News Archive

University of Galway are now accepting applications for the Universities of Sanctuary Scholarship Programme for 2023-24.  Open to International Protection Applicants, refugees, Irish Travellers and vulnerable immigrant groups, University of Galway is providing 24 scholarships, for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses across its four colleges.  The scholarship includes a full fee waiver (excluding student levy), an annual stipend of €3,300, and ongoing support and academic mentoring. University of Galway Vice-President Engagement Dr Paul Dodd said: “The Universities of Sanctuary Scholarship Programme reaffirms University of Galway’s commitment to respond to the increasingly multicultural and diverse society in which we inhabit, and reflects the University’s strategic values of respect and openness. We are delighted to provide this life changing opportunity and encourage you to apply to join our University of Galway community.” Obadiah Niyibizi, a recent graduate of the Universities of Sanctuary scholarship programme, said: “I am grateful to be a Universities of Sanctuary Scholarship recipient, as it has enabled me to graduate with a Bachelor of Science this year. I first learned about this opportunity through various associations, and it proved to be a lifesaver for me as an international protection applicant ineligible for European fees. The financial support not only helped me overcome this, but the mentorship aspect of the programme was invaluable. I was fortunate to have both academic and social mentors who guided me through the university system, making my experience a smooth and enjoyable journey. This scholarship has truly transformed my life, and I cannot express my appreciation enough." The Universities of Sanctuary Scholarship Programme is part of a wider effort by University of Galway as a designated University of Sanctuary to broaden participation among underrepresented groups and to challenge discrimination. In a further example of University of Galway’s efforts in line with its values of respect and openness, we are also part of the EU-PASSWORLD project. As part of that initiative two refugee students will be welcomed in September 2023 to undertake a Master’s degree at University of Galway’s College of Science and Engineering. The EU-PASSWORLD project is a joint initiative between University of Galway, UNHCR - the United Nations Refugee Agency, and Nasc – Ireland’s Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre. The project is specifically focused on developing a roadmap to create new, safe and legal routes for displaced people to secure education scholarships in Ireland. University of Galway also recently signed the Anti-Racism Principles for Irish Higher Education Institutions, which seek to embed a culture of race equality across higher education. The closing date for applications for Universities of Sanctuary scholarships is Friday August 4 at 12pm for postgraduate applications, and Friday September 8 at 12pm for undergraduate scholarship applications. Information on the scholarship programme can be found at www.universityofgalway.ie/sanctuary/scholarships or by emailing uni.sanctuary@universityofgalway.ie. Ends

Hygeia to support students access education through scholarships University of Galway has announced a new partnership with Hygeia, a leading Irish manufacturer of gardening, agricultural and veterinary products, established in Galway City in 1939 by Dr Donny Coyle and now based in Oranmore.   The partnership will provide Access scholarships and bursaries to students who are experiencing financial barriers to accessing third-level education. The ten-year partnership will be open to students across the University and will support student services to award funding to students experiencing hardship.    The Hygeia Scholarship will include mentorship by Hygeia employees, supporting students through their academic and personal development as well as opportunities for work placements and internships so that students gain valuable skills and insight for their future careers.                Welcoming the partnership, President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “This partnership with Hygeia is a manifestation of the concept of Meitheal used in University of Galway’s Strategic Plan Shared Vision, Shaped by Values, which describes the practice of people coming together pooling talent and resources to complete the harvest. Working closely with our industry partners, we are confident of our capacity to inspire and lead a Meitheal to the benefit of our region, our country, and our world. I warmly welcome the investment of Hygeia in a ten-year partnership that will support our Access Scholarship programme, enabling students who are facing financial barriers to access third-level education. They join us in being here for our students, our society and for the public good."               John Coyle, Chairman of Hygeia, said: “Hygeia and the University of Galway have collaborative heritage, with our facility being based beside the campus for many years. We have worked together in the past and are delighted to officially announce our commitment to this 10-year partnership. We are at the start of a new chapter for the company and it’s exciting to know we have the next generation of knowledge and skill supporting the company’s growth and innovation through this selection of scholarships.”               John Byrne, CEO of Hygeia, said: “Hygeia is delighted to launch our new scholarship programme. This new initiative will facilitate the continued development of our knowledge capacity and talent capabilities within the organisation and assist the growth of the business sectors of garden care, crop protection and veterinary care.  We would like to thank the University of Galway for the hard work in bringing this programme together that will benefit the students, Hygeia and the University.”               Imelda Byrne, Head of Access at University of Galway, said: “I would like to thank Hygeia for their generous donation to University of Galway Access students. We are extremely grateful for their support which will help our students enter, progress and successfully graduate from our university. “Over 20% of new entrants annually to our University now come from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in higher education, and the Access Centre aim to increase this admissions figure with each passing year. Evidence indicates that financial support is a key determinant in successful outcomes for our students. Our partnership with Hygeia will make such a great difference to the lives of the recipients; in addition, the time and expertise provided to them through the mentoring and personal development pillars of the bursaries will help change the future of many underprivileged students. We are very grateful for relationships with donors like Hygeia who support the work of the Access Centre in increasing access and widening participation for the most deserving in our community.”    Ends

Díreoidh taispeántas nua in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ar an meabhairshláinte agus ar an gcaoi a gcuirtear saincheisteanna meabhairshláinte in iúl san ealaín agus gach píosa bunaithe ar thaighde acadúil comhaimseartha. Beidh Mindscapes ar siúl ón 12 Iúil go dtí an 2 Lúnasa agus is taispeántas uathúil é atá mar thoradh ar chomhoibriú idir na Dána agus na hEolaíochtaí. Agus an mheabhairshláinte mar théama lárnach, cuimsíonn Mindscapes saothar ealaíne ó dheichniúr ealaíontóirí i gcomhar le 14 thaighdeoir acadúla ó Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, Ollscoil Oxford, Ollscoil Dhún Éideann, Ollscoil Birmingham agus Ollscoil Londain. Roghnaigh gach ealaíontóir topaic meabhairshláinte agus ansin cuireadh é/í ag obair in éineacht le hacadóir a dhéanann taighde sa réimse sonrach sin. I measc na dtopaicí tá folláine, neamhord dépholach, codladh, seachmaill, agus mothúcháin. Is é Mindscapes an chéad tionscadal ó Mol na nDán Eolaíoch in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe agus is í an Dr Jane Conway, Léachtóir Taighde le Scoil na Síceolaíochta in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, a bhí i mbun stiúrtha.             Bhí an méid seo le rá ag an Dr Conway: “Is teist é an taispeántas seo ar láidreacht phobal cultúrtha na Gaillimhe. Léiríonn sé gur féidir le daoine sna dána agus sna heolaíochtaí teacht le chéile chun bunphíosaí a chruthú a chuireann nádúr na hintinne in iúl. Ag teacht leis na haidhmeanna a bhaineann le Mol na nDán Eolaíoch, déanann sé iniúchadh ar smaointe trí mheán ealaíonta ach ag an am céanna léirítear meas ar an taighde a fhorbraíonn na smaointe sin go hatriallach, agus a leagann tábhacht ar an machnamh criticiúil riachtanach ar an bhfianaise, ag smaoineamh ar ‘conas a bhíonn a fhios againn a bhfuil a fhios againn’.” Beidh an taispeántas saor in aisce ar siúl ó 10am go 6pm ón 12 Iúil go dtí an 2 Lúnasa i nDánlann na hOllscoile sa Chearnóg. Osclóidh James Harrold, iar-Oifigeach Ealaíon Chathair agus Chontae na Gaillimhe an taispeántas go hoifigiúil Dé Sathairn, an 15 Iúil ag 3pm. Críoch

University of Galway is inviting all graduates from the classes of 1983, 1993, 1998 and 2003 to a special reunion barbeque on campus on Saturday September 2, 2023.   The reunion promises to be filled with nostalgia, laughter, and reconnecting with fellow alumni. The reunion programme includes a campus tours in the afternoon, allowing graduates to revisit their favourite places and see how the campus has changed since their graduation.   The barbeque will take place in Sult Bar on campus from 6pm with a DJ playing hits from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.               Nicola Rees, Director of Development and Alumni Relations at University of Galway, said: "University of Galway holds a special place in the hearts of our alumni, and these milestone anniversaries provide an ideal opportunity for our graduates to reconnect and relive their memories.   "We encourage all graduates from the classes of 1983, 1993, 1998, and 2003 to join us for this reunion barbeque, where they can reconnect with old friends, rediscover the campus, and create new memories together. And to ensure that everyone is included, we request the assistance of all graduates in spreading the word. We urge you to reach out to your classmates and ensure they are aware of this exciting event.”   To book your tickets, and for further information, visit https://www.universityofgalway.ie/alumni-friends/reunion.    If you have any pictures or photographs from your time in University of Galway, please email them to alumni@universityofgalway.ie or post to The Alumni Office, The Gate Lodge, University of Galway.   Ends

