August

New Blood Pressure recommendations produced by international expert panel, including Professor Bill McEvoy, University of Galway Guidelines recommend intensified BP targets and a new category of Elevated Blood Pressure to better identify people at risk of heart attack and stroke  The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has today released updated guidelines on the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension to better identify people at risk of heart attack and stroke. The new guidelines include a new category of Elevated Blood Pressure, more ambitious and intensive treatment targets, and, for the first time, recommendations on the use of renal denervation to treat various forms of hypertension. The guidelines have been produced by an international panel of experts, including co-chairpersons, Professor Bill McEvoy of University of Galway, and Professor Rhian Touyz of McGill University, Canada. This is the first time that an Irish academic has led a major European clinical practice guideline on the treatment of elevated blood pressure and hypertension, which has potential implications for more than 700 million Europeans. Professor McEvoy is also first author on the principal results paper for the INTERASPIRE research study which is being published in the European Heart Journal and coincides with the ESC Congress in London today, Friday August 30th, the world’s largest gathering of cardiovascular professionals. In the INTERASPIRE global study, 61% of participants with heart disease did not have their blood pressure controlled. Professor McEvoy’s dual roles as co-Chair of the ESC Guidelines and co-principal investigator on INTERASPIRE are closely connected. His work in the creation of the guidelines establishes evidence-based care standards, while his leadership in INTERASPIRE provides real-world data on blood pressure management in coronary disease patients worldwide and his work on this study bridges the gap between ideal clinical practices and actual global outcomes. Key takeaways from the updated ESC guidelines on hypertension: A new systolic blood pressure (BP) treatment target range of 120-129 mmHg for most patients receiving BP lowering medication. By placing the emphasis on an intensive treatment target as the first step in managing most patients, and only opting out of this target in select circumstances or when treatment is not tolerated by the patient, these 2024 guidelines represent a paradigm shift from previous European guidelines. The guidelines also provide pragmatic recommendations to pursue a BP that is ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ in patients who are unable to tolerate or who opt out of the intensive treatment target. The definition of hypertension remains BP ≥140/90 mmHg, however, the guidelines introduce a new category of 'Elevated Blood Pressure' which is defined as a BP 120-139/70-89 mmHg. More patients at risk of heart attack and stroke will be identified by the new category. The new 'Elevated Blood Pressure' category is introduced to facilitate consideration of more intensive blood pressure treatment targets among people at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The updated guidelines introduce recommendations for new lifestyle options to help lower BP, such as new guidance on exercise and potassium supplementation. For the first time the ESC Hypertension Guidelines provide recommendations of the use of renal denervation to treat hypertension. Elevated blood pressure and hypertension are by far the most common and important risk factors for heart attack and stroke (otherwise known as cardiovascular disease). As many as 45% of European adults have hypertension. The new 2024 ESC Guidelines are designed to get more patients to an evidence-based blood pressure treatment target and to increase the eligibility for blood pressure lowering medications to match the best current evidence from clinical trials. They also provide numerous pragmatic recommendations to avoid patients becoming symptomatic from overtreatment. Professor McEvoy, Professor of Preventive Cardiology at University of Galway and Medical and Research Director of NIPC, said: “The new category of Elevated Blood Pressure recognises that people do not go from normal BP to hypertensive overnight. “It is in most cases a steady gradient of change, and different subgroups of patients - for example those at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease such as people living with diabetes - could benefit from more intensive treatment before their blood pressure reaches the traditional threshold of hypertension.” Professor Rhian Touyz of McGill University, Canada, said: “The risks associated with increased blood pressure, start at systolic blood pressure levels even below 120 mmHg.” In another major change, the 2024 ESC Guidelines introduce a new systolic BP treatment target range of 120-129 mmHg for most patients receiving BP-lowering medication, with the important proviso that the new target requires that treatment is well tolerated. The 2024 ESC Guidelines also provide pragmatic recommendations on a systolic BP target 'as low as reasonably achievable' (known as the ALARA principle) in frail and older people and in those not tolerating the primary treatment target of 120-129 mmHg. The guidelines focus more on ‘frailty’ of individuals rather than chronological age. Professor McEvoy said: “This change is driven by new trial evidence confirming that more intensive BP treatment targets reduce CVD outcomes across a broad spectrum of eligible patients.” This new systolic BP treatment target of 120-129 represents a paradigm shift from prior European guidelines, including the 2018 ESC/ESH Hypertension guidelines, the 2021 ESC Prevention Guidelines, and the 2023 ESH Hypertension guidelines. Specifically, whereas prior guidelines generally recommended patients be treated to a BP <140/90 mmHg in the first instance and only thereafter be considered for treatment to <130/80 mmHg (a 2-step approach) the new 2024 guidelines recommend that most patients be treated to a systolic BP of 120-129 mmHg in the first instance (those who cannot tolerate this target can have it relaxed). In part to accommodate this new more intensive systolic blood pressure treatment target range, the 2024 ESC Guidelines provide stronger recommendations than prior