News Archive

A colloquium on commercial sex will be hosted by the Commercial Sex Researchers Network of Ireland (CSNRI) in conjunction with the NUI Galway-UL Gender Arc on Tuesday, 3 May in Room 110, St. Anthony’s Building, NUI Galway. Entitled ‘Research on the margins? Commercial sex, the researcher and the researched’, this is an interdisciplinary event which encapsulates local and international expert opinion on the issue of commercial sex is organised by Seán Burke, a PhD candidate at NUI Galway’s School of Political Science and Sociology. Keynote speaker Dr Lorraine Nencel will critically explore how researchers make sense of knowledge about the sex trade, how they work with sex workers, and some of the implications of that. She will draw on her 20 year experience of research with sex workers in Peru, Netherlands, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Dhaka Bangladesh, and make the case that researching the sex trade is not like researching any other topic, or not ‘a job like any other’.  Dr Nencel’s address will be followed by two interactive workshops hosted by NUI Galway’s Dr Eilís Ward and Dr Leigh-Ann Sweeney. Dr Nencel is Associate Professor at the Department of Sociology at the VU University, Amsterdam. Trained as an anthropologist, she has been researching the subject of sex work for more than twenty years, beginning with her research in Lima Peru. Momentarily, she is finishing research on migrant sex workers in the Netherlands, has a project concerning ‘economic empowerment’ and sex workers in Kenya and Ethiopia, and has recently began a project on migrant young women and sexual and reproductive rights in Dhaka Bangladesh, which also works with sex workers.  Dr Eilís Ward is lecturer in the School of Political Science and Sociology, NUI Galway and has been researching and publishing on the politics of the sex trade for over ten years. She is a member of the management committee of the EU funded Cost Action network, ProsPol, and co-editor of a forthcoming book on the state, feminism and prostitution politics.  Furthermore, Dr Ward has contributed to the national debate on prostitution by giving submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee Justice Equality and Defence, which investigated legislating for prostitution in Ireland. Dr Leigh-Ann Sweeney is a Health Services Postdoctoral Researcher at NUI Galway’s Health Promotion Research Centre. Her research to date has focused on qualitative, service-user led research, with a specific interest in narrative inquiry. Dr Sweeney’s PhD research topic, ‘The psychosocial experiences of women involved in prostitution: An exploratory study’, provides empirical evidence on the health needs and experiences of women in the sex industry. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, or to reserve a place, contact Seán Burke at seandeburca1986@gmail.com.  -Ends-

A new book by a Professor of Psychology at NUI Galway argues that many psychologists fail to take a scientific approach to their work, and that much of the field’s research suffers from serious methodological flaws. The book, ‘Rethinking Psychology: Good Science, Bad Science, Pseudoscience’, by Brian Hughes, was published worldwide this month by Palgrave, and was launched at NUI Galway this week. Psychology is one of the most popular subjects in universities across the world and is widely regarded to be a modern empirical science. Despite this, Hughes argues that psychology attracts significant attention from people who hold deeply negative views about science. As a result, psychology is often studied by students and researchers who lack true scientific rigour. According to Hughes, “Psychology has become a field where science meets pseudoscience.” “This is important because psychology touches all of our lives,” Hughes said. “When we talk about mental health, education, social conflict, or crime, our ability to think clearly about these topics depends on how well we study them. Psychologists often try their best to conduct rigorous scientific research. But many psychologists have a casual, and sometimes naïve, approach, and often overlook the limitations of their most conventional research approaches.” “Psychologists are excellent at identifying controversial studies and debunking them, such as the way empirical science quite rightly dismissed the alleged link between MMR vaccination and autism. But psychologists are often less effective at critiquing the quality of mainstream research, such as research about gender differences in human behaviour, evaluations of behaviour change interventions, or studies of how psychotherapy works. In short, psychologists are often very poor at critiquing their own work.” Leading British psychologist Christopher French, Professor at Goldsmiths, University of London, agrees. “Brian Hughes has written an important and engaging book exploring the relationships between science, pseudoscience, and psychology,” according to French. “He argues persuasively that psychology itself can properly be considered to be a true science but one that is marred within by pockets of pseudoscience. This book should be read by anyone with a serious interest in the subject.” David Hevey, Associate Professor at the School of Psychology in Trinity College Dublin described the book as “a timely and comprehensive reminder of the critical role of science in both academic and professional applications of psychology.” Anna Phillips, Reader in Behavioural Medicine at the University of Birmingham praised the book’s message for psychology students. “This book will help students to question more critically the research they read during the course of their degree, rather than simply accepting published work as quality science,” said Phillips. Hughes’s own research focuses on the links between psychological stress and physical health. He has held visiting academic appointments at the Universities of Missouri, Leiden, and Birmingham, and at King's College London. He is the current President of the International Stress and Anxiety Research Society, and a former President of the Psychological Society of Ireland. ‘Rethinking Psychology: Good Science, Bad Science, Pseudoscience’ is published worldwide by Palgrave and available from all good booksellers. ENDS

 NUI Galway School of Education combine technology and history for new classroom iBooks The story of the 1916 Rising in Dublin is told in two new multi-touch books Scéal 1916 & The Story of 1916 produced as part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. They are packed with videos, interactivity and multimedia to engage readers with an authentic learning experience, which brings this period of Irish history to life.The iBooks were launched today at Scoil Chroí Íosa in Galway city. The publications were produced by Seán Ó Grádaigh, Lecturer in Education at NUI Galway, in collaboration with partners, Century Ireland, Boston College, National Library of Ireland, COGG and the School of Education at NUI Galway. “These resources were built as iBooks using iBooks Author which allows teachers to create stunning multi-touch textbooks” remarked Seán Ó Grádaigh. “The rich digital media content and interactivity along with the built-in assessment and accessibility features facilitate all types of learners in a way that the printed page never could.” At the launch, Dr Jim Browne, NUI Galway President remarked: “This year marks a special moment of national reflection for all citizens.  This project ensures that schools have a wonderful new interactive tool to help teachers and students to learn more about 1916 in a dynamic and fun way.  I’m delighted that NUI Galway has been involved in this effort and I’d like to congratulate Seán Ó Grádaigh and all the team involved in putting together such an engaging publication.” Mary Fleming, Head of the School of Education, NUI Galway said “The teaching of educational technology and in particular content creation for education is a key focus on our teacher education programmes. We hope that these new resources will engage and be enjoyed by teachers and learners in both primary and second-level schools” Speaking at the launch, John Concannon, Director of Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, said: “Bringing history to life for young people was always a core ambition of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.  This multimedia book is a great example of how that can be done.  We are delighted to support it.”  Scéal 1916 & The Story of 1916 were launched on Friday April 22 in Scoil Chroí Íosa, Newcastle Road, Galway. The books are now available as free downloads from the iBook Store.  https://itun.es/ie/erY1bb.n -ends  Téacsleabhair dhigiteacha ilmheánacha faoi Éirí Amach 1916 á gcur amach ag Scoil an Oideachais, OÉ Gaillimh Déanann an dá leabhar idirghníomhacha seo Scéal 1916 & The Story of 1916 cur síos ar an méid a tharla i mBaile Átha Cliath le linn Éirí Amach 1916. Tá físeáin, tascanna idirghníomhacha agus gnéithe ilmheánacha fite fuaite trí na leabhair chun aird an fhoglaimeora a ghabháil. Go deimhin, is mar gheall ar idirghníomhaíocht seo a éiríonn leis na leabhair léargas bríomhar ar a tharla sa tréimhse seo i stair na hÉireann a chur ar fáil.  Is é Seán Ó Grádaigh, léachtóir de chuid Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh a rinne na leabhair i gcomhar le Century Ireland, Boston College, Leabharlann Náisiúnta na hÉireann, COGG agus Scoil an Oideachais, OÉ Gaillimh.  “Is iBooks iad na háiseanna seo ar úsáideach iBooks Author chun iad a chur i dtoll a chéile,” a dúirt Seán Ó Grádaigh. “Freastalaíonn na leabhair ar riachtanais na gcineálacha éagsúla foghlaimeoirí ar bhealach nach bhféadfadh leabhar clóite a dhéanamh riamh a bhuí leis an ábhar digiteach, an idirghníomhaíocht agus an measúnú atá lárnach sna leabhair.” Dúirt Uachtarán na hOllscoile, Dr Jim Browne, ag an seoladh: “Is bliain speisialta í seo do shaoránaigh uile na hÉireann chun machnamh a dhéanamh ar stair na tíre. Cinntíonn an togra seo go bhfuil uirlis iontach idirghníomhach ag scoileanna le go mbeidh múinteoirí agus daltaí in ann foghlaim a dhéanamh faoi Éirí Amach 1916 ar bhealach atá spraíúil agus fuinniúil. Is cúis áthais dom go raibh baint ag Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh leis an togra seo agus ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a dhéanamh le Seán Ó Grádaigh agus leis an bhfoireann uile faoin bhfoilseachán tarraingteach seo a chur le chéile. “Cuirtear an-bhéim ar mhúineadh na teicneolaíochta don oideachas ar na cláir oiliúna múinteoirí atá againn agus dírítear ar ábhar a chruthú ach go háirithe,” a mhínigh Mary Fleming, Ceann Scoil an Oideachais, OÉ Gaillimh, “tá súil againn go mbainfidh idir mhúinteoirí agus daltaí ag leibhéal na bunscoile agus ag leibhéal na meánscoile araon tairbhe as na háiseanna.” Dúirt John Concannon, Stiúrthóir ar Ireland 2016, “Ag cur beocht agus beatha sa stair don aos Óg, sin croí aidhm le clár comórtha céad bliain 2016. Sampla iontach is ea an leabhar ilmheáin seo ar conas an sprioc sin a bhaint amach. Tá an-áthas orainn tacú leis.” Seolfar Scéal 1916 & The Story of 1916 ar an Aoine 22 Aibreán, i Scoil Chroí Íosa, Bóthar an Chaisleáin Nua, Gaillimh. Is féidir na leabhair a íoslódáil soar in aisce ón iBook Store anois. https://itun.es/ie/ CRÍOCH

