barriers to inclusion and participation experienced by students at the University of Galway.  We felt it was really important to engage with our students, and hear their voice – this will enable us to take steps to address the issues they face. We hope the lasting legacy of this research will be to improve the learning experience for all our students.” Key findings: A significant majority of students surveyed prior to the pandemic considered their learning environment to be inclusive. In many cases, staff were praised for their commitment and support, and students emphasised that staff were approachable and helpful. Students had different views on the impact of the pandemic, but a significant majority identified negative effects on their learning, including social isolation, decreased motivation, greater anxiety, difficulties accessing learning resources and increased workload. In one survey with second year students, conducted during the pandemic, nearly three quarters of respondents considered that Covid-19 had made their learning environment less inclusive. Racism was not identified as a major difficulty, though some students had negative experiences. Many international students, and also students in large classes, emphasised how difficult it could be to get to know other students, leading to loneliness and isolation. Some international students also highlighted instances of culture shock, leading both to social and learning difficulties. Students who were carers identified the need for greater flexibility in relation to course deadlines and participation, the need to schedule classes and events at accessible times, and difficulties related to childcare that impacted their learning. Students with disabilities raised a range of issues regarding accessibility, including issues relating to physical infrastructure and learning materials. However, they also identified significant positive supports in their learning environment, particularly from the University’s Disability Support Service. Students with disabilities were also more likely to feel excluded at social events. LGBT+ students identified issues related to inclusive language, visibility and representation. Multiple students highlighted the importance of teaching staff using correct pronouns or inviting students to indicate their pronouns in teaching contexts. Some students identified ways in which the learning environment could exclude those who were socially or economically disadvantaged. This included a failure to appreciate the financial strain some students were under, scheduling classes after 5pm (when students needed to work), and in some cases stereotypical assumptions and statements. The report was prepared by the Inclusive Learning in the College of Business, Public Policy and Law project team, led by Dr Shivaun Quinlivan and Professor Lucy-Ann Buckley, with research by Dr Dinali Wijeratne. Recommendations: The report made a range of recommendations for the University, some of which are already acted upon, including the development of an anti-racism policy; reasonable accommodation policy; training on issues related to equality, diversity and inclusion. The report also urged measures to promote accessibility; regular student culture surveys; reduction in class sizes where possible; social events to encourage inclusion and address student isolation; additional resourcing for key support services; and enhanced data gathering and monitoring. Ends  

University of Galway appoints Interim Deputy President and Registrar    University of Galway has today announced Professor Becky Whay is to take up the role of Interim Deputy President and Registrar.   The University’s Governing Authority - Údarás na hOllscoile confirmed Professor Whay’s appointment. The confirmation follows the announcement on July 4th that Professor Peter McHugh was taking on the role of Interim President following the departure of Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh who stepped down as President after six and half years in the role. Professor McHugh begins his term as Interim President on September 7th and Professor Whay begins her role as Interim Deputy President and Registrar on September 9th.             Professor Peter McHugh, incoming Interim President of University of Galway, said: “It is a great pleasure to announce the appointment of Professor Becky Whay, who not only has a very distinguished academic record as a researcher and educator, but has been an outstanding asset to University of Galway as Vice-President International since 2019. We are confident that Becky’s expertise, vision, and collaborative approach will greatly benefit our community.” Professor Whay said: “It is a real privilege to have been appointed Interim Deputy President and Registrar and I look forward to the challenges as well as the opportunities ahead, both in supporting our academics and ensuring the highest standards for our students, as well as helping in the continuing development of our university for the public good.”        Bio of Professor Whay As Interim Deputy President and Registrar, Professor Whay is a member of the University Management Team and Academic Council; deputises for the President in his absence; and has overarching responsibility for academic strategy, academic promotions, and academic quality.    Professor Becky Whay joined University of Galway in 2019 when appointed Vice-President International. In May 2024, she was reappointed to that role for a second five-year term, with much of the focus on leading out Global Galway 2.0, on our International Strategy, which will be central to our University of Galway Strategy 2030 and on the second phase of our European University Network - ENLIGHT.    Professor Becky Whay previously worked at the University of Bristol, which is part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities and is ranked 55th in the world and 5th in the UK for Research, under the QS World Rankings. She also held the post of Director of Internationalisation for the Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Bristol, a large, research intensive faculty supporting the University’s medical, dental and veterinary schools. Under her directorship the faculty grew its international student population, increased the levels of international research collaboration and saw significant growth in international institutional partnerships. At the same time, she shared the Head of School responsibilities for Bristol Veterinary School and led the School through a period of substantial change culminating in a bid for American Veterinary Medical Association accreditation.   Professor Whay has an international reputation for her research into dairy cattle and working equine welfare and works in areas of the world where human animal interdependency is critical to family livelihoods. She was the inaugural President of the International Society for the Study of Lameness in Ruminants and has Chaired the Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law Veterinary Association. In 2015, she was recipient of the CEVA Farm Animal Welfare of the Year award.   Ends

Tá an tOllamh Caroline McGregor ceaptha mar Stiúrthóir nua ar an Institiúid Cúrsa Saoil agus Sochaí (ILAS) in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Tá an tOllamh Caroline McGregor ina Stiúrthóir Oibre Sóisialta san Ollscoil agus ina Comhalta Sinsearach Taighde in Ionad Taighde Leanaí agus Teaghlaigh UNESCO, áit a raibh sí i gceannas ar líon tionscadal le comhghleacaithe ar théamaí éagsúla, mar atá cúram an stáit san am a caitheadh agus sa lá atá inniu ann; cosaint leanaí agus tacaíocht teaghlaigh; agus rannpháirtíocht shibhialta agus pholaitiúil na hóige. D’oibrigh sí freisin mar thaighdeoir SFI laistigh d’Ionad Taighde Feistí Leighis na hÉireann, CÚRAM, ar thionscadail lena mbaineann tionchar. Glacfaidh an tOllamh McGregor leis an ról i mí Mheán Fómhair ar feadh tréimhse ceithre bliana, tar éis don Ollamh Pat Dolan, a bhí sa ról ó 2013-2023, dul ar scor. Is sain-institiúid taighde ildisciplínigh sna heolaíochtaí sóisialta feidhmeacha an Institiúid Cúrsa Saoil agus Sochaí (ILAS). Is é misean ILAS feasacht eolaíoch agus phraiticiúil ar acmhainn agus cumas an duine ón naíonacht go dtí an tseanaois a chothú agus feabhas a chur ar shaol na ndaoine siúd atá ag dul in aois nó a bhfuil míchumas orthu, mar aon le leanaí, ógánaigh agus tuismitheoirí atá leochaileach i gcomhthéacs sóisialta agus i gcomhthéacsanna eile. Seo mar a labhair Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Guím gach rath sa todhchaí ar an Ollamh McGregor agus ar obair na hInstitiúide Cúrsa Saoil agus Sochaí san Ollscoil, chomh maith le hobair leanúnach Ionad Taighde Leanaí agus Teaghlaigh UNESCO. Tá taithí fhairsing ag an Ollamh McGregor ar chomhpháirtíochtaí acadúla-gairmiúla agus tá spéis ar leith aici i gceannas agus i gcur chun cinn taighde bunaithe ar chleachtas agus ar an bpobal ina ról mar Stiúrthóir Institiúide agus táimid ag súil leis an tionchar a bheidh aige seo ar fad a fheiceáil sa todhchaí. “Ba mhaith liom an deis a thapú chun buíochas a ghabháil leis an Ollamh Pat Dolan, Stiúrthóir ILAS atá ag dul as oifig agus leis an Ollamh Kieran Walsh as bheith i gceannas ar ILAS mar Stiúrthóir Eatramhach ó mhí Mheán Fómhair 2023.” Agus í ag cur fáilte roimh a ceapachán, bhí an méid seo le rá ag an Ollamh McGregor: “Tá an-áthas orm an deis seo a fháil a bheith i gceannas ar an Institiúid Cúrsa Saoil agus Sochaí. Tá mé ag súil le bheith ag obair le comhghleacaithe na hinstitiúide i gColáiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta agus an Léinn Cheiltigh, i gColáiste an Ghnó, an Bheartais Phoiblí agus an Dlí agus san Ollscoil trí chéile chun spriocanna uaillmhianacha ILAS a bhaint amach, mar atá cothromas a bhaint amach sa chúrsa saoil trí chéile trína ghníomhaíochtaí comhtháite taighde, cleachtais agus oideachais, polasaí agus rannpháirtíochta pobail.” Críoch

