News Archive

Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Primary Care, Social Care and Mental Health, Kathleen Lynch T.D., today (Tuesday, 3 November) launched a series of video clips of NUI Galway students discussing mental health issues. Organised by NUI Galway’s Student Counselling Service with financial support from the University’s Students Project Fund, the five short video clips show students talking directly to camera about their experiences of mental health difficulties and how they overcame their problems with help from the counselling service. The initiative sets out to get students to openly discuss their difficulties with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, procrastination and perfectionism, in a bid to reduce the stigma about these issues and also to increase awareness of the help available on campus. Last year 1,187 students attended the University’s Student Counselling Service with the biggest presenting issue being anxiety, which in the past two years has overtaken depression as the number one student issue. The Counselling Service hopes that by showing students willing to participate in the project, it will lead the way in de-stigmatising mental health and motivate other students to seek help to overcome their difficulties. Speaking at the launch Minister Lynch said: “21st century technology has obviously enhanced many aspects of our daily lives, and this process will inevitably continue. However, we all must be conscious that societal change does not impact negatively on our core human needs, by contributing to isolation or increased mental health pressures generally. In developing solutions to address emerging change, I very much welcome the new Student Counselling Service initiative being launched in NUI Galway today. This will ensure that no student has to face mental health issues on their own, and the initiative being rolled out today may prove beneficial for other colleges.” Chloe Lappin, a student who has taken up the challenge to speak openly about these topics, discloses: “Each time I am given the opportunity to speak openly about my mental health challenges, my confidence increases with respect to my ability to talk openly about an issue I once kept hidden for many years. I hope my video appearance highlights the fact that if you choose to seek support, and make a commitment to addressing your challenges, change can occur and there are plenty of people around you to help make those changes possible.” Jimmy Mc Govern, Students’ Union Welfare Officer in NUI Galway, responds: “I applaud this attitude and in my opinion any issue that affects your wellness or prevents your student experience from reaching its full potential is an issue you should address.” Bea Gavin, Head of NUI Galway’s Student Counselling Service, also asserts: “These videos convey a powerful message of hope for students, which is that whatever challenges they face, they can be overcome. The students who took part demonstrated a deep commitment not only to caring for their own mental health, but they have also used their experiences to help others. They are role models with whom students can both identify with and be inspired by.” For advice on mental health issues or to view the videos please visit www.nuigalway.ie/counsellors/ or email counselling@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

The MSc Degree in Medical Physics at NUI Galway, in conjunction with the Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering (MPBE) at Galway University Hospitals, was recently awarded accreditation from the North American Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP). This is the first medical physics programme in Europe to receive this accreditation and only the second outside North America. The first year students enrolled on the MSc in Medical Physics in 2002 and over 130 students have graduated since. Of these graduates, over 70% are currently employed as medical physicists in the healthcare environment in Ireland, UK and beyond. Commenting on this accreditation, Wil van der Putten, Adjunct Professor of Medical Physics, NUI Galway and Head of MPBE at Galway University Hospital, said: “Accreditation by CAMPEP is an important validation of the quality of this course. The Galway MSc is a unique collaboration between University and Hospital staff. The ability of the students to learn and conduct projects in the clinical environment accounts for the success of our graduates in finding employment. It is a tribute to both the staff in the Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering and University staff in the Schools of Anatomy, Physiology, Medicine, Engineering and Physics. I would also like to pay tribute to colleagues in other hospitals who have accommodated our students for their dissertation work.” -Ends-

NUI Galway’s Executive MBA recently hosted a Masterclass event entitled Achieving Success in Inter-Cultural Global Management, presented by Mike Hughes, Executive Vice-President, Strategic Customers and Segments with Schneider Electric. Mike reflected on his career journey since joining Schneider Electric, a global specialist in Energy Management and Automation, in 2000. Mike has held numerous business leadership positions across the globe and is currently responsible for the strategic accounts and segments of the company. Speaking at the event Mike said: “I currently work with large global customers and come up with solutions on how they can improve their energy consumption and thereby increase their overall operations efficiently. To be successful in this global business, it is important to understand the culture that I’m working in.” Mike delivered a presentation on the interpay of Corportate Culture, Geographic Culture and Global Culture with corporate structures and operations. In the engaging Q&A which followed, discussion centred on how organisations operate in a global corporate environment and the importance of understanding different perspectives within diverse management structures. Speaking after the event, Dr Tom Acton, Head of School of Business and Economics at NUI Galway, said: “Mike is the latest in our Masterclass series of globally-leading speakers, and continues our aim of bringing best-in-class presentations to our MBA students. Mike gave fabulous insights into the energy industry, global business processes, and the importance of culture for international business. It was a great evening and, as intended, provided the audience with a set of valuable takeaways focused on success generation in international markets.” ENDS

NUI Galway online treatment programme for chronic pain sufferers extended due to the number of inquiries received in recent weeks A recent online treatment programme, set up by expert psychologists and physiotherapists, aimed at helping those who suffer from chronic pain, has been extended due to the number of inquiries received in recent weeks. The Centre for Pain Research at NUI Galway, with the support of the Health Research Board, is currently recruiting people with chronic pain (pain which has lasted for three months or more). The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) trial will provide eight online sessions to people in the comfort of their own home. At the moment, such supports are mainly available through specialised hospital-based pain management teams. Chronic pain affects up to 35% of the Irish population and is increasingly recognised as a disease in its own right. Chronic pain is sometimes associated with psychological effects, which may include anxiety and changes in mood, as well as forgetfulness, and difficulties in focusing attention, planning tasks and making decisions. The ACT trial is based on emerging clinical science that demonstrates the usefulness of managing chronic pain through mindfulness and psychological wellbeing. The study is open to people all over Ireland and will take place over the coming months. GPs and physiotherapists around the country are being encouraged to refer suitable people with pain to the study. The free online sessions in the ACT programme will focus on values and goals that are individual to each person in the trial. Participants will be provided with instructions on a range of activity-pacing techniques to encourage more consistent levels of activity from day-to-day. In addition, mindfulness techniques and cognitive behavioural therapy will help identify both negative thinking patterns and the development of effective challenges. Dr Christopher Dwyer, coordinator of the study at the Centre for Pain Research at NUI Galway, says: “We know that psychological therapies provided to people with chronic pain are beneficial, particularly for people at risk of long term disability. However, this type of service is often only accessible via specialised hospital-based pain management teams. In this trial, we will offer this type of service to people all over the country and at any stage of injury.” People who take part in the ACT trial will not need to attend any clinic or the university at any stage. All materials are tailored for those wishing to learn effective ways of managing their chronic pain. Participants can access physiotherapy and all medical services as usual while involved in the trial. Study supervisor Dr Brian McGuire said: “This is a promising new online pain management programme and we are hopeful it will be of benefit to people with chronic pain.” To find out if you are eligible, visit http://centreforpainresearch.com/actstudy.html and complete the online survey. For further information contact Dr Christopher Dwyer at the Centre for Pain Research, NUI Galway or email painresearch@nuigalway.ie, or see the website http://www.nuigalway.ie/centre-for-pain-research/. Alternatively, phone 091 495391. GP’s or physiotherapists who are interested in referring suitable patients to the trial can also use these contact details. -Ends-

Public talk explores one of Galway’s most outstanding treasures, the ‘Liber A’ manuscript, which is preserved in the James Hardiman Library at NUI Galway NUI Galway and the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society will co-host a talk about Galway’s famous ‘Liber A’ manuscript, one of Galway’s most outstanding treasures, which holds records of Galway’s Town Council dating from 1603 to 1653 when it was a very wealthy town. In this public talk, Dr Bríd McGrath from the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society will explore the membership of Galway's town council and the men who controlled and managed the city in the first half of the 17th century. She will investigate the members, how many of them came from Galway's famous tribes, how they dealt with the pressure to appoint protestant mayors and bailiffs, and what we know about these men, their wealth and role within and outside the city. Dr McGrath will also discuss recently discovered letters from the famous Galway lawyer, Patrick Darcy now held in the Huntington Library, California. The ‘Liber A’ manuscript, based in the James Hardiman Library at NUI Galway, preserves Galway Corporation records from 1485. Few towns have records as old as this. It features stunning decorations commissioned by the corporation every year from 1613 onwards and evidence of Galway’s wealth and culture in the early 17th century. No other Irish town is known to have similar decorations in its records. Dr Bríd McGrath said: “Galway's ‘Liber A’ is a truly unique manuscript and one of the town’s most precious treasures. While working on it, I was able to discover how Galway was managed by its wealthy, cultivated merchant elite in this period and the key role played by Galway men in Irish political life, in parliament and the Confederation of Kilkenny.” Dr McGrath is a Research Associate in the School of Social Work and Social Policy in Trinity College Dublin and this talk is based on research undertaken as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Moore Institute in NUI Galway and at the Huntington Library, California. The public talk is sponsored by the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society and will take place at the Harbour Hotel, Dock Road, Galway, on Monday, 9 November at 8pm. All are welcome and admission is free. ‘Liber A’ is available online and features beautiful pen and ink drawings at: http://archives.library.nuigalway.ie/LiberA/html/LiberA.html  -Ends-

Journal publishes results of Irish and European research study related to drug discovery for metastatic cancer Researchers from the School of Chemistry and School of Natural Sciences at NUI Galway, and Warsaw University of Life Sciences have worked together on a study that could help in the development of a new therapy for metastatic cancer. Their work was published today (6 November 2015), in Chemistry A European Journal, and features as the front cover article. Metastatic cancer occurs when tumour cells migrate or metastasise from a primary tumour to other sites leading to secondary tumours, and this is the main cause of death from cancer. Synthesis is used by chemists to build compounds or materials for wide ranging applications. This study has involved NUI Galway researchers working out synthesis pathways to new analogues of migrastatin as potential blockers of metastasis or tumour cell migration. The researchers showed that some of the new compounds, such as MGSTA-6, exhibited the ability to block tumour cell migration in the laboratory. Professor Paul Murphy, Head of the School of Chemistry at NUI Galway, and his team collaborated with Corrado Santocanale, Professor of Molecular Medicine from the School of Natural Sciences at NUI Galway. Professor Santocanale’s core research is related to cancer therapeutics and an assay for this research was established in his laboratory. Professor Magdalena Krol and her team from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences also contributed to the research through a biological study of the compounds prepared. The latter collaboration came about as a result of a COST Networking Action, StemChem, where both Professor Murphy and Professor Krol are members. Professor Paul Murphy said: “The research demonstrates the value of Synthetic Chemistry, which can be used to produce compounds not made by Nature and which instead are inspired by Nature. This provides valuable new compounds for drug discovery projects. The research shows the importance of chemists working together with cancer biologists to investigate properties of newly generated products.” The first author of the article, Dr Daniele Lo Re, a researcher with Professor Murphy’s team at NUI Galway, explains, “One of the compounds synthesised, MGSTA-6, showed evidence that it has a low risk of displaying adverse side effects.” The research to isolate migrastatin, a structurally complex natural product, first occurred in the early 2000’s in Japan, and this initially highlighted the potential of this natural product as a blocker of metastasis. Subsequently research from the Samuel Danishefsky Laboratory at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York led to the finding that simpler migrastatin analogues could inhibit tumour metastasis in the laboratory. This research study was funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), the European Regional Development Fund, Poland’s National Science Centre, the People Programme (Marie Curie Actions) of the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme and COST (a European framework supporting trans-national cooperation among researchers, engineers and scholars across Europe). To view the paper visit: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/chem.201502861  -Ends-