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett today announced a call for expressions of interest to participate in a new Timber in Construction Working Group.  The group will be tasked with examining conditions to increase the use of timber in construction, assessing regulatory and standardisation challenges to greater use of timber in construction, and maximising the use of home-grown timber. The group will bring together a range of industry expertise and relevant Government Departments and Agencies, with an independent Chair. The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine will provide the secretariat to the group and a Chair will be appointed once the group’s membership has been finalised.     Minister Hackett said, “I am delighted to announce this call for expressions of interest from representative bodies, Universities and industry experts. We want to hear from professionals who have the knowledge and expertise to work together with relevant Government Departments and State agencies to examine how we can increase the use of timber in the Irish construction sector. Right across Europe we are seeing increased use of timber as a reliable, sustainable material in the construction of large-scale buildings. The use of engineered wood such as cross laminated timber is facilitating new methods of construction, and we need to explore opportunities to embrace this shift here in Ireland. We are establishing the Timber in Construction Working Group because we believe that the best way to unlock the potential for much greater use of timber in construction in Ireland is through industry experts collaborating with Government Departments and State agencies to assess where the barriers are, and how they can be overcome.”    The use of timber in construction and the built environment will play an important role in meeting our climate targets. Wood locks up carbon in buildings and reduces our reliance on materials made from non-renewable resources.      The working group will bring together key Government Departments who have important roles in developing the forest resource, the built environment, including innovation and market development. Key to the success of the group will be the input from industry and experts in construction.   Minister Ryan T.D., said, “I welcome the proposed Timber in Construction Working Group and my Department will engage with work that supports increased use of timber in construction. The role that products such as cross-laminated timber may play, as an alternative to ­intensive products such as concrete and steel, should be investigated thoroughly. Increasing the availability of alternative construction materials, while responding to pressing construction needs, is an important part of the measures needed for meeting our climate targets.”   Minister Darragh O Brien T.D., stated  “I am very pleased to see the establishment of this working group to promote the use of Timber in Construction. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are a key measure to support the delivery of housing under Housing for All. Government has worked together to put in place a number of important initiatives in the areas of research, demonstration and social housing delivery to support the development of Modern Methods of Construction .  The use of timber in construction is an important Modern Method of Construction and helps to improve the delivery of new housing whilst at the same time increasing the sustainability of materials used. My Department will actively participate in this group and I look forward to its outcomes which will support Housing for All and Climate Action targets.”   The Minister of State Hackett made the announcement today while visiting a team of researchers at the University of Galway who have been at the cutting edge of timber research over many years. Minister Hackett stated, “I am delighted to be here in the University of Galway today to see first-hand the excellent work that my Department has funded over many years in timber research. The research that the University carries out supports the use and development of Irish timber and timber standards from our home-grown resource. My ultimate vision for that home-grown timber is that it will be used at scale to build the homes, schools and offices of the future here in Ireland.”   Professor Annette Harte from Galway University stated together with Dr Patrick McGetrick, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to host the Minister today and demonstrate the excellent work that is currently taking place in timber research in Ireland. We welcome the establishment of the new Timber Group in Construction and will be delighted assist in its work.”      The closing date for receipt of applications for expression of Interest is 3pm, 28 July 2023 and details are available on the Departments of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s website. Ends

A new exhibition at University of Galway will focus on the topic of mental health and the nature of expressing mental health issues from an artistic perspective with each piece being grounded in contemporary academic research. Mindscapes will take place from July 12 to August 2 and is a unique exhibition resulting from collaborations between Arts and Sciences.  Taking mental health as its central theme, Mindscapes features artworks from 10 artists in collaboration with 14 academic researchers from the Universities of Galway, Oxford, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and London. Each artist chose a mental health topic and then was paired up with an academic who conducts research in that specific area. Topics include wellbeing, bipolar disorder, sleep, illusions, and emotions. Mindscapes is the first project from the Scientific Arts Lab at the University of Galway and directed by Dr Jane Conway. Dr Conway is a fellow funded by the Irish Research Council through the SFI-IRC Pathway Programme and a Research Lecturer with the School of Psychology at University of Galway             Dr Conway said: “This exhibition is testament to the strength of Galway’s cultural community. It demonstrates that people from the arts and sciences can come together to create original pieces that express the nature of the mind. In keeping with the aims of the Scientific Arts Lab, it explores ideas through artistic media but with respect to the research that iteratively builds those very ideas, and values the necessary critical reflection on the evidence, thinking about ‘how we know what we know’.”  The free exhibition will run from 10am to 6pm from July 12 to August 2 in the University’s Art Gallery in the Quadrangle. The exhibition will be officially opened on Saturday July 15 at 3pm by James Harrold, former Galway City and County Arts Officer. Ends

A new report published today by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Ryan Institute at the University of Galway has found that the increasing frequency and severity of extreme storms, flooding and sea level rise, means that some communities in Ireland are becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change, due to much of Ireland’s population residing in coastal zones. The IOM report, Assessing the Evidence: Migration, Environment and Climate Change (MECC) in Ireland, also includes advantages and opportunities for Ireland to strengthen climate resilience, including by better supporting vulnerable communities and improving understanding of the advantages of human mobility and of people on the move.             Director of the Interdisciplinary Ryan Institute at University of Galway, Professor Charles Spillane said: “The report synthesizes the mounting evidence that climate change impacts on human migration in Ireland. It includes future projections of escalating vulnerability and risk as well as recommendations for strengthening national responses regarding human mobility changes in response to climatic and environmental changes in Ireland.” The report is the first Migration, Environment and Climate Change (MECC) Country Profile in Europe and adds to IOM’s growing number of country reports which assess the evidence of the effects of climate change on migration. Climate change is reshaping migration patterns around the world, with disasters now being the leading cause of internal displacements. Last year alone, 32.6 million new internal human displacements were caused by disasters, according to the 2023 Global Report on Internal Displacement, published by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre.             Dr Soumyadeep Banerjee, IOM Regional Migration, Environment and Climate Change Specialist, highlighted that in response to the climate crisis, IOM now has extensive activities underway on the migration, environment and climate change nexus, working with governments and partners on solutions at each stage of the migration cycle: “Climate and migration is a growing issue for countries around the world, including for Ireland. This report includes solutions for people to move, people on the move, and people to stay.”             Darya Silchenko, one of the authors and a graduate of University of Galway’s Masters in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security, said: “The report found that there is a scarcity of research and policy efforts that integrate climate change and environmental hazards in Ireland with their impacts on human migration. With climate change adaptation as an increasingly urgent national and global priority, it is vital to adopt a precautionary approach that considers the impacts for vulnerable communities. Further aligning migration and climate policies will be essential to build capacity for addressing present and future challenges through an inclusive and human-centered approach."             Dr Peter McKeown, Coordinator of the Master in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security programme, said: “It is so important to education and train the next generation of ‘change agents’ such as Darya, so that they can make practical and significant contributions to climate action. As the frequency, duration and intensity of natural hazards worsens in the context of climate change, the number of climate disasters is expected to rise considerably with knock-on effects on human displacement.”             International development, climate and migration expert Dr Una Murray within the Ryan Institute said: “The IOM Country Profile for Ireland encourages government and relevant stakeholders to consider key challenges and opportunities arising from the migration, environment and climate change nexus.”  The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 10.7 calls on countries to facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies. The IOM Country Profile makes a contribution to the realisation of SDG target 10.7 in Ireland, the EU and globally. The report was compiled by a team from IOM and the University of Galway, including Darya Silchenko, Andrew Chisholm, Dr Una Murray, Dr Peter McKeown, Professor Charles Spillane and Lalini Veerassamy.  The full IOM Country Profile ‘Assessing the Evidence: Migration, Environment and Climate Change in Ireland’ can be accessed through the IOM Environmental Migration Portal here. Ends

Researchers call for clearer messaging to help public and policymakers to better understand the disease of obesity. Conflicting understandings of the word ‘obesity’ jeopardise diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians are expressing concern at shortages of drugs which have been approved to treat obesity.   We must change the way we talk about obesity to improve public understanding of the disease, according to a new study. Researchers at University College Cork (UCC) and University of Galway are calling for ‘obesity’ to be renamed in order to help the public and policymakers to better understand the disease of obesity, and drive advances to treat and prevent it. Published in Obesity Reviews, their study highlights ongoing confusion about the term ‘obesity’, which currently can refer to the disease of obesity or to a BMI range, or a combination of the two. Dr Margaret Steele, a postdoctoral researcher in UCC’s School of Public Health, and Professor Francis Finucane, Consultant Endocrinologist and Professor of Medicine in the University of Galway, explored different or conflicting understandings of the term ‘obesity’. The researchers suggest it is time to reconsider whether the term ‘obesity’ conveys the reality of this complex disease that centres on environmental, genetic, physiological, behavioural and developmental factors, not on body weight or on BMI. New appetite-control medications are generating phenomenal demand worldwide, but patients with obesity may be sent to the back of the queue on the mistaken assumption that they do not need the medication as much as patients with diabetes. The researchers suggest that clearer terminology could play a role in addressing this inequity. Dr Margaret Steele said: “Our focus should be on the underlying pathophysiology and not on body size. For people with the disease of obesity, treatment is not optional or cosmetic. A different diagnostic term such as ‘adiposity-based chronic disease’ could more clearly convey the nature of this disease, and avoid the confusion and stigma that may occur if we keep using the term ‘obesity’, which has become synonymous with body size.” Professor Francis Finucane described new Irish Medical Council guidance warning doctors against using Ozempic for obesity as morally problematic. Professor Finucane said: “Semaglutide is approved as a treatment for obesity, just as it is for diabetes. There is a deeply stigmatising idea out there that people with obesity are looking for an easy way out, that these medicines provide a low-effort alternative to healthy diet and lifestyle. But for people living with the disease of obesity, these drugs don’t make behavioural change unnecessary, nor do they make it easy – they just make it possible.” The researchers point out that this is very different from celebrities using drugs like semaglutide to become “fashionably” thin. Dr Steele said: “This is why we need to clarify what we mean by obesity. Many of the people we see on TikTok or Instagram reporting on their semaglutide journeys do not have the disease of obesity. When we talk about treating and preventing obesity, our focus should be on healthy food environments, and appropriate treatment for people living with chronic metabolic diseases. We hope this new research will help drive home the point that this is about helping people live well, not making everyone skinny.” ENDS

