News Archive

Cuirfidh Máirín Mhic Lochlainn, Ealaíontóir Cónaithe Scéalaíochta, tús leis an dara sraith de cheardlanna scéalaíochta in Ionad Léann na hÉireann, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe.    Tá na cúig ceardlanna saor in aisce agus beidh fáilte roimh chách. Beidh na ceardlanna ar siúl Dé Céadaoin ag 7pm, ag tosnú ar 27 Meán Fómhair, in Ionad Léann na hÉireann ar Bhóthar na Drioglainne, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe.   Ceapadh Máirín mar Ealaíontóir Cónaithe Scéalaíochta in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe i mí Eanáir 2023. Tá sí tiomanta chun ceird na scéalaíochta a fhorbairt agus cleachtadh aici ar cheardlanna scéalaíochta a stiúradh ar fud na hÉireann. Ba aoi speisialta í ag an bhFéile Idirnáisiúnta Scéalaíochta ar Oileán Chléire i mbliana.    Bhí an méid seo le rá ag an Ollamh Louis de Paor, Stiúrthóir Ionad Léann na hÉireann: “Tá Máirín i measc na n-ealaíontóirí is cumasaí dá bhfuil ag plé leis na healaíona béil in Éirinn. Is deis iontach é seo mar sin d’éinne a bhfuil suim acu sa scéalaíocht dúchais.”   Is iad Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, agus Ionad Léann na hÉireann, Ollscoil na Gaillimh, a mhaoiníonn an tionscnamh seo.   Tuilleadh eolais ó Samantha Williams ag 091 512428 nó samantha.williams@universityofgalway.ie.    Críoch

University of Galway’s Storyteller-in-residence Máirín Mhic Lochlainn will deliver the second series of story-telling workshops at the University.    The five workshops, which will be delivered through Irish, are free and open to the public and will run every Wednesday, beginning on September 27, at 7pm at the Centre for Irish Studies, 4 Distillery Road, University of Galway.     Máirín has won several awards for story-telling including Corn Neidí Frainc at the Oireachtas festival. Developing the craft of story-telling is a mission for Máirín and she has conducted workshops in story-telling throughout Ireland, Wales and Denmark. She was a special guest at this year’s Cape Clear International Storytelling Festival.    Professor Louis de Paor, Director of the Centre for Irish Studies at University of Galway, said: “Máirín is one of the most accomplished performers working in the vernacular arts tradition here in Ireland. This is a marvelous opportunity therefore for anyone interested in the Irish language storytelling tradition.”   This project is funded by Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta and The Arts Council, in association with the Centre for Irish Studies at University of Galway.   Further information available from Samantha Williams at 091-492051 or samantha.williams@universityofgalway.ie.    Ends

Researchers have developed a new interactive game to explain to cancer patients how they can contribute to life-saving research.   The game brings the player or patient on a journey through the processes involved in donating samples, the recording and confidentiality of data and the types of research supported by the Cancer Biobank - an initiative of University of Galway and Saolta University Health Care Group, supported by the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.   The Cancer Biobank is located at University of Galway. It houses samples from patients which can be used in research to study how cancer develops and progresses and how cells respond to treatment.   The new Cancer Biobanking Game is designed as a fun, engaging and interactive way for people to better understand why the donation of samples is important.    Throughout the game, users will learn how the process works and how research using donated, or biobanked, samples may support improvements in healthcare, helping scientists to discover new and better treatments and ways of detecting diseases earlier.   Dr Nicola Miller, Co-Director Cancer Biobank and lecturer with University of Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, said: “Despite improvements in survival, cancer remains a very common and complex disease, and participating in biobanking is a way to contribute to research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.    “Patients and members of the public who participate in biobanking trust that their samples are used in high quality research. Only through working together, sharing our expertise and communicating with patients can we provide this high-quality resource for essential research. We need - and want - patients, clinicians, and researchers to be informed, supported, and valued for their role in biobanking.    “The value is in the information that comes with the samples. How we communicate with patients and healthy donors can influence their understanding around informed consent to use their samples and clinical information. How we manage the information and donated samples with respect to data protection and research ethics is vital to ensuring high-quality, reproducible research. No one can do it alone – and no one should.   “Taking samples is a routine part of investigating and treating many diseases, including cancer and the biobanking game describes how they can be used for future research. All patient data is anonymised, and no data is used without the consent of the participant, including access hospital records and patient treatment plans.”    The Cancer Biobanking Game is complimented by several videos, available in English and Irish, which introduce the Cancer Biobank, explaining how samples and data are collected, stored and used in research and outlining consent and data protection.    For more information visit or to access the game visit https://www.universityofgalway.ie/biobank/   Ends   

University of Galway has been awarded funding for 29 postgraduate scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships under the Irish Research Council’s flagship Government of Ireland programmes. The successful projects were announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris T.D., as part of a €24.6m funding investment to support rising researchers and pioneering projects.  The IRC’s Government of Ireland scheme supports top early-career researchers who are based in Ireland’s higher education and research institutions.  