guidelines for the use of out-of-office blood pressure measurements (including ambulatory BP monitors and validated home BP monitors). The 2024 Guidelines also, for the first time, make recommendations on the use of renal denervation for treatment of hypertension. Due to lack of evidence regarding cardiovascular outcomes benefit, the guidelines do not recommend this medical procedure as first line treatment, and nor is it recommended for patients with highly impaired renal function, (eGFR <40 mL/min/1.73 m2) or secondary causes of hypertension. On renal denervation, the guidelines say: “To reduce BP, and if performed at a medium-to-high volume centre, catheter-based renal denervation may be considered for patients with resistant hypertension who have BP that is uncontrolled despite a three BP-lowering drug combination (including a thiazide or thiazide-like diuretic), and who express a preference to undergo renal denervation after a shared risk-benefit discussion and multidisciplinary assessment.” Professor Touyz explained: “These evidence-based recommendations provide guidance for clinicians and their patients on the use of this important new technology. However, it must be stressed that this procedure needs to be undertaken in a centre where there is expertise and experience.” The ESC Guidelines also update dietary advice on sodium and potassium intake and further emphasise the importance of life-style modifications for patients in a range of different circumstances and stages of CVD and chronic kidney disease. The Guidelines also highlight the importance of sex and gender differences in hypertension and integrate this throughout the document, rather than as a separate section, as in most other guidelines.  The full study in the European Heart Journal is available here. Ends

WHO report reveals high rates of unprotected sex among teenagers across Europe, with significant implications for health and safety   : A report from the WHO Regional Office for Europe reveals condom use among sexually active adolescents has declined significantly since 2014, with rates of unprotected sex worryingly high. This is putting young people at significant risk of sexually transmitted infections and contributing to unplanned pregnancies with often damaging consequences. The new data were published as part of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, which surveyed over 242,000 15-year-olds across 42 countries and regions in the period 2014 to 2022. Key findings: The good news is that in the Republic of Ireland, the proportion of 15-year-olds who report having had sexual intercourse is only 10% for both girls and boys, lower than the international average (20% of boys and 15% of girls). Girls in Ireland were also more likely than their peers internationally to report contraceptive use.              Dr András Költő, University of Galway researcher and the lead author of the report, said: “Regarding condoms, we see the same trend among youth in Ireland as in the international sample. Over each survey cycle we see less and less adolescents report they or their partner used a condom at last intercourse; in 2010, more than three quarters of young people reported condom use, whereas in 2022, less than half of youth reported condom use.” University of Galway researchers who conducted the study in Ireland warn that unprotected sexual intercourse can have far-reaching consequences for young people, including unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and an increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The high prevalence of unprotected sex indicates significant gaps in age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education, including sexual health education, and access to contraceptive methods. Worrying decline in condom use Compared to 2014 levels, the new data show a significant decline in the number of adolescents reporting condom use during last sexual intercourse. From the data, it is clear that the decrease in condom use is pervasive, spanning multiple countries and regions, with some experiencing more dramatic reductions than others. The report underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these concerning trends and promote safer sexual practices among young people within the wider context of equipping them with the foundation they need for optimal health and well-being. Findings from the report related to Europe and Ireland: Decline in condom use: The proportion of sexually active adolescents who used a condom at last intercourse fell from 70% to 61% among boys and 63% to 57% among girls between 2014 and 2022. In Ireland, only 50% of boys and 49% of girls reported condom use in 2022. Contraceptive pill use: The report indicates that contraceptive pill use during last sexual intercourse has remained relatively stable between 2014 and 2022, with 26% of girls and 25% of boys reporting that they or their partners used the contraceptive pill at their last sexual intercourse. Compared to the international average, girls in Ireland were more likely to report contraceptive use (41%); while boys were somewhat less likely to state that (21%). High rates of unprotected sex: Almost a third of adolescents (30%) reported using neither a condom nor the contraceptive pill at last intercourse, a figure that has barely changed since 2018. In Ireland, 35% of girls and 38% of boys had no protection at last sex. The findings underscore the importance of providing comprehensive sexual health education and resources for young people. Éabha, a 16-year-old from Ireland, said: "As teenagers, having access to accurate information about sexual health is vital. We need education that covers everything from consent to contraception, so we can make informed decisions and protect ourselves."             