News Archive

University achieves 14th Athena SWAN Award with Bronze for School of Languages Literatures and Cultures University of Galway has earned further significant recognition in the advancement of equality with the School of Languages Literatures and Cultures securing an Athena SWAN award.  The School of Languages Literatures and Cultures in the University’s College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies has secured the Athena SWAN Ireland – Bronze, reflecting the collective commitment of the School to equality, diversity and inclusion. The School’s application highlighted a range of initiatives that will be taken, including supporting staff from outside of Ireland to achieve their full potential and ensuring students feel welcome and supported in their studies regardless of their sex, race or financial background. This latest Athena SWAN accreditation sees a total of 12 Bronze Awards and two Silver Awards in the University, along with an institutional Bronze Award which was renewed in 2021. Fourteen out of the University’s eighteen Schools now hold Athena SWAN Awards. Dr Helen Maher, Vice-President for Equality Diversity and Inclusion, University of Galway, said: “We are delighted to share in the congratulations for the School of Languages Literatures and Cultures. We are greatly encouraged by the significant progress our university continues to make on gender and additional equality grounds. “Achieving the School’s first Bronze Award is a testament to our colleagues’ vision, philosophy and commitment to gender equality and progressing equality, diversity and inclusion in our culture and our collective responsibilities.”   Professor Patrick Crowley, Head of the School of Languages Literatures and Cultures, University of Galway, said: “This award is the fruit of great collaboration and a radical commitment to making institutional structures more just and more inclusive for all our colleagues in the School and for all our students. The process also brought to the fore so much good that has always been at the heart of our School. The EDI committee, under the brilliant, fierce leadership of Dr Catherine Emerson, will continue this interrogation and ongoing work.” Ends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

University of Galway has issued offers to more than 3,800 new students for the 2025/26 academic year.    With Round One of the Central Applications Office (CAO) process underway, Interim President of University of Galway Professor Peter McHugh shared a message of congratulations to the Leaving Certificate class of 2025 for their efforts and achievements.  With a record level of applications to the CAO in 2025, University of Galway is offering 3,871 places to first year undergraduate students.   Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “Each and every student who completed their school years this year deserves a very warm welcome, and the best of good wishes, for the next step on their journey - Comhghairdeas to the Leaving Cert class of 2025.  “These students will no doubt recall the challenges of their school years, from the pandemic, to the state exams, to the questions posed by grade inflation. What they should always remember is the tremendous amount they have achieved already, and that they are now set on a path towards further development and achievement, and the opening up of exciting new horizons.  “Our admissions team at the University of Galway is once again doing stellar work to facilitate such huge numbers of students, and we look forward to offering them the very best in education and an unrivalled student experience at the University.”  Some of the key trends in undergraduate courses at University of Galway for the 2025/26 academic year are:   Two thirds of courses have seen points increase.   All major subject areas experienced this trend, with the largest jumps evident in flagship omnibus programmes in Arts, Science and Business - BA Joint Honours up 50 points; Bachelor of Science up 40; Bachelor of Commerce up 24 points - pointing to increased popularity in flexible programmes that offer opportunities to specialise later.   As expected, Medicine is random allocation (728 points).   Pharmacy (MPharm), a new 5 year undergrad course at University of Galway, is also random allocation (601 points), with 40 places on offer. The course will expand to offer 75 places in September 2026, responding to the need for qualified pharmacists nationally and the demand for the career.   Reflecting the national trend in CAO applications for healthcare courses, many of University of Galway’s degrees in health and biosciences experienced strong growth - Biotechnology up 28 points; Biopharmaceutical Chemistry up 22; and a significant rise in points across all three nursing programmes.   All Engineering programmes are above 500 points, emphasising the significance of sectors such as medtech in the region and strong career opportunities for graduates.   