The University of Galway projects, which included 19 scholarships and 10 fellowships, will conduct research on a wide range of topics, including: An investigation into technology-facilitated sexual violence and emergent violence against women The protection of irregular migrants in immediate return cases What factors impact on Irish post-primary teachers’ understandings of intercultural education? Risk factors and blood biomarkers for preclinical dementia Investigating chromosome segregation and fertility in Drosophila male germline Fingerprinting abrupt climate change in the West of Ireland Assessing the socio-cultural effects of noise from offshore windfarms on coastal soundscapes Biomaterial enhanced cellular brain repair for Parkinson's disease Professor Jim Livesey, Vice-President Research and Innovation at University of Galway, said: “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to our postdoctoral and postgraduate researchers for their innovative projects. I have no doubt that our talented group of 29 postgraduate scholars and postdoctoral fellows will contribute greatly to critical societal needs through their multi-disciplinary research that will have a positive impact across all sectors of society.” Three of the projects awarded scholarships are made in collaboration with and funded by partner agencies including Environmental Protection Agency and Met Éireann. Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme awardees and projects from University of Galway include:  Audrey Walsh  - Women, Natural Sciences and Art in Nineteenth Century Ireland’s Botanical Heritage                                        Clara Bosch March - The protection of irregular migrants in immediate return cases: the judicial dialogue around Article 4 of Protocol No. 4 ECHR between the European Court of Human Rights, Spain and Italy  Federica Brescia - Gold(III)-glycoconjugates as antiviral agents against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2): from rational design to biological evaluations  Francesca McDonagh - Oral colonisation with pathobionts amongst patients with a diagnosis of treatment resistant schizophrenia.  Gregory Harris - What factors impact on Irish post-primary teachers’ understandings of intercultural education? Lorraine Hayman - Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence: A Multi-Site Case Study in Ireland of Emergent Violence Against Women  Maria Redmond - Investigation of the endocannabinoid system as a novel therapeutic target for anxiety, depression and impaired cognition associated with chronic wounds  Martin Mulligan - Risk factors and blood biomarkers for preclinical dementia Moman Khan – Generating the Haploid inducer line in perennial ryegrass using CRISPR/Cas9, targeting the MATL gene Nazanin Fereidouni - A systematic study on the structure-property relationships of multi-component pharmaceutical materials  Oliver Brockmann - Operationalising Critical Pedagogy in Irish and German Social Work Classrooms: An International Comparative Ethnographic Study Paris Weavers - Mechanisms of Senescence-Induced Somatic Cell Reprogramming Rachel Keegan - Investigating chromosome segregation and fertility in Drosophila male germline Saoirse Ryan - Biomaterial enhanced cellular brain repair for Parkinson's disease  Shauna Mulligan - Wartime Slavery and Race in the United States and Nazi Germany during the 1860s and 1940s: A Comparison of Robert Allston’s Chicora Wood Plantation in South Carolina (1861-1865) with Hans Aumeier’s Klooga Concentration Camp in Nazi Estonia (1941-1945) Sofiia Tretiak - Optimization the existing and developing novel techniques for the extraction and separation of the seaweed-derived polysaccharides and polyphenols Christopher Stewart, in collaboration with Met Éireann - Fingerprinting abrupt climate change in the West of Ireland: A high-resolution timeline of deglaciation and landscape evolution in West Mayo Eugene McKeown, in collaboration with Environmental Protection Agency - Assessing the socio-cultural effects of noise from offshore windfarms on coastal soundscapes Garreth Gibney, in collaboration with Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Change, Health Outcomes and Adaptation: A micro-econometric analysis of factors mediating the health impacts of extreme temperatures in a temperate climate and implications for health inequalities under various climate change scenarios.  Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme awardees and projects from University of Galway include:  Amir Abdo - Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species-shielding and carbon monoxide  generating microgels for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer Christian Schweizer - Dicuil – an Irish and Carolingian Universalist and his Intellectual Legacy (DICUIL) Christopher McCann - Ag seinm a rúnphort/Playing his secret tune: Music in the fiction of Máirtín Ó Cadhain Clíona de Bhailís - Exploring young people who use non-traditional communication opportunities to access supported decision making under the Assisted Decision Making Capacity Act 2015 Ilze Skujina - First in vitro comparison of time-dependant DNA damage response in short-lived Molossus molossus and long-lived Myotis myotis bat fibroblasts to ionizing radiation exposure and comparison to model organisms Lara Rodríguez Outeirino - Therapeutic modulation of miR-106b-5p in muscle stem cells in ageing and motor neuron disease Omnia Zayed - Glór: A Holistic Approach to Social Media Language Analysis Patrick Mahoney - Cowboys, Colonialism and Ceol Tíre: Consuming American Western Culture in Ireland since 1922 Shaima Magdaline - Modelling Shear Shock Waves in the Brain with Machine Learning Sogol Moradian - State-of-the-art early-warning flood prediction system for Ireland: design, implementation and computational modules For more information about the Irish Research Council, visit www.research.ie. 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University of Galway is next week hosting its first SDG Week to increase awareness, engagement and action to help achieve the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).   Organised by the University’s staff and students, SDG Week will run from September 18 to 23, as part of the wider European Sustainable Development Week, which this year, will be held from September 18 to October 8.   The inaugural SDG Week has been organised on the back of national and international recognition of the progress being made in the University in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals including being ranked 34th in the world and number one university in Ireland by the THE Impact Rankings for its efforts in progressing the SDGs. The University was also ranked 5th in the world for its progress on SDG 12: Sustainable Consumption and Production. Earlier this year, the Government of Ireland designated University of Galway as a national SDG Champion.   Events next week include a mix of student and staff-led events, from seminars to seed sowing, an environmental summit, poster presentations, workshops, a quiz night, a guided walk and a community recycling day.   