Monday, 18 June 2007

With only days remaining for Leaving Cert students to re-evaluate their CAO choices and submit their change of mind forms, NUI Galway would like to make students aware of some of the new courses in Engineering and Science being offered from September 2007. Students interested in pursuing a career in science can consider the new Physics with Medical Physics programme, listed as GY316 on the CAO form. The course is a response to the considerable demand for qualified medical physicists in Ireland, and will combine essential core physics modules with medical physics, chemistry, mathematical science, biology and anatomy. Graduates from the programme will be well qualified to proceed to professional medical physics training at Masters Degree level. There are also exciting career opportunities in the medical device and health care industry and in the health and safety sector. Prof. Tom Glynn, Head of the Physics Department, NUI Galway, said: "Graduates of this course will receive an education in physics, instrumentation, and computational techniques - with a strong emphasis on the medical applications. As well as pursuing a further career in medical physics, graduates will also have employment options in research, industry, teaching, energy and environment and in many other areas" Graduates from this programme can seek employment in the wide range of careers open to regular physics graduates but will also have a strong foundation in medical physics and will be well qualified to proceed to professional medical physics training at Masters Degree level. A Project and Construction Management degree, (GY410), will equip students with knowledge and an understanding of project management, particularly in the construction sector, is being offered as a four-year programme. The degree will enable students to embrace the challenges of modernisation, innovation and change in tomorrow's knowledge-based economy. Professor Padraic O'Donoghue, Dean of Engineering at NUI Galway said: "This new degree will equip students with a knowledge and understanding of project management, particularly in the construction sector, and enable them to embrace the challenges of modernisation, innovation and change in tomorrow's knowledge based economy." ENDS

Monday, 18 June 2007

Michael Dunning and Louise Murphy, both students of Biomedical Engineering at NUI Galway, have been selected as finalists to compete in the Siemens Innovative Engineer of the Year Award 2007, which takes place on Thursday 21st June at the headquarters of Engineers Ireland in Dublin. This prestigious award, now in its 9th year, is presented annually by Siemens and Engineers Ireland to a final year engineering student who has developed an innovative technology or product that is commercially viable. Michael, from Athlone, Co. Westmeath was short-listed for the award based on his research project entitled "A Self-Expanding Nano-Fibrous Biodegradable Stent." The goal of his project was to develop a stent, which will treat urethral strictures. Stents are small medical devices designed to be inserted into a vessel or passageway to keep it open. Louise, from Naas, Co. Kildare was short-listed for the award based on her research project entitled "Crimp Technology Assessment of Bare Metal Stents." The goal of her project was to analyse the performance of stents used during angioplasty. Angioplasty is a commonly undertaken procedure, in which an obstructed blood vessel is mechanically widened. Stents are tiny medical devices inserted into the artery to clear blockages caused by coronary heart disease. Ireland manufactures 80% of the world's coronary stents in Galway. Professor Sean McNamara, Head, Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, said: "The Department is very proud of the accomplishments of Michael and Louise in reaching the final round of the Siemens award, with projects based on technologies of interest to the biomedical engineering industry based in the Galway region. I am sure that both have benefited greatly from this experience and a win would be a bonus" Michael and Louise are two of six finalists to be short-listed for the award. The winner will receive a specially commissioned trophy along with a cheque for €2,000. A further prize of €1,250 will be awarded to the winner should he or she decide to continue with post-graduate studies in engineering at an accredited University or IT. The award is open to final year engineering students of Engineers Ireland accredited engineering degree courses from Universities and Institutes of Technology, north and south of the border. Each the year competition receives applications from 14 participating Universities and ITs who nominate two student projects each for the award. The Siemens Innovative Engineer of the Year Award encourages young engineering students to be innovative in their work and to think about the practical and commercial applications of their research. For further information on the award logon to: www.engineersireland.ie ENDS

