University of Galway's ReelLIFE SCIENCE awards go to budding producers in schools and youth groups in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Leitrim, Louth, Roscommon and Sligo From diabetes to dreaming, and photosynthesis to Formula 1, short science films made by young people have been celebrated at the 14th Annual ReelLIFE SCIENCE Awards in University of Galway.  The event took place on Sunday November 8th as part of Science Week 2026 and the 29th Galway Science and Technology Festival.  More than 200 short science films were entered - created by 1,000 young science enthusiasts in 78 schools and youth groups across the island of Ireland.  Winning videos were selected by a panel of guest judges including Superhero Scientist Dr Barry Fitzgerald, Midlands Science Chief Executive Jackie Gorman and the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition winner Aoibheann Daly from Mercy Secondary School Mounthawk in Tralee, Co Kerry.  ReelLIFE SCIENCE Winners  1st Prize Primary School – Twenty-six talented third-class students from Abbey Primary School in Boyle, Co Roscommon, guided by teacher Clíodhna O'Donnell, won the €1,000 first prize for their hair-raising video ‘Nitty Gritty Science’ about the lifecycle of headlice.  Runners-up Primary School – Bringing humour, creativity and fun to photosynthesis were 29 fifth and sixth class students and teacher Thomas Egan from Sooey National School in Sligo, claiming second prize for ‘Shedding a Light on Photosynthesis’. Finishing third, and led by teacher Brian Ó Meacháin, 30 fourth and fifth class students from Gaelscoil Riabhach in Baile Locha Riach, Co na Gaillimhe explained this summer’s solar eclipse in ‘Urú na Gréinne’.  1st Prize Post-Primary – Eight second and third year students from Coláiste Ghobnait on Inis Oírr, Co na Gaillimhe, won the €1,000 first prize under the guidance of science teacher Rebecca Ní Chríocháin, for their video Céard é Diaibéiteas?’ rapping about the different types of diabetes through Irish.  Runners-up Post-Primary – In second place, with an animated video answering the question ‘How Do Noise-Cancelling Headphones Work?’ were Transition Year students Yuqi Lu and Audrey Yang, from Alexandra College Dublin. Finishing third, with her hand-drawn animated short explaining the science behind ‘Lucid Dreaming’ was Anna Wing Yin Hui, a third-year student from Nord Anglia International School in Dublin. 1st Prize Youth Organisation – Answering the question ‘How Do We Make Sound?’, using props including a piano and a pet chicken, third year student Arden Oakes, representing Grow Music from Dundalk, Co Louth, claimed the first prize in the youth organisation category.  Runners-up Youth Organisation – Brogan O’Donnell from Trident Swim Club in Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim came second, mixing animation and underwater footage when exploring the body’s production of the energy required for swimming in ‘Fuel for the Pool’. Paige Connolly, Jodie Buckley, Ciarán Callaghan and Lauren Keohane from Ballyphehane and Greenmount Foróige group in Cork were third for their video about the aerodynamics and physics of Formula 1 cars through the years.  All of the winning videos can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/ReelLifeScience.  Jackie Gorman, Midlands Science CEO and ReelLIFE SCIENCE judge, said: “I was really delighted to be a judge this year for ReelLIFE SCIENCE. It was really heartening to see the science explained so well and to see that, not only was the science so accurate and engaging, but the communication itself. We need lots of people all over Ireland to engage with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, but we equally need people who are going to communicate the science well, so that as many people as possible understand that science is not just part of our economy but it’s a really valuable part of our society and our everyday lives.”  The ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme challenges young people in schools and youth groups across the island of Ireland to engage with science and technology while developing their communication and digital skills, by producing short educational videos for the public.  Since being launched in 2013 by Dr Enda O’Connell and a team of scientists from the University of Galway, this challenge has been met by over 33,000 young people, supported by teachers and staff in 850 schools and youth groups, producing almost 4,000 short science videos.  ReelLIFE SCIENCE is supported by the Research Ireland Discover Programme, University of Galway’s College of Science and Engineering, Rinn Medical Devices, the Cell EXPLORERS programme and Foróige.  Ends  

Fellowships will see researchers work with Government departments and public bodies University of Galway has secured the highest number of awards nationally under Research Ireland's 2026 Public Service Fellowship programme.  The 13 researchers will work with government departments and other public sector organisations on projects which seek to address issues of national importance, including rural development; online safety; energy systems; food safety; water quality; healthcare planning and health promotion; and inclusion in schools.  The Research Ireland programme offers academics a unique opportunity for secondment to Government and across the public sector enabling the exchange of expertise and fostering innovation, whilst giving researchers valuable insight into government decision-making and policy development.  Research Ireland has confirmed 41 researchers in this year's programme, with a total investment of €3.9 million across 24 organisations.  