Dr Költő said: “It is a great news that girls rank highly in international comparison regarding contraceptive pill use at last sexual intercourse. We were delighted to learn that the Free Contraception Scheme was recently extended to 17-year-old girls. “This action, however, needs to be coupled with a reform of relationships and sexuality education. “Comprehensive sexuality education is key to closing these gaps and empowering all young people to make informed decisions about sex as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. Sex education must go beyond just providing information. Young people need safe spaces to discuss issues like consent, intimate relationships, gender identity and sexual orientation. Governments, health and education authorities, and civil society organisations as well as parents and teachers should help them develop crucial life skills including transparent, non-judgmental communication and decision-making. We are looking forward to reading the report of National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on the planned reform of Relationships and Sexuality Education in Ireland.” Call to action for policymakers and educators The WHO Regional Office for Europe calls upon policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers to prioritise adolescent sexual health by: Investing in comprehensive sexuality education: Implement and fund evidence-based sexuality education programs in schools that cover a wide range of topics, including contraception, STIs, consent, healthy relationships, gender equality, and LGBTQIA+ issues. In this, the International Technical Guidelines on Sexuality Education (ITGSE), produced by a consortium of United Nations agencies and partners, are key. Enhancing access to youth-friendly sexual health services: Ensure that adolescents everywhere have access to confidential, non-judgmental, and affordable sexual health services that meet their specific needs and preferences. Promoting open dialogue: Encourage open and honest conversations about sexual health within families, schools, and communities to reduce stigma and increase awareness. Training educators: Provide specialised training for teachers and healthcare providers to deliver effective and inclusive sex education. Such resources should be made available in both school and out-of-school settings. Conducting further research: Investigate the underlying reasons for the decline in condom use and the variations in sexual health behaviours across different populations to inform targeted interventions. This includes analysing messages and other content adolescents are exposed to across social media and online platforms, given their reach and impact all the more. Ends

University of Galway has issued offers to 3,753 prospective students for the 2024/25 academic year.   Following Round One of the Central Applications Office (CAO) process, President of University of Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh and Deputy President and Registrar Professor Peter McHugh acknowledge the effort and achievement of the Leaving Certificate class of 2024, the vast majority of whom were sitting state exams for the first time.   Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of University of Galway, said: “Comhghairdeas to the Leaving Cert class of 2024 as they embark on the next stage of their studies. They have displayed good judgment in choosing University of Galway. They can be assured that this and their experiences to date will stand them in good stead as the next adventure begins at University of Galway.” University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar Professor Peter McHugh said: “Each and every student who has navigated the post-primary years and the Leaving Cert deserves a huge welcome from University of Galway, particularly those who endured the impact of the pandemic in their schooldays, and they can be assured of an unrivalled student experience at the University. “Our admissions and registration team at the University of Galway is once again doing stellar work to facilitate such huge numbers of students who have applied to join us. In that context, we also welcome the Government commitment to begin to address the issue of inflated grades in the Leaving Cert.” On the back of a fourth year in a row of significant demand for places in third level education, University of Galway is offering 3,753 places for first year undergraduate students.  The following are some of the key trends following the issuing of Round One offers in the CAO process: Cut-off levels for points for University of Galway degrees showed mixed movement with almost a third of courses increasing points or remaining steady.  Some 40% of the University’s degree programmes are between the 500-600 points range.   An increase of 41 points for Arts (Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies) reflecting a significant increase in demand and University of Galway’s continued reputation as an international centre for the creative arts, as well as the value of our strategic education partnerships with Galway International Arts Festival and Druid.  Some of University of Galway’s programmes that offer extensive Erasmus opportunities saw an increase in points; BA Global Languages, BComm International (Spanish) and BSc Biotechnology.  All Engineering and Law programmes continue to cut-off at 500 CAO points or above.  Flagship programmes for University of Galway which continue to attract strong demand are Biomedical Engineering, with points increasing to 578 (up 30), and Biomedical Science, at 577 (up 10 points).  Medicine remains random allocation at 728 points.  The number of places available for students seeking to study Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy degrees are up by almost 50% - that is an additional 30 places across the two programmes, which follows a Government announcement of increased funding in these areas.  Five out of eight Commerce programmes require more than 500 points.   Ends