Similar to the national trend of a 20% increase in CAO applications for Maths and Statistics courses, there has been an increase in the cut-off points for Mathematical Science up 32 points; Physics up 21 points; and Financial Mathematics and Economics up 36 points. These fields feed directly into high-demand careers in data analytics, AI and fintech.   Environmental Science has seen the cut-off points level up by 35 to more than 400 while Marine Science and Earth and Ocean Science are also above 400 points.     BComm (Accounting) rose by 21 points, reflecting the opportunities amidst a well-documented shortfall of professionals in finance and audit sectors. Commerce with Gaeilge was up 33 points.    Courses linked to societal impact also showed increased demand - BA Government (Politics, Economics and Law) is up 61 points; Human Rights up 55 points; BA (Child, Youth and Family, Policy and Practice) up 51 points and all Law programmes continuing to cut off well over 500 CAO points, including Law and Human Rights, up 14 points.  Ends  

Tá mionsraith cheannródaíoch le craoladh ar TG4 ina ndéanfar cíoradh ar chluichí Gaelacha ar an scáileán mór ó thús an fichiú haois. Clár a bhfuil dhá chuid ann is ea Iománaíocht Hollywood: Cluichí Gaelacha ar Scannán / Hollywood Hurling: Gaelic Games on Film ina dtugtar léargas uathúil ar an gcaoi ar cuireadh Éire, muintir na hÉireann agus ár spóirt náisiúnta i láthair ar an scáileán mór agus san áireamh leis sin tá scannáin a rinneadh i stiúideonna móra Hollywood chomh maith le scannáin a rinne stiúrthóirí mar John Ford, an Meiriceánach de bhunadh na hÉireann, a bhain gradam Oscar amach.  Is é an comhlacht léiriúcháin LMDÓC a rinne an clár do TG4, le maoiniú ó Choimisiún na Meán, agus tá sé bunaithe ar an leabhar clúiteach Gaelic Games on Film: From silent films to Hollywood hurling, horror and the emergence of Irish cinema (Cork University Press, 2019) leis an acadóir Seán Crosson de chuid Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, arb é a scríobh an script don tsraith freisin, agus a bhí ina léiritheoir comhlach. Déanann an clár rianú freisin ar an ról lárnach a bhí ag cluichí Gaelacha i dteacht in inmhe cultúr dúchasach scannánaíochta in Éirinn sa dara leath den fhichiú haois. Tá céad chlár na sraithe le craoladh ar an 4 Meán Fómhair ag 9.30pm (agus le hathchraoladh ar an 5 agus an 7 Meán Fómhair) agus tá an dara clár le craoladh ar an 11 Meán Fómhair ag 9.30pm (agus le hathchraoladh ar an 12 agus an 14 Meán Fómhair). Bhí an méid seo le rá ag an Dr Seán Crosson: “Pribhléid a bhí ann oibriú ar an tsraith seo leis an stiúrthóir Mac Dara Ó Curraidhín agus le TG4, agus leagan físiúil a dhéanamh den taighde atá ar siúl agam le beagnach 20 bliain anois ar an sciar den chartlann uathúil atá tagtha slán. Tugann na cláir seo (agus iad siúd ar fad a bhí rannpháirteach) léargas uathúil dúinn ní hamháin ar léiriú agus ar fhorbairt cluichí Gaelacha, ach ar shochaí agus ar chultúr na hÉireann i dtéarmaí níos leithne. Athimirt cluiche ceannais sinsir peile na hÉireann in 1914 idir Loch Garman agus Ciarraí an píosa scannáin is sine atá tagtha slán.” Dúirt léiritheoir na sraithe Mac Dara Ó Curraidhín: “Ba mhór an onóir é dul i gcomhar le Seán Crosson agus leis an bhfoireann agus criú léiriúcháin iontach chun sraith teilifíse a dhéanamh as an ábhar dúshlánach seo. Abraím é sin mar dhuine a bhí ina pheileadóir leathréasúnta, ach gan na scileanna céanna a bheith agam don iomáint ná don liathróid láimhe, agus a bhfuil luí agam le hábhair cartlainne, go háirithe físeáin agus grianghraif. Is fiú a lua go raibh ábhar cartlainne de chineál éigin i mbeagnach gach ceann de na cláir atá déanta againn le 31 bliain anuas.” Tá píosaí scannáin cartlainne iontacha ó thús an fichiú haois sa tsraith ina dtugtar spléachadh ar chluichí Gaelacha agus ar shochaí na hÉireann. Labhraíonn daoine mór le rá i réimse an chultúir agus na hacadúlachta sna cláir chomh maith, agus áirítear leo sin an tOllamh Paul Rouse, an tOllamh Mike Cronin, an tOllamh Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, an tOllamh Dermot Keogh, an Dr Ciara Chambers, na déantóirí scannán Fergus Tighe agus Bob Quinn, an cineamatagrafaí Nick O'Neill, agus imreoir clúiteach Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Bhaile Átha Cliath Jimmy Gray, a bhfuil an tsraith tiomnaithe dó. Tá leagan faoi chlúdach bog den leabhar ar ar bunaíodh an tsraith Gaelic Games on Film: From silent films to Hollywood hurling, horror and the emergence of Irish cinema (Cork University Press, 2025) díreach foilsithe i gcomhthráth leis an gcraoladh seo, agus tá fáil air i siopaí leabhar maithe agus ar líne ar https://www.corkuniversitypress.com/9781782050186/gaelic-games-on-film/ Críoch