Ag Siúl an Bhealaigh Mhóir: Aistí in Ómós don Ollamh Nollaig Mac Congáil Sheol iar-Stiúrthóir Ginearálta RTÉ agus iar-Cheannasaí TG4, Cathal Goan, an leabhar nuafhoilsithe Ag Siúl an Bhealaigh Mhóir: Aistí in Ómós don Ollamh Nollaig Mac Congáil aréir in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. Chaith Nollaig Mac Congáil daichead bliain ina Léachtóir agus ina Ollamh i Roinn na Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh go dtí 2014. Bhí sé ina Mheabhránaí agus Uachtarán Ionaid ar an ollscoil chéanna chomh maith. Chuir sé go mór le léann na teangeolaíochta feidhmí agus na canúineolaíochta chomh maith le léann na meán Gaeilge. Tá aithne ag pobal léitheoireachta na Gaeilge air mar chraobh chosanta agus mar eagarthóir cáiréiseach ar go leor de sheoda liteartha Chúige Uladh. Dúirt an Dr John Walsh, Léachtóir Sinsearach Gaeilge agus duine d’eagarthóirí an leabhair: "Is tráthúil go mbronnfaí an fhéilscríbhinn seo ar Nollaig anois agus é éirithe as, féilscríbhinn atá ina comhartha ómóis agus spéise ar scoth an oide, ar chomhghleacaí tacúil agus ar thaighdeoir críochnúil." Iar-chomhghleacaí agus iarmhac léinn le Nollaig iad na heagarthóirí, John Walsh agus an Dr Peadar Ó Muircheartaigh ó Ollscoil Aberystwyth. Dúirt an Dr Ó Muircheartaigh: "Léiriú grinn ar an ardmheas atá ar Nollaig, sa bhaile agus thar lear, atá sa leabhar toirtiúil seo, ardmheas atá tuillte go maith aige." Dúirt an Dr Aidan Doyle, Léachtóir Sinsearach Gaeilge i gColáiste na hOllscoile, Corcaigh: "Is bailiúchán breá aistí é seo a thugann an-léargas dúinn ar na réimsí léinn ba mhó a chothaigh Nollaig Mac Congáil féin agus é i mbun taighde agus múinteoireachta. Bainfidh idir lucht acadúil agus an pobal mór an-taitneamh agus an-tairbhe as a bhfuil idir dhá chlúdach an leabhair." Beidh AG SIÚL AN BHEALAIGH MHÓIR: AISTÍ IN ÓMÓS DON OLLAMH NOLLAIG MAC CONGÁIL ar fáil ó ÁIS, nó ar an suíomh www.leabhaircomhar.com. Tá an leabhar ar fáil sna siopaí ar chostas €20. ISBN 978-0-9927313-8-0. -Críoch- Newly Published Book Launched By Cathal Goan at NUI Galway Ag Siúl An Bhealaigh Mhóir: Aistí In Ómós Don Ollamh Nollaig Mac Congáil The former RTÉ Director-General and former Ceannasaí of TG4, Cathal Goan, launched a newly-published book Ag Siúl an Bhealaigh Mhóir: Aistí in Ómós Don Ollamh Nollaig Mac Congáil, at NUI Galway this week. Nollaig Mac Congáil spent 40 years as a Lecturer and Professor in the Department of Irish at NUI Galway until his retirement in 2014. He also served as Registrar and Deputy President of the University. During his career, he contributed significantly to the fields of applied linguistics, dialectology and Irish language media. From Derry originally, Professor Mac Congáil is known in particular for his work in analysing and editing classic literary works written in Ulster Irish during the 20th Century.  Dr John Walsh, Senior Lecturer in Irish at NUI Galway and one of the book’s editors said: “It is appropriate that this Festschrift be presented now to Nollaig following his retirement as a mark of respect to an excellent teacher, a supportive colleague and a meticulous researcher.”   Dr Walsh is a former colleague of Professor Mac Congáil and his co-editor Dr Peadar Ó Muircheartaigh from Aberystwyth University in Wales is a former pupil. Dr Ó Muircheartaigh said: “This book illustrates clearly the high esteem in which Nollaig is held both at home and abroad, a respect which is well deserved.”  The book contains 18 essays by respected Irish language academics based in Ireland and elsewhere, and includes contributions by former colleagues and students.  Ag Siúl an Bhealaigh Mhóir: Aistí in Ómós Don Ollamh Nollaig Mac Congáil is available to buy at www.leabhaircomhar.com at a price of €20. ISBN 978-0-9927313-8-0. ENDS

Taispeánfar dhá scannán ar leith le Seán Breathnach agus le hAodh Ó Coileáin, teagascóirí ar na cúrsaí cumarsáide in Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh, ag féilte scannán ar fud an domhain an mhí seo. Bronnadh an gradam don dráma ab fhearr ag Féile Scannán Luimnigh le déanaí ar an scannán Maidhm, a scríobh agus a stiúir Seán Breathnach. Feicfear an scannán ag Féile Idirnáisiúnta Scannán Fajr sa Tehran an tseachtain seo agus ag féile gearrscannán i Shanghai an mhí seo chugainn. Taispeánadh an scannán cheana féin ag féile gearrscannán i Málta, ag Féile Idirnáisiúnta Scannán an Daingin, ag Féile Idirnáisiúnta Scannán Chorcaí agus ag Fleadh Scannán na Gaillimhe. Bhí beirt teagascóirí eile ón Acadamh ar an bhfoireann léiriúcháin, Ray Fallon a bhí i mbun eagarthóireachta, agus Fionn Ó Sealbhaigh a dhear an fhuaim.  Céimí de chuid na gcúrsaí cumarsáide san Acadamh, Laura Ní Cheallaigh, a léirigh an scannán. Tá sí ina hEagarthóir Coimisiúnaithe le TG4. Tá aird na léirmheastóirí chomh maith ar an scannán Fís na Fuiseoige, a scríobh agus a stiúir Aodh Ó Coileáin. Taispeánadh an scannán don chéad uair ag Féile Idirnáisiúnta Scannán Bhaile Átha Cliath i mí Feabhra, agus níos luaithe an tseachtain seo ag ócáid in Ionad Ealaíon na hÉireann, Nua-Eabhrac. Beidh sé le feiceáil arís ag Féile Scannán Lá na Cruinne in San Francisco Dé hAoine beag seo (22 Aibreán), agus an mhaidin dar gcionn (23 Aibreán) mar chuid de Chúirt, Féile Idirnáisiúnta Litríochta na Gaillimhe. Baineann an scannán Maidhm, a mhaoinigh Bord Scannán na hÉireann, le hiarrachtaí leaid óig, a bhfuil uathachas ag dul do, athmhuintearas a dhéanamh lena mháthair tar éis titim amach. “Taispeántas den scoth ag an leaid óg atá i bpríomhról an scannáin seo, léiriú ar an uathachas agus ar an tionchar a bhíonn aige, ní hamháin ar an duine féin, ach ar an teaghlach ar fad,” a dúirt léirmheastóir ag Fleadh Scannán na Gaillimhe. Ainmníodh an t-aisteoir Gaillimheach, Tara Breathnach, a dhéanann páirt na máthar, le haghaidh gradam aisteoir na bliana, Gradaim Chumarsáide an Oireachtais, 2016. Sa scannán Fís na Fuiseoige pléitear an dáimh le dúthaigh a mhúnlaigh an tsamhlaíocht liteartha Ghaelach agus an féinaitheantas Éireannach ón gcianaimsir anuas. “Léiríonn portráid álainn dúthaigh agus teanga Aodh Uí Choileáin an tábhacht a bhain leis an nGaeilge ins an athbheochan, an réabhlóid chultúrtha sin a tháinig roimh Éirí Amach na Cásca.  Úsáideadh scata traidisiún a bhí ceangailte leis an nGaeilge, a bhí caillte i ngalldú na tíre chun féinaitheantas nua a shamhlú,” a dúirt Seán Finnan, Film Ireland. Ba iad Colm Hogan agus an Dr Marina L. Levitina, Counterpoint Films, a léirigh an scannán, a mhaoinigh Údarás Craolacháin na hÉireann agus TG4. Ar na cúrsaí cumarsáide a chuireann an tAcadamh ar fáil tá: GY122 BA Cumarsáid agus Gaeilge; an t-ábhar Léann na Cumarsáide ar GY101 BA Dhá Ábhar Onóracha; GYA93 MA sa Chumarsáid (lánaimseartha); agus GYA50 MA sa Chumarsáid (páirtaimseartha). -Críoch- Films by NUI Galway tutors travel the world Two films by Seán Breathnach and Aodh Ó Coileáin, who teach film and journalism at NUI Galway’s Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, will be screened at film festivals around the world this month. Maidhm was written and directed by Seán Breathnach and recently awarded ’Best Drama’ at Limerick Film Festival. It will be screened this week at the Fajr International Film Festival in Tehran and at the Long Week of Short Films Festival in Shanghai in May. Maidhm has already been seen at the Irish Short Film Festival in Malta, Dingle International Film Festival, Cork International Film Festival and the Galway Film Fleadh. Two other Acadamh staff members were also involved in the production, with editing by Ray Fallon and sound design by Fionn Ó Sealbhaigh. The film was produced by a graduate of the Acadamh’s media courses, Laura Ní Cheallaigh, who is currently working as Commissioning Editor in TG4.  Fís na Fuiseoige, written and directed by Aodh Ó Coileáin, premiered to critical acclaim at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival. The film will be screened at the Earth Day Film Festival in San Francisco on Friday (22nd April), and at the Cúirt International Festival of Literature in Galway on Saturday (23rd April). It was screened earlier this week at the Irish Arts Centre in New York. Maidhm is the story of an autistic child’s search for his mother following a tantrum which sets them apart. “The young actor who played the autistic child portrayed the impact of autism, not alone on the person but on the entire family, very effectively,” said a critic at the Galway Film Fleadh. Galway actress, Tara Breathnach, has been nominated for an Oireachtas Best Performance award for her portrayal of the mother. The film was funded by the Irish Film Board and filmed in Galway. The focus of Fís na Fuiseoige is the love for the home-place as reflected in poetry and literature in Irish. In Ireland, landscape is not just geography, but a mnemonic for literature and poetry. Landscape and stories are inseparable. “Aodh Ó Coileáin’s beautifully intimate portrait of language and place is a reminder again of the importance of the language in the Gaelic Revival, the cultural rebellion that was the catalyst for the later rebellion. In serving as a pool of traditions that were lost under anglicization, the language was used as a means of re-imagining, of conceiving of a new identity,” said Seán Finnan of Film Ireland. The film was produced by Colm Hogan and Dr Marina L. Levitina of Counterpoint Films, and funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and TG4. Media courses offered by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge include: GY122 BA Cumarsáid agus Gaeilge; the subject Léann na Cumarsáide on GY101 BA Arts (Joint-Honours); GYA93 MA sa Chumarsáid (full-time), and GYA50 MA sa Chumarsáid (part-time). -Ends-    

