Wednesday, 25 July 2007

A School of Podiatry will be established for the first time at the National University of Ireland, Galway. The School will offer the first undergraduate podiatry programme available in the State and will lead to a BSc (Hons) in Podiatry. Students can apply for entry to the four year course from the academic year 2008-9 onwards and an annual intake of 25 students is planned. A Podiatry Clinic will be developed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) located in the Merlin Park campus of Galway Regional Hospitals but will primarily provide services to community based patients. The Clinic will work in partnership with the School to provide for the clinical education and training components of the programme. This bid was jointly prepared and presented by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences NUI Galway, Galway Primary Community and Continuing Care (PCCC) and Galway Regional Hospitals. Speaking following the announcement, Professor Jim Browne, Registrar and Deputy President, NUI Galway said: "NUI Galway is delighted to have been chosen as the location for the first School of Podiatry in the Republic of Ireland. This welcome development for the West of Ireland reflects well on the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the School of Therapies which already provide excellent accredited programmes in Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy. The University acknowledges the longstanding co-operation of HSE West and especially the active support of the professional podiatrists in Galway, without whom this would not have been possible." The announcement follows a competition organised by the Higher Education Authority in which six bids were received for the establishment of the School and an international panel recommended awarding the contract to NUI Galway. The FÁS Skills and Labour Market Research Unit Healthcare Skills Monitoring Report of August 2005 identified podiatry as an occupation with long-term supply shortfalls and recommended that a BSc in Podiatry be established. Ends

Tuesday, 24 July 2007

Pictured at the installation of NUI Galway's Automated External Defibrilator are from left: Alice Daly, NUI Galway Safety Officer; Billy Conroy, Civil Defence Instructor; Melissa O Hea and Anne Marie Flannery, Occupational First Aiders; and Mr Keith Warnock, Director of Safety & Vice President for Physical Resources, NUI Galway. NUI Galway's Student Health Unit, in conjunction with the University has recently installed an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on campus, to be deployed in the event of someone having a cardiac arrest. The purpose of the AED pilot project is to have a readily accessible defibrillator on campus to deliver an electric shock(s) to a casualty (where required) to help restore a normal heart rhythm. When someone receives prompt defibrillation in conjunction with proper Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) within minutes of a cardiac arrest, their chances of survival are greatly increased. AED's are designed specifically to meet the needs of non-medical rescuers and are simple to use and safe to operate. Studies have shown that in areas where defibrillators are accessible within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, survival rates increase to as much as 50%. Within the University currently six (6) staff at the Student Health Unit and ten (10) Occupational First Aiders are trained in the use of the AED, which is based in the student centre, Áras na Mac Léinn. NUI Galway Health and Safety Officer, Alice Daly explains the significance of having an AED on the campus. "NUI Galway in conjunction with the Student Health Unit (SHU) has acquired this defibrillator so that in the event of a critical cardiac condition occurring to staff, students, visitors or others we will have the ability to provide early defibrillation on campus while the emergency services are en-route," she said. "This is a very important first aid development, and relies on the co-operation of the trained staff and the awareness of all NUI Galway staff, students and others in being prepared to respond to any such potential first aid emergencies in their local areas." The provision of AEDs in Universities and Colleges is one of the immediate-medium term recommendations of the 2006 Report of the Task Force on Sudden Cardiac Death, and NUI Galway is the fourth Irish University to have an AED on site. The provision of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in workplaces is a recommended (but not yet required) critical first aid measure to increase the survival rates of people who have some form of critical coronary heart disease condition e.g. a cardiac arrest while at work. It is one of the four steps in the recommended chain of survival. The objective of this "chain" is to significantly increase people's chances of survival from such cardiac conditions, which remains the major cause of death in Ireland causing approximately 5,000 deaths annually. ENDS

Monday, 23 July 2007

From left Edel Ní Chureáin, Head of Radió na Gaeltachta; Daráine Ní Mhaoilchichíl and Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President, NUI Galway. Edel Ní Chuireáin, Head of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, will present the RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta Gold Medal at a ceremony in the President's Office in the National University of Ireland, Galway today (Monday, 12.30 pm). Daráine Ní Mhaoilmhichíl has won the Raidió na Gaeltachta Gold Medal for achieving the highest standard on the Ard-Dioplóma i gCumarsáid Fheidhmeach in the National University of Ireland, Galway in 2006. Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, NUI Galway President and Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge's Auditor said at the award "On behalf of the National University of Ireland, I would like to congratulate Daráine on receiving the RTÉ Raidió na Gealtachta Gold Medal for her academic achievements, her exceptional work, her diligence and merit as a student on the Ard-Dioplóma i gCumarsáid Fheidhmeach here in the National University of Ireland, Galway". Daráine is from Co. Meath. She graduated from Dublin City University in 2004 with a Degree in Communications. She spent periods of work experience with the television production company Telegael and with RTÉ. She is currently working as a researcher with RTÉ on The Summer Den. In 2002, she was awarded the ESB/Rehab Young Person of the Year Award and she is a member of the State Council, working in an advisory capacity to the President. "During the year, Daráine excelled on the Ard-Dioplóma i gCumarsáid Fheidhmeach and we were very impressed by her imagination, efforts and energy while she was on the course" said the Administrator of the Aonad Cumarsáide, Rónán Ó Dubhthaigh. The Gold Medal, sponsored by RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, is awarded every year to the person who most excels on the Ard-Dioplóma i gCumarsáid Fheidhmeach. This course provides students with practical experience in radio and television as well as training in the Irish language, Law and Computer Skills. The students' whole development throughout the course is taken into consideration as well as their academic achievements. The Ard-Dioplóma i gCumarsáid Fheidhmeach, being held by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, was established thirteen years ago and former winners of the Gold Medal are working with RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta as well as other organisations such as TG4, RTÉ (in radio and television), BBC Northern Ireland and Ros na Rún. Ends

