July

School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures receives Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of initiatives to support staff and students University of Galway has earned further significant recognition in the advancement of equality with the School of Languages Literatures and Cultures securing an Athena SWAN award.  The School of Languages Literatures and Cultures in the University’s College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies has secured the Athena SWAN Ireland – Bronze, reflecting the collective commitment of the School to equality, diversity and inclusion. The School’s application highlighted a range of initiatives that will be taken, including supporting staff from outside of Ireland to achieve their full potential and ensuring students feel welcome and supported in their studies regardless of their sex, race or financial background. This latest Athena SWAN accreditation sees a total of 12 Bronze Awards and two Silver Awards in the University, along with an institutional Bronze Award which was renewed in 2021. Fourteen out of the University’s eighteen Schools now hold Athena SWAN Awards. Dr Helen Maher, Vice-President for Equality Diversity and Inclusion, University of Galway, said: “We are delighted to share in the congratulations for the School of Languages Literatures and Cultures. We are greatly encouraged by the significant progress our university continues to make on gender and additional equality grounds. “Achieving the School’s first Bronze Award is a testament to our colleagues’ vision, philosophy and commitment to gender equality and progressing equality, diversity and inclusion in our culture and our collective responsibilities.”   Professor Patrick Crowley, Head of the School of Languages Literatures and Cultures, University of Galway, said: “This award is the fruit of great collaboration and a radical commitment to making institutional structures more just and more inclusive for all our colleagues in the School and for all our students. The process also brought to the fore so much good that has always been at the heart of our School. The EDI committee, under the brilliant, fierce leadership of Dr Catherine Emerson, will continue this interrogation and ongoing work.” Ends

University of Galway spin-out Lua Health has officially launched its next-generation, AI-powered, workforce wellbeing intelligence platform. Founded in 2023, Lua has pioneered proprietary AI algorithms capable of accurately detecting early indicators of declining wellbeing based on how a person writes. Lua is fully GDPR-compliant and 100% anonymised, integrating seamlessly with enterprise communication tools like Microsoft Teams and deploying in under a week. Designed for enterprise scale, Lua delivers a real-time, evidence-based solution for organisations ready to move from reactive care to proactive, precision-led wellbeing.By discreetly analysing written language across workplace communication platforms, Lua identifies early signs of stress, burnout, and disengagement - without accessing private messages or individual identities. Employees may receive personalised, opt-in prompts to support self-awareness, while leaders gain aggregated insights at the team, department, or location level. The result is timely, data-driven intervention that improves outcomes and prevents issues before they escalate. A spin-out of University of Galway’s Business Innovation Centre and Insight, the Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics, Lua was founded by University alumnus Dr Mihael Arcan. Dr Mihael Arcan, founder and chief executive of Lua, said: “While it is about identifying issues as early as possible, it is also about creating a workplace that is appealing and placing a priority on attracting and retaining talent.” Lua has been backed by Enterprise Ireland’s commercialisation fund and private investment company Growing Capital. Gianni Matera, Founder of Growing Capital, said: “With Lua, organisations can move from reactive care to precision wellbeing - building healthier, higher-performing teams. We are proud to support Lua’s mission to help individuals better understand and manage their wellbeing before issues become crises.” Lua’s technology is research-driven, interdisciplinary innovation at the intersection of AI and psychology - designed to deliver measurable wellbeing outcomes, reduce attrition, and demonstrate clear return on investment. Lua combines behavioural science, data analytics and enterprise technology to deliver a disruptive approach to organisational wellbeing. By passively analysing written language and interaction patterns within enterprise communication platforms like Microsoft Teams, Lua detects early indicators of stress, burnout and disengagement. These insights enable precisely targeted, personalised interventions, improving outcomes while reducing the burden on internal teams. Lua is helping forward-thinking companies deliver personalised, data-informed support at scale. One such partnership is with the CPL Group, a consultancy business that explores, questions and designs future work solutions. Maria Souza, Future of Work Institute, CPL Group, said: “Lua presents a highly impressive and insightful approach. What stood out most is the significant value it can deliver through its methodology alone.” Ends

