News Archive

University of Galway has heralded the achievement of student golfer Liam Nolan who has secured his place to play as an amateur in The Open. Liam Nolan has just completed his final year in Biomedical Engineering and is a University of Galway Sport Scholar, supported by the High Performance Unit. He will play in The Open at Royal Troon - one of the sport’s majors - from July 18, lining up against some of the world’s best golfers after securing qualification by finishing 5-under at Dundonald Links in Scotland. University of Galway Dean of Students, Professor Ciara Meehan, said: “On behalf of our University community, I’d like to send a message of congratulations and wish Liam Nolan the very best for The Open. Our University takes great delight and a deep sense of pride in celebrating the achievements of our students, as well as our staff, whether that’s in sporting success or studies, their research, their community or volunteering work or competing, as Liam is, at the top of their game on a world stage. We look forward to Liam being an inspiration for many more sporting achievements at the University in the year ahead.” Liam Nolan said: “I’m thrilled to have a golf game which is strong enough to book a place at The Open in Troon. I am looking forward to being on the course, to enjoying the whole experience of the major and to competing with some of the best golfers in the world. To be one of only a handful of amateurs to get a chance to compete in one of golf’s majors is an achievement in itself, and I am so looking forward to teeing it up.”  Des Ryan, Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing at University of Galway, said: “Liam Nolan is a great role model and an ambassador for University of Galway, for Galway Golf Club and Ireland. We are delighted to see his hard work pay off and we are delighted to have been able to support Liam through the University’s High-Performance Unit led by Feargal O’Callaghan. We all wish him every success and every bit of luck that’s needed on the famous links. His sporting and academic achievements will inspire many other dual aspirational sports people to achieve great things and many others to participate in sport.” Liam Nolan is a Galway native and his home club is Galway Golf Club. He won the South American Amateur Open in January 2023 and in May of that year he went on to win the Brabazon Trophy. He was selected to play for Great Britain and Ireland against the US in the Walker Cup in September 2023 – a pinnacle of the sport for amateur players. He has also represented Ireland in the European Team Championships and Home Internationals.  Ends

€1.4m Government funding to progress pioneering collaboration for ‘Methane Abatement in Grazing Systems - MAGS’  Projects focus on innovations for feed, manure and slurry and targeted breeding programme  Studies build on research which shows potential for significant methane reduction for beef and dairy farming  Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for research and development, Martin Heydon T.D., and Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for Northern Ireland, Andrew Muir MLA, have announced funding of €1.4million for University of Galway to lead a research consortium to pioneer greenhouse gas reduction solutions for agriculture.  Teagasc, the Northern Ireland-based Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation will work with scientists at the University to expand testing and evaluation of a combination of cutting-edge technologies and farming innovations to lower methane emissions from cattle and sheep.  The research-based project, Methane Abatement in Grazing Systems (MAGS) focuses on evaluating solutions for feed, breeding and manure management.   It aims to apply the most effective feed additives, while improving their formulation for long-lasting effects, in combination with novel genomic breeding and manure management. Scientific analysis will identify the best combinations of strategies which can be delivered on farms in Northern Ireland and in the Republic, through the Teagasc Signpost programme.   Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for research and development, Martin Heydon T.D., said: “The €1.4m committed to the MAGS project (Methane Abatement in Grazing Systems) by my Department, along with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, is an indication of our ambition and commitment to reduce methane emissions from agriculture. This project builds on the success of previously DAFM-funded projects in this area, such as ‘MethAbate’ and ‘GreenBreed’.   “The MAGS project will focus on further developing technologies, including methane inhibitors and breeding strategies, for application in beef and dairy pasture-based systems to mitigate animal and manure methane.  “Ireland has committed to reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030. Research investment into novel methane reduction technologies through projects like MAGS is a central part of achieving these targets. An important aspect of the project is research collaboration, and I am pleased that the project coordinator, Dr Sinéad Waters, has brought together scientific partners from across the Island of Ireland to concentrate ideas, expertise and knowledge in a way that accelerates progress in these novel technologies.”  Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for Northern Ireland, Andrew Muir MLA, welcoming the funding, said: “I am pleased that my Department is co-funding this research project with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, bringing together leading scientists from across the Island of Ireland to address, through cutting-edge science, greenhouse gas emissions from grazing livestock systems. Collaborative research funding of this nature is key in helping to underpin the future sustainability of dairy, beef and sheep systems, through the provision of evidence and new innovations to contribute to the required reductions of net greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland by at least 48% by 2030 under the Climate Change Act.”      Agriculture contributes about 37% of Irish greenhouse gas emissions. Government has committed to reducing these farming related emissions by 25% by 2030, including a recommended 10% reduction in agri-methane.  Methane accounts for about 70% of emissions associated with agriculture, predominantly from methane produced in the gut of the animal as feed ferments in the rumen, while methane from manure and slurry are the third largest contributor to emissions from farms.  Methane Abatement in Grazing Systems  MAGS is an all-island initiative, with funding of €1.437m through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s 2023 Research Stimulus Fund.   The project will develop, apply and validate a range of the most promising novel technologies, including breeding strategies, feed and manure additives to mitigate methane in beef and dairy farming.   Beef cattle in Teagasc Grange, Co Meath and Holstein Friesian dairy cows in AFBI, Hillsborough, Northern Ireland will be used to evaluate novel slow-release feed additives in combination with microbiome assisted genomic breeding values on animal performance, health and enteric methane emissions, while the effect of manure and slurry additives at farm-scale will also be monitored.  Feed  Various slow-release formats of an oxidising methane inhibitor, commercially known as RumenGlas and developed by Glasport Bio, will be evaluated, both on its own and in combination with a range of other promising feed additives for beef and dairy cattle. A trial in Teagasc Grange demonstrated that a pelleted format of the inhibitor reduced methane by 28% with no negative effects observed on animal performance or health.   Manure  The efficacy of a slurry additive, GasAbate, produced by GlasPort Bio, will be tested at farm-scale, with the aim of creating a blueprint for widespread agri-sector roll out.  Methane losses from stored manures account for c. 10% of Irish agricultural GHG emissions. No effective, widely implementable and commercially available mitigation solutions currently exist. But research has shown the GasAbate additive reduces methane losses from stored slurries by more than 80%.   Breeding  In conjunction with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, the MAGS project will develop and validate a selection and breeding programme for beef and dairy cattle that emit less methane which is produced from the gut during grazing.  Research by the project partners has already shown that some beef cattle can emit up to 30% less methane, for the same level of performance.   While the critical role that the rumen microbial community plays in methane emissions is acknowledged, the integration of microbiome data to improve genomic selection breeding of animals emitting lower methane emissions has not yet been applied in Ireland or internationally.    Dr Sinéad Waters, MAGS Project Lead and Lecturer in host microbiome interactions in the Environment at University of Galway, said: “Agriculture is Ireland’s oldest and largest indigenous industry but now faces major challenges in meeting the 2030 targets of a 25% reduction for farming-related greenhouse gas emissions. Strategies to mitigate methane emissions related to cattle and sheep need to be rapidly developed and implemented on farm to comply with these targets. With research partners and colleagues, and the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine our aim is to develop and deliver important solutions for the agri-food-industry to reduce methane from pasture-based farms. We have brought together a unique team of excellent scientists and industry partners whose collaboration can support the Irish agri-food sector and align with international initiatives such as the EU Methane Strategy and Global Methane Pledge.”  Professor Vincent O'Flaherty, Established Professor of Microbiology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, said: “Significant progress has been made in the development of real-world solutions to reduce Irish agricultural greenhouse gas emissions through DAFM-funded research. GasAbate slurry additive technology to reduce GHG emissions by more than 80% is now available for on-farm demonstration and the next phase of work through the MAGS project will provide additional evidence to support widespread adoption. Ireland’s pasture system provides unique challenges for the development of effective methane supressing feed additives, but the results from our work to date have been very encouraging, with greatly reduced enteric emissions demonstrated in beef cattle fed with commercially produced diets containing novel additives. The MAGS project will develop and refine slow-release feed additive formats that, in combination with advances in breeding strategies, can provide critical support to Ireland in meeting its agricultural GHG targets.”  Professor David Kenny, Head of Animal and Bioscience Research at Teagasc said: “We are excited to be involved in this hugely novel and multidisciplinary research project. The holistic combination of state-of-the-art genetic and dietary based methane mitigation strategies together with the focus on development of practical solutions for pasture-based beef and dairy production systems, bodes well for successful implementation of new technologies emanating from the project.”   Ends 