Monday, 23 July 2007

Ó chlé Edel Ní Chureáin, Ceannaire, Radió na Gaeltachta; Daráine Ní Mhaoilchichíl agus Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, Uachtarán, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. Bronnfaidh Ceannaire RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, Edel Ní Chuireáin, Bonn Óir RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta ag ócáid in Oifig an Uachtaráin in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh inniu (Dé Luain, 12.30 san iarnóin). Tá Bonn Óir Raidió na Gaeltachta buaite ag Daráine Ní Mhaoilmhichíl, as an gcaighdeán is airde a bhaint amach ar an Ard-Dioplóma i gCumarsáid Fheidhmeach in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh sa bhliain 2006. "Ba mhaith liom thar ceann Ollscoil na hÉireann comhghairdeas ó chroí a dhéanamh le Daráine ar bronnadh Gradam Bonn Óir RTÉ Raidió na Gealtachta uirthi mar gheall ar a cuid éachtaí acadúla, an obair eisceachtúil, an díograis agus an diongbháilteacht a léirigh sí agus í mar mhac léinn ar an Ard-Dioplóma i gCumarsáid Fheidhmeach anseo in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh" a deir an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh & Reachtaire an Acadaimh ag an mbronnadh. Is as Baile Trasna, Cill Dhéalaí, Co. na Mí, Daráine. Bhain sí Céim amach sa Chumarsáid in 2004 in Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath. Chaith sí tréimhse ar thaithí oibre leis an gcomhlacht léiriúcháin teilifíse Telegael agus le RTÉ. Faoi láthair, tá sí fostaithe mar thaighdeoir le RTÉ ar an gclár The Summer Den. In 2002, bronnadh Gradam BSL/Rehab Ghaiscíoch Óg na Bliana uirthi agus tá sí mar bhall den Chomhairle Stáit a chuireann cúnamh agus comhairle ar fáil don Uachtarán. "D'éirigh thar barr le Daráine ar an Ard-Dioplóma i gCumarsáid Fheidhmeach i rith na bliana agus bhí muid thar a bheith tógtha leis an tsamhlaíocht, iarracht agus fuinneamh a léirigh sí i rith an bhliain a chaith sí linn" a dúirt Riarthóir na Cumarsáide, Rónán Ó Dubhthaigh. Bronntar an Bonn Óir, atá urraithe ag RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, go bliantúil ar an té is fearr a dhéanann dul chun cinn ar chúrsa an Ard-Dioplóma i gCumarsáid Fheidhmeach. Is cúrsa é seo a chuireann oiliúint phraiticiúil ar mhic léinn i gcúrsaí raidió agus teilifíse, i dteannta le hoiliúint i gcúrsaí Gaeilge, Dlí agus Scileanna Ríomhaireachta. Ní critéir acadúla amháin a chuirtear san áireamh i mbronnadh an Bhoinn Óir ach forbairt iomlán an mhic léinn le linn an chúrsa bliana seo. Tá an tArd-Dioplóma i gCumarsáid Fheidhmeach atá á reáchtáil ag Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge ar bun anois le trí bliana déag agus tá iarbhuaiteoirí ag obair le RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta chomh maith le heagraíochtaí ar nós TG4, RTÉ idir raidió agus teilifís, BBC Thuaisceart Éireann, agus Ros na Rún. Críoch

Monday, 16 July 2007

A major international research project into the possible causes of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is being led by NUI Galway lecturer Dr. Thomas Barry, at the Department of Microbiology. The joint molecular and clinical exploration of mycoplasmas and other bacteria that may play key roles in triggering MS is being funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society New York. Neurology Professor Edward Hogan of NUI Galway and the Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Augusta, Georgia, USA will also be involved in the research which will involve the application of molecular probes to detect traces of mycoplasma DNA in human MS tissue samples. Initial studies of such DNA in the brain, cerebrospinal fluid and blood of MS patients are now being followed by investigating the possibility that mycoplasma infection in humans causes an auto-immune or allergic reaction producing MS inflammatory lesions in brain and spinal cord. Mycoplasmas may incite reactions causing damage to the myelin that is the insulating sheath of nerve fibers in the nervous system. The work aims to clarify the role of infection in the occurrence of MS that is a serious and costly disease, affecting the emotional, social and financial needs of many Irish families. The research holds the potential to discover the causes of MS, thereby enabling a more specific and effective treatment to be developed than those currently in use. ENDS

Monday, 9 July 2007

Acadamh na hOllscolaíocha Gaeilge, NUI Galway's national Irish language pioneering institute, is pleased to announce the appointment of Marianne Ní Chinnéide as Administrator of Visual Arts (Riarthóir na dTaibh-Ealaíon). Ms Ní Chinnéide brings over 10 years of education and experience in arts and media to her new role in An tAcadamh and she looks forward to developing An tAcadamh's current courses in the field of drama and acting and to developing an exciting range of innovative music, drama and dance courses over the coming years. Speaking of her new position, Ms Ní Chinnéide said: "I am delighted to be involved with Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge here at NUI Galway which is going through such an inspiring phase of growth, development and innovation. I also look forward to this exciting challenge of developing and providing first rate courses in the area of visual arts." The two courses currently being offered by An tAcadamh under the management of Ms Ní Chinnéide are the 'Dioplóma san Aisteoireacht (2007/08) and the 'Ard Dioplóma sa Drámaíocht (2007-09). Both courses are very practical and offer the student high quality training from professionals already working in the respective fields. The courses are suitable for all those interested in visual arts as well as European theatre. Marianne Ní Chinnéide herself graduated from University College Dublin with an honours Degree in German and Irish and then completed the 'Ard Dioplóma i gCumarsáid Fheidhmeach' as well as a 'Masters in Drama and Theatre Studies' at NUI Galway. Before joining the staff of An tAcadamh, Marianne worked extensively in the arts and media field with An Taibhdhearc, Macalla Teo., TG4 and Gael Linn. For the past five years Marianne has held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Siamsa Tíre, The National Folk Theatre and Arts Centre in Tralee, Co. Kerry. She is also a board member of Samhlaíocht Chiarraí, who organise both the Samhlaíocht Easter Arts Festival and the Kerry Film Festival. Applications for courses mentioned above are being accepted at present. For more information contact Marianne Ní Chinnéide, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway. Tel: 091-869103 Email: marianne.nichinneide@oegaillimh.ie Ends

Monday, 9 July 2007

Cúis áthais d'Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, institiúid náisiúnta cheannródaíoch na hOllscolaíochta trí Ghaeilge in OÉ Gaillimh, a fhógairt go bhfuil Marianne Ní Chinnéide ceaptha mar Riarthóir na dTaibh-Ealaíon. Tá breis agus 10 mbliana caite ag Marianne Ní Chinnéide ag plé leis na healaíona agus na meáin agus tá sí ag súil le líon na gcúrsaí atá á reáchtáil ag Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge i réimse na drámaíochta agus na haisteoireachta a fhorbairt amach anseo. Chomh maith leis sin, tá sé ar intinn aici raon cúrsaí nuálacha ceoil, drámaíochta agus damhsa a fhorbairt sna blianta amach romhainn. Seo a leanas a bhí le rá ag Marianne Ní Chinnéide agus í ag labhairt faoina ceapachán nua: "Tá ríméad orm a bheith ag obair le hAcadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge anseo in OÉ Gaillimh; Acadamh atá anois ag fás, ag forbairt agus ag dul ó neart go neart. Ina theannta sin, táim ag tnúth leis an dúshlán a bhaineann le cúrsaí den chéad scoth a sholáthar i réimse na dtaibh-ealaíon." Is iad an dá chúrsa atá á riaradh ag Marianne Ní Chinnéide thar ceann an Acadaimh an Dioplóma san Aisteoireacht (2007/08) agus an tArd-Dioplóma sa Drámaíocht (2007/09). Is cúrsaí praiticiúla iad seo ina gcinntítear go bhfaigheann gach mac léinn oiliúint ar ardchaighdeán ó ghairmithe atá ag obair sna réimsí éagsúla seo cheana féin. Tá na cúrsaí seo feiliúnach do dhaoine ar spéis leo na taibh-ealaíona mar aon le cúrsaí amharclainne na hEorpa. Bronnadh céim onóracha sa Ghearmáinis agus sa Ghaeilge ar Marianne Ní Chinnéide ón gColáiste Ollscoile, Baile Átha Cliath. Ina dhiaidh sin, chuaigh sí i mbun staidéir in OÉ Gaillimh, áit ar bronnadh Ard-Dioplóma i gCumarsáid Fheidhmeach agus Masters in Drama and Theatre Studies uirthi. Tá seantaithí ag Marianne ar a bheith ag obair i réimse na n-ealaíon agus na meán. Chaith sí seal ag obair leis an Taibhdhearc, Macalla Teo., TG4 agus Gael Linn. Le cúig bliana anuas tá Marianne ag obair mar Phríomhoifigeach Feidhmiúcháin le Siamsa Tíre, An Daonamharclann Náisiúnta agus Ionad Ealaíon i dTrá Lí, Co. Chiarraí. Chomh maith leis sin, is ball de bhord Shamhlaíocht Chiarraí í Marianne. I measc na n-imeachtaí a eagraíonn Samhlaíocht Chiarraí tá Féile Ealaíon na Cásca agus Féile Scannán Chiarraí. Táthar ag glacadh le hiarratais le haghaidh na gcúrsaí thuasluaite faoi láthair. Is féidir tuilleadh eolais a fháil ó Marianne Ní Chinnéide, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh. Guthán: 091 - 869103 Ríomhphost: marianne.nichinneide@oegaillimh.ie CRÍOCH