The European Commission has awarded ENLIGHT €14.4 million in funding over the next four years by the European Commission as part of the 2023 Erasmus+ call for proposals for European Universities.    ENLIGHT, a European University now consisting of 10 universities from 10 European countries with the recent announcement of the University of Bern becoming the newest alliance member, intend to allocate a significant portion of the funding towards academic initiatives, emphasizing its commitment to supporting scholars.   Professor Becky Whay, Vice President International at University of Galway, said: “The ENLIGHT network has grown from strength to strength over the past three years, and we at University of Galway are delighted to be part of having secured this further financial support which both acknowledges the previous success and the future potential of ENLIGHT.”    Gijs Coucke, Project Coordinator, University of Ghent, said: “This allows ENLIGHT to expand and enhance the initiatives that were developed during the pilot phase. The ambition remains firm: to create an open space for our students and staff to learn, teach, cooperate, create and innovate. ENLIGHT wants to empower learners with the skills they need to address the complex global societal challenges. Across various learning formats, students will actively engage with sustainable development, global engagement and societal change. But besides high-quality education ENLIGHT will adopt a holistic approach integrating research and innovation into the knowledge creation process.’’    Anders Hagfeldt, Rector of Uppsala University and Chair of the ENLIGHT Governing Board, said: “The selection reaffirms our commitment to further deepen and intensify the cooperation. ENLIGHT’s success relies on the dedication of its community, including students, staff, and academics. We look forward to taking the next steps with all our partners to develop an open and inclusive European University.”      ENLIGHT has introduced new elements as part of its strategic direction, including the launch of bottom-up calls for interdisciplinary thematic networks and starter grants to promote the development of future-proof education. Additionally, the alliance has expanded its focus areas and added ‘culture and creativity’ to the existing areas of health and well-being, digitalization, climate change, energy and circular economy, and equity.   The ENLIGHT alliance includes: University of Galway; Comenius University, Bratislava (Slovakia); University of Groningen (Netherlands); University of Bordeaux (France); Gent University (Belgium); University of Tartu (Estonia); University of Gottingen (Germany); University of the Basque Country (Spain); Uppsala University (Sweden); and University of Bern (Switzerland).   Further information on ENLIGHT is available at https://enlight-eu.org/.   Ends

Research at University of Galway and MIT pioneers intelligent device to sense its environment and adapt to release drugs as required, despite surrounding scar tissue   Research teams at University of Galway and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have detailed a new breakthrough in medical device technology that could lead to intelligent, long-lasting, tailored treatment for patients thanks to soft robotics and artificial intelligence.  The transatlantic partnership has created a smart implantable device that can administer a drug - while also sensing when the body is beginning to reject it - and use AI to change its shape of the device to maintain drug dosage, simultaneously bypassing scar tissue build up and maintaining treatment.   The study was published in the journal Science Robotics.  Implantable medical device technologies offer promise to unlock advanced therapeutic interventions in healthcare, such as insulin release to treat diabetes, but a major issue holding back such devices is the patient’s reaction to a foreign body.  Dr Rachel Beatty, University of Galway, and co-lead author on the study, explained: “The technology which we have developed, by using soft robotics, advances the potential of implantable devices to be in a patient’s body for extended periods, providing long-lasting therapeutic action. Imagine a therapeutic implant that can also sense its environment and respond as needed using AI - this approach could generate revolutionary changes in implantable drug delivery for a range of chronic diseases.” The University of Galway-MIT research team originally developed first-generation flexible devices, known as soft robotic implants, to improve drug delivery and reduce fibrosis. Despite that success, the team regard the technology as one-size-fits-all as it did not account for how individual patients react and respond differently, or for the progressive nature of fibrosis, where scar tissue builds around the device, encapsulating it, impeding and blocking its purpose, eventually forcing it to fail.  The latest research published today in Science Robotics demonstrates how they have significantly advanced the technology - using AI - making it responsive to the implant environment with the potential to be longer lasting by defending against the body’s natural urge to reject a foreign body. Dr Beatty added: “I wanted to tailor drug delivery to individuals, but needed to create a method of sensing the foreign body response first.”    The research team deployed an emerging technique to help reduce scar tissue formation known as mechanotherapy, where soft robotic implants make regular movements in the body, such as inflating and deflating. The timed, repetitive or varied movements helps to prevent scar tissue from forming.  The key to the advanced technology in the implantable device is a conductive porous membrane that can sense when pores are blocked by scar tissue. It detects the blockages as cells and the materials the cells produce block electrical signals travelling through the membrane.  The researchers measured electrical impedance and scar tissue formation on the membrane finding a correlation. A machine learning algorithm was also developed and deployed to predict the required number and force of actuations to achieve consistent drug dosing, regardless of the level of fibrosis present. And, using computer simulations, the researchers explored the potential of the device to release drug over time with a surrounding fibrotic capsule of different thicknesses.  The research showed that changing the force and number of times the device was compelled to move or change shape allowed the device to release more drug, helping to bypass scar tissue build-up. Professor Ellen Roche, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, said: “If we can sense how the individual’s immune system is responding to an implanted therapeutic device and modify the dosing regime accordingly, it could have great potential in personalized, precision drug delivery, reducing off-target effects and ensuring the right amount of drug is delivered at the right time. The work presented here is a step towards that goal.” Professor Garry Duffy, Professor of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine at University of Galway, and senior author on the study, said: “The device worked out the best regime to release a consistent dose, by itself, even when significant fibrosis was simulated. We showed a worst-case scenario of very thick and dense scar tissue around the device and it overcame this by changing how it pumps to deliver medication. We could finely control the drug release in a computational model and on the bench using soft robotics, regardless of significant fibrosis.” The research team believe that their medical device breakthrough may pave the way for completely independent closed-loop implants that not only reduce fibrotic encapsulation, but sense it over time, and intelligently adjust their drug release activity in response.  Professor Duffy added: “This is a new area of research that can have implications in other places and is not solely limited for the treatment of diabetes. Our discovery could provide consistent and responsive dosing over long periods, without clinician involvement, enhancing efficacy and reducing the need for device replacement because of fibrosis.” The research was funded in part by Science Foundation Ireland’s Research Centres for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research (AMBER) centre and Medical Devices (CÚRAM), the European Union’s Horizon 2020 framework and the Mechanical Engineering Department at MIT.   The full study is available in Science Robotics at https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.abq4821 Ends

Tá tairiscintí déanta ag Ollscoil na Gaillimhe do bheagnach 4,000 mac léinn ionchasacha mar chuid de Bhabhta a hAon de phróiseas an CAO. Thug Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, agus an tUachtarán Ionaid agus Meabhránaí, an tOllamh Pól Ó Dochartaigh, aitheantas don iarracht agus don éacht a rinne lucht na hArdteistiméireachta 2023, a tháinig slán trí bhlianta tábhachtacha na hiar-bhunscoile i rith Phaindéim Covid 19. Chuir Ollscoil na Gaillimhe in iúl cad iad na hathruithe atá ar phointí an CAO i gceithre Choláiste na hOllscoile. Don tríú bliain as a chéile agus tar éis bliain eile ina raibh éileamh níos airde ná riamh, a bheag nó a mhór, ar áiteanna ardoideachais, tá súil ag Ollscoil na Gaillimhe go mbeidh thart ar 3,500 mac léinn fochéime ag tosú sa chéad bhliain. -      Tháinig ardú ar na pointí i mbeagnach leath de chúrsaí na hOllscoile. -      Tá níos mó clár ag an Ollscoil sa raon a bhfuil 500 pointe ag dul leis ná mar atá i réimsí eile, agus tá gach clár Innealtóireachta agus Dlí, go háirithe, agus gach clár Tráchtála os cionn 500 pointe seachas ceann amháin. -      Tá níos mó éilimh ar na Dána agus ar chúrsaí atá dírithe ar an gcruthaitheacht. Is léiriú é sin ar luach ár gcomhpháirtíochtaí straitéiseacha leanúnacha oideachais le Féile Idirnáisiúnta Ealaíon na Gaillimhe agus Druid, agus ar Ghaillimh mar chathair agus mar ollscoil chruthaitheach. Ina measc seo tá Iriseoireacht; na Meáin Dhomhanda; Ceol; Drámaíocht, Amharclannaíocht agus Taibhléiriú; Stair; -      I réimse an Oideachais Múinteoirí, tá ardú 3 phointe ar na Dána (Matamaitic agus Oideachas) go 418; agus tá ardú 10 bpointe go 435 ar Oideachas (Ríomheolaíocht & Matamaitic), rud a léiríonn go bhfuil spéis ag daoine sa teagasc agus san oideachas. Is dea-thuar é sin do na glúnta atá le teacht agus don tsochaí.  -      I gcúram sláinte, de bhrí go bhfuil teorainn leis an líon áiteanna atá ar fáil, is rogha randamach a bheidh sa Leigheas, in ainneoin titim bheag a bheith ar na pointí; tá méadú 10 bpointe tagtha ar na pointí don Chnáimhseachas go 463; agus tá titim bheag ar phointí an Altranais. -      Tá méadú leanúnach ar an éileamh ar chláir i gColáiste Ósta na Sionna atá nasctha leis an earnáil bainistíochta fáilteachais, agus d’ardaigh na pointí ansin. -      Maidir leis na heolaíochtaí, tá méadú suntasach 17 bpointe tagtha ar Mhuireolaíocht go 477; agus tá ardú 56 pointe go 566 ar Eolaíocht Mhatamaitice; ardú 14 phointe go 454 ar an bhFisic; agus tá ardú 11 go 521 ar phointí na Ríomheolaíochta agus na Teicneolaíochta Faisnéise. -      Ní raibh ach clár amháin ann a raibh laghdú de níos mó ná 50 pointe air – Eolaíocht Chomhshaoil. -      San Innealtóireacht, mhéadaigh ar an éileamh a bhí ar chúig cinn de na hocht gclár atá againn – Innealtóireacht Córas Fuinnimh, d’ardaigh na pointí go 520; Innealtóireacht Shibhialta, d’ardaigh na pointí go 512; Innealtóireacht Leictreonach agus Ríomhaireachta, d’ardaigh na pointí go 532; Innealtóireacht Leictreach agus Leictreonach, d’ardaigh na pointí go 510; agus Innealtóireacht (Neamhainmnithe), d’ardaigh na pointí go 533. -      As na seacht gclár inar tháinig laghdú suntasach ar na pointí in 2022, mhéadaigh an t-éileamh ar chúig cinn díobh i mbliana – Na Dána le Cearta an Duine; Na Dána - Drámaíocht, Amharclannaíocht agus Taibhléiriú; Na Dána leis an Iriseoireacht; Na Meáin Dhomhanda; Innealtóireacht Leictreonach agus Ríomhaireachta -      Tháinig méadú ar na pointí a bhí ag dul le 30 clár ó 2022 agus tháinig laghdú ar na pointí i leith 30 clár eile. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Ollamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Comhghairdeas le lucht na hArdteiste 2023 a léirigh go raibh an-teacht aniar iontu ina gcuid staidéir. Tá tús á chur le heachtra nua anois. “Tá fáilte chroíúil roimh na mic léinn sin go léir a ghlacfaidh leis an tairiscint ar Ollscoil na Gaillimhe agus féadfaidh siad foghlaim faoina thábhachtaí atá na luachanna atá againn – meas, oscailteacht, barr feabhais agus inbhuanaitheacht.” Bhí an méid seo le rá ag Uachtarán Ionaid agus Meabhránaí Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Pól Ó Dochartaigh: “Tréaslaím le gach uile dhalta a bhfuil a gcuid oideachais iar-bhunscoile críochnaithe acu agus a rinne an Ardteistiméireacht in 2023. Is daltaí iad seo ar chuir Paindéim Covid 19 isteach go mór orthu. “Tá obair iontach á déanamh arís ag ár bhfoireann clárúcháin in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe chun cuidiú leis na mic léinn a bheidh chugainn i mí Mheán Fómhair.  “Cuirimid fáilte roimh gach duine ar éirigh leo sna scrúduithe agus atá ag glacadh leis an tairiscint teacht go hOllscoil na Gaillimhe. “I lár an cheiliúrtha agus iarrachtaí na foirne a chinntiú go mbeidh áiteanna ann don oiread mac léinn agus is féidir tá súil againn freisin go dtapóidh an Rialtas an deis as seo go ceann bliana tosú ag tabhairt aghaidh ar cheist na ngrád méadaithe i scrúduithe na hArdteistiméireachta agus córas níos cothroime a chur i bhfeidhm do gach mac léinn atá ag cur isteach ar chláir fochéime.” Críoch 