Céimeanna Oinigh ón Ollscoil le bronnadh ar sé dhuine dhéag in 2024   Cuireann Ollscoil na Gaillimhe fáilte ar ais chuig an gcampas roimh 1,800 céimí, a muintir, agus a gcairde, le haghaidh shearmanais Bhronnta an Fhómhair. Beidh na searmanais ar siúl ó inniu go dtí Dé Máirt, an 27 Lúnasa, agus beidh céimithe a rinne staidéar sna ceithre choláiste éagsúla de chuid na hOllscoile ina measc. Dúirt an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Údar mór bróid dom i gcónaí é ár gcuid mac léinn a fheiceáil ag ceiliúradh a n-éachtaí acadúla lena muintir agus lena gcairde, agus ag tabhairt aitheantais don díograis agus don dúthracht a chaith siad le linn a dtréimhse staidéir anseo. “Beidh iarracht den bhrón ag baint le searmanais Bhronnta an Fhómhair domsa i mbliana, mar is iad na searmanais dheireanacha dom mar Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Ba mhór an onóir dom páir a bhronnadh ar mhic léinn agus a bheith páirteach in ócáidí ceiliúrtha na mílte céimí. Is pribhléid í chomh maith a bheith in ann aitheantas a thabhairt d’éachtaí na ndaoine a mbronntar céimeanna oinigh orthu agus iad a cheiliúradh – 16 dhámhachtain dá leithéid a bhronnfar san iomlán in 2024.  “Thar ceann na hOllscoile, ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas ó chroí a dhéanamh lenár mic léinn go léir, leo siúd a bhfuil céim bainte amach acu agus leo siúd ar a mbronnfar céimeanna oinigh. Gabhaim buíochas leo uile as bheith páirteach i bpobal Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, agus guím gach rath orthu amach anseo, go gairmiúil agus go pearsanta.” Tá Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ag tabhairt aitheantais do shár-éachtaí 16 dhuine le linn na bliana 2024 trí Chéimeanna Oinigh a bhronnadh orthu. I measc na ndaoine a bheidh á gceiliúradh sna laethanta amach romhainn le linn shearmanais Bhronnta an Fhómhair, tá: Gerry Kilcommins, iarLeas-Uachtarán Oibríochtaí Domhanda le Medtronic – Dochtúir le hInnealtóireacht Danny McCoy, príomhoifigeach feidhmiúcháin Ibec – Dochtúir le hEolaíocht Eacnamaíochta Mary Bennett, iar-úinéir shiopa mór le rá na Gaillimhe The Treasure Chest agus duine de bhunaitheoirí Chumann Gnó Chathair na Gaillimhe agus Líonra Ban Gnó agus Gairmiúil na Gaillimhe – Dochtúir le hEolaíocht Eacnamaíochta John Davoren, feirmeoir, comhstiúrthóir ar Scoil Allamuigh Seandálaíochta Chathair Chonaill agus úinéir Ionad Cuairteoirí Dhún Chathair Chonaill – Dochtúir le hEolaíocht An tOllamh Jerome Sheahan, staitisteoir/matamaiticeoir ar scor as Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – Dochtúir le hEolaíocht Bronnfar Céimeanna Oinigh ar aon dhuine dhéag eile ag searmanais Bhronnta an Gheimhridh a bheidh ar siúl ar an gcampas i mí na Samhna: Rachael Blackmore MBE, marcach Rásaíochta Seilge Náisiúnta – Dochtúir le Dlíthe Tony Connelly, iriseoir agus údar, agus Eagarthóir Nuacht na hEorpa le RTÉ News – Dochtúir le Litríocht Marina Fiddler agus Tara Nic Dhiarmada, bunaitheoirí MADRA – Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption – Dochtúir le Dlíthe Keith Finnegan, craoltóir agus iarláithreoir an chláir Galway Talks ar Galway Bay FM – Dochtúir le Litríocht Martin Griffiths, Fo-Ard-Rúnaí na Náisiún Aontaithe le haghaidh Gnóthaí Daonnúla agus Comhordaitheoir na Fóirithinte Éigeandála – Dochtúir le Dlíthe Dolores Keane – amhránaí tíre Éireannach den stíl traidisiúnta a bhfuil cáil idirnáisiúnta uirthi – Dochtúir le Ceol An Dr Éanna Ní Lamhna, luibheolaí agus feithideolaí, láithreoir agus craoltóir – Dochtúir le hEolaíocht Owen Reidy, Ard-Rúnaí Chomhdháil na gCeardchumann (ICTU) – Dochtúir le Dlíthe An tOllamh Paul Yock agus an Dr Joshua Makower, bunaitheoirí Stanford Biodesign a thug tacaíocht do bhunú BioInnovate Ireland – Dochtúir le hEolaíocht    Tá tuilleadh eolais faoi sceideal na searmanas bronnta le fáil ar https://www.universityofgalway.ie/conferring/. Críoch

Sixteen people to receive Honorary Degrees from University during 2024 University of Galway this week welcomes more than 1,800 graduates, along with their families and friends, back to campus for Autumn Conferring ceremonies. The celebrations take place from today, until Tuesday August 27th and include graduates who studied at all of the University’s four colleges.   Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, University of Galway President, said: “I am always filled with great pride seeing our students celebrating their academic achievements with family and friends, bringing recognition of all their hard work and commitment over their years of study. “This year, the Autumn Conferring ceremonies are especially poignant for me as they are my last as President of University of Galway. It has been a great honour to present students with their parchments and to be part of the celebrations of thousands of graduates. It is also a great privilege to be able to celebrate and recognise the achievements of those who we award honorary degrees – in total during 2024 there will be 16 such awards.  “On behalf of our University, I want to offer each my heartiest congratulations to all our students, to all those who have graduated and to all those who receive honorary awards. I thank them all for being part of the community of University of Galway and I wish them all the very best for the future, in their careers and their personal lives.” Over the course of 2024 University of Galway is recognising the extraordinary achievements of 16 people by awarding them Honorary Degrees. Those being honoured during the Autumn Conferring in the coming days include: Gerry Kilcommins, former Vice President Global Operations at Medtronic - Doctor of Engineering Danny McCoy, chief executive officer of Ibec - Doctor of Economic Science Mary Bennett, former owner of iconic Galway retail outlet The Treasure Chest and founding member of the Galway City Business Association and the Galway Business and Professional Women's Network - Doctor of Economic Science John Davoren, farmer, co-director of Caherconnell Archaeology Field School, and owner of Caherconnell Fort Visitors Centre - Doctor of Science Professor Jerome Sheahan, retired statistician/mathematician at University of Galway - Doctor of Science A further eleven people are to being awarded Honorary Degrees during Winter Conferring, which take places on campus in November: Rachael Blackmore MBE, National Hunt jockey - Doctor of Laws Tony Connelly, journalist and author, and Europe Editor for RTÉ News - Doctor of Literature Marina Fiddler and Tara Nic Dhiarmada, founders of MADRA – Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption - Doctor of Laws Keith Finnegan, broadcaster and former presenter of Galway Talks on Galway Bay FM - Doctor of Literature Martin Griffiths, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator - Doctor of Laws Dolores Keane – internationally-renowned, traditional Irish folk singer - Doctor of Music Dr Éanna Ní Lamhna, botanist and entomologist, presenter and broadcaster - Doctor of Science Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) - Doctor of Laws Professor Paul Yock and Dr Joshua Makower, founders of Stanford Biodesign and supporters of establishment of BioInnovate Ireland - Doctor of Science For more information on the conferring schedules visit https://www.universityofgalway.ie/conferring/. Ends