Professor Caroline McGregor has been appointed as the new Director of the Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS) at University of Galway. Professor McGregor is Director of Social Work at the University and a Senior Research Fellow at the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre where she led a number of projects with colleagues on themes of state care, past and present; child protection and family support; and youth civic and political engagement. She has also worked as a SFI investigator within CÚRAM Irish Medical Device Research Centre on projects including impact orientation. Professor McGregor takes up the role in September for a four-year period, and her appointment follows the retirement of Professor Pat Dolan, who held the position from 2013-2023. The Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS) is a specially designated multidisciplinary research institute in applied social sciences which aims to contribute scientific and practical awareness of human capacity and potential from infancy to older age and to advance the lives of people who face issues with older age, living with disability, and for children, youth and parents who are vulnerable in social and other contexts. President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “I would like to extend my best wishes to Professor McGregor for the future of the work at the Institute for Lifecourse and Society at the University, as well as the ongoing work of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre. Professor McGregor has extensive experience of academic-professional partnerships and has a particular interest in leading and advancing practice based and community engaged research in her role as Institute Director and we look forward to seeing the impact of this in the future. “I would like to take the opportunity to thank Professor Pat Dolan, the former Director of ILAS, and to Professor Kieran Walsh, for his leadership of ILAS as Interim Director, since September 2023.” Welcoming her appointment, Professor McGregor said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the Institute for Lifecourse and Society. I am looking forward to working with institute colleagues in the College of Arts, Social Science and Celtic Studies, College of Business Public Policy and Law and from across the University to achieve the ambitious goals of the ILAS to achieve equity across the lifecourse through its integrated research, practice and education, policy and community engagement activities.“ Ends

University of Galway has launched a new archive recognising the different lived experiences of the Irish Traveller community, including challenges the community faced since the 1960s and the importance of the Traveller voice to educate and increase understanding of the history and culture of the community. The Mincéirs Archives, which will be digitised and available to the public, was launched today by Irish Traveller human rights activist Dr Mary Warde Moriarty and University of Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh. The collection focuses on Irish Travellers from the 1960s when Ireland transformed socially, economically and culturally and how this impacted on the nomadic indigenous community, as well as the dawn of the Traveller rights movement in Ireland and Europe. The Mincéirs Archives is the first step to embedding Traveller history and culture throughout the teaching, learning and research activities at the University.             Dr Mary Warde Moriarty said: “It is great to officially launch the Mincéirs Archives as I know it will act as an anchor that supports the promotion and embedding of Traveller history and culture throughout the teaching and learning activities of University of Galway. As a Traveller woman, I am proud to have materials that document some of my early activities advocating for Traveller rights included in the archives. I feel it’s very important that everyone learns about Traveller history and culture as it supports greater understanding between all communities. I hope that the archives will be also play a major role with supporting the promotion of Traveller history and culture in local primary and secondary schools.”              University of Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “At University of Galway, we are a university for the public good, with a shared vision, shaped by our values with a proud history of promoting Traveller history and culture. As a learning institution, we learn from all our communities and are the better for it. The Mincéirs Archives goes to the heart of this work in promoting Traveller history and culture that align with our values, particularly the importance which we place on respect and openness. The contents of the archives and most importantly the Traveller voice has guided our efforts as we provide a culture that creates opportunities for all members of our university community to learn more about - and to learn from - Traveller history and culture.” Material related to Traveller human rights, education, employment, accommodation, music, folklore and photographs of the community form part of the archive. It includes official documentation such as the Report of the Commission on Itinerancy [1963], the work of Sister Colette O’Dwyer in Traveller education and training from the late 1960s onwards, the National Association of Training Centres for Travelling People, the National Federation of Irish Travelling People, the European Centre for Travellers, as well as a range of material relating to community development and activism across the country. There is also a range of correspondence, photographs and other material from Travellers themselves, reflecting their lived experiences. The Archive is augmented with material from existing archival collections. These include photographs and music collected in Ireland in 1952 by the American couple Jean Ritchie and George Pickow, similar material from the Joe Burke collection relating to county Galway, England and the USA, as well as photographs taken in the 1890s by Patrick Lyons of a Traveller camp near Ballyhaunis, County Mayo. The Mincéirs Archives project began in November 2021 as part of the celebrations which followed on from the 175th anniversary of the foundation of the University in 1845, as Queen’s College. Led by Owen Ward, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programme Manager for Race Equality at the University, and Kieran Hoare, Archivist at University of Galway Library, the research and digitisation of the Mincéirs Archives was one of six projects sponsored by the Office of the President through a special fund to record and share the institutional history of the University. As part of embedding Traveller history and culture throughout the teaching, learning and research activities at the University, the Office of the Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is leading a project to diversify curricula. The aim is to enhance and embed the perspectives from the global south, nomadism, indigenous and black studies, including resources from the Mincéirs Archives, into wider academia across the University.             Monica Crump, University of Galway Librarian, said: "The University of Galway Library is delighted to host the Mincéirs Archives, and in particular to enable students and researchers to learn about Traveller history and culture through their own voice and lived experience, greatly enhancing our existing archival collections. Through new strategies of acquisition and outreach, we are committed to diversifying our collections as well as the ways in which people can access them. The Mincéirs Archive will bring a greater understanding of Traveller history and culture to homes and schools across the country.  We are confident that this digital resource will become embedded in teaching and learning activities across campus and are looking forward to a continued partnership with the community and to seeing this collection grow."             Owen Ward, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programme Manager for Race Equality at University of Galway, said: “This initiative marks a significant milestone in the history of University of Galway and solidifies its position as a leader for Irish Traveller inclusivity cross higher education and wider society. By making the Mincéirs Archives accessible to everyone, we are taking a big step toward honouring the history and strength of Irish Travellers and building a more just and equitable future. We look forward to working closely with the Irish Traveller community to continue to expand the archives while ensuring that the lived experiences of Irish Travellers are central to this important work.” University of Galway welcomes public donations of resources related to Irish Travellers to the Mincéirs Archives, including photographs, videos, audio recordings, papers, notes, books, and posters. Material can be donated to the archives temporarily and once digitised can be returned to the owner. For more information to donate to the archives please contact Owen Ward at owenpatrick.ward@universityofgalway.ie or at https://library.universityofgalway.ie/mincéirs-archives/. Ends

A fourth year student at University of Galway has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Hamilton Prize – the top undergraduate mathematics accolade.     Dara Colleran, from Salthill, Galway City, is one of nine students to have been honoured by the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) for excellence in their final year of study.    The honour commemorates famed Irish scientist William Rowan Hamilton and his discovery of quaternion algebra in Dublin on October 16, 1843 - a four-dimensional number system which has been used in satellite navigation and video game programming.     The awards ceremony takes place on the anniversary each year in the RIA.     Dara Colleran said: “I am very honoured to receive the Hamilton prize in Mathematics. I had a great day with my family in Dublin, where we did the annual Hamilton walk along the banks of the Royal Canal, retracing Hamilton's steps from Dunsink Observatory to Broombridge in Cabra, and attended a ceremony in the beautiful Royal Irish Academy. I am looking forward to exploring my subject further in a Masters degree.”    In recognition of their mathematical excellence, the awardees each received a cash prize of €500 and a certificate of achievement at an award ceremony in the Royal Irish Academy. They also attended an exclusive masterclass with the 2024 Hamilton Lecture speaker, Professor Laura DeMarco from Harvard University, which was hosted by Ibec.    Professor Aisling McCluskey, Head of the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at University of Galway, said: “The award of the prestigious Hamilton Prize is a tremendous honour, recognising the exceptional talent of Dara and others like him from universities across the country. I am delighted to acknowledge and celebrate Dara’s achievement. This special prize underscores the importance of valuing and encouraging our undergraduate mathematicians as they progress into final year and into future STEM careers. We are proud that Dara joins the list of Hamilton Prize winners, representing our School and our University nationally. Ar son na Scoile, comhghairdeachas Dara!”    The nine 2024 Hamilton Prize winners are Dara Colleran, University of Galway; Daniel Cooper, Dublin City University; Laura Cosgrave, University College Cork; Oisín Davey, Maynooth University; Samual Den Dikken, University of Limerick; Kai Quan Lian, Queen’s University Belfast; Mateusz Mroczkowski, TU Dublin; Brian O'Callaghan, Trinity College Dublin; and Jack Sherry, University College Dublin.    Ends 