Panoramic settlement overlooking Galway Bay unearths Western Ireland’s place in the wider world - past and present   Archaeologists have confirmed a ringfort overlooking Galway Bay as a settlement for rulers and nobles in Ireland’s Early Medieval period, a site with a remarkable ancient history. Rathgurreen Ringfort, in the Maree area of Co Galway, has been described as an impressive “high-status” settlement that could date anywhere from the 5th to 12th century AD. An eight-week archaeological excavation, directed by Dr Michelle Comber and Dr Noel McCarthy of the Discipline of Archaeology at University of Galway, has also revealed exciting new layers to the story of this panoramic site with views south to the Burren, west to the Atlantic, and north across Galway. The ringfort was first investigated and proposed as a high-status settlement - home to a local ruler such as a king or lord - by Professor Michael Duignan, then Chair of Archaeology at the University, in the late 1940s. Excavations now suggest that parts of the site are potentially 1,000 years older than previously thought, with evidence of contact with Rome, Scotland, France, and Scandinavia, possibly including the trade of valuable purple dye made at Rathgurreen. A team of professionals, students and volunteers took part in the archaeological dig this summer on a section of the 100m-diameter ringfort.             Dr Comber, lecturer in Archaeology at University of Galway, said: “What we can say with some certainty is that Maree is an ancient territory. There are up to 40 ringforts in the area, most of which are only a third the size of Rathgurreen, not to mention a number of earlier prehistoric sites. The name Mearaí (Maree) appears in several early legends, often associated with warriors or other figures bearing that name. Our research confirms that Rathgurreen was the home of a noble family - hence the description as high-status. “But the story is much deeper and richer. We have evidence of continuity and change at this site – a settlement that possibly dates back to the Iron Age, that was later developed into a very fine ringfort. A new home with links to ancestors would certainly have been very attractive to Early Medieval nobility.” The archaeology team found a number of glass beads, some coloured blue and another turquoise and red. These have parallels in other parts of Ireland and Scotland in the Iron Age - the era that immediately precedes the Early Medieval period. The dig has also confirmed the presence of Early Medieval pottery from northern France and amber beads likely connected with Scandinavian trade routes used by the Vikings. Evidence of the manufacture of purple dye at Rathgurreen comprises the remnants of dog-whelk shellfish that were processed at the settlement to produce the rare, and therefore, valuable colouring.             Dr Comber added: “We are working in an ancient high-status settlement located roughly mid-way along the Atlantic seaboard. In no sense, though, would it have been viewed as ‘wild’ or isolated - on the contrary it was part of a wider community and had links with other parts of Ireland, Scotland and mainland Europe. The adjacent coast provided relatively easy access to the outside world - seaways were the motorways of their day. “The big takeaway from this site is that a place like Galway had a wider significance in the past, and that significance translates into the present. This one site has many tales to tell, and roles to play. People come to the west of Ireland and they think it’s isolated and remote, but Maree’s ancient remains tell us that western Ireland was not cut off from the wider world, geographically or culturally.” The modern excavations began with geophysical surveys that provided hints of what might be present beneath the grass. In conjunction with the results from the 1940s, these helped guide the work this summer. The excavation marks the launch of a new research project exploring land use through time on the Maree peninsula in Galway with the University team hoping to continue digs at the site in 2026 and to pursue other locations in the area in future years. The larger project is partnering with the Discovery Programme: Centre for Archaeology and Innovation Ireland. It also involves local, national and international communities - developing a Conservation Management Plan for Rathgurreen, in conjunction with landowners, ecological and archaeological experts and funded by the National Monuments Service Community Monuments Fund via Galway County Council. Community volunteers, University of Galway archaeology students, and international students from Uppsala University in Sweden (a partner of University of Galway in the ENLIGHT European University Alliance) came together this summer to investigate this site, contribute to a new research project, and gain skills vital to pursuing in-demand careers in the archaeological profession. Ends