University of Galway has made offers to almost 4,000 prospective students as part of Round One of the CAO process. President of University of Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh and Deputy President and Registrar Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh joined to acknowledge the effort and achievement of the Leaving Certificate class of 2023, who have come through formative post-primary years in the midst of the Covid pandemic. University of Galway outlined CAO points changes across all four of the University’s Colleges. For the third year running and on the back of another year of near record demand for places in higher education, University of Galway expects to see an intake of around 3,500 first year undergraduate students. Almost half of the University’s courses experienced an increase in points.  The University has more programmes in 500 range than in other ranges, and noticeably, all Engineering and Law programmes are above 500 points and all except one Commerce programme. There is a resurgence in demand for Arts and courses with a strong creativity theme, an indication of the value of our continuing strategic education partnerships with the Galway International Arts Festival and Druid and of Galway as a creative city and university. These include Journalism; Global Media; Music; Drama, Theatre and Performance; History. In the area of Teacher Education, Arts (Mathematics and Education) is up 3 to 418; while Education (Computer Science & Mathematics) shows an increase of 10 points to 435, indicating an interest in teaching and education, so important for the future generations and the fabric of our society.   In healthcare, given the limit on numbers, Medicine will be random selection, despite a small drop in the points requirement; Midwifery is seeing a 10 point increase to 463; while Nursing is seeing a slight fall.  Shannon College of Hotel Management and its programmes linked to the hospitality management sector continue to see an increase in demand, with points up. On the sciences, Marine Science is up a significant 17 points to 477; while Mathematical Science is up 56 points to 566; Physics up 14 to 454; and Computer Science and Information Technology is up 11 to 521. In Engineering, five of our eight programmes show an increase in demand – Energy Systems Engineering up to 520; Civil Engineering up to 512; Electronic and Computer Engineering up to 532; Electrical and Electronic Engineering up to 510; and Engineering (Undenominated) up to 533.  Of the seven programmes which saw a significant decrease in points requirement in 2022, five see an increase in demand this year - Arts with Human Rights; Arts - Drama, Theatre and Performance; Arts with Journalism; Global Media; Electronic and Computer Engineering Some 30 programmes experienced points increases and another 30 programmes experienced points decreases from 2022. Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of University of Galway, said: “Comhghairdeas to the Leaving Cert class of 2023 who have demonstrated remarkable resilience over their studies. A new adventure now begins. “A warm welcome awaits all those students who take up the offer to come to University of Galway and to learn for themselves the importance that we place on our values of respect, openness, excellence and sustainability.” University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh said: “I congratulate each and every student who has navigated their post-primary years and the Leaving Cert in 2023, particularly as this year’s class felt such an impact from the Covid pandemic. “Our registration team at University of Galway is once again doing stellar work to facilitate our students joining us this September.  “We welcome all those who have achieved in the exams and are taking up an offer to come to University of Galway and to learn for themselves the importance that we place on our values of respect, openness, excellence and sustainability. “In the midst of the celebrations and endeavours of staff to secure places for as many students as possible we also hope that the Government seizes the opportunity in the coming year to begin to address the issue of inflated grades in the Leaving Cert exams and to put in place a fairer playing field for all students who are applying for undergraduate programmes.” Ends

A joint study, led by the University of Greenwich with support from University of Galway, Massey University, and Brighton and Sussex Medical School, has collected anecdotal experiences of sexual misconduct in post-primary schools in Ireland and the UK.     A total of 593 respondents from Ireland (224) and the UK (369) completed the survey.    All respondents took park in the survey because they had experienced some form of sexual harassment or misconduct by a teacher during their time in secondary school.     The study, which is the first of its kind in Europe, recruited respondents (who had to be over the age of 18) to participate via various social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. The study recruitment social media post read: “Did you experience any sexually inappropriate comments or behaviour from a teacher during your time in secondary school (or 6th form college (UK))? Anonymously share your experience in this 5-min survey”.    The full report is available here    Overall, sexist harassment by a teacher was the most commonly experienced form of misconduct experienced by both Irish (86%) and UK (95%) respondents, for example, being treated differently because of their gender. The second most commonly experienced was sexual harassment (72% and 85% in Ireland and the UK respectively). Common forms of sexual harassment included making offensive remarks about the student’s physical appearance or sexual activity, and making attempts to discuss sexual matters with the student.     Kate Dawson, Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Greenwich and lead author of the study said: “The findings indicate that some teachers need specific training regarding what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate behaviour.   “Reporting mechanisms also need to be put in place that enable students, or concerned school staff, to report misconduct without fear of repercussions. These preliminary findings need to be investigated further within a larger sample to find out how prevalent this issue is in UK and Irish schools.”    Pádraig MacNeela, Senior Lecturer at University of Galway and co-author of the study; said: “This study sheds light on an important issue for the first time. It demonstrates that the culture change we need to support in our education settings is wide ranging. It includes supporting staff who work in post-primary schools to speak up and address staff-student harassment if they ever encounter it”.    The responses collected highlighted a wide range of first-hand experiences:    “The teacher took me to [private location] and lifted up my [shirt] to rub my breast and nipple ‘to help regulate my breathing’.”  (Age undisclosed, Female, Irish Respondent)    “Constantly [flirting]. Friends said he was flirting but I wasn’t sure. When I left school [he] contacted me and asked me on a date.” (25-34, Female, Irish Respondent)    “The female deputy head used to measure the length of our skirts and said they had to be a certain length ‘out of respect for male members of staff’.”  (18-24, Female, UK respondent)    Among the UK respondents, 98% were female, 1.5% were male, and 0.3% identified as genderqueer or non-conforming. 65% of respondents were 25-34, at the time of study participation.    Among the Irish respondents, the majority identified as a woman, 88%; 9% identified as a man; and 3.1% identified as genderqueer or non-conforming. Most respondents were age 18-34, 31%; 26% were 25-34; and 21% were 35-44 at the time they completed the survey. The remaining sample were aged 45 and over.   Ends 