New Blood Pressure recommendations produced by international expert panel, including Professor Bill McEvoy, University of Galway Guidelines recommend intensified BP targets and a new category of Elevated Blood Pressure to better identify people at risk of heart attack and stroke  The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has today released updated guidelines on the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension to better identify people at risk of heart attack and stroke. The new guidelines include a new category of Elevated Blood Pressure, more ambitious and intensive treatment targets, and, for the first time, recommendations on the use of renal denervation to treat various forms of hypertension. The guidelines have been produced by an international panel of experts, including co-chairpersons, Professor Bill McEvoy of University of Galway, and Professor Rhian Touyz of McGill University, Canada. This is the first time that an Irish academic has led a major European clinical practice guideline on the treatment of elevated blood pressure and hypertension, which has potential implications for more than 700 million Europeans. Professor McEvoy is also first author on the principal results paper for the INTERASPIRE research study which is being published in the European Heart Journal and coincides with the ESC Congress in London today, Friday August 30th, the world’s largest gathering of cardiovascular professionals. In the INTERASPIRE global study, 61% of participants with heart disease did not have their blood pressure controlled. Professor McEvoy’s dual roles as co-Chair of the ESC Guidelines and co-principal investigator on INTERASPIRE are closely connected. His work in the creation of the guidelines establishes evidence-based care standards, while his leadership in INTERASPIRE provides real-world data on blood pressure management in coronary disease patients worldwide and his work on this study bridges the gap between ideal clinical practices and actual global outcomes. Key takeaways from the updated ESC guidelines on hypertension: A new systolic blood pressure (BP) treatment target range of 120-129 mmHg for most patients receiving BP lowering medication. By placing the emphasis on an intensive treatment target as the first step in managing most patients, and only opting out of this target in select circumstances or when treatment is not tolerated by the patient, these 2024 guidelines represent a paradigm shift from previous European guidelines. The guidelines also provide pragmatic recommendations to pursue a BP that is ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ in patients who are unable to tolerate or who opt out of the intensive treatment target. The definition of hypertension remains BP ≥140/90 mmHg, however, the guidelines introduce a new category of 'Elevated Blood Pressure' which is defined as a BP 120-139/70-89 mmHg. More patients at risk of heart attack and stroke will be identified by the new category. The new 'Elevated Blood Pressure' category is introduced to facilitate consideration of more intensive blood pressure treatment targets among people at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The updated guidelines introduce recommendations for new lifestyle options to help lower BP, such as new guidance on exercise and potassium supplementation. For the first time the ESC Hypertension Guidelines provide recommendations of the use of renal denervation to treat hypertension. Elevated blood pressure and hypertension are by far the most common and important risk factors for heart attack and stroke (otherwise known as cardiovascular disease). As many as 45% of European adults have hypertension. The new 2024 ESC Guidelines are designed to get more patients to an evidence-based blood pressure treatment target and to increase the eligibility for blood pressure lowering medications to match the best current evidence from clinical trials. They also provide numerous pragmatic recommendations to avoid patients becoming symptomatic from overtreatment. Professor McEvoy, Professor of Preventive Cardiology at University of Galway and Medical and Research Director of NIPC, said: “The new category of Elevated Blood Pressure recognises that people do not go from normal BP to hypertensive overnight. “It is in most cases a steady gradient of change, and different subgroups of patients - for example those at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease such as people living with diabetes - could benefit from more intensive treatment before their blood pressure reaches the traditional threshold of hypertension.” Professor Rhian Touyz of McGill University, Canada, said: “The risks associated with increased blood pressure, start at systolic blood pressure levels even below 120 mmHg.” In another major change, the 2024 ESC Guidelines introduce a new systolic BP treatment target range of 120-129 mmHg for most patients receiving BP-lowering medication, with the important proviso that the new target requires that treatment is well tolerated. The 2024 ESC Guidelines also provide pragmatic recommendations on a systolic BP target 'as low as reasonably achievable' (known as the ALARA principle) in frail and older people and in those not tolerating the primary treatment target of 120-129 mmHg. The guidelines focus more on ‘frailty’ of individuals rather than chronological age. Professor McEvoy said: “This change is driven by new trial evidence confirming that more intensive BP treatment targets reduce CVD outcomes across a broad spectrum of eligible patients.” This new systolic BP treatment target of 120-129 represents a paradigm shift from prior European guidelines, including the 2018 ESC/ESH Hypertension guidelines, the 2021 ESC Prevention Guidelines, and the 2023 ESH Hypertension guidelines. Specifically, whereas prior guidelines generally recommended patients be treated to a BP <140/90 mmHg in the first instance and only thereafter be considered for treatment to <130/80 mmHg (a 2-step approach) the new 2024 guidelines recommend that most patients be treated to a systolic BP of 120-129 mmHg in the first instance (those who cannot tolerate this target can have it relaxed). In part to accommodate this new more intensive systolic blood pressure treatment target range, the 2024 ESC Guidelines provide stronger recommendations than prior guidelines for the use of out-of-office blood pressure measurements (including ambulatory BP monitors and validated home BP monitors). The 2024 Guidelines also, for the first time, make recommendations on the use of renal denervation for treatment of hypertension. Due to lack of evidence regarding cardiovascular outcomes benefit, the guidelines do not recommend this medical procedure as first line treatment, and nor is it recommended for patients with highly impaired renal function, (eGFR <40 mL/min/1.73 m2) or secondary causes of hypertension. On renal denervation, the guidelines say: “To reduce BP, and if performed at a medium-to-high volume centre, catheter-based renal denervation may be considered for patients with resistant hypertension who have BP that is uncontrolled despite a three BP-lowering drug combination (including a thiazide or thiazide-like diuretic), and who express a preference to undergo renal denervation after a shared risk-benefit discussion and multidisciplinary assessment.” Professor Touyz explained: “These evidence-based recommendations provide guidance for clinicians and their patients on the use of this important new technology. However, it must be stressed that this procedure needs to be undertaken in a centre where there is expertise and experience.” The ESC Guidelines also update dietary advice on sodium and potassium intake and further emphasise the importance of life-style modifications for patients in a range of different circumstances and stages of CVD and chronic kidney disease. The Guidelines also highlight the importance of sex and gender differences in hypertension and integrate this throughout the document, rather than as a separate section, as in most other guidelines.  The full study in the European Heart Journal is available here. Ends

WHO report reveals high rates of unprotected sex among teenagers across Europe, with significant implications for health and safety   : A report from the WHO Regional Office for Europe reveals condom use among sexually active adolescents has declined significantly since 2014, with rates of unprotected sex worryingly high. This is putting young people at significant risk of sexually transmitted infections and contributing to unplanned pregnancies with often damaging consequences. The new data were published as part of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, which surveyed over 242,000 15-year-olds across 42 countries and regions in the period 2014 to 2022. Key findings: The good news is that in the Republic of Ireland, the proportion of 15-year-olds who report having had sexual intercourse is only 10% for both girls and boys, lower than the international average (20% of boys and 15% of girls). Girls in Ireland were also more likely than their peers internationally to report contraceptive use.              Dr András Költő, University of Galway researcher and the lead author of the report, said: “Regarding condoms, we see the same trend among youth in Ireland as in the international sample. Over each survey cycle we see less and less adolescents report they or their partner used a condom at last intercourse; in 2010, more than three quarters of young people reported condom use, whereas in 2022, less than half of youth reported condom use.” University of Galway researchers who conducted the study in Ireland warn that unprotected sexual intercourse can have far-reaching consequences for young people, including unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and an increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The high prevalence of unprotected sex indicates significant gaps in age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education, including sexual health education, and access to contraceptive methods. Worrying decline in condom use Compared to 2014 levels, the new data show a significant decline in the number of adolescents reporting condom use during last sexual intercourse. From the data, it is clear that the decrease in condom use is pervasive, spanning multiple countries and regions, with some experiencing more dramatic reductions than others. The report underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these concerning trends and promote safer sexual practices among young people within the wider context of equipping them with the foundation they need for optimal health and well-being. Findings from the report related to Europe and Ireland: Decline in condom use: The proportion of sexually active adolescents who used a condom at last intercourse fell from 70% to 61% among boys and 63% to 57% among girls between 2014 and 2022. In Ireland, only 50% of boys and 49% of girls reported condom use in 2022. Contraceptive pill use: The report indicates that contraceptive pill use during last sexual intercourse has remained relatively stable between 2014 and 2022, with 26% of girls and 25% of boys reporting that they or their partners used the contraceptive pill at their last sexual intercourse. Compared to the international average, girls in Ireland were more likely to report contraceptive use (41%); while boys were somewhat less likely to state that (21%). High rates of unprotected sex: Almost a third of adolescents (30%) reported using neither a condom nor the contraceptive pill at last intercourse, a figure that has barely changed since 2018. In Ireland, 35% of girls and 38% of boys had no protection at last sex. The findings underscore the importance of providing comprehensive sexual health education and resources for young people. Éabha, a 16-year-old from Ireland, said: "As teenagers, having access to accurate information about sexual health is vital. We need education that covers everything from consent to contraception, so we can make informed decisions and protect ourselves."             Dr Költő said: “It is a great news that girls rank highly in international comparison regarding contraceptive pill use at last sexual intercourse. We were delighted to learn that the Free Contraception Scheme was recently extended to 17-year-old girls. “This action, however, needs to be coupled with a reform of relationships and sexuality education. “Comprehensive sexuality education is key to closing these gaps and empowering all young people to make informed decisions about sex as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. Sex education must go beyond just providing information. Young people need safe spaces to discuss issues like consent, intimate relationships, gender identity and sexual orientation. Governments, health and education authorities, and civil society organisations as well as parents and teachers should help them develop crucial life skills including transparent, non-judgmental communication and decision-making. We are looking forward to reading the report of National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on the planned reform of Relationships and Sexuality Education in Ireland.” Call to action for policymakers and educators The WHO Regional Office for Europe calls upon policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers to prioritise adolescent sexual health by: Investing in comprehensive sexuality education: Implement and fund evidence-based sexuality education programs in schools that cover a wide range of topics, including contraception, STIs, consent, healthy relationships, gender equality, and LGBTQIA+ issues. In this, the International Technical Guidelines on Sexuality Education (ITGSE), produced by a consortium of United Nations agencies and partners, are key. Enhancing access to youth-friendly sexual health services: Ensure that adolescents everywhere have access to confidential, non-judgmental, and affordable sexual health services that meet their specific needs and preferences. Promoting open dialogue: Encourage open and honest conversations about sexual health within families, schools, and communities to reduce stigma and increase awareness. Training educators: Provide specialised training for teachers and healthcare providers to deliver effective and inclusive sex education. Such resources should be made available in both school and out-of-school settings. Conducting further research: Investigate the underlying reasons for the decline in condom use and the variations in sexual health behaviours across different populations to inform targeted interventions. This includes analysing messages and other content adolescents are exposed to across social media and online platforms, given their reach and impact all the more. Ends