Lack of ability to stop and reflect is contributing to rise in mental health issues in society, and the World Health Organisation’s predictions indicate that by 2030, depression will be the leading cause of disease burden globally NUI Galway will host two mindfulness-based events this November following the very successful Mindful Way Conference hosted on campus on the 9-10 October 2015. These events are the next steps towards integrating mindfulness into the University’s culture. NUI Galway will host the first in its Mindful Way Lecture Series starting with, ‘Mindful Responses to the Stresses of Student Life’. The lecture will feature guest speaker, Dr Julieta Galante from the University of Cambridge on Wednesday, 18 November at 5.45pm in the University’s Institute for Lifecourse and Society Building. The event is open to researchers, students, student counsellors and advisors, healthcare professionals, mindfulness practitioners, and anyone with an interest in mindfulness. Dr Galante will share details of a research project she is currently leading at the University of Cambridge. The research is offering over 500 students an eight-week mindfulness training course with a view to measuring its effectiveness in managing stress amongst students, particularly at exam time, as well as investigating if it helps in other factors such as sleep and wellbeing. The project will also explore whether the mindfulness training affects students’ use of mental health treatment and support services. Tibetan Buddhist Monk, Gelong Thubten, based at the Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery in Dumfriesshire in Scotland, and one of the very popular expert speakers at the conference, will return to NUI Galway to deliver a day of introductory classes on mindfulness, as part of the University’s ‘Mindful Way Initiative’. The classes are open to all University staff and students and will take place on Wednesday, 11 November in the Aula Maxima (Lower) at NUI Galway. NUI Galway’s Mindful Way Conference shared the evidence-based impact of mindfulness on students and staff performance, well-being and culture. The University is now focusing on the benefits of integrating mindfulness within the University setting to continue to serve the 21st century needs in delivering its core principles: teaching, research and contribution to society through innovation and entrepreneurship, and understanding the role mindfulness can play in providing a more enriching experience for students and staff. Professor Lokesh Joshi, Vice-President for Research at NUI Galway, said: “NUI Galway is starting on this journey to adopt a mindfulness culture. The University recently hosted a conference of mindfulness experts, leaders in society and entrepreneurs, along with students, staff and university leaders, to discuss the importance of mindfulness in higher educational institutions. The conference represented our first steps towards understanding the role mindfulness can play in providing a more enriching experience for staff and students. There was such an enthusiastic response that we now want to build on that momentum to see what can be achieved collectively through a more mindful approach.” Professor Joshi continued, “There was tremendous interest at the conference and a sincere willingness to take steps towards becoming a Mindful University from both an individual level and the institutional level. We are keen to connect the well-being of our university community with mindfulness, to enhance the performance of individuals, their various units and ultimately the University. We want to ensure that mindfulness is brought into the University with the solid backing of scientific evidence.” Dr Pat Morgan, Vice President for the Student Experience at NUI Galway, said: “Both of these mindfulness-based events will show students how important it is to take time out from their busy lives and their digital devices, and learn about the benefits to their wellbeing by focusing on the present moment.” To register for the Mindful Way lecture with Dr Julieta Galante visit: www.nuigalway.ie/mindfulway  The introductory classes on mindfulness with Gelong Thubten are free of charge and available to University staff and students on a drop-in basis, no pre-registration required. -Ends-

Move will strengthen educational and research capabilities as well as enhance international exposure Minster for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan T.D., will today (Monday, 9 November) mark the official incorporation of Shannon College of Hotel Management into NUI Galway. The merger, as detailed in the HEA’s 2013 report to the Minister for Education and Skills on system reconfiguration, is the first of its kind in Ireland. As one of the world’s most prestigious hotel management colleges, Shannon College will also officially become the first such college dedicated to hotel management in an Irish university. The vision for the merger is to sustain and develop educational excellence in the in both institutions institutions, and through greater integration ensure that resources are put to best use to meet the challenges of research, education and learning in the student-centred higher education landscape. Minister for Education and Skills Jan O’Sullivan said. “Shannon College of Hotel Management’s international standing and track-record of success is almost unrivalled for a college of its size, with its alumni as leaders in the hospitality industry globally. The incorporation into NUI Galway illustrates the benefits of greater cohesion across the third level sector nationally and in providing a greater return from available resources and I congratulate both on this and wish them every success going forward.” As part of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law at NUI Galway, all academic and administrative systems have been aligned across what has become the same institution on two locations. Shannon College of Hotel Management programmes have been aligned with existing NUI Galway programmes and it is intended that further courses both taught and research, particularly at postgraduate level will be offered. The institutions will also work together on promoting their courses and research internationally. The integration will mean that, for the first time an Irish university will have a school devoted to the tourism sector. This is appropriate given the importance and scale of the tourism sector both nationally and particularly in the West of Ireland. Already NUI Galway and Shannon College have, together, secured research funding from Fáilte Ireland to examine the economic impact of the Wild Atlantic Way. In 2014, Shannon College of Hotel Management welcomed 42% of all students entering Level 8 hotel, tourism and hospitality programmes in Ireland. The College maintains a remarkable record of 100% graduate employment, including some leading figures in the industry across the globe at the Jumeriah Group, Dubai; Waldorf Astoria, New York; Trump Towers, Chicago; The Dorchester and The Ritz, London; and The Shelbourne, Dublin. NUI Galway President, Dr Jim Browne said, “This is a very positive moment for all concerned. NUI Galway has developed a very close relationship with Shannon College over the years and its integration into NUI Galway will be seamless and respect the rich heritage and international reputation of this great institution. Shannon College of Hotel Management is recognised as one of the leading hotel management colleges in the world and has an unrivalled record of achieving 100% graduate employment, with many graduates going straight to some of the top hotels in the world. This move will deliver mutual benefits from an educational and research perspective to the College and University and will deepen our relationship with the Shannon region.” The internationally renowned college was the brainchild of the father figure of Shannon Airport, Dr. Brendan O’Regan. It was established in 1951, next to the airport, to ensure a ready supply of world-class hoteliers was available for the emerging hotel industry as it seized on the tourism opportunity triggered by the growth then of transatlantic and other international services into Shannon. The finalisation of the move to NUI Galway cements a 20-year relationship between the two institutions. Most notably, Shannon College has offered for many years a BComm degree specialising in hotel management in collaboration with NUI Galway, whereby students undertake the first three years of study in Shannon before transferring to NUI Galway for the final academic year of study. Before the recent amalgamation with NUI Galway, Shannon College was a Recognised College of the National University of Ireland (NUI), making it the only institution in Ireland offering degrees in hotel management awarded by the NUI. Phillip Smyth added “The amalgamation is an important milestone for the staff, alumni and all our partners who have developed Shannon College as a centre of excellence. Having a university campus located at Shannon International Airport presents many opportunities for new educational and research projects to be developed in the region.” Having flourished over the last 64 years under the auspices of Shannon Airport, the amalgamation now firmly places Shannon College in the mainstream university. The incorporation will significantly enhance the student experience with access to a suite of university services and resources that were not possible to offer as a small institution. The new status will also give Shannon College a new platform to expand its range of programmes and improve its research capabilities. The global standing of NUI Galway will also boost Shannon College’s already strong international presence by improving access and exposure in new overseas markets. Congratulating the College on its transition to NUI Galway, Shannon Group Chairperson, Rose Hynes said the College had not alone delivered on Dr O’Regan’s hopes for it but went way beyond them. “It’s no exaggeration to say that the Shannon College of Hotel Management has from its very foundation been a world leader when it comes to training hoteliers and hotel managers. The very fact that some of the world’s leading hotels travel to Shannon each year to recruit students from the college speaks volumes about its success. It has been a brilliant bearer of the Shannon name throughout those years and we are delighted that the College will remain on the airport campus. This transition also deepens our relationship with the Galway region.”   http://www.shannoncollege.com/ Ends   Déanann an tAire Oideachais ceiliúradh ar Choláiste Ósta na Sionna as a bheith ina pháirt de OÉ Gaillimh; an chéad chónascadh dá leithéid in Éirinn   Láidreoidh an t-aistriú cumais oideachais agus taighde agus cuirfidh sé go mór le poiblíocht idirnáisiúnta   Inniu (Dé Luain, 9 Samhain), déanann an tAire Oideachais agus Scileanna, Jan O’Sullivan T.D., ceiliúradh ar ionchorprú oifigiúil Choláiste Ósta na Sionna isteach in OÉ Gaillimh. Déantar cur síos ar an gcónascadh seo i dtuairisc 2013 an HEA go dtí an tAire Oideachais agus Scileanna maidir le hathchumrú córas, agus tá sé ar an gcéad chónascadh dá leithéid in Éirinn.  Tá Coláiste na Sionna ar cheann de na coláistí bainistíochta óstáin is iomráití ar domhan, agus tá sé anois ar an gcéad choláiste dá leithéid a bheidh tiomanta do bhainistíocht óstáin in ollscoil Éireannach. Is í an fhís atá taobh thiar den chónascadh sárchaighdeán oideachais a chothú agus a fhorbairt sa dá institiúid, agus a chinntiú, trí chomhtháthú níos fearr, go mbaintear an leas is fearr as acmhainní chun freastal ar dhúshláin taighde, oideachais agus foghlama i suíomh ardoideachais mac léinn-lárnach. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna, Jan O’Sullivan:  “Is deacair seasamh agus cáil Choláiste Ósta na Sionna do choláiste dá mhéid a shárú, agus a chuid alumni ina gceannródaithe i dtionscal an fháilteachais ar fud an domhain. Léiríonn an t-ionchorprú isteach in OÉ Gaillimh na buntáistí a bhaineann le comhtháthú níos mó ar fud na hearnála tríú leibhéal go náisiúnta agus le tairbhe níos mó a bhaint as na hacmhainní atá ar fáil agus tréaslaím leis an dá dhream ar an ócáid seo agus guím gach rath orthu sna blianta amach romhainn.” Mar chuid de Choláiste an Ghnó, an Bheartais Phoiblí agus an Dlí in OÉ Gaillimh, tá ailíniú déanta ar gach córas acadúil agus riaracháin chun freastal ar an institiúid chéanna in dhá ionad ar leith. Tá cláir Choláiste Ósta na Sionna ailínithe le cláir reatha OÉ Gaillimh agus táthar ag súil go dtairgfear tuilleadh cúrsaí acadúla agus taighde, go háirithe ag leibhéal iarchéime. Oibreoidh na hinstitiúidí as lámha a chéile chomh maith chun a gcuid cúrsaí agus taighde a chur chun cinn go hidirnáisiúnta.   Den chéad uair riamh, mar thoradh ar an gcónascadh, beidh scoil atá dírithe go hiomlán ar an earnáil turasóireachta mar chuid d’ollscoil Éireannach. Tá sé seo ábhartha nuair a smaoinítear ar thábhacht agus ar scála na hearnála turasóireachta go náisiúnta agus go háirithe in Iarthar na hÉireann. Tá maoiniú taighde faighte cheana féin ag OÉ Gaillimh agus ag Coláiste na Sionna ón eagraíocht Fáilte Éireann chun scrúdú a dhéanamh ar thionchar eacnamaíoch Shlí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin. Sa bhliain 2014, is chuig Coláiste Ósta na Sionna a chuaigh 42% de gach mac léinn a thosaigh ar chláir óstáin, turasóireachta agus fáilteachais ag leibhéal 8 in Éirinn.  Tá cáil thar na bearta ar an gColáiste maidir le fostaíocht céimithe 100%, lena n-áirítear daoine mór le rá sa tionscal ar fud an domhain sa Jumeriah Group, Dubai; Waldorf Astoria, Nua-Eabhrac; Trump Towers, Chicago; an Dorchester agus an Ritz, Londain; agus an Shelbourne, Baile Átha Cliath. Dúirt Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Jim Browne, “Is tráth thar a bheith dearfach é seo do gach duine atá i gceist.  Tá caidreamh an-dlúth forbartha ag OÉ Gaillimh le Coláiste na Sionna thar na blianta agus déanfar an cónascadh le OÉ Gaillimh gan stró ar bith agus tabharfar ómós d’oidhreacht shaibhir agus do cháil idirnáisiúnta na hinstitiúide seo.  Tá Coláiste Ósta na Sionna aitheanta ar cheann de na coláistí bainistíochta óstáin is fearr ar domhan agus tá cáil gan sárú ar an gcoláiste maidir le fostaíocht céimithe 100% a bhaint amach, agus téann go leor de na céimithe díreach ar aghaidh go dtí cuid de na hóstáin is fearr ar domhan.  Beidh sochair ag baint leis an mbeart seo ó pheirspictíocht oideachais agus taighde don Choláiste agus don Ollscoil agus daingneoidh sé an caidreamh atá againn cheana féin le réigiún na Sionainne.” Ba é an Dr Brendan O’Regan, fear a raibh an-bhaint aige le hAerfort na Sionainne le blianta fada, a bhunaigh an coláiste a bhfuil cáil dhomhanda air. Bunaíodh an coláiste sa bhliain 1951, in aice an aerfoirt, le cinntiú go raibh lucht óstáin den scoth ar fáil do thionscal na n-óstán a bhí ag dul i méid agus gur thapaigh siad na deiseanna turasóireachta a bhí ag teacht chun cinn de thoradh fhorbairt na seirbhísí trasatlantacha agus seirbhísí idirnáisiúnta eile isteach go dtí an tSionainn. Is comóradh é an t-ionchorpú le OÉ Gaillimh ar chaidreamh 20 bliain idir an dá institiúid. Le roinnt mhaith blianta tá céim B Comm a dhíríonn ar bhainistíocht óstáin curtha ar fáil ag Coláiste na Sionna i gcomhar le OÉ Gaillimh, áit a dtugann mic léinn faoi na chéad trí bliana staidéar sa tSionainn agus ansin déanann siad an bhliain deiridh staidéar acadúil in OÉ Gaillimh. Sula ndearnadh ionchorpú ar Choláiste na Sionna le OÉ Gaillimh, ba Choláiste Aitheanta de chuid Ollscoil na hÉireann (OÉ) a bhí ann, agus é ar an t-aon institiúid in Éirinn a bhí ag tairiscint céimeanna sa bhainistíocht óstáin bronnta ag OÉ. Dúirt Phillip Smyth “Is cor cinniúnach é seo don fhoireann, don alumni agus dár gcuid comhpháirtithe ar fad a bhfuil Coláiste na Sionna forbartha acu mar lárionad barr feabhais. Is iomaí buntáiste a bhaineann le campas ollscoile a bheith lonnaithe in Aerfort Idirnáisiúnta na Sionainne maidir le tionscadail nua oideachais agus taighde is féidir a fhorbairt sa réigiún.” Bhí rath ar Choláiste na Sionna le 64 bliain anuas faoi scáth Aerfort na Sionainne, agus leis an aistriú seo beidh sé ina chuid d’ollscoil phríomhshrutha. Cuirfidh an t-ionchorprú go mór le heispéireas na mac léinn mar go mbeidh teacht acu anois ar réimse seirbhísí agus acmhainní ollscoile nárbh fhéidir a chur ar fáil mar institiúid bheag. Tabharfaidh an stádas nua ardán nua do Choláiste na Sionna chun a réimse clár a leathnú agus a chumais taighde a fheabhsú. Cuirfidh seasamh domhanda OÉ Gaillimh borradh chomh maith faoi láithreacht idirnáisiúnta Choláiste na Sionna, atá láidir cheana féin, trí rochtain agus poiblíocht a fheabhsú i margaí nua thar lear.   Thréaslaigh Rose Hynes, Cathaoirleach Ghrúpa na Sionainne leis an gColáiste ar an aistriú isteach le OÉ Gaillimh agus dúirt sí nach amháin go raibh mianta an Dr O’Regan curtha i gcrích ach go raibh i bhfad níos mó ná sin déanta. “Ní háibhéil ar bith é a rá go bhfuil Coláiste Ósta na Sionna ó thráth a bhunaithe ina cheannaire domhanda ó thaobh oiliúint a chur ar óstánaithe agus ar bhainisteoirí óstáin.  Is cruthúnas ann féin an chaoi a dtagann cuid de na hóstáin is fearr ar domhan go dtí an tSionainn gach bliain ag earcú mac léinn ón gcoláiste chomh rathúil is atá sé.  Is mór an onóir é d’ainm na Sionainne sna blianta atá caite agus táimid thar a bheith ríméadach go bhfanfaidh an Coláiste ar champas an aerfoirt.  Láidríonn an t-aistriú seo ár gcaidreamh le réigiún na Gaillimhe chomh maith.” Críoch  