Researchers at University of Galway are working with indigenous peoples deep in the Colombian Amazon to document their story - building on the legacy of Roger Casement. The projects are led by a team from the University’s Huston School of Film and Digital Media and the Discipline of Geography, and continue the work of the executed Irish rebel who initially earned fame as a diplomat in the British government after he documented exploitation, atrocious cruelty and genocide of indigenous people by the British registered Peruvian Amazon Company. For the past four years, Indigenous rights lawyer and University of Galway researcher Dr Brendan Tobin, supported by EU Marie Sklodowska Curie research funding, has been working on a documentary with the Bora, Muinane, Okaina and Uitoto peoples in the Predio Putumayo, Colombia’s largest indigenous reserve. Video cameras have been donated to the people in the area by the University to support them in recording their story. The focus of the documentary is to ensure the indigenous peoples take part in the telling of their own story, while also being trained in film production, editing and post-production. Dr Brendan Tobin said: “In 1912 Roger Casement exposed the ‘extermination’ of Amazonian indigenous peoples of the Putumayo, during the rubber boom. A century on, the peoples of the region are seeking to bring their story to the world. If this helps prevent a future genocide of their peoples, or other indigenous peoples, it will, they say, give a death of dignity to the victims of the rubber era. The unquiet spirits can then rest in peace, and the living can achieve self-determination over their ancestral lands." In August 2023, a dedicated film centre opened in La Chorrera by the Irish Ambassador to Colombia, Fiona Nic Dhonnacha. The Ambassador was visiting the communities as representative of the Government of Ireland to celebrate the resilience of the Bora, Muinane, Okaina and Uitoto peoples and to mark our historic connections on the anniversary of Roger Casement’s death.               Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin T.D. said: “I welcome the efforts by University of Galway to support the Bora, Muinane, Okaina, and Uitoto communities of the Predio Putumayo to map their territories. This will help to support their capacity for self-governance, as well as their efforts to restore the historical memory of their ancestors, whose exploitation Roger Casement helped to bring to global attention, something I was very interested to hear about on my recent trip to Colombia in January. “The Irish Government recognises that the communities also play a critical role in the protection and sustainability of this Amazon region, and the mapping of their territory will support this work into the future. We look forward to participating in COP16 on biodiversity in Colombia in October, where we will have an opportunity to discuss these and other topics of importance under the theme ‘Peace with Nature’.”  Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, University of Galway President, said: “At University of Galway, we pride ourselves on our values of respect, excellence, openness and sustainability, and the indigenous peoples in the Predio Putumayo deserve our respect, not just in telling their story and the stories of those who died during the rubber boom, but also as custodians for the Amazon ecosystem and its biodiversity, which they have lived in harmony with for centuries. The knowledge, sustainable use and protection of the forests by indigenous communities is one of the main reasons the Amazon still exists. Here we know displacement and dispossession: we are privileged to be in a position to support the Predio Putumayo communities to document their ancestral history and assist them to zone their territories to protect their cultures and prioritise environmental protection for future generations.” The Bora, Muinane, Okaina and Uitoto peoples in the Predio Putumayo are also seeking support for the urgent task of the mapping of their traditional territories to secure their land rights and self-determination. A research project is due to begin in 2025 with the support of the Discipline of Geography at University of Galway for the peoples to be trained to use GIS and GPS technologies to map their lands. Pádraic Mac Donnacha, a Master’s in Coastal and Marine Environments student with the Discipline of Geography, University of Galway, travelled with Dr Tobin to the region to initiate the project. Mr Mac Donnacha said: “Our primary objective is to provide the equipment and training to empower Indigenous communities in Predio Putumayo to carry out their own, independent mapping, using state-of-the-art GIS technologies. This effort is crucial for safeguarding their rights to lands, the protection of their forests and cultural heritage.” The indigenous mapping project also has the support of the Columbian Ministry of Culture and the National Institute for Amazonian Studies. Ends

In celebration of the nationwide release of MRS ROBINSON in cinemas on August 23rd, the University of Galway, in collaboration with Light House Cinema, Pálás and BREAK OUT PICTURES, is proud to present an exclusive exhibition: “From the Desk of…Mrs. Robinson.” This special exhibition, hosted at the Light House  and Pálás Cinemas, offers the public a rare glimpse into the remarkable archive of Mary Robinson, one of Ireland's most influential and respected figures. Earlier this year, Mary Robinson—former President of Ireland and a pioneering advocate for human rights—marked her 80th birthday. To honour this milestone, the University of Galway, custodian of Robinson’s extensive archive, has curated a selection of materials that both inspired and feature in the documentary MRS ROBINSON. The exhibition showcases a rich collection of materials spanning over six decades of Robinson's distinguished career. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore reproductions of documents and artifacts from her time as a barrister, legislator, senator, and professor, as well as her tenure as President of Ireland. The archive also includes materials from her global roles, including UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes and Climate Change, Chair of The Elders, and founder of Realizing Rights and the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice. Curated by Niamh Ní Charra, project archivist at the University of Galway, this mini-exhibition brings to life the profound impact of Robinson’s work and her ongoing legacy in the fight for justice and equality. MRS ROBINSON—directed by Aoife Kelleher and produced by Cormac Hargaden and Trisha Canning for Loosehorse—delivers Mary Robinson’s story in her own words for the first time. The documentary chronicles her tireless battles for justice over more than 50 years, from the streets to the courts, the ballot box, and the corridors of power. The film will open nationwide on August 23rd, offering audiences an intimate look at Robinson’s extraordinary life and contributions. Mary Robinson first gained widespread attention as a reforming constitutional lawyer and senator, before creating a political earthquake by winning the Irish Presidential election in 1990. As UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, she cemented her legacy by challenging human rights abuses globally. Today, she continues to wield influence as Chair of The Elders—a group of global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela—and as a leading voice in climate justice through Project Dandelion, a women-led initiative addressing climate change. The exhibition is open to the public at Light House Cinema from August 16th to September 1st  and Pálás cinema  from 21st of August to September 4th. Mrs. Robinson is set for general release across Ireland on August 23rd. For more information, please contact:nell@breakoutpictures.com

Professor Rebecca Braun, Executive Dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies at University of Galway, has been appointed to the inaugural board of Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland. The appointment was confirmed by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan T.D., with Professor Braun to serve a four year-term. Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland is Ireland’s new competitive research and innovation funding agency and was formally established on August 1, 2024. The new agency amalgamates the activities and functions of the Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland and is central to realising the ambitions of Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy.             Announcing the establishment of the agency, Minister O’Donovan said: “This new agency will be a vital support in building the successful future of research and innovation in Ireland, engaging national challenges like the green and digital transitions, and boosting our international standing as research innovators in emerging fields and opportunities ahead.”             Speaking of the opportunity to support research enhancement in Ireland, Professor Braun said: “Quite simply: excellent, innovative ideas are at the core of Higher Education’s mission, and facilitating the best way for them to thrive will ensure the health of everything else. It’s a huge honour to be asked to help shape the direction and operations of this new agency.” Professor Rebecca Braun joined University of Galway to take up the position of Executive Dean in 2021. A recognised international leader in her core disciplines of Modern Languages and Literary Studies, Professor Braun has gained extensive experience assessing the strategic development and delivery of national research and innovation systems, having served as an interdisciplinary research advisor to both the UK Research Excellence Framework and Germany’s ‘Universities of Excellence’ national funding schemes. Professor Braun has also provided over 100 expert peer reviews to publishers and other academic bodies around the world. With a commitment to both conceptual and applied research and a strong track record in collaborating with partners across multiple sectors, she has consistently prioritised providing mentorship and other forms of practical support to help further the careers of researchers at all stages and disciplinary backgrounds.             University of Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “I am delighted that Professor Braun will be contributing to the leadership of Ireland’s investment in research at this important juncture. This appointment further enhances University of Galway’s contribution to the public good through an inclusive investment in research which recognises and supports excellence and impact wherever it resides. I wish Professor Braun every success in this role.” Ends

European InerReg-funded project in three countries to test the potential to reduce injury risk for nurses, therapists and carers A European research project has been launched to assess the potential for exoskeleton supports to benefit nurses, carers and allied healthcare workers such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists. The study is funded by the EU’s InterReg North-West Europe with academics and clinicians in Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands taking part. The Musculoskeletal Disorder Care project (MSD-CARE) aims to improve the working conditions of healthcare staff, to reduce the risk of disorders and injury and to support nursing staff and other healthcare workers in their daily work through the application of exoseketons. The researchers are also seeking to identify the facilitating factors and barriers to the use of exoskeletons in healthcare settings and offer practical solutions. Health and safety studies have highlighted that the risk of musculoskeletal disorders is 1.6 times higher for healthcare staff than those working in other sectors. Professor Georgina Gethin, Professor in Nursing and Midwifery at University of Galway, said: “Nurses involved in direct patient care are subject to physically demanding tasks and suffer a higher rate of musculoskeletal problems than other healthcare workers. This can have significant impact not only on their health but also on their ability to stay in their chosen profession. Any intervention that can help to highlight the issue of musculoskeletal disorders and find solutions to their prevention are a welcome development. In principle they could be a great asset it is important to know just how practical they would be in a busy work environment and how acceptable they would be to workers. We look forward to delivering on this for nurses and other healthcare workers.” The study is being led by the University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HAWK), Lower Saxony, Germany, in partnership with University of Galway and Roessingh Research and Development in the Netherlands. The project is under the direction of Professor Dr Shiney Franz of the Göttingen Health Campus, a cooperation between HAWK and the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG). Professor Franz said: “Involving exoskeletons in healthcare has high potential benefits for both patients and professionals. Our assumption is that wearing exoskeletons during activities such as mobilization or transfer of patients could improve the working conditions of care professionals and enhance patient safety. In this project, we aim to identify the working conditions in nursing that enable the integration of exoskeletons into the existing workflow taking in account the care plan and goals.”   