TG4 is to screen a ground-breaking mini-series exploring Gaelic games on film since the beginning of the 20th century. Iománaíocht Hollywood: Cluichí Gaelacha ar Scannán / Hollywood Hurling: Gaelic Games on Film is a two-part programme offering a unique insight into how Ireland, Irish people and our national sports have been depicted in cinema, including in productions from major Hollywood studios and directors such as seminal Oscar-winning Irish-American director John Ford. An LMDÓC Production for TG4 funded by Coimisiún na Meán, the series is based on the acclaimed  book Gaelic Games on Film: From silent films to Hollywood hurling, horror and the emergence of Irish cinema (Cork University Press, 2019) by University of Galway academic Seán Crosson, who also wrote and is associate producer of the series. The programme also traces the central role of Gaelic games in the emergence of an indigenous Irish film culture in the second half of the 20th century. Episode 1 from the series is to be broadcast on September 4th  at 9.30pm (with repeats on Sept 5th and 7th) and episode 2 will be broadcast on September 11th at 9.30pm (with repeats on the 12th and 14th). Dr Seán Crosson said: “It was a privilege to work with director Mac Dara Ó Curraidhín and TG4 on this series, realising visually and via the extraordinary surviving archive the research I have been engaged with for almost 20 years now. The films (and our many contributors) give us a unique insight into not just the depiction and development of Gaelic games, but also Irish society and culture more broadly from the earliest surviving footage of the 1914 all-Ireland senior football final replay between Wexford and Kerry.” Series director director Mac Dara Ó Curraidhín said: “As someone who has played our games - I was a decent footballer, but not as skilled at hurling and handball - and who has a a strong passion for archival materials, especially videos and photos - almost all the shows we've produced over the past 31 years have included archival content to some extent - it was genuinely an honour to collaborate on Iománaíocht Hollywood with Seán Crosson and the amazing production team and crew we gathered to turn this challenging subject matter into a series.” The series features stunning archive footage of Gaelic games and Irish society from the beginning of the 20th century. It also carries contributions from a range of leading cultural and academic figures including Professor Paul Rouse, Professor Mike Cronin, Professor Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, Professor Dermot Keogh, Dr Ciara Chambers, filmmakers Fergus Tighe and Bob Quinn, cinematographer Nick O'Neill, and the late Dublin GAA legend Jimmy Gray, to whom the series is dedicated. To coincide with the broadcast, a new paperback edition of the book that inspired the series Gaelic Games on Film: From silent films to Hollywood hurling, horror and the emergence of Irish cinema (Cork University Press, 2025) has also just been published and is now available in all good book shops and online from https://www.corkuniversitypress.com/9781782050186/gaelic-games-on-film/ Ends

An international team of astronomers, co-led by researchers at University of Galway, has made the unexpected discovery of a new planet. Detected at an early stage of formation around a young analog of our own Sun, the planet is estimated to be about 5 million years-old and most likely a gas giant of similar size to Jupiter. The study, which was led by Leiden University, University of Galway and University of Arizona, has been published in the international journal Astrophysical Journal Letters. The ground-breaking discovery was made using one of the world’s most advanced observatories - the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (ESO’s VLT) in the Atacama Desert in Chile. To coincide with the research being published, the European Southern Observatory - the world’s foremost international astronomy organisation - has released a stunning image of the discovery as their picture of the week. View image here (see notes to editors below).   The new planet has been named WISPIT 2b. Dr Christian Ginski, lecturer at the School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway and second author of the study, said: “We used these really short snapshot observations of many young stars - only a few minutes per object - to determine if we could see a little dot of light next to them that is caused by a planet. However, in the case of this star, we instead detected a completely unexpected and exceptionally beautiful multi-ringed dust disk. “When we saw this multi-ringed disk for the first time, we knew we had to try and see if we could detect a planet within it, so we quickly asked for follow-up observations.” It is only the second time a confirmed planet has been detected at this early evolutionary stage around a young version of our Sun. The first one was discovered in 2018, by a research team also involving Dr Ginski. WISPIT 2b is also the first unambiguous