More than 100 NUI Galway students, academics and researchers will participate in the annual Galway Science and Technology Festival from the 9-22 November, which also coincides with Science Week 2015. The NUI Galway community will celebrate all things Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and has put together an exciting programme of events to promote the awareness and engagement of STEM topics, many of them representing strategic research areas in the University. Scientists, engineers and clinicians from NUI Galway are offering both primary and post-primary school roadshows and on-campus events as part of the Festival. Primary school events include the much sought after Cell Explorers workshop, Fantastic DNA, where children will prepare DNA from bananas, and Little Cells will provide an introduction to cells for the youngest students. New events this year include Exploring Under the Microscope, an introduction to microscopy for primary school students, and Inside the Brain will teach students about the brains chemical messengers by using play dough. New show, Understanding the World Around Us: Brain Perception and Cell Communication will focus on perception, memory, and how brain cells communicate. The Energy in Our Food: Fuel for Life introduces students to the concept that food is a fuel for the body. The ever popular Kitchen Chemistry: The Amazing world of Chemical Wonders will allow students to become familiar with basic scientific concepts and learn how to reproduce many activities at home. Secondary school workshops will include post-primary level adapted versions of some of the events already mentioned as well as Engineering for the Human Body from The Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), which explores how doctors, scientists and engineers are working together to design the next generation of 'smart' medical devices. Visitors to the outdoor classroom at Terryland Forest Park will comprise of a series of hands-on nature activities, ranging from grassland ecology workshops, usage of digital sensor technologies, mammal detective trails, local habitats, conservation and biodiversity to wildflower plantings. Other on-campus events will include tours of the Geology, Marine Biology and Computer Museums. On Sunday, 22 November, NUI Galway will welcome visitors to its campus for the final day Exhibition, which is the highlight of the Galway Science and Technology Festival. Up to 20,000 visitors are expected to participate in many scientific activities and attend free shows in venues throughout the University. Visitors will be able to meet NUI Galway staff and students in the main Exhibition area of the Bailey Allen Hall. In particular, visitors will be able to view the GEEC (Galway Energy Efficient Car) and talk to the team of engineering students who brought it from the concept stage to successful competition in the Shell Eco-Marathon in Rotterdam this year. In addition, many interactive shows, presentations and workshops will be available to young and old of all ages and interests. Hands on workshops will include the Human Brain exhibition offered by the NUI Galway Neuroscience Centre as well as the School of Medicine’s Hi-tech Hospital Ward. Scientists from the School of Chemistry will offer the Kitchen Chemistry interactive show. The Cell EXPLORERS outreach programme from the School of Natural Sciences will give visitors a chance to build a DNA double helix and prepare Fantastic DNA to take home. In the brand new Little Cells workshop, the youngest children can play visual and tactile games to discover the human body and some of the cells that it is composed of. This year, Cell EXPLORERS is partnering with the Under the Microscope outreach programme from the discipline of Anatomy to present an interactive session introducing young children to microscopes and their use to discover the world around us. The SNS Next Top Model Organism 2015 will give the public a chance to mmeet with scientists, discover the model organisms they study and choose this year's next top model! Researchers from CÚRAM will run the Engineering for the Human Body workshop to introduce different types of biomaterials, explore how they are made and how they can be used in the human body. NUI Galway physicists will present the PhotonicSplash event which demonstrates the power of light, as part of the EU-wide GoPhoton! Project, which celebrates the importance of UNESCO International Year of Light 2015. The Exhibition day will see the ReelLIFE Science video champions crowned, with the winning videos of this national competition on display during special screenings in the ReelLIFE SCIENCE Cinema. NUI Galway will also launch its participation in the international FameLab competition on the day. Professor Dónal Leech, Dean of the College of Science at NUI Galway said: “NUI Galway research, on how to 'Design Your Future' across science, technology, engineering and mathematics, will be presented during the two week festival to students, teachers, parents and the public. Our research-led teaching, delivered by some of the world’s most influential scientific minds inspires students, staff and industry to deepen our knowledge-base, and generate new technologies. This festival is a key event to foster engagement with science and research, for NUI Galway and the nation. The NUI Galway campus is looking forward to hosting once again the final day Exhibition of the festival.” The Festival Exhibition shows at NUI Galway will run from 10am-6pm on Sunday, 22 of November. Free tickets to the shows and workshops will be released on Saturday, 14 November at 11am on the Eventbrite website: www.galwayscience.eventbrite.ie, while 30% of the entry tickets will be available to book on the day. No booking is required to access the main Exhibition area located in the Bailey Allen Hall at NUI Galway. -Ends-

Winning schools from Dublin, Galway and Kerry make a Big Bang with their videos about Space and Light at NUI Galway’s ReelLIFE SCIENCE 2015 Competition Canadian Astronaut, Commander Chris Hadfield, has helped discover the best new science videos made by Irish primary and secondary school students, just in time for Science Week 2015. The winners of the €3000 NUI Galway video competition, ReelLIFE SCIENCE, were announced today (9 November 2015) as, Scoil Aonghusa Senior, Tallaght, Dublin 24, at primary school level, and Solas O’Halloran and Matt Tyrkiel from Causeway Comprehensive School, Co Kerry at secondary school level. Supported by the Science Foundation Ireland Discover programme and the Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM) at NUI Galway, ReelLIFE SCIENCE challenged Irish primary and secondary schools to make short videos, which would entertain and educate people, on a range of scientific topics. The challenge was met by more than 1,200 students and teachers in 77 schools around Ireland, producing over 120 science videos in both English and Irish. Speaking about the competition, Commander Hadfield said: “Discovery and creativity, turned loose by imagination. A great project that I am proud to be a part of.” Joining Commander Hadfield on the judging panel were Trinity College Dublin Professor of Molecular Evolution, Aoife McLysaght and BT Young Scientist and Technologists of the Year 2015, Ian O'Sullivan and Eimear Murphy from Coláiste Treasa, Kanturk, Co Cork. Primary School Winners The judges selected ‘Scoil Aonghusa Rocket Launch’, produced by 4th class students of Scoil Aonghusa Senior, Tallaght, under the direction of their teacher Jennie Smith, as the best primary school video, and deserving winners of the €1000 first prize. The video, a news report live from Tallaght’s first manned rocket launch, was described by Commander Hadfield as “fun” and “well-acted”, while Professor McLysaght praised the “humour interspersed with the science,” remarking that, “This video is great fun and I think the pupils had fun making it too!” An animated, bilingual video called ‘Ag Dearadh an Todhchaí’, described as “very enjoyable” and “charming” by the judges, examined the Science Week 2015 theme ‘Design Your Future’ predicting the future for medicine, space travel and even teleportation. Claiming the €300 second prize, the video was made by 4th and 5th class students in Gaelscoil Riabhach, Baile Locha Riach, Co na Gaillimhe. In third place, winning €200, were the 5th and 6th classes from Sooey NS, Co Sligo, with ‘Ninja Nematodes’, introducing us to some of the creatures living in our soil, a “complicated topic explained very well through a brilliant production.” Also shortlisted were 2nd class students from Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna, Baile Átha Cliath 9, with their video about gravity, ‘Imtharraingt’; and an original musical number ‘Water is Cool for School: Hydration for Concentration’ written and performed by 4th class students in Scoil Éinde Boys NS, Galway. Secondary School Winners The 2015 secondary school competition saw Causeway Comprehensive School, from Causeway, Co Kerry, improve on last year’s third place finish by claiming the Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM ) sponsored first prize of €1000, with a video entitled ‘The Mystery of Light’. The filmmakers, 5th year students Solas O’Halloran and Matt Tyrkiel, were hailed as “engaging hosts” by Commander Hadfield, while he described their video as being “cool, well explained” and “dramatically filmed.” In second place, a “well-narrated” animation with “excellent drawing” from Transition Year student Anna Deprisse, entitled ‘Marie Curie: Heroine of Science’ impressed the judges, winning €300 for Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny. A “humorous look at the properties of light” by 5th year students Eoghan Donoghue and Sean Paul Fenlon, earned Killina Presentation Secondary School, Tullamore, Co Offaly the third prize of €200. Also shortlisted were two videos tackling the topic of evolution: ‘From Shrew to You’ by Transition Year students from Coláiste Muire, Ennis, Co Clare; and ‘Evolution – What Happens Next?’ a “very cool claymation" produced by 5th year students from De La Salle College, Waterford. ReelLIFE SCIENCE is organised by Dr Enda O’Connell and a team of science communication enthusiasts, in collaboration with the Cell EXPLORERS outreach programme from NUI Galway’s School of Natural Sciences. The competition has been running since 2013, and previous year’s videos have tens of thousands of views in over 100 countries, and have featured on RTE2’s News2Day and TG4’s Cúla4 programmes. Dr O’Connell congratulated all of the participants, saying: “We were hugely impressed with the standard of this year’s entries. The hours of hard work and passion for science displayed by the students were apparent in the videos, making it a very difficult decision for the judges. Well done to everyone who took part!” All the videos can be viewed at www.reellifescience.com and will be shown to the general public as part of the 18th Galway Science and Technology Festival Exhibition, held in NUI Galway on Sunday, 22 November. The videos are also on display at Galway City Museum and the Galway Film Centre during Science Week 2015. -Ends-