As part of SDG week, the University are also launching a new SDG Trail for the campus to showcase, share and promote efforts made to develop the campus as a living lab for best practice in embedding the SDGs. By walking the trail, participants can learn about the 17 SDGs and gain insights into the scale and breadth of projects and initiatives taking place across the University that are progressing the SDGs. The SDG Trail demonstrates that action is needed at local, national and international level to achieve the SDGs.    SDG Week is an opportunity for the university to act as an advocate and promoter of the SDGs, to raise awareness internally among the community of over 20,000 students and staff, and to demonstrate by example that everyone can contribute to the UN SDGs.   University of Galway's Sustainability Officer Michelle O’Dowd Lohan said: “At University of Galway, we are critically aware of the leading role that universities can play in the achievement of the SDGs and our vision is to be a leader in the transition to a sustainable future. SDG Week is an opportunity to raise awareness of the SDGs and share our learnings and experiences with others so we can all make a difference by integrating them into our work and daily activities. The week belongs to everyone and is open to all, including students, staff and community partners.”   For more information on the range of events happening throughout the week visit www.universityofgalway.ie/sdgweek.   For more information on the SDG Trail visit www.universityofgalway.ie/sdgtrail.   Ends

University of Galway has been praised for the standards of cleanliness and upkeep of the campus as part of the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey. Carried out by An Taisce, the IBAL review takes place each year with spot checks across the country and towns and cities ranked for their appearance, the presence of litter and the impression created for visitors and tourists. The IBAL report scored University of Galway’s campus a Grade A, noting: “A beautiful environment which was not just excellent with regard to litter but lovingly tended and maintained. All aspects within the campus were in very good order eg picnic tables, bicycle parking, paving, planted areas etc. It was great to see the opportunity to recycle with recycling bins incorporated into regular litter bins. Clearly this is a very well-respected environment.” Galway City Council, Director Services, Patrick Greene, has written to the University to share the appreciation of the local authority for supporting the city to achieve an enhanced IBAL rating and positive publicity for the city as a location for business and leisure. President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “Our University community makes great effort to showcase our beautiful riverside, city campus and we are thrilled that these endeavours are recognised by IBAL, Galway City Council and An Taisce. One of our core values is openness and a key element of that is ensuring that our campus is welcoming and somewhere for people to visit and enjoy, whether they are students, visitors or tourists or those living and working in and around the city. University of Galway is well regarded as one of the most biodiverse university campuses and it is great credit to the teams of people who manage, maintain and tend to our environment that their efforts are marked in the IBAL survey and report. I would like to congratulate all the University staff, particularly those in our Buildings and Estates team, for their hard work and the pride they take in making our campus look and feel so welcoming.” Ends

CÚRAM, the SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices at University of Galway, in collaboration with the National Breast Cancer Research Institute, will mark World Cancer Research Day with a special screening of the documentary ‘The People There to Catch Us’.  The screening will take place on Sunday September 24 at the Town Hall Theatre, Galway at 4.30pm. ‘The People There to Catch Us’ tells the story of Tom Hope and Rachel O’Mahony, two cancer survivors who work alongside researchers at CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices at University of Galway and Precision Oncology Ireland (POI), to help improve the lives of others living with the disease. The documentary shines a light on the lived experience of cancer survivors, their contribution to research and the ongoing work of research centres like CÚRAM and Precision Oncology Ireland that will shape how cancer will be treated in the future. Speaking about the screening, Dr Róisín Dwyer, CÚRAM and POI Investigator, University of Galway, who features in the film, said: “I’m delighted that we are giving Galway audiences a chance to see this film, and to show them the research that is ongoing on their own doorstep. Our research is patient-focused and we are privileged to work so closely with patient advocates like Rachel who has contributed to our research at University of Galway over several years. This film is a celebration of the power of collaboration, highlighting that we can achieve so much more when we all work together.”   The documentary was produced by Ronan Cassidy of Carbonated Comet and directed by Luke Brabazon under CÚRAM’s Science on Screen public engagement programme.  The film features Dr Róisín Dwyer, CÚRAM and POI Investigator, University of Galway; Professor William Gallagher, POI Deputy Director, UCD Conway Institute and Co-Lead, All-Island Cancer Research Institute; and Professor Walter Kolch, POI Director, and Director of Systems Biology Ireland, UCD, all of whom are focused on personalised cancer research at Precision Oncology Ireland. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with film participants Dr Róisín Dwyer, patient advocates Tom Hope and Rachel O’Mahony, Consultant Breast Surgeon Professor Aoife Lowery, and the film’s director, Luke Brabazon. Claire Riordan, Public Engagement Manager with CÚRAM, said: “Screenings like this allow us to have important conversations about research outside of the lab with the people that will be affected by it. We want to provide opportunities for people to learn both about the research and the lived experience of the conditions that are highlighted in the film.” Patrick Casey, National Breast Cancer Institute Operations Manager, said: “National Breast Cancer Research Institute are thrilled to co-host the upcoming screening of ‘The People There to Catch Us’. We felt it important to be able to make the film freely accessible to the generous supporters and advocates of our charity. The documentary focuses on the real-life journey of cancer survivors, their valuable contributions to research, and the continuous efforts of research centres, and we believe this is a group opportunity for our stakeholders to come along and watch the film and partake in the interactive Q&A session. “The timing of this screening is no coincidence, as it takes place on World Cancer Research Day. This day serves as a global reminder of our shared responsibility to drive forward the frontiers and promote awareness of cancer research. This aligns with our vision to have a real and measurable impact on outcomes for breast cancer patients.” Admission is free but registration is required to secure a place at the event, https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-people-there-to-catch-us-a-screening-for-world-cancer-research-day-tickets-708819075937?aff=oddtdtcreator Ends