University of Galway has issued offers to 3,753 prospective students for the 2024/25 academic year.   Following Round One of the Central Applications Office (CAO) process, President of University of Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh and Deputy President and Registrar Professor Peter McHugh acknowledge the effort and achievement of the Leaving Certificate class of 2024, the vast majority of whom were sitting state exams for the first time.   Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of University of Galway, said: “Comhghairdeas to the Leaving Cert class of 2024 as they embark on the next stage of their studies. They have displayed good judgment in choosing University of Galway. They can be assured that this and their experiences to date will stand them in good stead as the next adventure begins at University of Galway.” University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar Professor Peter McHugh said: “Each and every student who has navigated the post-primary years and the Leaving Cert deserves a huge welcome from University of Galway, particularly those who endured the impact of the pandemic in their schooldays, and they can be assured of an unrivalled student experience at the University. “Our admissions and registration team at the University of Galway is once again doing stellar work to facilitate such huge numbers of students who have applied to join us. In that context, we also welcome the Government commitment to begin to address the issue of inflated grades in the Leaving Cert.” On the back of a fourth year in a row of significant demand for places in third level education, University of Galway is offering 3,753 places for first year undergraduate students.  The following are some of the key trends following the issuing of Round One offers in the CAO process: Cut-off levels for points for University of Galway degrees showed mixed movement with almost a third of courses increasing points or remaining steady.  Some 40% of the University’s degree programmes are between the 500-600 points range.   An increase of 41 points for Arts (Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies) reflecting a significant increase in demand and University of Galway’s continued reputation as an international centre for the creative arts, as well as the value of our strategic education partnerships with Galway International Arts Festival and Druid.  Some of University of Galway’s programmes that offer extensive Erasmus opportunities saw an increase in points; BA Global Languages, BComm International (Spanish) and BSc Biotechnology.  All Engineering and Law programmes continue to cut-off at 500 CAO points or above.  Flagship programmes for University of Galway which continue to attract strong demand are Biomedical Engineering, with points increasing to 578 (up 30), and Biomedical Science, at 577 (up 10 points).  Medicine remains random allocation at 728 points.  The number of places available for students seeking to study Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy degrees are up by almost 50% - that is an additional 30 places across the two programmes, which follows a Government announcement of increased funding in these areas.  Five out of eight Commerce programmes require more than 500 points.   Ends

Céimeanna Oinigh ón Ollscoil le bronnadh ar sé dhuine dhéag in 2024   Cuireann Ollscoil na Gaillimhe fáilte ar ais chuig an gcampas roimh 1,800 céimí, a muintir, agus a gcairde, le haghaidh shearmanais Bhronnta an Fhómhair. Beidh na searmanais ar siúl ó inniu go dtí Dé Máirt, an 27 Lúnasa, agus beidh céimithe a rinne staidéar sna ceithre choláiste éagsúla de chuid na hOllscoile ina measc. Dúirt an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Údar mór bróid dom i gcónaí é ár gcuid mac léinn a fheiceáil ag ceiliúradh a n-éachtaí acadúla lena muintir agus lena gcairde, agus ag tabhairt aitheantais don díograis agus don dúthracht a chaith siad le linn a dtréimhse staidéir anseo. “Beidh iarracht den bhrón ag baint le searmanais Bhronnta an Fhómhair domsa i mbliana, mar is iad na searmanais dheireanacha dom mar Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Ba mhór an onóir dom páir a bhronnadh ar mhic léinn agus a bheith páirteach in ócáidí ceiliúrtha na mílte céimí. Is pribhléid í chomh maith a bheith in ann aitheantas a thabhairt d’éachtaí na ndaoine a mbronntar céimeanna oinigh orthu agus iad a cheiliúradh – 16 dhámhachtain dá leithéid a bhronnfar san iomlán in 2024.  “Thar ceann na hOllscoile, ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas ó chroí a dhéanamh lenár mic léinn go léir, leo siúd a bhfuil céim bainte amach acu agus leo siúd ar a mbronnfar céimeanna oinigh. Gabhaim buíochas leo uile as bheith páirteach i bpobal Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, agus guím gach rath orthu amach anseo, go gairmiúil agus go pearsanta.” Tá Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ag tabhairt aitheantais do shár-éachtaí 16 dhuine le linn na bliana 2024 trí Chéimeanna Oinigh a bhronnadh orthu. I measc na ndaoine a bheidh á gceiliúradh sna laethanta amach romhainn le linn shearmanais Bhronnta an Fhómhair, tá: Gerry Kilcommins, iarLeas-Uachtarán Oibríochtaí Domhanda le Medtronic – Dochtúir le hInnealtóireacht Danny McCoy, príomhoifigeach feidhmiúcháin Ibec – Dochtúir le hEolaíocht Eacnamaíochta Mary Bennett, iar-úinéir shiopa mór le rá na Gaillimhe The Treasure Chest agus duine de bhunaitheoirí Chumann Gnó Chathair na Gaillimhe agus Líonra Ban Gnó agus Gairmiúil na Gaillimhe – Dochtúir le hEolaíocht Eacnamaíochta John Davoren, feirmeoir, comhstiúrthóir ar Scoil Allamuigh Seandálaíochta Chathair Chonaill agus úinéir Ionad Cuairteoirí Dhún Chathair Chonaill – Dochtúir le hEolaíocht An tOllamh Jerome Sheahan, staitisteoir/matamaiticeoir ar scor as Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – Dochtúir le hEolaíocht Bronnfar Céimeanna Oinigh ar aon dhuine dhéag eile ag searmanais Bhronnta an Gheimhridh a bheidh ar siúl ar an gcampas i mí na Samhna: Rachael Blackmore MBE, marcach Rásaíochta Seilge Náisiúnta – Dochtúir le Dlíthe Tony Connelly, iriseoir agus údar, agus Eagarthóir Nuacht na hEorpa le RTÉ News – Dochtúir le Litríocht Marina Fiddler agus Tara Nic Dhiarmada, bunaitheoirí MADRA – Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption – Dochtúir le Dlíthe Keith Finnegan, craoltóir agus iarláithreoir an chláir Galway Talks ar Galway Bay FM – Dochtúir le Litríocht Martin Griffiths, Fo-Ard-Rúnaí na Náisiún Aontaithe le haghaidh Gnóthaí Daonnúla agus Comhordaitheoir na Fóirithinte Éigeandála – Dochtúir le Dlíthe Dolores Keane – amhránaí tíre Éireannach den stíl traidisiúnta a bhfuil cáil idirnáisiúnta uirthi – Dochtúir le Ceol An Dr Éanna Ní Lamhna, luibheolaí agus feithideolaí, láithreoir agus craoltóir – Dochtúir le hEolaíocht Owen Reidy, Ard-Rúnaí Chomhdháil na gCeardchumann (ICTU) – Dochtúir le Dlíthe An tOllamh Paul Yock agus an Dr Joshua Makower, bunaitheoirí Stanford Biodesign a thug tacaíocht do bhunú BioInnovate Ireland – Dochtúir le hEolaíocht    Tá tuilleadh eolais faoi sceideal na searmanas bronnta le fáil ar https://www.universityofgalway.ie/conferring/. Críoch

Sixteen people to receive Honorary Degrees from University during 2024 University of Galway this week welcomes more than 1,800 graduates, along with their families and friends, back to campus for Autumn Conferring ceremonies. The celebrations take place from today, until Tuesday August 27th and include graduates who studied at all of the University’s four colleges.   Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, University of Galway President, said: “I am always filled with great pride seeing our students celebrating their academic achievements with family and friends, bringing recognition of all their hard work and commitment over their years of study. “This year, the Autumn Conferring ceremonies are especially poignant for me as they are my last as President of University of Galway. It has been a great honour to present students with their parchments and to be part of the celebrations of thousands of graduates. It is also a great privilege to be able to celebrate and recognise the achievements of those who we award honorary degrees – in total during 2024 there will be 16 such awards.  “On behalf of our University, I want to offer each my heartiest congratulations to all our students, to all those who have graduated and to all those who receive honorary awards. I thank them all for being part of the community of University of Galway and I wish them all the very best for the future, in their careers and their personal lives.” Over the course of 2024 University of Galway is recognising the extraordinary achievements of 16 people by awarding them Honorary Degrees. Those being honoured during the Autumn Conferring in the coming days include: Gerry Kilcommins, former Vice President Global Operations at Medtronic - Doctor of Engineering Danny McCoy, chief executive officer of Ibec - Doctor of Economic Science Mary Bennett, former owner of iconic Galway retail outlet The Treasure Chest and founding member of the Galway City Business Association and the Galway Business and Professional Women's Network - Doctor of Economic Science John Davoren, farmer, co-director of Caherconnell Archaeology Field School, and owner of Caherconnell Fort Visitors Centre - Doctor of Science Professor Jerome Sheahan, retired statistician/mathematician at University of Galway - Doctor of Science A further eleven people are to being awarded Honorary Degrees during Winter Conferring, which take places on campus in November: Rachael Blackmore MBE, National Hunt jockey - Doctor of Laws Tony Connelly, journalist and author, and Europe Editor for RTÉ News - Doctor of Literature Marina Fiddler and Tara Nic Dhiarmada, founders of MADRA – Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption - Doctor of Laws Keith Finnegan, broadcaster and former presenter of Galway Talks on Galway Bay FM - Doctor of Literature Martin Griffiths, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator - Doctor of Laws Dolores Keane – internationally-renowned, traditional Irish folk singer - Doctor of Music Dr Éanna Ní Lamhna, botanist and entomologist, presenter and broadcaster - Doctor of Science Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) - Doctor of Laws Professor Paul Yock and Dr Joshua Makower, founders of Stanford Biodesign and supporters of establishment of BioInnovate Ireland - Doctor of Science For more information on the conferring schedules visit https://www.universityofgalway.ie/conferring/. Ends