Moonfish Theatre, Oein DeBhairduin and Galway International Arts Festival present the world premiere of Why The Moon Travels A new production celebrating the beauty of Irish Travellers’ nomadic heritage and co-directed by a University of Galway academic is being hosted on campus as part of the Galway International Arts Festival.  Why the Moon Travels is a haunting and magical retelling of Irish Traveller folktales, presented by the award-winning Moonfish Theatre and writer Oein DeBhairduin and featuring performances by an all-Traveller ensemble of Catrina Connors, Ellen Doyle and Sarah McDonagh.  The sold out production is directed by Dr Máiréad Ní Chróinín, Moonfish founder and Druid Lecturer in Drama and Theatre Studies at University of Galway and Ionia Ní Chróinín, also a director and Moonfish founder.  Devised from DeBhairduin’s best-selling book, modern Ireland meets an older Éire as Why the Moon Travels interweaves stories of kind animals, otherworldly beings and hapless humans with memories and experiences from the performers’ own lives, mixing the wisdom of folklore with their own words.   Using oral storytelling, song, and evocative shadow puppetry, Why the Moon Travels celebrates the beauty of Irish Travellers’ nomadic heritage and gently examines the ways this heritage has been overlooked in the modern Irish state.  Dr Helen Maher, Vice-President for Equality Diversity and Inclusion at University of Galway, said: “As an Education Partner of Galway International Arts Festival, the University is very proud to host the theatre venue for Why the Moon Travels, which aligns with the University’s core values of respect and openness.  “University of Galway is committed to supporting both the access and meaningful participation of Irish Traveller students at all levels of their education journey. We recognise the important contribution of Traveller culture and history and proactively work towards equality and inclusion based on the lived experience of our Traveller community.”  University of Galway appointed its first ever full-time Traveller Education Officer, Owen Ward, in September 2021 and the University is also home to the Mincéirs Archive. This collection focuses on Irish Travellers from the 1960s when Ireland transformed socially, economically and culturally; its impacts on the nomadic indigenous community and the dawn of the Traveller rights movement in Ireland and Europe.  The collection contains items related to Traveller human rights, education, employment, accommodation, music, folklore and photographs of the community.  The University also setup the Mincéirs Whiden Society, the first Irish Traveller University Society in Ireland, formed to give Irish Traveller students a place where they can go and speak with other Irish Travellers. In June 2024 the University announced the dedication of a teaching facility on campus as the Galway John Room, named after well-known Irish Traveller John Ward, who was born and raised in Galway city.    The production was developed with the support of Galway International Arts Festival’s ELEVATE Programme, supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, Galway City Council and the O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance at University of Galway.   Why the Moon Travels will run from the 14th – 19th July as part of Galway International Arts Festival at the Bank of Ireland Theatre, University of Galway. Ends

Agency supports Irish-speaking postgraduate students on MA in Planning and Development at University of Galway  Údarás na Gaeltachta, in collaboration with University of Galway, has announced funding for two postgraduate bursaries worth €10,000 each for students enrolling in the University’s MA in Planning and Development programme this September. The postgraduate bursary scheme was first launched in 2024 and is designed to support Irish-speaking graduates with an interest in contributing to the sustainable development of Gaeltacht areas. Along with valuable work experience with Údarás na Gaeltachta, the bursaries will enable successful applicants to gain insights into the unique planning and development challenges faced by Gaeltacht communities, including those related to economic, social, educational, sociolinguistic and cultural development.             Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said: "We are delighted to support this innovative programme. It equips recipients with comprehensive expertise to address the planning and development challenges that public agencies face when implementing investment and development strategies in Gaeltacht and rural areas. By strengthening capabilities within Local Authorities and planning organisations, we are preparing the next generation of professional planners to champion sustainable development in Gaeltacht regions for years to come.”             