Friday, 6 July 2007

The Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences (EOS) at NUI Galway received a huge boost yesterday when it was awarded more than €3 million to expand its research capability into coastal and marine environment science by Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources of Ireland, Mr Eamon Ryan T.D. The Griffith Geoscience Research Awards aim to develop Irish research capacity to support energy, environment, marine and infrastructural aspects of the Government's National Development Plan (NDP). The largest of the 8 awards was given to a mixture of teaching and research staff in the newly-formed Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences and the Environmental Change Institute in NUI Galway. Dr. Colin Brown, Project Manager, commented that: "The Griffith Award will provide us with 3 additional research staff, 6 post-graduate students and funding for 16 undergraduate projects that we need so we can get to grips with the NDP priorities which affect us on the west coast of Ireland. We're delighted because the award will strengthen our links with the Geological Survey of Ireland who are managing the Griffith scheme and because it's a vote of confidence in the way our research and under-graduate teaching has been re-aligned to 21st century national priorities". Dr Brown explained: "4 or 5 years ago we recruited staff whose expertise is in the science of marine and terrestrial environments, necessary to understand, for example, how to protect surface and ground-water quality, develop strategies to cope with climate-driven sea-level rise, secure indigenous sources of energy and manage offshore seabed mineral and biological resources". He added, 'One project in the research programme will establish the chemistry and pathways connecting water flows, particularly those underground, between limestone areas in Galway and Clare with coastal waters. The outcome will help to understand the effects on sensitive coastal ecosystems and provide the basis for sustainable management of the coastal zone. "Another project will use data collected by the Geological Survey of Ireland and others to understand the composition and transport of seabed sediments. This is important for offshore engineering, dredging, locating routes for telecom cables or oil and gas pipelines and construction of wind farms. Surprisingly, it's even important for estimating marine biodiversity and establishing protected areas for fisheries management". Professor S. Gerard Jennings, Director of the Environmental Change Institute, NUI Galway, which is managing the research programme said, "This is exactly the type of investment we need to enhance facilities and infrastructure in environmental science in the West of Ireland. It should be a significant impetus in attracting students and researchers to the field of Geoscience in the region". ENDS

Friday, 6 July 2007

Pictured at the Ballymun Civic Center Dublin on 6th July 2007 was the presentation of Certificates of Attendance to a group of Ballymun based Students who participated in an NUI Galway Law Course through an interactive video link. The presentations were made by Mr. Pat Carey T.D. Minister for State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht. Pictured left to right were Veronica McDonald, student, Mr. Pat Carey T.D. Minister for State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht, Dr. Padraic Kenna Faculty of Law NUI Galway and Karen Shannon student Mr Pat Carey T.D, Minister for State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs will present a group of Ballymun-based students, who participated in an NUI Galway law course through an interactive video link, with Certificates of Attendance on Friday, 9 July 2007, at the Ballymun Civic Centre, Dublin. The Housing Law & Policy course – the first of its kind in Ireland, was developed and presented by Dr. Padraic Kenna of the Faculty of Law, NUI Galway in conjunction with the Ballymun Community Law Centre. The lectures were videolinked in real time to community volunteers, welfare staff, local authority tenants and their representatives, and other interested parties living in Ballymun. Over 12 weeks, the Ballymun group gathered in the Council Chamber Civic Offices to link via video with some 60 Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Civil Law students at NUI Galway for the interactive weekly classes. Dr Padraic Kenna, law lecturer at NUI Galway is the author of the definitive work Housing Law and Policy in Ireland. According to Dr Kenna; "An innovative use of the latest technology has allowed NUI Galway to reach out into the heart of a Dublin community where housing law and policies have had such an impact". The course covered the traditional housing and property law areas, such as mortgages and conveyancing, as well as social housing and modern approaches to social inclusion in housing. There was also a focus on preparing participants for active input into the forthcoming Housing Bill. This innovative link-up was facilitated by NUI Galway's Community Knowledge Initiative, which promotes civic engagement among academics, students and the wider community. Since its inception, the Ballymun Community Law Centre has consistently sought to empower the residents and community workers of Ballymun. BCLC Solicitor Frank Murphy, a law graduate of NUI, Galway, described the opportunity to tap into NUI Galway's expertise in the area of housing law as "a unique opportunity". "Participants came from throughout the Ballymun area and the interchange between the students, tenants and Dr Kenna was truly enlightening. On the last night all the students and tenants presented their own papers over the video link and this proved a wonderful culmination of the excellent course," he said. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Kenna for his pioneering work in video-linking his course to us here in Ballymun. The law can only be considered our law if the people are actively involved in it and Dr Kenna is leading the way in making it our law by providing such magnificent access to legal education." Plans are under way to continue the collaboration between NUI Galway and the Ballymun Community Law Centre to offer the interactive course next year. ENDS

