University of Galway has celebrated the achievements of 239 primary school pupils from six schools at its annual Uni4U end-of-year celebration. The Uni4U programme is outreach initiative led by the University's Access Centre that gives primary school pupils an introduction to university life and the opportunities that higher education can offer. Pupils from six schools in Galway city took part - Radharc na Mara, Scoil Bhríde, Scoil Chroí Íosa, Merlin Woods, Mercy Primary School and Scoil San Phroinsias. Over a six-week period, they visited the University campus one day each week to participate in workshops delivered by University staff and external partners. Activities included economics, engineering, chemistry, philosophy, law, zoology, palaeontology, computer coding, broadcasting with Flirt FM, art, careers and sport. The students also took part in campus tours and visits to the Computer Museum and the Mincéirs Archive in the University Library. This year marked the first participation in Uni4U by pupils from Scoil San Phroinsias in Tirellan Heights. Louise Duane, teacher at Scoil San Phroinsias, said: “The Uni4U programme has been extremely beneficial for our pupils. The engaging, hands-on activities provided valuable insights into a range of disciplines and gave the children a broader perspective on college life and future career opportunities." Speaking at the event, Professor Becky Whay, Interim Deputy President and Registrar, University of Galway, said: "Creating pathways to higher education begins long before a student submits a university application. Through Uni4U, University of Galway is helping young people to engage with higher education from an early age, building aspirations, confidence and a sense of belonging. “As a university with a strong civic mission, we work in partnership with schools and communities to broaden access to educational opportunity. Uni4U is a powerful example of that commitment in action." Throughout the programme, the pupils worked closely with Uni4U mentors, who are current University of Galway students involved with the Access Centre through disability support services, Access Programmes and the University's care-experienced support service. The celebration brought together pupils, parents, teachers, mentors and University staff. During the celebration, sixth-class pupils shared reflections on their experiences and what they learned during their time on campus. Each sixth-class pupil received a Uni4U certificate and hoodie in recognition of their achievements and participation. Dr Mary Surlis, Senior Academic Manager, for University of Galway’s Access Centre, said: "Over the past six weeks, pupils have embraced every opportunity to learn, explore and try something new. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and confidence have made the programme a pleasure to deliver. Uni4U is about helping young people feel that they belong in a university environment, and we hope the experience has inspired them to think positively about their future." For more than 25 years, Uni4U has formed part of University of Galway's commitment to widening participation in higher education. Through hands-on learning experiences and regular engagement with staff and students, the programme encourages young people to explore future education pathways and experience university life in a welcoming and supportive environment. Ends

The Irish Universities Association (IUA), representing Ireland’s seven research intensive and enterprise engaged universities, has called on Government to deliver for the sector and for the future of Ireland’s society and economy in Budget 2027. Government agreed in 2022 that the sector was underfunded by over €300m annually. Four years on, despite massive increases in spending elsewhere, the gap is still substantial - €133.5m of the original annual deficit remains compounded by emerging pressures on student numbers and pay awards. This is a time for sustained investment in education, at a time when geopolitical turmoil and technological change mean Ireland’s knowledge economy is more important than ever. In its pre-budget submission, presented to Minister Lawless on 15 June and sent to the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, and Ministers Chambers and Burke, the IUA is therefore calling for: €190m annual increase in Core Grant funding to tackle under-investment and meet unavoidable cost increases in 2027; €250m over 5 years in capital spending to upgrade universities’ digital Infrastructure, to provide teaching and research at the cutting edge of AI; €475m over 4 years in capital spending to Decarbonisation our university estate and create fully sustainable campuses; The unlocking of the National Training Fund (now almost €2bn) to allow universities to provide the lifelong learning, upskilling and reskilling Ireland needs. Paul Johnston, Director General of the IUA said: “These are big numbers, but there are huge opportunities here, which we risk missing. Ireland is rightly proud to have one of the highest percentages of third level educated citizens in the world. This is a necessity, not a luxury. Ireland’s only natural resource is its people. And highly educated and skilled workers and citizens are at the core of Ireland’s future. Budget 2027 is thus the time for Government to invest in our leading universities, to allow them to meet their full potential in both teaching and research, to ensure that