Cancer researchers at University of Galway and Notre Dame’s Harper Cancer Research Institute have come together to establish the Biseach Initiative, a strategic cancer research collaboration, which aims to build on the ideas, talent and infrastructure of both universities for global cancer impact.   Thousands of Notre Dame alumni and fans visited Ireland last week for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Notre Dame and US Navy. With a tagline of “Much more than a Game”, the event aims to strengthen existing relationships and form new ones between Ireland and the US.   It is fitting then that this week Professor M. Sharon Stack, Director of the University of Notre Dame Harper Cancer Research Institute, and Professor Michael Kerin, Director of the Saolta-University of Galway Cancer Centre, signed a memorandum of understanding at University of Galway to build interdisciplinary cancer research collaborations and strengthen links between both institutions through student and faculty exchange programmes.    To date there have been collaborative successes with joint Naughton Fellowships in the areas of bone metastasis and kidney cancer. Further research collaborations are planned with researchers in the Lambe Institute, Centre for Chromosome Biology, and the Apoptosis Research Centre at University of Galway.    Notre Dame undergraduates are hosted annually by research academics in University of Galway’s Colleges of Science and Engineering, and Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, as part of the Study Abroad in Galway  Programme. These students help to form a collaborative bridge between both institutions.   Professor M. Sharon Stack, Director, University of Notre Dame Harper Cancer Research Institute, said: “We know research cures cancer and we are stronger together. There is a wealth of scientific and clinical research expertise at the Harper Cancer Research Institute and University of Galway. The Biseach Initiative, enabled by the Notre Dame Kylemore Global Centre, harnesses the appetite for collaboration, to further translational cancer research and provide educational and development opportunities for our students and research leaders.”   Professor Michael Kerin, Director, Saolta-University of Galway Cancer Centre, said: “The west and northwest of Ireland have some of the worst outcomes from cancer nationally. We aim to change this by developing a comprehensive, research-led cancer centre for our region. This research collaboration with the University of Notre Dame will allow us to make a real difference to cancer outcomes.”   Lisa Caulfield, Director, University of Notre Dame Global Centre at Kylemore, said: “The Kylemore Global Centre situated in the heart of Connemara is a place where the University of Notre Dame engages with the landscape and the wider Irish community in meaningful and authentic ways. Together with our local partners such as the University of Galway - we strive to provide multi-disciplinary programming for leaders, thinkers, and creators with a focus on advancing research, forming community, and nourishing collaborations such as the Biseach Initiative.”   The Biseach Initiative began in 2019 when a delegation from the Harper Cancer Research Institute visited University of Galway. Students and academics from both Universities have visited each other to develop the collaboration, supported by the University of Galway International Office and the Notre Dame Kylemore Abbey Global Centre. In 2021 both Universities hosted online research symposia, and this was followed up by a cancer research retreat at the Kylemore Global Centre in 2022.  Ends   

Biomedical Engineering student begins preparations for the Walker Cup – the pinnacle of the sport for amateur players    University of Galway has heralded the achievement of student Liam Nolan as he prepares this week for the Walker Cup – the pinnacle of the sport for amateur golfers.   Liam Nolan is one of 10 players to have been selected for the Great Britain & Ireland team to compete against the US in the 49th Walker Cup match at St Andrews on the weekend of September 2 & 3, 2023.   He is also playing in the renowned competition at the home of golf as he embarks on his fourth year in Biomedical Engineering at University of Galway.    Deputy President and Registrar Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh said: “On behalf of our University community, I’d like to send a message of congratulations and best wishes to Liam Nolan for the Walker Cup. Our University takes great delight and a deep sense of pride in celebrating the achievements of our students, as well as our staff, whether that’s in research breakthroughs, community engagement, volunteering, academic achievement and competing, as Liam is, at the top of their game on a world stage. We look forward to many more sporting achievements at the University in the year ahead.”    Liam Nolan said: “I’m over the moon on the pick. It’s nice following all the work over the last few years to see it pay off and get given the chance to represent GB&I in the Walker Cup. The Americans have an amazing team but the fact that we’re so used to links golf, growing up on it, gives us a great chance against them. I am really looking forward to the week.”    Mike Heskin, Director of Sport at University of Galway, said: “Liam Nolan is a great role model and an ambassador not only for University of Galway but also Galway Golf Club and the west of Ireland. We are delighted to have been able to support Liam through the University’s High Performance Unit. Along with many other sports and athletes at the University and their achievements, Liam’s selection for the Walker Cup demonstrates the unique value of being able to support, coach and mentor students at a high level of sport and competition.”    Liam Nolan is a Galway native and his home club is Galway Golf Club. He won the South American Amateur Open in January of this year and the Brabazon Trophy in May. He has also represented Ireland in the European Team Championships and Home Internationals this year.    He is one of only four Irish golfers to have made the Walker Cup team, joining St Andrews Links Trophy winner Alex Maguire (Laytown & Bettystown); US Mid-Amateur champion Matthew McClean (Malone); and 2021 Walker Cupper Mark Power (Kilkenny) have been named in Stuart Wilson’s squad.   The biennial challenge is taking place over the Old Course at St Andrew’s in Scotland, just over a week from now, on Saturday and Sunday, September 2 and 3, marking 100 years since it was first played at the home of golf.   Ends 

International research team, led by University of Galway, reveal previously unknown source of powerful climate change driver black carbon  Air quality studies show pollution levels in Dublin have rivalled those in Beijing    An international team of researchers from Ireland, China and India, led out of University of Galway, has exposed previously unrealised health and climate impacts from the use of domestic firelighters.   The research was published in the prestigious scientific journal npj Climate and Atmospheric Science – Nature, and is part of the pilot AEROSOURCE initiative - funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications - that aims to supports climate and air pollution policies in Ireland. The study found that firelighters used for open fires and stoves in the home - even if used in small quantities and for a short period of time - emit more black carbon than all biomass fuels put together.  Professor Jurgita Ovadnevaite, deputy director of the Ryan Institute Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies at University of Galway and coordinating scientist of the international research project, said: “Black carbon is one of the main pollutants that affect air quality, acting as a climate forcer or driver, second only to carbon dioxide. While the effect was revealed in Ireland, the impact of it is relevant to other European countries, the UK, and worldwide, especially now with a rebound in the use of solid fuel stoves due to the energy crisis.” The research team describe the impact of firelighter use in home heating and the release of black carbon as a significant and previously overlooked source of air pollution. Firelighters are kerosene-based and contain hydrocarbon alkane. They noted that there are an estimated 70 million wood burning stoves, open fires and other solid fuel heating appliances in homes across Europe alone, while an EPA report from 2022 indicates an increase in the number of households switching to solid fuel fires, rather than a decline - a trend which may become more acute in the midst of the energy cost crisis. Professor Jurgita Ovadnevaite added: “The potentially toxic particulate air pollutants, like black carbon, not only affect people’s health but play a significant role in climate change and uncertainty of climate predictions. Unfortunately, there is no silver lining in this cloud over human health and climate change until the promotion of solid biomass fires and the use of firelighters for ignition is replaced by a co-benefit policy.” The analysis of air quality took place in south Dublin in 2016 and subsequent years, and included data recorded by the monitoring stations controlled by the EPA.  The research showed: In 2016, average black carbon levels in Dublin, supposedly a clean European city, rivaled those in Beijing. Data on concentrations showed disconcerting and comparable figures for black carbon in particulate matter - in Dublin: >7 micrograms of black carbon per cubic metre of air (μg m−3); in Beijing 5.5 μg m−3; and in Dehli: 15.9 μg m−3. More recent data from the AEROSOURCE network shows that black carbon concentrations in Dublin in winter 2022/23 are just below 1 μg m−3, while in Beijing it is on the order of 1-2.5 µg m-3.  The mixture of pollutants emitted by kerosene-based firelighters and solid fuel burning results in a strong localised air heating effect, reducing the volume in which pollutants are dispersed (aka boundary layer height), further leading to high self-amplified air pollution levels. Black carbon, which is emitted by firelighters, and organic aerosol, which is produced by solid biomass burning, combine to result in a more powerful climate warming effect. Despite generally good air quality in Ireland thanks to Atlantic weather patterns, the AEROSOURCE research revealed that extreme air pollution events, spanning most populated areas across the country, occur frequently in wintertime and during these times concentrations of air pollutants exceed levels recommended for health.  The research identified extraordinarily high concentrations of some particulate matter – classed as submicron – which are smaller than 1 micrometre. The research team noted that air pollution is also the single biggest environmental health risk, causing more than 7 million premature deaths per year worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.  Dr Chunshui Lin, a lead author of the paper who conducted the study while at University of Galway, said: “This study demonstrates how critical it is to augment regulatory air quality networks with sophisticated instrumentation that can provide information on air pollution sources and can identify the main air pollution culprits and reveal their effects on both air quality and climate.” Professor Colin O'Dowd, Director of the Ryan Institute Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies at University of Galway, said: “Compounds consisting of carbon are known to be diverse in source and nature resulting in more complex challenges in terms of understanding their contributions to air pollution and climate, and in determining their sources. Without this, effective pollution control and climate change mitigation strategies cannot be developed. However, these carbonaceous compounds are not routinely measured in regulatory air quality networks." To read the full scientific paper, visit: http://rdcu.be/dhI82 Ends 

Professor Martin O’Halloran secures record level of prestigious research awards   University of Galway researcher Professor Martin O’Halloran has been awarded a European Research Council (ERC) Proof of Concept grant worth €150,000.  This latest accolade for Professor O’Halloran brings his total ERC awards to seven with a combined value of €4.25million in funding since 2015, making him the joint-highest ERC awardee in Ireland. The ERC Proof of Concept is being awarded for his research work on NeuroProtect - a novel therapy to prevent peripheral neuropathy in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The side-effect results in nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves) being damaged and can lead to weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet which can cause significant disability and pain for cancer patients. Professor O’Halloran is Techrete Professor of Medical Electronics, Executive Director of the University of Galway-Enterprise Ireland funded BioInnovate Ireland and Director of the Translational Medical Device Lab at the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway. His research projects to have been awarded ERC grants include: BioElecPro - Examining the electrical properties of human tissue as a platform for new medical devices Realta - Microwave ablation for the treatment of adrenal tumours Draiocht - Medical device for the treatment of varicose veins Hydrolieve - A long-lasting drug-free effective treatment for chronic Trigeminal Neuralgia pain EndoSolve - A novel medical device for the treatment of Endometriosis Arth-Alleve - Development of novel therapies for osteoarthritis pain Speaking about the ERC Proof of Concept award for NeuroProtect, Professor O’Halloran said: “This represents our seventh European Research Council grant since 2015, and addresses a medical problem significant to cancer patients - to minimise the long-term side effects of chemotherapy. It builds on ever growing collaborations between engineering and medicine at the University, and we hope to have an impact in the clinic in the very near future.” Professor Jim Livesey, Vice-President Research and Innovation at University of Galway, said: “The record ERC awards for Professor O’Halloran are a striking recognition of the quality and level of research he and his teams are leading at University of Galway, as well as the potential for impact on people’s quality of life. The ERC awards also demonstrate the role which our University plays regionally, nationally and internationally and its value in the medtech sector on a global stage.” Proof of Concept grants are awarded to ERC grant holders as top-up funding to explore the commercial or innovation potential of the results of their ERC-funded research. Ends