Researchers at University of Galway are working with indigenous peoples deep in the Colombian Amazon to document their story - building on the legacy of Roger Casement. The projects are led by a team from the University’s Huston School of Film and Digital Media and the Discipline of Geography, and continue the work of the executed Irish rebel who initially earned fame as a diplomat in the British government after he documented exploitation, atrocious cruelty and genocide of indigenous people by the British registered Peruvian Amazon Company. For the past four years, Indigenous rights lawyer and University of Galway researcher Dr Brendan Tobin, supported by EU Marie Sklodowska Curie research funding, has been working on a documentary with the Bora, Muinane, Okaina and Uitoto peoples in the Predio Putumayo, Colombia’s largest indigenous reserve. Video cameras have been donated to the people in the area by the University to support them in recording their story. The focus of the documentary is to ensure the indigenous peoples take part in the telling of their own story, while also being trained in film production, editing and post-production. Dr Brendan Tobin said: “In 1912 Roger Casement exposed the ‘extermination’ of Amazonian indigenous peoples of the Putumayo, during the rubber boom. A century on, the peoples of the region are seeking to bring their story to the world. If this helps prevent a future genocide of their peoples, or other indigenous peoples, it will, they say, give a death of dignity to the victims of the rubber era. The unquiet spirits can then rest in peace, and the living can achieve self-determination over their ancestral lands." In August 2023, a dedicated film centre opened in La Chorrera by the Irish Ambassador to Colombia, Fiona Nic Dhonnacha. The Ambassador was visiting the communities as representative of the Government of Ireland to celebrate the resilience of the Bora, Muinane, Okaina and Uitoto peoples and to mark our historic connections on the anniversary of Roger Casement’s death.               Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin T.D. said: “I welcome the efforts by University of Galway to support the Bora, Muinane, Okaina, and Uitoto communities of the Predio Putumayo to map their territories. This will help to support their capacity for self-governance, as well as their efforts to restore the historical memory of their ancestors, whose exploitation Roger Casement helped to bring to global attention, something I was very interested to hear about on my recent trip to Colombia in January. “The Irish Government recognises that the communities also play a critical role in the protection and sustainability of this Amazon region, and the mapping of their territory will support this work into the future. We look forward to participating in COP16 on biodiversity in Colombia in October, where we will have an opportunity to discuss these and other topics of importance under the theme ‘Peace with Nature’.”  Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, University of Galway President, said: “At University of Galway, we pride ourselves on our values of respect, excellence, openness and sustainability, and the indigenous peoples in the Predio Putumayo deserve our respect, not just in telling their story and the stories of those who died during the rubber boom, but also as custodians for the Amazon ecosystem and its biodiversity, which they have lived in harmony with for centuries. The knowledge, sustainable use and protection of the forests by indigenous communities is one of the main reasons the Amazon still exists. Here we know displacement and dispossession: we are privileged to be in a position to support the Predio Putumayo communities to document their ancestral history and assist them to zone their territories to protect their cultures and prioritise environmental protection for future generations.” The Bora, Muinane, Okaina and Uitoto peoples in the Predio Putumayo are also seeking support for the urgent task of the mapping of their traditional territories to secure their land rights and self-determination. A research project is due to begin in 2025 with the support of the Discipline of Geography at University of Galway for the peoples to be trained to use GIS and GPS technologies to map their lands. Pádraic Mac Donnacha, a Master’s in Coastal and Marine Environments student with the Discipline of Geography, University of Galway, travelled with Dr Tobin to the region to initiate the project. Mr Mac Donnacha said: “Our primary objective is to provide the equipment and training to empower Indigenous communities in Predio Putumayo to carry out their own, independent mapping, using state-of-the-art GIS technologies. This effort is crucial for safeguarding their rights to lands, the protection of their forests and cultural heritage.” The indigenous mapping project also has the support of the Columbian Ministry of Culture and the National Institute for Amazonian Studies. Ends

In celebration of the nationwide release of MRS ROBINSON in cinemas on August 23rd, the University of Galway, in collaboration with Light House Cinema, Pálás and BREAK OUT PICTURES, is proud to present an exclusive exhibition: “From the Desk of…Mrs. Robinson.” This special exhibition, hosted at the Light House  and Pálás Cinemas, offers the public a rare glimpse into the remarkable archive of Mary Robinson, one of Ireland's most influential and respected figures. Earlier this year, Mary Robinson—former President of Ireland and a pioneering advocate for human rights—marked her 80th birthday. To honour this milestone, the University of Galway, custodian of Robinson’s extensive archive, has curated a selection of materials that both inspired and feature in the documentary MRS ROBINSON. The exhibition showcases a rich collection of materials spanning over six decades of Robinson's distinguished career. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore reproductions of documents and artifacts from her time as a barrister, legislator, senator, and professor, as well as her tenure as President of Ireland. The archive also includes materials from her global roles, including UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes and Climate Change, Chair of The Elders, and founder of Realizing Rights and the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice. Curated by Niamh Ní Charra, project archivist at the University of Galway, this mini-exhibition brings to life the profound impact of Robinson’s work and her ongoing legacy in the fight for justice and equality. MRS ROBINSON—directed by Aoife Kelleher and produced by Cormac Hargaden and Trisha Canning for Loosehorse—delivers Mary Robinson’s story in her own words for the first time. The documentary chronicles her tireless battles for justice over more than 50 years, from the streets to the courts, the ballot box, and the corridors of power. The film will open nationwide on August 23rd, offering audiences an intimate look at Robinson’s extraordinary life and contributions. Mary Robinson first gained widespread attention as a reforming constitutional lawyer and senator, before creating a political earthquake by winning the Irish Presidential election in 1990. As UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, she cemented her legacy by challenging human rights abuses globally. Today, she continues to wield influence as Chair of The Elders—a group of global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela—and as a leading voice in climate justice through Project Dandelion, a women-led initiative addressing climate change. The exhibition is open to the public at Light House Cinema from August 16th to September 1st  and Pálás cinema  from 21st of August to September 4th. Mrs. Robinson is set for general release across Ireland on August 23rd. For more information, please contact:nell@breakoutpictures.com

Professor Rebecca Braun, Executive Dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies at University of Galway, has been appointed to the inaugural board of Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland. The appointment was confirmed by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan T.D., with Professor Braun to serve a four year-term. Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland is Ireland’s new competitive research and innovation funding agency and was formally established on August 1, 2024. The new agency amalgamates the activities and functions of the Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland and is central to realising the ambitions of Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy.             Announcing the establishment of the agency, Minister O’Donovan said: “This new agency will be a vital support in building the successful future of research and innovation in Ireland, engaging national challenges like the green and digital transitions, and boosting our international standing as research innovators in emerging fields and opportunities ahead.”             Speaking of the opportunity to support research enhancement in Ireland, Professor Braun said: “Quite simply: excellent, innovative ideas are at the core of Higher Education’s mission, and facilitating the best way for them to thrive will ensure the health of everything else. It’s a huge honour to be asked to help shape the direction and operations of this new agency.” Professor Rebecca Braun joined University of Galway to take up the position of Executive Dean in 2021. A recognised international leader in her core disciplines of Modern Languages and Literary Studies, Professor Braun has gained extensive experience assessing the strategic development and delivery of national research and innovation systems, having served as an interdisciplinary research advisor to both the UK Research Excellence Framework and Germany’s ‘Universities of Excellence’ national funding schemes. Professor Braun has also provided over 100 expert peer reviews to publishers and other academic bodies around the world. With a commitment to both conceptual and applied research and a strong track record in collaborating with partners across multiple sectors, she has consistently prioritised providing mentorship and other forms of practical support to help further the careers of researchers at all stages and disciplinary backgrounds.             University of Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “I am delighted that Professor Braun will be contributing to the leadership of Ireland’s investment in research at this important juncture. This appointment further enhances University of Galway’s contribution to the public good through an inclusive investment in research which recognises and supports excellence and impact wherever it resides. I wish Professor Braun every success in this role.” Ends