Shannon College of Hotel Management hosted the Travel and Tourism Research Association’s (TTRA) Annual European Conference this week. This conference creates a platform for practitioners and academics from all over the world to share their research and ideas on the travel and tourism sector.   Last summer Shannon College amalgamated with NUI Galway becoming the only college within the Irish university sector to offer level 8 degrees in the field of hotel management. Since this amalgamation, Shannon College has developed a strategy to become a centre of excellence for research in tourism and hospitality. Dr Seán T. Ruane, Tourism Lecturer at Shannon College and current president of the European chapter of TTRA, said: “The conference provides a unique opportunity to access up-to-the-minute research from international tourism experts. This event forms a launch pad from which tourism planners and practitioners in the region and further afield can fine tune their future marketing strategies.” Shannon College has a long history of offering practical and real life experience to students and this conference posed another opportunity for learning. The conference was organised and run by the Year 4 Event Management Class in the college. Founded in 1970, the TTRA is a non-profit association whose purpose is to enhance the quality, value, effectiveness and use of research in travel marketing, planning and development. The association strives to be a leader for the global community of practitioners and educators engaged in research, information management and marketing in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Members in TTRA represent a variety of segments from the greater international travel and tourism community, including educators, practitioners, research providers/consultants and users of research. TTRA has a number of chapters across North America, Asia and Europe.  Delegates and speakers travelled to Shannon from many parts of the world including Melbourne, Toronto, Qatar and many parts of Europe to attend this conference. Speakers at the conference included; Dr Suzanne Cook, a former President of the US Travel Association; Rolf D. Freitag, developer of IPKs World Travel Monitor;  Professor Frederic Dimanche, Director of the Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ryerson University, Toronto Canada; and Professor Sue Beeton, a leading expert in film induced tourism.  -End- 

NUI Galway societies were presented with four awards at the recent Board of Irish College Societies (BICS) National Society Awards. Over 400 students and staff from third-level institutions across Ireland came together to celebrate the achievements of student societies and acknowledge the contribution they make to their institution and the wider community.   NUI Galway won ‘Best Society in an Academic, Cultural and Social Field’ for the Medical Society. Alison Duffy, Vice-Auditor of the NUI Galway Medical Society said: “2015-16 has been one of the most successful years for NUI Galway Medical Society. Through our diverse events and projects, we aim to support our students academically and socially. We advocate, fundraise and strive to be a force for positive change in the University and wider community. We are thrilled to have won this prestigious award which was made possible by the great team on our committee.” NUI Galway’s Draíocht Society won the ‘Best Society in a Civic and Charity Field’ for their work sending volunteers to each of the partner charities in Nepal and Tanzania during the summer months, and for their successful fundraising throughout the year. According to Auditor Siabhra Medley: “Draíocht enables students to make an incredible difference for people in the developing world and allows students to experience cultures that are radically different to their own. This year we worked with our partners in Nepal when the earthquake destroyed the orphanage and school our society had built and ensured supplies and vaccinations got to the village where our founder member was stationed.” The ‘Best Fresher Award’ went to first year Bachelor of Arts student Ciarán MacChoncarraige from Oranmore, Co. Galway. Throughout the year Ciarán has been actively involved with French and Draíocht Societies, while also assisting other societies and the Students' Union with numerous events and campaigns. The very popular PotterFest organised by Potter Soc won ‘Best Intervarsity’ which saw a weekend of fun in NUI Galway including the hotly contested battle for the Triwizard Cup in which contestants fought their way through a giant maze of tasks and trivia to see which college would be crowned champions of the tournament. BICS is a national organisation dedicated to providing a national forum for the societies in Ireland’s Universities, Colleges and Institutes of Education. BICS now represents 21 colleges, 901 societies with 180,000 students across the island of Ireland. The organisation helps students from across the country to network, meet new people and run events on and off campus. A new award, ‘The Best Mental Health Promoting Event’, was introduced this year in association with the Please Talk campaign to acknowledge the role of societies in creating opportunities to challenge the stigma around mental health, to promote wellness, healthy lifestyles and to help make third level colleges open, supportive and inclusive environments for their student populations. Riona Hughes, BICS Chairperson and NUI Galway Society Officer, said: “The BICS Awards is a wonderful celebration of all that is marvelous about the students who are so creative and dedicated and who transform the college experience for their peers. Research has shown that involvement in societies helps students complete their studies, teaches them valuable life skills, enhances their employability and supports them on their learning journey to become future leaders. For our 21st Awards there are many reasons to celebrate and none more so that the support, respect and genuine affection all the students have shown to each other throughout the day. The staff members present from our member colleges have every reason to be proud of every single society representative here tonight, the future of our country is in good hands.” For more information about BICS Awards visit http://bics.ie/. -Ends-

NUI Galway is recruiting additional participants for a study on the efficacy of Pilates in falls prevention in healthy older adults over 65 years old. The outcomes assessed will include questionnaires and tests of physical activity, balance, foot pressure, mobility, gait, cognition and falls. One hour classes will take place in Áras Moyola twice weekly for six weeks. There will be a total of 12 sessions for each group. The participants are advised to wear comfortable clothes for exercises and to bring their own exercise mat.     Conducting the study is Larissa Donatoni da Silva, an NUI Galway PhD Health Science, physiotherapist and Pilates instructor. Larissa said: “Pilates is a technique to improve flexibility, core and coordination. The exercises will start from basic to intermediate level. We want to measure your level of function with questionnaires and tests so that we can compare it with people who are not practising Pilates.” For more detail or to participate in the study contact Larissa Donatoni da Silva at 089 4592533 or laridonatoni@gmail.com. -Ends- 

The biology behind the concept of identical twins will be the focus of an NUI Galway talk on Monday, 25 April from 1-2pm. The talk will be delivered by Professor Kevin Bowyer of the University of Notre Dame who will also survey what is known about the ability of biometrics to distinguish between identical twins.   Professor Bowyer is Schubmehl-Prein Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at University of Notre Dame and a Golden Core Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Computer Society. He is also an IEEE Distinguished Lecturer associated with the IEEE Biometrics Council. His research interests range broadly over computer vision and pattern recognition, including biometrics and data mining and he is a leading authority on iris biometrics. The ability to distinguish between identical twins is often thought of as a “stress test” for biometric recognition, and the legal system occasionally needs to distinguish between identical twins. This talk will briefly discuss the biology behind the concept of identical twins, and will then survey what is known about the ability of biometrics to distinguish between identical twins. Professor Bowyer will focus primarily on face, fingerprint and iris biometrics, but will touch on a number of other biometric modalities as well. The talk will take place in room G017 in the Engineering Building, NUI Galway. -Ends-