planet detection in a multi-ringed disk, making it the ideal laboratory to study planet-disk interaction and subsequent evolution. The planet was captured in near infrared light – the type of view that someone would see when using night-vision goggles - as it is still glowing and hot after its initial formation phase. The team at Leiden University and University of Galway captured a spectacular clear image of the young proto-planet embedded in a disk gap. They also confirmed that the planet is orbiting its host star. The planet was also detected in visible light by a team from the University of Arizona using a specially designed instrument. This detection at a specific wavelength or colour of light indicates that the planet is still actively accreting gas as it is forming its atmosphere. WISPIT 2b was detected as part of a five-year observational research project during which the international team sought to establish whether wide orbit gas giant planets are more common around younger or older stars. This led to the unexpected discovery of the new planet. Dust and gas rich disks around young stars are the birth cradles of planets. They can look quite spectacular with many different structures such as rings and spiral arms, which researchers believe are related to planets forming within them. The disk around WISPIT 2b has a radius of 380 astronomical units - about 380 times the distance between Earth and the Sun. Dr Ginski added: “Capturing an image of these forming planets has proven extremely challenging and it gives us a real chance to understand why the many thousands of older exoplanet systems out there look so diverse and so different from our own solar system. I think many of our colleagues who study planet formation will take a close look at this system in the years to come.” The study was led by an early career PhD student, Richelle van Capelleveen from Leiden University and co-led by a graduate student team at University of Galway. The research findings were co-authored by Dr Ginski and three Physics graduates students who are specialising in Astrophysics at University of Galway. A companion study by the University of Arizona was led by Professor Laird Close, where observations were triggered based on the information shared about the new disk by the University of Galway and Leiden University team.             Richelle van Capelleveen said: “Discovering this planet was an amazing experience - we were incredibly lucky. WISPIT 2, a young version of our Sun, is located in a little-studied group of young stars, and we did not expect to find such a spectacular system. This system will likely be a benchmark for years to come.” Dr Ginski said: “We were so fortunate to have these incredible young researchers on the case. This is the next generation of astrophysicists who I am sure will make more breakthrough discoveries in the years to come.” Chloe Lawlor, PhD student in Physics with a specialisation in Astrophysics at University of Galway, said: “I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved in such an exciting and potentially career defining discovery. WISPIT 2b, with its position within its birth disk, is a beautiful example of a planet that can be used to explore current planet formation models. I am certain this will become a landmark paper, owing particularly to the work of Richelle van Capelleveen and her exceptional team.” Jake Byrne, MSc student in Physics with a specialisation in Astrophysics at University of Galway, said: “The planet is a remarkable discovery. I could hardly believe it was a real detection when Dr Ginski first showed me the image. It’s a big one - that’s sure to spark discussion within the research community and advance our understanding of planet formation. Contributing to something this impactful, and doing so alongside international collaborators, is exactly the kind of opportunity early-career researchers like Chloe, Dan and I dream of.” Dan McLachlan, MSc student in Physics with a specialisation in Astrophysics at University of Galway, said: “In my experience so far working in astronomy, sometimes you can get so focused on a small task and you forget about the big picture, and when you zoom out and take in the magnitude of what you are working on it shocks you. This was one such project (an exoplanet direct detection!) and it was such a mind-blowing thing to be a part of. I feel so well treated by the University of Galway Physics department and especially my supervisor Dr Christian Ginski to have provided me with the opportunity to be part of such an exciting project.” Two research papers have been published in Astrophysical Journal Letter in relation to the discovery: Discovery of planet WISPIT 2b in formation and captured in infrared light using ESO-VLT in research project led by Leiden University and University of Galway https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/adf721  Detection of WISPIT 2b in visible light led by University of Arizona https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/adf7a5   Ends