European InerReg-funded project in three countries to test the potential to reduce injury risk for nurses, therapists and carers A European research project has been launched to assess the potential for exoskeleton supports to benefit nurses, carers and allied healthcare workers such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists. The study is funded by the EU’s InterReg North-West Europe with academics and clinicians in Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands taking part. The Musculoskeletal Disorder Care project (MSD-CARE) aims to improve the working conditions of healthcare staff, to reduce the risk of disorders and injury and to support nursing staff and other healthcare workers in their daily work through the application of exoseketons. The researchers are also seeking to identify the facilitating factors and barriers to the use of exoskeletons in healthcare settings and offer practical solutions. Health and safety studies have highlighted that the risk of musculoskeletal disorders is 1.6 times higher for healthcare staff than those working in other sectors. Professor Georgina Gethin, Professor in Nursing and Midwifery at University of Galway, said: “Nurses involved in direct patient care are subject to physically demanding tasks and suffer a higher rate of musculoskeletal problems than other healthcare workers. This can have significant impact not only on their health but also on their ability to stay in their chosen profession. Any intervention that can help to highlight the issue of musculoskeletal disorders and find solutions to their prevention are a welcome development. In principle they could be a great asset it is important to know just how practical they would be in a busy work environment and how acceptable they would be to workers. We look forward to delivering on this for nurses and other healthcare workers.” The study is being led by the University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HAWK), Lower Saxony, Germany, in partnership with University of Galway and Roessingh Research and Development in the Netherlands. The project is under the direction of Professor Dr Shiney Franz of the Göttingen Health Campus, a cooperation between HAWK and the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG). Professor Franz said: “Involving exoskeletons in healthcare has high potential benefits for both patients and professionals. Our assumption is that wearing exoskeletons during activities such as mobilization or transfer of patients could improve the working conditions of care professionals and enhance patient safety. In this project, we aim to identify the working conditions in nursing that enable the integration of exoskeletons into the existing workflow taking in account the care plan and goals.”   Funding of more than €657,000 has been provided to the research partnership under Interreg North-West Europe. A new exoskeleton research laboratory at the Göttingen Health Campus (GCG) is being used, where carers can test their daily work and routines with and without an exoskeleton, under the guidance of researchers. State-of-the-art analysis tools will be used, such as electromyography and respiratory gas analysis to determine the effects of exoskeletons on muscle activity and breathing. Focus groups will also be held in Ireland and in the Netherlands to identify barriers and facilitators of the use of exoskeletons for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Ends

 University of Galway today announced the recipients of Honorary Degrees at the 2024 Autumn Conferring ceremonies. The Honorary Degree recipients will join over 1,800 graduands, at events running from Thursday August 22nd to Tuesday August 27th, 2024. The five individuals the University will bestow with Honorary Degrees are: Gerry Kilcommins (Doctor of Engineering), former Vice President Global Operations at Medtronic. Danny McCoy (Doctor of Economic Science), Chief Executive Officer of Ibec. Mary Bennett (Doctor of Economic Science), former owner of iconic Galway retail outlet The Treasure Chest and founding member of the Galway City Business Association and the Galway Business and Professional Women's Network. John Davoren (Doctor of Science), farmer, Co-Director of Caherconnell Archaeology Field School, and owner of Caherconnell Fort Visitors Centre. Professor Jerome Sheahan (Doctor of Science), Retired statistician/mathematician at University of Galway. University of Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “Our honorary degree ceremonies are an opportunity to recognise people whose values and contribution are exemplars of why we are here as a university community and our own values and impact, in and for the world. Universities are more than what we do: we are animated communities, exemplars of our value to society and our values in society. On behalf of our University communities, I congratulate all of those being honoured for the distinguished contributions to Galway, Ireland and society and I look forward to our university coming together to honour them, and our graduates.” The full schedule for the autumn 2024 conferring ceremonies is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/conferring/guide/autumn-conferring/ Ends

 D’fhógair Ollscoil na Gaillimhe inniu na daoine a mbeidh Céimeanna Oinigh á mbronnadh orthu ag Searmanais Bronnta Céime an Fhómhair 2024. Beidh na Céimithe Oinigh seo i gcomhluadar sa bhreis is 1,800 réamhchéimí ag searmanais a bheidh ar siúl ón Déardaoin, an 22 Lúnasa go dtí Dé Máirt, an 27 Lúnasa 2024. Is iad an cúigear a mbronnfar Céimeanna Oinigh orthu: Gerry Kilcommins (Dochtúir le hInnealtóireacht), IarLeas-Uachtarán Oibríochtaí Domhanda, Danny McCoy (Dochtúir le hEolaíocht Eacnamaíochta), Príomhfheidhmeannach Ibec. Mary Bennett (Dochtúir le hEolaíocht Eacnamaíochta), iar-úinéir shiopa mór le rá na Gaillimhe The Treasure Chest agus duine de bhunaitheoirí Chumann Gnó Chathair na Gaillimhe agus de Líonra Ban Gnó agus Gairmiúil na Gaillimhe. John Davoren (Dochtúir le hEolaíocht), Comhstiúrthóir ar Scoil Allamuigh Seandálaíochta Chathair Chonaill agus úinéir Ionad Cuairteoirí Dhún Chathair Chonaill. An tOllamh Jerome Sheahan (Dochtúir le hEolaíocht), Staitisteoir/matamaticeoir ar scor as Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Dúirt Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Is deis iad na searmanais seo chun aitheantas a thabhairt do dhaoine a bhfuil a luachanna agus a gcion ina ndea-shampla dúinn mar phobal ollscoile, agus atá ina n-eiseamláirí dár luachanna agus dár dtionchar ar an domhan agus ar son an domhain. Tá níos mó i gceist le hollscoileanna ná an méid a ndéanaimid: is pobail bhríomhara sinn, eiseamláirí dár luach don tsochaí agus dár luachanna sa tsochaí. Thar ceann ár bpobal Ollscoile, tréaslaím leo siúd go léir a dtugaimid ómós dóibh as an gcion thar na bearta atá déanta acu do Ghaillimh, d’Éirinn agus don phobal agus táim ag súil le teacht le chéile mar phobal ollscoile chun ómós a thabhairt dóibh, agus dár gcéimithe.” Tá sceideal iomlán shearmanais bhronnta an fhómhair 2024 le fáil ag https://www.universityofgalway.ie/conferring/guide/autumn-conferring/ Críoch

Researchers at University of Galway have developed a new, portable technology for on-the-spot testing of water quality to detect one of the most dangerous types of bacteria. Ireland regularly reports the highest crude incidence rates of the pathogen Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli - STEC for short - in Europe over the recent years. The bacteria produces the harmful Shiga toxin, which, if ingested by humans, can cause severe stomach illnesses and, in some cases, life-threatening complications especially in children under 5 years, older people and immunocompromised individuals. A work led by Dr Zina Alfahl, lecturer in bacteriology in the University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, and Dr Louise O’Connor, senior research fellow with the University’s College of Science and Engineering, developed a technology for rapid, sensitive and accurate testing of STEC in water sources, including rivers, lakes and wells. The results have been published in the journal, Microbiology.             Dr Alfahl said: “Our technology is a significant advancement in on-site water testing. It is portable, straightforward and safe to use. It is accurate, highly sensitive and the results are delivered quickly, on-site. “We are hoping that Environmental Health Officers and groundwater schemes in Ireland could use the technology on-site allowing for more frequent testing especially in or after extreme weather, periods of intense rainfall, because it is those conditions which lead to water supplies being contaminated.” Dr O’Connor said: “This technology could be a crucial intervention in helping to prevent outbreaks of infection in families and communities using wells, private water supplies and groundwater schemes. “Immediate results can help public health officers and water management authorities make informed decisions to protect public health. This rapid response capability is crucial for preventing the spread of waterborne diseases and ensuring the safety of drinking water." STEC is normally found in the intestines of healthy animals like cows and sheep, which carry it without getting sick. The bacteria spreads to people through contact with animal waste, or by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. A small sample of water can be tested on-site using isothermal amplification technology which can identify the genetic markers of STEC bacteria, and related E. coli.  The results are delivered in about 40minutes through a reading on screen. Traditional lab testing of samples can take days for results to be returned. The research, funded by Environment Protection Agency through the DERIVE project, tested samples from various water sources, including groundwater wells, rivers, a turlough and a farm drain on the Corrib catchment in Galway. Of the samples tested 61% were positive for the presence of this dangerous pathogen. Dr Alfahl said: “Our testing is sensitive enough to identify as low as two cells of the STEC bacteria. The gold standard for testing is culture in a lab, but this can take days and often weeks, and on occasion can return a false negative result – just because the culture does not grow in the lab does not always mean the bacteria has not been present in the water. Our test removes the necessity for samples to go to a lab. It offers on-the-spot results and is of huge benefit to the people using the water as a first-step in identifying a contamination and a potential health risk.” Dr O’Connor said: “This new testing method is particularly important for areas that rely on private groundwater wells, which can be more prone to contamination. In Ireland, a significant portion of the population depends on these for their drinking water - about 720,000 people, or one in every 5 households, but quality has been an issue as regulation is less stringent on these sources and testing is less frequent.” Ends