Dr Thérèse Conway, Director of the MA in Planning and Development at University of Galway, said: “Having planners that understand the unique context of minority language areas is central to the future of Gaeltacht regions. These very generous bursaries will fund two Irish speakers, who along with their language abilities, will learn the required planning acumen, through the MA in Planning and Development programme, to engage with these unique areas.” Eoin Brett, a 2024 bursary recipient and MA in Planning and Development student, said: “Receiving the Údarás na Gaeltachta bursary gave me direct experience in planning for the future of Gaeltacht communities and a chance to apply what I was learning in the classroom to real projects. The experience gave me a better understanding of how planning decisions affect everyday life in Gaeltacht communities and the unique needs of these areas." The MA in Planning and Development at University of Galway prepares graduates for careers in land use and physical planning, surveying, community and regional development, and sustainable planning practice. This bursary offers a unique chance for Irish-speaking graduates to contribute to the preservation and growth of Gaeltacht communities while advancing their professional qualifications. The deadline for applications is Friday August 15th, 2025. For more information contact Dr Thérèse Conway, Programme Director, at therese.conway@universityofgalway.ie or visit https://www.universityofgalway.ie/courses/taught-postgraduate-courses/planning-and-development.html. Ends

The deepening partnership between GIAF and University of Galway has been a key factor in driving the festival’s remarkable development over the last number of years, enabling an unprecedented growth across art forms, venues and audiences. This year, the continued expansion of the festival onto the university campus has resulted in 21% of all GIAF venues located on campus, with close to 54,000 people expected to attend performances, exhibitions and talks across the university campus during the festival. At the heart of this collaboration is a shared commitment to the creation and presentation of new work, as well as public engagement through bold and contemporary programming. Thanks to the partnership, GIAF is proud to host its most expansive First Thought Talks series to date on campus, alongside world premieres and exhibits that speak to today’s cultural and environmental concerns. University of Galway is also home to GIAF’s largest venue - the Heineken Big Top - which will host 12 major live music performances this year, including The Stunning on 26 July, preceded by an exclusive alumni gathering on campus. Supporting New Work and Groundbreaking Theatre This year, the campus becomes a creative incubator, playing host to four new theatre productions — including two world premieres. These include: Why the Moon Travels, the world premiere of a new theatrical adaptation celebrating the richness of Irish Traveller heritage. The Baby’s Room, the latest immersive experience from Enda Walsh’s acclaimed Room Two productions in development: The House Must Win by Rosa Productions and Dating Amber, a co-production between Landmark Productions and GIAF. Hosting a Cross-Disciplinary Cultural Programme In addition to theatre and music, the university campus will showcase thought-provoking visual arts and interactive installations: Not Breaking. This Wave Drowns Hate by Kat Austen, a striking response to the global marine microplastics crisis. What Lies Beneath the Rubble, an urgent photographic exhibition by award-winning Palestinian photojournalist Eman Mohammed. Tactile Tunes, an interactive musical installation at the Aula Maxima. Expanding Public Discourse and Cultural Legacy This year’s First Thought Talks will feature a wide range of prominent thinkers, including Fintan O’Toole and five University of Galway faculty members, engaging with pressing contemporary themes. The talks - held entirely on campus - are a cornerstone of the festival’s ambition to foster critical public discourse. Beyond the stage and gallery, the partnership also strengthens the cultural legacy of the festival. The University continues to house and curate the GIAF Archive, including the Galway International Arts Festival Oral History Project, which documents the lived experiences of festival creators and participants. New recordings, developed in collaboration with Dr Barry Houlihan and the University’s Archives, are added annually and made fully accessible via the university’s digital repository. Empowering the Next Generation of Arts Leaders The festival also provides significant opportunities for student and alumni engagement. This year, the university-backed GIAF Volunteer Programme will welcome 536 volunteers, while 12 students from diverse disciplines will take part in SELECTED - GIAF’s academy offering behind-the-scenes access to festival-making and exclusive meetings with artists and producers. GIAF CEO John Crumlish said: “The relationship with the University of Galway is very important to us. It has played a significant role in our development, has facilitated our growth, played a major role in the expansion of the Festival footprint and provided valuable support in the development of new Irish work.” University of Galway Interim Deputy President & Registrar, Professor Becky Whay, said: “Our partnership with the Festival has community and opportunity at its heart - from the students on our SELECTED programme and their learning and experiences, to our colleagues on the ground who make all the events happen, to the volunteers and to the welcome we can afford to the audiences. We love the vibrancy and creativity that it offers the University and importantly the city.” Galway International Arts Festival would like to acknowledge the support of its principal funding agencies the Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland; its Drinks Partner Heineken®; Education Partner University of Galway.        