A new digital oral history archive has been launched at University of Galway celebrating the lives, experiences, and legacy of Irish show people involved in variety, fit ups, travelling cinemas, fairgrounds, circus, sideshows and more. The project is a partnership between University of Galway Library, the Irish Street Arts, Circus and Spectacle Network (ISACS), The Irish Showmen’s Guild, and Archives Ireland and is being created to preserve and share the cultural heritage of Ireland’s travelling show community. The archive, ‘Voices of the Showmen’, was officially launched at a special event held on the University campus today as part of Heritage Week 2025. The launch event showcased the development of the Irish Showman’s Archive, a digital repository that documents and preserves the stories, experiences, and cultural contributions of Ireland’s travelling show families over the past two centuries. The archive features recorded interviews, family histories, and first-hand accounts spanning generations of travelling show life. As part of the event, Harry McFadden and Marion Daniels King, both of whom come from generations of travelling show families, took part in a public conversation with University Archivist Dr Barry Houlihan, offering personal insight into the world of travelling fairs. ISACS were recently awarded funding through the Heritage Council of Ireland towards the realisation of the oral history archive, which will be made available online by University of Galway Library later this year.             Lucy Medlycott, Director of ISACS Network, said: “Working together with the Irish Showmen’s Guild and University of Galway Library towards preserving and recording the history and legacy of the Showmen’s community for future generations has been an absolute honour and a privilege. Through doing this project we are aiming to gather and share the knowledge across generations and between communities highlighting the pioneering work that the Showmen have delivered within the Irish arts world for over two centuries.”             Monica Crump, University Librarian, said: "The University of Galway Library holds many archival collections relating to the performing arts, which are a fantastic source of inspiration, teaching and research.  I am delighted that our collections will now include the important contribution of Irish showmen to Irish society and culture, through the stories, memories and experiences of Irish show people recorded in these oral histories."             David Duffy, Executive member, Irish Showmen’s Guild, said: “On behalf of the Irish Showmen’s Guild, we are delighted and honoured to be here at University of Galway in what we hope is the first steps in documenting Irish Show people’s history and contribution to entertaining Irish families for centuries and their role in Irish heritage, culture and social history.”             Dr Barry Houlihan, Archivist at University of Galway Library, said: “The lives and craft of the Irish show people are an integral part of our national culture and history. By recording and preserving these oral histories of the families and artists who have made this their life's work, we are sharing a rich and important heritage for the future.” Ends

Two graduates from University of Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences have been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for Civic Engagement, recognising their exceptional contributions to university life and wider society during their time as students. Summer 2025 graduates Dr Dylan O’Halloran and Faith Ugiagbe were honoured for their leadership in areas ranging from humanitarian advocacy and global health to mentoring, health education and cultural inclusion.  The Gold Medal for Civic Engagement is awarded annually to students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to civic, social or cultural affairs during their time at the University.  Dr Dylan O’Halloran, from Galway City, graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Obstetrics (MB, BCh, BAO) degree. He has been a transformative force in student life, championing global health equity, anti-racism education and international solidarity.  As a leader of Voluntary Services Abroad (VSA), he helped raise more than €110,000 in two years to support medical facilities in Malawi and Zambia. He also introduced a pre-departure ethics training programme for students volunteering internationally, in collaboration with the University’s Societies Office. This initiative contributed to VSA receiving the Most Fundraised award at the 2024 Society Awards.  