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan T.D., has announced five University of Galway research projects. The projects are funded under the Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future Programme and are part of a €26 million investment for 40 research projects nationwide. The University of Galway projects include: Professor Nicholas Allen, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, and Dr Kathleen Gorman, Children’s Health Ireland. The research aims to develop novel therapies for severe, currently untreatable childhood neurological disorders. Award - €638,566. Dr Róisín Dwyer, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. The project will focus on breast cancer and aims to decipher how microRNAs sequences function and develop an approach to deliver them directly to tumour tissue, for targeted treatment of patients with advanced disease. Award - €764,657. Dr Alexandre de Menezes, College of Science and Engineering. Dr de Menezes’ project aims to offer novel ways to predict and control nitrous oxide emissions from soil, to support low emissions, sustainable agriculture. Award - €788,421. Dr Linda Howard and Dr Siobhan McMahon - College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Research focuses on gene therapy combined with tissue engineering to reduce scarring and help promote nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury. Award - €554,562. Dr Angela Carnevale and Dr Tobias Rossmann - College of Science and Engineering. This project will involve machine learning and explicit computations of zeta functions in algebra. Award - €582,635.              Minister O’Donovan said: “I am pleased to announce the Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future projects, which support high-risk, high-reward research endeavours. The selected projects, spanning 12 research institutions, bring fresh and innovative ideas that will help boost business and benefit society. “I would also like to commend Research Ireland and the Children’s Health Foundation for their great partnership and their great partnership and their focus on advancing children’s health through this funding program. I encourage others to create similar partnerships and collaborations.”             Professor Jim Livesey, Vice-President Research and Innovation at University of Galway, said: “I would like to congratulation our researchers who have successfully secured funding today through the Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future Programme. These prestigious awards are a testament to the depth and quality of the research expertise across our campus and will provide solutions and opportunities in areas that impact Irish society.”             Celine Fitzgerald, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Research Ireland, said: “The Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future programme helps to build research capacity, expertise and reputation. This latest round of grants will support a diverse range of research positions and represents a strong commitment to developing future talent in key areas. It has been a pleasure having Children’s Health Foundation as a funding partner in that drive to strengthen Ireland’s research pipeline.” Ends

University of Galway has celebrated remarkable student athlete success taking home three titles, including the Overall Team award, at the Cross Country All-Ireland Intervarsity Championships. It is the first time since 1988 that the University’s Athletics Club has won the top prize for overall performance at the competition. The Cross Country success was led by Fiona Everard, who was crowned the Female Individual Champion for the second year, followed by the Men’s Team of 21 athletes who took the honours in their category, helping to secure the Overall Team honours. Des Ryan, Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing at University of Galway, said: “It is great to see the University of Galway Athletics club winning so many events at the Irish Universities Athletics Association Cross Country Championships. Since I arrived I am really impressed with the coaching, commitment, community, member numbers and the culture of the club. It is great to see the club winning national titles and having such high numbers participating. I am delighted that University of Galway has such a strong athletics club that develops high performing individuals and supports many of our students to be active. I am looking forward to seeing this club in the west of Ireland go from strength to strength over the coming years. It is the perfect place for young athletes in the University of Galway catchment to excel in their studies and in their sport. Special thanks to coach Matt Lockett and Club Captain Jack Maher.” The All-Ireland Intervarsity Cross Country Championships took place at the UCC Sports Grounds at the weekend. The Women’s Team of 13 athletes placed fourth overall, narrowly missing out on a medal. It included Fiona Everard along with first year student Caitlin Hughes, who made her debut for University of Galway, placing 12th, and Shauna Leydon and Neasa Ní Ainifein also placed high, coming in 23rd and 26th respectively. The Men’s Team of 21 athletes dominated their competition, beating the nearest challengers (University of Limerick) by 45 points to take home the Fox Trophy. The team was led by Thomas McStay, who placed 4th overall in the men’s race. Oisin Murray followed in 6th, with Oisin Davis in 9th. Daniel Ryan Eilis made his debut for University of Galway, placing 12th. He was closely followed by Donal Farren and Luke Johnston who placed 13th and 14th respectively.  Feargal O’Callaghan, High Performance Lead at University of Galway, said: “We at University of Galway are very lucky to have such a talented group of athletes in our distance group and they are superbly led by coach Matt Lockett. It was fantastic to see Fiona Everard at the front once again and great to see her supported by a strong female team. While it was great to see the men win the team trophy, it was the winning of the combined trophy that really put the icing on the cake. I am looking forward to seeing the team perform in the University Road Relays in a few weeks.” Jack Maher, University of Galway Athletics Club Captain, said: “To have three big wins on the day - Fiona Everard individual, Men's Team, and Overall Team - was remarkable. It was a history-making day for the club, winning the overall title for only the second time, the first being in 1988. It was a spectacular team performance with both teams showing great talent at the front of the race and backing it up with huge squad depth. This is a testament to the years of hard work and dedication put in by coach Matt Lockett and the whole squad to get the University of Galway distance team to become one of the best in the country. With plenty of young talent featuring on the team, we hope to keep the club here for years to come." Ends

University of Galway has announced the establishment of a new External Advisory Board for the School of Computer Science. Made up of leading industry experts, the members will provide independent, external advice and guidance in the development of the School to actively support its strategic aims and mission, ensuring continued success and future growth. The External Advisory Board will also promote closer collaborations between academia and industry. Chair of the External Advisory Board, Caroline Cawley, chief executive of itag & itag Skillnet, said: “I look forward to working closely with the staff in the School of Computer Science, to maximise collaboration opportunities between local industry and University of Galway.” Professor Walter Gear, Executive Dean of the College of Science & Engineering at University of Galway, said: “The input of industry is a critical ingredient for us to continue delivering on their needs for a highly skilled workforce, and our ambitions for a highly impactful research portfolio.” Dr Enda Howley, Head of School Computer Science said: “University of Galway is very fortunate to have a vast array of existing links with local and regional ICT employers at both SME through to multinational levels. With this new board we have a mechanism to formalise our cooperation and bring our collaborations onwards for the next decade and beyond. From industry internships through to research projects, these connections are critical for us to ensure our graduates are reaching their fullest potential.” The External Advisory Board of the School of Computer Science at University of Galway includes: Caroline Cawley, Chair, External Advisory Board, CEO itag & itag Skillnet. Petronel Bigioi, CTO and Co-founder, FotoNation. Vincent Canning, Tech Lead/Manager & Senior Software Engineer, Google. Michelle Concannon, SVP of Technology, Signify Health Ireland. Karen Conway, VP of Software Engineering, Fidelity Investments. Karl Flannery, CEO and co-founder of Storm Technology. Paddy Medley, VP of Quality HPE Hybrid Cloud and MD Hewlett Packard Galway. Mags Moran, Product Leader, Webex by CISCO. Sean Morris, CTO TitanHQ. Jane Reilly, Senior Software Engineering Manager, Microsoft. Joe Smyth, Senior VP of R&D, Digital and AI, Genesys. Ben Steele, Director of Architecture and Galway Chair, Liberty IT. Further information on each member of the External Advisory Board is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/science-engineering/school-of-computer-science/people/externaladvisoryboard/ Ends