Wednesday, 4 July 2007

Leitrim County Council and National University of Ireland, Galway have announced final arrangements for the forthcoming John McGahern International Seminar which takes place in Co. Leitrim on July 26, 27 and 28, 2007 The opening address, John McGahern: The Novel and the Story, will be given by Professor Declan Kiberd, University College Dublin at the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, on 26 July. Other speakers will include Prof. Sylvie Mikowski, University of Reims, France; Dr. James Whyte, NUI Galway; Dr. Eamon Maher, I.T. Tallaght; and Fr. Liam Kelly, Cavan. There will also be a panel discussion including journalists Susan McKay and Belinda McKeon. Seminar sessions will be held in Carrick-on-Shannon, Aughawillan, Ballinamore and Mohill. The Seminar will also include a boat trip on the Shannon and Boyle rivers and a bus tour of the Aughawillan/Ballinamore area. Speaking at the announcement, seminar coordinator, Dr. John Kenny, Department of English, NUI Galway, said "John McGahern was an extraordinary writer in that he was widely admired by other novelists and short story writers across the world for his sheer patient dedication to the craft of fiction, but was also held in great affection by the Irish readers whose country and localities he so keenly examined in his work. He was one of the major Irish artists of the word alongside Joyce and Beckett, and the seminar will be a fitting testament to his legacy". Further lecture topics at the Seminar include: Amongst McGahern's Women; John McGahern: The Local and the Ordinary and John McGahern and Religion. A series of excerpt readings by actress Ms Marie Mullen will also feature throughout the seminar as well as a viewing of the documentary film John McGahern: A Private World. A detailed schedule for the Seminar can be downloaded from www.nuigalway.ie/iss/John_McGahern.html ENDS

Tuesday, 3 July 2007

Pictured at their recent conferring ceremony are graduates of NUI Galway's first Clinical Psychology Doctoral degree programme. Back row left to right: Judith McBrinn, Blackrock, Dublin; Samira Hayes, Killarney; Eoin Ryan, Newcastle Galway; Marie Claire Lagendijk, Roscam, Galway. Front Row l-r: Hazel Moore, Kingston, Galway; Elaine Curran, University Road, Galway; Treasa Ní Uiginn, Castleknock, Dublin; Claire Hogan, Blackrock, Dublin; Clare Thynne, Cappagh Road, Galway and Joanne Byrne, Culmore Rd, Derry. NUI Galway has conferred 10 graduates with the Doctor of Psychological Science in Clinical Psychology, the first course of its kind at the University, which is addressing the current shortage of clinical psychologists in the Irish healthcare system. Accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland, the three-year, full-time professional training programme enables graduates to work as clinical psychologists in the health service, and is one of four programmes nationally. Course Director, Dr Brian McGuire said: "The course at NUI Galway is making an important contribution to health care in Ireland by training high quality clinical psychologists to provide much-needed services in hospitals and the community. This is a proud moment for the trainees, the course team and our partners in the health service". All trainees are sponsored by the health service and related health agencies for the duration of their training. The programme involves coursework, clinical placements and a research thesis and following completion, graduates work in a range of settings such as adult and child mental health services, community care, intellectual disability services and other specialized services. The partnership approach to the training course will be confirmed later this year with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between NUI Galway and the HSE. Mr Pat Brosnan, Health Services Executive, said clinical psychologists are required to provide therapeutic interventions across all aspects of the health sector, including community and acute hospital settings. "In recent years, the HSE, recognising the need for greater capacity in relation to the provision of psychological interventions, has initiated a more systematic and coordinated approach to post graduate training in clinical psychology. Currently, this approach is being further consolidated and expanded in partnership with four national universities; NUI Galway, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the University of Limerick. "It is anticipated that this partnership initiative will facilitate an annual output of clinical psychologists to meet current and future demands within the health sector." ENDS

Monday, 2 July 2007

The promotion and maintenance of population health is the focus of the 11th annual Health Promotion Conference, organised by the Health Promotion Research Centre, NUI Galway in collaboration with the HSE Population Health and the Health Promotion Policy Unit, and the Department of Health and Children, at NUI Galway from 5 - 6 July, 2007. The Building Capacity for Evidence-based Health Promotion conference will address the evidence of Health Promotion effectiveness and its translation into policy and practice. The promotion and maintenance of population health is now regarded as being central to social and economic development in most developed countries. Despite the existence of a substantial body of knowledge of effective health promotion interventions that meets internally recognised standards, it is not routinely used to inform health policy. Keynote presentations from international and national speakers, together with workshops and symposia, will be held over the two day event. "The challenge of ensuring that our health promotion policy and practice is based on best available evidence is critical in realising the government's health improvement goals in Ireland" says Margaret Barry, Professor of Health Promotion and Public Health at NUI Galway. The conference will consider capacity building in relation to health promotion evaluation, including demonstrating value for money, and how the health promotion evidence base can be applied in practice. Among the key speakers at the conference include; Dr Viv Speller, Health Development Consultant, UK; Dr Stephan Van Den Broucke, Public Health Executive Agency, European Commission; and Professor Jane Springett, Director of the Institute for Health, John Moores University. "Evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of health promotion actions must be translated into guidance for policy and practice, clearly communicated and applied," says UK consultant Dr Viv Speller. The conference includes a symposium on Making the Economic Case for Promoting Health, which will be chaired by Mr. Michael Scanlan, Secretary General of the Department of Health and Children. Among those on the panel include; Professor Martin Knapp, London School of Economics and Professor of Health Economics at the Institute of Psychiatry, King s College London; Ms. Janine Hale, Principal Research Officer (Health Economics), Public Health & Health Professions Department, Welsh Assembly and Professor Eamon O'Shea, Department of Economics, NUI, Galway. ENDS

Monday, 27 August 2007

The Paddy Ryan Memorial Lecture, a joint initiative announced recently by Galway Chamber, NUI Galway and GMIT to honour the memory of the late Paddy Ryan will take place on Wednesday, 5 September, 2007 in Áras Moyola, NUI Galway at 8p.m. Declan Kelly, International businessman and President and CEO of Financial Dynamics in the United States, has been named as the guest speaker and will deliver a lecture entitled, Business 2007 - How the lessons of the past will shape the realities of the future. Following the lecture, Mr. Kelly will be presented with a specially commissioned medal designed by the artist and sculptor, Padraic Reaney. The event is sponsored by APC.

Monday, 27 August 2007

Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, National University of Ireland, Galway is offering a part-time diploma in translation studies this forthcoming academic year. The course will be held from mid September in the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht, An Daingean, Co. Kerry. This is a two-year, part-time course and will take place one night a week. The course is suited to those with fluent Irish and English, both written and spoken, and is aimed at people who wish to pursue a career in the field of translation or who wish to perfect their accuracy in written Irish. Participants will also get an insight into the translation business, as well as the software and electronic tools available to the Irish language translator. The course is designed to give practical experience of translating the types of texts most commonly translated into Irish. Eoin Ó Droighneáin, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta, said: "Due to the recent expansion of translation in Ireland as a field of education, business and employment, there is an onus on professional translators to ensure their work reaches a very high standard. Achieving a recognised qualification and acquiring sound translation skills is now, therefore, more important than ever". Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway is also offering a postgraduate course – Dioplóma Iarchéime / M.A. i Léann an Aistriúcháin (Postgraduate Diploma / M.A. in Translation Studies). This is a fulltime course held over one year for the postgraduate diploma, and two years for the M.A. Applications are now being accepted for both courses. ENDS