Dr O’Halloran re-established the Palestine Solidarity Society, organising large-scale events with UN experts and frontline clinicians, while also supporting efforts to secure new scholarships for Palestinian students and proposals for a human rights impact assessment for international partnerships. His work earned both the University’s ENLIGHT Inclusion Award and the University’s Nelson Mandela Leadership Award in 2025.    Dr O’Halloran said: “The rigours of medical education can distract us from injustice, but as future clinicians, we have a responsibility to contribute to society beyond the clinic. Activism is not separate from medicine - it is integral to it.”  Faith Ugiagbe from Castletroy, Co. Limerick, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Podiatric Medicine and was recognised for her wide-ranging contributions to student life and the broader community. Her work spans leadership, peer mentoring, health promotion, and cultural engagement, with a strong focus on inclusion and wellbeing.  As Class Representative, she consistently advocated for her peers and collaborated with academic staff to enhance the student experience. She played a central role in promoting the Podiatric Medicine degree at University Open Days over three consecutive years, engaging prospective students and their families with practical demonstrations and insights into the profession.  Her volunteer work at the University’s Teddy Bear Hospital brought podiatry to life for children and their families in a fun, accessible way, while her participation in the SEAS SUAS Programme, run in partnership with the ALIVE Volunteering initiative, equipped her to support mental health and wellbeing initiatives across campus, including Mental Health Week.  As a peer mentor, she helped junior students navigate the transition into university, both academically and personally. Her work with the African Caribbean Society was particularly impactful, supporting cultural awareness, representation, and a strong sense of community for students of African descent.  Faith Ugiagbe said: “I’m really grateful to receive the Gold Medal Award for Community Engagement. It means a lot to be recognised for work that has been such a big part of my university experience. Whether it was representing my course at open days, volunteering at the Teddy Bear Hospital, becoming a committee member for society’s or helping to promote mental health awareness through the ALIVE and SEAS SUAS programmes, each role taught me something new and helped me feel more connected to my community. It’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute in ways that support others and also reflect my own values.”  Professor Martin O’Donnell, Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway, said: ““Dylan and Faith have shown that being a healthcare professional goes far beyond academic excellence - it’s about empathy, leadership, and a deep commitment to making a difference. Their achievements in civic engagement are inspiring examples of how our students can be catalysts for positive change, both within the University and in society. We are honoured to count them among our graduates.”  University of Galway Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Dr Helen Maher, said: “Both Dylan and Faith exemplify the values we aim to instil in our students - compassion, integrity, and a deep sense of social responsibility. They have both left an indelible mark on this University through their tireless contribution.” Ends

University of Galway and TE Connectivity support facility to build on success of BioInnovate Ireland  University of Galway and TE Connectivity have entered a new partnership in support of the University’s Ian Quinn Centre for Health Technology Innovation, building on the success of the BioInnovate Ireland programme. Established in 2011, BioInnovate Ireland was created to anchor the medical device sector in Ireland by educating and training future entrepreneurs. To date, the programme has trained 159 Fellows and led to 35 companies, 24 of which are alumni-led high potential start-ups. The Ian Quinn Centre is building on the success of the BioInnovate programme and the wider medtech and digital health community by providing co-working space, mentorship and global connections to emerging start-ups, as well as being a venue for industry, clinicians and campus-based innovators to come together and accelerate health technologies. This new partnership will include mentorship, site visits and other opportunities for engagement between TE experts, and BioInnovate Fellows and alumni, as well as philanthropic support to help establish the new Centre. The new Centre is named in memory of the late Ian Quinn, a visionary in medical device design and innovation. He founded Creganna with his brother, where he served as chief executive for 25 years. Having witnessed the decline of the IT hardware industry and other industries in Ireland, Ian Quinn set about ensuring that the medical device industry would not suffer the same fate. Creganna would go on to become TE Connectivity following its acquisition in 2016.             