University of Galway research shows osteoporotic fractures are one of the main reasons for acute public hospital admissions   Researchers at University of Galway have revealed the scale of over-treatment of people at low risk of osteoporosis and under-treatment of those most in need of medication. Analysis of findings from a study of more than 5,000 men and women referred to the Galway University Hospital Osteoporosis service showed this “treatment gap” is much larger than prior reports suggest. The results show the majority of men (70%) and women (54%) who are at very high risk of fracture are not on treatment, while an even greater proportion of at-risk men (80%) and at-risk women (70%) are not taking appropriate treatment. The research is being released to coincide with World Osteoporosis Day today, Sunday October 20th. The international research team said a national osteoporosis programme would help address these anomalies, reduce waste in the health service, prevent harm from over diagnosis and overprescribing and improve appropriate prescribing for those most likely to benefit. The research project is led by Professor John Carey, Professor in Medicine at University of Galway and Consultant Physician in Medicine and Rheumatology and Clinical lead in DXA, Osteoporosis and Fracture Liaison Services, Galway University Hospitals, and Associate Professor Attracta Brennan, School of Computer Science at University of Galway.   Professor Carey said: “Over-prescribing in low risk people has led to a false impression - an ecologic fallacy - that the treatment gap that we have for osteoporosis patients in Ireland is actually quite small. When treatment indications are taken into account, the gap remains unacceptably large. “A national osteoporosis programme would help address these anomalies, reduce waste and harm for the patient and improve treatment for those most likely to benefit. “This would make a significant improvement in the quality of care and value for money.” Ireland does not have an osteoporosis programme, although the bone disease is one of the most prevalent and disabling diseases in Ireland and accounts for almost 10% of the healthcare budget. Following an analysis of the 5,000-plus men and women who attended the clinic, the research showed: Calcium and Vitamin D is widely prescribed for people concerned about their bone health despite very strong evidence that while additional supplementation has a benefit for the majority of people, it has a significant cost and can cause harm including increasing the risk of fracture. Calcium and Vitamin D prescribing exceeds osteoporosis medication prescribing, and costs around the same amount as osteoporosis medications which have very strong evidence to support their use (between €100 - €300 per year). Many ‘low risk’ men and women are prescribed osteoporosis medication who do not need it. The majority of people who should be prescribed osteoporosis medication are not. The research team estimate the true gap for patients not receiving appropriate treatment is in the region of 60-70%. Clinicians, computer scientists and engineers at the University of Galway are using Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) technology to measure bone density and develop new screening and testing strategies for early identification of osteoporosis. The modern scanning technology assesses a person’s risk before a fracture occurs; assesses their prognosis; and monitors their treatment. Professor Carey added: “We regularly see patients in clinic who had a DXA test they did not require, following which a poor quality report and interpretation led to overtreatment and sometimes significant harm to the patient and all of the associated costs. “On the other hand, we regularly see patients who have had a fracture and sometimes low or very low bone mineral density (BMD) who are not treated, despite multiple recommendations and overwhelming evidence that this is the group of people mostly likely to benefit from treatment. “Furthermore, Calcium and Vitamin D are widely prescribed and overused, in the mistaken belief that they are a treatment for osteoporosis, which they are not. They are essential for good bone health, but only a treatment for deficiency or frank osteomalacia. “A national programme which collates and is led by national experts and harmonises care based on standards and best practice for clinical staff and patients would significantly reduce waste and provide better quality care and value for money. This is something the Government should be striving for.” The University of Galway research - comparing the number of people attending for a DXA scan and those who have a DXA diagnosis of osteoporosis or an osteoporotic fracture who are not on treatment, to people who are on treatment and have no obvious reason to be on treatment - is part of the work carried out by Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry Management Application Project (DXA MAP), funded by the Health Research Board. Ends

Deimhníonn an Rialtas níos mó ná 120 áit do mhic léinn ar chláir nua sa Chógaisíocht agus sa Leigheas (Iontráil do Chéimithe) Inniu, d’fhógair an tAire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta, Patrick O’Donovan T.D., pleananna go bhfuiltear chun cur leis na cláir cúraim sláinte in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Tá dhá chlár céime nua i gceist leis an bhforbairt a sholáthróidh 123 áit do mhic léinn. Dúirt Uachtarán Eatramhach Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Peter McHugh:  “Cuireann infheistíocht an Rialtais in oideachas cúraim sláinte in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ar ár gcumas céim shuntasach a ghlacadh i dtreo ár gcuspóirí straitéiseacha a chomhlíonadh maidir le hoideachas agus oiliúint den scoth a sholáthar, bunaithe ar thaighde ardtionchair, a rachaidh go mór i dtreo aghaidh a thabhairt ar riachtanais lucht saothair cúraim sláinte na tíre seo. “Táimid ag tnúth le fáilte a chur roimh mhic léinn ar na cláir iontacha nua seo agus leanúint orainn ag cur feabhas mór ar chúram sláinte ag an leibhéal áitiúil agus réigiúnach, náisiúnta agus domhanda.” Bhí an méid seo le rá ag an Aire O’Donovan: “Táim ar bís an tionchar a bheidh ag na tionscadail nua seo ar an earnáil sláinte agus orthu siúd a bhaineann leas as na seirbhísí a fheiceáil. Is cinnte go bhfuil an cumas acu earnáil an ardoideachais a athrú ó bhonn agus tuilleadh deiseanna a chur ar fáil do mhic léinn tabhairt go díograiseach faoi chúram sláinte agus faoi leigheas.” Is príomhghné d’iarrachtaí Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte é oideachas cúraim sláinte a leathnú in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar ghanntanas lucht saothair cúraim sláinte ríthábhachtach in Éirinn, atá ag teacht le Plean Straitéiseach an Choláiste 2022-25. Tá an dá chlár ag teacht le misean na hOllscoile chun sláinte agus folláine a chur chun cinn trí oideachas, taighde agus nuálaíocht. Leigheas (Iontráil do Chéimithe) – Clár ceithre bliana a thairgeann cosán brostaithe isteach sa Leigheas do chéimithe, agus a thugann deis dóibh tógáil ar na héachtaí acadúla a bhain siad amach roimhe seo go mbeidh siad ina ngairmithe leighis cáilithe. Beidh 48 áit ar fáil. Díreoidh an clár freisin ar mhic léinn a ullmhú do ghairmeacha sa leigheas tuaithe agus cianda, ag cinntiú go mbeidh rochtain ag gach pobal, lena n-áirítear iad siúd i gceantair nach bhfuil freastal maith á dhéanamh orthu, ar ghairmithe cúraim sláinte oilte. Cógaisíocht (MPharm) – Clár Máistreachta cúig bliana, le hoideachas sa chógaisíocht, a nascann foghlaim theoiriciúil le hoiliúint phraiticiúil. Tar éis creidiúnú a dhearbhú, táthar ag súil go mbeidh 45 áit do mhic léinn sa chéad bhliain iontrála agus 75 áit ina dhiaidh sin. Tá na dátaí ar a dtósóidh an chéad ghrúpa mac léinn ar an dá chlár le deimhniú. Dúirt an tOllamh Martin O’Donnell, Déan Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Cabhróidh na cláir nua seo sa Chógaisíocht agus sa Leigheas (Iontráil do Chéimithe) go mór le hoiliúint a chur ar an gcéad ghlúin eile de ghairmithe cúraim sláinte, agus tabharfar na scileanna agus an t-eolas atá riachtanach dóibh chun dul i ngleic leis na dúshláin a bhaineann le cúram sláinte nua-aimseartha agus na todhchaí. Tá Coláiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte san Ollscoil dírithe ar chur chuige nuálaíoch a chur chun cinn maidir le hoiliúint a chur ar lucht saothair cúraim sláinte ar mhaithe le gach duine inár bpobail." Dúirt an Dr Martina Ní Chúlain, an Stiúrthóir Forbartha Straitéisí i gColáiste an Leighis, an Altranais & na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Tá Straitéis an Choláiste á spreagadh ag tiomantas chun freastal ar riachtanais ár réigiúin, na tíre, ár gcomhpháirtithe cliniciúla, agus níos tábhachtaí ná aon rud eile, ár gcuid mac léinn. Táimid tiomanta a chinntiú go bhfuil rochtain ag mic léinn ón Iarthar agus ón Iarthuaisceart ar oideachas ceannródaíoch agus ar thimpeallachtaí foghlama den chéad scoth. Tá ár gcláir deartha chun todhchaí cúraim sláinte a mhúnlú, agus tá tionscnaimh ar nós an MPharm chun tosaigh trí oiliúint a chur ar oideasóirí cógaiseora chun freastal ar na héilimh a bhaineann le réimse cúraim sláinte atá ag athrú. Is am spreagúil é seo ina bhfuil an t-uafás athruithe ag tarlú, agus táimid bródúil as bheith ar thús cadhnaíochta san athrú seo.” Dúirt Tony Canavan, Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin Réigiúnach FSS an Iarthair agus an Iarthuaiscirt: “Cabhróidh na cúrsaí seo go mór le soláthar cúraim sláinte san Iarthar agus san Iarthuaisceart amach anseo. Tacóidh siad le múnla Sláintecare chun seirbhís sláinte shábháilte ar ardchaighdeán a chur ar fáil a dhéanfaidh freastal ar riachtanais an phobail atá ag dul i méid, agus an cúram ceart a sholáthar san áit cheart ag an am ceart.”   Críoch  