A PhD researcher who investigates the body’s own cannabis-like chemicals in response to pain has won University of Galway’s Threesis challenge.  Whittled down from an initial 80 participants, Kevin Murray earned top prize in competition with 12 postgraduate research students in the Threesis Grand Finale in the University’s O’Donoghue Theatre.   The finalists were tasked with sharing the story of their research in just 3 minutes, using three slides, in front of three judges and a voting audience, including members of the public.  Threesis is a fast-paced research communications competition, with presentations covering a range of topics including the future of medical research, ocean ecosystem accounting for Ireland and the lived experiences of female migrants in the Irish hotel sector.  Originally from Co Mayo, Kevin Murray is studying in the University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and is affiliated with the Centre for Pain Research and the Galway Neuroscience Centre. His research is supported by the Canadian Institute of Health Research.   His presentation - The Endocannabinoid System and Pain: Ancient System, New Frontiers - described his research project, which investigates the relationships between the body’s own cannabis-like chemicals - endocannabinoids, genetics and mood in response to painful stimuli.  Second place went to student Maryam Arif for her presentation - Deadly cargo, Smart Delivery. Originally from India, she is pursuing a PhD in Cancer Biology in the School of Chemical and Biological Sciences. Her research is working to advance cancer treatment through nanomedicine. By developing targeted, drug-loaded liposomes designed to selectively kill cancer cells, particularly those resistant to conventional treatment, the aim is to improve therapeutic outcomes for cancer patients.  Third place went to student Eléa Thuilier for her presentation - Augmented Reality  Video Games for Osteoporosis. Originally from France, Eléa is pursuing a PhD based in the School of Computer Science. Her research is supported by the Research Ireland Centre for Research Training in Digitally Enhanced Reality (CRT-DREAL). Her research investigates the use of immersive technology and video games for patients with osteoporosis by proposing a novel and engaging technology-based training programme. Eléa also represented University of Galway in the national competition ‘Ma thèse en 180 secondes’ where she was runner-up in the competition to present a research project in 3 minutes in French.  The Public Choice Award went to Alison Hall for her presentation - High Steaks: Reducing Methane Emissions in Cattle Farming. Based in the School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Alison’s research is being undertaken as part of the Methane Abatement in Grazing Systems project funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.  The judges were: Louise McCormack, 2024 Threesis Winner; Deirdre Giblin, Vice President of Operations and Site Lead at Datavant Ireland; and Professor Dónal Leech, Dean of Graduate Studies at the University of Galway.  Professor Dónal Leech said: “Threesis is a highlight each year for our research community as it provides an accessible overview across the University of the ground-breaking research underway by our postgraduate researchers. Our 12 finalists were outstanding in their ability to condense their complex and specialised research into just three minutes for a public audience. My congratulations to the winners and finalists, and also to the 80 students who participated in training and heats, and the many colleagues across campus who support this programme.”  Organised by the Office of the Vice-President for Research and Innovation along with a campus-wide network of supporters, the Threesis competition was initiated at University of Galway in 2012 and is open to all postgraduate research students at the University.  Ends 

IdeasLab, University of Galway’s student hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, has celebrated student entrepreneurs and innovators at the 2025 Start100 programme.   Now in its fourth year, the six-week incubator brings in partners from the world of business and enterprise to support students and student teams as they develop early-stage business ideas. The programme culminated in a Demo Day, where the students pitched their ideas to a panel of expert judges and an audience of peers, mentors and leaders in enterprise. Sean Allen, from Four Mile House, Co Roscommon, showcased his concept - LeukoCheck - an early-stage idea for a continuous blood monitoring system designed to support ICU patients. It explores how real-time biomarker analysis might enable earlier detection of sepsis and, in time, contribute to improved patient outcomes. He was inspired by his family’s personal experience of undetected sepsis.    Sean Allen was recently awarded the Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship, sponsored by The Liffey Trust, in partnership with IdeasLab at University of Galway.   The ‘One to Watch’ award, sponsored by WestBIC, was presented to Joseph Tannian, a PhD student in the University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. The award recognises the potential of his concept - DuaLine - which aims to reimagine diabetes care. Building on scientific advances that have extended the lifespan of implants from just three to four days to up to eight weeks, DuaLine seeks to explore how these breakthroughs could be translated into real-world impact through the design of a compact, next-generation pump.   Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “Congratulations to both of our innovative students on receiving their Start100 2025 awards by demonstrating such exceptional ideas and entrepreneurial talent. Our students are not just preparing for the future - they are helping to shape it. Start100 is a powerful expression of University of Galway’s commitment to innovation with impact. Through IdeasLab, we foster creativity, collaboration and the confidence to tackle complex challenges. In a rapidly changing world, this kind of applied, values-driven learning is essential - not just for our students, but for the future of our society and economy.” Méabh Conaghan, Regional Director for the West and North-West Regions, Enterprise Ireland, said: "The Start100 series of incubation supports are to be commended as they help students to explore, develop and validate their ideas in a structured and safe environment. Enterprise Ireland is delighted to collaborate with University of Galway and its IdeasLab team on Start100 2025. “It is a privilege to preview the project ideas, and I am excited to say that there are some strong business prospects in the mix. Enterprise Ireland welcomes the Start100 initiative, recognising it as an avenue for future enterprise success and is happy to support this worthwhile programme. Supports that encourage and develop student entrepreneurship at all levels are crucial to a vibrant start-up ecosystem." Start100 is designed to nurture creativity, confidence and entrepreneurial thinking through a blend of mentorship, skills-building workshops and real-world exposure. This year’s students explored diverse opportunities and challenges across sectors such as health innovation, education, accessibility, AI, and creative technologies. Each team worked closely with a mentor from their field, while expert-led sessions focused on market validation, storytelling, tax, intellectual property and pitch delivery. Students were also hosted by CREW and Platform94, strengthening their understanding of the regional innovation ecosystem. Guest speakers included leaders from Enterprise Ireland, WestBIC, and the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), the award-winning SymPhysis Medical and Start100 alumni Sam O’Neill from Rowteic. Final pitches at Demo Day were evaluated by an expert judging panel: Dr. Helen McBreen, Partner, Atlantic Bridge, Méabh Conaghan, Regional Director, Enterprise Ireland, John Brennan, CEO, WestBIC and Conor Carey, Director, Fairstone Ireland. Dr Natalie Walsh, Director of Entrepreneurial Development at IdeasLab, University of Galway, added: “Showcase Day is always a reminder of the boldness and creativity of our students. Start100 is not about having all the answers - it’s about stepping into the unknown, testing ideas, and building the confidence to take the first steps toward impact. What we saw at the event was a room full of energy, curiosity, and students willing to challenge themselves and think differently. That is the essence of innovation, and it’s exactly what IdeasLab was created to support.” Ends

Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae T.D., has launched a new report on timber construction research needs at University of Galway. The publication of the new report - Research and Development Needs for Timber in Construction in Ireland - aims to support the promotion of greater use of timber in construction. It was published by the Government’s Interdepartmental & Industry Working Group on Timber in Construction in collaboration with the Timber Engineering Research Group at University of Galway. The Working Group aims to increase the use of wood in construction while maximising the use of Irish-grown timber. The report outlines the research and development needs to be addressed in Ireland to support promotion of greater use of timber in construction. It highlights the opportunities for further targeted research to advance the use of timber, particular mass engineered timber, whilst ensuring the highest possible degree of building safety and boosting the use of homegrown timber in construction. To mark the publication, the Minister visited the Timber Engineering Research Group facilities in the Alice Perry Engineering Building at the University of Galway and saw firsthand the research in timber currently taking place. The report presents the results of a survey conducted among members of the Research and Development group within the Timber in Construction Steering Group. It sets out priority research and development actions to support greater use of timber in construction, sustainable building and carbon reduction.  Key actions identified by the report include the development of a central online repository for timber in construction including case study demonstrator projects and new technologies. It also includes an assessment of incentives to promote an increase of timber in construction, collection of data on durability performance and whole lifecycle carbon assessments for Irish timber. Minister Healy-Rae said: “With the construction sector seeking more sustainable alternatives, it is vital we recognise the role our forests can play in shaping the future of our built environment. This Government is committed to supporting timber use in building projects, and I welcome the dedication of stakeholders in Ireland, researchers in particular, in identifying how innovation can help advance the use of timber in construction in Ireland.” The report was authored by Dr Patrick McGetrick, Chair of the Research and Development thematic group and Associate Professor in the College of Science and Engineering at University of Galway. Dr McGetrick said: “The publication of this report is very important for the advancement of timber construction in Ireland. Research plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and effective use of timber as a structural material. It provides scientific evidence that enhances confidence among engineers, architects, builders and the general public as end users. “There are still many questions to be answered in relation to the use of wood in construction, not only from a structural design point of view, but also to maximise its performance, and to better understand the environmental benefits of its use for carbon storage. Addressing these questions require academia, industry and policymakers to work together, and I am delighted to see the results and future potential of such collaboration reflected in this report.”  