A research collaboration is to deploy cutting-edge simulation technologies to redefine best practices training and innovation for vascular access – the process of inserting a small tube or catheter into a vein to administer medication, fluids or take blood.   The project involves CÚRAM - the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices at University of Galway - and B. Braun, a global leader in medical technology.  It leverages B. Braun’s expertise in medical device development and University of Galway’s leadership in clinical simulation research to deliver evidence-based advancements in vascular access training.  Known as the SIMETRIC project (Simulation and Imaging Methods for Eye Tracking and Recording Intravenous Catheter Insertion), it is harnessing cutting-edge simulation technologies to enhance clinical protocols, ensuring safer and more effective patient care.  The initiative integrates eye-tracking systems, high-resolution video, wearable devices and motion analysis tools to assess and refine clinician performance in real-time.   This level of precision training is expected to significantly enhance competency, safety, and patient care standards.  The study, led by Dr Peter Carr, CÚRAM Funded Investigator and Associate Professor at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, will evaluate how simulation-based training can enhance clinician performance in ultrasound-guided long peripheral catheters.  The project will assess clinicians using three types of ultrasound-guided long peripheral catheters, including an innovative device from B. Braun´s long peripheral catheter (Deep Access) range.  Dr Carr said: “Strong partnerships drive real change in healthcare. By combining clinical expertise, cutting-edge technology and industry collaboration, we are shaping the future of vascular access training and device innovation.”  The SIMETRIC project highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together nurses, vascular access specialists, biomedical engineers and researchers.   B. Braun said: “At B. Braun, we firmly believe that industry-academic-clinical collaboration is essential for advancing healthcare innovation and improving patient outcomes. By fostering strong partnerships between these sectors, we can leverage diverse expertise, drive groundbreaking research and develop cutting-edge medical solutions. Guided by our vision to protect and improve the health of people around the world, we are committed to collaborative efforts that enhance the quality of care and ensure a healthier future for all.”   This partnership aligns with B. Braun’s commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation, creating new opportunities to collaborate with frontline clinicians and academic experts to develop smarter training solutions and cutting-edge medical devices.  Dr Carr said: “This project will aim to ensure that the new device is underpinned by robust evidence before it can be adopted in a clinical setting. We also want to demonstrate how technology can be leveraged by clinical academics to provide training simulation that leads to improved clinical and patient care. Nurses and vascular access specialists play a pivotal role in this study and their clinical expertise is invaluable in the development and evaluation of new technologies.”  Vascular access is considered a routine yet high-risk procedure in healthcare. Problems can arise from improper catheter insertion and ensuring healthcare workers have the highest level of skill, precision, and real-time feedback is critical for improving patient outcomes.   In response to growing demand from clinical partners, University of Galway is launching three new micro-credential modules based on the project’s findings. These courses will focus on ultrasound-guided cannulation and advanced vascular access techniques, supporting the increasing adoption of ultrasound-guided long peripheral catheters across a wider range of patient groups.  The outcomes of SIMETRIC will contribute to academic training, real-world clinical applications, and the future of vascular access education. By investing in collaborative research and professional development, the University of Galway and B. Braun are setting new benchmarks for innovation in medical training and patient care.  Ends 

University of Galway is celebrating a milestone for its alumni with a special event to bring the Class of 1975 back to campus for a 50-Year Reunion on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.    The golden anniversary gathering is being held to offer graduates a unique opportunity to reconnect with classmates, reminisce about university days, and see how the campus has evolved over the past five decades.    The day’s festivities will include guided tours of the campus, a visit to the University Library’s Special Collections and Archives and opportunities to revisit favourite student haunts. The celebration will culminate in a gathering in the college bar for entertainment.    Catherine Conroy, Alumni Relations Manager at University of Galway, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the Class of 1975 back to campus for this golden anniversary. A 50-year reunion is a truly special occasion – a time to celebrate lifelong connections, renew old friendships, and relive the moments that made university life so memorable.”    For further information and to register, visit www.universityofgalway.ie/alumni/reunions, or contact the Alumni Office at 091 494310 or alumni@universityofgalway.ie.    Ends 

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless T.D. has turned the sod to mark the start of the construction of the new Library and Learning Commons at University of Galway. The new €80million building will be a new landmark for the city at the centre of the University campus and home for an exciting new, sustainable, modern, iconic library of the future.  The Library and Learning Commons will be a fully accessible high-tech space of learning and creativity with a focus on providing access to books, information and the latest learning technologies for student teaching and learning, for research and for staff. The ground floor will be open to the public. The project is being supported by Government through a €15 million capital grant through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science under the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund (HESIF). Planning permission was secured in summer 2023. It is expected to be completed in early 2027. Speaking at the sod turning, Minister James Lawless said: “Significant funding has been approved by my department for this exciting expansion which is a really important development for higher education in the Connaught region. The construction of this building will improve the educational experience for current and future generations of students.” Speaking at the event Interim President of University of Galway Professor Peter McHugh said: “The plan and the ambition we have for our state-of-the-art Library & Learning Commons is matched only by its setting in the heart of our unique city centre, riverside campus. The landmark development, supported by the HEA, brings to life our vision to maximise resources, technology, space and opportunities for our students, researchers and staff to learn, grow and collaborate in a building which is set to be a new focal point for University of Galway and our entire community.” University of Galway Librarian, Monica Crump, said: “The new University of Galway Library and Learning Commons will provide our students with an inspirational, welcoming, high-tech space of learning and creativity, designed to meet the needs of teaching and learning in the 21st Century.  It will be a space that brings diverse people and disciplines together, enabling interaction, discovery, innovation and new partnerships.  It will be a vibrant place of scholarship and learning and a flagship building for the University and the city.” Early philanthropic support for the Library and Learning Commons building project has been generously provided by a group of lead alumni and other individual donors, and by corporate supporters including CBE and Anthony Ryan Ltd. Among others to attend the sod turning were University of Galway Students’ Union President Faye Ní Dhomhnaill and former SU education officer Eibhlín Seoighthe; architect Niamh Burke, RKD; Ger Ronayne, chief executive of JJ Rhatigan, and Padraic Rhatigan, chair of JJ Rhatigan. The new building covers about approximately 10,000m2 and will range in height from 4-6 storeys, with 2,244 study spaces (an increase of up to 600 on the spaces currently on campus). It includes quiet, individual and collaborative study areas; spaces for exhibitions; digital creativity; Makerspace, digital scholarship centre; areas dedicated to research/postgraduate study, teaching and events, community engagement and welcome zone, helpdesk, collections, book processing; student wellbeing including sensory, relaxation and outdoor spaces, including a café and terrace. It will overlook the Corrib and be visible from the Newcastle Road area and the Quincentenary Bridge. University of Galway Library collections comprise 520,000 hardcopy books; 1.3 million e-books; and makes 236,000 journal titles available, of which only 570 are in print format. The vast majority of these collections will be in a high-density, automated storage and retrieval system – known (for now) as the Bookbot. When a user requests an item via the catalogue, the Bookbot retrieves the relevant crate from storage; brings it to a processing point; and staff select the specific item from the crate for the user. The system is highly efficient and maximises space for study. Ends