A free public lecture to mark the 10th anniversary of the passing of John McGahern Tuesday, 19 April. 2016: To mark the 10th anniversary of the passing of John McGahern, The James Hardiman Library in association with the MA in Writing and the Moore Institute at NUI Galway are delighted to present a public lecture by the renowned John McGahern scholar, Denis Sampson. The lecture will take place on Wednesday, 27 April at 7pm in the Hardiman Research Building, NUI Galway. Sampson produced the first full-length study of McGahern’s works, Outstaring Nature’s Eye, in 1993, and his enduring critical attention to the writer culminated in his book Young John McGahern: Becoming a Novelist, published by Oxford University Press in 2012. Sampson has lectured and published widely on modern Irish writing, and he has also published a memoir, A Migrant Heart (2014). His new book from Oxford, The Found Voice: Writers' Beginnings, will be out next month. The 30th of March this year was the 10th anniversary of the death of the celebrated Irish writer, John McGahern. McGahern’s work, from the 1960s up to his passing in 2006, has enthralled readers with his artistry and has engaged a succession of generations with his range of themes emanating from modern Irish history, culture and society. His reputation is as strong abroad as at home, and he is widely regarded as a master of the novel and short-story forms. The rich John McGahern Archive at the Hardiman Library, NUI Galway preserves the documentary evidence of 'the writer at work'. In his lecture, Denis Sampson mines the Archive to trace the drafting and evolution of McGahern's 1990 novel, Amongst Women, and he reveals the ‘reinvention’ of McGahern as a writer through his writing of this major novel. In McGahern's papers, the characteristic personal traces of the writer can be found in voluminous manuscript copybooks and loose pages. The ideas that inform each work become clearer through these papers, and his artistic process is made clear in the exhaustive level of revision and redrafting he brought to his emergent novels and stories. Looking forward to Sampson’s lecture, Dr John Kenny, John McGahern Lecturer in Creative Writing and Director of the MA in Writing, NUI Galway observed: "The nature of John McGahern’s Archive here at NUI Galway ideally suits it to different kinds of exploratory readers. Scholars of McGahern, or of contemporary Irish fiction and writing, naturally find it a highly valuable resource, but the papers also hold great promise for any student or devotee of writing intent on emulating the best models for creative practice and artistic dedication." John Cox, University Librarian, NUI Galway comments: "We treasure the John McGahern archive as an enabler of new research and are greatly looking forward to Denis Sampson's lecture as a very appropriate way of marking the tenth anniversary of John's passing." In his lecture, Sampson will discuss unpublished drafts of Amongst Women from within the McGahern Archive and will reveal the links between the novel and some of the earlier McGahern short stories in his collections Getting Through and High Ground. The lecture will be accompanied by an exhibition of select material from the McGahern Archive and is free of charge and open to all. ENDS

The next in the series of public interviews organised by the Centre for Irish Studies as part of its programme of commemoration of the 1916 Rising will feature Robert Ballagh in conversation with Vincent Woods. The interview will take place on Wednesday, 27 April in the Ó hEocha Theatre, Arts Millennium Building, NUI Galway from 6.30-8pm. Robert Ballagh is one of Ireland’s leading contemporary artists. From an early interest in rock music, Ballagh began experimenting with graphic and pop art, and has created some of Ireland’s most iconic artworks, including portraits of Noel Browne and John B. Keane. His artistic response to the Troubles in the North of Ireland was part of an insistence that art and artists should engage with history and politics while designs for postage stamps and banknotes, and the set he created for Riverdance, indicate the range and flexibility of an art practice that is both popular and democratic. He is a founding member of the Reclaim the Vision of 1916 citizens’ initiative which was established to draw attention to the contemporary relevance of the Irish revolution. The interview is free to attend and open to the public. For further information contact NUI Galway’s Centre for Irish Studies at 091 492051 or irishstudies@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

Members of the public invited to make key contributions to healthcare research Tuesday, 19 April, 2016: NUI Galway will hold a conference focusing on Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) in research on Wednesday, 27 April in the Westwood House Hotel from 10am-3.45pm. PPI involves an active partnership between members of the public, patients, researchers and doctors to ensure that the voice and perspective of the public/patient influence all stages of the research process. One of the central themes of the conference is that members of the public can make a difference and contribute to healthcare research. The conference is particularly open to the public, along with patient organistations and researchers. Involving the public and patients in planning and conducting research ensures that the real life experiences of patients are considered when decisions are being made about what research should be done, and about how to design studies that are sensitive to the needs of patients. Researchers may not have had personal experience of the condition they are researching, so hearing from patients about the experience of suffering from a particular illness or of living with a particular condition provides a powerful insight into what matters most to patients. The conference showcases how people with intellectual disability, young adults with diabetes, people with aphasia (a language disability that can occur after a stroke) and a dementia family carer have all contributed richly to research in those areas. Ciara Keighron, an NUI Galway student who will co-present alongside the University’s Professor Sean Dinneen at the conference, said: “I am part of a panel of young adults with Type 1 diabetes who are working with researchers at NUI Galway to help develop a new model of care and better approaches to self-management for people like me. I am excited to think that I can contribute to making life better for other young adults with T1 diabetes. The conference is organised by the HRB Primary Care Clinical Trials Network Ireland at NUI Galway, a collaborative group of researchers conducting clinical trials through general practice and primary care. Director of the Network, Professor Andrew Murphy said: “Patients and the public always offer unique, invaluable insights that help shape our research – we need to listen.” For more information visit www.primarycaretrials.ie or contact Edel Murphy, NUI Galway on 091 495308 or email info@primarycaretrials.ie.  -ENDS-

NUI Galway will host a one day public seminar entitled ‘What Humans Can Learn From Bees’, presented by Robert Pickard, Emeritus Professor of Neurobiology at the University of Cardiff on Saturday, 23 April. Organised as a collaborative event between the Western Beekeepers Association and the Department of Zoology in the School of Natural Sciences at NUI Galway, the seminar will discuss what human beings can learn from studying bees and their biology. Those attending the conference will experience moments of humour, insight, surprise and concern regarding the fundamental importance of bees. Useful information about allergy, disease, nutrition and ageing will be provided throughout the day, to promote health and wellbeing in both bees and their keepers. In the first part of the seminar Professor Pickard will consider the 14-billion-year history of honeybees and humans from the origin of the current universe to the present day. It will explain how the relationships between microorganisms, plants and animals have unfolded to provide us with the bees and the environment that we have today. The second part of the seminar will illustrate the characteristics of queen bees along with descriptions of their production and management. Some of the less known activities of queens will be described, as well as sexual polymorphism in bees and humans, to illustrate its role in social supraorganisms (a hive of bees behaving and co-operating as one). The final part of the seminar will discuss the brains of honeybees and humans including learning, memory, decision-making and communication. Those attending the conference will learn how honeybees and humans are the only two species that can communicate complex navigational instructions. Commenting on the seminar, Professor Grace McCormack from Zoology in the School of Natural Sciences at NUI Galway, said: “The future of our bees lies with the beekeepers. Bees are of fundamental importance to human existence and need our help. Seminars like this are important for beekeepers, academics and the wider public. We encourage anyone with a general interest in the biology and conservation of bees to attend.” The seminar will take place in Room AM150 in the Arts Millenium Building at NUI Galway from 10am on Saturday, 23 April. Professor McCormack will also present a free public talk entitled ‘Towards developing healthier honeybees without using chemicals’ on Friday, 22 April at 7pm in Room AM150. All are welcome. Full-day attendance fee on Saturday is €30 and for more information please contact pro@irishkeeping.ie or grace.mccormack@nuigalway.ie. ENDS

NUI Galway’s Centre for Disability Law and Policy project, The Voices of Individuals: Collectively Exploring Self-determination (VOICES) will hold its first workshop on the 27th and 28th of April in the Institute for Lifecourse and Society, NUI Galway.   The first day of the workshop is open to the public and will be a conference style event exploring the experiences of people with disabilities in exercising, or being denied their right to make decisions about their lives, known as legal capacity. The conference will include both international and domestic perspectives in the area of legal capacity and will also look at different ways to tell stories. Speakers include people with disabilites, academics, and activists with experience of using stories to drive social change from around the world. The VOICES project takes an innovative approach to law reform by using the stories of those with lived experience of disability and pairing them with respondents to develop grounded recommendations for reform. The second day of the workshop will be a private day where storytellers can share their experiences and can start working together with respondents. The keynote speaker will be Amita Dhanda, Professor of Law and Head of the Centre for Disability Studies, NALSAR, University of Law, Hyderabad in India. Dr Dhanda has actively engaged in negotiating the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and has been closely involved in the law reform work in her own country to formulate disability rights laws especially legal capacity and support regimes which are in conformity with the UNCRPD. Participants attending the conference will include: World-renowned independent disability rights defender, Professor Gabor Gombos; Theresia Degener, Vice Chair of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) Committee; Maths Jesperson of PO-Skåne, a professional service with personal ombudsmen for people with severe psychosocial disabilities in Sweden; and Jolijn Santegods, a grass roots human rights activist and leading figure in human rights for people with psychosocial disabilities internationally.                                Dr Eilionóir Flynn, Principal Investigator on the VOICES Project and Deputy Director of the Centre for Disability Law and Policy at NUI Galway, said: “This workshop will bring together storytellers with disabilities and respondents from academia, activism, front-line workers and policy-makers to jointly develop proposals for reform of laws, policies and practice on legal capacity. The participants come from 12 countries and will explore many different and exciting ways to share their experiences of exercising and being denied legal capacity – through oral and written storytelling, art, theatre and performance.” The VOICES project is funded by a European Research Council Starting Grant, awarded to Dr Eilionóir Flynn, the youngest person to ever receive such an award. The conference is a free event and registration remains open until Monday, 22 April. Further information is available at www.ercvoices.com or email Clíona on ercvoices@nuigalway.ie or 091 494272. Participant accessibility requests and enquiries are welcomed. ENDS

