European Research Council awards University of Galway academic €2m grant for pioneering project developing computational model for healthcare    A University of Galway academic whose research work focuses on developing computational models of human biology has been awarded a €2 million research grant from the European Research Council.  Leading the transformative AVATAR project is Professor Ines Thiele, who leads the Molecular Systems Physiology Group at the University and is a Principal Investigator with APC Microbiome Ireland, the Science Foundation Ireland microbiome research centre headquartered in University College Cork and Teagasc Moorepark.  AVATAR is a ground-breaking project to construct an advanced computer model that delves into the connections between genes, metabolism, microbiome and diet, and to unravel their impact on health. The model aims to predict personalised health interventions based on individual health data, offering tailored advice - similar to a virtual health coach. It will be a stepping-stone for computer-assisted diagnosis and treatment. AVATAR’s powerful computer model of human metabolism will propel advancements in personalised medicine by predicting the optimal health interventions for individuals, based on their own health data. It will initially focus on inherited metabolic diseases and metabolic changes in individuals with cognitive issues. For example, the computer model may predict if a person is at risk of health issues based on their genes, microbiome, life-style parameters, and metabolism, and provide recommendations on how to intervene effectively, such as by giving specific diet recommendations.  Professor Ines Thiele has been awarded €2 million European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant to spearhead the project.   Professor Thiele explained: “AVATAR represents a monumental leap towards personalised medicine. Our society is very diverse, including our bodies, biologies and lifestyles, yet healthcare still largely relies on a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, assuming most people will respond the same way to the same treatment. In reality, and beyond genetics, our health is influenced by internal factors like metabolism, which are small molecules circulating in our bodies; external elements such as microbiome and lifestyle choices such as diet. “AVATAR addresses the differences between individuals by unravelling the intricate relationships between genes, metabolism, microbiome, and diet. While advancements in DNA technology hold promise for personalised medicine, the multitude of genetic variations presents a daunting challenging in determining their specific relevance to health. “The intricate interplay of these factors forms a complex web that requires a sophisticated, computer-based approach in order to untangle.” This is the second ERC award for Professor Thiele, who was awarded a European Research Council Starting Grant in 2017, which enabled her pioneering work on computational modelling of the role of the microbiome on human health. The pioneering Avatar project involves collaboration and multidisciplinary efforts in a team spanning Ireland, Germany, Spain, The Netherlands and the USA.  Professor Paul Ross, Director of APC Microbiome Ireland commented: “Personalised nutrition and medicine will be a huge gamechanger once we achieve the research goals to make it possible. Pioneering projects such as AVATAR will bring individualized approaches to food and medicine closer to reality when it comes to people’s healthcare.  As such, broad spectrum solutions for healthcare will in the future need to be refined for the complexities of individual needs to realise faster and more effective results for everyone.” Ends

Construct Innovate, the Enterprise Ireland technology centre hosted by University of Galway, has secured €2million funding under a Government programme to invest in specialised equipment and testing facilities. Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney T.D. made the announcement under the 2023 Capital Equipment Fund administered by Enterprise Ireland through the Technology Gateway and Technology Centre Programmes. Construct Innovate secured grants to fund three projects at University of Galway and one project at University College Dublin. The 2023 Capital Equipment Fund will allow Construct Innovate to develop a building envelope testbed, expand and upgrade their structural testing facilities and enable the development of modern methods of construction (MMC) through automated and process technologies. Construct Innovate directors, Prof Jamie Goggins and Dr Magdalena Hajdukiewicz, welcomed the announcement of the Capital Equipment Fund results. Dr Hajdukiewicz said: “Construct Innovate facilitates industry-led, independent and evidence-based research supporting innovation and sustainability in the construction sector. This recent funding will provide our partner institutions with state-of the-art equipment that supports the development and testing of new materials and systems, including modern methods of construction and utilisation of digital technologies.” The funding supports the development of a Building Envelope Testbed at University of Galway. The 3-cell facility will have the capacity to conduct various types of tests measuring the performance of building envelope assemblies, including thermal characteristics, moisture transfer, solar and luminous characteristics of glazing, air permeability, water tightness, acoustic performance, energy performance (including renewable energy systems), and indoor environmental quality incl. thermal comfort. The testbed’s design and specifications were developed to ensure it meets the specific needs of Irish companies developing complex, innovative envelope systems, for which they expect short and efficient testing in full-scale real conditions. Secondly, a suite of equipment is being funded to extend the capabilities within the Large Structures Testing Laboratory at University of Galway to be suitable for testing construction elements at or near full-scale, such as novel floor makeups, timber elements, concrete structures, and connections for off-site structures. Over the coming years, the facility will be used for construction-based projects involving the mechanical performance testing of building elements and prefabricated building system components used in MMC. The funding will also go towards an Autonomous Mobile Robot in the Advanced Manufacturing Lab at University of Galway, for furthering the automation of next-generation technology for on-site construction and inspection technology. This will also be deployed for off-site construction and assembly process development, specifically focusing on production scale-up capability. This technology represents the coming together of the forefronts of the construction sector (rapid build, modular construction, MMC) and of Industry 4.0 (mobile automation). University College Dublin were awarded funding for equipment to create an Automated Structures Innovation Hub. This will expand their automation and prototyping capabilities and also double the current capacity to perform structural/material tests. The new hub will promote engagement with companies in R&D, enable pilot manufacturing capability and prototyping for new product / process development and also enhance concrete printing technology. Ends