Monday, 18 June 2007

Tá Céim Dhochtúireachta Oinigh sa Litríocht le bronnadh ag OÉ Gaillimh ar an mbealoideasaí aitheanta, an tUasal Tom Munnelly mar chomhartha aitheantais ar na blianta fada dá shaol atá caite aige ag bailiú agus ag foilsiú idir amhráin tíre agus béaloideas in Éirinn. Bronnfar an chéim oinigh ar an Uasal Munnelly ag searmanas bronnta an tsamhraidh anseo san Ollscoil Dé Máirt, an 19 Meitheamh 2007. Tá aithne ar Tom Munnelly mar dhuine de na príomhbhailitheoirí d'amhráin Bhéarla thraidisiúnta na hÉireann ar fud na cruinne; tá breis is 20,000 amhrán bailithe aige go dtí seo. Is de bhunadh Bhaile Átha Cliath é an tUasal Munnelly agus tá sé ag obair mar chartlannaí/bailitheoir i Lárionad Uí Dhuilearga do Bhéaloideas na hÉireann sa Choláiste Ollscoile, Baile Átha Cliath. Sa bhliain 1978 bhog sé go hIarthar Chontae an Chláir agus ó shin i leith tá os cionn 4,000 amhrán bailithe aige ó amhránaithe traidisiúnta ón gceantar. Lena chois sin, tá amhráin, ceol agus béaloideas bailithe aige i bhformhór de chontaetha na hÉireann. Seo a leanas a bhí le rá ag an Dr Pádraig Ó Héalaí, iar-Léachtóir le Gaeilge in OÉ Gaillimh: "Is cinnte gur áis iontach a bheidh sa mhéid oibre atá déanta ag Tom Munnelly do dhaoine a bheidh i mbun staidéir ar bhéaloideas na hÉireann amach anseo. Thiomsaigh sé innéacs den fhilíocht bhéil Bhéarla ar fad atá le fáil in Imleabhar 1 go 2000 de lámhscríbhinní Chartlann Bhéaloideas Éireann, thart ar 18,000 mír ar fad, mar aon le córas aicmiúcháin a fhorbairt don ábhar seo bunaithe ar mhúnlaí a nglactar leo go hidirnáisiúnta. "Cé gur chruthaigh Tom go hiontach mar chartlannaí, is cinnte go bhfuil obair éachtach déanta aige mar bhailitheoir den traidisiún béil. Tá breis is 1,000 uair an chloig d amhráin agus seanchas bailithe aige agus níl bailiúchán chomh cuimsitheach d'amhráin thraidisiúnta Bhéarla curtha le chéile ag aon duine amháin riamh in Éirinn agus atá ag Tom. Cuireann an méid seo ar fad go mór leis an mBailiúchán Náisiúnta Béaloidis agus cuireann sé go mór leis an mbunachar sonraí a bheidh ar fáil amach anseo do scoláirí sa réimse seo." Tá an tUasal Munnelly ar dhuine de bhunaitheoirí Chumann Cheol Tíre Éireann, d'oibrigh sé mar Chathaoirleach ar Thaisce Cheol Dúchais Éireann agus ar Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy agus is iomaí ról a bhí aige ar an gComhairle Ealaíon. Is léir ón mbaint a bhí aige leis na comhlachtaí seo mar aon leis an ról a bhí aige i gcumainn stairiúla agus ceol tíre áitiúla, scoileanna béaloidis agus féilte amhránaíochta a bhunú, go bhfuil an t-uafás oibre déanta aige le cur le saol cultúrtha na hÉireann. I mí na Bealtaine 2007, bronnadh Festschrift, 'Dear Far-voiced Veteran' (curtha in eagar ag an Dr Anne Clune) ar Tom. Bailiúchán aistí scríofa ag 28 údarás idirnáisiúnta faoi cheol agus amhrán na hÉireann atá ann chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar a bhfuil bainte amach aige. Ag an Searmanas Bronnta in OÉ Gaillimh bronnfar Céim Dhochtúireachta Iarbháis ar theaghlach an Uasail John Mulqueen, fear de bhunadh Chill Rois, Co. an Chláir, ach a bhí ag cur faoi i dTuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Mhaigh Eo. Céimí de chuid an Choláiste Ollscoile, Baile Átha Cliath agus Iowa ba ea John, mar aon le Léachtóir Cúnta i Roinn na hInnealtóireachta Sibhialta, fostaí san Fhoras Talúntais agus Teagasc agus saineolaí idirnáisiúnta ar ithreacha. Cailleadh John in 2006. Bronnfar céimeanna agus dioplómaí ar thart ar 200 mac léinn ó Dhámh an Leighis agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte, Dámh na hInnealtóireachta, Dámh na Tráchtála, Dámh na hEolaíochta, Dámh an Dlí agus Dámh na nDán ag an searmanas. CRÍOCH

