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

University of Galway has announced a new sponsorship partnership with Supermac’s, marking a significant investment in the development of Gaelic Games at the University. The sponsorship will provide valuable support to the University's Men's Football, Ladies Football and Hurling programmes, including new playing jerseys, team kit and essential resources. The investment will help strengthen the clubs, enhance the student-athlete experience and support the continued development of Gaelic Games at the University of Galway. At the official launch, the University showcased newly designed Gaelic Games jerseys, produced by McKeever Sports, the new official kit supplier for University of Galway Gaelic Games. Founded in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, in 1978 by Pat McDonagh, Supermac’s has grown into one of Ireland’s most recognisable indigenous businesses, with a strong commitment to supporting Irish sport and the communities in which it operates. The new partnership with University of Galway represents a further extension of that commitment, supporting the next generation of players as they balance their academic studies with their sporting ambitions. Des Ryan, Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing at University of Galway, said: "We are delighted to announce this new partnership with Supermac’s. They have been tremendous supporters of Gaelic Games in Galway for many years, and it's fantastic to see that commitment now extending to our students here at University of Galway. "This sponsorship will make a real difference to our Men's Football, Ladies Football and Hurling clubs, helping us provide the resources and support our players need to develop, compete and enjoy their sport. "We are also delighted to welcome McKeever Sports as our new Gaelic Games kit supplier. The new jersey’s look fantastic, and it's great to see our clubs coming together with a strong and recognisable identity. "Our ambition is to build a Gaelic Games programme that provides opportunities for everyone, from students taking up the games for the first time to those competing at the highest level of Higher Education sport. Partnerships like these are hugely important in helping us achieve that." Pat McDonagh, Founder and Managing Director of Supermac’s, said: “Supermac’s has always been proud of its Galway roots and our longstanding association with the GAA. For more than three decades, we have been committed to supporting the development of hurling and football, and we have seen first-hand the positive impact that sport can have on individuals, teams and communities. “Our support for the GAA has always been about more than having our name on a jersey. It is about making a meaningful contribution to the development of sport, supporting the communities that have supported our business and creating opportunities for young people to participate and succeed. "We are delighted to begin this new partnership with University of Galway and support its Men's Football, Ladies Football and Hurling clubs. “University sport provides a fantastic opportunity for young players to continue developing both on and off the field while pursuing their education. This partnership is a natural extension of our longstanding commitment to the GAA, and we are pleased to play a part in supporting these students. We wish all three clubs every success in the years ahead.” The new sponsorship with Supermac’s, alongside the appointment of McKeever Sports as the University's Gaelic Games kit supplier, represents an important step in the continued development of the University's sporting programme. Ends