A University of Galway academic has called for new Irish and EU laws, and billion euro fines, to criminalise social media companies who fail to tackle cyber violence against women.   Associate Professor Tom Felle, Discipline of Journalism at University of Galway, addressed the Oireachtas Taskforce on Safe Participation in Political Life today (September 7), citing research findings and recommendations from University of Galway research into cyber violence against female politicians. The research highlights the rampant prevalence of cyber violence, its impact and urgent policy responses which are needed to ensure a safe and inclusive political landscape.   Cyber violence against women, particularly those in the political sphere, has become alarmingly pervasive, fuelled by the mainstream integration of social media. This abuse ranges from derogatory comments to threats of violence and rape, significantly impacting mental well-being, participation, and representation of women in Irish public life.   Associate Professor Felle said: “International research shows that the overwhelming majority of perpetrators are male, often utilising the relative anonymity of the online environment to engage in aggressive behaviour. The lack of consistent platform policies and enforcement mechanisms complicates addressing this issue effectively.”   The University of Galway research is based on qualitative interviews with 78 participants, including current and former members of the Oireachtas and local councillors across political parties.    The research found:   Approximately 96 per cent received abusive social media or electronic messages containing hate speech, foul language, and inappropriate comments. 73 per cent faced threats of physical violence, with 38 per cent subjected to threats of rape or sexual violence. 28 per cent reported being verbally abused in public, including disturbing incidents like faeces being thrown and threats of acid attacks One in five say they have considered quitting politics due to online harassment, highlighting the chilling effect of cyber violence   Associate Professor Felle added: “We need a comprehensive approach, including educational initiatives that emphasise digital literacy, critical thinking, and appropriate online behaviour. This should extend to schools and society to promote respectful online engagement. There is an urgent need to enforce existing laws to hold perpetrators accountable for online abuse and threats.   “At national and EU level legislators need to make social media platforms criminally responsible for allowing misogynistic content and threats to thrive – including hitting them in their pockets with billion euro fines. Clear and consistent policies against hate speech and harassment should be enforced.   “Failure to address cyber violence against women in politics could lead to a perpetuation of inequality and silencing of women's voices, undermining gender equality and democratic principles.”   For more information on the Oireachtas Taskforce please see https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/office-holders/ceann-comhairle/task-force-on-safe-participation-in-political-life/.    Ends 

University of Galway has heralded the achievements of students and alumna competing in the 2023 World Rowing Championships. The rowers have been taking to the water this week in Belgrade, Serbia as they chase medals and chart a path to the Paris Olympics in 2024. Brian Colsh has competed in the Men’s Quadruple; Fiona Murtagh and Aifric Keogh, alumna of the University, teamed up in the Women’s Pair; and Fionnán McQuillan-Tolan took to the water in the Men’s Four.  Deputy President and Registrar Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh said: “On behalf of our University community, I’d like to send a message of congratulations to all of our rowers competing in the World Championships and also as they set down a marker for the Olympics. Competing on the world stage is a truly remarkable achievement for any young athlete and our University is right behind them. We take great pride in celebrating the achievements of our students, as well as our staff, whether that’s in research breakthroughs, community engagement, volunteering, academic achievement and international competition. It is a great delight for us to herald such sporting achievements.”  Mike Heskin, Director of Sport at University of Galway, said: “Our rowers are fantastic ambassadors for University of Galway but also the sport of rowing and Ireland. We put huge effort into rowing at the University and making use of the Corrib in Galway, as well as the coaching and mentoring of the University’s High Performance Unit and our wider support staff. We are looking forward to a great academic year of competition and success for our students and we are thrilled to see so many of our students and alumna competing and challenging at the highest level in the sport of rowing. It is a great testament to their talent and dedication and the support they receive at the University.”  Racing commenced on September 3 and runs right through the week until Sunday September 10. The 2023 World Rowing Championships are the first opportunity for rowers to qualify Ireland for the 2024 Paris Olympics.  Ends 

Adam Harris, Founder and chief executive of Ireland’s national autism charity AsIAm, has today officially opened University of Galway’s new Multi-Sensory Room, designed to make the campus more inclusive and sensory-friendly. The Multi-Sensory Room was designed in consultation with students and specialist staff and in collaboration with an architect, and is equipped with interactive and integrated lighting, visual, vibroacoustic and sound effects that create an immersive and customisable sensory experience for students. The room is designed to be a safe space for students to self-regulate by adjusting their sensory environment. Users will be able to choose from a range of calming or stimulating, integrated lighting, sound and vibroacoustic arrangements, to suit their sensory needs, and unwind on comfortable furniture. Soft furnishings and sensory stress-relieving items complete the experience, enabling students to feel regulated and supporting their engagement in college life. Adam Harris said: “Autistic people, and other neurodivergent