Monday, 18 June 2007

NUI Galway will host a major international conference on 'Settler Colonialism' from 27 – 30 June. Organized in association with the University's MA in Culture and Colonialism and with the support of the Centre for Irish Studies, this is the fifth Galway conference on colonialism. With delegates arriving from Canada to Cuba, and New Zealand to Zimbabwe, the conference is being held in conjunction with the Society for Irish Latin American Studies and will feature an impressive international line-up of scholars and activists. Dr. Lionel Pilkington, Course Director, MA in Culture and Colonialism at NUI Galway said: "Settler colonisers come to stay. They seek to replace native peoples or—or, at least, displace them from—their land. Characteristically, the outcome is a conflictual coexistence through which indigenous and invasive societies historically transform one another. Dr. Pilkington added: "Topics to be addressed, such as indigenous rights, resistance, settler identity, land, and genocide, show the importance of settler colonialism as an historical legacy and as an ongoing political and cultural phenomenon" The conference is particularly proud to be able to announce the participation of one of the world s most distinguished postcolonial theorists, Dr Robert Young, the Julius Silver Professor of English and Comparative Literature at New York University. Professor Young will deliver a paper entitled Anti-Colonial Colonialism which will address the Fenian invasion of Canada. He will also perform the official opening of the conference on Wednesday evening (June 27). Among other speakers at the conference are: Chief Ron Ignace of the Shuswap Nation from British Columbia; Wayne Atkinson, a member of the Yorta Yorta and the Dja Dja Wurrong people of central and northeastern Victoria; activist, feminist, and member of the Hawai'ian royal family, Haunani-Kay Trask; and Professor Saree Makdisi, Palestinian activist and literary scholar. There will be a special focus on Palestine, with a roundtable discussion dedicated to highlighting the current situation. Participants include Raymond Deane, former Chairman of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Lorenzo Veracini, author of Israel and Settler Society (2006). Two of the plenary lectures, to be given by Saree Makdisi and Patrick Wolfe, will also discuss aspects of the Palestinian situation. ENDS Further conference details are available from Lionel Pilkington, English Department, NUI Galway Tel: 091 493078

Thursday, 14 June 2007

A novel exhibition, "Laughter is the Only Medicine: a comment on the ills of our medical healthcare system" comes to NUI Galway's Art Gallery for a three week run from Wednesday, 20 June to Sunday 8 July 2007. Brigit Beemster, a ceramic sculptor based in Sligo brings her 10 piece exhibition which looks at the pitfalls encountered in what she describes as "a two tier medical health system". The pieces span a period from a GP's visit to three variations of heaven. Professor Pat Finnegan, Professor Emeritus and Chairman of the Galway University Hospitals Arts Trust will open the exhibition at the Art Gallery, in the Quadrangle at 6.00pm on Wednesday, 20 June 2007. NUI Galway Arts Officer Fionnuala Gallagher says; "Brigit Beemster s ceramic sculptures are the best kept secret in Ireland. She captures the weight, relaxation, expressions and foibles of these human bodies with an understanding that is comically tender. You will laugh at your own failings." Explaining the inspiration for her creations, Ms Beemster says: "An essential ingredient of my work is a sense of humour, because it is the best communicator and equaliser, it puts things in perspective and laughing is a crucial part of life. "Over the past few years I have chosen a theme for my work for the year. So far, I've done art history and science, history and mythology. This year it is all about the healthcare system. I learn and read all about my subject and base my work on this knowledge." NUI Galway Art Gallery hosts a variety of visually stimulating exhibitions throughout the year. It promotes emerging Galway and national artists as well as touring exhibitions from international embassies, cultural organisations and educational institutions. The exhibition is free and open to the public from 10.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday and 12pm to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday. ENDS