NUI Galway will host a public lecture and a one-day seminar series on multilingualism and language diversity in contemporary Ireland on 22 and 23 April in the Aula Maxima.  Both free events are open to the public and are part of NUI Galway’s official 1916 centenary programme. On Friday, 22 April, at 7pm, Professor Antonella Sorace, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, will deliver a public lecture entitled ‘Why multilingualism matters: the view from linguistic and cognitive research’. Professor Sorace is a world-leading expert on multilingualism and is committed to disseminating her research findings beyond academia. She is the founding director of the information and consultancy centre ‘Bilingualism Matters’. On Saturday, 23 April, leading researchers from Ireland and Europe will deliver a series of talks as part of a one-day seminar. Topics include multilingualism in education, in the home, in modern-day Europe and in speech and language therapy. All talks will be in English but will refer to a variety of languages including Irish, English, Chinese and Polish. Insurgents in the GPO in April 1916 were joined by a Swede and a Finn, neither of whom could speak English. Then as now, linguistic diversity was part of Irish life, even in unusual circumstances. The public lecture and one-day seminar will investigate aspects of multilingualism in Ireland 2016. Dr Rióna Ní Fhrighil, Lecturer in the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at NUI Galway and Chairperson of the organising committee, said: “This is a unique opportunity for parents, teachers and other interested parties to hear about the latest research in the area of multilingualism and to discuss the challenges posed and the opportunities presented by linguistic diversity in Ireland 2016.” Further information and the full programme is available at www.multilingualism2016.wordpress.com -Ends- An t-Ilteangachas á Cheiliúradh in Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh Beidh léacht phoiblí agus seimineár lae faoin ilteangachas in Éirinn na linne seo ar siúl san Aula Maxima’, OÉ Gaillimh, ar 22-23 Aibreán. Tá an dá imeacht mar chuid de chlár comórtha 1916 na hOllscoile. Beidh fáilte roimh an bpobal agus ní bheidh aon táille le híoc le freastal ar cheachtar den dá ócáid. Ar an Aoine, 22 Aibreán ag 7pm, tabharfaidh an tOllamh Antonella Sorace, Ollscoil Dhún Éidinn, léacht phoiblí dar teideal ‘Why multilingualism matters: the view from linguistic and cognitive research’. Is saineolaí aitheanta ar an dátheangachas agus ar an ilteangachas í an tOllamh Sorace agus bhí sí ar dhuine de bhunaitheoirí ‘Bilingual Matters’, ionad eolais agus comhairleoireachta do thuismitheoirí atá ag tógáil clainne le dhá theanga. Is é an Dr Zbyszek Zalinski, iriseoir agus láithreoir le RTÉ, a dhéanfaidh cathaoirleacht ar an léacht phoiblí. Ar an Satharn, 23 Aibreán, beidh saineolaithe ó Éirinn agus ó Mhór-roinn na hEorpa ag tabhairt cainteanna faoi ghnéithe éagsúla den ilteangachas, ina measc, sealbhú teangacha sa bhaile, páistí ilteangacha agus cúrsaí oideachais, an teiripe chainte agus urlabhraíochta. Cé go mbeidh na cainteanna ar fad trí mheán an Bhéarla, díreoidh na cainteoirí ar theangacha éagsúla an Pholainnis, an tSínis agus an Ghaeilge, san áireamh. Bhí Sualannach agus Fionnlanach nach raibh aon Bhéarla ar a dtoil acu in éindí le lucht an Éirí Amach in Ard-Oifig an Phoist ar 24 Aibreán 1916. Mar atá anois ann, bhain éagsúlacht theangeolaíoch le saol na hÉireann an uair úd chomh maith, fiú amháin i gcásanna fíoreisceachtúla. Deir an Dr Rióna Ní Fhrighil, Scoil na dTeangacha, Litríochtaí agus Cultúr agus duine den lucht eagair: “Beidh faill ag tuismitheoirí, ag múinteoirí agus ag an bpobal i gcoitinne tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoin ilteangachas féin agus faoi na deiseanna agus na dúshláin atá romhainn in Éirinn ilteangach na linne seo.” Tá an clár iomlán chomh maith le heolas faoi na cainteoirí aonair ar fáil ag www.multilingualism2016.wordpress.com. -Críoch-

‘Strength In Numbers: Teaming up to improve the health of young adults with type 1 diabetes’ NUI Galway will play host to a major three-day international symposium focusing on improving health outcomes for young adults with type 1 diabetes from 22-24 June. Type 1 diabetes requires intensive self-management, including monitoring blood glucose, administering insulin, carbohydrate counting, and regulating exercise, to maintain good diabetes control. This daily self-management routine is challenging for most, but is especially difficult for young adults whose lives are often characterised by transition, independence and unpredictability. The Irish Young Adult Type 1 Diabetes Study team, based in NUI Galway, have been working since 2011 to better understand the needs and perspectives of young adults with type 1 diabetes and this three-day event is the culmination of that work. On the first day, Dr Molly Byrne, Health Behaviour Change Research Group, NUI Galway, will bring together expert researchers and clinicians to agree a standardised set of outcomes for use in future research with young adults with type 1 diabetes. The highpoint of this three-day event will be the a major international expert conference ‘Strength In Numbers: Teaming up to improve the health of young adult with type 1 diabetes’ on Thursday, 23 June. Healthcare professionals, young adults with type 1 diabetes, researchers and policy makers are invited and encouraged to attend this free conference, which is funded by the Health Research Board through a Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination Scheme. Headed by Professor Seán Dinneen, Consultant Physician at Galway University Hospitals and Head of NUI Galway’s School of Medicine, the conference will see national and international experts presenting to a multi-disciplinary audience on service provision and technology for supporting self-management in young adults with type 1 diabetes. The conference will host an array of international speakers from the Steno Diabetes Center in Denmark, the University of Sheffield, Kings College London, Cardiff University, the University of Aberdeen and Diabetes UK, as well as a host of national healthcare providers and experts from the HSE and Irish universities. The final day will involve two parallel sessions: an ‘Expert Panel’ and a ‘Hackathon’. The Expert Panel will be focused, and people will be specifically chosen to attend based on their skills and experience. This panel meeting will involve feedback sessions and workshops to reach a consensus on the final protocol for an intervention to improve health outcomes for young adults with type 1 diabetes in Ireland. The Hackathon will bring together software developers, health-focused start-up businesses, people with type 1 diabetes and healthcare professionals to focus on possible technology solutions which could be applied in a future young adult intervention. Professor Seán Dinneen who is leading the study, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming a diverse range of experts, including expert patients, to the NUI Galway campus in June to help us think through how we might improve the delivery of care to young adults living with type 1 diabetes.” The ‘Strength In Numbers’ conference on Thursday, 23 June, is open to anyone with an interest in young adult type 1 diabetes management. This innovative, multi-disciplinary conference is not an information event for people with diabetes but will be of interest to health services providers, researchers, young adults with type 1 diabetes and policy-makers. Join the Strength In Numbers conversation using the #TIDSINs2016. For full programme details or to register for free visit http://goo.gl/3I1zMG. For further information contact Dr Lisa Hynes in NUI Galway’s School of Psychology on 091 494458. -Ends-

Kyle Moore, an NUI Galway final year Bachelor of Arts student was recently awarded the prestigious American International Group, Inc. (AIG) Legatum Prize. The prize challenges the world’s brightest young minds to generate new ideas to some of the toughest policy questions. Kyle, from Raish, Co. Mayo, was presented with the £3,000 prize and the 2016 trophy with his innovative proposal for a reciprocal 'caring credits' system within the EU. His idea, which is published in full, along with the other finalists’ entries by the Legatum Institute, proposes that participants would earn credits through caring for the elderly, which they could ‘cash in’ later in life in any EU member state, either to fund their own care or that of family members. He cited an existing Japanese scheme as a good example for Europe to follow. Now in its fourth year, this prestigious award challenged entrants with devising solutions to the huge demographic challenges of ageing societies to ensure that older people can lead more prosperous lives. The aim of the AIG Legatum Prize is to give younger people across the world a voice, and to bring together the best and brightest young thinkers to address issues of relevance to public policy that are inadequately addressed and understood in existing research. Dr Edward Herring, Dean of NUI Galway’s College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies, said: “I am delighted to congratulate Kyle Moore on his outstanding achievement. His award-winning proposal demonstrates the very best qualities of an Arts and Social Sciences' education, in that it is creative, entrepreneurial, innovative, and socially responsible. Kyle's achievement brings tremendous lustre to this University and we are very proud of him.” A distinguished panel of judges, chaired by Jeremy Cliffe, Bagehot columnist at The Economist, questioned the five shortlisted finalists in a Dragons’ Den-style format in front of a packed room of business leaders, academics, think-tankers and students. Adam Winslow, Chief Executive Officer of AIG Life Limited, said: “Kyle is a worthy winner, but there were many great ideas presented to the judges. We need to engage the brightest minds of all generations to find a solution to the demographic challenge that brings continued prosperity. It was genuinely inspirational to witness the range of different solutions proposed by these young thinkers to the very real problem of ensuring that an ageing society is a prosperous one.” -Ends-

Online study at NUI Galway seeks participants throughout Ireland, to understand how and why people experience sleep difficulties like sleep paralysis The School of Psychology at NUI Galway is starting a study on the number of people affected by sleep paralysis and unusual sleep experiences. The researchers are seeking over 1,000 participants throughout Ireland to take part in the online study. This study is interested in looking at how people’s emotions and lifestyles relate to their sleep. It is also interested in understanding how and why people experience sleep difficulties like sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis can happen when we are falling asleep or waking up and is often viewed as a distressing experience. Previous studies at NUI Galway have found that about a quarter of its students have reported experiences of sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis involves a person experiencing the inability to move when they are just falling asleep or when waking up from sleep. People who experience sleep paralysis often report seeing a shadow of a man or an old woman, or a sense of someone being present in their room. Sometimes the figure sits on their chest, or just simply moves towards them. Other people report their bed clothes being moved or their body being touched.  In some cases, the person reports that they feel as if they are looking down on themselves whilst being unable to scream or move. Most reported the experience as very frightening, but some will have pleasant recollections, such as a dead relative coming to caress their face or tuck-them-in. One student reported that she recalled the Easter Bunny jumping up on her bed! The study is being carried out by Michelle Tomas, a Doctoral student on the clinical psychology training programme at the School of Psychology in NUI Galway and her supervisor Dr Jonathan Egan, Deputy Director of the clinical programme. Dr Jonathan Egan from the School of Psychology at NUI Galway, said: “We are interested in how general well-being, sleep quality, stress and mood are related to episodes of sleep paralysis. No study has addressed a large non-student population in Ireland before and we hope to get over a thousand people to participate in the research.” To participate in the study visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sleepstudynuigalway ENDS