Interim President of University of Galway, Professor Peter McHugh, said: “We are grateful for this new partnership with TE, which supports the development of the Ian Quinn Centre. This new Centre underscores the importance of our work for the public good and for fostering innovation which will greatly benefit future medtech solutions and development, both here in Galway and globally.”               Pat Duane, SVP and GM Medical, TE Connectivity, said: “TE is proud to support the new Ian Quinn Centre, honouring the legacy of Ian Quinn’s vision and investing in the future strength of the medtech sector here in Ireland and beyond.”             Martin O’Halloran, Executive Director of BioInnovate Ireland, said: “This new partnership with TE’s medical business is a great example of the importance of creating strong University-industry partnerships that strengthen the entire medtech ecosystem.”   Following a visit to Stanford BioDesign, Ian Quinn spearheaded the foundation of BioInnovate Ireland, along with Enterprise Ireland and University of Galway, bringing the BioDesign model to Ireland, with the aim of creating a fellowship programme to educate and train innovators in the sector. More than a decade later, Ireland has become a global hub for medtech and digital health, with more than 450 companies, of which, 60% are homegrown. One in 8 Irish medtech companies have come from BioInnovate Ireland. The BioInnovate programme, which is funded under Enterprise Ireland’s Innovators’ Initiative, takes in 12 participants a year to complete a 10-month specialist, medical device innovation training programme. It combines teams of high-calibre, experienced professionals from medical, engineering, business and technical backgrounds whose aim is to discover unmet healthcare needs and align them with market opportunities. The participants are rigorously selected to contribute their skills, knowledge and expertise as part of multi-disciplinary teams. During the programme they are awarded a scholarship and receive mentorship from industry, clinicians, venture capitalists, domain experts and academics. Each team focuses on one specific clinical area and they have the opportunity to complete 8 weeks of clinical immersion to identify unmet needs in that area at hospitals in Galway and nationwide. BioInnovate is supported under the Innovators’ Initiative Programme co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027. Ends

Two University of Galway research projects have received funding from Met Éireann to further develop climate services and new flood forecasting models. The projects are among six at Irish universities which were awarded a total of €2.8 million in funding from the national meteorological service, with almost €1 million being awarded to University of Galway. The funding is being awarded to innovative projects aimed at addressing climate change, extreme weather events and environmental sustainability as part of Met Éireann’s Weather and Climate Research Programme, which aims to strengthen national research capacity and scientific expertise in weather and climate, through high-impact projects. The two funded projects are: Dr Paul Nolan leads the research project - T3UD: TRANSLATE-3: Underpinning Data. Dr Nolan is a climate scientist and project lead in the Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC) at University of Galway - the national centre for high-performance computing. Dr Indiana Olbert leads the research project - IMUFF: Integrated Multi-model multi-hazard Flood Forecasting. Dr Olbert is a lecturer in Civil Engineering at the School of Engineering in the College of Science and Engineering at University of Galway. Dr Paul Nolan’s T3UD project will deliver updated climate projections and related products for Ireland over the next four years, using global data  It will also explore how these projections are used in practice across different sectors, addressing uncertainty and risk management. Ultimately, the work aims to enhance national climate services by producing user-relevant, scientifically grounded projections while communicating the limitations and confidence levels of the data. Dr Nolan said: “We are delighted that Met Éireann has chosen a team of climate researchers from ICHEC to deliver this project with the mission to deliver updated standardised climate projections for Ireland. The combination of high-resolution local simulations from ICHEC and historical data from Met Éireann means that we can provide the best insights from the worlds of physics and statistics to inform the climate adaptation plans of Irish local authorities, utilities, and other end-users." Dr Indiana Olbert’s two-year IMUFF project will address the growing threat of compound coastal-fluvial flooding – when rivers and streams burst. It will develop an advanced system for three day flood forecasts using AI-generated time series and water depth maps. More than 300 Irish communities at risk from this type of flooding and the project will aggregate diverse data sources - such as meteorological forecasts, river flows, tidal record and satellite data - directly supporting Met Éireann’s flood forecasting, strengthening community resilience and improving Ireland’s readiness for compound flood events in a changing climate.             