The University of Galway researchers and their projects are: Dr Aisling Murtagh - Measuring impact across rural development policy, in collaboration with Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dr Autumn Johnson - Estimating of prevalence rates of certain health conditions through linking primary and secondary data sources, with the Central Statistics Office Dr Carmen Kealy - Knowledge translation in health promotion services: addressing the measurement gap, with the Health Service Executive Dr Cormac Forkan - Measuring and implementing effective inclusion policies in primary and secondary education, working with the Department of Education and Youth Dr Elizabeth Hunter - System Dynamics for Population Cohort: Simulation modelling to support population-based planning for national and regional public health teams in HSE Ireland, with the Health Service Executive Professor Eoin Whelan - Supporting the effective implementation of Ireland’s Online Safety Framework, in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport Dr Erik de Jong - Informing the development of an Irish One Health data hub, with the Health Service Executive Dr Joanne Hurst - Enhancing health equity for underserved communities, with the Health Service Executive Dr Kodeeswaran Sankararaj - Investigating the opportunity to future proof households from energy price fluctuations, working with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland Dr Marcos Eduardo Cruz Victorio - Electricity Storage Policy Framework Action #8: An economic analysis of market revenue structures for electricity storage systems, in collaboration with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment Dr Nastaran Sharifian - Predicting temporal and geographical risk of food and drinking water non-compliance due to chemical hazards in Ireland, with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Dr Nessa Golden - Review of the supporting conditions used to assign ecological status to Irish water bodies, with the Environmental Protection Agency Dr Rahmin Bender-Salazar - Systems thinking approach to food safety issues, in collaboration with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland  Professor Laoise McNamara, Vice-President for Research and Innovation at University of Galway, said: “This exceptional outcome is a significant achievement for our research community and a strong signal of our commitment to supporting evidence-informed policymaking. These collaborations with Government Departments and Public Sector Bodies will provide important opportunities to strengthen the connections between research, policy and practice. Importantly, they will enable a two-way exchange of knowledge and expertise, creating new opportunities for learning, collaboration and impact.”   Ends

 The 8th International Universal Design Conference 2026 (UD26) will explore how Universal Design can help create a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable society. University of Galway and the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) at the National Disability Authority (NDA), will welcome almost 400 delegates from Ireland and around the world to UD26 at the Galmont Hotel, Galway from 4 to 6 November. In-person registration is now closed. Registration is available to attend some of the three-day events streamed online at the UD26 website. Recognised as an associated event of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, UD26 will bring together researchers, policymakers, educators, industry leaders, designers, practitioners, disability advocates, students and community organisations. Prominent keynote speakers include: · Inmaculada Placencia Porrero, Independent Expert on the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). · Sarah Herrlinger, Senior Director, Global Accessibility Policy & Initiatives at Apple. · Per-Olof Hedvall, Professor of Design, Mid Sweden University, and Bevica Guest Professor in Universal Design, Kolding School of Design · Valerie Fletcher, Executive Director, Institute for Human Centered Design · Igor Stefanovic, Technical Coordinator of Ethics, Culture and Social Responsibility Department at UN Tourism (World Tourism Organization). The conference theme, "Advancing an Inclusive and Sustainable World through Universal Design", reflects the growing international importance of designing environments, services, technologies, communications and policies that are accessible, usable and welcoming for everyone, regardless of age, size, ability or disability. As Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, UD26 provides an important opportunity to showcase Irish and international leadership in accessibility, inclusion and sustainable development. Over three days, delegates will participate in plenary panel discussions, scientific presentations, practical workshops, case studies, exhibitions and networking opportunities. Discussions will focus on the role of Universal Design in shaping inclusive communities, public services, education systems, workplaces, built environments and digital technologies. Dr Helen Maher, Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at University of Galway, said: “Universal Design is about inclusion by design which enables the creation of environments, services, policies and technologies to advance equality by recognising our diversity. UD26 provides a unique platform to enhance international collaboration, innovation and shared learning to continue to effect progressive change. We are delighted to welcome delegates to Galway to explore how Universal Design can support us to shape a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future for all.” Dr. Gerald Craddock, Chief Officer, Centre for Excellence in Universal Design at the NDA, said: “Advancing an inclusive and sustainable world through Universal Design is the catalyst to transform our society in a way that is welcoming, safe and celebrates the difference in each and every one of us.” Per-Olof Hedvall, Professor of Design, Mid Sweden University, and Bevica Guest Professor in Universal Design, Kolding School of Design, said: “I’m looking forward to meeting colleagues and friends to discuss new theories and practices, but most of all I hope UD26 will urge the field to keep universal designing and to keep asking: What kind of world are we building?” A conference highlight on Friday 6 November (evening) features the documentary World Premiere of Driven to Ride. The documentary tells the story of a class action case won by disabled women that is transforming Boston Public Transport. Since its establishment in 2012, the International Universal Design Conference has become a leading international forum for sharing research, policy developments, innovation and best practice. The conference is guided by the enduring principle: "Difference is the condition of everyone." Brigid (c. 450-525 AD). This principle recognises that human diversity is a universal experience and that inclusive design benefits everyone. UD26 will provide a unique platform for international collaboration and knowledge exchange, enabling participants to explore practical and innovative approaches to removing barriers and creating opportunities for full participation in society. To view the conference programme, speakers and accessibility details, visit: UD26 website Ends