Thursday, 14 June 2007

L-R: Mr Fergus Finlay, Chief Executive of the children's charity Barnardos and Dr. Pat Dolan, Director of the Child & Family Research Centre, NUI Galway Above: Mr. Brian Keenan addressing the Conference at NUI Galway. Building resilience in children, families and communities is the focus of a conference at NUI Galway that will see international experts from the fields of Child Care, Social Work, Psychology and Sociology address the need to ensure families are resilient to stress and tragedy. The conference is hosted by the Child and Family Research Centre, from Thursday 14 June to Friday 15 June. Over 300 delegates are due to attend the conference where special guest speaker Mr Brian Keenan will reflect on how he used coping skills learned in his childhood, to cope with captivity and social isolation during the four and a half years in which he was held hostage in Beirut in the 1980s. Mr. Fergus Finlay, Chief Executive of the children's charity Barnardos, who will deliver the opening address, said: "Every childhood lasts a lifetime, and a childhood of poverty can leave scars that never fade away. This is made all the more real in that one in nine Irish children live in the type of poverty that means going without adequate food and proper clothing". Other key speakers include Dr Robert Chaskin, Associate Professor at the School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago; Professor Sheila Green, Director of the Children's Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin and Professor Jean E Rhodes, Professor of Psychology, University of Massachusetts. "Professionals need to be more proactive in ensuring families are resilient to stress and tragedy according to Dr Pat Dolan, Director of the Child and Family Research Centre, NUI Galway. "Apart from the need for more preventive services in communities, many children and their families need to be better equipped with the necessary skills to be able to 'bounce back' from tragedy or on-going stress. Furthermore, better use can be made of families' own capacity to overcome difficulties with professionals' support. It is somewhat ironic that although rightfully much emphasis is now placed on the protection of children who experience adversity and are in crisis, far less attention is given to the need to equip their families to cope at the earlier stages in their problems or in their aftermath." Delegates from a range of social care backgrounds are due to attend the conference at the Child and Family Research Centre, Áras Moyola, NUI Galway. The Child and Family Research Centre (CFRC) is a partnership between the Health Service Executive and the National University of Ireland Galway. Based at the Department of Political Science and Sociology, NUI Galway, the Centre is in receipt of significant support from The Atlantic Philanthropies Ireland towards its future development. The vision of the CFRC is to improve outcomes for children and their families, and advance practice and policy in Ireland and internationally, through research, evaluation and service development. ENDS For further information please contact: Dr. Pat Dolan, Director, Child & Family Research Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway. Tel: 091-492930 or 087-2342649.

Tuesday, 12 June 2007

NUI Galway this year has the honour of hosting the Irish National and University Library Staff (INULS) conference for the first time since 1996. INULS commenced in 1965 and is a landmark event in the annual calendar of academic and national library staff in Ireland, north and south. The conference affords an opportunity for staff to catch up on key developments in the library and information world, to share experience and to reconnect in an enjoyable social ambience. Marie Reddan, Librarian, NUI Galway, observes; "INULS is unique in attracting such a mix of library staff to its conference. NUI Galway Library staff have a genuine curiosity in developments in other libraries but can take great pride in embracing huge change both socially and technologically and not least seeing a doubling of student numbers since INULS was last hosted in Galway." The theme of this year's conference is Collaborating and Competing. Libraries have a strong tradition of collaboration but competition is an increasing factor and the boundaries between the two are often fuzzy as universities strive with each other to attract the best students and researchers. Speakers will address a range of issues including: Collaboration and competition between universities Relationships between libraries and departments within the same institution The impact of global forces like Google and the social networking movement Professor Jim Browne, Registrar and Deputy President at NUI Galway notes; "Irish Universities must work together to develop a network of collaborating Universities each of which aspires to, and achieves, excellence in particular, and complementary areas that respond to the social, cultural and economic needs of its hinterland." "A university cannot effectively meet the needs of its various stakeholders unless it operates at the level of excellence. If, for instance, NUI Galway is to support the further development of the medical-devices industry or the marine sector in Ireland, it must create and sustain excellent research and teaching programmes in these areas. Anything less is a disservice to an industry that competes in a global market." The increasingly online environment in which libraries now supply their services, and the extent to which collaborative initiatives like IReL (the Irish Research e-Library) deliver a common pool of resources, highlights a need for distinctiveness too in support of institutional competitiveness. But competition for libraries and universities comes not only from each other, as services like Google promise instant gratification to information searchers. Libraries need to identify themselves clearly and to maximise partnerships with the rest of the university in delivering an enhanced learning experience. Delegates will have opportunities to engage fully with these topics through presentations and workshops, a sponsors exhibition, and a very active and social programme. A first for INULS this year will be the publication of some of the conference papers in the journal Library Management. ENDS