Secondary school students interested in studying at NUI Galway are invited to an information evening in Athlone on Thursday, 19 November. Parents and guardians are also particularly welcome to the event which runs from 7pm to 9pm in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. The evening will begin with short talks about NUI Galway and some of the 60 courses it offers. Afterwards, current students and NUI Galway staff will be on hand at information stands to answer any individual questions in relation to courses offered by the University and about practical issues like accommodation, fees and scholarships, and the wide range of support services available to our students. The ever-increasing popularity of NUI Galway is in-part due to a suite of innovative programmes, developed in response to the changing needs of the employment market. Unique programmes include a suite of Arts degree programmes including Drama, Creative Writing and Human Rights, an Energy Systems Engineering degree which is taught in the University’s new Engineering Building, Ireland’s largest School of Engineering, a Maths and Education degree aimed at training Maths teachers, and a Marine Science degree. Visitors to the information evening will also get information on NUI Galway’s newest degree programmes, a Bachelor of Commerce (Global Experience), Bachelor in Children’s Studies and the new Bachelor of Arts (Joint Honours). Celine O’Donovan, Senior Marketing Officer at NUI Galway, said: “NUI Galway has a great deal to offer. Our own students tell us our lecturers are inspirational and challenge them to achieve their full potential. The student experience in Galway is second to none, and we want to bring a taste of that to County Westmeath, while also providing all the practical information on accommodation, CAO points, fees, scholarships and courses. With so many courses on offer, this event in Athlone is a perfect opportunity for prospective students to meet current students and lecturers to see what degree might be the right fit for them.” To find out more about the information evening in Athlone, contact NUI Galway's Schools Liaison Officer, Johanna Walsh on 086 7851730 or johanna.walsh@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

The Institute is dedicated to supporting applied research that informs policy development and practice to make a positive difference to people’s lives The Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton T.D. will officially launch the Institute for Lifecourse and Society today (11 November 2015) at NUI Galway. The Institute is dedicated to supporting applied research that informs policy development and practice to make a positive difference to people’s lives. The Institute for Lifecourse and Society represents an €9m investment comprising significant philanthropic contributions from The Atlantic Philanthropies and Galway University Foundation in a rare example of an interdisciplinary research hub designed to examine and reimagine important social issues, especially for vulnerable populations. Speaking at the opening of the Institute for Lifecourse and Society at NUI Galway, An Tánaiste Joan Burton T.D. said: “The goal of the Institute is to achieve international excellence in social policy and practice development through the pursuit of interdisciplinary research in the social sciences. This will be done by creatively integrating the rich and diverse intellectual resources from within the University and beyond. I believe the Institute will become both a pioneering research institute for the applied social sciences and a flagship of the University. I look forward to reading the Institute’s work in the coming years – and to that work helping to guide and shape national policy.” The Institute, under the directorship of Professor Pat Dolan, provides a newly designated research institute for the applied social sciences at NUI Galway, the largest of its kind in Europe. It supports applied research that informs policy development and practice, and brings together existing work in relation to targeted populations – such as children and families, persons with disabilities and older persons – into one domain of research, teaching and policy. Amongst its members are nationally and internationally recognised authorities from the fields of children and families, and disabled and older persons and the Institute has already a strong record in influencing domestic, regional and international policy and practice affecting these populations. President of NUI Galway, Dr Jim Browne said: “Today is a milestone in the development of the social sciences at NUI Galway. With the establishment of this Institute our university marks a concerted commitment to the application of knowledge in the social sciences in order to share knowledge and create positive social change. The real benefit of the Institute for Lifecourse and Society is to future generations of citizens who will benefit from new approaches on how to improve lives of families, young people, older persons and those who live with disabilities. The knowledge generated by those working in this Institute will help to shape advocacy, policy and interventions to improve the lives of so many citizens – right across the lifecourse.” President Browne added: “The support of our philanthropic partners has been absolutely vital to this project. I would like to thank The Atlantic Philanthropies and Galway University Foundation most sincerely for their vision and their investment in this research facility.” Professor Pat Dolan, Director of the Institute, said: “Essentially the focus of the Institute is to bring together researchers and communities to develop new blueprints for social change, practice and policy. The ‘lifecourse’ side of things is a relatively new approach aimed at zooming out from the silos of academic disciplines and stages of life to look for solutions, patterns and strategies that provide for people and societies over the course of a life and over generations. Few such research institutes in this field aim for this kind of deep and far-reaching impact.” To mark the official opening of the Institute, a keynote address will be given by Professor Robert J. Chaskin University of Chicago and Chair of the International Advisory Board at the Institute entitled “Social Policy and Community Action for Children, Youth, and Families”. In the course of the lecture Professor Chaskin will identify and evidence an innovative model for community led research which makes services and professionals more relevant in how and what they do with and for families that experience serious adversity. The lecture will take place in the main auditorium in the ILAS building at 2.30pm, Wednesday 11th November, 2015. Attendance is free and open to the public but reservation is necessary so please email ILAS@nuigalway.ie http://www.nuigalway.ie/ilas/  ENDS An Tánaiste le hInstitiúid Nua Cúrsa Saoil agus Sochaí a sheoladh in OÉ Gaillimh Tacaíonn an Institiúid le taighde feidhmeach a chuidíonn le polasaithe a fhorbairt agus a chleachtadh chun tionchar dearfach a imirt ar shaol na ndaoine Seolfaidh an Tánaiste agus an tAire Coimirce Sóisialaí Joan Burton T.D. an Institiúid Cúrsa Saoil agus Sochaí inniu (11 Samhain 2015) in OÉ Gaillimh. Tacaíonn an Institiúid le taighde feidhmeach a chuidíonn le polasaithe a fhorbairt agus a chleachtadh chun tionchar dearfach a imirt ar shaol na ndaoine. Is infheistíocht €9m a rinneadh san Institiúid Cúrsa Saoil agus Sochaí. Tháinig cuid mhaith den infheistíocht ó The Atlantic Philanthropies agus ó Fhondúireacht na hOllscoile a tháinig le chéile chun ceisteanna móra sóisialta a scrúdú, go mór mór i gcás dreamanna leochaileacha. Ag labhairt ag oscailte na hInstitiúide Cúrsa Saoil agus Sochaí in OÉ Gaillimh, dúirt an Tánaiste Joan Burton T.D.: “Is é sprioc na hInstitiúide ardchaighdeán idirnáisiúnta a bhaint amach i bhforbairt polasaí agus cleachtas sóisialta trí thaighde idirdhisciplíneach a dhéanamh sna heolaíochtaí sóisialta. Déanfar é seo trí na hacmhainní saibhre agus éagsúla intleachtúla a chomhtháthú go cruthaitheach san Ollscoil agus taobh amuigh de. Creidim go mbeidh an Institiúid seo ina ceannródaí maidir le taighde sna heolaíochtaí sóisialta feidhmeacha agus ina ceann feadhna san Ollscoil. Táim ag súil go mór le saothar na hInstitiúide a léamh sna blianta seo romhainn – agus don obair a chuidíonn le polasaí náisiúnta a threorú agus a chruthú.” Tá an Institiúid faoi stiúir an Ollaimh Pat Dolan agus is institiúid taighde nua í atá nua-ainmnithe do na heolaíochtaí sóisialta feidhmeacha in OÉ Gaillimh, an institiúid is mó den chineál seo san Eoraip. Tacaíonn sí le taighde feidhmeach a chuidíonn le polasaithe a fhorbairt agus a chleachtadh agus tugann sí an obair reatha maidir le dreamanna spriocdhírithe le chéile – cosúil le gasúir agus teaghlaigh, daoine faoi mhíchumas agus daoine níos sine – isteach i raon taighde, teagaisc agus polasaí amháin. I measc na mball tá údaráis aitheanta náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta as réimsí na leanaí agus na dteaghlach, na ndaoine faoi mhíchumas agus na ndaoine níos sine agus tá dea-cháil ar an Institiúid cheana féin as tionchar a imirt ar pholasaí agus ar chleachtas áitiúil, réigiúnach agus idirnáisiúnta a bhaineann leis na dreamanna seo. Dúirt Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Jim Browne: “Is buaicphointe i bhforbairt na n-eolaíochtaí sóisialta in OÉ Gaillimh atá sa lá inniu.  Le bunú na hInstitiúide seo, léiríonn an Ollscoil an mian atá againn eolas a úsáid sna heolaíochtaí sóisialta chun eolas a roinnt agus athruithe dearfacha sóisialta a dhéanamh. Is iad na glúine atá le teacht a bhainfidh an leas is mó as cur chuigí nua na hInstitiúide Cúrsa Saoil agus Sochaí maidir leis an saol a fheabhsú do theaghlaigh, do dhaoine óga, do dhaoine níos sine agus dóibh siúd atá faoi mhíchumas.  Cuideoidh an t-eolas a bhaileoidh siad siúd atá ag obair san Institiúid seo le tacaíocht, polasaí agus idirghabháil a fhorbairt a fheabhsóidh an saol do lear mór daoine – ar feadh chúrsa an tsaoil.” Anuas ar an méid sin, dúirt an tUachtarán Browne: “Bhí tacaíocht na gcomhpháirtithe daonchairdis riachtanach don togra seo.  Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghlacadh le The Atlantic Philanthropies agus le Fondúireacht na hOllscoile as a bhfís agus a n-infheistíocht sa tsaoráid taighde seo.” Dúirt an tOllamh Pat Dolan, Stiúrthóir na hInstitiúide: “Tá an bhéim ag an Institiúid ar thaighdeoirí agus pobail a thabhairt le chéile chun pleananna nua a fhorbairt d'athruithe, cleachtas agus polasaí sóisialta. Is cur chuige réasúnta nua an ‘cúrsa saoil’ atá ag iarraidh imeacht ó réimse na ndisciplíní acadúla agus céimeanna saoil le breathnú ar réitigh, patrúin agus straitéisí a bhaineann le daoine agus le cumainn i gcúrsa saoil agus in imeacht glúine. Is beag institiúid taighde sa réimse seo a éilíonn an cineál seo tionchair.” Chun oscailt oifigiúil na hInstitiúide a cheiliúradh, tabharfaidh an tOllamh Robert J. Chaskin as Ollscoil Chicago agus Cathaoirleach ar an mBord Comhairleach Idirnáisiúnta san Institiúid léacht dar teideal “Social Policy and Community Action for Children, Youth, and Families”. Sa léacht seo, tabharfaidh an tOllamh Chaskin léargas ar mhúnla nuálach do thaighde pobal-bhunaithe a chiallaíonn go mbíonn seirbhísí agus lucht gairme níos ábhartha sa mhéid a dhéanann siad do theaghlaigh atá i ngátar.  Beidh an léacht ar siúl sa phríomh-halla san fhoirgneamh ILAS ag 2.30pm, Dé Céadaoin, an 11 Samhain 2015. Tá sé saor in aisce freastal ar an léacht agus oscailte don phobal ach ní mór áit a chur in áirithe mar sin seol ríomhphost chuig ILAS@nuigalway.ie CRÍOCH