University of Galway has welcomed the 2023 Hardiman PhD Scholarship recipients to campus. The 21 successful scholars come from 12 different countries and are embarking on doctoral studies after being selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants from around the world.  The Hardiman PhD Scholarships are fully funded for four years, with a stipend of €19,000 per annum, plus fee waiver. The scheme offers opportunities for suitably qualified students to pursue a structured PhD at the University on topics aligned to five key areas of research: - Enhancing policy and society - Enriching creativity and culture - Improving health and wellbeing - Realising potential through data and enabling technologies - Sustaining our planet and people Since the scheme was introduced in 2011, University of Galway has awarded scholarships to almost 300 individuals. Professor Dónal Leech, Dean of Graduate Studies at University of Galway, said: “Our 2023 Hardiman Research scholar recipients represent the diversity, depth and distinctiveness of Galway research, with each scholar recruited for their excellence and supported over four years to develop their research skills and to generate new knowledge for the betterment of our society.” Applications for the for 2024 Hardiman PhD Scholarships will open on Friday December 1, 2023, and will remain open until Friday February 9, 2024 at 5pm. Further information on the Hardiman PhD Scholarships is available at www.universityofgalway.ie/hardiman-scholarships. The 2023 Hardiman PhD scholars include: Scholar Country of origin College and subject area of study Dayle Leonard Ireland College of Science and Engineering –  Investigating scorpion venoms as a source of novel antimicrobial and antivirulent compounds.   Mariia-Valeriia Morris Israel  College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies –  Troubles Studies, representations of political violence in 20th century Ireland in film and comics.   Durre Zehra Syeda Pakistan College of Science and Engineering –  Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence.   Mohammad Khaboushani Afghanistan College of Science and Engineering –  Fatigue and fracture analysis of Submarine Power Cables.   Christine Ayu Indonesia College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences –  Researching innovative treatments, particularly stem cell therapy, for degenerative diseases, such as Diabetes Mellitus.   Aoife O’Connell Ireland College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences –  Pharmacology & Therapeutics, specifically using electrophysiology to improve our understanding of Alzheimer's disease and evaluate a novel therapeutic strategy.   Amanie Issa Palestine College of Business, Public Policy and Law –  Human Rights: Exploring the role of ‘state’ and law at perpetuating Gender-Based violence against women and girls with disabilities.   Simon Ngorok Uganda College of Business, Public Policy and Law –  Climate Change Impacts, and Adaptation - modelling loss and damage from flood events in sub-Saharan Africa.   Duduzile Unathi Ndlovu South Africa College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies –  Sociology of higher education, towards critically (re)considering fallist student movements and their calls to decolonise Higher Education in South Africa.   Luke McDermott Ireland College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies –  Researching the ways that analogy, metaphor and conceptual comparison manifested in Neo-Assyrian writing by applying Cognitive Linguistic and Intertextual methodologies.   Ronan O'Hanlon Ireland-UK College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies –  An intellectual history of George Berkeley, exploring the origins and influence of his work.   Kristal Jericho Australia College of Business, Public Policy and Law –  The impact of gendered norms and hegemonic masculinity on the mental health and wellbeing of commercial aviation pilots.   Rebecca Lane Ireland College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences –  An Investigation of the Endocannabinoid System and the Gut Microbiome in Patients with Abdominal Visceral Pain and Co-Morbid Negative Affect.   Fatemeh Fotouhi Chahooki Iran College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences –  Research into drug-like compounds inhibiting RIPK1-FADD interaction in FADDosome complex, mitigating chemotherapy agent side effects.   Dave Cormican  Ireland  College of Science and Engineering –  Mathematics with a focus on abstract algebra of zeta functions over rings.   Pouya Motienoparvar Iran College of Science and Engineering –  Evolutionary Biology, with focus on Agricultural Biotechnology to study the evolutionary paths by which newly evolved genes facilitate abiotic stress adaptation in plants.   Fatemeh Adelisardou Iran College of Science and Engineering –  Soil microbial community and carbon cycling in the Anthropocene.   Darcy Ireland USA College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies –  Analysis of a late eighth-century Latin exegetical text, the Irish Reference Bible.   Louisa Klatt Germany College of Business, Public Policy and Law –  An interdisciplinary study combining constitutional law, creative futures, and social science methodology.   Abdolvahed Noori Afghanistan College of Science and Engineering –  Revealing quorum sensing-based microbial communication in anaerobic digestion systems for enhancing biogas production.   Fatemeh Karamifard Iran College of Science and Engineering –  Development of computational models for bioresorbable metal matrix composites in medical implants. 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