New research from University of Galway reveals how red squirrels adapt their behaviours in habitat shared with pine marten Ireland’s native red squirrels are able to detect and respond to a returning natural predator, the pine marten, according to a new study from University of Galway.  The research reveals that these behavioural changes enhance their chance of survival and help to explain their resilience of red squirrels, particularly in contrast to the sharp decline of the invasive grey squirrel, following the resurgence of the pine marten.  Co-authored by Dr Emily Reilly and Dr Colin Lawton of the School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, the full study was published today in Royal Society Open Science.  The research into red squirrel behaviour was conducted over 16 months in two woodland sites - Derryclare Woods in Connemara, Co Galway, and Belleek Woods in Ballina, Co Mayo.  Using trail cameras at feeding stations, researchers monitored and analysed visits by red squirrels and pine martens. The team discovered that red squirrels showed an anti-predator response by feeding less and showing increased vigilance, indicating that they can detect recent pine marten presence and judge the level of threat based on how recently the presence occurred.  The researchers showed that this heightened caution faded over time, suggesting that red squirrels are capable of assessing the risk and adapting their responses accordingly.  Rising pine marten populations have led to a sharp decline in grey squirrel numbers in recent years. Around the same time the red squirrel population has not only persisted, but increased.  The study suggests that this divergence in population is due to the red squirrel’s long evolutionary history with the pine marten, which has equipped the arboeal creature with instinctive behaviours such as alertness and reduced feeding that allow them to coexist with their natural predator.  Unfortunately for the grey squirrel, it does not share either the evolutionary history or the instinctive behaviours.   Dr Emily Reilly said: “It is amazing to see the red squirrels respond to the presence of a pine marten that may have visited the feeding station hours or even days earlier. Their level of sensitivity is impressive and has clearly given them a significant survival advantage. The research from our woodlands in the west of Ireland is a fascinating example of how the protection of native species, in this case, the pine marten, can help restore balance in the ecosystem.”  The full study published in Royal Society Open Science is available at https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.250661     Ends  

University of Galway is the number one university in Ireland for sustainable development for the fourth year in a row. The ranking has been announced in the Times Higher Education Impact report in recognition of the University’s progress in responding to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As well as being top of the class in Ireland, the ranking places University of Galway No. 3 in the EU. Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 ranked 2,526 universities from 130 countries on their progress towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The number of universities taking part in the rankings is up 65% on the previous year, making the University of Galway achievement all the more significant. Interim President of University of Galway, Professor Peter McHugh, said: “Ranking University of Galway number 1 in Ireland and top 3 in the EU is a magnificent reward for our staff and our leadership on sustainability measures. Our recently launched new Strategic Plan 2025–2030, Of Galway, For the World is not only a symbol of that focus but also a signal as to how we will further embed sustainability into our teaching, research, operations, and partnerships, fostering the next generation of leaders and innovators to tackle global challenges.”  Professor Becky Whay, Interim Deputy President and Registrar, University of Galway, and Chair of the University Sustainability Advisory Board, said: “The recognition of the University’s efforts and achievements in embedding the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals is a testament to our people and collective spirit. A huge congratulations goes to everyone involved, across our curriculum, research and operations. Our students are reaping the rewards of these endeavours as their time studying with us allows them to develop the knowledge, skills and experiences to transition to a sustainable future.”  Richard Manton, Director of Sustainability at University of Galway, said: “Confirmation of University of Galway's leading position on sustainability is a great credit to our Community University Sustainability Partnership (CUSP), which this year celebrates its 10th birthday, and to the entire University community. Students, staff and community partners have enthusiastically embraced our model to learn, live and lead on sustainability. As a National SDG Ambassador, we will continue to advocate the Sustainable Development Goals and act as a good practice example on our green, biodiverse and sustainable campus.”  Among the highlights from the ranking for University of Galway are – top 50 in the world for actions on SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG3 Good Health and Wellbeing; and SDG17 Partnerships for the Goals. University of Galway is also ranked top 75 in the world for SDG6 Clean Water and Sanitation - following a submission under this category for the first time - and SDG14 Life Below Water. Some of the key measures which have been taken by University of Galway in the realm of sustainability are:   Researchers have developed a global reputation for innovation for health, sustainable and resilient environments (earth and ocean), creativity, culture and society, and transformative data and AI. Sustainability is embedded throughout across the curriculum and the University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses focused on sustainability. Our campus is the most biodiverse university campus in Ireland and we hold the An Taisce Green Campus Flag. We have introduced new wildflower enhancement schemes, bird boxes, bat boxes, insect hotels, beehives, a pollinator friendly pesticide code and a log tree hive. University of Galway is home to the first lab in Europe to awarded Green Lab certification and all the labs in the Alice Perry Engineering Building are certified as green. University of Galway campus and buildings are testbeds for positive sustainable actions. Since 2016, the University has halved its greenhouse gas emissions and is on course to surpass public sector 2030 targets. We have replaced fossil fuel boilers with heat pumps, rolled out solar PV across campus and developed innovative energy projects. On-campus park and ride buses are electric. A network of internal and external drinking water fountain have been installed campus wide.  Ends