  Government confirms more than 120 new student places with new programmes for Pharmacy and Graduate Entry Medicine Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan T.D. has today announced plans for the expansion of healthcare programmes at University of Galway. The development involves two new degree programmes which will ultimately provide 123 places for students. Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said:  "The Government investment in healthcare education at University of Galway is transformative and enables us to take a significant step towards fulfilling our strategic objectives of providing excellent education and training, founded on high-impact research, which will go a long way to addressing the healthcare workforce needs of our country. “We look forward to welcoming students to these exciting new programmes and continuing to make a substantial contribution to the improvement of healthcare at local and regional, national and global levels."   Minister O'Donovan said: “I am excited to see the impact these new projects will have on the health sector and those who avail of their services. They truly have the potential to revolutionise our higher education landscape and provide more opportunities for students to follow their passions in healthcare and medicine.”   University of Galway’s expanded healthcare education is a key element of efforts by the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences to address critical healthcare workforce shortages in Ireland, in line with the College's Strategic Plan 2022-25. Both programmes align with the University’s mission to promote health and well-being through education, research, and innovation. Graduate Entry Medicine – A four-year programme offering an accelerated pathway into Medicine for graduates, allowing them to build on their prior academic achievements to become qualified medical professionals. There will be 48 places on offer. The programme will also have a focus on preparing students for careers in rural and remote medicine, ensuring that all communities, including those in under-served areas, have access to skilled healthcare professionals. Pharmacy (MPharm) – A five-year Masters programme, with education in pharmacy, combining theoretical learning with practical training. Following confirming of accreditation, it is intended that there will be 45 places for students in the first year of entry and 75 places thereafter. Dates for the first intake of students to both programmes are to be confirmed. Professor Martin O'Donnell, Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway, said: "These new programmes in Pharmacy and Graduate Entry Medicine will make a major contribution to training the next generation of healthcare professionals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to tackle the challenges of modern and future healthcare. The University’s College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences is committed to advancing innovative approaches to training a healthcare workforce for all members of our communities." Dr Martina Ní Chúlain, Director of Strategic Development at the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences at University of Galway, said: “Our College Strategy is driven by a commitment to meet the needs of our region, our nation, our clinical partners, and most importantly, our students. We are dedicated to ensuring that students from the West and North West have access to cutting-edge education and world-class learning environments. Our programmes are designed to shape the future of healthcare, with initiatives like the MPharm leading the way by training pharmacist prescribers to meet the demands of an evolving healthcare landscape. It’s an exciting time of transformation, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this change.” Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer in HSE West and North West, said: “These courses will make a significant contribution to the future delivery of healthcare across the West and Northwest. They will support the Sláintecare model of delivering a safe, quality health service that meets the needs of our growing population, providing the right care in the right place at the right time.” Ends

University of Galway and University College Cork research sets out recommendations for the benefit of women and the world of work   University researchers have revealed that menopause remains a hidden and taboo subject in the workplace. The study - Menopause in the workplace - is based on surveys of public sector workers in Ireland and was carried out by academics in University of Galway and University College Cork. The findings have been released to mark World Menopause Day, today Friday October 18, 2024. The research was carried out to explore women's experiences of menopause at work; the attitudes of other workers who are not experiencing menopause; the impact of menopause on work outcomes for women; and to identify interventions to support women. Almost 1,000 people (including 835 women and 151 men) from five public sector organisations in Ireland completed an on-line survey. Some of the key findings among those who are experiencing menopause: 68% of people who took the survey stated that menopause was not spoken about in their workplace 8% said it was a 'taboo' subject 75% didn't know if their company had a menopause policy 29% of line managers whose direct reports have spoken to them about menopause do not feel equipped to discuss menopause and offer support. 70% stated that organisations should adjust the physical work environment for those going through menopause 82% state that organisations should provide training for line managers and supervisors on how to support those going through menopause While 62% of menopausal employees have discussed their menopause with their co-workers, only 1 in 12 (12%) have spoken to their manager about it, underlining a lack of trust or fear among these women. 65% of menopausal respondents did not intend to apply for promotion, and menopausal employees are less likely to apply, compared with pre-menopausal employees. 96% of menopausal respondents reported physical and mental exhaustion to be the most common and most severe symptom experienced. Dr Maeve O’Sullivan, College of Business Public Policy & Law at University of Galway, said: "Despite high rates of women in employment and Government focus on keeping people in work for longer, menopause remains a taboo subject in many organisations and a significant barrier to employee wellbeing and productivity. “But menopause is not just a gender or age issue, as it can impact on colleagues both directly or indirectly, and it should therefore be considered an organisational issue. “Our study's findings demonstrate the urgent need to tackle this taboo and better equip organisations and managers to facilitate greater job satisfaction and wellbeing among female employees. Menopause is not simply a female issue." Dr Elaine O'Brien in University College Cork said: "Despite menopause now being openly discussed in today's society, there is very little focus on its impact on work and vice versa. Our Menopause in the workplace study finds that while some female employees discuss menopause with colleagues, only 12% do so with their managers. “Our study shines a light on this taboo topic and recommends key workplace interventions to improve menopausal employees' wellbeing and boost organisational productivity." A series of recommendations have been set out alongside the survey findings: Training and education programmes should be targeted at line managers, HR personnel and employees to remove the stigma associated with menopause; to demystify menopause symptom severity; and to develop skills and knowledge of peers to understand and manage menopause issues. Female workers should be offered greater flexibility when going through menopausal transition (e.g. start and finish times; time for medical appointments; temperature-adjustable work environments, hybrid working). Greater levels of job satisfaction enable menopausal women to better cope with exhaustion, so consideration should be given to ways of improving culture and communication. Provide access to specialist menopause consultants and health coaching to mitigate against symptoms. - Implement interventions that help alleviate exhaustion (eg meditative yoga sessions; self-help cognitive behavioural therapy; health promotion and awareness; sleep-hygiene advice. Ends  