Monday, 27 August 2007

Tom McEnaney, Business Editor with the Irish Independent, is to address the new NUI Galway Skillnets Network at their launch event on Tuesday, 11 September, 2007. This new network for 'innovative technology and export orientated companies' aims to satisfy the training and networking needs of its' member companies. The event will take place from 9.30am – 3pm in Cromleach Lodge, near Boyle, Co. Roscommon. The Skillnets Network is an outcome of the various initiatives run by the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) at NUI Galway, whose high performance team guides breakthrough research to business reality, such as: promoting entrepreneurship and new business growth, providing support services for new knowledge intensive companies; and linking researchers to industry. According to Ms. Niamh Corcoran, TTO, National University of Ireland, Galway: "This is a key event for emerging start up companies. We look forward to the network members benefiting from accessing Mr. McEnaney's perspective and learning from his experience. We envisage that members will use the network to share, learn and grow. It is an exciting time for the Technology Transfer Office to be forming a key link for entrepreneurs across the region." As a member of the network, companies will benefit from training which will be designed to help them grow competitive advantage, grow capacity and which can expand the team's skill set. The training output will seek to positively impact the company's business strategy, vision and goals. In addition, it will facilitate a formal networking environment where peer and professional contact sharing can result in efficiencies of knowledge and resources. The Technology Transfer Office is seeking to grow the membership base of the network and invites innovative, technology driven, export orientated companies to register for the event. The network currently boasts 20 members across three different sectors in the five regional hubs of Galway, Castlebar, Sligo, Donegal and the Athlone area. In May 2007, the network successfully secured development funding from Skillnets, which is an enterprise-led support body whose mission is to enhance the skills of people in employment in Irish industry to support competitiveness and employability. Skillnets is funded by the National Training Fund. ENDS

Monday, 27 August 2007

Tá sé fógartha ag Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh go bhfuil cúrsa Dioplóma i Scileanna Aistriúcháin le tosnú i gCorca Dhuibhne an mhí seo chugainn. Cúrsa páirtaimseartha thar dhá bhliain atá i gceist agus cuirfear tús leis i lár mí Mheán Fómhair 2007 sa Daingean, Co. Chiarraí. Is é an aidhm atá leis an gcúrsa eolas tosaigh a thabhairt do mhic léinn ar na scileanna is tábhachtaí is gá a bheith ag duine a bhíonn ag aistriú idir an Béarla agus an Ghaeilge agus oiliúint bhunúsach a thabhairt dóibh sna scileanna sin. Is é seo an dara huair an cúrsa seo á reáchtáil i gCorca Dhuibhne; chríochnaigh aon duine dhéag an chéad bhabhta den chúrsa san earrach seo caite. Seo an méid a bhí le rá ag Eoin Ó Droighneáin, Riarthóir an Aonad Aistriúcháin agus Pleanála Corpais, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge: "Mar is eol do chách anois, tá an-éileamh go deo ar aistritheoirí a bhfuil an Ghaeilge mar sprioctheanga acu, agus cabhróidh an cháilíocht a bheidh mar thoradh ar an gcúrsa seo le daoine teacht i dtír ar na deiseanna fostaíochta agus eile atá ann". Tá an cúrsa oiriúnach do dhaoine a bhfuil caighdeán maith Gaeilge agus Béarla acu agus ar mhaith leo díriú ar an aistriúchán mar shlí bheatha nó scileanna áirithe aistriúcháin a úsáid ina saol oibre. Glacfar le hiarratais don chúrsa go dtí Dé hAoine, 31 Lúnasa 2007. CRÍOCH

Monday, 27 August 2007

A reunion to celebrate 40 years of choral singing at NUI Galway will be held in the University from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th September 2007. Cór an Choláiste will host a weekend of meetings and rehearsals which will culminate in a choral performance on the evening of Saturday 29th. In addition to the current conductor, Thomas Cryan, former University choir conductors, Peter Mannion (BSc 2006), Dr Brendan O'Connor (BSc 1982, PhD 1985) and John Murphy (BA 1970), will return to conduct graduate groups in this performance. The concert will also include a guest performance by Cois Cladaigh and traditional music performances from society members from the relevant years. This performance will be free and open to the public. Tickets to participate in the Choral Alumni Reunion Weekend are €20.00 per person. If you have any queries or require information, please contact Sheila Gorham in the Alumni Office at: 091 493750 or email alumni@nuigalway.ie or contact Dr Brendan O'Connor at: 091 756812 or email boc@aquafact.ie Hundreds of UCG/NUI Galway graduates were members of, or associated with, the various University choirs over the years. Unfortunately many of their names do not appear on our mailing list. To ensure that everyone interested is given an opportunity to participate, we ask that you contact the NUI Galway Alumni Office with contact information of choir members. ENDS

Thursday, 23 August 2007

Minister for Health Promotion and Food Safety at the Department of Health and Children, Pat the Cope Gallagher T.D., yesterday (22 August 2007) launched the Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Study, conducted in 2006 by Principal Investigator Dr Saoirse Nic Gabhainn, and colleagues Dr Colette Kelly and Dr Michal Molcho of the Health Promotion Research Centre, NUI Galway. The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (HBSC) is the Irish part of a cross-national study of children's health behaviours, attitudes, perceptions and the contexts of children's health - family life, school, relationships with peers and the local community. Dr Nic Gabhainn has been Principal Investigator for HBSC Ireland since 1994, and this is the third and largest survey of Irish children s health. Previous HBSC surveys were conducted in the Health Promotion Research Centre, NUI Galway in 1998 and 2002. Findings have been widely used to inform both policy and practice developments in relation to child and adolescent health, nationally, regionally and internationally. Dr Saoirse Nic Gabhainn said: "we in the Health Promotion Research Centre at NUI Galway are delighted by the launch of our third report by Minister Gallagher. This new Irish data show where we have made progress in relation to child and adolescent health, for example in food behaviour, smoking and seat-belt use, but also warns us not to be complacent, there remain worrying levels of alcohol consumption, bullying, injuries and hunger". More than 13,000 children from 3rd class in primary school to 5th year (pre-leaving cert) in post primary schools participated in HBSC Ireland 2006, making it the largest and most robust survey of Irish children. This first report from the 2006 survey includes data on general health and social well-being, tobacco use, alcohol, drug use, food and dietary behaviour, exercise and physical activity, injuries, self- care and bullying. All findings are presented separately for girls and boys, by age groups and by parental social class. The key findings of the study include increases in: seatbelt use (79%), meeting physical activity guidelines (55%), fruit (19%) and vegetable (18%) consumption. Decreases in ever (36%) and current smoking (15%), 12 month cannabis rates for older boys (24%), sweet (39%) and soft drink (26%) consumption. There are also small increases in health (87%) and happiness (91%), with a consistent gender gap in favour of boys. There are few changes in bullying (34%) or reported injuries (43%) which are higher in boys, nor in dieting (12%) or not eating breakfast (14%), which are higher in girls. Consistent social class differences remain, particularly for eating and dieting behaviour. HBSC Ireland has been supported by the Department of Health and Children and is funded by research grant from the Health Promotion Policy Unit and the Office of the Minister for Children. ENDS