New research shows Andean glaciers have retreated to lowest levels in 11,700 years     An international team of scientists has discovered the glaciers in the Andes have shrunk to their smallest size in 11,700 years, revealing the tropics have already warmed beyond anything experienced during the entire Holocene age.   Scientists have long predicted the world’s glaciers will retreat as temperatures warm but the study’s analysis of rock samples adjacent to four glaciers in the Andes Mountains shows that glacial retreat in the tropics has happened much faster and has already passed an alarming cross-epoch benchmark.   As Earth’s climate heats up, the findings signal more of the world’s glaciers are likely retreating faster than predicted, possibly decades ahead of the climatological schedule. The findings have been published in the international journal Science and was led by Boston College in collaboration with scientists from University of Galway, UC Berkeley, University of Wisconsin, Tulane University, Aix-Marseille University, Aspen Global Change Institute, Ohio State University, Union College, Université Grenoble Alpes, and Purdue University. When glaciers shrink, the underlying bedrock is suddenly exposed to the stream of cosmic radiation constantly bombarding Earth. Similar to a sunburn, this radiation causes microscopic nuclear reactions inside the bedrock that produce rare isotopes, such as beryllium-10 and carbon-14. Scientists measure the concentration of these isotopes to calculate how long landscapes have been buried by ice and establish when glaciers were last as small as today. The rocks being exposed by melting glaciers in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia contain such small amounts of cosmogenic isotopes that the researchers were able to conclude these tropical ice masses have not been so small for at least 11,700 years, and potentially much longer. The rate at which the glaciers are melting suggests that the tropical climate can no longer be classified as belonging to the Holocene interglacial period, the last 11,700 years of relatively stable climate in which civilisation has flourished. Instead, the tropics may be best classified by a new period that will spell the end of glaciers in the high tropical Andes: the Anthropocene.   University of Galway climate scientist and co-author of the study, Dr Gordon Bromley led the collection of bedrock samples in the high Sierra Nevada del Cocuy in Colombia.               Dr Bromley said: “Glaciers are the poster child of human-caused global warming and are currently shrinking on a global scale as atmospheric temperatures rise. Our team uses glaciers as natural thermometers to track the magnitude of modern climate change and provide much-needed context of today’s rapid ice loss. Using a revolutionary technique called cosmogenic nuclide surface-exposure dating, we have reconstructed the growth and decay of glaciers in the high-altitude tropical Andes, which is arguably the most sensitive environment on Earth to climate change. “We found that modern glaciers in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia are smaller today than they have been for the entirety of the Holocene interglacial and conclude that the magnitude of modern ice loss is unprecedented. “This sets a grim new benchmark for our monitoring of human-driven climate change and also demonstrates how the high-altitude tropics, home to some of the most irreplaceable ecosystems on Earth, are also the most sensitive – and thus vulnerable – parts of our planet to global warming.” Ends

UrbanLab Galway, an initiative of University of Galway, has unveiled a perspective-shifting art installation in Salthill Park, Galway, as part of the Architecture on the Edge festival. Samhlú Salthill is a canvas which reimagines the urban space and presents a glimpse of the potential future, allowing the viewer to look out to Galway Bay and to the well-known Leisureland complex and how they might look in decades to come. The installation combines with the UrbanLab App to take the experience further, allowing visitors to unlock additional layers of change through augmented reality. Dr Patrick Collins, Director of UrbanLab Galway and lecturer in Geography at University of Galway, said: "The Samhlú Salthill installation is a combination of perspective and imagination. It uses anamorphic techniques to create stunning visual effects that change as viewers move around it. “From one angle, you might see one potential future for Salthill. But as you shift your position, the image changes to reveal alternative future visions for the area. It's a powerful metaphor for the transformative power of community-driven urban planning. “This anamorphic artwork isn't just a feast for the eyes; it's a catalyst for conversation. Thanks to the Urban Lab and our app, each image contains elements drawn from our ongoing public consultation, where we are asking people in Galway to identify locations and how they could be reimagined, redeveloped, enhanced, reopened. “As people interact with the art, they're literally seeing their community's ideas take shape before their eyes." Samhlú Salthill was strategically placed in Salthill Park, across from the well-known Leisureland complex, a space ripe for revitalisation. The project is backed by Galway City Council, Science Foundation Ireland, and University of Galway and serves as both an artistic landmark and a focal point for community discussion. Dr Collins explains: "Anyone who downloads the UrbanLab app can then use it and point their phone at the artwork, and watch as digital elements spring to life. We want people to share their reactions and ideas directly through the app. This fusion of physical art and digital interaction creates a truly unique public forum." Ends

Frequent fizzy drinks doubles the risk of stroke More than 4 cups of coffee a day increases chances of a stroke by a third Drinking water and tea may reduce risk of stroke  Frequent drinking of fizzy drinks or fruit juice is associated with an increased risk of stroke, according to new findings from global research studies co-led by University of Galway, in collaboration with McMaster University Canada and an international network of stroke researchers. The research also found that drinking more than four cups of coffee per day also increases the risk of stroke. The findings come from two analyses of the INTERSTROKE research project which have been published – the effects of fizzy drinks, fruit juice/drink and water was reported in the Journal of Stroke; and the findings related to tea and coffee in the International Journal of Stroke. Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut-off and damages brain cells - it can either be ischemic stroke, which is usually due to a blood clot, or when there intracerebral haemorrhage, which is bleeding into the brain tissue. INTERSTROKE is one of the largest international studies of risk factors for stroke, involving almost 27,000 people, in 27 countries, including almost 13,500 people who experienced their first stroke. Those who took part in the study came from a broad range of geographical and ethnic backgrounds, with different cardiovascular risk profiles, including Ireland and the UK. The study which focused on people’s consumption of fizzy drinks and fruit juice found: Fizzy drinks, including both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened such as diet or zero sugar, were linked with a 22% increased chance of stroke, and the risk increased sharply with two or more of these drinks a day The link between fizzy drinks and chance of stroke was greatest in Eastern/Central Europe and Middle East, Africa, and South America The research noted that many products marketed as fruit juice are made from concentrates and contain added sugars and preservatives, which may offset the benefits usually linked with fresh fruit, and actually increase stroke risk Fruit juice drinks were linked with a 37% increase in chance of stroke due to bleeding (intracranial haemorrhage). With two of these drinks a day, the risk triples Women show the greatest increased chance of stroke due to bleeding (intracranial haemorrhage) linked to fruit juice/drinks Drinking more than 7 cups of water a day was linked with a reduced odds of stroke caused by a clot Lead researcher on both studies Professor Andrew Smyth, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at University of Galway and Consultant Physician at Galway University Hospitals, said: “Not all fruit drinks are created equal - freshly squeezed fruit juices are most likely to bring benefits, but fruit drinks made from concentrates, with lots of added sugars and preservatives, may be harmful. Our research also shows that the chance of stroke increases the more often someone consumes fizzy drinks. “As a doctor and as someone who has researched the risk of stroke, we would encourage people to avoid or minimise their consumption of fizzy and fruit drinks, and to consider switching to water instead.” The study which focused on people’s consumption of coffee and tea found: Drinking more than four cups of coffee a day increased chance of stroke by 37%, but not associated with stroke risk for lower intakes Drinking tea was linked with a reduced chance of stroke by 18-20% Drinking 3-4 cups per day of black tea - including Breakfast and Earl Grey teas, but not green tea or herbal teas - was linked with a 29% lower chance of stroke Drinking 3-4 cups per day of green tea was linked with a 27% lower chance of stroke Adding milk may reduce or block the beneficial effects of antioxidants that can be found in tea. The reduced chance of stroke from drinking tea was lost for those that added milk There were important geographical differences in the findings - tea was linked with lower chance of stroke in China and South America but higher chance of stroke in South Asia Professor Martin O’Donnell, Executive Dean of College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway and Consultant Stroke Physician at Galway University Hospitals, co-leads the INTERSTROKE study in partnership with Professor Salim Yusuf of the Population Health Research Institute at McMaster University, Canada.             Professor O’Donnell said: “A key goal of the INTERSTROKE study is to provide usable information on how to reduce one’s risk of stroke. While hypertension is the most important risk factor, our stroke risk can also be lowered through healthy lifestyle choices in diet and physical activity. The current study adds further information on what constitutes healthy choices on daily intake of beverages.” A series of findings have been released as part of the wider INTERSTROKE project and can be accessed here.  Ends

