New appoint aims to address critical medical workforce shortages University of Galway has announced the appointment of Professor Robert Scully as Ireland’s first Established Professor of Rural and Remote Medicine. The landmark appointment aims to strengthen medical training and tackle critical doctor shortages across the West and North West of Ireland. Professor Scully brings extensive experience as an academic GP, medical educator, rural physician and a long-standing advocate for rural healthcare. His appointment comes as University of Galway prepares to launch an innovative four-year Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programme, designed to attract a diverse range of graduates and deliver high-quality accelerated medical training with a strong focus on rural and regional healthcare needs. Professor Scully, who played a key role in ScotGEM’s development, said: “The University of Galway’s GEM programme offers a transformative opportunity to address the critical need for more medical graduates, and particularly those from diverse backgrounds, including rural and remote areas. The graduates of this programme will be equipped to pursue any medical career, but by immersing them in the West and North West, we can improve recruitment and retention and ensure that underserved communities receive the high-quality care they deserve." Influenced by established international models, including the Scottish Graduate Entry Medical Programme (ScotGEM), University of Galway’s Graduate Entry Medicine will focus on immersive rural placements and community-based training. The new initiative is particularly timely, as Ireland faces significant deficits in the medical workforce, especially in rural areas. With a growing and ageing population, patients often wait several days for GP appointments, a situation compounded by shortages in rural and remote healthcare systems. The University’s Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programme is uniquely tailored to address these challenges. Students will gain experience in general practices, and integrated care hubs and regional (model 3) hospitals that provide acute services such as 24/7 surgery, acute medicine, and critical care, but are not tertiary hospitals - fostering a strong commitment to social accountability and healthcare improvement.             Professor Martin O’Donnell, Dean of University of Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and Consultant Stroke Physician with Health Services Executive Ireland, said: “I welcome the appointment of Professor Scully and the leadership experience he will bring to the GEM programme. Alongside plans for a new Medical School, this appointment, and the introduction of the new programme reflects University of Galway’s strategic emphasis on innovation in medical training. These developments will help meet the urgent need for healthcare professionals and modernise medical education to align with Ireland’s evolving healthcare landscape.” University of Galway has medical academies in Letterkenny, Sligo, Castlebar and Ballinasloe, and is uniquely positioned to address regional healthcare deficits. With 48 places available annually, the GEM programme will support Ireland’s Sláintecare model for a safe, high-quality health service. Dr Michelle Canavan, Professor of Older Adult Health at University of Galway and Consultant Geriatrician at University Hospital Galway, leads the academic programme on integrated care delivery with a focus on interprofessional learning.             Dr Canavan said: “The delivery of healthcare is changing, with an increased emphasis on developing generalist and specialist care at community-level close to where people live, often termed the ‘left-shift’ in healthcare which is especially important for this region. By expanding graduate-entry training opportunities and focusing on rural and remote healthcare, we aim to build a sustainable medical workforce equipped to meet, and champion, the needs of communities across the country."             Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer HSE West and North West, said: “I am very pleased to see the GEM programme progressing and warmly welcome Professor Scully to the role. This programme is an example of the strong partnership that exists between University of Galway and health services in the West and North West, working together to meet the needs of the communities that we serve.”             Professor Pat Nash, Regional Clinical Director HSE West and North West, said: “This new graduate entry programme is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students from a wide range of backgrounds to pursue a career in medicine. The focus on rural and remote medicine is very important and will go some way to address the shortage of doctors in rural areas across the West and North West.” A graduate of University of Galway, Professor Scully holds degrees from the Universities of Warwick, Edinburgh and Dundee. He has extensive experience in rural and remote general practice and rural medical education, having contributed to the expansion of GP training and curriculum development in Ireland. His appointment underscores the University’s commitment to excellence in rural medical education and healthcare delivery. Ends

Gathering to address challenges companies face in leadership, cybersecurity and AI The University of Galway Business Summit 2025 returns for a third year to showcase how business leaders can navigate the future of work with a focus on leadership, cybersecurity and AI. The event is organised by J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at University of Galway, in partnership with Galway Chamber, itag and European Digital Innovation Hub Networks. The keynote address will be delivered by Harry Hughes, chief executive officer of Portwest. Other speakers include business leaders from national and international companies such as Deloitte, Centripetal, SecureAI, CybSafe, Medtronic, Davy and ISS World Services, as well as leading academics from University of Galway. Business Summit, Navigating Tomorrow: Leadership, Cybersecurity, and AI in the Future Work, takes place at the University on Friday, April 4th from 9am to 1.30pm, with more than 400 business leaders expected to attend. The event will provide exemplar company case studies and expertise on leadership, cybersecurity and AI and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, combined with current research insights on these topics. It will also provide practical advice on how businesses can be more innovative and how to respond to current and future challenges. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with other business leaders and share their own experiences and best practices. Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “We are proud to host the University of Galway Business Summit for a third year. Engagement with industry and business both regionally and beyond has always been of critical importance to this University in how we innovate and respond to global challenges. As we launch our new University strategy, our strategic pillars will ensure the continued development of external engagement and relationships with business leaders and the business community to address the challenges in leadership, cybersecurity and AI being discussed at today’s Business Summit. Our overall mission is to provide impact for public good through our education, research and innovation activities. I would also like to thank those who have partnered with us and sponsored this year’s Business Summit for their continued support.” Professor Alma McCarthy, Executive Dean, College of Business, Public Policy and Law, University of Galway, said: "At the University of Galway Business Summit 2025, we will examine the critical role of leadership, cybersecurity, and AI in shaping the future of work. As technology continues to evolve, it’s essential for leaders to embrace change, leverage AI and guide their organisations through the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow." Harry Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of Portwest, said: “Scaling a business in the West of Ireland presents unique opportunities and challenges. The University of Galway Business Summit provides an important platform to share insights on sustainable growth, global expansion, and the power of innovation. I look forward to discussing how businesses can leverage regional strengths to compete on the world stage.” The event is supported by Data 2 Sustain, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Fáilte Ireland and Nelipak. For more information and to register visit: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/thinkingbeyond/businesssummit/ Ends

Artistic Director for the Abbey Theatre Caitríona McLaughlin has presented the 2024-2025 Siobhán McKenna Scholarship to University of Galway MA in Drama and Theatre Studies student Chen Rui (Daphne).   Siobhán McKenna was born in Belfast and went on to be a world-renowned actress of stage and screen, starring in Dr Zhivago, King of Kings and Of Human Bondage.   The Award and Lecture Series in her name was established by her family in celebration of the 100th year of her birth in 1922, to support the next generation of student creatives in drama and theatre in University of Galway.   The 2024-2025 Siobhán McKenna Scholarship has been awarded to student Chen Rui (Daphne), originally from China, who has a particular interest in intercultural and transcultural performance.   Donnacha O’Dea, Siobhán McKenna’s son who initiated the lecture series and scholarship award, said: "As we enter into the second year of this lecture series and award, the power of this initiative to further my mother’s legacy has become even clearer to me as the skills and national origins of both of our winners to date have challenged the limits of my own imagination in ways that I know my mother would have found exciting and energising.”   Dr Charlotte McIvor, head of Postgraduate Programmes in Drama and Theatre Studies in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, University of Galway said: “Chen Rui (Daphne)’s journey from China to Ireland to pursue this scholarship and further her theatre and performance skills at the intersection of theory and practice would make McKenna proud.  Chen’s particular interest in intercultural and transcultural performance epitomizes the hope of this scholarship as a continuation of and furthering of McKenna’s legacy through theatre practices yet to be even imagined.”               Caitríona McLaughlin, Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre, the National Theatre of Ireland said: “McKenna had a profound impact on Irish theatre and her celebrated performances in English and Irish on stage at the Abbey Theatre are part of theatre lore. Not only did she star in many significant productions at the National Theatre of Ireland, it was pivotal to her life, as she met her husband Denis O’Dea at the Abbey in the 1940s. Her extraordinary international career on stage and screen led the way for many Irish actors who came after her. This scholarship award is a worthy way to honour her life, her family and future generations of theatre makers.”   The 2025 Siobhán McKenna Lecture’s celebration of the past, present and future of Irish theatre and performance through gathering leading practitioners, scholars and exceptional students at University of Galway epitomises the ongoing achievements of Drama and Theatre Studies at University of Galway which was recognised for the second year running in the top 100 QS World University rankings for Performing Arts.   Caitríona McLaughlin is an award-winning theatre and opera director. As part of the lecture, she also launched a new book by University of Galway academics, Dr Charlotte McIvor and Dr Ian R. Walsh, Contemporary Irish Theatre: Histories and Theories. It is the first contemporary Irish theatre history survey in 20 years covering both the Republic and Northern Ireland.    Siobhán McKenna’s career started in An Taibhdhearc Theatre in Galway and she went on to appear in Abbey Theatre productions in the 1940s before making her London debut in 1947 in The White Steed. She was also a theatre director, translator and activist, as well as an alumna of University of Galway.   The University of Galway Library is the custodian of the Siobhán McKenna’s archive. Donated to the University in 2012 and made accessible to the public in 2019, the collection consists of material in paper and audio-visuals, covering all aspects of her life and career, as well as material relating to her family and friends.   Born in Belfast in 1922, Siobhán McKenna’s career started in An Taibhdhearc Theatre, the National Theatre of the Irish Language in Galway and she went on to appear in Abbey Theatre productions in the 1940s before making her London debut in 1947 in The White Steed and continuing on to Broadway where she was the first Irish actor to win a Tony Award in 1956.  She was also a theatre director, translator and activist.     The event is co-presented by Galway University Foundation, University of Galway’s College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies; Drama and Theatre Studies; and Arts in Action.   Ends