International experts, industry, regulators and patient advocates to shape the next generation of clinical trials University of Galway today welcomed global leaders in healthcare, regulation, pharma, medtech and patient advocacy to FutureTrials25, a landmark international conference focused on transforming how clinical trials are designed, delivered, and experienced. Organised by the University’s Institute for Clinical Trials and supported by Medtronic, one of the world’s leading medtech companies, the event positions Ireland as a leading country for patient-focused clinical research and the West at the forefront of a new era where innovation and patient access are key priorities. The conference also highlights Ireland’s rapidly growing clinical research infrastructure, including the Institute’s impact and potential to support growth in this area. Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials, said: “Clinical trials are the foundation of progress in medicine and healthcare. Ireland is at a pivotal moment - our national system is ready for transformation, and Galway is proud to be playing a leading role in that journey.” The Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility Galway is a joint venture between the Health Service Executive and University of Galway. The facility is currently overseeing 78 trials, with more than 11,000 patients in Ireland having directly benefitted from access to these studies. Alongside that the University’s CORRIB Core Lab has played a critical role in facilitating trial access for more than 11,500 heart patients through its scientific leadership, trial design and advanced imaging operations. Despite this success, only 10% of current trials in Ireland are early-phase or first-in-human studies, an area critical in allowing earlier access to life-changing therapies and interventions. Expanding patient access to these types of trials is a strategic priority for the Institute for Clinical Trials. It has established the HYPERCARE initiative, to streamline and accelerate the process of starting a clinical trial. The Institute is supporting several medtech companies to navigate the application process in Ireland, in collaboration with regulatory bodies and ethics committees. Professor Dunne added: “We have long-standing strengths in University of Galway: our deep engagement with patients, our proximity to the medtech sector, and a proven track record in innovation and collaboration. Strategic partnerships - across public and private sectors - are accelerating this momentum. FutureTrials25 reflects our ambition to shape a trials’ environment that delivers benefit to those who matter most - patients. Through the Hypercare initiative, the Institute for Clinical Trials is demonstrating the model for how Ireland can build a world-leading clinical trials system and deliver this critical category of research to Irish patients.” FutureTrials25 featured high-impact speakers including Professor Patrick Serruys, University of Galway; Professor Max Parmar of University College London; and Despina Voulgaraki of Medtronic. Together with participants from academia, industry, government and patient advocacy, they addressed how ethical frameworks, regulatory systems and innovation must evolve in parallel to improve outcomes for patients. Core themes throughout the day included Discovery to Patient Impact, Enabling Regulatory and Policy Frameworks, and Future Innovation - with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, decentralised trial models, and patient-centered approaches. Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “FutureTrials25 exemplifies the kind of cross-sector collaboration that is at the heart of University of Galway’s mission. It highlights Galway’s position as a global hub for medical innovation and our leadership in translating research into real-world impact.” Guest speaker Professor Mary Horgan, Chief Medical Officer, said: “Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency in 2026 presents a major opportunity to lead on clinical trial advancement across Europe. Events like FutureTrials25 show that Ireland is ready to shape that future, building systems that are efficient, inclusive, and grounded in the needs of patients and society.”   Despina Voulgaraki, Senior Director of Clinical Research and Medical Science for Western Europe Enterprise Accounts at Medtronic, said: “At Medtronic, we believe progress in clinical research demands bold collaboration across the entire healthcare ecosystem. By bringing together academic expertise, clinical insight, patient perspectives, and industry experience, Ireland can accelerate the generation of high-quality evidence and deliver meaningful innovation to patients who need it most.” Patient advocates played a key role at the conference, highlighting the importance of designing clinical trials that meet real-world needs.             Patient representative Siobhan Gaynor said:  “Patient involvement in research isn’t optional - it’s essential. If we want trials to deliver real-world impact, they must be shaped by the voices of those who live with illness every day. That’s why a group of Irish patients living with advanced cancer has come together to ensure our priorities - captured in the recent MBC Survey - are heard by researchers, clinicians, and policy-makers. We’re ready to work in partnership to drive the system transformation that patients across the island of Ireland urgently need.”             Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer for the HSE West and North West, said: “The work being carried out through clinical trials research is having a real and meaningful impact on the lives of our patients and has the potential to transform health outcomes right across the region. We look forward to continuing this collaboration with academic, healthcare and industry partners to ensure that our communities have access and opportunity to participate in future health breakthroughs.” Ends