University of Galway and University of Galway Students’ Union have launched a pilot programme distributing free period products across campus to tackle the issue of period poverty among students and staff. The pilot stems from an initiative that was launched by the Students’ Union in 2017 to address the serious financial pressures and taboos faced by students who menstruate. The University is now funding and supporting the pilot programme to supply more free items in locations across campus for those who need them. The high cost of period products and the societal stigma which can still be attached to menstruation can lead to exclusion, mental health impacts and the use of unsuitable alternatives by those who menstruate. This programme aims to combat these issues and foster an inclusive, open campus with access for all. Students’ Union Vice President/Welfare Officer Izzy Tiernan said: “Period poverty and hygiene poverty are very real issues for our 19,000 student members. We are delighted that the University is supporting this pilot programme. We are calling on the Government to act now on the “Period Poverty in Ireland Report” from February 2021. Students have enough financial worries as it is with the cost of living crisis and spiraling rents, and we firmly believe the Government needs to mitigate the cost of these essential healthcare products for all.” Josephine Walsh, Head of Student Engagement at University of Galway, said: “Student Services at the University are delighted to be able to support the Students’ Union on this important initiative and policy for students. It is symbolic recognition by the University of the very real issues that our students face and even moreso we know it will make a very real difference in their lives.” University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh said: “We are proud of the initiative that was taken by our students and their representatives, and as a University we are delighted that we are able to follow their lead and support efforts to alleviate cost and the effects of period poverty. Our new policy of free period products at University of Galway is a strong symbol of progress and how we can work together, with our students, to ensure better outcomes and respond to need.” Ends   

Almost 2,000 students are being conferred by University of Galway this week as part of the Autumn Conferring ceremonies.  The celebrations for undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD degrees take place from today until Friday August 18. Professor Maria Byrne was also conferred with a Doctor of Science (DSc) on Published Work. Degrees on published work are higher doctorates and are the highest qualifications awarded by the University. They are awarded to scholars who have, over a sustained period, published a substantial body of ground-breaking and influential work in a field of specialisation and who have achieved outstanding distinction internationally in that field. An alum of University of Galway, Maria is Professor of Marine Biology at the University of Sydney, a member of the Sydney Environment Institute, and former Director of the university's research station on One Tree Island. She is the co-editor of Australian Echinoderms which won the 2018 Whitley Medal. Professor Byrne has been publishing her research on Echinodermata since the early 1980s and was elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in 2019. Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, University of Galway President, said: “I am delighted to be able to meet so many graduates of University of Galway who are returning to our campus for this celebration. This is an exceptional place, and our graduates are exceptional people. Reflecting our values of respect and excellence, I would like to congratulate each of them for their dedication, resilience, and determination over the course of their studies with us. Graduation is a special day for students and I am pleased that we are able to celebrate their achievements with their family, friends, fans and our staff members. We wish them the very best for the future, their future.” Over the four days a range of degrees will be awarded to graduates from the College of Science and Engineering, College of Business, Public Policy and Law, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. The full schedule for the University’s Autumn Conferring ceremonies is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/conferring/  Ends

Tá beagnach 2,000 céim á mbronnadh ag Ollscoil na Gaillimhe an tseachtain seo mar chuid de shearmanais Bhronnta an Fhómhair.  Beidh an ceiliúradh d'fhochéimeanna, iarchéimeanna agus céimeanna PhD ar siúl ó inniu go dtí Dé hAoine, an 18 Lúnasa. Bronnadh Dochtúireacht Eolaíochta (DSc) as Obair Fhoilsithe ar an Ollamh Maria Byrne freisin. Is ard-dochtúireachtaí iad céimeanna a bhronntar as saothar foilsithe, agus is iad na cáilíochtaí is airde a bhronntar san Ollscoil iad. Bronntar iad ar scoláirí a bhfuil bailiúchán de shaothar úrnua agus cumhachtach i réimse speisialtóireachta foilsithe acu, thar thréimhse áirithe, agus a bhfuil aitheantas den scoth bainte amach acu go hidirnáisiúnta sa réimse sin. Is céimí de chuid Ollscoil na Gaillimhe í Maria, agus tá sí ina hOllamh le Bitheolaíocht Mhara agus Fhorbarthach in Ollscoil Sydney, ina ball d’Institiúid Timpeallachta Sydney, agus ina hiar-Stiúrthóir ar stáisiún taighde na hollscoile ar One Tree Island. Tá sí ina comheagarthóir ar Australian Echinoderms a bhuaigh Bonn Whitley in 2018. Tá an tOllamh Byrne ag foilsiú a cuid taighde ar Echinodermata ó thús na 1980idí agus toghadh ina Comhalta d’Acadamh Eolaíochta na hAstráile in 2019 í. Dúirt an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Tá lúcháir orm bualadh leis an oiread sin céimithe de chuid Ollscoil na Gaillimhe atá ag filleadh ar ár gcampas don cheiliúradh seo. Is áit eisceachtúil í seo, agus is daoine eisceachtúla iad ár gcéimithe. Agus ár luachanna measa agus barr feabhais á léiriú againn, ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a dhéanamh le gach duine acu as a dtiomantas, a neart agus a ndíograis le linn a gcuid staidéir linn. Is lá speisialta é bronnadh na gcéimeanna do mhic léinn agus tá áthas orm go bhfuilimid in ann a gcuid éachtaí a cheiliúradh lena dteaghlach, lena gcairde, lena lucht leanúna agus lenár gcomhaltaí foirne. Guímid gach rath ort amach anseo.” Déanfar raon céimeanna a bhronnadh i rith na gceithre lá ar chéimithe ó Choláiste na hEolaíochta agus na hInnealtóireachta, Coláiste an Ghnó, an Bheartais Phoiblí agus an Dlí, Coláiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte agus Coláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta agus an Léinn Cheiltigh. Tá sceideal iomlán shearmanais bhronnta an Fhómhair le fáil ag https://www.universityofgalway.ie/conferring/ Críoch

Tá fáilte mhór curtha ag Ollscoil na Gaillimhe roimh chead pleanála a bheith faighte d’Ionad Foghlama nua i gcroílár an champais. Foirgneamh spreagúil nua, inbhuanaithe, nua-aimseartha, aitheanta atá beartaithe agus beidh leabharlann na todhchaí lonnaithe ann. Tiocfaidh Ionad Foghlama Ollscoil na Gaillimhe in áit na Leabharlainne atá ann faoi láthair agus is spás foghlama agus cruthaitheachta nua ardteicneolaíochta a bheidh ann dírithe ar rochtain a sholáthar ar leabhair, ar fhaisnéis agus ar na teicneolaíochtaí foghlama is déanaí do theagasc agus d’fhoghlaim na mac léinn, don taighde agus don fhoireann. Seo mar a labhair Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Is iad na luachanna meas, oscailteacht, barr feabhais agus inbhuanaitheacht bunchloch phlean straitéiseach Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Tá leabharlanna lárnach i saol agus i bhfoghlaim na n-ollscoileanna, agus beidh ár leabharlann nua ina ‘lárlann’ i saol nithiúil agus coincheapúil na hollscoile, léiriú ar ár luachanna ar mhaithe le leas an phobail. “Tá lúcháir orainn go bhfuil cead pleanála faighte againn d’fhorbairt a bheidh ina lárionad den scoth dár mic léinn, dár bhfoireann agus dár gcuairteoirí.  “Is mian linn a bheith inár gcomharsana maithe agus is eiseamláir rannpháirtíochta é leibhéal agus caighdeán na pleanála agus na rannpháirtíochta atá curtha isteach san Ionad Foghlama seo. Tá moladh mór ag dul dár gcomhghleacaithe a stiúir é, agus as an mbealach ar oibrigh siad le sainchomhairleoirí, chomh maith le páirtithe leasmhara inár n-ollscoil agus inár bpobal níos leithne. Táimid buíoch freisin de lucht pleanála Chomhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe as oibriú linn lenár bhfís a thabhairt chuig an bpointe seo.” Tógadh Leabharlann reatha Ollscoil na Gaillimhe in 1973 agus tá sí i gcroílár Áras Uí Argadáin i lár an Champais Theas. Rinneadh an athfhorbairt mhór is déanaí ar an Leabharlann in 1999. Beidh an tIonad Foghlama nua lonnaithe in aice le Bóthar na Drioglainne, díreach ó dheas d’Ionad Spóirt na hOllscoile. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag John Cox, Leabharlannaí na hOllscoile: “Is í an fhís atá ann don Ionad Foghlama ná forbairt pobail agus rannpháirtíocht chomhoibríoch sna disciplíní ar fad. Déanann an plean seo acmhainní teicneolaíochta agus intleachtúla a uasmhéadú chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar dhúshláin a sháraíonn acmhainn aon disciplín ar leith, mar shampla athrú aeráide, inbhuanaitheacht agus rialú galair, dúshláin atá lárnach do Spriocanna Forbartha Inbhuanaithe na Náisiún Aontaithe.” Dúirt Niamh Burke, Stiúrthóir RKD Architects: “D’oibríomar go dlúth leis an Ollscoil chun an ailtireacht chathartha seo a chruthú a shuíonn go compordach i suíomh uathúil an champais ar thírdhreach tábhachtach cathrach. Tá an foirgneamh simplí ó thaobh crutha de, agus tá laindéar gloine cruthaithe aige i dtreo na habhann ionas go seasfaidh an tIonad amach. Taobh istigh, tá na spásanna staidéir deartha chun an leas is fearr a bhaint as na radharcanna iontacha amach ar an abhainn agus ar an mbaile mór.” Is foirgneamh é an tIonad Foghlama, a dhear RKD Architects, a bhfuil idir ceithre agus sé stór ann. Tá spás staidéir ann, lena n-áirítear limistéir chiúin, aonair agus chomhoibríocha; spásanna le haghaidh taispeántais; cruthaitheacht dhigiteach; Cúinne na Cruthaitheachta, ionad don léann digiteach; spásanna do thaighde/staidéar iarchéime, teagasc agus imeachtaí, rannpháirtíocht phobail agus limistéar fáilte, deasc chabhrach, bailiúcháin, próiseáil leabhar; Bookbot; folláine na mac léinn lena n-áirítear spásanna céadfacha, scíthe agus lasmuigh. Críoch