Funding of more than €657,000 has been provided to the research partnership under Interreg North-West Europe. A new exoskeleton research laboratory at the Göttingen Health Campus (GCG) is being used, where carers can test their daily work and routines with and without an exoskeleton, under the guidance of researchers. State-of-the-art analysis tools will be used, such as electromyography and respiratory gas analysis to determine the effects of exoskeletons on muscle activity and breathing. Focus groups will also be held in Ireland and in the Netherlands to identify barriers and facilitators of the use of exoskeletons for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Ends

 University of Galway today announced the recipients of Honorary Degrees at the 2024 Autumn Conferring ceremonies. The Honorary Degree recipients will join over 1,800 graduands, at events running from Thursday August 22nd to Tuesday August 27th, 2024. The five individuals the University will bestow with Honorary Degrees are: Gerry Kilcommins (Doctor of Engineering), former Vice President Global Operations at Medtronic. Danny McCoy (Doctor of Economic Science), Chief Executive Officer of Ibec. Mary Bennett (Doctor of Economic Science), former owner of iconic Galway retail outlet The Treasure Chest and founding member of the Galway City Business Association and the Galway Business and Professional Women's Network. John Davoren (Doctor of Science), farmer, Co-Director of Caherconnell Archaeology Field School, and owner of Caherconnell Fort Visitors Centre. Professor Jerome Sheahan (Doctor of Science), Retired statistician/mathematician at University of Galway. University of Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “Our honorary degree ceremonies are an opportunity to recognise people whose values and contribution are exemplars of why we are here as a university community and our own values and impact, in and for the world. Universities are more than what we do: we are animated communities, exemplars of our value to society and our values in society. On behalf of our University communities, I congratulate all of those being honoured for the distinguished contributions to Galway, Ireland and society and I look forward to our university coming together to honour them, and our graduates.” The full schedule for the autumn 2024 conferring ceremonies is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/conferring/guide/autumn-conferring/ Ends

 D’fhógair Ollscoil na Gaillimhe inniu na daoine a mbeidh Céimeanna Oinigh á mbronnadh orthu ag Searmanais Bronnta Céime an Fhómhair 2024. Beidh na Céimithe Oinigh seo i gcomhluadar sa bhreis is 1,800 réamhchéimí ag searmanais a bheidh ar siúl ón Déardaoin, an 22 Lúnasa go dtí Dé Máirt, an 27 Lúnasa 2024. Is iad an cúigear a mbronnfar Céimeanna Oinigh orthu: Gerry Kilcommins (Dochtúir le hInnealtóireacht), IarLeas-Uachtarán Oibríochtaí Domhanda, Danny McCoy (Dochtúir le hEolaíocht Eacnamaíochta), Príomhfheidhmeannach Ibec. Mary Bennett (Dochtúir le hEolaíocht Eacnamaíochta), iar-úinéir shiopa mór le rá na Gaillimhe The Treasure Chest agus duine de bhunaitheoirí Chumann Gnó Chathair na Gaillimhe agus de Líonra Ban Gnó agus Gairmiúil na Gaillimhe. John Davoren (Dochtúir le hEolaíocht), Comhstiúrthóir ar Scoil Allamuigh Seandálaíochta Chathair Chonaill agus úinéir Ionad Cuairteoirí Dhún Chathair Chonaill. An tOllamh Jerome Sheahan (Dochtúir le hEolaíocht), Staitisteoir/matamaticeoir ar scor as Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Dúirt Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Is deis iad na searmanais seo chun aitheantas a thabhairt do dhaoine a bhfuil a luachanna agus a gcion ina ndea-shampla dúinn mar phobal ollscoile, agus atá ina n-eiseamláirí dár luachanna agus dár dtionchar ar an domhan agus ar son an domhain. Tá níos mó i gceist le hollscoileanna ná an méid a ndéanaimid: is pobail bhríomhara sinn, eiseamláirí dár luach don tsochaí agus dár luachanna sa tsochaí. Thar ceann ár bpobal Ollscoile, tréaslaím leo siúd go léir a dtugaimid ómós dóibh as an gcion thar na bearta atá déanta acu do Ghaillimh, d’Éirinn agus don phobal agus táim ag súil le teacht le chéile mar phobal ollscoile chun ómós a thabhairt dóibh, agus dár gcéimithe.” Tá sceideal iomlán shearmanais bhronnta an fhómhair 2024 le fáil ag https://www.universityofgalway.ie/conferring/guide/autumn-conferring/ Críoch

Researchers at University of Galway have developed a new, portable technology for on-the-spot testing of water quality to detect one of the most dangerous types of bacteria. Ireland regularly reports the highest crude incidence rates of the pathogen Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli - STEC for short - in Europe over the recent years. The bacteria produces the harmful Shiga toxin, which, if ingested by humans, can cause severe stomach illnesses and, in some cases, life-threatening complications especially in children under 5 years, older people and immunocompromised individuals. A work led by Dr Zina Alfahl, lecturer in bacteriology in the University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, and Dr Louise O’Connor, senior research fellow with the University’s College of Science and Engineering, developed a technology for rapid, sensitive and accurate testing of STEC in water sources, including rivers, lakes and wells. The results have been published in the journal, Microbiology.             