Thursday, 23 August 2007

Tá roinnt áiteanna fós á dtairiscint ar an gcúrsa Dioplóma sna Dána atá á reáchtáil ag Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Áras Mháirtín Uí Chadhain, An Cheathrú Rua, Co. na Gaillimhe. Reáchtálfar sraith agallamh ar an 31 Lúnasa dóibh siúd ar spéis leo áit a fháil ar an gcúrsa seo a thosóidh an 7 Meán Fómhair. Tá an cúrsa seo feiliúnach d'iriseoirí, do chraoltóirí agus do dhaoine eile atá ag obair le stáisiún raidió faoi láthair nó a bhfuil baint acu le craoltóireacht trí Ghaeilge nó, go deimhin, daoine atá ag iarraidh a gcuid scileanna trí Ghaeilge a fheabhsú. Tá an cúrsa lánaimseartha bliana seo, An Dioplóma i Scileanna Raidió, ar siúl le ceithre bliana anuas agus áirítear na hábhair seo a leanas i measc ábhair an chúrsa: scileanna iriseoireachta agus craoltóireachta; léiriú agus iarléiriú fuaime agus raidió; eitic agus dlí; agus scileanna cumarsáide pearsanta. Is iad príomhtheagascóirí an chúrsa seo na hiriseoirí Norita Ní Chartúir agus Uinsionn Mac Dubhghaill. Tá taithí na mblianta ag Norita Ní Chartúir mar chraoltóir le RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta agus tá taithí ag Uinsionn Mac Dubhghaill mar eagarthóir Gaeilge an Irish Times agus mar iriseoir le TG4. Le linn an chúrsa, leagtar an-bhéim ar scileanna praiticiúla, chun na mic léinn a ullmhú i gcomhair fostaíochta in earnáil an raidió, os comhair an mhaidhc mar láithreoirí nó taobh thiar den deasc mar theicneoirí nó léiritheoirí. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Norita Ní Chartúir, comhordaitheoir an chúrsa: "Is iontach go deo an fhorbairt atá tagtha ar dheiseanna fostaíochta san earnáil cumarsáide Gaeilge le blianta beaga anuas. Tá an-éileamh ag eagraíochtaí ar nós RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, TG4, Telegael, Abú Media agus go leor cuideachtaí léiriúcháin agus stáisiúin raidió eile ar dhaoine a bhfuil na scileanna cuí craoltóireachta agus fuaime acu, chomh maith le scileanna teicniúla. Tá thart ar 40 stáisiún raidió ag craoladh in Éirinn, rud a chiallaíonn go bhfuil deiseanna éagsúla oibre ann do dhaoine a dhéanann an cúrsa seo". I measc na ndaoine a rinne an cúrsa seo tá Gemma Ní Chionnaith ó Anocht FM ar RTÉ RnaG agus beidh Gemma le feiceáil ar chlár teilifíse tallainne nua ar TG4 "Glas Vegas" sna míonna amach romhainn. Chríochnaigh Nóra Ní Ghríofa arbh as Gaillimh ó dhúchas di, an cúrsa anuraidh agus thosaigh sí ag obair sa seomra nuachta in RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta le déanaí. I measc na ndaoine eile a rinne an cúrsa tá Gearóid Breathnach agus Máirín Uí Chnáimhsí, atá anois ag obair mar theicneoirí craolacháin in RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta. Tá Ciara Dolphin ag obair go páirtaimseartha mar oifigeach caidrimh phoiblí RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta agus tá Mairéad Uí Dhomhnaill ag obair mar shaoririseoir do RTÉ i mBaile Átha Cliath. Tá Údarás na Gaeltachta ag soláthar tacaíochta don chúrsa seo, dá bhrí sin, ní ghearrtar aon táille ar na mic léinn a dhéanann an cúrsa agus íocann an tÚdarás liúntas seachtainiúil leo chomh maith. Is é Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge Ionad Foghlama agus Buanaithe na Gaeilge agus is cuid d'Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh é. CRÍOCH

Thursday, 23 August 2007

Some places are still being offered on the Diploma in Arts course being run by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Áras Mháirtín Uí Chadhain, An Cheathrú Rua, Co.Galway. A series of interviews will take place on the 31st of August, for those applying for the course, which is due to start on the 7th of September. The course is suitable for journalists, broadcasters and others who are working with a radio station at present or are dealing with broadcasting through Irish or wish to improve their skills through Irish. This is the fourth year the Dioplóma i Scileanna Raidió (Diploma in Radio Skills) is being offered, a one-year, full-time course which covers a wide range of subjects including: journalism and broadcasting skills; sound and radio production and postproduction; ethics and law; and personal communication skills. The main tutors of the course are journalists Norita Ní Chartúir and Uinsionn Mac Dubhghaill, Norita Ní Chartúir has many years of experience as a broadcaster with RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and Uinsionn Mac Dubhghaill has experience as Irish Language Editor of The Irish Times and as a journalist with TG4. During the course, great emphasis is placed on practical skills, with the aim of preparing the students for employment in the radio sector, be it in front of the microphone as presenters or behind the desk as technicians or producers. Nora Ní Chartúir, course co-ordinator siad: "The employment opportunities in the Irish language communications sector have undergone great development in recent years. There is a great demand for people who have the appropriate skills in broadcasting and sound, as well as technical skills, from organisations like RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, TG4, Telegael, Abú Media and many other radio stations and production companies. In total, there are about 40 radio stations broadcasting in Ireland and, accordingly, those who do the course have various types of work opportunities". Graduates of the course include Gemma Ní Chionnaith, of RTÉ RnaG's Anocht FM fame who will be visible on our screens as a presenter on a TG4 talent show "Glas Vegas" in the coming months and Nóra Ní Ghríofa, a native from Galway and a graduate from last year's diploma course has recently commenced worked in the newsrooms in RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta. Other graduates include Gearóid Breathnach and Máirín Uí Chnáimhsí, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta's most recent recruits as the station's broadcast technicians. Other former graduates include Ciara Dolphin, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta's part-time public relations officer and Máiréad Uí Dhomhnaill who is working as a freelance journalist for RTÉ in Dublin. Due to the support of Údarás na Gaeltachta, there is no fee for the course and a weekly allowance is paid to the course participants. Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge is the Centre for the Learning and Perpetuation of the Irish language, and it is part of the National University of Ireland, Galway. ENDS