University of Galway has warmly welcomed planning approval for a new Learning Commons at the heart of its city campus.  The proposed development will create an exciting new, sustainable, modern, iconic building which will be home to the library of the future.  University of Galway’s Learning Commons will replace the existing Library and offer a new, high-tech space of learning and creativity with a focus on providing access to books, information and the latest learning technologies for student teaching and learning, for research and for staff. President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “Values are the bedrock of University of Galway’s strategic plan – openness, excellence, respect, sustainability. Libraries are central to the life of, and learning in universities, and our new leabharlann will be a ‘lárlann’ in the concrete and conceptual life of our university, a manifestation of our values for the public good.   “We are delighted that we have secured planning permission for a development that will be a new, state-of-the-art, focal point for our students, staff and visitors.  “We wish to be good neighbours and the level and standard of planning and engagement that has gone into our proposal for a new Learning Commons is a model of engagement. Enormous credit goes to our colleagues who have led and driven it, and for the manner in which they have worked with consultants, as well as stakeholders in our university and in our wider community. We are also grateful to the planners in Galway City Council for working with us in bringing our vision to this stage of its fruition.” University of Galway’s current Library was constructed in 1973 and sits at the heart of the Hardiman Building in the centre of the South Campus. The most recent major redevelopment in the Library took place in 1999. The proposed new Learning Commons development will be located off Distillery Road, immediately south of the University’s Sports Centre. John Cox, University of Galway Librarian, said: “The vision for the Learning Commons is for community building and collaborative engagement across disciplines. This ambition maximises technological and intellectual resources in order to address challenges which exceed the capacity of any one discipline, for example climate change, sustainability and disease control, challenges which are central to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.” Niamh Burke, Director with RKD Architects, said: “We have worked closely with the University to create a piece of civic architecture that sits comfortably within the unique campus setting along an important city vista. The form is simple in its massing, with the creation of a glass lantern to the river Corrib, signalling the building’s presence. Internally the study spaces are designed to optimise the impressive views out to the Corrib and wider city context.”  The Learning Commons, designed by RKD Architects, is a building ranging in height from four to six storeys with study space, including quiet, individual and collaborative areas; spaces for exhibitions; digital creativity; Makerspace, digital scholarship centre; areas dedicated to research/postgraduate study, teaching and events, community engagement and welcome zone, helpdesk, collections, book processing; Bookbot; student wellbeing including sensory, relaxation and outdoor spaces. Ends 

Researchers from the University of Galway and the Western Development Commission are calling on employees to share their experiences regarding remote and hybrid work by participating in the annual National Remote Working Survey.   This is the fourth annual survey and seeks to build on the valuable insights garnered from the previous three surveys.   The 2023 survey will offer a comprehensive view of how remote and hybrid work is shaping work experiences and employment dynamics in Ireland.   The National Remote Working Survey is led by Professor Alma McCarthy, Dr Meave O’Sullivan, Professor Eoin Whelan and Dr Luke McGrath at University of Galway, alongside Allan Mulrooney and Deirdre Frost at the Western Development Commission.   Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, warmly welcomes this initiative and encouraged workers to participate, stating: "In recent years, we have witnessed remarkable progress in supporting remote workers and employers. It is of utmost importance that we maintain this momentum. Our Rural Development Policy, 'Our Rural Future,' clearly acknowledges the pivotal role of remote working in achieving balanced regional development. Remote workers contribute to local economies and sustain communities, and I am committed to fostering remote work. This survey will provide us with essential data to make informed decisions in this vital area."   Professor Alma McCarthy, Professor of Public Sector Management and Dean of J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at University of Galway, emphasised the significant impact of previous surveys on policy-making: "Our previous annual surveys have played a crucial role in shaping the national remote working strategy. The way we work has undergone a dramatic transformation since the Covid-19 pandemic. It is opportune to document the trends, preferences, and the impact on employment three years on."   Allan Mulrooney, Chief Executive of the Western Development Commission, highlighted the enduring popularity of remote work following Covid-19: "Remote working has proven highly attractive to both employees and employers post-pandemic with an impact on relocation and regional development. While some have returned to the office, many continue to work remotely either full or part-time. This survey examines the experiences of remote workers at this juncture. The development of the National Hub Network, Connected Hubs, which now numbers over 300 hubs, underscores the sustained demand for remote and hybrid work solutions, as well as suitable work facilities close to home."   After analysing the findings from the 2023 National Remote Working Survey, the team will publish the results both the University of Galway and the Western Development Commission websites at the end of October 2023. Additionally, comprehensive reports and key statistics from previous annual surveys are accessible on these websites.   The survey, which is open until open until Monday October 2, is available at https://bit.ly/RemoteWorkSurvey4   Ends

University of Galway has officially launched its newest research unit - the Centre for Creative Technologies.   The aim of the new centre is to foster and support research and teaching activities that explore and develop links between creative practice and technology and creativity as a principle and practice that extends beyond the arts.    Building on the University’s strong relationships with the creative community in the western region and beyond, including the Strategic Education Partnerships with Galway International Arts Festival and Druid, the Centre for Creative Technologies will explore the impact on the traditional creative industries of rapid technological change in areas such as immersive reality, artificial intelligence and virtual production processes.    The Centre’s newly launched PhD in Creative Technologies brings together research that combines critical enquiry with technological and artistic practice to investigate important developments in this field.   University of Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh officially launched the Centre for Creative Technologies at a special event on campus in the O’Donoghue Centre on Thursday September 21, 2023.   Professor Ó hÓgartaigh said: “University of Galway, our city and our region all have strong bonds with the world of the arts and creativity. These ties have afforded us opportunities that enable our university to grow and develop in special ways, in line with our values of openness, excellence and sustainability. The new Centre for Creative Technologies is symbolic of that and we wish every success to all of those who will tap into this important research entity and the new opportunities it brings.”   Professor Rebecca Braun, Dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, said: “The Centre for Creative Technologies is an exciting initiative that will support research and teaching initiatives that explore the intersections between creative practice and technology within and beyond the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. It draws on existing strengths in the areas of creativity across the College and will support the kind of interdisciplinary research needed to tackle the key societal challenges we face today.”   University of Galway Vice-President Research and Innovation Professor Jim Livesey said: “We are living at a time when the pace and scale of change in the world of technology is seismic. Now we have an exciting opportunity to harness some of that in the areas of research, teaching and learning by bringing together bright minds in an environment which promotes excellence across our academic disciplines.”    Conn Holohan, Director of the Centre for Creative Technologies at University of Galway, said: “We look forward to supporting exciting collaborations between researchers, industry and artists that explore the many ways that creativity and technology intersect with our daily lives.”   The Centre for Creative Technologies is the first research centre of its kind in Ireland, exploring the intersection of creativity and technology across disciplines from within the traditions of the arts.    As creative engagement with technology is an increasingly central element of our responses to global challenges, the centre will enable researchers, academics and those involved in the arts to bring their expertise and insight to a diverse range of areas of activity, from healthcare to manufacturing to the societal responses to climate change.    Ahead of the launch of the Centre for Creative Technologies, James Riordan, Brú Theatre, took on a two week Digital Artist-in-Residence where he and his interdisciplinary artist collaborators explored opportunities for technology and creativity, including showcasing the centre's new technologies such as augmented reality virtual reality and motion capture.    Ends

Gabriel Makhlouf, Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, today delivered an address focusing on inflation and the labour market as part of University of Galway’s Thinking Beyond series.   Organised by the University’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, the event took place in the Aula Maxima, Quadrangle Building.   The event offered the opportunity to provide valuable insights into the causes of the current period high inflation in Ireland and what it means for monetary policy. Following Governor Makhlouf’s address, a Q&A session was held with Alan Ahearne, Professor of Economics at University of Galway and Adviser to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin.   Gabriel Makhlouf was appointed Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland in 2019, and is Chair of the Central Bank Commission, a member of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank, the European Systemic Risk Board, and is Ireland's Alternate Governor at the International Monetary Fund.   Prior to joining the Central Bank, he was Secretary to the New Zealand Treasury and the NZ Government's chief economic and financial adviser. Mr Makhlouf also led reviews of New Zealand's three macroeconomic pillars (monetary, financial stability and fiscal policy) and the development of a new framework for the development of economic and public policy focused on intergenerational wellbeing. In addition, Governor Makhlouf was New Zealand's Alternate Governor at the World Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Asian Development Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. He was also co-chair of the Trans-Tasman Banking Council.   Professor Alan Ahearne said: “The Irish economy is operating at full employment, with the unemployment rate having dropped to record lows and many businesses reporting shortages of labour. Against this backdrop, I very much look forward to the Governor’s perspective on how developments in the labour market might affect the outlook for inflation, the cost of living and the future path of interest rates.”   Governor Makhlouf also addressed students of University of Galway’s Economics Society during his visit.    Governor Makhlouf said he welcomed the opportunity to visit University of Galway as part of the University’s Thinking Beyond: “It is always a pleasure to meet with students and discuss these important issues, and I look forward to welcoming some of them as colleagues in the future.   “If I were to sum up post-pandemic labour market dynamics in one word, it would be resilient. The slowdown in growth this year has yet to show up in employment levels, with wage growth continuing to be strong, reflecting the combined effects of a tight labour market and catch up to inflation. We will continue to closely monitor wage developments as a potential source of future inflation. The outlook for wage growth will depend in large part on how labour demand develops. Forward-looking indicators indicate that some of the strong momentum we saw during 2022/23 may begin to ease in the coming months.”     Professor Alma McCarthy, Dean of J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics said: “We are delighted to host Governor Makhlouf as part of our Thinking Beyond event series in the School. The series features insights from thought leaders on current issues impacting business and society across a broad array of industries and sectors.”   Ends