Tá Ollscoil na Gaillimhe réidh chun fáilte a chur roimh na mílte mac léinn féideartha, tuismitheoirí, comhairleoirí gairmthreorach agus múinteoirí chuig Laethanta Oscailte na bliana seo – na cinn is mó riamh. Reáchtáltar an imeacht seo thar dhá lá i gcúig spás taispeántais suite ar fud an champais seo i lár na cathrach agus cois abhann, agus áirítear ann na céadta cainteanna ar chúrsaí agus ar ábhair chomh maith le deiseanna do dhaltaí blaiseadh ceart a fháil de shaol na hOllscoile seo. Beidh laethanta oscailte an fhómhair ar siúl Dé hAoine agus Dé Sathairn, an 4 agus an 5 Deireadh Fómhair, ó 9:00am go 3:00pm gach lá. Bhí an méid seo le rá ag Sarah Geraghty, Stiúrthóir Earcaíochta Mac Léinn agus For-rochtana in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Is é cuspóir na Laethanta Oscailte seo blaiseadh ceart a thabhairt do mhic léinn ar shaol na hollscoile, agus é a chur ar a súile dóibh an t-iliomad deiseanna iontacha atá amach rompu. Is údar bróid dúinn a bheith rangaithe i measc an 2% is fearr d’ollscoileanna an domhain, agus i measc an 100 is fearr san Eoraip! Níos fearr ná sin, táimid rangaithe sa 34ú háit ar domhan, agus sa chéad áit in Éirinn, de réir Ranguithe Tionchair THE de thoradh ár gcuid oibre ar Spriocanna Forbartha Inbhuanaithe na Náisiún Aontaithe. “Tá ár léachtóirí, comhaltaí foirne agus mic léinn reatha iontacha ar bís le bualadh leo siúd a bheidh ina mic léinn amach anseo, agus cuidiú leo eolas a fháil ar na roghanna spreagúla staidéir agus gairme go léir atá ar fáil dóibh. Cuirimid os cionn 60 fochéim ar fáil a aithnítear go hidirnáisiúnta, lena n-áirítear Leigheas, Altranas, Eolaíochtaí Sláinte, na Dána, Eolaíocht, Innealtóireacht, Gnó, Dlí agus Bainistíocht Óstáin. Ina theannta sin, soláthraíonn breis agus 90% de na cúrsaí deiseanna chun tabhairt faoi shocrúchán oibre agus/nó staidéar thar lear chun a chinntiú go mbíonn céimithe réidh don ionad oibre, agus go mbíonn tóir ag fostóirí sa bhaile agus thar lear orthu. Níl an ollscoil seo le sárú ó thaobh na ndeiseanna foghlama atá ar fáil ón sárthaighde agus teagasc a bhíonn ar siúl ag na comhaltaí foirne acadúla anseo, rud a réiteoidh daoine óga do ghairm thairbheach áit ar bith ar domhan.” Buaicphointe Laethanta Oscailte na bliana seo is ea go dtabharfar rochtain eisiach ar roinnt de na háiseanna teagaisc agus foghlama is nuálaí dá bhfuil againn. Ina measc: Is féidir le daltaí atá ag cuimhneamh tabhairt faoin altranas amach anseo turas a fháil ar na háiseanna Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais. Cuirfear tús leis na turais in Áras Mhaighe Seola, an Zón Glas, ag 1pm agus 1:30pm an dá lá. Dóibh siúd ar spéis leo cúrsaí Dlí, ná cailltear an deis cuairt a thabhairt ar Chúirt Bhréige Scoil an Dlí ina n-athchruthaítear éispéireas an tseomra cúirte! Tá cúig thuras in aghaidh an lae, ach ní mór clárú roimh ré ag Seastán 45 sa Zón Oráiste. Tabharfaidh Coláiste na hEolaíochta agus na hInnealtóireachta turais ar Áras iontach na hInnealtóireachta, a thosófar i bhforhalla an Zóin Ghlais. Ba cheart do mhic léinn a bhfuil spéis acu san Fhisic clárú ag Seastán 6 sa Zón Corcra le haghaidh turas spreagúil ar na saotharlanna Fisice. Is féidir le lucht spéise na Drámaíochta páirt a ghlacadh i Máistir-rang Drámaíochta ag 1pm, nó i dturas ar Ionad Uí Dhonnchadha don Drámaíocht, an Amharclannaíocht agus an Taibhléiriú i bhforhalla an Zóin Ghoirm ag 11:30am. Beidh deis ag daoine a bhfuil dúil acu i gcúrsaí spóirt bualadh le cóitseálaithe agus lúthchleasaithe chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil ar na scoláireachtaí spóirt agus na háiseanna den scoth atá ar fáil anseo. Beidh na sonraí go léir le fáil gach lá in The Cube, sa Zón Oráiste. Ina theannta sin, tabharfar deis do dhaltaí lóistín an champais a fheiceáil agus blaiseadh a fháil de shaol an mhic léinn. Cuirfear fáilte roimh thuismitheoirí chuig léacht speisialta do Thuismitheoirí ag 11:30am Dé Sathairn, ina bhfaighidh siad go leor leideanna faoin gcaoi is fearr chun tacú le mic léinn agus iad ag aistriú go dtí an ollscoil. Is gá clárú roimh ré, agus tá tuilleadh eolais agus an clár iomlán ar fáil ag www.universityofgalway.ie/opendays, nó trí ríomhphost a sheoladh chuig opendays@universityofgalway.ie. Críoch

University of Galway is set to welcome thousands of prospective students, parents, guidance counsellors and teachers to this year’s Open Days - the largest ever. The event runs over two days with five exhibition spaces spread across the city-centre, riverside campus, with more than 100 course and subject talks and opportunities for students to get a real feel for what life at the University is all about. The Open Days take place on Friday, October 4th, and Saturday, October 5th, from 9:00am to 3:00pm each day. Sarah Geraghty, Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach at University of Galway, said: “Our Open Days are all about giving students a real feel for college life and showing just how many incredible opportunities lie ahead. We're proud to be ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide and in the top 100 in Europe! Even better, we're ranked 34th globally and number 1 in Ireland by the THE Impact Rankings for our work on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. “Our amazing lecturers, staff, and current students can’t wait to meet future students and help them discover all the exciting study and career paths waiting for them. We offer more than 60 internationally recognised undergraduate degrees including Medicine, Nursing, Health Sciences, Arts, Science, Engineering, Business, Law and Hotel Management. And alongside that, more than 90% of the courses offer a work placement and/or study abroad opportunity, ensuring graduates are workplace ready, and much sought after by employers at home and abroad. The opportunities to learn from the excellent research and outstanding teaching of our academic staff is second to none and will set any young person up for a rewarding career, anywhere in the world.” A highlight of this year’s Open Days will be exclusive access to some of our most innovative teaching and learning facilities including: Future nursing students can tour the Nursing and Midwifery facilities, with tours departing from Áras Moyola, Green Zone at 1pm and 1:30pm on both days. Law enthusiasts should not miss a chance to visit the School of Law’s Moot Court, which replicates a real courtroom experience! There are five tours daily, and advance registration is required at Stand 45 in the Orange Zone. The College of Science and Engineering will host tours of their impressive Engineering Building, with tours starting from the Green Zone foyer. Students interested in Physics should register at Stand 6 in the Purple Zone for an exciting tour of our Physics labs. Drama lovers can participate in a Drama Master Class at 1pm, or take a tour of the O’Donoghue Drama and Theatre Performance Centre at the Blue Zone Foyer at 11:30am. Sports enthusiast will have the opportunity to meet with coaches and athletes to learn more about our sports scholarships and state-of-the-art facilities. Full details will be available in The Cube in the Orange Zone daily. Students will also have the chance to explore the campus accommodation and get a taste of student life, and parents are invited to attend a special Parents’ Talk at 11:30am on Saturday, packed with helpful tips on how to best support students as they transition to university. Advance registration is required, with further information and the full programme available at www.universityofgalway.ie/opendays, or by emailing opendays@universityofgalway.ie. Ends

Clinical data showing the prevention of hair loss and peripheral neuropathy in chemotherapy patients sees ARTIS Ventures lead investment syndicate which includes heavyweight Silicon Valley backers such as 8VC and Lachy Groom. Luminate, a University of Galway spin-out company that aims to help deliver cancer treatment at home, has raised $15 million in a Series A investment. The funding comes after first-in-patient clinical trials of the company’s devices to prevent hair loss and peripheral neuropathy in chemotherapy patients showed successful results. 30 jobs are being created at the company’s Galway base as it prepares to launch in the US next year. The round was led by ARTIS Ventures, with participation from Metaplanet, Lachy Groom, 8VC, and healthcare executives from companies such as Dexcom, alongside existing investors SciFounders, Faber and others. Research suggests that over 10% of cancer patients’ lives are spent in hospital. Luminate is developing a series of products to enable home administration of anti-cancer treatments, allowing patients to spend less time in clinic. For physicians, Luminate’s technology helps to meet the growing demand for cancer infusion clinic space caused by rising numbers of cancer cases. To enable at-home cancer treatment, Luminate is developing a series of technologies to prevent treatment side effects that require in-person monitoring, facilitate patient-led delivery of therapeutics, and monitor key adverse events during treatment. The company’s first two products focus on preventing the side effects of cancer treatment which require in-clinic monitoring. Lilac, a wearable set of gloves and boots, is designed to prevent peripheral nerve damage in the hands and feet of cancer patients – a debilitating condition that requires frequent in-person monitoring of patients. Meanwhile, Lily, a wearable cap-like device designed to be worn during chemotherapy, allows patients to prevent hair loss caused by chemotherapy. In addition to these initial products, the team has begun the development of a novel system, Lotus, designed to enable at-home administration of low-risk anti-cancer drugs by patients. Luminate, which participated in the Y Combinator S21 Batch, plans to use the funds to continue development of its Lotus technology through to first-in-patient trials, and to complete large-scale clinical trials of its Lily and Lilac products in the US, before proceeding to FDA review and market launch. First revenues from its side effect prevention platform are expected in 2025.             Aaron Hannon, CEO and Co-Founder of Luminate, said: “Our mission at Luminate is to deliver every cancer treatment in the patient’s home. In order to make home delivery possible, we need to build tools to prevent side effects that require in-person monitoring, monitor urgent adverse events during treatment, and enable patients to complete infusion procedures alone. This funding allows us to take the first step of this vision: showing we can prevent important adverse events like neuropathy in large scale trials and on the market. Alongside achieving these key milestones, we continue to expand our world class team in the US and Ireland, with a number of open roles in product development, operations, and clinical. We’re excited to partner with a strong investor base to make our vision of at-home cancer care a reality.”             Commenting on the fundraise, Austin Walne, Partner at ARTIS Ventures said: "Luminate has an opportunity to significantly reduce the painful side effects cancer patients endure when undergoing chemotherapy treatments. The Luminate team have the potential to unlock value for private practice oncologists across the United States, reduce costs to insurers through at-home care delivery, and create a better experience for patients while they fight to win their battles with cancer.” Luminate was founded in 2018 by Aaron Hannon, Dr Barbara Oliveira and Professor Martin O’Halloran when the group were working as medical device researchers at the University of Galway, Ireland. Headquartered at the University’s Business Innovation Centre, the team has since grown to over 33 people employed in the US, Ireland, and Georgia. The current funding round brings the University of Galway spin out’s total funding to over $25 million to date, including grant funding from Europe’s EIC Accelerator and Enterprise Ireland’s Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund. The company is currently recruiting for roles in software development, electronics, mechanical design, R&D, and manufacturing to join the team at its Galway office, and clinical researchers to join its remote US workforce as it launches US multi-centre studies. Ends