people, face barriers to accessing education which are often invisible to others but which prevent our community from enjoying the same chance. Some 3.38% of children in school today now have an Autism diagnosis and there is also a significant increase in the number of adults accessing assessment. It is so important that higher level education institutions are accessible for our community and that environmental barriers do not prevent students from thriving and contributing. AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity, is delighted to be working with HEIs across the country as part of our Autism Friendly HEI Award and we warmly congratulate the University of Galway on the launch of their sensory space - this investment will no doubt support more students to access the University, enrich the experience of those already enrolled and also act as an educational tool for all on campus in terms of understanding and accepting difference.” University of Galway Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Helen Maher, said:  “'Inclusivity is a priority for the University to create equal opportunities and conditions for all, and we are focused on assisting those most in need. This space is part of University of Galway’s wider efforts to accommodate and make the campus more accessible for students with additional needs.  “We need to ensure that our students experience at University of Galway is an enjoyable and positive one, and accessibility and student involvement were key considerations throughout the design of this space. Universities can be a crowded and noisy environment which can impact learning and work, especially for neurodiverse students, so the aim of the new Multi-Sensory Room is to provide a safe space where users can relax and stimulate their senses in a controlled manner.”  The opening of the multi-sensory room in the Arts Millennium Building forms part of University of Galway’s suite of indoor and outdoor initiates designed to provide sensory friendly spaces and to create a more inclusive campus. Previous initiatives on that theme include the Cubbie Sensory Hub, a multi-sensory, safe space for students and staff; the introduction of the JAM Card©, which allows people with communication challenges to discreetly and easily tell others they need 'Just A Minute'; outdoor study pods; sensory garden; relaxation room; and an initiative to map the accessibility of campus footpaths and building surrounds. Head of University of Galway’s Access Centre Imelda Byrne said: “The launch of the new multi-sensory room is another important step in University of Galway’s ongoing commitment to create an inclusive campus environment for our diverse student body. In the academic year 2022/23, there were over 1,600 students registered for support with the Access Centre’s disability support service. Inclusive spaces such as the new multi-sensory provide an important safe space for our neurodiverse students and ensure these supports are built into the very fabric of the University’s built environment.” Izzy Tiernan, Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer, University of Galway Students’ Union, said: “The creation and opening of a new multi-sensory room in the Arts Millennium Building is sure to become a valuable asset for neurodivergent students, as well as the wider student body. In a world that is designed and built for neurotypical people, having safe, quiet and accessible spaces for students of different abilities is essential to creating an inclusive campus environment. As an autistic person myself, I am extremely excited to utilise the new space to take a few minutes out during the day to regulate my emotions, clear my mind and make life just that little bit easier.” The establishment of the multi-sensory room project was supported by the Higher Education Authority's Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) Strategic Project scheme (2021-2022) and the HEA PATH 4 Phase 1 funding scheme (2022-23).  Ends

Is é Adam Harris, bunaitheoir agus príomhfheidhmeannach AsIAm, arb é carthanas uathachais náisiúnta na hÉireann é, a d’oscail Seomra Ilchéadfach nua Ollscoil na Gaillimhe go hoifigiúil inniu, agus é de chuspóir ag an seomra nua go mbeidh an campas níos cuimsithí agus níos báúla dóibh siúd a bhfuil deacrachtaí acu le próiseáil chéadfach. Chuathas i gcomhairliúchán le mic léinn agus le sainchomhaltaí foirne le linn don Seomra Ilchéadfach a bheith á dhearadh, agus i gcomhar le hailtire, agus i measc an trealamh atá ann tá soilsiú idirghníomhach agus comhtháite, agus éifeachtaí físe, crithfhuaime agus fuaime. Fágann na gnéithe sin gur timpeallacht í ina gcuirtear eispéireas céadfach atá idir thumthach agus inoiriúnaithe ar fáil do mhic léinn.  Dearadh an seomra le bheith ina spás sábháilte féinrialála do mhic léinn ina mbeidh siad in ann a dtimpeallacht chéadfach a choigeartú. Beidh úsáideoirí in ann rogha a dhéanamh idir raon comhtháite soilse agus socruithe fuaime agus crithfhuaimíochta, idir shuaimhneach agus spreagúil. Beidh siad in ann freastal a dhéanamh ar an gcaoi sin ar a gcuid riachtanas céadfach féin agus a scíth a ligean ar throscán compordach. Tá feistis bhog agus míreanna céadfacha a thugann faoiseamh ó strus sa seomra chomh maith, rud a chuireann ar chumas na mac léinn iad féin a rialáil agus tacú lena rannpháirtíocht i saol an choláiste.   Bhí an méid seo le rá ag Adam Harris, Bunaitheoir agus Príomhfheidhmeannach AsIAm, carthanas náisiúnta uathachais na hÉireann:“Tá bacainní le sárú acu siúd a bhfuil uathachas orthu, agus ag daoine néar-éagsúla eile, agus iad ag iarraidh rochtain a fháil ar oideachas. Is minic nach bhfuil na deacrachtaí sin infheicthe do dhaoine eile ach cuireann siad bac ar ár bpobal na deiseanna céanna a thapú. Tá diagnóis an Uathachais faighte ag 3.38% de leanaí scoile an lae inniu agus méadú suntasach tagtha freisin ar líon na ndaoine fásta atá ag dul faoi mheasúnú. Tá sé chomh tábhachtach go mbeadh rochtain ag ár bpobal ar na hinstitiúidí ardoideachais agus nach gcuirfeadh bacainní comhshaoil srian ar mhic léinn ó bheith rathúil ná ó chion a dhéanamh do shaol na hinstitiúide. Tá an-áthas ar AsIAm, Carthanas Náisiúnta Uathachais na hÉireann, a bheith ag obair le hinstitiúidí ardoideachais ar fud na tíre mar chuid dár nGradam HEI do na hinstitiúidí sin atá báúil don uathachas. Déanaimid comhghairdeas ó chroí le hOllscoil na Gaillimhe as a spás céadfach a sheoladh - níl aon dabht ach go dtacóidh an infheistíocht seo le níos mó mic léinn rochtain a fháil ar an Ollscoil, go ndéanfaidh sí saibhriú ar eispéireas iad siúd atá cláraithe cheana féin agus go bhfeidhmeoidh sí chomh maith mar uirlis oideachais don champas trí chéile maidir le héagsúlacht a thuiscint, agus glacadh léi.” Dúirt Helen Maher, Leas-Uachtaráin