Tá Ollscoil na Gaillimhe sa 50 is Fearr maidir le hInbhuanaitheacht freisin   Tá Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ainmnithe mar cheann de na hOllscoileanna is fearr san Eoraip, de réir Ranguithe Ollscoile QS an Domhain: An Eoraip 2024. Seo an chéad uair a ndearnadh rangú Eorpach agus tháinig Ollscoil na Gaillimhe sa 98ú áit as 690 institiúid i 42 suíomh ar fud na hEorpa. Rangaíodh Ollscoil na Gaillimhe freisin i rangú QS na hEorpa de na 50 ollscoil is fearr maidir le hInbhuanaitheacht, agus an nuacht sin ag teacht ar na sála ar an bhfógra gur ainmnigh Ranguithe Tionchair Times Higher Education (THE) an Ollscoil seo mar an ollscoil is fearr in Éirinn, agus i measc na 50 ollscoil is fearr ar domhan, as dul chun cinn a bheith déanta i dtreo Spriocanna Forbartha Inbhuanaithe na Náisiún Aontaithe (SDGanna) níos luaithe i mbliana. D’ainmnigh Rialtas na hÉireann Ollscoil na Gaillimhe mar churaidh náisiúnta SDG i mí Bealtaine, agus an tseachtain seo tá a céad Seachtain Spriocanna Forbartha Inbhuanaithe á óstáil ag an Ollscoil a bhfuil sé mar aidhm léi feasacht, rannpháirtíocht agus gníomhartha a spreagadh féachaint le cabhrú le baint amach 17 Sprioc Forbartha Inbhuanaithe na Náisiún Aontaithe. Seo mar a labhair Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Tá pobal agus cultúr na hollscoile le moladh go hard as bheith rangaithe i measc na 100 ollscoil is fearr san Eoraip sa chéad rangú QS seo agus as an gcéad áit a bhaint amach in Éirinn maidir le hinbhuanaitheacht sna Ranganna Tionchair THE. Léiriú atá ann den iarracht leanúnach a dhéantar ar fud na hOllscoile a bheith ina hollscoil ar mhaithe le leas an phobail, agus muid dílis dár luachanna, mar atá meas, barr feabhais, oscailteacht agus inbhuanaitheacht. Táimid meáite, ón áit seo agus ar mhaithe leis an áit seo, cur lenár gclú agus ár dtionchar, agus muid ag freastal ag an am céanna ar ár gcuid mac léinn agus ár bpobal. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil lenár mic léinn agus lenár bhfoireann as a gcuid oibre crua agus a dtiomantas, agus lenár gcuid alumni as a bheith ina n-ambasadóirí den scoth.” Tá tuilleadh eolais ar na Ranguithe Ollscoile QS: An Eoraip 2024 ar fáil ag www.topuniversities.com/europe-university-rankings. Críoch

University of Galway also ranked in Top 50 for Sustainability   University of Galway has been named as one of the top Universities in Europe, according to the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024. The first Europe-wide rankings have placed University of Galway 98th in Europe out of 690 institutions across 42 locations. University of Galway was also ranked in the QS European ranking’s Top 50 for Sustainability, building on the announcement that the University was named number one university in Ireland, and in the world’s top 50, for progress towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings earlier this year. In May, the Government of Ireland designated University of Galway as a national SDG Champion, and this week the University is hosting its inaugural Sustainable Development Goals Week to increase awareness, engagement and action to help achieve the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. President of University of Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “Being ranked in the top 100 universities in Europe in these inaugural QS rankings and number one for sustainability in Ireland in THE Impact Rankings is a tremendous endorsement of the people and culture of our university. It is a reflection of the continuous effort across our University to be a university for the public good, true to our values of respect, excellence, openness and sustainability. From this place and for this place, we are determined to further enhance our international reputation and reach, while serving our students and community. I want to thank our students and staff for their hard work and commitment, and our alumni for being such outstanding ambassadors.” More information on the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024 is available at www.topuniversities.com/europe-university-rankings.  Ends

New research has found that 40% of healthcare workers say they would worry, at least a little, about drawing blood from a person living with HIV. Findings from the report HIV-related Stigma in Healthcare Settings in Ireland found that one in five healthcare workers report using special measures they would not use with other patients. The research was led by Dr Elena Vaughan at the Health Promotion Research Centre in the University of Galway, in collaboration with HIV Ireland, with funding provided by the Irish Research Council. “A positive finding of the research is that healthcare workers do not hold negative attitudes towards people living with HIV,” said Dr Vaughan, speaking in advance of the launch. “However, a significant proportion still fear acquiring HIV through routine procedures, such as dressing wounds, and this appears to be driving stigmatising behaviours,” she said. “Where suspected exposure to HIV does occur, there is also post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which can prevent the virus from taking hold”, continued Ms Vaughan. “Efforts to better translate this knowledge to healthcare workers should help reduce healthcare worker anxieties and lessen stigmatising behaviours towards people living with HIV,” she added. The findings from the report were produced following a joint national survey and interviews with both healthcare workers and people living with HIV. More than 400 people took part in the research, including 298 healthcare workers and 89 people living with HIV from across Ireland. The survey, conducted in 2022, was the first of its kind to be carried out in Europe as the researchers sought to learn both from people living with HIV and those who provide them with healthcare. Of the 89 people living with HIV who took part in the survey, 24% reported having been told to come back later, made to wait, or put last in a queue when attending for appointments. More than half (54%) reported having avoided healthcare for worry about how they will be treated by healthcare workers. “The findings show how stigma experienced in healthcare settings can put people off engaging in vital care, which can have negative consequences for both individual and public health,” said Stephen O’Hare, Executive Director of HIV Ireland. “People living with HIV who are on successful courses of treatment, as the vast majority are in Ireland, are healthy and well, and have an undetectable viral load, meaning they cannot transmit the virus to others,” he added. Reflecting on Government’s own target of reducing HIV-related stigma in line with international goals, including the global Fast Track Cities initiative, Mr O’Hare added: “This report helps us identify areas where we can provide information and support to both healthcare workers and people living with HIV, so we can reduce HIV stigma in our healthcare system in line with our global commitments.” The report, which is available to download on the website of HIV Ireland, will be launched today by Ms Sinead Gibney, Chief Commissioner of Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission at its headquarters on Green Street, in Dublin.    

Cuirfidh Máirín Mhic Lochlainn, Ealaíontóir Cónaithe Scéalaíochta, tús leis an dara sraith de cheardlanna scéalaíochta in Ionad Léann na hÉireann, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe.    Tá na cúig ceardlanna saor in aisce agus beidh fáilte roimh chách. Beidh na ceardlanna ar siúl Dé Céadaoin ag 7pm, ag tosnú ar 27 Meán Fómhair, in Ionad Léann na hÉireann ar Bhóthar na Drioglainne, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe.   Ceapadh Máirín mar Ealaíontóir Cónaithe Scéalaíochta in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe i mí Eanáir 2023. Tá sí tiomanta chun ceird na scéalaíochta a fhorbairt agus cleachtadh aici ar cheardlanna scéalaíochta a stiúradh ar fud na hÉireann. Ba aoi speisialta í ag an bhFéile Idirnáisiúnta Scéalaíochta ar Oileán Chléire i mbliana.    Bhí an méid seo le rá ag an Ollamh Louis de Paor, Stiúrthóir Ionad Léann na hÉireann: “Tá Máirín i measc na n-ealaíontóirí is cumasaí dá bhfuil ag plé leis na healaíona béil in Éirinn. Is deis iontach é seo mar sin d’éinne a bhfuil suim acu sa scéalaíocht dúchais.”   Is iad Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, agus Ionad Léann na hÉireann, Ollscoil na Gaillimh, a mhaoiníonn an tionscnamh seo.   Tuilleadh eolais ó Samantha Williams ag 091 512428 nó samantha.williams@universityofgalway.ie.    Críoch

University of Galway’s Storyteller-in-residence Máirín Mhic Lochlainn will deliver the second series of story-telling workshops at the University.    The five workshops, which will be delivered through Irish, are free and open to the public and will run every Wednesday, beginning on September 27, at 7pm at the Centre for Irish Studies, 4 Distillery Road, University of Galway.     Máirín has won several awards for story-telling including Corn Neidí Frainc at the Oireachtas festival. Developing the craft of story-telling is a mission for Máirín and she has conducted workshops in story-telling throughout Ireland, Wales and Denmark. She was a special guest at this year’s Cape Clear International Storytelling Festival.    Professor Louis de Paor, Director of the Centre for Irish Studies at University of Galway, said: “Máirín is one of the most accomplished performers working in the vernacular arts tradition here in Ireland. This is a marvelous opportunity therefore for anyone interested in the Irish language storytelling tradition.”   This project is funded by Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta and The Arts Council, in association with the Centre for Irish Studies at University of Galway.   Further information available from Samantha Williams at 091-492051 or samantha.williams@universityofgalway.ie.    Ends