Cuirfidh Mairéad Ní Fhlatharta, Amhránaí Cónaitheach Sean-nóis san ollscoil, tús leis an dara sraith de cheardlanna amhránaíochta ar an sean-nós in Ionad Léann na hÉireann, Dé Máirt 29 Deireadh Fómhair, in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe.   Beidh na ceardlanna a reachtáil ar an 5, 12 agus 19 Samhain i seomra seimineáir an Ionaid ar Bhóthar na Drioglainne ag a 6pm.   Is as Baile an tSléibhe sa Spidéal, Mairéad agus tá sí ag gabháil don amhránaíocht ó thosnaigh sí ag freastal ar ranganna sean-nóis sa Ghaelacadamh agus í seacht mbliana d’aois. I measc na múinteoirí a roinn a gcuid eolais léi go flaithiúil, bhí Pat Phádraic Tom Ó Conghaile agus Peatsai Ó Ceannabháin nach maireann. Chomh maith leis an oiliúint a fuair sí uathusan, tá anáil Sheosaimh Uí Éanaí agus Dharach Uí Chatháin le clos i nguth Mhairéide agus í ag amhrán. Ina dteannta san, luann sí féin an rian a d’fhág Dara Bán agus Caitlín Maude uirthi as a hóige.               Chuir an Dr Nessa Cronin, ó Ionad Léann na hÉireann, fáilte mhór roimh an dara sraith: “Bhí an-éileamh ar na ceardlanna an seimeastar seo caite “agus is deis iontach é dár mic léinn agus agus don phobal foghlaim ó Mhairéad, atá ag súil go mór a bheith ag casadh in bhur dteannta arís.”   Tá na ceardlanna saor in aisce agus beidh fáilte roimh chách.   Is iad Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta, An Chomhairle Ealaíon agus Ionad Léann na hÉireannaigh, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, a mhaoiníonn an tionscnamh seo.   Tuilleadh eolais ó Samantha Williams ag 091 492051 nó samantha.williams@universityofgalway.ie   Críoch  

Mairéad Ní Fhlatharta, the 2024 Sean-Nós Singer-in-Residence at University of Galway, will deliver the second series of sean-nós singing workshops, beginning Tuesday October 29th at 6pm.   The free weekly workshops will continue on November 5th, 12th and 19th at 6pm in the Seminar Room at the Centre for Irish Studies, Distillery Road, University of Galway.   From Baile an tSléibhe in Spiddal, Co Galway, Mairéad has been singing since she began attending classes at An Gaelacadamh at the age of seven. Amongst the teachers who shared their deep knowledge of the tradition with her, she mentions the formative influence of the late Pat Phádraic Tom Ó Conghaile and Peatsai Ó Ceannabháin. With their encouragement, she has also incorporated elements of the singing of Seosamh Ó hÉanaí and Darach Ó Catháin into her own distinctive style of singing. Mairéad also mentions Dara Bán and Caitlín Maude as seminal influences on her approach to sean-nós song.            Welcoming the second series, Dr Nessa Cronin of the Centre for Irish Studies said: “There was high demand for the workshops last semester and they are a fantastic opportunity for our students and the local community to learn from Mairéad, who is really looking forward to singing with everyone again.”   This project is funded by Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta and An Chomhairle Ealaíon in association with the Centre for Irish Studies at University of Galway.   For further information, contact Samantha Williams at 091 492051 or samantha.williams@universityofgalway.ie   Ends

University of Galway, Galway City Council and PorterShed have come together to host the 2024 Galway City Climathon. The one-day event is designed to allow attendees and experts to share and develop innovative ideas and actions and solutions to tackle local, urban challenges in Galway city. The 2024 Galway City Climathon takes place on Friday October 25th in the Emily Anderson Concert Hall, Quadrangle, from 9am to 4pm.             Frances Fahy, Director of University of Galway’s Ryan Institute, said: “For the ninth year in a row, the Ryan Institute, home to environmental research at University of Galway, is hosting the Climathon for Galway City. We are delighted to be inviting innovators, entrepreneurs, students and interested people from all sectors and communities across Galway city to join us on campus once again for this event. “This year our one-day event is a partnership involving Galway City Council, the University’s Sustainability Office and our long-term Climathon partners, the PorterShed. We are looking forward to hearing the many innovative and climate-positive ideas that emerge from the day to tackle local urban challenges in Galway City.”             Damien Redington, Climate Action Coordinator at Galway City Council, said: “Events like Climathon are vital in harnessing the creativity and innovation of our community. By bringing together bright minds from various sectors, Climathon empowers us to develop local solutions that can have a global impact. Galway is committed to being a leader in sustainability, and this event plays a key role in driving forward our climate action plan goals. I encourage everyone to participate and contribute to shaping a greener, more resilient future.” Initiated by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology Climate Knowledge Innovation Community (EIT Climate-KIC) Climathon is a global 24-hour climate change event which will take place simultaneously in major cities and this year the event aligns with Urban October and World Cities Day, global initiatives that highlight the critical role cities play in climate action. Galway City Climathon is part of an ongoing collaboration between University of Galway and Galway City Council, to inspire action and innovation in tackling local and global climate challenges. For more information or to register for Climathon 2024 visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/galway-city-climathon-2024-tickets-1029878713957  Ends

Clár oibre uaillmhianach don sármhaitheas taighde leagtha amach ag Ollscoil na Gaillimhe    Sheol an tAire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta, Patrick O’Donovan T.D., an Institiúid nua don Fhionnachtain agus Nuálaíocht Sláinte in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe go hoifigiúil inniu. Tugann an institiúid taighde nua seo breis agus 200 taighdeoir agus acadóir le chéile san Ollscoil chun obair cheannródaíoch a dhéanamh i dtuiscint galar agus i réitigh cúraim sláinte. Déanfaidh bailiúchán straitéiseach saineolais seo na hInstitiúide éascaíocht d'fhorbairt leanúnach taighde-bhunaithe in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, agus cuirfidh sé tuilleadh le stádas Mhórcheantar na Gaillimhe mar lárionad domhanda do theicneolaíocht an leighis a dhéanann cion tairbhe nach beag d'fhás an gheilleagair agus d'fhorbairt réigiúnach.  Féachfaidh an Institiúid don Fhionnachtain agus Nuálaíocht Sláinte le leas a bhaint as saineolas na hOllscoile san eolaíocht bhithleighis agus san innealtóireacht agus é a nascadh lenár láidreacht taighde i réimse an leighis.  Feidhmeoidh sí i gcomhar leis an Institiúid do Thrialacha Cliniciúla a seoladh in 2023 chomh maith le CÚRAM, an t-ionad d'fheistí leighis atá maoinithe ag Research Ireland-Taighde Éireann, agus BioInnovate, clár comhaltachta Thionscnamh na Nuálaithe de chuid Fhiontraíocht Éireann.  Bhí an méid seo le rá ag an Aire O’Donovan: "Tá an-áthas orm a bheith anseo inniu chun an Institiúid nua don Fhionnachtain agus Nuálaíocht Sláinte in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe a sheoladh go hoifigiúil. Tá breis agus 200 taighdeoir agus acadóir ag teacht le chéile sa tionscnamh ceannródaíoch seo chun ár dtuiscint faoi ghalair agus réitigh nuálaíocha cúraim sláinte a fhorbairt. “Cuirfidh an saineolas atá bailithe le chéile go straitéiseach faoi choimirce na hInstitiúide le forbairt faoi threoir taighde san Ollscoil agus láidreoidh sé an seasamh atá againn mar mhol domhanda don nuálaíocht i dteicneolaíocht an leighis.” Dúirt Uachtarán Eatramhach Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Peter McHugh: “Tá Ollscoil na Gaillimhe tiomanta do shárchaighdeán taighde mar bhuntaca an teagaisc agus na foghlama ón uair a bunaíodh í sna 1840í. Léiriú nua ar a uaillmhianaí is atáimid maidir leis an taighde is ea bunú na hInstitiúide don Fhionnachtain agus Nuálaíocht Sláinte mar aon leis an Institiúid do Thrialacha Cliniciúla ar cuireadh tús léi le gairid.  Cuirimid fáilte roimh an Aire O'Donovan agus tús an aistir nua seo á fhógairt aige. Tá uainn timpeallacht a chothú inar féidir úsáid a bhaint as buntaighde eolaíoch chun cóireálacha agus idirghabhálacha leighis a aimsiú a d'fhéadfadh saol an duine a athrú agus a bheidh chun leas na sochaí. Bheadh, ar an gcaoi sin, an misean atá againn freastal ar leas an phobail comhlíonta.”   Is é an tOllamh Ted Vaughan atá ina Stiúrthóir Eatramhach ar an Institiúid don Fhionnachtain agus Nuálaíocht Sláinte. Cuimseofar lena cuid oibre iomláine an taighde san eolaíocht bhithleighis agus innealtóireachta, buneolaíocht agus fionnachtain san áireamh, i réimsí cosúil le bitheolaíocht ailse; bitheolaíocht chille agus chromasóim; innealtóireacht bhithleighis agus teicneolaíochtaí leighis; leigheas athghiniúnach; néareolaíocht; diagnóisic; agus ardteiripic.    Fágfaidh acmhainn taighde nua na hollscoile go mbeifí in ann forbairtí úrnua san eolaíocht a chur chun tairbhe trialacha cliniciúla agus cúram sláinte trí dhlús a chur le soláthar teiripí agus réitigh leighis a bheidh idir cheannródaíoch agus, seans, suaiteach, mar aon leis an gcaoi a gcuirtear chun feidhme iad i gcás cóireáil in aghaidh galar.  Críoch   