Monday, 11 June 2007

The Applied Optics Group at NUI Galway will host an International Workshop on Adaptive Optics for Industry and Medicine from 12-15 June 2007, where international speakers will focus on the latest developments and technologies in adaptive optics for industry and medicine. The conference will provide scientists and engineers, from both industry and academia, with opportunities to explore recent developments, current practices and future trends in adaptive optics and related fields. Professor Chris Dainty, SFI Professor of Applied Physics and Applied Optics said, "The fact that this meeting is the largest in this series of international workshops, together with the strong industrial presence, demonstrates the high regard for NUI Galway in the field of Adaptive Optics." The workshop is the sixth in a series that has seen previous conferences held in: Shatura, Russia (1997); Durham, UK (1999); Albuquerque, USA (2001); Munster, Germany (2003) and Beijing, China (2005). This year's programme of events will include the following speakers: Bruno Berge (Variopic SA): Liquid lens technology for miniature imaging systems Martin Booth (Oxford University): Wavefront sensorless adaptive optics for imaging and microscopy Joshua Fernandez (University of Murcia): Adaptive optics for the human eye Guoqiang Li (University of Arizona): Liquid crystal lenses for correction of presbyopia Masakazu Ogasawara (Pioneer Corporation): The application of liquid crystal aberration compensator for optical disc systems Workshop subjects will include: wavefront sensing; wavefront correction devices; MEMS mirrors; liquid crystal SLMs; new technologies for correctors; control systems and strategies; complete adaptive optics systems; image sharpening; varifocus and other novel lens technologies; applications of adaptive optics; microscopy, lasers, communications, vision science; and a special session on recent commercial products. The workshop is organised by the Applied Optics Group in the Department of Experimental Physics at the National University of Ireland, Galway. Sponsors for the event include: Adaptive Eyecare Ltd. (UK); Andor Technology plc (N.Ireland); Bausch & Lomb Ireland; Boston Micromachines Corp. (U.S.); CILAS (France), Fraunhofer IPMS (Germany); Hamamatsu Photonics UK Ltd., HOLOEYE Photonics AG (Germany); Imagine Eyes (France), Imagine Optic (France), Iris AO Inc. (U.S.); Night-N Ltd. (Russia); Flexible Optical B.V. – OKO Technologies (The Netherlands); Optos (Scotland); PHASICS S.A. (France); SciMeasure Inc. (U.S.); European Optical Society (EOS); Optical Society of America (OSA); IDA Ireland; Science Foundation Ireland (SFI); Enterprise Ireland; and Fáilte Ireland - Ends –