Programme of events catering for young and old as part of Science Week and the Galway Science and Technology Festival Thursday, 12 November 2015: The School of Physics at NUI Galway will host a series of outreach events to coincide with Science Week 2015 and the 18th Galway Science and Technology Festival this November. Events will commence with Galway's own PhotonicSplash, an open lighting event at NUI Galway’s iconic Quadrangle on the evenings of Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 of November, marking the UNESCO International Year of Light 2015 and showcasing the importance of Photonics in our lives. Photonics encompasses all of the different ways scientists and engineers can manipulate, control and harness the power of light. NUI Galway’s Tissue Optics and Microcirculation Imaging (TOMI) research group as a partner of the GoPhoton! initiative, have developed photonic apps for android smartphones and tablets which include a heart rate monitor and embarrassment detector. These and some other fun apps intended for children, schools and the general public will demonstrate how the technology in these fantastic devices would not be possible without Photonics. There will be lots of equipment, toolkits and demos provided within an informal educational framework, which will allow students to learn so much about Photonics. PhotonicSplash will also feature hands-on experiments, educational videos, training, demos, posters and artworks indoors on the Concourse in front of the Dillon Theatre at NUI Galway on Sunday, 22 November. Suitable for all ages and families, the events will highlight the importance of Photonics and ignite the interest of children, students and adults alike. The demos will be run by TOMI members who will represent the NUI Galway International Society of Optics and Photonics (SPIE) Chapter. Two PhotonicSplash events called ‘LIGHTtalks’ will take place on Friday, 20 November from 11am-12pm in the old Moore Institute Seminar Room in the Arts Science Building at NUI Galway. Both talks will be preceded by promotional photonics productions that have been produced in conjunction with LIGHT2015. A talk about ‘Careers in Photonics’ will be given by Professor David Sampson and aimed at 2nd and 3rd level students, industry, entrepreneurs and the public providing information about a career in Photonics. Resident researcher and Compact Imaging Head of Application Development Ireland, Dr Paul McNamara will give the second talk entitled ‘Photonics and Industry’ aimed at industry, entrepreneurs and the public, explaining how industry and Photonics are linked and how Photonics is crucial to every aspect of technology in modern everyday life. As part of the final day Exhibition of the Galway Science and Technology Festival on Sunday, 22 November, young people, families and adults of all ages can experience the amazing Laser Harp show by Britain’s Got Talent 2012 Semi Finalist, Greig Stewart from 11am-4pm in the Dillon Theatre in the Arts Concourse Building at NUI Galway. The PhotonicSplash promises to put Photonics at the forefront of everyone minds at this year’s Festival with fun for all ages and interests. Professor Martin Leahy, School of Physics at NUI Galway, said: “Next week's PhotonicSplash events represent a major part of NUI Galway's contribution to the UNESCO International Year of Light 2015. We have an exciting array of events lined up and we do hope that many of you can join us on campus during the week.” For bookings email Sean O’Gorman at NUI Galway on s.ogorman2@nuigalway.ie and to learn more about PhotonicSplash and apps visit www.gophoton.eu, TOMI research group. -Ends-

The Letters of 1916, in collaboration with NUI Galway, is bringing its ‘Letters of 1916: A Year in the Life’ event to The James Hardiman Library’s Digital Archives and the Moore Institute at NUI Galway on Monday, 16 November. Visitors are welcome to drop-in at any stage during the event from 2pm-6pm. Professor Susan Schreibman of Digital Humanities at Maynooth University and Letters of 1916 is inviting the people of Galway to take part in this public event where original letters from 1916 will be uploaded to the internet and made available as part of a new national digital archive. Members of the public are invited to bring family letters along to digitise and to participate in uploading rare materials collected, and to learn how the process works. Letters of 1916 is Ireland’s first public humanities project. It is creating a crowdsourced digital collection of letters written between 1 November 1915 and 31 October 1916. To date the project has collected over 2,300 letters from over 20 institutions and 40 private collections. These letters cover a variety of topics ranging from the Easter Rising to art, culture, family life and the Great War. Professor Daniel Carey, Director of the Moore Institute at NUI Galway, said: “Through these letters the project is bringing to life the written words, the last words, the unspoken words and the forgotten words. It is creating an online collection for the public, created by the public, which is adding a new perspective to life in this period, a confidential glimpse into early 20th century Ireland and the politics of the era.” The ‘Letters of 1916: A Year in the Life’ series of events is bringing digital humanities to the general public and into secondary schools in locations around Ireland. During the event, run in conjunction with Science Foundation Ireland, visitors will transcribe and add letters from archives around the country to the Letters of 1916 collection and by doing so, will gain insight into what life was like a century ago. The Letters of 1916 project team will provide a hands-on workshop from the Nursing and Midwifery PC suite of the James Hardiman Library at NUI Galway. This will be followed by refreshments in room G010 of the James Hardiman Research building and a series of short talks by Professor Susan Schreibman, and Dr Sarah­Anne Buckley, Dr Conor McNamara and Thérèse McIntyre from NUI Galway, based on letters from Galway, illuminating both everyday life as well as how individuals dealt with momentous events of the period. For further information on Letters of 1916 visit: http://dh.tcd.ie/letters1916/ -Ends-

NUI Galway Award 30 New Sports Scholarships NUI Galway Vice President for the Student Experience, Dr Pat Morgan, recently presented 30 outstanding athletes with NUI Galway Student Sports Scholarships. The ceremony commenced with a special address by Irish and Connacht Rugby player, Robbie Henshaw, who is also an NUI Galway student. Fresh from his return from Ireland’s recent Rugby World Cup campaign, Robbie spoke to the scholarship students and parents about his recent experiences and the demands of world class sport. Kathy Hynes, Acting Head of Sport, who manages the scholarship scheme was delighted to welcome Henshaw back to NUI Galway: “It is important for our students to have role models such as Robbie who is competing at the highest level but continue to maintain their academic pathway. Robbie is an athlete who embodies all that is positive in sporting excellence and academic achievement. It is very rewarding to support athletes from a range of sports in their academic and athletic endeavour to achieve in both areas the best they can be.” This year’s ceremony saw the Performance Points Sports Scholarship awarded to eight outstanding athletes. The scheme provides 40 additional points to those earned in the Leaving Certificate for elite athletes, for academic courses over 350 entry points. This year’s scholarship recipients represent some of the finest young talent in Irish sport today including Naomi Carroll, Irish International Hockey player who has 69 caps. Jamie Fallon, track and cross country athlete who has already three appearances in an Irish vest, Jamie will be competing mid-November for a place in the Irish U20 for the European Cross country team in France. Ladies soccer continues to grow in strength with Aoife Walsh, Performance point’s recipient and youngest player to represent Galway Women’s Football Club (WFC) season 2013-2014 and former FAI senior cup winner. Shauna Fox, WFC team member and Louise Creaven current goalkeeper for Castlebar WFC all received awards. Conor Melody and Kevin Horgan, Galway United team players conclude the soccer awards. The NUI Galway Basketball club will host the prestigious Intervarsity competition in April 2016. As winners of this elite competition in 2015 of the men's A tournament and the women completing the double in the B tournament the University hopes 2015 will be an equally successful year. Patrick Lyons and Joseph Tummon are both scholarship recipients 2015 and NUI Galway varsity players. Sporting success continues with Ronan O’Sullivan, former scholarship recipient and Patrick Lyons being selected for the “Hibernia” select team for International competition. NUI Galway continues to grow its success in Rowing, with 2014-2015 winning the Men’s Intermediate 4 of Ireland for NUI Galway. The squad included Daniel Buckley and Jack Bennett both recipients of this year’s scholarship. The squad also included Aidan Kinneen and Kevin Neville. Recipient, Katie McEneff was a member of both the club and intermediate crews that took national titles at this season’s championship, with the Intermediate 4 setting a new national record time. And Ailbhe Ní Ghríofa who in 2014 was part of the successful women’s club eight and four. Rugby scholarships were presented to Roy Stanley, Connacht U20’s, Mark Dolan, Ireland schools and U20’s, John Moloney Ireland U19’s and Shannen Lane, a member of the Irish 7’s Development squad. Swim Ireland Connacht Performance centre based on the NUI Galway campus has continued to attract high performance athletes. The wider reach of this partnership supports the University strategic direction of community engagement. David Dowling and Alannah Leonard were both recipients of the Performance point’s scholarship. Scholarships in individual sports such as Golf were awarded to Cathal Nolan, a Commerce and Accountancy student from Barna in Galway. Cathal is a member of the prestigious Galway Golf Club playing off par 1. Gaelic Games within NUI Galway continues to attract high profile players and future talent including All-Star hurling nominees Conor Whelan and Padraic Mannion. Kerry Hurler Darragh Shanahan, Sligo footballer Kevin McDonnell, Roscommon footballer David Murray and Mayo’s Adam Gallagher; Ladies Gaelic Footballer, Emer Gallagher from Donegal and Camogie All-Star nominee in 2015 Chloe Morey from Clare, all secured scholarships on the night. Speaking at the award ceremony, Vice-President for the Student Experience, Dr Pat Morgan, said: “I would like to congratulate the recipients of this year’s awards and remind them of the honour of representing the University and we hope they will aspire to even greater successes such as those achieved by the recent scholarship holders in Hurling, Camogie, Rowing, Rugby and Swimming who have reached the pinnacle of their sports.” NUI Galway Performance Points awardees: • Gaelic Football: Adam Gallagher from Claremorris, Co. Mayo • Hurling: Darragh Shanahan from Lixnaw, Co. Kerry • Rugby: Shannen Lane from Drumolga Wood, Co. Cavan • Rugby: John Moloney from Shortcastle, Co. Cork • Ladies Soccer: Aoife Walsh from Clybaun Road, Galway City • Ladies Soccer: Louise Creaven from Galway City • Swimming: Alannah Leonard from Devenish, Enniskillen • Swimming: David Dowling from Oranmore, Co. Galway NUI Galway Sports Scholarships awardees: • Athletics: Maebh Brannigan from Circular Road, Galway • Athletics: Jamie Fallon, from Craughwell. Co. Galway • Basketball: Patrick Lyons from Moycullen, Co. Galway • Basketball: Joseph Tummon from Circular Road, Galway • Hurling: Conor Whelan from Kinvara, Co. Galway • Hurling: Padraic Mannion, from Ahascargh, Co. Galway • Gaelic Football: Kevin Mc Donnell from Castleconner, Sligo • Gaelic Football: David Murray from Ballydangan, Co. Roscommon • Camogie: Chloe Morey from Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare • Golf: Cathal Nolan from Knocknacarra, Galway • Rowing: Jack Bennett from Renmore Galway • Rowing: Dan Buckley from Blackrock, Co. Dublin • Rowing: Ailbhe Ní Ghríofa from Salthill, Galway • Rowing: Katie McEneff from St Raphaels Manor, Co. Kildare • Rugby: Roy Stanley from Thurles, Co. Tipperary • Rugby: Mark Dolan from Athlone, Co. Westmeath • Soccer: Shauna Fox from Headford Road, Galway • Soccer: Kevin Horgan from Clybaun Road, Galway • Soccer: Conor Melody from Doughiska, Galway • Gaelic Football: Emer Gallagher from Churchill, Donegal • Hockey: Naomi Carroll from Cratloe, Co Galway • Hockey: Alice Meagher from Knocknacarra, Galway City -Ends-