Comhionannais, Éagsúlachta agus Cuimsithe Ollscoil na Gaillimhe:  “'Tosaíocht don Ollscoil is ea an chuimsitheacht le go mbeidh deiseanna agus riochtaí atá cothrom do chách, agus táimid dírithe ar chúnamh a thabhairt dóibh siúd is mó a dteastaíonn sé uathu. Gné amháin d’iarrachtaí Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ar bhonn níos leithne is ea an spás seo chun freastal ar mhic léinn a bhfuil riachtanais bhreise acu, agus an campas a dhéanamh níos inoiriúnaithe dóibh. “Ní mór dúinn a chinntiú go mbeidh eispéireas taitneamhach agus dearfach ag ár mic léinn anseo in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, agus féachadh go sonrach don inrochtaineacht agus do rannpháirtíocht mac léinn nuair a bhí an spás seo a dhearadh. Tá Ollscoileanna in ann a bheith ina dtimpeallachtaí plódaithe agus callánacha, rud atá in ann cur isteach ar chúrsaí foghlama agus oibre, go mór mór do mhic léinn néar-éagsúla. An aidhm atá ag an Seomra Ilchéadfach nua spás sábháilte a chur ar fáil do mhic léinn inar féidir leo a scíth a ligean agus a gcéadfaí a spreagadh ar bhealach rialaithe.” Áirítear oscailt an tseomra ilchéadfaigh in Áras Dán na Mílaoise leis an réimse tionscadal, idir faoi dhíon agus faoin aer, a dearadh chun spásanna a chur ar fáil dóibh siúd a bhfuil deacrachtaí acu le próiseáil chéadfach agus chun campas níos cuimsithí a chruthú.   I measc na tionscadail atá curtha i bhfeidhm cheana féin sa chomhthéacs sin, tá Spás Céadfach Cubbie, ar spás sábháilte ilchéadfach é do mhic léinn agus don fhoireann; tabhairt isteach an Chárta JAM© a ligeann dóibh siúd a bhfuil deacrachtaí cumarsáide acu insint do dhaoine eile go dteastaíonn nóiméad uathu; faighneoga staidéar lasmuigh; gairdín céadfach; seomra scíthe; agus togra ina ndearnadh inrochtaineacht cosán agus foirgneamh a mhapáil.   Seo mar a labhair Imelda Byrne, Ceann an Ionaid Rochtana in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Fágann seoladh an tseomra ilchéadfaigh nua go bhfuil céim thábhachtach eile tógtha ag Ollscoil na Gaillimhe agus an tiomantas leanúnach atá déanta aici timpeallacht campais cuimsitheach a chruthú dá cuid mac léinn éagsúil á chomhlíonadh aici. Bhí breis agus 1,600 mac léinn cláraithe le haghaidh tacaíochta le seirbhís tacaíochta míchumais an Ionaid Rochtana sa bhliain acadúil 2022/23. Spás sábháilte tábhachtach is ea an seomra ilchéadfach nua dár mic léinn néar-éagsúla agus cinntíonn forbairtí cosúil leis seo go bhfuil na tacaíochtaí seo ina gcuid de thimpeallacht thógtha na hOllscoile.   Dúirt Izzy Tiernan, Leas-Uachtarán/Oifigeach Leasa agus Comhionannais, Comhaltas na Mac Léinn Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Is cinnte go mbainfidh mic léinn néar-éagsúla, agus mic léinn na hollscoile trí chéile, an-leas as an seomra ilchéadfach nua in Áras Dán na Mílaoise. Is minic nach leagtar suntas sa ghnáthshaol ar riachtanais iad siúd atá néar-éagsúil agus is den riachtanas é go mbeadh spásanna sábháilte, ciúine agus inrochtana ar fáil do mhic léinn a bhfuil cumais éagsúla acu má tá uainn timpeallacht campais cuimsitheach a chruthú. Is duine le huathachas mé féin agus atá mé ag súil go mór leas a bhaint as an spás nua agus sos beag a bheith agam i rith an lae le go mbeidh deis agam mo mhothúcháin a rialú agus m’intinn a shuaimhniú, rud a fhágfaidh go ndéanfar an chuid eile den lá níos éasca orm.”   Fuair tionscadal an tseomra ilchéadfach tacaíocht ó scéim Tionscadail Straitéisigh (2022-23) an Chiste do Mhic Léinn faoi Mhíchumas (FSD) de chuid an Údaráis um Ard-Oideachas agus ó scéim mhaoinithe Chéim 1 de PATH 4 an ÚAO.   Críoch

Two University of Galway academic researchers have secured prestigious grant awards from the European Research Council to pursue scientific research on evolution and breast cancer.  Dr Eoin McEvoy, an Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Dr James Gahan, who takes up an Associate Professorship in chromosome biology in 2024.  The scientists are among eight academics and researchers based in Ireland to be approved for an ERC Starting Grant 2023 and among 400 across Europe. ERC Starting Grants are awarded over a five year period.  These awards are part of the EU’s Horizon Europe programme and designed to support excellent Principal Investigators who have demonstrated the ground-breaking nature, ambition and feasibility of their research proposal and are at a stage in their career when they are starting their own independent research team or programme. Dr James Gahan is currently a Research fellow at the University of Oxford and based at the Michael Sars Centre at the University of Bergen in Norway as a visiting researcher. He takes up an Associate Professor role in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and Centre for Chromosome Biology at University of Galway in April 2024 when the ERC Starting Grant commences. Dr Gahan said: “My research focuses on the very earliest stages of animal evolution, namely how organisms went from being single celled to being composed of many different types of cells with different functions. To study this I work on choanoflagellates, which are small marine organisms, and the closest living relatives to animals. The ERC starting grant is a huge moment for my research and career and will allow me to build a team working on these questions with the resources to do truly excellent science.” Dr Eoin McEvoy is an Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering, whose research work under the ERC Starting Grant will focus on uncovering why tumour growth is sensitive to physical pressure and overcoming related drug resistance. Dr McEvoy said: “Breast cancer remains the second most common cause of cancer-related death in Irish women. This project will develop a new way to diagnose and treat cancer by analysing the physical forces that contribute to tumour growth and drug resistance. By creating computer models and analysing tissue from cancer patients, our team will develop a better understanding of how physical pressure can both prevent tumour progression and reduce drug efficacy. Ultimately, the project aims to create a personalised healthcare tool to predict cancer and treatment outcomes, leading to more effective patient-specific diagnosis and treatment.” Ends