Monday, 11 June 2007

A new book that offers an original and powerful contribution to debates about the civic purpose of higher education will be launched by the Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) at NUI Galway tomorrow (Tuesday, 12 June). 'Higher Education and Civic Engagement: International Perspectives' suggests that universities can best realise their civic mission by making it central to their policy and practice. Edited by Lorraine McIlrath and Iain Mac Labhrainn, of the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) at NUI Galway the book moves from conceptual considerations of citizenship, to institutional concerns, offering insights from academics, community members and students experiencing civic engagement initiatives within institutions of higher education. Iain Mac Labhrainn, Director of CELT, of which CKI is a part, said; "The articles in this book raise some very pertinent issues in the relationship between higher education institutions and civil society. This is also particularly topical in Ireland with, for example, the recent work of the Active Citizenship Taskforce and continuing debate about the role of universities in the knowledge economy." The collection of diverse articles relating to the civic purpose of higher education includes contributions from senior and internationally recognised experts in the field such as: Professor Ron Barnett (University of London); Professor Richard Taylor (University of Cambridge); Michael Edwards (Ford Foundation); Professor Andrew Furco University of California, Berkeley); Professor Edward Zlotkowski (Campus Compact, US); Nan Kari from the Jane Adams School for Democracy, Minnesota; and contributors from across the island of Ireland. Reviewing the volume, Professor John Annette, Birkbeck College, University of London, UK, commented; "This book is a major contribution to the international study of higher education, civic engagement and also service learning. It offers some insightful and powerful analyses of conceptual issues, the institutionalising of civic engagement and the pedagogy and professional practice of service learning in higher education." 'Higher Education and Civic Engagement – International Perspectives' emanates from the 3rd Teaching and Learning Conference held in NUI Galway in 2005, and is published by Ashgate Publishing, as part of the CKI's research and knowledge sharing dimensions. To order copies please visit www.ashgate.com The Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) is a project at NUI Galway that promotes partnership with communities and aims to reinvigorate the civic mission of higher education in Ireland. -ends-

Tuesday, 31 July 2007

Pictured at the John McGahern International Seminar at Lough Rynn Castle Hotel, Mohill, Co. Leitrim on Saturday 28 July, 2007 (l to r): Dr John Kenny, Seminar Co-ordinator from NUI Galway; Professor Ger Hurley, Vice-President for Strategic Initiatives & External Affairs, NUI Galway; Olive Braiden, Chairperson, The Arts Council; Séamus O Grady, Director of Adult Education, NUI Galway; and Séamus MacMathúna, Academic Secretary, NUI Galway. NUI Galway, in partnership with Leitrim County Council, have confirmed details of the future of the John McGahern International Seminar, following a hugely successful inaugural event held over the weekend in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. From 2008, the Seminar will extend to include an International Summer School, aimed at advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers. The school, which will carry academic credits from NUI Galway, commemorates the life and work of John McGahern. Speaking at the inaugural Seminar, Professor Ger Hurley, Vice-President for Strategic and External Affairs, NUI Galway said: "This programme will be located between Galway and Leitrim and it is our intention that going forward from 2008, this Summer School will become an annual feature of the University's Summer School programme. "Given the impressive scale of interest this year, we envisage attracting high level students of literature and of Ireland who will contribute to our growing knowledge of McGahern, of his homelands, and of the nature of contemporary fiction." Meanwhile, a special book celebrating the longstanding relationship between John McGahern and the University is to be published in the Autumn. John McGahern at NUI Galway contains contributions from a range of University staff including Séamus O'Grady, Director of Adult & Continuing Education; Marie Reddan, Librarian; Fergus Fahey, Archivist; Keith Warnock, Vice-President For Physical Resources, Dr Riana O'Dwyer, Senior Lecturer, English Department; Dr John Kenny, English Department; Professor Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, History Department with an Introduction by Dr Iognáid G. Ó Muircheartaigh, President, NUI Galway. The volume is illustrated, with eight colour portraits of John McGahern by Brian Bourke RHA which were commissioned by NUI Galway, following the deposition of his literary archive in the James Hardiman Library in 2003. ENDS