Active* Consent reports on research and impact in 2023/24    Programme calls on the Further and Higher Education and Training sectors to set firm targets for education and prevention    Active* Consent wants every student and staff member prepared to respond to consent, sexual violence and harassment.    The Active* Consent programme based at University of Galway has called for the Further and Higher Education and Training sectors to set firm targets for consent education and sexual violence prevention among students and staff.   The programme has released a report on its work over the 2023-2024 academic year with almost 25,000 First Year students in Higher Education engaging with the Active* Consent orientation resource.    Active* Consent marked the report launch at an event in Dublin, with calls for institutions in the Higher Education and Further Education and Training sector to ensure that:  At least 80% of incoming Higher Education students engage with consent education during their orientation or induction. Further Education and Training learners should be supported to have access to the same level of consent education as is available for students in Higher Education. All students receive consent education and sexual violence prevention at multiple points during their third level experience. All staff engage in awareness-raising and training activities.  Professor Pádraig MacNeela from the School of Psychology at University of Galway said: “A lot of progress has been made in Further and Higher Education in recent years, but the time has come for these sectors to set firm targets for consent education and sexual violence prevention. Every student and staff member needs to be adequately prepared to address consent, sexual violence, and harassment in a meaningful and lasting way.”    Dr Siobhán O’Higgins, Education and Training Co-Lead on the Active* Consent programme, said: “Student feedback on Active* Consent education resources supports the argument that consent education should be rolled out to everyone who comes to college, backed up by campus campaigns and staff training.”   Active* Consent in the 2023-2024 academic year  Active* Consent’s programme ethos is that consent is ongoing, mutual, and freely given, for all relationships, genders and orientations. Its education model promotes a community-wide culture of consent using brief messaging, workshops, arts-based interventions, specialised staff training and research.   The Active* Consent orientation resource  Almost 25,000 First Year students in Higher Education engaged with the Active* Consent orientation resource in 2023-2024 academic year. Some 8,338 of these students completed a survey on their experience with 80% agreeing that they learned something useful, while 91% would recommend it to a friend.    Other student feedback during the year revealed:  94% of students who took part in a 1-hour in-person consent workshop said they learned something useful, and 90% would recommend it to their peers.   87% of the students who completed Active* Consent’s 40-minute eLearning resource agreed that it would help them to intervene in problematic situations involving their peers, while 90% said that it would help them to support their peers if they have a negative sexual experience.  Supporting student leadership: A new Active* Champions peer education training was piloted over the past year.    Gemma MacNally, Clinical and Therapeutic Lead with the Active* Consent programme, said: “In the past year, Active* Champions have delivered consent workshops, created art projects, hosted information stalls, and advised on university policy changes. By supporting peer education, Higher Education institutions inspire student leaders to lead out on culture change, and expand their own capacity to engage the whole campus community.”    Preparing staff: Active* Consent has made significant strides in providing staff training, with more than 2,000 staff members taking part in awareness raising and training in consent education in the Further Education and Training sector.   Active* Consent Research  All Active* Consent educational resources incorporate research evidence. As an example of this research, we are sharing the results of an exploratory online survey in which 366 university students reacted to short stories featuring sexist harassment, sexual hostility, online harassment, sexual coercion and sexual consent.   The purpose of this survey was to gather views on these issues as part of the development of new educational resources on sexual violence and harassment.   Survey demographics: 86% were undergraduate students; 72% were female, 23% male, and 5% did not identify with either gender.    Survey findings: Students rated their agreement with the statements following each story.   Students displayed a high level of recognition of sexual violence and online harassment in responses to the stories:  92% considered it online harassment to make disparaging sexual comments on an ex-partner online.  90% agreed that it was sexual coercion if sexual intimacy took place after one person persistently asked for it when the other person did not want to do it.  Student responses to stories on harassment were less consistent. Three quarters of students considered the behaviours described to be wrong, but fewer students agreed that they constituted harassment:  57% of students considered it sexist harassment for someone to show a video mocking women to a group of peers. 47% agreed that it was sexual harassment for one student to make sexual remarks during work meetings to complete a college assignment. Finally, in a story about consent, 42% of the students agreed there was sexual consent in a story about a ‘hook up’ that did not include verbal consent to sex.  On a positive note, students who took part in educational programming – such as engaging in consent workshops and being told about supports, services and definitions – displayed better awareness of services, that alcohol impacts the ability to consent, and a greater intention to intervene if they saw sexual violence and harassment.    Commenting on the students’ responses about what they would do in response to the stories, Clarissa DiSantis, newly appointed Education and Training Co-Lead with the Active* Consent programme, said: “It’s encouraging that 71% of students taking the survey agreed they would intervene if they witnessed harassment, while 76% would be comfortable talking to a peer who makes a disclosure about sexual violence. We must make sure that they have the skills to follow through on their intentions.”   Ends   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

D’fhógair Ollscoil na Gaillimhe inniu go bhfuil an tOllamh Becky Whay le dul i mbun ról an Uachtaráin Ionaid agus Meabhránaí Eatramhaigh. Dheimhnigh Údarás na hOllscoile ceapachán an Ollaimh Whay. Leanann an deimhniú seo an fógra a rinneadh ar an 4 Iúil go raibh an tOllamh Peter McHugh ag dul i mbun ról an Uachtaráin Eatramhaigh tar éis don Ollamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh éirí as post an Uachtaráin agus sé bliana go leith caite aige i mbun na hoifige sin. Cuireann an tOllamh McHugh tús lena théarma mar Uachtarán Eatramhach an 7 Meán Fómhair agus cuireann an tOllamh Whay tús lena ról mar Uachtarán Ionaid agus Meabhránaí Eatramhach an 9 Meán Fómhair.             Dúirt Uachtarán Eatramhach nua Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Peter McHugh: “Is mór an t-údar áthais dom ceapachán an Ollaimh Becky Whay a fhógairt, tá iomrá ar an Ollamh Whay sa saol acadúil, mar thaighdeoir agus mar oide araon, agus anuas air sin rinne sí go leor dul chun cinn ar mhaithe le hOllscoil na Gaillimhe agus í ina Leas-Uachtarán Idirnáisiúnta ó 2019 i leith. Táimid muiníneach go rachaidh saineolas, fís agus cur chuige comhoibríoch Becky go mór chun tairbhe an phobail seo againne.”           Dúirt an tOllamh Whay: “Is mór an phribhléid é a bheith ceaptha mar Uachtarán Ionaid agus Meabhránaí Eatramhach agus táim ag tnúth leis na dúshláin chomh maith leis na deiseanna atá romhainn, chun tacú lenár bhfoireann acadúil agus chun na caighdeáin is airde a chinntiú dár gcuid mac léinn, chomh maith le cuidiú le forbairt leanúnach na hollscoile ar mhaithe le leas an phobail.”     Beathaisnéis an Ollaimh Whay Mar Uachtarán Ionaid agus Meabhránaí Eatramhach, tá an tOllamh Whay ina ball d’Fhoireann Bainistíochta na hOllscoile agus den Chomhairle Acadúil; déanfaidh sí ionadaíocht thar ceann an Uachtaráin nuair a bheidh sé as láthair; agus tá freagracht fhoriomlán uirthi as an straitéis acadúil, as arduithe céime acadúla, agus as feabhas acadúil.  Thosaigh an tOllamh Becky Whay ag obair in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe sa bhliain 2019 nuair a ceapadh ina Leas-Uachtarán Idirnáisiúnta í. I mí na Bealtaine 2024, athcheapadh í sa ról sin don dara téarma cúig bliana, agus díríodh den chuid is mó ar Ghaillimh Idirnáisiúnta 2.0 a stiúradh, ar ár Straitéis Idirnáisiúnta, a bheidh lárnach i Straitéis Ollscoil na Gaillimhe 2030 agus ar an dara céim dár Líonra Ollscoileanna Eorpacha – ENLIGHT.  D’oibrigh an tOllamh Becky Whay in Ollscoil Bhriostó roimhe seo, ollscoil atá mar chuid de Ghrúpa ollscoileanna clúiteacha Russell agus atá sa 55ú háit ar domhan agus sa 5ú háit sa Ríocht Aontaithe le haghaidh Taighde, de réir Ranguithe QS an Domhain. Bhí post aici freisin mar Stiúrthóir Idirnáisiúnaithe i nDámh na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte in Ollscoil Bhriostó, dámh mór dhiantaighde a chuimsíonn scoileanna leighis, fiaclóireachta agus tréidliachta na hOllscoile. Faoina stiúrthóireacht mhéadaigh an dámh a pobal mac léinn idirnáisiúnta, cuireadh leis an gcomhoibriú taighde idirnáisiúnta a bhí ar bun agus tháinig fás suntasach ar chomhpháirtíochtaí institiúide idirnáisiúnta. Ag an am céanna, roinn sí freagrachtaí an Chinn Scoile Tréidliachta i mBriostó agus threoraigh sí an Scoil trí thréimhse inar tharla athruithe móra agus inar cuireadh isteach ar chreidiúnú le Veterinary Medical Association Mheiriceá. Tá cáil idirnáisiúnta ar an Ollamh Whay as a cuid taighde ar eallach déiríochta agus ar leas eachaí oibre agus oibríonn sí i limistéir den domhan ina bhfuil idirspleáchas ainmhithe daonna ríthábhachtach don tslí mhaireachtála a bhíonn ag teaghlaigh. Bhí sí ina céad Uachtarán ar an International Society for the Study of Lameness in Ruminants agus bhí sí ina Cathaoirleach ar an Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law Veterinary Association. In 2015, bronnadh gradam CEVA uirthi as Leas Ainmhithe Feirme. Críoch