Dr Alfahl said: “Our technology is a significant advancement in on-site water testing. It is portable, straightforward and safe to use. It is accurate, highly sensitive and the results are delivered quickly, on-site. “We are hoping that Environmental Health Officers and groundwater schemes in Ireland could use the technology on-site allowing for more frequent testing especially in or after extreme weather, periods of intense rainfall, because it is those conditions which lead to water supplies being contaminated.” Dr O’Connor said: “This technology could be a crucial intervention in helping to prevent outbreaks of infection in families and communities using wells, private water supplies and groundwater schemes. “Immediate results can help public health officers and water management authorities make informed decisions to protect public health. This rapid response capability is crucial for preventing the spread of waterborne diseases and ensuring the safety of drinking water." STEC is normally found in the intestines of healthy animals like cows and sheep, which carry it without getting sick. The bacteria spreads to people through contact with animal waste, or by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. A small sample of water can be tested on-site using isothermal amplification technology which can identify the genetic markers of STEC bacteria, and related E. coli.  The results are delivered in about 40minutes through a reading on screen. Traditional lab testing of samples can take days for results to be returned. The research, funded by Environment Protection Agency through the DERIVE project, tested samples from various water sources, including groundwater wells, rivers, a turlough and a farm drain on the Corrib catchment in Galway. Of the samples tested 61% were positive for the presence of this dangerous pathogen. Dr Alfahl said: “Our testing is sensitive enough to identify as low as two cells of the STEC bacteria. The gold standard for testing is culture in a lab, but this can take days and often weeks, and on occasion can return a false negative result – just because the culture does not grow in the lab does not always mean the bacteria has not been present in the water. Our test removes the necessity for samples to go to a lab. It offers on-the-spot results and is of huge benefit to the people using the water as a first-step in identifying a contamination and a potential health risk.” Dr O’Connor said: “This new testing method is particularly important for areas that rely on private groundwater wells, which can be more prone to contamination. In Ireland, a significant portion of the population depends on these for their drinking water - about 720,000 people, or one in every 5 households, but quality has been an issue as regulation is less stringent on these sources and testing is less frequent.” Ends

New research shows Andean glaciers have retreated to lowest levels in 11,700 years     An international team of scientists has discovered the glaciers in the Andes have shrunk to their smallest size in 11,700 years, revealing the tropics have already warmed beyond anything experienced during the entire Holocene age.   Scientists have long predicted the world’s glaciers will retreat as temperatures warm but the study’s analysis of rock samples adjacent to four glaciers in the Andes Mountains shows that glacial retreat in the tropics has happened much faster and has already passed an alarming cross-epoch benchmark.   As Earth’s climate heats up, the findings signal more of the world’s glaciers are likely retreating faster than predicted, possibly decades ahead of the climatological schedule. The findings have been published in the international journal Science and was led by Boston College in collaboration with scientists from University of Galway, UC Berkeley, University of Wisconsin, Tulane University, Aix-Marseille University, Aspen Global Change Institute, Ohio State University, Union College, Université Grenoble Alpes, and Purdue University. When glaciers shrink, the underlying bedrock is suddenly exposed to the stream of cosmic radiation constantly bombarding Earth. Similar to a sunburn, this radiation causes microscopic nuclear reactions inside the bedrock that produce rare isotopes, such as beryllium-10 and carbon-14. Scientists measure the concentration of these isotopes to calculate how long landscapes have been buried by ice and establish when glaciers were last as small as today. The rocks being exposed by melting glaciers in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia contain such small amounts of cosmogenic isotopes that the researchers were able to conclude these tropical ice masses have not been so small for at least 11,700 years, and potentially much longer. The rate at which the glaciers are melting suggests that the tropical climate can no longer be classified as belonging to the Holocene interglacial period, the last 11,700 years of relatively stable climate in which civilisation has flourished. Instead, the tropics may be best classified by a new period that will spell the end of glaciers in the high tropical Andes: the Anthropocene.   University of Galway climate scientist and co-author of the study, Dr Gordon Bromley led the collection of bedrock samples in the high Sierra Nevada del Cocuy in Colombia.               Dr Bromley said: “Glaciers are the poster child of human-caused global warming and are currently shrinking on a global scale as atmospheric temperatures rise. Our team uses glaciers as natural thermometers to track the magnitude of modern climate change and provide much-needed context of today’s rapid ice loss. Using a revolutionary technique called cosmogenic nuclide surface-exposure dating, we have reconstructed the growth and decay of glaciers in the high-altitude tropical Andes, which is arguably the most sensitive environment on Earth to climate change. “We found that modern glaciers in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia are smaller today than they have been for the entirety of the Holocene interglacial and conclude that the magnitude of modern ice loss is unprecedented. “This sets a grim new benchmark for our monitoring of human-driven climate change and also demonstrates how the high-altitude tropics, home to some of the most irreplaceable ecosystems on Earth, are also the most sensitive – and thus vulnerable – parts of our planet to global warming.” Ends