University of Galway sets ambitious agenda of research excellence for public      Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan T.D. has today officially launched the new Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation at University of Galway.    The new research institute brings together more than 200 researchers and academics at the University to pioneer the understanding of disease, and solutions for healthcare.    The Institute’s strategic combination of expertise will facilitate sustained, research-led development at University of Galway, further positioning the Greater Galway region as the centre of Ireland’s global medtech hub and a significant contributor to economic growth and regional development.     The Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation will leverage the University’s expertise in biomedical science and engineering and combine it with our research strength in the field of medicine.     It will operate in close collaboration with the University’s Institute for Clinical Trials, which was launched in 2023, as well as CÚRAM, the Research Ireland-Taighde Éireann funded centre for medical devices, and BioInnovate, the fellowship programme under the Enterprise Ireland Innovators’ Initiative.    Minister O’Donovan said: “I am delighted to be here today to officially launch the new Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation at University of Galway. This groundbreaking initiative brings together over 200 researchers and academics to drive forward our understanding of disease and develop innovative healthcare solutions.    “The Institute’s strategic collaboration of expertise will not only advance research-led development at the University, but also strengthen our position as a global hub for medtech innovation.”    Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “Excellence in research has been the bedrock of teaching and learning at University of Galway since its foundation in the 1840s. The establishment of the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, alongside the recently established Institute for Clinical Trials marks a new level of ambition in our strategic approach to research.    “We welcome Minister O’Donovan to officially mark the beginning of this new journey as we create the environment to enable the translation of fundamental scientific research into potentially life-changing treatments and interventions that directly benefit society - fulfilling our mission to be here for public good.”    The Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation is led by Interim Director Professor Ted Vaughan. Its work will encompass the breadth of biomedical science and engineering research, including fundamental science and discovery, in areas such as cancer biology, cell and chromosome biology; biomedical engineering and medical technologies; regenerative medicine; neuroscience; diagnostics; and advanced therapeutics.     The new university research capacity will enhance the harnessing of scientific breakthroughs for the benefit of clinical trials and healthcare, by accelerating the provision of potentially disruptive and cutting-edge therapies and medical solutions, and how they are applied in the treatment of disease.    Ends 

Researchers at University of Galway are inviting the public to participate in a new cross-border Citizen Science survey and record sightings of red foxes in cities. The survey is particularly focused on the largest cities, both north and south - Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Derry and Waterford. Researchers aim to source as much valuable data as possible for conservation planning for the red fox and to find solutions for potential human-wildlife conflicts. Dr Colin Lawton of University of Galway’s School of Natural Sciences said: “These Citizen Science projects are a brilliant opportunity for us to tap into the wealth of knowledge and information that Irish people have about wildlife in their area. We would love to hear about any sighting or encounter with a fox, whether it is a regular garden visitor, or a chance meeting late at night!” In recent years, urban areas have become increasingly important to Ireland’s wildlife as animals move into expanding cities in search of food and shelter. Red foxes in particular have proved very adaptable and can successfully live out their lives in an urban environment. They are opportunistic animals that are known to thrive in built up areas due to the availability of food sources, such as discarded food, insects and fruit. They also hunt other urban animals such as rats, mice, and pigeons. Being nocturnal, they scavenge at night and seek daytime refuge in gardens, parks, and abandoned buildings.             Project Officer Jodie O’Regan said: “The ecology of urban foxes can often be very different from their rural counterparts, as the proximity of people and relative abundance of food causes them to change their behaviour, but they are the same species. Every record that we get in a citizen science project of this nature will make a difference in understanding urban fox distribution and behaviour and can shed light on the needs of the animals and the potential of cities to provide for them.” Members of the public can record their sightings using the Urban Fox Survey page, hosted by the National Biodiversity Data Centre https://biodiversityireland.ie/surveys/urban-fox-survey/ And if a fox frequently visits your property, please email urbanfoxsurvey@gmail.com. More information can be found on the survey on Facebook (@Urban Fox Survey), Instagram (@urbanfoxsurvey) and Twitter (@UrbanFoxSurvey). Ends

University of Galway’s Professor Siobhán Mullally supports study analysing effect of armed conflict in seven regions worldwide Armed conflict puts children at an increased risk of grave violations while their risk of being trafficked similarly increases, including in transitional period, a new UN study has revealed. The study – the first of its kind – was produced by the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, in close collaboration with the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, Professor Siobhán Mullally. Professor Mullally is the Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at University of Galway and was appointed Special Rapporteur by the UN Human Rights Council in July 2020.  The study analyses the links between child trafficking and the six grave violations against children caught up in war. They are recruitment and use, killing and maiming, rape and other forms of sexual violence, abduction, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access.               Professor Mullally said: “The study addresses a key gap in policy and practice on the protection of children in armed conflict, and limited attention has been given to child trafficking as a protection risk, or to the prevention of child trafficking and accountability, as priorities for sustainable peace. The lack of accountability for child trafficking further contributes to continuing cycles of impunity.”  Focus was on seven countries or geographic areas - Colombia, the Lake Chad basin in Africa, Libya, Myanmar, South Sudan, Syria, and Ukraine - and the report offers recommendations for ensuring greater protection and accountability.             Special Representative of the Secretary General, Virginia Gamba said: “What this study shows are the ways in which child trafficking overlaps and interacts with the six grave violations while mapping out legal and policy responses, which too often are done in silos.” Child trafficking in armed conflict takes many forms, including sexual exploitation and sexual slavery, child marriage, forced labour, recruitment and use in combat and support roles. It has long been used by parties to armed conflicts to control and terrorize communities and to support and sustain conflict. At the same time, grave violations are often part of the lead-up to, process of, or aftermath of child trafficking.  For example, denial of humanitarian access during wartime can make children more vulnerable to being trafficked. Furthermore, the Study found that the risks of child trafficking are deeply gendered. Whereas girls are most often targeted for sexual exploitation and child marriage, boys are more likely to be recruited for use in  hostilities, and sexual exploitation of boys is often under-reported. There also can be both internal and cross-border dimensions to child trafficking in armed conflict. The study recommended calls for full application of the non-punishment principle to emphasize that trafficked children are victims rather than accomplices, and early identification of victims is critical. Other recommendations underscore the importance of countries preventing child trafficking and ensuring long-term protection for victims, including through addressing poverty and gender inequality, ensuring universal registration of all children, and eliminating statelessness.   The study was launched at UN Headquarters on October 3rd, at an event co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Greece, Panama, Colombia and the Philippines, with Professor Siobhán Mullally and SRSG Virginia Gamba presenting on the research. The full text of the Report is published at: https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/virtual-library/documents/publications/ Ends

