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Údarás Elections, 2025

Governing Authority Elections - Results

Governing Authority Elections, 2025

We are pleased to announce the results of the Staff Election for the next Údarás na hOllscoile, 2025-2029, which took place between 9.00 a.m. (Irish time) on Tuesday 14th January, 2025 and 12.00 p.m. (Irish time) on Wednesday 15th January, 2025. Údarás na hOllscoile commences a new term on 1st February 2025.

There were three vacancies in the internal membership to be filled amongst the three staff grades, with at least one of the three vacancies to come from a member of Other Academic staff including research staff (excluding Professors). A gender quota of at least one male and at least one female was also applied in the filling of the three vacancies (see Governing Authority Election 2025 - Election Regulations for more details).

A total of 1,557 valid votes were cast. In accordance with Seanad Éireann rules, each vote is deemed to be of the value of one thousand. The quota was 389,251.

The following candidates are deemed elected:

Ananda Geluk, Student Services
Dr Merve Suzan Zedan, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences
Dr Tiernan Henry, School of Natural Sciences

Full details of the count conducted and the transfer of votes can be viewed here:Governing Authority Election 2025 - Result Sheet

In accordance with Election Regulations adopted by Údarás na hOllscoile, counting of votes was via Proportional Representation with Single Transferable Vote (PRSTV) with fractional transfer (i.e. Seanad Eireann rules).

Counting of votes was conducted by Mi-Voice Limited in their role as Independent Scrutineers, with two independent observers, Mr. Aidan Mullany, Assistant Director (Finance and Operations) and Head of Governance, Irish Universities Association (IUA), and Mr Peter Feeney, Head of Corporate and Legal Affairs, reporting to the Returning Officer, the Secretary for Governance & Academic Affairs.

We would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the University, to congratulate the elected candidates and to wish them well for their term of office as Governors, which commences on 1st February 2025 and runs until 31st January 2029. We would also like to thank all candidates for putting themselves forward for election, thereby demonstrating their interest in and commitment to University of Galway.

What is Údarás na hOllscoile?

Údarás na hOllscoile, the Governing Authority, is the ultimate decision-making body in the University. Established under the 1997 Irish Universities Act as amended by the Higher Education Authority Act 2022, Údarás na hOllscoile is charged with promoting the success and reputation of the University while over-seeing its strategic direction. As Governing Authority prepares for a new term, there are a number of vacancies in the internal membership of the board. This is your opportunity to shape the future of our University.

Election Timelines

‌Voting in the elections took place between 9.00 a.m. (Irish time) on Tuesday 14th January, 2025 and 12.00 p.m. (Irish time) on Wednesday 15th January, 2025. Detailed timelines for the Nomination and Election process are set out here.

Nominations

Open / Oscail: 09:00 on Monday 4^th November 2024

Close / Dún: 17:00 on Friday 29^th November 2024

Election

Open / Oscail: 09:00 on Tuesday 14^th January 2025

Close / Dún: midday on Wednesday 15^th January 2025

Board Membership: What is involved?

Údarás na hOllscoile members are responsible for the long-term sustainability of the University. They are required to make independent judgements on issues such as strategy, performance, resources, key appointments and standards of conduct.

In particular, each member has a fiduciary duty to the University in the first instance (i.e. the duty to act in good faith and in the best interests of the University).

Time Commitment: The Governing Authority meets six times per year at the end of the month in February, March, April, June, October and in mid-December. In addition, members are also members on one sub-Committee of Governing Authority. The sub-Committees meet five times per year, ahead of the Governing Authority meetings. Documentation for meetings is provided a week in advance and requires a couple of days reading and preparation.

Although all members are expected to attend some meetings in person, it will be possible to participate in meetings remotely via online platforms.

Further details on the role and current membership of Údarás na hOllscoile can be found here.

Údarás na hOllscoile Election Regulations