News & Events

Professor Ted Vaughan appointed Interim Director as University sets out ambitious research agenda for public good University of Galway has announced it is to establish the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, to pursue pioneering research into the understanding of disease, and solutions for healthcare.

The Active* Consent programme based at University of Galway has called for the Further and Higher Education and Training sectors to set firm targets for consent education and sexual violence prevention among students and staff. 

Researchers at University of Galway have revealed some of the lived experiences of undergraduate students before and during the Covid-19 pandemic.

University of Galway students and staff will host SDG Week from September 16th-21st - dedicated to increasing awareness, engagement and action to help achieve the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

University of Galway has launched a new archive recognising the different lived experiences of the Irish Traveller community, including challenges the community faced since the 1960s and the importance of the Traveller voice to educate and increase understanding of the history and culture of the community.

In January 2025, the University of Galway introduced innovative courses for school pupils, designed to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths (STEM) education and encourage early engagement with higher learning. The courses offer hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, aiming to inspire the next generation of researchers and professionals. This initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. By providing these opportunities, the university contributes to building a skilled and knowledgeable workforce.

More than 100 school pupils, teachers and parents from across Ireland attended University of Galway’s first ever Model United Nations conference to tackle issues of global importance.   Organised by students in the University’s Literary and Debating Society, with support of the Societies Office and Sustainability Engagement Fund, the two-day event taught participants how to understand current political and human rights issues, debate and represent different positions, and articulate complex arguments. 

In September 2024, the University of Galway announced the establishment of the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, aiming to advance disease understanding and healthcare solutions. Interim Director Professor Ted Vaughan will lead over 200 researchers and academics in fields such as biomedical science and engineering, focusing on areas like cancer biology, biomedical engineering, regenerative medicine, neuroscience, diagnostics, and advanced therapeutics. The Institute will collaborate closely with the University's Institute for Clinical Trials, CÚRAM (the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Medical Devices), and BioInnovate, an Enterprise Ireland fellowship program. This initiative seeks to translate fundamental scientific research into innovative treatments and interventions, aligning with SDG 3 by promoting good health and well-being through pioneering research and technological advancements.

Frequent fizzy drinks doubles the risk of stroke More than 4 cups of coffee a day increases chances of a stroke by a third Drinking water and tea may reduce risk of stroke  Frequent drinking of fizzy drinks or fruit juice is associated with an increased risk of stroke, according to new findings from global research studies co-led by University of Galway, in collaboration with McMaster University Canada and an international network of stroke researchers.

University of Galway has launched its Pocket Forest project, planting a new 100m2 native woodland on campus.    Led by the Pocket Forests social enterprise, the mini-woodland was created by a team made up of university staff and students, Transition Year students from Coláiste Muire…

The University of Galway's Active* Consent programme has called for the Further and Higher Education and Training sectors to establish firm targets for consent education and sexual violence prevention among students and staff. The programme released a report highlighting that nearly 25,000 first-year higher education students engaged with its orientation resource during the 2023-2024 academic year, with 80% finding it useful and 91% recommending it to peers. Active* Consent advocates for at least 80% of incoming higher education students to participate in consent education during orientation, extending similar opportunities to further education and training learners, providing ongoing consent education throughout students' academic journeys, and ensuring all staff engage in relevant training. This initiative aligns with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting gender equality and reducing inequalities through comprehensive consent education and violence prevention strategies.