Friday, 27 July 2007

Dr. John Kenny pictured at the opening address of the John McGahern International Seminar in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim which took place from the 26-28 July, 2007. The inaugural John McGahern International Seminar will be officially opened tonight (Thursday, 25 July), by Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President, National University of Ireland, Galway, in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. The opening address, John McGahern: The Novel and the Story, will be given by Professor Declan Kiberd, University College Dublin. Speaking at the opening, Dr Ó Muircheartaigh said; "John McGahern enjoyed a progressively deepening association with our University, over a period of almost 50 years. From a brief period of initial undergraduate studies in 1953 which is so beautifully described in his acclaimed novel, The Dark, he later held positions as a teacher on Creative Writing and Irish Studies Summer Programmes; and eventually became an honorary doctor of the University in 1994 and Adjunct Professor of Irish Studies in 2001. "In 2003, John chose the James Hardiman Library at NUI Galway to be the repository of his Archive, a complete collection of his papers and writings, providing an unparalleled view into a unique literary life. It is entirely fitting, therefore, that to commemorate John McGahern and his life's work, Leitrim County Council and NUI Galway have come together in partnership to organise and launch this inaugural International Seminar here in County Leitrim this evening." Damian Brennan, Cathaoirleach, Leitrim County Council remarked; "Our aim is to bring people closer to the work of John McGahern and, the decision of NUI Galway to commit to this partnership in Leitrim underpins that aim of continuing the dialogue between the place in which John McGahern lived and the university with which he shared his life's work." Speakers during the International Seminar will include Prof. Sylvie Mikowski, University of Reims, France; Dr. James Whyte, Presentation College, Headford, Co. 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. 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

Wednesday, 25 July 2007

Bunófar Scoil Cosliachta den chéad uair riamh in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. Cuirfidh an Scoil an chéad fhochéim chosliachta sa Stát ar bun agus beidh BSc (Onóracha) i gCosliacht le bronnadh ar chéimithe an chúrsa. Féadfaidh mic léinn iarratas a dhéanamh ar áit ar an gcúrsa ceithre bliana don bhliain acadúil 2008-9 ar aghaidh agus tá sé i gceist glacadh le 25 mac léinn gach bliain. Cuirfidh Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte Clinic Cosliachta ar bun in Ospidéil Réigiúnacha na Gaillimhe ag Páirc na Muirlinne ach is seirbhísí d'othair sa phobal is mó atá i gceist. Beidh comhoibriú idir an Clinic agus an Scoil chun oiliúint agus oideachas cliniciúil an chláir a chur ar fáil. Is iad Dámh an Leighis agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte, OÉ Gaillimh, Cúram Pobail agus Leanúnach Príomhúil na Gaillimhe (PCCC) agus Ospidéil Réigiúnacha na Gaillimhe a d'ullmhaigh an tairiscint seo. Ag labhairt dó i ndiaidh na fógartha, dúirt an tOllamh Jim Browne, Meabhránaí agus Uachtaráin Ionaid, OÉ Gaillimh: "Tá an-áthas orainn anseo in OÉ Gaillimh gur roghnaíodh an Ollscoil seo chun an chéad Scoil Cosliachta i bPoblacht na hÉireann a bhunú. Léiríonn an fhorbairt seo in Iarthar na Tíre an dul chun cinn atá déanta ag Dámh an Leighis agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte agus ag Scoil na dTeiripí a bhfuil cláir chreidiúnaithe den scoth á gcur ar fáil acu cheana i dTeiripe Shaothair agus Teiripe Urlabhra agus Theanga. Ba mhaith leis an Ollscoil buíochas a ghlacadh le Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte, Limistéar an Iarthair as a gcomhoibriú le fada an lá agus buíochas freisin leis na coslianna gairmiúla i nGaillimh a bhfuil tacaíocht ghníomhach tugtha acu dúinn, gan iad ní bhunófaí an Scoil seo." Fógraíodh bunú na Scoile i ndiaidh comórtas a d'eagraigh an tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas. Rinneadh sé thairiscint ar an gconradh chun an Scoil a bhunú agus mhol painéal idirnáisiúnta an conradh a thabhairt do OÉ Gaillimh. D'aithin Tuarascáil FÁS Skills and Labour Market Research Unit Healthcare Skills Monitoring Report, i Lúnasa 2005 gur gairm í an chosliacht a bhfuil easnamh fadtréimhseach inti agus moladh sa Tuarascáil go mbunófaí BSc i gCosliacht. Críoch

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