Tuesday, 21 August 2007

The NUI Galway Alumni Association is hosting its eighth annual series of information evenings for parents and students commencing their third level education in September 2007 at NUI Galway. An information evening or 'Student Send-off', as this event is called, will take place on: Monday, 27th August in the Pier 1, Donegal Town from 7.00 –9.00p.m. Tuesday, 28th August in the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway from 7.00 – 9.00p.m. Wednesday, 29th August in the Prince of Wales, Athlone from 7.00 – 9.00p.m. Thursday, 30th August in the Model Arts & Niland Gallery, The Mall, Sligo from 7.00 – 9.00p.m. Monday, 3rd September in Lough Lannagh, Westport Road, Castlebar, Co Mayo from 7.00 – 9.00p.m. Tuesday, 4th September in the Old Ground Hotel, O'Connell Street, Ennis, Co Clare from 7.00 – 9.00p.m. NUI Galway Alumni Association Board Members and Students' Union representatives will advise students on what to expect when arriving at NUI Galway and will answer any questions relating to university life. The topics covered will include Accommodation, Finance and the Students' Assistance Fund, Safety, Careers, Counselling, Clubs & Societies and the Students' Union. "This is an ideal opportunity for both parents and students to get first-hand advice on finding one's way around campus during those first days of term; find out about the University's student support services; and the benefits of becoming involved in the University's many Clubs and Societies," says JB Terrins, Director of Alumni Relations. Admission is free to the information session and refreshments will be served. Ends

Monday, 20 August 2007

NUI Galway's Digital Enterprise Research Institute, DERI, has developed a Semantically Interlinked Online Communities (SIOC) specification for connecting online communities, which it has recently submitted to the World Wide Web Consortium, the Web standards organisation. The SIOC specification enables the exploitation of knowledge created by communities on the Web in applications such as blogging, message boards and media sharing. It has been initiated at DERI and co-developed with a wide range of companies, research organisations, and volunteers around the world. "DERI Galway is playing a leading role in creating cutting edge Web technology and standard proposals. SIOC is just another example of how technology developed in Ireland is changing the world and the Web for the better, enabling new opportunities for Irish and European industry. The investment Ireland has made is starting to pay off" says Professor Stefan Decker, Director of DERI. SIOC is already widely deployed on the Web, with extensions for popular systems such as /WordPress, a widespread blogging application; Drupal, a popular content management system; and phpBB, an open source forum software. Several Web 2.0 companies are using SIOC for the exchange and aggregation of community information, enabling them to deliver better services. Dr John Breslin, a researcher based at DERI and co-founder of boards.ie, Ireland s largest online discussion community, and his fellow DERI researcher Uldis Bojars are leading the SIOC effort at the Institute and are coordinating a world-wide team. "SIOC is crucial for the development of a next generation World Wide Web, it brings the world together," says Dr Breslin. DERI is currently the largest applied research organisation in the world developing the next generation of Internet technology - the Semantic Web. "Founded in 2003 with CSET (Centre for Science and Engineering Technology) funding from Science Foundation Ireland with Hewlett Packard Galway as its main industrial partner, it has since grown to over 100 people and has acquired significant additional research funding from sources such as the European Union Framework Programmes, Enterprise Ireland, and industrial partnerships. Dr Stephen Flinter of SFI states: "Science Foundation Ireland s investment in DERI represents one of its largest investments in the software area, signalling the importance of the Semantic Web. SFI is greatly encouraged by the world class results such as this being produced by the DERI researchers." ENDS

Friday, 17 August 2007

NUI Galway President, Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh has led tributes to the veteran US broadcaster Merv Griffin who died this week at the age of 82. Mr Griffin, who was awarded an Honorary Degree by the University in 2005, was one of America's most popular television entertainers and an astute media entrepreneur, with a global network of companies and interests. He was a key supporter of the Huston School of Film and Digital Media at NUI Galway and was a true friend of the University. Dr Ó Muircheartaigh, who will attend the invitation-only funeral in Beverly Hills on Friday 17th August, was invited by Mr Griffin's son, Tony to participate in the funeral service and to say a prayer in Irish and English. Among the other participants in this service will be Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger. The NUI Galway President said: "Over a number of years, Merv developed a warm and close relationship with NUI Galway. He was interested in and supportive of developments here, especially of the Huston School which he visited in June 2005. He was a warm, funny, larger than life individual who retained a deep interest in the West of Ireland. On a personal level and on behalf of NUI Galway I extend my sympathy to his son Tony, his extended family and to his many dear friends." Merv Griffin was the son of Mervyn and Rita Griffin, nee Robinson. Both parents were Irish-born, tracing their origins to counties Clare and Tipperary. While enjoying a life-long relationship with Ireland, Griffin s links with the West of Ireland were further strengthened with his purchase of St Cleran s in Craughwell, former home of Hollywood legend John Huston. His painstaking restoration of St Cleran s saw it transformed into one of the most luxurious hotels in Europe. ENDS

Monday, 13 August 2007

Galway Chamber, National University of Ireland, Galway and Galway Mayo Institute of Technology have announced details of The Paddy Ryan Memorial Lecture to honour the memory of the late Paddy Ryan which will take place on Wednesday, 5 September, 2007 at Áras Moyola, NUI Galway at 8.00 p.m. Declan Kelly, International businessman and President and CEO of Financial Dynamics in the United States, has been announced as the guest speaker and will deliver a lecture entitled, Business 2007 – How the lessons of the past will shape the realities of the future. Following the lecture, Mr Kelly will be presented with a specially commissioned medal designed by the artist and sculptor, Padraic Reaney. Patrick Denis Ryan was born in March 1920 at 18 Shop Street, Galway. An alderman, former Mayor of Galway, honorary member of Galway Chamber, honorary graduate of NUI Galway, Chairman of Galway Race Committee, Oyster Festival, Rotary Club, Tidy Towns and the Amicable Society, Dr Paddy Ryan lived an exemplary life of public service and will be remembered by many as the man who welcomed US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy to Galway in 1963. Professor Ger Hurley, Vice-President for Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs, NUI Galway said: "The University is very proud to be associated with The Inaugural Paddy Ryan Memorial Lecture, which honours a lifetime of public service that serves as a beacon of the highest ethical standards." Speaking on behalf of Galway Chamber, Dr. Chris Coughlan, said: "Galway Chamber is proud to institute this inaugural Paddy Ryan Memorial Lecture in recognition of the life long contribution and service of our former President Paddy Ryan and his family to Galway's business, civic and community life." The event will alternate between NUI Galway and GMIT on an annual basis and is kindly sponsored by APC. Attendance will be free and open to members of the public. ENDS