NUI Galway events and exhibitions at TULCA explores issues of climate change and our place in the changing landscape The annual festival of visual arts, TULCA, runs this year from November the 13 to 29 November and is curated by Mary Cremin. NUI Galway plays host to a number of events and many staff members from NUI Galway are taking part in the festival. This year’s festival, entitled Seachange, explores issues of climate change and our place in a changing landscape. Through a combination of the real and the imaginary, the exhibiting artists create a collective call for a sea change, literally, in our current climate policies. Accompanying the visual art exhibitions and film screenings is a series of talks and discussions entitled ‘Hy-Brasil Dialogues’. These talks will be held in the Aula Maxima at NUI Galway on Saturday 14 and Saturday 28 November, running from 12pm to 5pm. Geographers, geologists, marine researchers, architects, linguists and artists will explore the complexity of our current environment, both locally and globally and from the perspective of geological time, present-time and future projections. Among the contributors to the ‘Hy-Brasil Dialogues’ are NUI Galway staff members, geologist Dr Alessandra Costanzo, Director of the Geofluids Research Laboratory, geographers Dr Alexandra Revez, Post-Doctoral Researcher with the 3-Cities Project and Dr Eugene Farrell, Lecturer in Geography and writer and sean nós singer Dr Lillis O’Laoire, Senior Lecturer in Irish at NUI Galway. Dr Lillis O’Laoire also features in ‘Island Sessions: Stories and Songs of Sea and Shore’, a lunchtime event of live performances, being held in the TULCA Festival Gallery at the Connacht Tribune Print Works in Market Street, from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday, 15 November. Folk tales, legends and songscapes of the West coast of Ireland, encompassing magic, transformations, love, loss and pride of place, will be performed by Lillis and local storyteller, Seosamh Ó Guairim. The James Mitchell Geology Museum in the University is a focal point for this year’s TULCA. The fossils and the specimens exhibited in the museum speak of a geological time that is beyond our comprehension. Artist Barbara Knezevic’s piece, Conglomerations, Constellations, draws on the geological samples from the museum and one of her artworks will be situated within the museum itself. Full details of the talks are available at: www.tulcafestival.com/festival-2015/events-talks/ Talks are free but booking is essential as places are limited. Information about all the TULCA exhibitions, screenings and events is available at: www.tulcafestival.com/festival-2015/ -Ends-

Secondary school students interested in studying at NUI Galway are invited to an information evening in Naas on Thursday, 19 November. Parents and guardians are also particularly welcome to the event which runs from 7pm to 9pm in the Osprey Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare. The evening will begin with short talks about NUI Galway and some of the 60 courses it offers. Afterwards, current students and NUI Galway staff will be on hand at information stands to answer any individual questions in relation to courses offered by the University and about practical issues like accommodation, fees and scholarships, and the wide range of support services available to our students. The ever-increasing popularity of NUI Galway is in-part due to a suite of innovative programmes, developed in response to the changing needs of the employment market. Unique programmes include a suite of Arts degree programmes including Drama, Creative Writing and Human Rights, an Energy Systems Engineering degree which is taught in the University’s new Engineering Building, Ireland’s largest School of Engineering, a Maths and Education degree aimed at training Maths teachers, and a Marine Science degree. Visitors to the information evening will also get information on NUI Galway’s newest degree programmes, a Bachelor of Commerce (Global Experience), Bachelor in Children’s Studies and the new Bachelor of Arts (Joint Honours). Celine O’Donovan, Senior Marketing Officer at NUI Galway, said: “NUI Galway has a great deal to offer. Our own students tell us our lecturers are inspirational and challenge them to achieve their full potential. The student experience in Galway is second to none, and we want to bring a taste of that to County Kildare, while also providing all the practical information on accommodation, CAO points, fees, scholarships and courses. With so many courses on offer, this event in Naas is a perfect opportunity for prospective students to meet current students and lecturers to see what degree might be the right fit for them.” To find out more about the information evening in Naas, contact NUI Galway's Schools Liaison Officer, Siobhan Dorman on 086 0421591 or siobhan.dorman@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

The commencement of the Companies Act 2014 earlier this year (June 2015) has had new and far reaching consequences for company directors, lawyers and accountants. Chairman of the Company Law Review Group, and the driving force behind the 2014 Act, Dr Thomas Courtney, will deliver a lecture in the School of Law at NUI Galway on Tuesday evening, 24 November at 6pm. Dr Courtney, an NUI Galway graduate, has had a distinguished career to date as partner in Arthur Cox Solicitors, where he is Head of Compliance and Governance Practice. He will deliver a lecture on the Companies Act 2014 - what it means for existing companies, directors’ duties and compliance provisions. Head of the School of Law at NUI Galway, Professor Donncha O’Connell, said: “We are delighted to welcome back one of our most distinguished graduates, Dr Tom Courtney, to deliver this lecture which is timely because of the recent commencement of the Companies Act. It also coincides with the introduction of the new four-year Bachelor of Corporate Law Degree, which will be available from September 2016. This event will be of interest to the wider legal and business communities in Galway, as well as to existing students and staff at NUI Galway Law School.” Dr Courtney’s talk will be held in the O’Flaherty Lecture Theatre on the Main Concourse of the Arts/ Science building. The event is free but places are limited, so if you are interested in attending please e-mail Nicola Gavin at the Law School at Nicola.Gavin@nuigalway.ie or call 091 492389. CPD certificates will be available for members of the legal profession. ENDS

At a ceremony on 10 November in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Chancellor of the National University of Ireland Dr Maurice Manning presented fellowships, scholarships and other valued at in excess of €850,000 to graduates and students of NUI. NUI honoured scholars of distinction at every stage of their academic studies, from undergraduates to senior scholars well established in their fields of expertise. Over 30 students and graduates of NUI Galway were awarded prizes. NUI Galway graduates received a number of awards, including an outstanding Five Travelling Studentships – one in the Humanities and four in the Sciences. The Dr Mary Thornton Scholarship in Education was shared by two winners, both connected to NUI Galway. These awards will support post-graduate and doctoral research in a variety of subjects, from human rights in Uganda to bioprosthetic heart valves. NUI Galway graduate Dr Ciaran O'Neill was awarded a Special Commendation in connection with the Publication Prize in Irish History 2015, for his new work Catholics of Consequence: Transnational Education, Social Mobility and the Irish Catholic Elite, 1850 – 1900 (Oxford University Press, 2014). NUI Galway undergraduates were equally successful. Students received the Mansion House Fund Scholarship in Irish History, the Mansion House Fund Prize in Irish, two medals in the Dr H H Stewart Literary Scholarship competitions, and twenty-one medals in the Dr H H Stewart Medical Scholarship competitions, including nine first prizes. President Jim Browne, said on the success of NUI Galway students and graduates: “This clearly highlights the high calibre of students studying on NUI Galway programmes and follows previous successes in these annual awards. I congratulate the Awardees on their achievements and encourage them in the future endeavours. In commending the Award recipients, I’d also like to pay tribute to their teachers for their work in supporting these students and in helping them to achieve such high standards.” Speaking at the event, Dr Manning congratulated the award recipients, commending their scholarly distinction and ‘outstanding academic achievement’. He highlighted the importance of promoting scholars and scholarship as a core aim of NUI, and stated that the University is ‘very pleased to be able to offer this level of support for academic achievement and through its awards to provide opportunities for able students to engage in further studies’. Details on NUI Awards to be offered in 2016 will be available from January at www.nui.ie/awards   ENDS

NUI Galway study includes 71 physicians, 30 general practitioners and 3,500 patients in Ireland who were randomly assigned to one of three groups with the goal of changing prescribing behaviour for urinary tract infections An initiative to improve the prescribing of antibiotics for urinary tract infections resulted in better-quality prescribing of first line antibiotics, although the number of prescriptions also increased, according to new research carried out by NUI Galway and Oxford University. The study was published today (16 November 2015) in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). The study entitled ‘Supporting the Improvement and Management of Prescribing for UTIs (SIMPle)’, first began in 2011 when NUI Galway researchers found that a variety of antibiotics were prescribed by general practitioners for urinary tract infections (UTI’s). As the spread of antibiotic resistance continues, the researchers set out to improve antibiotic prescribing for urinary tract infections in general practice and designed a cluster randomised intervention. The study involved 71 physicians, 30 general practitioners and 3,500 patients in Ireland (Galway city and county, and Roscommon). Overall, a 20% absolute increase in prescribing of antibiotics according to guidelines was observed in the intervention groups. However, general practitioners also increased overall prescribing of antibiotics for urinary tract infection. Dr Akke Vellinga, Epidemiologist in the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science at NUI Galway, and co-author of the study, said: “The increase in overall prescribing of antibiotics for urinary tract infection was unexpected, and it was not possible to conclude whether this was clinically appropriate or an unwanted consequence. The SIMPle study improved the quality of antibiotic prescribing through the use of audit reports and reminders. In a next step, the quantity of antibiotic prescribing for urinary tract infection will be addressed.” The World Health Organisation (WHO) has deemed antibiotic resistance an immediate threat to world health. Overuse and overprescribing of antibiotics are major contributors to antibiotic-resistant diseases. Urinary tract infections are one of the most common illnesses for which antibiotics are prescribed. Efforts to curb overuse must involve patients, physicians and other health care workers, pharmaceutical companies and policy makers. Dr Vellinga added, “The improved quality of prescribing must be put into the context of its unintended effect, an increase in actual antibiotic prescriptions. Research has shown that the nature of complex systems, such as general practices, where many interrelated factors influence antibiotic prescribing, makes it difficult to predict the results of interventions.” Patients whose doctors participated in one of the intervention groups were twice as likely to receive a prescription for a first line antibiotic, with nitrofurantoin the preferred option. The authors suggest that if the increase in antibiotic prescribing is the result of an increase in nitrofurantoin, the potential harm may be muted as there is little evidence of acquired resistance to nitrofurantoin. They call for further study to determine if increased prescribing is clinically appropriate or an unintended result of behavioural change. To view the SIMPle research video visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buyeYTt1uQs  To view the CMAJ research visit: http://www.cmaj.ca/content/early/2015/11/16/cmaj.150601 For the authors Commentary visit: http://www.cmaj.ca/content/early/2015/11/16/cmaj.151103  -Ends-

NUI Galway held a half-day seminar that considered a number of key legal and policy issues on policing and accountability in Ireland. Organised under the auspices of the LLM in Public Law, School of Law, NUI Galway, the seminar, ‘Policing, Accountability and the State’ took place on Friday, 13th of November 2015. The conference examined the role of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, police reform in light of the occupational culture of An Garda Síochána and policing under the Irish constitution. ‘Policing, Accountability and the State’ brought together leading commentators from the judiciary, academia and legal practice including: NUI Galway’s Tom O’Malley BL, Judge Mary Ellen Ring who was recently appointed as Chairperson of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission and Dr Vicky Conway from the School of Law and Government at Dublin City University. -ENDS-