NUI Galway’s Enactus Society recently held their annual showcase which saw the student’s present five projects which they ran over the previous year. These projects benefit the world, socially, economically and environmentally and engage those most vulnerable in our society with members of the University. NUI Galway was one of the founding Irish teams of Enactus Ireland and this year will mark its fifth year of involvement. Guided by academic advisors and business experts, participating students from all disciplines form a team on their university campus and apply business concepts to create and implement community empowerment projects around the globe. Enactus NUI Galway students take entrepreneurial action to positively impact on the lives of those in need in their community. Partnerships with the community include Galway Simon Community, COPE Galway, Ability West, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Croí and The Olive Branch for Children. Working with both the Galway Simon Community and COPE Galway, the Wall Flower Initiative involved training long-term homeless men on the development of vertical gardening pockets for urban spaces as well as how to grow plants from seeds. In the HeadstARTS project, a team of students organised weekly drama and dance sessions with teenagers from Ability West, while the CARA group engaged adolescents from CAMHS in a series of art classes under the tutelage of local volunteer artist Maeve Gallagher. Now in its second year, the Communication Awareness Project (CAP) led by students from the Discipline of Speech and Language Therapy, provides training programmes for staff in the service industry on how to communicate with members of our community who experience verbal communication challenges. Future plans for Enactus NUI Galway include ensuring the sustainability and expansion of the current projects and to develop new projects. The OppTech Micro Finance team is working on developing a business training programme and a supplementary app to bring to Tanzania. They are accompanying volunteers from the Draíocht Society on campus this summer to deliver this pilot programme. New project “Whats the craic?” is focused at the concept stage and is looking to facilitate learning language exchanges at NUI Galway. The current Team Leader and PhD candidate at NUI Galway, Orlagh Reynolds, has been involved in Enactus for over a year and also attended the Enactus World Cup 2015 which took place last year in Johannesburg, South Africa. Orlagh said: “From working with some of Galway’s key community organisations to travelling to the Enactus World Cup in Johannesburg, Enactus has given me insight into what is needed to make a sustainable impact in our community and beyond. Our showcase demonstrated the incredible work of our team and impact of our projects.” Michael Campion, a lecturer at NUI Galway’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, and Faculty Advisor for Enactus NUI Galway, said: “The typical student who engages with Enactus is enterprising and passionate about making things better for others. Designing and developing Enactus projects is not easy due to the criteria laid down by the Enactus worldwide organisation. It challenges students to be innovative, enterprising and hard-working. It’s a privilege to work with and support such students in their Enactus endeavours.” In May, Enactus NUI Galway students, along with nine other third-level institutions, will gather at the Chartered Accountants of Ireland in Dublin for the Enactus Ireland National Final 2016. The winners will represent Ireland at the Enactus World Cup, which this year will be held in Toronto, Canada in September. -Ends-

Former Olympic rower and NUI Galway graduate, Neville Maxwell, will deliver a talk on combining sports and academic performance at NUI Galway’s Undergraduate Open Day. The Open Day, which takes place on Saturday 16 April from 10am to 3pm, is an excellent opportunity for students, along with their parents and families, to explore NUI Galway’s facilities and to learn first-hand from the lecturers themselves about the more than 60 courses on offer. Lecturers and current students will be on hand to talk to students and parents at the main Exhibition area in the Bailey Allen Hall, with over 80 subject-specific exhibition stands. The ‘Parents Programme’ will provide parents and students with information on important issues such as fees and funding, careers, accommodation and support services for students. To get the most out of your day visitors are encouraged to view the timetable of talks at www.nuigalway.ie/opendays. Talk Highlights include: A guest appearance by Neville Maxwell, Olympic rower and former NUI Galway student. Information will also be available about the range of supports and scholarships for athletes Career talks - “Where are the jobs? What are my employment prospects after University?” Blackstone LaunchPad- Training the next generation of Innovators and Entrepreneurs SUSI- Applying for a student grant Creative Arts Performance Points- bonus CAO performance points Taster sessions designed to give a real insight into studying at NUI Galway will include: Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences – Introduction to the Healthcare Programmes Arts – BA Connect Programme in Drama, Theatre and Performance studies Studying Engineering- what parents and students need to know Introduction to Commerce International Hotel Management Niamh Connolly, Marketing Officer at NUI Galway, said: “Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions a student will ever make and parents play a key role in supporting students as they take this important next step. Open Day is the perfect opportunity for parents to ensure they have access to all of the information they need to support sons and daughters through their university career. We are encouraging anyone with an interest in studying at NUI Galway to come along, talk to our lecturers and current students, find out about the courses, explore the campus and decide for yourself whether NUI Galway feels right for you. Open Day has proved invaluable in the past to many students, particularly those considering their options before the CAO change of mind deadline of 1 July.” Tours of the campus will include the state-of the-art sports complex and gym, and the Engineering Building. Tours of student accommodation will also be available to visitors on the day, with the tour shuttle bus departing regularly from outside the Orbsen Building. Guided walking tours of the main campus will also take place throughout the afternoon. Full Open Day Programme is available here: http://www.nuigalway.ie/media/April-Open-Day-Programme.pdf. To find out more visit www.nuigalway.ie/opendays, phone +353 91 494398 or email visit@nuigalway.ie. -Ends- Iar-rámhaí Oilimpeach Fógartha mar Aoichainteoir ag Lá Oscailte OÉ Gaillimh Is é an t-iar-rámhaí Oilimpeach agus céimí OÉ Gaillimh, Neville Maxwell, a thabharfaidh aoichaint ar an spórt agus an obair acadúil in OÉ Gaillimh don Lá Oscailte Fochéime. Beidh an Lá Oscailte ar siúl Dé Sathairn, an 16 Aibreán ó 10am go 3pm, agus is iontach an deis é do dhaltaí agus dá dtuismitheoirí agus dá dteaghlaigh, áiseanna OÉ Gaillimh a fheiceáil agus cloisteáil ó na léachtóirí féin faoin mbreis is 60 cúrsa atá ar fáil anseo. Beidh léachtóirí agus mic léinn reatha ar fáil ar an lá le labhairt le daltaí agus lena muintir i Halla Bailey Allen, áit a mbeidh breis is 80 seastán a bhaineann le hábhair ar leith. Cuirfidh ‘Clár na dTuismitheoirí’ eolas ar fáil do thuismitheoirí agus do mhic léinn ar cheisteanna tábhachtacha cosúil le táillí agus maoiniú, gairmeacha, lóistín agus na seirbhísí tacaíochta atá ar fáil do mhic léinn. Chun an tairbhe is mó a bhaint as an lá moltar do chuairteoirí breathnú ar amchlár na gcainteanna anseo www.nuigalway.ie/opendays. I measc na gcainteanna beidh: Aoichaint le Neville Maxwell, rámhaí Oilimpeach agus céimí de chuid OÉ Gaillimh. Beidh eolas le fáil chomh maith faoin tacaíocht agus na scoláireachtaí atá ar fáil do lúthchleasaithe Cainteanna faoi ghairmeacha – “Where are the jobs? What are my employment prospects after University?” Blackstone LaunchPad - Oiliúint don chéad ghlúin eile Nuálaithe agus Fiontraithe SUSI - Iarratas a dhéanamh ar dheontas na mac léinn Pointí Breise do na hEalaíona Cruthaitheacha - pointí breise CAO I measc na seisiún beag chun léargas ceart a thabhairt ar an staidéar in OÉ Gaillimh tá siad seo: Leigheas, Altranas agus Eolaíochtaí Sláinte – Eolas ar na Cláir Cúraim Sláinte Na Dána – An Clár BA Connect sa Drámaíocht, Amharclannaíocht agus Taibhiú Staidéar ar an Innealtóireacht – eolas riachtanach do thuismitheoirí agus do dhaltaí Eolas faoi Thráchtáil Bainistíocht Óstáin Idirnáisiúnta Dúirt Niamh Connolly, Oifigeach Margaíochta in OÉ Gaillimh: “Ceann de na cinntí is tábhachtaí a dhéanfaidh dalta go brách an ollscoil a fhreastalóidh sé/sí uirthi a roghnú. Tá ról tábhachtach ag tuismitheoirí tacú le daltaí agus iad i mbun an cinneadh sin a dhéanamh. Is é an Lá Oscailte an deis is fearr do thuismitheoirí a chinntiú go bhfuil an t-eolas ar fad acu chun tacú le mac nó le hiníon i rith a t(h)réimhse ag an ollscoil. Molaimid do dhuine ar bith ar spéis leo staidéar in OÉ Gaillimh teacht chuig an Lá Oscailte, labhairt leis na léachtóirí agus leis na mic léinn reatha, eolas a fháil faoi chúrsaí, breathnú ar an gcampas agus a fháil amach duit féin an bhfeileann OÉ Gaillimh duitse. Bhain go leor mac léinn leas as an Lá Oscailte sna blianta roimhe seo go háirithe má bhí rún acu athrú intinne an CAO a úsáid roimh an spriocdháta an 1 Iúil.” Ar thurais den champas, taispeánfar an t-ionad spóirt le giomnáisiam den scoth mar aon leis an bhFoirgneamh nua Innealtóireachta. Beidh turais ar fáil de lóistín na mac léinn chomh maith ar an lá agus féadfaidh cuairteoirí dul ar an mbus a bheas ag fágáil go rialta taobh amuigh d'Áras Oirbsean. Tabharfar na cuairteoirí ar shiúl na gcos freisin tráthnóna timpeall an phríomhchampais. Tá Clár iomlán an Lae ar fáil anseo: http://www.nuigalway.ie/media/April-Open-Day-Programme.pdf. Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil téigh chuig www.nuigalway.ie/opendays, cuir glao ar +353 91 494398 nó seol ríomhphost chuig visit@nuigalway.ie. -Críoch-