University of Galway’s Professor Alma McCarthy has been recognised for her contribution to academia, research and leadership and honoured with the Fellowship of the Irish Academy of Management.  Professor McCarthy, Dean of the University’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, has been awarded the prestigious Fellowship at the Irish Academy of Management annual conference, held at the University, while Martin Shanahan, Partner and Head of Industry and Foreign Direct Investment at Grant Thornton, was bestowed with the distinguished TK Whitaker Award. Both Professor Alma McCarthy and Martin Shanahan were acknowledged during the IAM conference for their remarkable achievements and dedication to their respective fields and contributions which serve as inspiration to academics, professionals, and aspiring leaders across Ireland. Professor McCarthy said: "I am deeply honoured to receive the Fellowship of the Irish Academy of Management. The Irish Academy of Management is the leading professional association for management studies, research and education on the island of Ireland.  I look forward to continue supporting the work of the Academy, especially in supporting and mentoring early career academics and PhD students." Martin Shanahan said: “I am humbled by this recognition from the Irish Academy of Management, not least because the award carries the name of its first recipient TK Whitaker and to be considered in the same sphere as him and the roll call of exceptional nominees that have been awarded it over the years is a huge honour." Professor McCarthy is recognised for her impactful research, policy influence, and leadership within the Irish Academy of Management, as well as her commitment to fostering collaboration, academic rigor, and mentorship which has earned her high esteem from colleagues and students alike. Martin Shanahan is recognised as having an impressive background in leadership and policy development, policy development, and advocacy for diversity, including within government agencies, as the former head of IDA Ireland. His contributions to economic growth, employment and diversity in the workplace have been exceptional. His commitment to promoting inclusivity and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights underscores his dedication to building an open and diverse business culture in Ireland. The TK Whitaker Award recognises his significant contributions to economic development and employment, as well as his invaluable efforts in cultivating an inclusive work environment. Ends 

Two of the world’s leading surgeons will deliver the keynote addresses at University of Galway’s Sir Peter Freyer Memorial Lecture and Surgical Symposium, the largest Surgical Conference in Ireland.     The 48th Sir Peter Freyer Memorial Lecture and Surgical Symposium takes place today and tomorrow, September 1 and 2, where a special symposium will take place in honour of the late University of Galway alumnus and Professor Dermot Hehir, who passed away earlier this year.   Professor Hehir was an Adjunct Clinical Professor at University of Limerick School of Medicine, a former Consultant Surgeon of Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore and Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He qualified as a doctor at the University in 1976.   The annual two day Sir Peter Freyer Memorial Lecture and Surgical Symposium at University of Galway 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.   Professor Alastair Thompson will deliver the Memorial Lecture entitled Future Proofing of Cancer Surgery on Friday evening. Professor Thompson is Professor and Chief, Section of Breast Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, USA, focusing on improving breast cancer surgical techniques, clinical trials and translational research.   Professor Laura Viani will deliver the State of the Art Lecture entitled Journey out of Silence on Saturday. Professor Viani is President of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Consultant Otolaryngologist and Neuro-Otologist to Beaumont Hospital and Temple Street University Children’s Hospital. She established the Republic’s first and only cochlear implant programme in 1995, which has grown to become the National Hearing Implant and Research Centre.   The two-day symposium comprises of research and education sessions across the various surgical sub-specialties including a session on Adaptive Surgical Training for a Changing World to discuss the future training programmes and ambitions for surgery in Ireland and a session on clinical trials; keynote addresses; and a discussion forum around the future of surgical training in Ireland.     Professor of Surgery at University of Galway Michael Kerin said: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Thompson and Professor Viani to our University. Their 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 are the centre-points of a large programme containing some of the best surgical research from 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.”    For further information on the symposium visit www.freyer.ie.   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Déanfaidh Uachtarán na hÉireann Micheál D. Ó hUigínn an ceiliúradh seachtaine a oscailt Tá sraith imeachtaí seolta ag OÉ Gaillimh chun Lá Eitneachta Thaistealaithe na hÉireann a cheiliúradh, amárach Dé Máirt, an 1 Márta. Chuir Uachtarán na hÉireann, Micheál D. Ó hUigínn tús leis an gceiliúradh seachtaine le haitheasc tosaigh, ag plé cearta agus ceisteanna eile a bhíonn ag déanamh tinnis do Thaistealaithe. Dúirt an tUachtarán Ó hUigínn: “Tá lúcháir orm Ceiliúradh Lá Eitneachta na dTaistealaithe a oscailt arís i mbliana in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. “Is iontach an tsraith imeachtaí atá beartaithe don tseachtain agus molaim an lucht eagraithe as an gclár atá curtha le chéile acu. “Is lá mór é an lá inniu chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar stair shaibhir ársa Thaistealaithe na hÉireann, an t-aon mhionlach dúchasach in Éirinn. B’fhiú dúinn machnamh a dhéanamh ar an méid atá bainte amach againn mar phobal a aithníonn agus a chuireann luach ar thraidisiúin agus ar chultúr na dTaistealaithe, ach tá go leor le déanamh fós maidir le rannpháirtíocht iomlán agus comhionannas.” Is comóradh é Lá Eitneachta Thaistealaithe na hÉireann an 1 Márta ar aitheantas oifigiúil a bheith faighte ag Taistealaithe na hÉireann ón Rialtas mar ghrúpa eitneach ar leith agus ceiliúrann sé cultúr agus oidhreacht Thaistealaithe na hÉireann idir cheol, thraidisiúin cheardaíochta agus teanga. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Tá meas agus oscailteacht ainmnithe ag pobal na hollscoile mar phéire dár gcroíluachanna, agus trí chomhiarracht i dtionscnaimh éagsúla, táimid ag tabhairt faoin dúshlán ár bpobal a dhéanamh níos cothroime, níos cuimsithí agus níos éagsúla mar phobal oibre agus mar phobal staidéir. Is maith an oidhe orainn é go bhfuil buanna go léir na sochaí againn anseo. “Leanfaimid leis an obair atá ar siúl againn chun fáilte a chur roimh Thaistealaithe, tacú leo agus iad a chosaint mar chuid luachmhar de shaol na hollscoile. Tá ríméad orm go ndéanfaidh féile eitneachta na dTaistealaithe ceiliúradh ar an oscailteacht seo agus go mbeidh béim ar níos mó deiseanna ar mhaithe le tionchar dearfach agus cuimsiú.” Is comóradh é Lá Eitneachta Thaistealaithe na hÉireann ar aitheantas oifigiúil a bheith faighte ag Taistealaithe na hÉireann ón Rialtas mar ghrúpa eitneach ar leith agus ceiliúrann an lá cultúr agus oidhreacht Thaistealaithe na hÉireann idir cheol, thraidisiúin cheardaíochta agus teanga. Bíonn an ceiliúradh bliantúil eagraithe ag an tionscadal Mincéirs Misl'd in Education (MMIE) in OÉ Gaillimh. Baineann tionscadal MMIE le Taistealaithe na hÉireann a chumasú le dul ar aghaidh chuig an ardoideachas agus muintearas a aireachtáil ann. Tugann Mincéirs Misl’d in Education comhpháirtithe le chéile as Ionad Rochtana OÉ Gaillimh, Gluaiseacht Taistealaithe na Gaillimhe, Involve CLG, Grúpa Tacaíochta Taistealaithe Mhaigh Eo, Grúpa Tacaíochta Taistealaithe Shligigh, Ionad Forbartha Taistealaithe agus Idirchultúrtha an Iarthair, Tusla, an tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas agus ionadaithe mac léinn chun oibriú le chéile chun bacainní ar ardoideachas a bhaint. Ag an seoladh chomh maith bronnadh Gradam Michael McDonagh do Shármhaitheas Lucht Tacaíochta Phobal Taistealaithe na hÉireann, a ainmníodh in ómós don Taistealaí Éireannach agus feachtasóir ar son na gceart. Ba iad na buaiteoirí ná léachtóirí OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Deirdre Hardiman agus an Dr Helen Casey. Bronnadh ballraíocht saoil i gCumann Mincéirs Whiden ar chéimí de chuid OÉ Gaillimh, Jason Sherlock, freisin. I measc imeachtaí na seachtaine beidh plé painéil ar an ngá atá le Lucht Tacaíochta do Thaistealaithe na hÉireann; An Bille um Chultúr agus Stair an Lucht Siúil san Oideachas, 2018; Eispéireas Gipseach, Roma agus Taistealaithe na hÉireann ar baill den phobal LGBT+ iad laistigh dá bpobail féin; agus coiriúlú na fánaíochta ó pheirspictíocht na RA agus na hÉireann. Cuirfidh ceardlanna agus taispeántais chultúrtha deiseanna éagsúla ar fáil freisin don fhoireann, do mhic léinn agus don phobal tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi chultúr agus stair Thaistealaithe na hÉireann. I measc na mbuaicphointí beidh an dráma a bhfuil duaiseanna bainte amach aige Magpies on the Pylon a scríobh Michael Collins; grianghraif ón taispeántas cáiliúil taistealaithe Crown a thaispeánann gruaig na mban; agus Taispeántas Beo Thaistealaithe na hÉireann a bhí ar an gcampas inniu taobh amuigh d’Áras na Mac Léinn agus ina raibh Vaigín Bairille athchóirithe go hiomlán. Tá tuilleadh eolais agus naisc chun clárú do na himeachtaí le fáil ag www.nuigalway.ie/accesscentre/travellereducationofficer Críoch

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins opens week-long celebrations NUI Galway has launched a series of events to mark Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day, tomorrow Tuesday 1 March. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins led the opening of the week-long celebrations with a keynote address, exploring rights and other issues for the Traveller community. President Higgins said: “I am delighted to be opening today’s Traveller Ethnicity Day Celebrations hosted again this year by the National University of Ireland Galway. “The series of events planned during the week is so impressive and I commend the organisers for developing the programme. “Today is a day to celebrate the rich and ancient history of Ireland’s Traveller community who constitute Ireland’s only indigenous minority. Today is a day to take stock on how far we have come as a society that recognises and values the Traveller traditions and culture, but it is also a day to consider the road still ahead to full participation and equality.” Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day on March 1 marks the anniversary of when the Irish Government formally recognised Irish Travellers as a distinct ethnic group and celebrates Irish Travellers culture and heritage including music, craft traditions and language.  President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “Our university community has defined respect and openness as two of our core values, and through collective effort across many different initiatives, we are meeting the challenge of making our community a more equal, inclusive and diverse place in which to work and study. We are better for having all the talents in society here. “We will continue our determined work to welcome, support and vindicate the Traveller community as a part a valuable and valued part of the life of our university. I am delighted that our Traveller ethnicity festival will celebrate this sense of openness and highlight many more opportunities for further positive impact and inclusion.” Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day marks the anniversary of formal recognition by the Irish Government of Irish Travellers as a distinct ethnic group and the day celebrates Irish Traveller culture and heritage including music, craft traditions and language. NUI Galway’s now annual celebrations are organised by the University’s Mincéirs Misl’d in Education (MMIE) project. The MMIE project is about empowering Irish Travellers to transition and build a sense of belonging in higher education. Mincéirs Misl’d in Education brings together partners in NUI Galway Access Centre, Galway Traveller Movement, Involve CLG, Mayo Sligo Traveller Support Group, Sligo Traveller Support Group, Western Traveller Intercultural Development Centre, Túsla, the  Higher Education Authority and student representatives to work together to remove barriers to higher education.  The launch included the presentation of the Michael McDonagh Award for Traveller Ally Excellence, named in honour of the Irish Traveller and rights campaigner. The awardees were NUI Galway lecturers Dr Deirdre Hardiman and Dr Helen Casey.  NUI Galway graduate Jason Sherlock was also honoured with lifetime membership of the Mincéirs Whiden Society.  The week-long events include panel discussions on the need for Irish Traveller Allies; the Traveller Culture and History in Education Bill 2018; Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller LGBT+ people’s experience within their communities; and the criminalisation of nomadism from a UK and Irish perspective.  Workshops and cultural exhibitions will also offer a variety of opportunities for staff, students and the public to discover more about Irish Traveller culture and history.  Some of the highlights include the award-winning play Magpies on the Pylon by Michael Collins; photographs from the well-known Crown exhibition showing Irish Traveller women and their hair; and the Irish Traveller Living Exhibition which was hosted on campus today outside Áras na Mac Léinn and includes a fully restored Barrel Top Wagon. For further information and links to register for events at www.nuigalway.ie/accesscentre/travellereducationofficer  Ends