The Timber Engineering Research Group (TERG) was established at University of Galway in 2004 by Professor Annette Harte and is currently led by Dr Patrick McGetrick. It is an internationally recognised multi-disciplinary research group and the national leader in this area, linking academia with industry and developing international standardisation for wood products and timber construction. It aims to support the increased use of timber as a sustainable construction material by performing technical and scientific research to create a broader understanding of the basic material and develop added-value engineered wood products. Ends

A new micro-credential course to encourage sustainability in the medtech, pharma and public sector in Ireland has been launched at University of Galway.  The Green Labs initiative has been spearheaded since 2019 by Dr Una FitzGerald, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering in the School of Engineering and a Principal Investigator within CÚRAM, the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices.  The new 10-week microcredential programme is aimed at Ireland’s extensive laboratory industry, including medtech and pharma, healthcare and science and the research sector and builds on the success and impact of the Green Labs initiative, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of laboratory practices.  Dr Una FitzGerald said: “Once I took on board the considerable contribution that sustainable lab practices can make to global efforts to reduce GHGs and different kinds of waste, I felt compelled to act, because I supervise and teach many different cohorts of students. I feel I have a duty to do all possible to mitigate the climate and biodiversity crisis and feel fortunate that I am in a position to help.  “As Ireland’s medtech and pharma sectors continue to grow, so too does the responsibility to operate in an environmentally sustainable fashion. Laboratory testing is a crucial part of operations in these organisations, as well as for hospital and environmental testing - just think of how many lab tests are require to diagnose disease or to prove that the water you are drinking is safe. Medical device manufacturers also need lab tests to prove that implantable devices are sterile, and pharma companies use labs characterise the properties of drugs.”  The green labs journey commenced in 2019 with CÚRAM becoming the first laboratory in Europe certified as ‘Green’ by American non-profit, My Green Lab. Meeting this standard required raising awareness of the impact of lab work on the environment and prompted efforts to reduce plastic waste, energy and water usage and adopt green principles of synthetic and analytic chemistry.  One fact learned was that a single ultra-low temperature freezer, used to store lab samples, uses as much energy as the average household.  In 2020, Dr FitzGerald developed a course module for postgraduates on green lab principles and practice, which more than 170 students have taken to date, including online at universities in England, Scotland, Germany and Denmark.  On Earth Day in 2022, Irish Green Labs (IGL) was launched by Dr Fitzgerald, in collaboration with Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland and Dublin City University to promote sustainable methods within public and private laboratories on the whole island of Ireland.  The new online microcredential programme Green Labs Principles and Practice, will go further to address the lack of awareness of the impact that lab practices and behaviours have on the environment.  Employees in corporate and public sector are being targeted through this course and the first 20 places are funded through Springboard. The first students enrol in September.  Microcredential courses are short and accredited to meet the demands of learners, enterprise and organisations, created by Irish Universities Association (IUA) partner universities in consultation with industry and enterprise, under the MicroCreds project.  Green Labs Principles and Practice will allow employees to examine how the organisation of, and practices in, scientific laboratories can be reformed to reduce their environmental footprint and be established on a more sustainable basis.  The Irish Green Labs network is run on a voluntary basis, supporting more than 37 organisations within the public and private sectors, including all the higher education institutes, the Environmental Protection Agency, 10 hospitals and seven companies. Dr Fitzgerald’s work in this area ultimately led to inclusion of sustainable lab practices in Taighde Eireann/Research Ireland’s Climate Action Strategy and an addition of Green Labortatories as a subtheme to An Taisce’s Green-Campus Programme.  Ends