Volunteering For Social Change Focus of NUI Galway Presidential Award Ceremony  Over 1,000 NUI Galway students were presented with volunteering awards at a special ceremony on campus this week. The ALIVE certificate acknowledges volunteering efforts by NUI Galway students both on and off campus in a range of clubs, societies and community-based organisations. The ALIVE (A Learning Initiative and the Volunteering Experience) programme was established by NUI Galway’s Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) in 2003 to harness, acknowledge and support student volunteering. The goal of NUI Galway’s internationally acclaimed student volunteering programme, ALIVE, is not only to connect students with volunteer vacancies in Galway but also mould and design graduates who make meaningful contributions to society as future volunteers and community actors.  Lorraine Tansey, Student Volunteer Programme, ALIVE coordinator, said: “Volunteering makes a difference.  Students at NUI Galway are encouraged to volunteer to learn valuable civic skills that will enhance all our communities into the future.  Each student reflects on how their volunteering makes a difference.” This year, students have volunteered with Bohermore Youth Development Project, Galway Autism Partnership, Galway Traveller Movement, Presentation Primary School Homework Club and St. Francis Day Centre. Student volunteer Amy Mannin volunteered with Ability West’s best Buddie programme: “I have so many positive experiences as part of being a volunteer with Best Buddies. I have gained a forever friend through meeting my buddy Jenny. I have learned to listen more and try to be as supportive as I can to someone else. It has enlightened my perspective towards individuals with intellectual disabilities in a very positive way. I have gotten to meet so many individuals with such positive outlooks on life.” This year’s ceremony featured two special guests, NUI Galway graduate and activist for LGBTQ rights, Ivan Fahy and NUI Galway PhD candidate, Chris Noone. Ivan spoke about the the importance of being different and unique, and Chris focused on his work with creating a social enterprise, Key Ideas and Decisions, a new civic engagement platform by young people for young people.  Lorraine added: “Both Ivan and Chris epitomise passion for activism in Irish society and will inspire attendees to continue to volunteer for change and greater social justice in Ireland.” To find out more about NUI Galway’s ALIVE programme visit www.nuigalway.ie/alive. -Ends-

NUI Galway will host a free public concert in the Aula Maxima on Monday, 18 April at 8pm. ‘Polar Voices – From the Arctic to the Atlantic’ consists of performances by members of Ensemble XXI dedicated to the ancient music of the indigenous people of the Russian Arctic, as well as the story of the great Irish explorer, Henry Kellett in the Arctic. Ensemble XXI, Russia’s first independent orchestra, was founded by the Irish conductor, Lygia O'Riordan and Finnish violinist, Pia Siirala during their studies at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory. The orchestra has, over the last decade, carried out an intense study of the music of the indigenous peoples of the Russian Arctic, namely in Chukotka, Kamchatka and in Sub Arctic Sakhalin. This resulted in the establishment of ‘Polar Voices’, which is dedicated to the preservation of the music collected in recordings and film and in its preservation and exposition as a world treasure. Lygia O'Riordan said: “The world is rightly concentrating on the disappearance of ice and creatures in the Arctic as we witness the horror of climate change, yet there is another catastrophe occurring in the Arctic too - the disappearance of the cultural treasures of small nations. It can be compared to the white washing of ancient cave paintings or the destruction of ancient artefacts. In the case of the ancient music from Palaeolithic times, once it goes to the grave with the indigenous Elders it can never be heard again.” ‘Polar Voices - from the Arctic to the Atlantic’ presents this music in film and describes in readings from diaries written during the field trips of “Polar Voices” life amongst the nomads and the Small Nations of the Russian Arctic. Pia Siirala will perform her composition for solo violin on indigenous themes Ulita's Walk.  The performance will also tell the story of the Irish explorer, Henry Kellett who was one of the foremost Arctic explorers in the mid 1800's. He discovered the two islands, Herald and Wrangel that now make up the Russian National Arctic Park, also known as the ‘Nursery of Polar Bears’. Further information is available at http://www.ensemblexxi.org/ensembletimes.htm. -Ends-

NUI Galway postgraduate course has been shortlisted for the national postgradireland Postgraduate Course of the Year Awards 2016. The MSc (Biotechnology) programme is shortlisted in the Postgraduate Course of the Year in the Science category. The award winners will be announced on Thursday, 28 April at a reception in the Mansion House, Dublin. The annual Postgraduate Course of the Year Awards recognises excellence amongst Irish postgraduate course providers. The winning courses are judged on the success of the course including employability of graduates, recognition of the course’s quality or ranking by external bodies, research record of academic staff, and providing a good experience for students. Judges also take feedback from students into consideration when selecting a winner. Valerie Leahy, Postgraduate Recruitment Officer at NUI Galway, said: “We’re delighted to again make the shortlist for these important national awards; it’s great that the calibre of our postgraduate courses is being acknowledged, as is their effectiveness in terms of employability, and interaction with industry and business. The MSc Biotechnology is now accepting applications and those interested can apply online via the Postgraduate Applications Centre at www.pac.ie/nuigalway. We also offer generous full-time taught masters scholarships for first-class students, so that’s another reason to consider NUI Galway for postgraduate studies.” NUI Galway offers a wide range of fourth level courses, developing programmes based on its traditional academic strengths of Arts, Social Sciences, Celtic Studies, Commerce, Medicine, Nursing, Health Science, Law, Engineering, Informatics and Science. These areas have been augmented with innovative Research Centres in areas as diverse as Biomedical Engineering, International Human Rights, Digital Media & Film Studies, and Regenerative Medicine. Over 3,600 postgraduate students (including international students) currently attend NUI Galway. For further information on any of the postgraduate courses available at NUI Galway call 091 495148 or visit www.nuigalway.ie/courses. -Ends-

Tibetan Buddhist Monk to deliver public mindfulness classes at NUI Galway as part of the University’s ongoing initiative towards integrating a mindful culture As part of its ongoing initiative towards integrating mindfulness into the University’s culture, NUI Galway will host a day of Mindfulness classes with Tibetan Buddhist Monk, Gelong Thubten. The classes are free and will take place in NUI Galway’s Aula Maxima Lower on Friday, 15 April, throughout the day from 8.15am to 5pm.   This month’s theme will focus on Mindfulness Using Visual Objects, followed by a reflection practice on ‘Contemplating the roots of happiness and suffering. Exploring the mechanisms of stress and the psychology of happiness.’ Classes are open to all university staff and students, the general public, researchers, student counsellors and advisors, healthcare professionals, mindfulness practitioners, and anyone with an interest in mindfulness. The April class is the fourth in a series of monthly classes, which will continue over the coming months, excluding May. The purpose of the classes is to provide a thorough training in mindfulness, teaching new themes and reflection practices each month, which should be practiced in between modules. For those attending for the first time, there is an opportunity to cover the previous three sessions at the 12pm class. Tibetan Buddhist Monk, Gelong Thubten is based at the Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery in Dumfriesshire in Scotland and works with businesses, hospitals, schools, prisons and addiction centres, and counts among his clients such organisations as the NHS, Google, Morrisons, Clifford Chance and Linklaters. He has lectured on Buddhism and meditation at the universities of Oxford, Helsinki and Cardiff.  Commenting on what people can expect from the Mindfulness classes Gelong Thubten said: “Mindfulness teaches people to understand more about themselves and where their thinking habits are coming from. It is a way of training the mind to reduce stress and develop greater clarity. It’s about focusing on the present moment, feeling less controlled by our own thoughts and having more mental freedom. At its core mindfulness is teaching people to be compassionate and valuing themselves and others around them.” Class Schedule for Friday, 15 April, 2016: 8.15am – 9:00am 10.45am – 11.30am 12:00pm – 12.45pm (Beginners) 13.15pm – 14:00pm 17: 00pm – 17:45pm For more information about NUI Galway’s Mindful Way visit: www.nuigalway.ie/mindfulway ENDS

The Whitaker Institute for Innovation and Societal Change in NUI Galway will hold its Annual Research Day on Wednesday, 13 April. The Institute is named after Dr T.K. Whitaker who is widely recognised for setting Ireland’s economy on a path of internationalisation and modernisation through his 1958 study, Economic Development. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr Whitaker demonstrated and implemented innovative ideas and approaches to challenges and issues facing our economy and society. The event is open to the public, researchers and policy makers. The Whitaker Institute has adopted a similarly innovative, multidisciplinary and transformative approach in its research on challenges facing business and society in Ireland and internationally. As such, the Whitaker Institute has positioned itself to play a leading research-led role in the debate on the future of economic development across its three research themes of Sustainable and Inclusive Societies, Public-Sector Innovation and Reform and Business, Innovation & Economic Development. Focusing on these main themes, the Whitaker Institute Research Day is an opportunity for researchers and policy makers from across multiple disciplines to meet and discuss how the multi-perspective research of the Institute, on a range of social and economic issues, can promote a more sustainable and inclusive society. Professor John McHale, Director of the Whitaker Institute at NUI Galway, said: “The Whitaker Institute Research day will discuss topics such as climate change, environmental sustainability, gender equality, information management in the public sector and healthy societies. While the Irish economy and the policy issues were very different on the eve of T.K. Whitaker producing his famous 1958 study compared to the issues we face now, there are still potential resonances from that time for research and policy making in Ireland today. The research day is about discussing those ideas that can have real policy impact and ultimately help deliver a more sustainable and inclusive society.” The research day will involve a series of talks at NUI Galway. The day is divided up into five main sessions. The first morning session sees each cluster of the Whitaker Institute give a short presentation on their research and how it advances the three key research themes of the Institute. The other sessions throughout the day will see Whitaker researchers presenting some of the key ongoing projects of the Institute in more detail. There will also be a number of external speakers on the day. A plenary talk will be delivered by Professor John Fitzgerald, Chair of the Advisory Council on Climate Change who will speak on moving to a low carbon Irish economy. And Orlaigh Quinn, Head of the Expenditure Policy and Reporting & Government Reform Unit in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, who will take part in a panel discussion on information management in the public sector. The event will take place in the Hardiman Research Building at NUI Galway on Wednesday, 13 April. To register attendance online, and download the full agenda for the day, visit http://whitakerinstitute.ie/event/whitaker-research-day/. Attendance is free but registration is required. ENDS

