University of Galway has conferred its 2025 honorary degrees, celebrating distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions across the arts, literature, music, law, and public life.The awards were formally presented at a special ceremony on-campus today, November 27th, 2025. Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said: "Our honorary degrees recognise individuals whose achievements reflect the values and aspirations of our University community. This year’s recipients represent excellence across creative, cultural, academic and civic life and we are honoured to welcome them into our University community." The six recipients include: Brian Bourke – Doctor of Arts (honoris causa)Award-winning painter and visual artist. Anna Heussaff – Doctor of Literature (honoris causa)Award-winning novelist and translator writing as Gaeilge for adults and teens, recognised for her literary achievements and advocacy in cultural and climate issues. Kathleen Loughnane – Doctor of Music (honoris causa)Renowned harpist, teacher and founder of Dordán, acclaimed for her role in preserving and promoting Ireland’s harp tradition. Peadar Mac Fhlannchadha – Doctor of Laws (honoris causa)Former Advocacy Manager and Deputy General Secretary of Conradh na Gaeilge, who worked tirelessly for the promotion of Irish as a community language. Pádraig Ó Céidigh – Doctor of Economic Science (honoris causa)Entrepreneur, business leader, and former Senator, accountant, solicitor, and teacher who scaled companies, shaped public policy including Aer Arann. Micheál Ó Cuaig – Doctor of Music (honoris causa)Poet, singer, and founder of Féile Joe Éinniú, who has nurtured and performed the sean-nós tradition, mentoring generations and helping drive its revival. Three nominees, Margo Harkin, Olwen Fouéré and Kerby A. Miller declined degrees due to the University’s participation in an EU Horizon Europe research project involving an Israeli university. Professor Burn continued: "We respect the decision of other nominees to not participate today. Discussion and debate are the cornerstones of University life, and we are committed to finding a way forward with our community.”     Ends

A special programme for empathy education developed at University of Galway is to be expanded into Transition Year (TY) in secondary schools nationwide.Activating Social Empathy is a practical classroom resource designed to help teachers promote empathy skills and understanding among young people in the Senior Cycle.The programme was developed by researchers at the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at University of Galway, along with colleagues in the University’s School of Education, working closely with a Youth Advisory Panel from Foróige. It is endorsed by the National Council for Curriculum Assessment.Actor Cillian Murphy is a patron of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at University of Galway and a supporter of the empathy education initiatives.  Described as a new micro-module, the new TY course complements the existing Junior Cycle Activating Social Empathy resource which was announced in 2020. It offers age-appropriate lessons and activities that challenge TY students to explore empathy in more complex social contexts.            Dr Charlotte Silke, lead researcher with UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, University of Galway, said: “The core aim is to support young people in becoming more attuned to the feelings and perspectives of others, and more confident in expressing empathy across a variety of real-world contexts.”  The Activating Social Empathy schools programme is supported by the Irish American Partnership and Lifes2good Foundation, Cillian Murphy and partners of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, Foróige and Penn State. The TY micro-module, is informed by theory and practice in the area of social and emotional learning and the resources are underpinned by research evidence relating to the development and expression of empathy during adolescence.It is designed to strengthen students’ empathy skills through 10 interactive lessons, using scenarios and video and other learning methodologies supplemented by comprehensive sample materials. The programme encompasses three interconnected components: Cognitive Empathy (i.e., awareness or understanding of others’ perspectives); Emotional Empathy (i.e., feeling with, or for, another person), and Empathic Action (i.e., translating understanding and feelings into supportive, helpful actions). Students also learn about strategies to address empathy barriers and engage in empathic actions across diverse contexts.            Professor John Canavan, UNESCO Chair, Children, Youth and Civic Engagement and Director of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, University of Galway, said: “For young people growing up in a world marked by rising social polarisation, environmental crises and mental health issues, socio-emotional and behavioural skills are increasingly valued as part of education policies designed to address broad dimensions of learning. Empathy is a process of understanding others' perspectives, feeling for others and taking supportive action."The Activating Social Empathy Manual is available as a free resource to all schools in Ireland and can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/33rfvmus  Ends

UNiTE to end violence against women #NoExcuse University of Galway is joining with 15 third level education institutions in Ireland as part of the global campaign - 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This is our second year collaborating on this important campaign. The campaign gets underway today Tuesday November 25th - the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The UNiTE 2025 campaign focuses on one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse: Ending digital violence against all women and girls. This year’s campaign is also a reminder that digital safety is central to gender equality. Dr Helen Maher, Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at University of Galway, said: “As a university community, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all. Our work on preventing and responding to gender-based violence reflects this responsibility. Informed by research, policy and best practice, we aim to raise awareness, support those affected, and strengthen a culture grounded in dignity, equality and accountability. Through a collective and evidence-based approach, we strive to ensure that every member of our community feels protected, valued and empowered.” Niamh Kavanagh, Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Manager at University of Galway, said: “The University of Galway is proud to join forces with our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and SVH (Sexual Violence and Harassment) colleagues from 15 other higher-education institutions nationwide - to deliver a meaningful, sector-wide response to this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign.Together we are committed to raising awareness, standing in solidarity with survivors, and driving an inclusive culture of prevention, accountability and respect across the education sector.” The 16 Days of Activism campaign runs until December 10th (Human Rights Day). It was launched in 1991 by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute as a call to prevent and eliminate gender-based violence worldwide. Now, with the backing of the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign, universities, organisations, and individuals around the globe are joining the cause. University of Galway calls upon students, staff, and the wider community to participate in these 16 Days of Activism to foster a world where no woman or girl lives in fear of violence. What is digital abuse? Digital tools are increasingly being used to stalk, harass, and abuse women and girls. This includes: - Image-based abuse/non-consensual sharing of intimate images – often called revenge porn or leaked nudes. - Cyberbullying, trolling, and online threats. - Online harassment and sexual harassment. - AI-generated deepfakes such as sexually explicit images, deepfake pornography, and digitally manipulated images, videos or audio. - Hate speech and disinformation on social media platforms. - Doxxing – publishing private information. - Online stalking or surveillance/tracking to monitor someone’s activities. - Online grooming and sexual exploitation. - Catfishing and impersonation. - Misogynistic networks – e.g. manosphere, incel forums. How to Get Involved - Promote Zero Tolerance: Use your voice to spread a message of zero tolerance for violence against women and girls. - Engage Leaders: Advocate for policies that enforce zero tolerance towards violence and protect women’s rights. - Support Local Women’s Organisations: Donations and volunteer support are critical to the success of these organisations. - Share Awareness Using #NoExcuse: Amplify the message on social media, in schools, workplaces, and communities. - Wear or display the colour orange – a symbol of hope and a future free from violence. Join the 16 Days conversation on social media The national campaign at third level institutions includes University of Galway; Atlantic Technological University; Dublin City University; Dundalk Institute of Technology; IADT - Institute of Art, Design and Technology; Mary Immaculate College; Munster Technological University; Maynooth University; South East Technological University, Technological University Dublin; Technological University of the Shannon, University College Cork; University College Dublin; University of Limerick; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; and Trinity College Dublin. Read more about University of Galway’s Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Programme of work here and about the 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence schedule of events here and via  Instagram and LinkedIn.  Ends