University of Galway has announced its first Widening Participation Strategy, which aims to enhance educational opportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups. The launch was led by Head of Access Policy with the Higher Education Authority (HEA), Dr Louise Callinan, and took place at this year’s European Access Network (EAN) Conference, marking a pivotal moment in the University’s ongoing commitment to widen access and participation in higher education. Dr Louise Callinan, Head of Access Policy with the Higher Education Authority (HEA), said: “I am delighted to formally launch the University of Galway’s first Widening Participation Strategy, which builds on the considerable track record of the University in delivering on equity of access objectives and supporting the successful participation of the most underrepresented groups in higher education. The Strategy is strongly aligned with the objectives of the National Access Plan and adopts the whole-of-institution approach necessary to achieving meaningful and sustained progress toward a more diverse and inclusive higher education system.” Professor Ciara Meehan, Dean of Students at University of Galway, said: “The University of Galway’s Widening Participation Strategy reaffirms our institutional commitment to equity and inclusion, in alignment with the National Access Plan. This strategy represents a significant step in ensuring that all learners - particularly those historically underrepresented - have the opportunity to access, participate in, and succeed within higher education. It reflects our strategic goal to foster a diverse and inclusive university community that benefits all.” To deliver on its commitment to ensure University of Galway remains at the forefront in developing educational opportunities for the most underrepresented in society, the Widening Participation Strategy 2025-2028 focuses on four overarching goals: To increase access and participation in higher education for people from underrepresented socio-economic groups, and minority status groups. To develop collaborative strategic partnerships internally within the university to promote the widening participation agenda. To engage with schools, Further Education and Training providers, community groups, employers and the wider community to foster sustained change in beliefs and attitudes about higher education. To collect and disseminate research on widening participation activities delivered throughout the University. The Widening Participation Strategy follows on from the University’s Access Centre last year marking its 25th anniversary and the 3,500 people from traditionally underrepresented groups and disadvantaged backgrounds who have come through its programmes. Speaking about the launch of the Strategy, Imelda Byrne, Head of the Access Centre at University of Galway said: “I warmly welcome the launch of the Widening Participation Strategy 2025–2028. This inclusive vision reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed and thrive in higher education. The strategy rightly emphasises removing barriers, increasing support for underrepresented groups, and fostering a culture of belonging. These are values we live by every day at the Access Centre, and we are proud to play a central role in delivering targeted support and tailored interventions that make a lasting difference.” Dr Daniel Savery, Widening Participation Officer at the University of Galway said: “The launch of our first Widening Participation Strategy represents the culmination of extensive engagement with internal and external stakeholders in the strategy development process. We are grateful to the schools, community groups, and statutory bodies that engaged with us in this process. We look forward to continuing this collaboration in delivering on our strategic commitments and ensuring that University of Galway is reflective of the diversity we find more broadly in society.” To find out more about University of Galway’s Widening Participation Strategy, please go to: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/access/wideningparticipationstrategy/ Ends

 University of Galway, in partnership with The Liffey Trust, has announced Sean Allen, a first-year General Science student, as the recipient of the 2025 Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship.   Established in 2022 through the generous support of The Liffey Trust, the scholarship recognises and supports outstanding entrepreneurial talent of undergraduate students.  Sean Allen, from Four Mile House, Co Roscommon, has been recognised nationally and internationally for his work in science and innovation, with a focus on sustainable solutions in agriculture.  With a strong entrepreneurial drive and collaborative mind-set, he has shown exceptional potential as an innovator, and the scholarship will support him as he continues to develop his entrepreneurial skills to work on innovative projects.   Dr Natalie Walsh, Director of Entrepreneurial Development at the University of Galway, said: “Sean is a fantastic example of the innovation and initiative we strive to nurture at the University of Galway IdeasLab. Since joining us, he has continued to show exceptional drive and curiosity, with a clear passion for turning ideas into real impact. His entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to solving meaningful challenges make him a very deserving recipient of this award.”   Aidan Corless, Chairperson of The Liffey Trust, said: “It was a pleasure to meet Sean Allen who embodies everything the Séamus McDermott Scholarship stands for: a commitment to innovation, social impact, and a drive to make meaningful change. Sean is making ordinary things, Extraordinary. We are proud to support his next chapter and thank you to University of Galway for their mentoring and leadership.”  The Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship is supported by IdeasLab, the University’s student innovation hub, which empowers students to develop creative solutions to real-world challenges.   Valued at €9,000 over the course of the recipient’s studies, the scholarship stipend award celebrates students who demonstrate vision, leadership and a commitment to creating real-world impact through innovation.   To learn more about the scholarship and entrepreneurial initiatives at the University of Galway, visit: www.universityofgalway.ie/ideaslab   Ends