Two NUI Galway mature students, Brian Doherty and Arron Claffey-Conneely, have been awarded two Experiment Intercultural Learning (EIL) Group Explore Travel scholarships. This is the fourth year in a row that students from the University have received the award. This year four NUI Galway students were shortlisted among the 25 applicants from every Irish institution reviewed for the scholarship, with four overall winners. EIL Explore is a programme that funds participants with an interest in global issues to travel abroad for the purpose of volunteering, cultural immersion, or language education through a variety of awards. Brian, from Galway City, is a first year mature student of Youth and Family Studies under the College of Arts Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. Under the EIL scheme, Brian will be going to Ecuador in June to work with children in need. Also from Galway City, Arron is currently in his third year of his Arts degree studying Psychology and Social and Political Studies. Aaron, who came in to his degree via the Access Course, will be going to Thailand to work with Burmese refugees. The vision is that upon their return to Ireland, students will have grown as individuals and will use this wonderful learning experience to be agents for change in their local community advocating for a more globally just society. Trish Bourke, NUI Galway’s Mature Students Officer, said: “Working with Mature and Access students on these EIL Travel Scholarships is one of the highlights of my year. I am proud that NUI Galway’s Mature Students have been winners for four years in a row outperforming all other universities.” -Ends-

To mark International Clinical Trials Day the ‘Health Research Board – Trials Methodology Research Network’ based in NUI Galway launches START COMPETITION for primary school students On May 20th every year, the world celebrates International Clinical Trials Day. This event marks the anniversary of the first ever documented clinical trial, which was conducted on sailors in the Royal Navy in 1747. To celebrate this important occasion, the Health Research Board – Trials Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN) based in NUI Galway has launched the Schools Teaching Awareness of Randomised Trials (START) competition. This competition invites 4th, 5th and 6th class students and their teachers to design, carry out and evaluate their very own clinical trial. Participation in this competition meets several key aspects of the school curriculum including Maths, Science, English, Irish, Information & Communication Technology and Social, Personal & Health Education. Students are asked to choose a simple, easy to answer question and use the proper steps of a trial to answer it scientifically, using the resources provided on the HRB-TMRN website. Questions might include things like ‘Can using coloured paper for written spelling tests increase students’ scores?’ or ‘Does 10 minutes of dancing every morning before classes improve student’s attention?’. Findings from each trial can be reported through podcast, video, website, report format, collage or poster. The purpose of the competition is to help students become aware of the clinical trial process, rather than answering a ground breaking question. Commenting on the project, Dr Sandra Galvin, HRB-TMRN Coordinator based in NUI Galway said: “This is an exciting new initiative and the first of its kind to bring awareness of clinical trials to the younger community. Schoolchildren and their teachers are so creative and we are really looking forward to seeing what innovative ways teachers and pupils go about designing and reporting their trial.” All schools submitting an entry will be listed among the ‘Trial Aware Primary Schools 2016’ on the HRB-TMRN website, and shortlisted entries will be invited to Galway on Friday, May 20th, where the winner will be announced and presented with the START Trophy 2016. Each project will be assessed by: How well does the project adhere to the structure of a clinical trial? Does the project provide new insights into a healthcare issue in the school or local or wider community? How well presented are the findings of the trial, so that any member of the community could understand the findings? Can other schools learn something new from this project? To register your trial complete the Trial Registration Form, which can be found on the website www.hrb-tmrn.ie and it email to hrb-tmrn@nuigalway.ie or alternatively Post to: Room 235, 1st Floor, Áras Moyola, School of Nursing and Midwifery, NUI Galway. ENDS

NUI Galway study highlights the different pathways of normal development of worrisome thoughts in children and young adolescents, dependent on the child’s gender and pubertal status A study carried out by researchers at NUI Galway found that while children at age 10 worry the most, young female adolescents at age 13, are most affected in performing daily activities due to worrisome thoughts, as published today (5 April) in the British Journal of Health Psychology.   Anxiety and worry is a normal part of childhood and adolescence, however, research observing children throughout childhood to evaluate the development of worrisome thoughts is lacking, and makes it difficult to distinguish between normal and pathological worrying patterns. The study was carried out by Dr Line Caes at the School of Psychology & Centre for Pain Research at NUI Galway in collaboration with Professor Christopher Eccleston and Dr Emma Fisher both from the Centre for Pain Research at Bath University. The study investigated mothers’ perspectives on their child’s normal level of worry and impact on daily life from childhood to early adolescence. The data for the study was extracted from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) in which 2,227 mothers reported on their child's worry content, frequency, control, and emotional disruption when their child was aged 7, 10, and 13 years old. The researchers found that age 10 seems to be a pivotal age with respect to worries, with mothers reporting the highest level worry frequency at age 10 combined with a low ability to control those worries at this age. However, the highest level of impact in performing daily activities due to worrisome thoughts was observed at age 13, particularly for girls. These findings suggest that parents may perceive the increased level of worries and the difficulty to control these worries when their children are 10 years of age as a normal part of growing up. However, early adolescence, especially for girls, might be a vulnerable time for the development and early identification of intrusive worries. The child’s gender and pubertal status play a role in understanding how normal worry patterns develop from age 10 onwards, with advanced puberty at age 10 being associated with overall higher worry frequency and emotional disruption. The authors discussed the findings within a developmental framework outlining the normal development of worrisome thoughts, associated distress, and how it impacts on engaging in daily activities, throughout early adolescence. The study highlights that increased knowledge of typical worry patterns could help inform a better understanding of adolescence as a vulnerable time for the development of mental health problems, such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Commenting on the study, Dr Line Case from the School of Psychology at NUI Galway explains: “This study represents an exciting collaboration between NUI Galway and Bath University providing a new view on how children develop and how they are affected by a normal aspect of life, worry, depending on their developmental stage. These findings will help inform future research and policy on early detection and treatment of pathological levels of anxiety in childhood.” The study is supported by Galway University Foundation and the Centre for Pain Research at NUI Galway. For further information on the data from ALSPAC visit: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/alspac To read the full paper in the British Journal of Health Psychology visit: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjhp.12174/abstract ENDS

NUI Galway recently conferred special certificates on the tenth cohort of ‘graduates’ from its Youth Academy. In total, 324 primary school children from across the West of Ireland received their certificates, with more than 1,000 friends and family attending the ceremony. Established in 2012, the Youth Academy aims to inspire entry to university by introducing primary school students and their families to university life. Since its foundation, almost 2,000 students have graduated from a variety of courses on Saturday mornings ranging from Mandarin to Art, Engineering to Creative Writing, Cell-EXPLORERS and Kitchen Chemistry to IT and The World of Cops and Robbers to Social Innovation. The Youth Academy runs for a six week period and works with high ability fourth, fifth and sixth class primary school children to support their learning and academic development, in partnership with their primary schools. Speaking at the event, President of NUI Galway, Dr Jim Browne, said: “The Youth Academy is a very important initiative by this University. We feel that it responds to the educational needs of our most important young citizens and gives talented young students the opportunity to get experience of learning in a university. NUI Galway is committed to the sharing of knowledge with the wider community and ensuring that the pathways to university are open to all. I hope that initiatives such as the Youth Academy can highlight how the University can and does serve its community, not only here Galway but in society in general.” For further information on the courses and participation please contact Geraldine Marley, NUI Galway Youth Academy Coordinator, at youthacademy@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

NUI Galway will host the seventh Conference of Italian Archaeology between on 16-18 April, attracting almost 200 participants from across Europe, North America, South America, North Africa, and Australia. Over the three days, 150 presentations will reveal the newest discoveries in the archaeological heritage of Italy from prehistory through to the modern period, with a particular focus on funerary archaeology. The highlight of the conference will be a special session of papers to honour two of the UK’s leading scholars in Italian archaeology, Ruth Whitehouse and John Wilkins, who run the Accordia Research Institute in University College London, the premier research organisation for the study of early Italy in Britain. The conference is organised by NUI Galway’s discipline of Classics, with support from Fáilte Ireland, Galway University Foundation, NUI Galway’s College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies, the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, the Moore Institute, and the discipline of Archaeology. Dr Edward Herring, Dean of NUI Galway’s College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies, said: “NUI Galway is delighted to be hosting the Seventh Conference of Italian Archaeology this Apil and to join the select band of universities that have been home to this prestigious event, following Lancaster, Sheffield, Cambridge, London, Oxford and Groningen. This conference gives us the chance to showcase our work in Classics and Archaeology and to welcome international scholars to our beautiful campus and world-class facilities. For me, personally, bringing the conference to Galway is a particular pleasure as Italian Archaeology is my own research field and I previously helped organise the conference when it was held in London in 1990.” The Conference of Italian Archaeology series began in Lancaster in 1977 and has been subsequently hosted by several universities in the UK and the Netherlands. -Ends-