Monday, 13 August 2007

NUI Galway's Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI) is to host the 7th IEEE Peer to Peer Conference which will examine the changes P2P makes to the way we exchange information on the Internet. The conference will be launched at DERI's centre at the IDA Industrial Park, Dangan on Sunday 2 September and continues until Wednesday, 5 September, at the Meyrick Hotel, Galway. Peer-to-peer (P2P) technology has come into the limelight recently with applications like Skype and collaboration applications like Groove. Peer-to-peer has already been used in the design of the original Internet where it has enabled global scalability and robustness against failures. The next stage in its development will see the application of semantics technologies to P2P technologies that will enable more effective inter-business communication and personal collaboration. IEEE P2P is the flagship conference gathering the leading international experts both from academia and industry. It is the pronounced goal of the conference to promote the collaboration in research among academic institutions, government organizations, and companies. This is also reflected in this year s conference program which features tutorials and keynote talks from the world s leading academic and industrial experts. "P2P2007 is another high-profile event hosted by DERI at NUI Galway which demonstrates the international reputation of research in Ireland," says Professor Manfred Hauswirth, Vice Director of DERI Galway and program chair and local organiser of P2P2007. "This conference will provide an opportunity to demonstrate the state of Irish technology base to experts from around the world, and will give Irish companies access to expertise from abroad. As a helpful side-effect, such high-profile conferences allow local Irish companies and Irish subsidiaries of multi-nationals to take a 'cost-free' look at the next generation of experts in the domain." Prof Hauswirth added that the P2P conference would attract a large number of PhD students and post doctoral level experts in ICT, who would be vetted by leading international experts both in industry and academia. "Companies attending the conference have the opportunity to see what these highly qualified individuals have to offer. This in turn delivers a desperately needed injection of know how given the dramatically low numbers of Irish students in the ICT area." The high profile speakers at this year's conference include; Dr Sandeep K. Singhal, Director Windows Networking, Microsoft Corporation, who will give a tutorial on the Peer-to-Peer and Collaboration Platform used in Microsoft s Windows operating system; Dr Wolfgang Kellerer, Senior Manager Future Networking Lab, NTT DoCoMo Euro-Labs, whose keynote speech will address 'The Bright Future of P2P: a Telecom Operator s Perspective'; and Prof Karl Aberer, Director of the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research - Mobile Information and Communication Systems, who will discuss how P2P can be used to improve search engines. ENDS

Monday, 13 August 2007

Leading global experts in air quality and climate change are due to gather at NUI Galway for the International Conference on Nucleation and Atmospheric Aerosols (ICNAA) from 13th – 17th August 2007. The University's Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies, based at the Environmental Change Institute, and the Department of Physics will host this prestigious event which was last held in Kyoto, Japan, in 2004. The conference will examine the latest developments in nucleation, which is a phase-transition process that produces aerosols or haze particles. While atmospheric aerosols help to reduce the rate of global warming induced by greenhouse gases, they also contribute to poor air quality. The ICNAA event will also hear of the current state of the art technologies being developed globally to combat the effects of climate change. The conference is co-chaired by Dr Colin O'Dowd, Director of the Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies and lecturer at the Department of Physics, and by Professor Paul Wagner from the University of Vienna. "NUI Galway has been chosen to host this prestigious event on the basis of our research reputation in the field and complimented by the location of Galway," explains Dr O'Dowd. "This will bring additional international profile to atmospheric, air quality and climate change research, not only in Galway but also in Ireland." Keynote speakers at this year's event include Professor Ramanathan, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, University of California San Diego and Finnish Academy Professor Kulmala, University of Helsinki. These eminent scientists have published numerous papers on aerosols and climate change in the world leading scientific journal Nature and lead large international consortia focused on addressing the key impacts of aerosol pollution on climate. Both have also received numerous international awards for they research achievements. ENDS

Tuesday, 7 August 2007

Two NUI Galway students will represent Ireland at this month's World University Games in Bangkok, Thailand. Meadbh de Búrca from Newcastle and Niamh Fahy from Killanin will line out with the Irish Ladies Soccer team for the two week tournament which kicks off on 7 August 2007. Meadbh, a third year Commerce student has played internationally at under 17 and under 19 levels, and currently lines out with local club Salthill Devon. Second year science student Niamh has also played at international level with the under 17 and under 19 teams. The talented student is also a first team regular with the Galway senior ladies Gaelic football panel. The girls are pictured receiving sponsorship for their involvement in the tournament from NUI Galway President Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh and Mr Tony Regan, Sports and Recreation Officer at the University.

Tuesday, 7 August 2007

Daniel O Mahony, Director of NUI Galway s Technology Transfer Office, Donald Causton, President of Micromill Systems Inc., Frank Ryan, CEO Enterprise Ireland and Maura Glennon, Commercialisation Specialist, Enterprise Ireland. A deal worth Euro 10m was agreed between Micromills and NUI Galway creating a joint spin-out company called Eirzyme to produce high yields of low-cost biofuels. A new company, Eirzyme Ltd., which has been founded on technology developed at the National University of Ireland, Galway and a €10m investment from Canadian company Micromill System Inc., is set to be a major player in the biofuels sector. Eirzyme has incorporated in Ireland and has set up initial R&D laboratories at the Enterprise Ireland funded bio-incubator facility at NUI Galway. The new company will produce low-cost enzymes to convert biological materials such as brewers' grains into bioethanol and biogas. These renewable fuels produce environmental benefits by reducing overall emissions of greenhouse gases and are sustainable alternatives to petrol and diesel. The ultimate goal for Eirzyme is to set up a large scale enzyme production facility which will manufacture specific enzyme cocktails to work on a range of raw materials. Dr Daniel O'Mahony, Director of Technology Transfer at NUI Galway said; "There has been considerable industrial interest in the patented technology developed by Dr Maria Tuohy and her research team at NUI Galway. The formation of Eirzyme is the first step towards unlocking the inherent commercial potential of their breakthroughs. Eirzyme will have global reach and we are confident that the company will make a valuable contribution to addressing future energy needs." Dr O'Mahony added; "Without the funding support received from Enterprise Ireland and other funding agencies, this break-through technology would not have emerged. As a research-intensive organisation, NUI Galway has a strong commitment to supporting technology development leading to technology transfer and commercialization. In the past 12 months the University has executed 8 license agreements across different industry sectors and looks forward to executing a number of other licensing agreements on other technologies later this year." Dr Paul Roben, Director of Lifesciences & Food Commercialisation at Enterprise Ireland said; "Through our Commercialisation Fund and our Commercialisation Specialists we have been working with NUI Galway to find a route to market for this excellent technology. We are very excited about the potential of this venture." ENDS

Friday, 3 August 2007

NUI Galway has secured over €23 million in research funding under PRTLI Cycle 4 - the Programme for Third Level Research in Third Level Institutions, announced today (Friday, 3 August), by Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin T.D. Research areas to benefit from this funding include the Humanities; Social Sciences and Innovation; High End Computing; Biophotonics; Biomedical Sciences and an Environment Graduate Programme. The funding brings to €91 million the total sum awarded to the University under the PRTLI initiative. Welcoming the announcement, Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh said: "I am delighted to welcome this very substantial support for NUI Galway s research activities. It is particularly gratifying to note the broad spread of the funding across projects in the Sciences and in the Humanities and Social Sciences. This support will enable NUI Galway to continue to develop the infrastructure and graduate education programmes which will support the Government s policies on national competitiveness." Professor Nicholas Canny, Vice President for Research at NUI Galway, described the funding award as "extraordinary" and highlighted the collaborative nature of each of the proposals with other Universities within the State. NUI Galway's research policy prioritises an interdisciplinary focus on specific areas of excellence towards the development of world-class research institutes and centres. ENDS

Saturday, 29 September 2007