University of Galway to lead multi-institutional study in Europe, supported by Joint Programme Neurodegenerative Disease Research   A research project aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders has received €1.1 million in funding support by the European Union through the Joint Programme on Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND). The funding will spearhead a collaborative project, led by researchers at University of Galway, in partnership with institutions in Poland, Italy and Turkey. Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, present a significant challenge due to their debilitating nature. Marked by the gradual deterioration of nerve cells, these conditions severely impact a person’s quality of life and place a substantial burden on patients, families, and healthcare systems. The research will be led by Dr Kasia Whysall with Dr Leo Quinlan, Principal Investigators and Associate Professors at the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway. Dr Whysall said: “This research endeavours to seek to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, with a particular focus on Alzheimer’s Disease. “Specific proteins which accumulate as a result of the disease have been studied, however their regulation poses challenges. "This project aims to uncover valuable insights into the early pathological processes driving neurodegeneration. "Our research suggests that early changes in the function of enzymes known as V-ATPase, and how this affects lysosomes – a type of recycling centre in the body that helps cells function properly, could be a key target for intervention to restore metabolic balance. We also found that damage to these cell parts might make neurons more vulnerable, supporting our investigation into treatment strategies that target gene regulation." The research will be driven by the pressing need for early detection and effective interventions, and will employ cutting-edge technologies and collaborative partnerships to explore novel pathways for development of treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Central to the research will be the exploration of emerging biomarkers, including micro RNAs (miRs) and extracellular vesicles associated with these disorders and which hold promise as non-invasive indicators of disease onset and progression.             Dr Quinlan said: “Our goal is not only to identify potential biomarkers for early diagnosis, but also to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. By combining our research with innovative therapeutic strategies, we hope to make significant strides towards improving the lives of individuals affected by these devastating conditions.”             Professor Martin O’Donnell, Executive Dean for the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway, said: “In addition to its potential implications for future clinical practice, this project is an opportunity to transform the landscape of neurodegenerative research, offering new avenues for targeting interventions and personalised treatments. The research partnerships established as part of this research underscores the importance of global cooperation in addressing pressing health challenges.” Ends

As Ireland celebrates a century of diplomatic ties with the United States, University of Galway, Queen's University Belfast and University College Cork are partnering with the Irish Institute of Boston College to explore US-Ireland relations and peacebuilding. The three universities make up the former Queen's Colleges in Ireland – established in 1845 to offer education to all denominations. To mark the centenary and the historic links of the three institutions, a special conference is to take place at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin on Friday October 4th.  The all-island and transatlantic event will shine a light on US connections to peacebuilding during the Northern Ireland conflict; reconciliation on the island of Ireland, both north and south; and diplomatic relations with the US - one of the most important for the island. Among those taking part is former US Senator and peace envoy George Mitchell, who will open the conference with a video welcome message. The distinguished line-up of academic speakers and policy practitioners includes: Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, Former US Deputy National Security Advisor and former Ambassador at the United Nations Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern Professor Brendan O’Leary, University of Pennsylvania Professor Mary C. Murphy, Director of the Irish Institute, Boston College Lynsey Moore, Director of International Relations for the Northern Ireland Executive Office Brian Glynn, Managing Director for the Americas in the European External Action Service      The conference will address the potential future role of the US, especially in light of the upcoming 2024 US presidential election, along with the safeguarding of the Good Friday Agreement and supporting relations between the UK, Ireland, Northern Ireland and the EU. It will also celebrate the historic links between the three former Queen's Colleges in Ireland - University of Galway, Queen's University Belfast, and University College Cork - and the relaunch of the Irish Institute of Boston College. Professor Niall Ó Dochartaigh, Professor of Political Science at University of Galway, a 2024-25 Fulbright fellow researching US civil society peacemaking efforts during the Troubles at NYU, and one of the organisers of the conference, said: “Despite initial scepticism and resistance from many, the United States played a positive and significant role in the peace process of the 1990s and continues to play an important role today. “By bringing together practitioners who were directly involved and scholars researching US involvement, this conference will enhance our understanding of the US role in the past and the potential for the US to play a positive role into the future.” Professor Mary Murphy, Director of the Irish Institute, Boston College and one of the organisers of the conference, said: “Against an increasingly volatile and polarised global political landscape, the need to harness the lessons of the Northern Ireland peace process has never been more pressing. The Irish Institute at Boston College is very pleased to partner with colleagues from across the island of Ireland on this conference exploring the impact of US-Ireland relations and peacemaking.”  Dr Peter McLoughlin, a Director of Internationalisation at Queen’s University Belfast who also helped organise the event, added that: “Even the recent challenges of Brexit have shown the continued importance of the US in preserving peace on the island of Ireland. This conference provides an ideal opportunity to review that role and to consider future relationships between the island and the US in an ever more uncertain world.” For more information or to register for the conference visit https://tinyurl.com/bddjy3jv   Ends

New research shows that cooling during the last Ice Age over parts of the North Atlantic was up to 3˚C more severe than estimated An international research team led by University of Galway has discovered a new method to accurately measure past polar sea surface temperature changes and climate change. In a new study published in Nature Communications, Dr Audrey Morley, lecturer in Geography and Ryan Institute and iCRAG scientist at University of Galway, reveals how polar climate history can be detected by analysing the shells of foraminifera - microorganisms no bigger than a grain of sand. The scientists involved in the project describe the research method as invaluable, as it can be applied to new and previously published datasets worldwide to re-evaluate the magnitude and geographical extent of marine polar climate change. Dr Morley, lead author on the research paper, said: “In the future our new method will allow us to evaluate the ability of climate models to simulate polar amplified warming and cooling, which is especially important as climate model simulations targeting warmer than present climates have historically not captured the full extent of polar amplified warming. “This information will enable a major leap forward in our ability to assess the sensitivity of Arctic climate and its role and variability within the global climate system. This will lay the foundation for an improved understanding of climate change.” Foraminifera are small unicellular organisms which build a miniscule shell out of calcium carbonate and other elements available in seawater. In doing so, they record the chemistry and climate of seawater in their shell. At the end of their life, the empty shells sink to the seafloor and are deposited in sediment, like a marine archive year after year, millennia after millennia. Through analysis of the magnesium and calcium (Mg/Ca) preserved in the shells, scientists can get an indirect measure or ‘proxy’ of sea surface temperatures. These climate proxies allow scientists to reveal earth climate history from a few hundred years to billions of years ago and thereby improve an understanding of future climate change. However, in cold polar waters this method doesn’t work because it is compromised by the carbonate chemistry of seawater, leaving us without a tool to measure past marine polar climates. The new research method solves a long-standing problem in Arctic Climate Science. The team set out on several oceanographic cruises, including the Marine Institute’s RV Celtic Explorer in 2020, to collect living polar foraminifera together with the seawater that they lived in. This allowed the researchers to identify exactly how the carbonate chemistry of seawater impacts the temperature signal recorded in the magnesium and calcium Mg/Ca values of the tiny organism. The research showed that for polar foraminifera, the oxygen isotopes preserved in the shells can be used as a proxy for the carbonate chemistry of seawater and when measured together on fossil foraminifera, Mg/Ca and oxygen isotopes can be used to reveal past polar sea surface temperatures globally.  Dr Morley said: “For example, when applied to the last ice age, this method shows that current estimates of cooling over North Atlantic mid-latitudes have been underestimated by up to 3˚C. “Direct observations of sea surface temperatures in the Arctic are short and at best 150 years long. These short records leave us with a gap in our understanding and large uncertainties when predicting how future climate change will respond to rising greenhouse gas emissions. “To improve our understanding and reduce uncertainties we look to the past using climate proxies – such as the foraminifera. Yet, most proxies of essential climate variables, such as sea surface temperatures, suffer from limitations when applied to cold temperatures that characterise Arctic environments. “These limitations prevent us from constraining uncertainties for some of the most sensitive climate tipping points that can trigger rapid and dramatic global climate change. For example, the enhanced warming or cooling at high latitudes - also called Arctic/Polar Amplification; the disruption of heat transport by surface and deep ocean; sea ice loss; and permafrost melting, that are intrinsic to the polar regions.” The research was funded by MSCA-IF Project ARCTICO funded by the European Research Council, the Marine Institute of Ireland Research Programme 2014-2020, Science Foundation Ireland Frontiers for the Future Project, and Grant in Aid funding from the Marine Institute for research expedition CE20009 on the RV Celtic Explorer. Read the full study in Nature Communications here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53424-w Ends