our graduates continue to meet the demands of a rapidly changing society. “Government has acknowledged a €307m annual underfund in higher education, and Budget 2027 is the time to show decisive progress in their commitment to address it. There is a clear choice on Budget day: act decisively to close the funding gap, supporting students of all ages, or risk eroding the capacity, quality and competitiveness of our third-level sector. “An increase in the Core Funding grant of €190m will be an important step, addressing legacy funding deficits across the sector and will support the sector in continuing to cater for increased enrolments arising from demographic growth. This will support an additional 550 academic posts, having an immediate impact on not only the quality of teaching, learning and research, but also on student experience. “Investment in digital infrastructure and decarbonisation will allow universities to provide students the rapidly evolving skills they need to thrive, but also to keep pace with our obligations under the Climate Action Plan. “Technology is changing what education looks like in real time. We need to accelerate the shift towards lifelong learning, up-skilling and re-skilling. Unlocking the National Training Fund (NTF) is absolutely crucial to allow universities to respond proactively to the rapidly changing needs of employers, businesses and students. IBEC and ISME are making similar demands of government. “Ireland’s universities are known worldwide for the quality of teaching, research, and that of our graduates. We cannot take this for granted, and we cannot maintain these standards without proper investment and support. Last year’s budget saw welcome capital investment in new infrastructure for research. But infrastructure (human as well as physical) is needed to keep our universities at the cutting edge of teaching and research, to the benefit of Irish society and the economy. The higher education sector has been waiting too long for this investment, and Budget 2027 is the right time to do so.” Ends

BrainForecast aims to transform concussion recovery through predictive analytics and personalised rehabilitation A new healthcare innovation that aims to predict which concussion patients are most at risk of prolonged recovery has been unveiled at the 2026 BioInnovate Ireland Symposium in Galway. Developed during the BioInnovate Ireland programme at University of Galway, and supported by Enterprise Ireland, BrainForecast is an AI-powered digital health solution designed to address one of the most significant challenges in concussion care: identifying which patients with mild traumatic brain injury are likely to develop persistent symptoms and require additional support. The innovation was presented by Conor Connolly and Ciaran O'Sullivan, members of the BrainForecast team as part of the annual BioInnovate Symposium.   Public awareness of traumatic brain injury has grown significantly in recent years, particularly through research exploring the long-term impacts of concussion and the links between repetitive head injuries and chronic neurological conditions. However, while sports-related injuries often dominate headlines, the majority of mild traumatic brain injuries occur outside organised sport and affect people of all ages. Conor Connolly, current BioInnovate Fellow said: “Following extensive engagement with clinicians, researchers and international experts, we identified a critical challenge in current care pathways: while most patients recover fully, approximately one in three will experience Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms, affecting their quality of life for months or even years. The goal is to identify high-risk patients earlier, support clinical decision-making and enable more personalised rehabilitation strategies.” BioInnovate is supported under the Innovators’ Initiative Programme Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027. This year marks the 15th year of BioInnovate, an internationally recognised needs-led healthcare innovation programme that contributes to the development of new healthcare technologies, companies and clinical solutions in Ireland and internationally. Dr Sinéad Walsh, Programme Director of BioInnovate Ireland, University of Galway, said: “The BioInnovate process begins by identifying unmet clinical needs and empowering multidisciplinary teams to develop solutions that can transform patient care. BrainForecast is a powerful example of this in action. We congratulate all the Fellows on their remarkable progress and acknowledge the clinical champions, mentors, and all those who have supported and guided them on their journey so far." BrainForecast is one of several innovations presented by the BioInnovate Class of 2026 during the symposium. The projects reflect the breadth of unmet healthcare needs identified through BioInnovate's clinical immersion process, ranging from improving fluid management for heart failure patients and enhancing ostomy care, to reducing postoperative scar tissue formation following knee replacement surgery to improve range of motion and reduce joint stiffness. The symposium theme, From Patient Data to Better Care: Scaling AI in Health Systems, brought together clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and healthcare innovators to explore how emerging technologies are transforming healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Ends