University of Galway student awarded CLS prize in new Biotechnology with Irish pathway

Student Seán Casey has been awarded the CLS prize for Best Overall Academic Performance in the Irish language stream in the Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology at University of Galway.

From Carna, Co Galway, Seán Casey earned First Class Honours in his first-year exams and was recognised for his outstanding results across a range of subjects including biology, biotechnology skills, chemistry, data science, employability for biotechnologists and Gaeilge don Bhith-theicneolaíocht.

The award is sponsored by Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS), which was founded in Ros Muc, Co Galway and actively supports the use of the Irish language in science education.

University of Galway’s BSc in Biotechnology has been a core programme in the biosciences for more than 30 years, with established streams for students with French and German. In 2024 an Irish language pathway was introduced in response to several factors: increased student demand, alignment with the University's strategic commitment to promoting Irish in STEM education, increasing employment opportunities in Gaeltacht-based bioscience companies and government policy aimed at expanding the number of public sector employees who are proficient in Irish.

Seán Casey said: “As a native Irish speaker, it meant a lot to me to be able to use Irish as part of my Biotech studies. I’m really delighted and proud to receive this award. It’s great to see more opportunities for students to use Irish in science. I want to thank all my lecturers, especially my Irish lecturer Caroline Ní Nia for making the Irish sessions fun and engaging. Thanks also to CLS for the prize and plaque, and for supporting this new language pathway.”

Dr Stephen Rea, Programme director for the BSc in Biotechnology in the University’s College of Science and Engineering, said: ““I am very proud to introduce Irish as a third language option in Biotechnology. Having a language with a science degree provides our graduates with an opportunity to enter an even wider variety of science-based careers. I would like to thank my colleagues in Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge for their enthusiastic engagement with this initiative and also CLS for their support and for sponsoring this prize. And finally, a big congratulations to Seán for winning this prize.”

Caroline Ní Fhlatharta, Irish Language Officer at University of Galway, said: “University of Galway takes pride in our role in leading higher education and research in the Irish language and we are committed to expanding opportunities for students from across the country to engage with the Irish language. This new language pathway in the Biotechnology programme, supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta, enables STEM students to maintain and develop their Irish language skills, and to further enhance their employment opportunities.”

The BSc in Biotechnology combines a strong foundation in bioscience with practical experience through employability training, business modules and placement with industry partners in Ireland or in research laboratories across Europe. A unique feature of the programme is its biotech-orientated language training, which is integrated alongside other subjects during years 1-3. Last year, an Irish language pathway was created in parallel to the existing French and German pathways which will provide students with broader options.

The Biotechnology programme has had a long-standing relationship with CLS - Ireland’s leading provider of sampling, analysis and laboratory analysts to the pharmaceutical, medical device, food and environmental sectors. Many students have completed six-month placements at CLS, and several graduates have gone on to secure employment with the company.

An advocate for the use of the Irish language in education, CLS sponsors the annual academic prize of €500 for students enrolled in the Irish language stream of the BSc in Biotechnology.

CLS chief executive Evelyn O'Toole said: “We are honoured to present this Academic Excellence Award to Seán Casey for his outstanding performance. Being founded in Connemara and rooted in the Gaeltacht is a proud part of the identity of CLS, as is our commitment to supporting the Irish language in science and education. This award celebrates not just academic achievement, but also the importance of preserving our language and culture within modern scientific fields. Seán’s work sets a wonderful example, and we’re proud to support students who share our values and our vision for the future.”

For more information on the BSc in Biotechnology programme (CAO code GY304) visit https://www.universityofgalway.ie/courses/.

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