The Threesis 2015 final has taken place and the winners announced include Sports Aerodynamics student Paul Mannion who took first prize for his presentation on the GEEC – Galway’s Energy Efficient Car. Threesis is focused on taking students and staff out of their comfort zones to present their research to a general audience using only three slides over three minutes to three judges. The focus is on impact; how research at NUI Galway impacts upon our daily lives, those of our family and our broader community. The competitors had come through a series of heats already held on campus, to take on the final challenge at a public event in An Taibhdhearc. The winners were judged on how well they conveyed and communicated their subject to a sell-out audience. Paul Mannion’s presentation was on the ‘GEEC 2.0 - Galway Energy Efficient Car Design and Development’ which is currently in construction phase and aims to improve fuel efficiency through improved aerodynamic design. A postgraduate research student from New Inn, Co Galway, Paul is studying sports aerodynamics at NUI Galway. He is a member of the GEEC 1.0 team, a car designed and built by NUI Galway engineering students, which competed in the Shell Eco Marathon in Rotterdam in May of this year and is currently Ireland’s most fuel efficient vehicle. Second prize went to Juhi Samal a third year PhD student at CÚRAM, the Centre for Research in Medical Devices at NUI Galway with her presentation ‘Biomaterial pills for Parkinson’s’. Originally from Odisha in India, Juhi moved to Galway in 2013, when she was awarded the Hardiman Fellowship. Her PhD focuses on developing solutions for neurodegenerative disease. In particular, her research is investigating delivery of neurotrophic factors to the brain, to modify neuronal dysfunctions in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease (PD). Juhi was also recently awarded first prize at the 27th European Society for Biomaterials (ESB) Conference held in Krackow, Poland for this same research. Liam Lachs, a final year Marine Science student from Killarney, Co. Kerry, took the third prize with his presentation ‘How does cold wet Ireland have colourful coral reefs?’ Liam began a project last summer assessing the distribution of vulnerable deep sea coral ecosystems at the continental margin West of Ireland. This work involved a three-week coral survey on the RV Celtic Explorer and has developed into a final year project. With a great appreciation of the environment and oceans from years of surfing around the Irish west coasts and living near the sea, Liam is assured that coral ecosystems are worth a global conservation effort. Liam is interested in furthering the understanding of the forces behind coral distribution and their responses to climate change. Isma Liza Mohd Isa, won the audience prize for her presentation ‘Biomaterials Approach for Treating Back Pain’. Isma, originally from northern Malaysia is a third year student, is also based at CÚRAM, the Centre for Research in Medical Devices. A mother of two children, Isma is focusing her research on the development of a biomaterial implant to relieve back pain caused by intervertebral disc damage. Her aim is to construct a therapeutically implantable device that can reduce inflammation and pain, as well as promote disc repair. Research areas represented at the Threesis 2015 final included science, engineering, information technology, humanities, social sciences and medicine, with topics ranging from novel tests for early detection of breast cancer to blue ecosystem services. The three judges; Professor Lokesh Joshi, Vice-President for Research at NUI Galway, Dr Miriam Haughton, Lecturer in Drama and Theatre Studies at NUI Galway and Mr Declan Courell, Registrar at St Angela’s College in Sligo had the responsibility of choosing the overall winners of the night. Jonathan McCrea was Master of Ceremonies for the event. Jonathan is a multi-award-winning TV and radio broadcaster, who presents The Science Squad on RTÉ, The Lie on TV3 and Futureproof on Newstalk 106-108fm. Professor Lokesh Joshi, Vice-President for Research at NUI Galway, said: “I am incredibly proud of our research community. This event highlights some of the fantastic research we have across our campuses in NUI Galway and in St Angela’s College Sligo. A clear indicator of our success as a University is how relevant our research is to our community and how it positively impacts upon society. Our final event showcased this exquisitely; both from the perspective of our excellent presenters to the engagement and encouragement of our audience.” Other finalists at the event included; Mihael Arcan (Insight, NUI Galway), Mimi Xiao (Economics, NUI Galway), Claudia Kinmonth (Moore Institute, NUI Galway), Declan O'Loughlin (Engineering, NUI Galway), Aoife Murray (Mc Keown Library, St Angela's College Sligo), Daniel Norton (J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, NUI Galway), Cliona Hensey (French, NUI Galway), Hannah Durand (School of Psychology, NUI Galway) and Maria Gallo (Office of the President, St Angela’s College Sligo). For further information on the event visit http://www.nuigalway.ie/threesis/ -Ends-

A view of Galway through the lens of its world-leading Med Tech industry, campaigns for cultural acknowledgement and urban innovation NUI Galway is delighted to announce it will host the Galway element of the Global Irish Economic Forum. NUI Galway will host a Regional Session, including a public forum, entitled ‘Gaillimh Nua’ on Thursday, 19 November ahead of the Dublin Castle events this weekend. The Global Irish Economic Forum is organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The programme includes the regional event to be held in Galway, which will bring together members of the Global Irish Network, SMEs in the West region, Galway City and County Councils and the academic community. The Global Irish Economic Forum Galway Regional morning session (closed) will this year showcase MedTech activities in research and translational science in NUI Galway and the broader region with members of the Global Irish Network in order to share expertise and explore collaborative opportunities. The session will facilitate Global Irish Network Members along with IDA and Enterprise Ireland client companies in a two-way conversation to identify current challenges within the MedTech sector, and explore potential solutions to these through the lens of the cross-sectoral expertise of the Global Irish Network members. This will be led by Prof Lokesh Joshi, NUI Galway’s Vice President for Research and medtech entrepreneur, John O’Dea, Crospon. Members of the Network who will participate in the public forum, moderated by NUI Galway graduate Eimear Ní Chonaola, Journalist and TG4/RTÉ broadcaster, include Gerard J. Barry, Director, Debarra Innovations Ltd. Founder, Fintrax Group; Gearóid Faherty, Eurand N.V.; Kevin Conboy, President Irish Chamber of Atlanta; Catherine Toolan, Managing Director, Aramark International; Brian Barry, Chairman, Tirna Partners; and William McLaughlin, Founder, Irish American Business Chamber and Network Inc. and others. The ‘Gaillimh Nua’ Roundtable discussion will this year engage with local initiatives in the areas of Gastronomy, Culture, Innovation, Smart City, Marine and The Emigration Experience. Leading local representatives in each of these emerging and growing areas will address the Forum. Public Forum Speakers: Gastronomy: Cathal O’Donoghue, Teagasc and Alan Farrell, Galway County Council, on Galway’s bid for European Region of Gastronomy 2018. Culture: Gary McMahon, Galway City Council, and Eithne Verling, Galway Museum, on the Galway city and county culture strategy. Innovation: John Breslin, Galway City Innovation District, on the development of Galway’s Portershed initiative, a centralised hub for start-up development and networking. Smart City: Liam Hanrahan, Galway City Council and Niall Ó Brolcháin, Insight Institute, NUI Galway on the Open and Agile Smart city initiative. Marine: Dr Peter Heffernan, Chief Executive of Galway’s Marine Institute, an international leader in marine research and innovation. The Emigration Experience: Laura Colleran and Clare Doyle (Ireland Reaching Out/Ireland XO) who work to build relationships between Ireland’s diaspora and their home counties. Places are limited and those wishing to attend the public forum are required to register in advance at www.conference.ie The forum will be in the Aula Maxima (Lower), Quadrangle Building, NUI Galway. The event begins at 2.00pm. The event will be streamed live online at www.nuigalway.ie /forum ENDS

An international group of scientists led by Professor David McHugh from UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, with contributions from an SFI research group at NUI Galway, have determined that a now-extinct species of giant wild cattle known as the aurochs crossbred with the ancestors of modern day cattle in Britain and Ireland thousands of years ago. Published in the leading journal Genome Biology, the scientists used whole-genome sequencing data generated from a 6,750-year-old British aurochs bone discovered in a cave in Derbyshire, England. Standing over six feet tall to the shoulder and weighing more than a ton, aurochs were giant wild cattle that roamed the plains of Europe for thousands of years. The last recorded aurochs died in Poland in 1627. Researchers Dr Mark Donoghue and PhD student Martin Braud, in the NUI Galway SFI research group of Professor Charles Spillane, contributed to the bioinformatic analysis of the genome data and are all co-authors on the Genome Biology study. Professor Charles Spillane said: “My research team’s contribution focused on identification of the 700 non-coding microRNA genes in the aurochsen genome to identify variants of these microRNA genes associated with the transition from the wild aurochsen form to the domesticated cattle form we are familiar with today. Until recently it was considered that protein-encoding genes were predominantly responsible for how multi-cellular organisms (such as humans or cattle) are built from a single embryo cell. However, genes which encode for small RNA molecules (not proteins) have emerged over the past decade as an important class of genes that can switch off and on biochemical pathways. Such microRNA genes can be considered as analogous to the conductor in an orchestra, where a miRNA gene can act as the “conductor” of a genetic symphony played out by switching on and off many other genes.” The distinct genetic differences between the British aurochs and the original cattle of the Near East known as the Fertile Crescent, allowed the researchers to detect the ancient crossbreeding between British aurochs and the early domestic cattle of Britain. As a result, the researchers conclude that the gene flow from wild aurochs in Britain has significantly shaped the genetic composition of certain breeds of modern British and Irish cattle, in contrast to breeds from mainland Europe. This information will be particularly valuable for the genome-assisted cattle breeding programmes that underpin dairy and beef cattle breeding in Ireland and other countries. Ancient heritage or landrace cattle breeds, such as Scottish Highland cattle and Irish Kerry cattle, were found to be most closely related to the British aurochs, a finding that has significant implications for genetic conservation programmes. It has found that the breeding of wild aurochs with domestic cattle in Britain may have been an important factor in the evolution of these livestock, perhaps through the introduction of desirable traits that helped early domestic cattle to adapt to new environments, such as those encountered in Britain. The aurochs genome sequence also provides an important comparative reference for a more complete understanding of the genetics underlying important behavioural, production (including milk yield) and health traits in domestic cattle. High-resolution whole-genome sequence data from 81 animals was directly compared to the aurochs genome sequence to identify key genes that differentiate domestic cattle from their wild counterparts. A parallel approach, using genetic marker data from 1,225 cattle, provided a broader picture of the genomic changes that have shaped the evolution of modern breeds. The research was part-funded by Science Foundation Ireland and represented an international effort with research contributions from collaborators in UCD, TCD, NUI Galway and IdentiGEN in Ireland, and from international collaborators from the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Recombinetics, Inc., and the Beijing Genome Institute (BGI). To view the Genome Biology paper visit: http://www.genomebiology.com/2015/16/1/234 -Ends-

Collaboration Celebrates The Life And Work of Mary O’Malley And The Work of W.B Yeats in Northern Ireland In a unique collaboration, two students from the Centre for Drama and Theatre Studies at NUI Galway, and two drama students from the Lyric Theatre, Belfast will work together to present a new piece of writing based on the extensive archive of Mary O’Malley and the Lyric Theatre, which is held at the James Hardiman Library at the University. The initiative is part of the Arts in Action programme at NUI Galway where Martin Kenny and Beau Holland are current students. Both Galway students along with Luke Bannon and Sarah Blair from Lyric Theatre, will work together with NUI graduate Caroline Lynch, Writer, Actress, and Theatre Director at Lyric Theatre Belfast. By exploring the Lyric Theatre archive at the James Hardiman Library, Archivist Barry Houlihan has discovered the story of Mary O’Malley’s journey and the history of Yeats’ work in Northern Ireland, which will reach new audiences in this the 150th anniversary of the birth of W.B. Yeats. The Lyric Theatre archive is a detailed record of the growth and development of the theatre and its founding director, Mary O’Malley. This event will mine and explore that archive, share new material and present a live event that will draw the audience into the Yeats-inspired Belfast and world of Mary O’Malley and the birth of a new theatre across a time of immense social, political and artistic change. Patrick Lonergan, Professor of Drama and Theatre Studies at NUI Galway, said: “NUI Galway is one of the world’s leading centres for the study of Irish theatre archives, and it is wonderful to see the Lyric collection inspiring a new play. This Arts in Action event is a fine example of NUI Galway’s commitment to allowing its students to put their learning into practice, and this cross-border project is the first in what we hope will be many future collaborations with colleagues and students in Northern Ireland." This year will see Northern Ireland students benefiting from a revised CAO points scheme which will make it easier for school leavers to gain entry to NUI Galway. The new scheme will award students with increased CAO points, based on their top three A Levels and may result in a boost in the numbers of Northern Ireland students studying at NUI Galway. In support of Career Teachers and Careers Advisors in Northern Ireland, NUI Galway are the primary sponsors of the upcoming NISCA Conference, which is taking place in La Mon Hotel & Country Club in Belfast on Thursday 26th November. ENDS

NUI Galway welcomes the decision of the Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Joe McHugh TD, to sanction a grant of €2.7 million for Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge. This support will assist the provision of academic and educational programmes in the University’s Centres in the Gaeltacht. A yearly allocation of €900,000 will be sanctioned by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht during the period 2015-2018 in addition to specific support for University education through Irish from the Higher Education Authority. NUI Galway operates three centres in the Gaeltacht, located in Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal and in Carna and An Cheathrú Rua in Co. Galway. Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge provides undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Applied Irish, Translation Studies, Communications and Information Technology in the Gaeltacht Centres and on the University’s campus in Galway. The University’s strategic objectives for the Irish language between now and 2018 include: • The provision of first class language acquisition programmes to ensure that advanced language competence is recognised as a graduate attribute for NUI Galway students. • The introduction of a structured Gaeltacht Semester and Student Placement programme by 2016 to assist NUI Galway students to acquire and use the Irish language as part of their degrees. • Becoming the primary national centre for Language Immersion Programmes for Student Teachers through the full utilisation of the University’s Centres in the Gaeltacht. The Registrar and Deputy President of NUI Galway, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, welcomed the funding decision: “I warmly welcome the decision of Minister of State, Joe Mc Hugh. We want to ensure that NUI Galway graduates have excellent Irish language competence and this support shall provide a level of planning certainty as we implement the University’s Irish language strategy between now and 2018.” CEO of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Dónall Ó Braonáin, also welcomed the funding: “This is significant and important support for the University, especially as we begin to offer the Gaeltacht Semester Programme which will be available across all of our Gaeltacht Centres in time. The Gaeltacht Placement Programmes for Student Teachers have clearly demonstrated the academic advantage of immersion language programmes in the Gaeltacht.” For further information on Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge visit: http://www.nuigalway.ie/acadamh/ ENDS   FÁILTÍONN OÉ GAILLIMH ROIMH THACAÍOCHT DON OLLSCOLAÍOCHT GHAEILGE Cuireann Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, fáilte roimh chinneadh Aire Stáit na Gaeltachta, Joe McHugh TD, soláthar €2.7 milliún a chur ar fáil d’Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge. Bainfidh an soláthar seo le gníomhaíochtaí oideachais agus léinn a reáchtáil in Ionaid OÉ Gaillimh sa Ghaeltacht. Íocfar allúntas bliantúil de €900,000 ón Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta leis an Ollscoil le linn na tréimhse 2015-2018 de bhreis ar shaintacaíocht don Ollscolaíocht Ghaeilge ón Údarás um Ardoideachas. Tá trí Ionad ag an Ollscoil sa Ghaeltacht agus iad lonnaithe i nGaoth Dobhair, Contae Dhún na nGall agus i gCarna agus ar an gCeathrú Rua i gContae na Gaillimhe. Cuireann Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge cúrsaí léinn fochéime agus iarchéime sa Ghaeilge Fheidhmeach, i Léann an Aistriúcháin agus na hAteangaireachta, sa Chumarsáid agus sa Teicneolaíocht Faisnéise ar fáil sna hIonaid Ghaeltachta agus ar champas na hOllscoile i nGaillimh. I measc na gcuspóirí straitéiseacha atá ag OÉ Gaillimh don Ghaeilge idir seo agus 2018, tá: • Cláir sealbhaithe teanga barr feabhais a chur ar fáil le go mbeidh inniúlacht den scoth sa Ghaeilge ina príomhthréith ag céimithe OÉ Gaillimh; • Clár struchtúrtha do sheimeastar Gaeltachta agus do shocrúchan oibre a chur ar fáil faoin mbliain 2016 le go mbeadh deiseanna sealbhaithe agus úsáide teanga ag mic léinn OÉ Gaillimh; • Leas a bhaint as Ionaid na hOllscoile sa Ghaeltacht le go mbeidh OÉ Gaillimh ar an bpríomhionad do Thumchláir Theanga in Oideachas Tosaigh Múinteoirí go náisiúnta. D’fháiltigh Meabhránaí agus Uachtarán Ionaid na hOllscoile, an tOllamh Pól Ó Dochartaigh roimh an gcinneadh maoinithe: “Fáiltím go mór roimh chinneadh an Aire Stáit, Joe Mc Hugh. Is mian linn go mbeidh céimithe Gaeilge den scoth ag OÉ Gaillimh agus bhéarfaidh an tacaíocht seo cinnteacht phleanála dúinn agus feidhm á tabhairt againn do Straitéis na hOllscoile don Ghaeilge as seo go 2018.” Dúirt Príomhfheidhmeannach Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Dónall Ó Braonáin: “Tacaíocht shuntasach, thábhachtach í seo don Ollscoil, go mór mór agus tús á chur againn le Seimeastar Gaeltachta a bheidh á thairiscint sna hIonaid Ghaeltachta ar fad in imeacht aimsire. Léiríonn na Tréimhsí Foghlama Gaeltachta d’Ábhar Oidí cén buntáiste acadúil a bhaineann le tumchláir sealbhaithe teanga sa Ghaeltacht.” CRÍOCH

NUI Galway researchers work on European collaboration to support creative entrepreneurs through innovation and skills development A new survey of results presented at the recent launch of a creative momentum project at The Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim outlined that across Europe’s Northern Edge, 60% of creative entrepreneurs work on their own. A further 31% of enterprises employ fewer than five people. The survey also showed that just over half (53%) of creative entrepreneurs work from their own home, while 45% are members of some form of creative network or collective. The new three-year, €2 million transnational a creative momentum project, led by the Western Development Commission (WDC) with research support from NUI Galway, will be implemented by six organisations based in Mid-Sweden, North East Iceland, Northern Finland, South East of Northern Ireland and the West of Ireland. An overview of the five regions was given by representatives of the partners during the launch entitled ‘Connecting creativity across Europe’s Northern Edge’. In an effort to address the needs highlighted in the survey, the project aims to build networks to support creative entrepreneurs through innovation and skills development; provide opportunities to network and collaborate across the five partner countries; improve access to international markets; and carry out further research on the creative sector. The activities which a creative momentum project will implement over the next few years were also outlined at the launch ‘what is a creative momentum project’ by Pauline White from the Western Development Commission and supported by NUI Galway. a creative momentum project aims to connect and highlight the wealth of creativity across Europe’s Northern Edge. The depth and importance of the relationship between place and creativity was explored by speakers at the launch, including Roscommon-based author Brian Leyden and Sligo-based graphic designer Gary Reddin. Dr Patrick Collins who is leading the research element of the project from the Whitaker Institute at NUI Galway said: “We are interested in gauging the impact that Culture has on its place. This is a very exciting project that looks at peripheral regions in Europe’s northwest and questions how culture and creativity is affecting the region’s development. It is envisaged that this research will help make a cogent case for the creative and cultural sectors, identifying supports for their growth and more locally complements Galway’s bid for European Capital of Culture in 2020.” Many of the supports under a creative momentum project will be made available through the MyCreativeEdge.eu website. Launched in mid-2013 the site has already attracted 90,000 website visits and 570 creative enterprises have published their free online profile. The survey of creative enterprises found that 68% of respondents already made some sales outside of their home country and MyCreativeEdge will be further developed in the coming years to improve access to international markets. During the launch, the first call for applications for support under a creative momentum project was opened. Find out more about ‘Support to Exhibit at an International Trade Fair’ at www.mycreativeedge.eu  The project is co-funded by the EU Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme. ENDS

Over 1,450 students will graduate from across the five colleges at NUI Galway at the University's winter conferring ceremonies, which take place from Tuesday, 24 November to Thursday, 26 November. Speaking in advance of the ceremonies, President of NUI Galway, Dr Jim Browne, said: “On behalf of NUI Galway, I congratulate all our graduands and extend a warm welcome to their parents, families and friends. We are delighted to acknowledge their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success in the future.” In addition, degrees, higher diplomas, Masters and PhDs will be awarded to students graduating over the three days from the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences; College of Engineering and Informatics; College of Business, Public Policy and Law; College of Science; and the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. -Ends-   Bronnadh an Gheimhridh in OÉ Gaillimh Bronnfar céim ar bhreis is 1,450 mac léinn as cúig choláiste OÉ Gaillimh idir Dé Máirt, an 24 agus Déardaoin, an 26 Samhain, i searmanais bronnta céime an gheimhridh san Ollscoil. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Jim Browne, roimh thús na searmanais: “Thar ceann OÉ Gaillimh, déanaim comhghairdeas lenár gcéimithe ar fad agus tá fearadh na fáilte roimh a dtuismitheoirí, a dteaghlaigh agus a gcairde. Tá ríméad orainn aitheantas a thabhairt dá gcuid éachtaí agus guímid gach rath orthu san am atá le teacht.” Sa bhreis air sin, bronnfar céimeanna, ard-dioplómaí, Máistreachtaí agus PhDanna le linn na dtrí lá ar mhic léinn ó Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte; ó Choláiste na hInnealtóireachta agus na hIonformaitice; ó Choláiste an Ghnó, an Bheartais Phoiblí agus an Dlí; ó Choláiste na hEolaíochta; agus ó Choláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta agus an Léinn Cheiltigh. -Críoch-

Four students from St. Muredach’s College, Ballina, Co. Mayo, were honoured by NUI Galway at the recent Autumn Conferring ceremonies in Galway for their achievement in a global second-level schools engineering competition. Under the direction of their teacher, Ms Karen Cronin, Aaron Hannon, Robert Grimes, Paul Flynn and Enda Flanagan, competing as Team AIB Racing, took third place in the World Finals of F1 in Schools. The event involved teams from around the world competing in Singapore in head-to-head racing of 1/20th scale model Formula 1 cars they designed and built. The St. Muredach’s team, who earlier won the national championship and set a new Irish record, won third place in the world based on their engineering excellence, project management and presentation skills, and the performance of their car. In recognition of the team’s achievements the four transition-year students and St. Muredach’s principal, Leo Golden were presented with a special award by Dr Jim Browne, President of NUI Galway, at the recent conferring ceremony. On the same day, several members of NUI Galway’s ‘Geec’ team graduated with degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, and energy systems engineering. The Geec (Galway energy-efficient car) is the most energy-efficient car ever built in Ireland. In May 2015 it competed at Shell Eco-marathon Europe, completing the 16-km course with energy consumption equivalent to 8,000 miles per gallon. Design, construction and testing of the Geec formed a central part of the engineering education of the students involved. Team AIB Racing and the Geec collaborated in the run-up to the F1 in Schools finals. As well as securing third place overall, one of Team AIB Racing’s members, Aaron Hannon, was awarded a scholarship in the Ranstad Williams Engineering Academy. This is an initiative in which the Williams Formula 1 team mentors students throughout their engineering education. Dr Jim Browne, President of NUI Galway, commented: “We are delighted to recognise the tremendous international success which the St Muredach’s College students have achieved in the Formula 1 in Schools finals. Ireland’s future will depend on the talent and innovation of such students. NUI Galway was delighted to honour their achievements and that of their school by welcoming them to visit the University’s Engineering facilities and presenting them with an award at our College of Engineering and Informatics conferring ceremony. As talented, bright students I hope that they might choose to return to NUI Galway for their studies. We certainly look forward to the possibility of welcoming them back to campus.” -Ends-

Secondary school students interested in studying at NUI Galway are invited to an information evening in Letterkenny on Thursday, 3 December. Parents and guardians are also particularly welcome to the event which runs from 7pm to 9pm in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. The evening will begin with short talks about NUI Galway and some of the 60 courses it offers. Afterwards, current students and NUI Galway staff will be on hand at information stands to answer any individual questions in relation to courses offered by the University and about practical issues like accommodation, fees and scholarships, and the wide range of support services available to our students. The ever-increasing popularity of NUI Galway is in-part due to a suite of innovative programmes, developed in response to the changing needs of the employment market. Unique programmes include a suite of Arts degree programmes including Drama, Creative Writing and Human Rights, an Energy Systems Engineering degree which is taught in the University’s new Engineering Building, Ireland’s largest School of Engineering, a Maths and Education degree aimed at training Maths teachers, and a Marine Science degree. Visitors to the information evening will also get information on NUI Galway’s newest degree programmes, a Bachelor of Commerce (Global Experience), Bachelor in Children’s Studies and the new Bachelor of Arts (Joint Honours). Celine O’Donovan, Senior Marketing Officer at NUI Galway, said: “NUI Galway has a great deal to offer. Our own students tell us our lecturers are inspirational and challenge them to achieve their full potential. The student experience in Galway is second to none, and we want to bring a taste of that to County Donegal, while also providing all the practical information on accommodation, CAO points, fees, scholarships and courses. With so many courses on offer, this event in Letterkenny is a perfect opportunity for prospective students to meet current students and lecturers to see what degree might be the right fit for them.” To find out more about the information evening in Letterkenny, contact NUI Galway's Schools Liaison Officer, Gráinne Dunne on 087 244 0858 or grainne.dunne@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-