Dr Olbert said: “I am delighted to receive this funding award from Met Éireann. As floods are amongst the most common and deadly weather-related natural disasters, the project aims to develop a state-of-the-art AI-based compound flood forecasting system. The project will support the forecasting work delivered by the Flood Forecasting Centre at Met Éireann, increasing resilience of Irish communities and better preparing for the growing threat of compound coastal-fluvial floods.” Professor Lokesh Joshi, Interim Vice-President for Research and Innovation, University of Galway, said: “We are delighted that two projects, led by Dr Paul Nolan and Dr Indiana Olbert, have been selected for funding under Met Éireann’s research programme. These awards recognise the strength of University of Galway’s research in vital areas such as delivering advanced climate projections and improving flood forecasting. Together, these projects will help deliver real benefits to communities in Ireland as we face more extreme weather events and a changing climate.” The Met Éireann Weather and Climate Research Programme was launched in 2018, initially through co-funding partnerships with other research funding organisations. With the Research Call 2024, Met Éireann's Research Call Scheme enters its fourth round, having already directly funded €10.3 million in research across Irish academic institutions. With nearly 80% of applications submitted by researchers new to the Weather and Climate Research Programme in 2024 Met Éireann welcomes the growing reach of the Programme and the increased number of active researchers in weather and climate science in Ireland. Ends

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne T.D. has today announced construction is to start on the UrbanLab project at the University of Galway. The works are a milestone in the plans for the Galway Innovation & Creativity District, led by the University in partnership with Galway City Council and funded under the Government’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF). The UrbanLab is the first project to commence on site as part of the €4.3million URDF funding investment for the Galway Innovation & Creativity District. It involves the redevelopment of an old mill building at the University of Galway on Nuns' Island in Galway city. The historic property dates back to the 1850s and originally formed part of the Persse’s Distillery complex. The redevelopment will see it brought back into use as a dedicated and flagship space in which to bring together communities to work on new ideas and solutions for city life. The UrbanLab will focus on innovation in sustainable urban development, public and community engagement and interdisciplinary research and collaboration between the University, the City and the diverse communities who live in, work in and visit it. Minister Browne said: “The UrbanLab is an exciting and timely initiative. The commencement of works marks a key step forward in shaping a resilient, inclusive urban future. The UrbanLab, housed in this beautiful historic structure, supported by the Urban Regeneration Development Fund, is a flagship initiative by the University of Galway focused on sustainable urban development, community engagement and interdisciplinary research. It brings together communities to work on new ideas and solutions for city life. The UrbanLab will be a shared space where people can learn, talk, and do research together.” Interim President of University of Galway, Professor Peter McHugh, said: “The concept behind the University of Galway UrbanLab is a powerful expression of the opportunity that we can afford to our city and community to develop solutions which can transform Galway and the wider region, both to live and work in. The Government’s Urban Regeneration Development Fund makes that happen and we look forward to people coming together to imagine and shape a better Galway.” Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, said: “This project is a strong example of what can be achieved through collaboration between the University, the Council, based on real community feedback contained within the Nuns' Island Masterplan. With URDF support, we are restoring a historic building and transforming it into a dynamic space for innovation, engagement focussed on sustainable urban development. The UrbanLab will help us shape a more inclusive, resilient, and forward-thinking Galway.” Dr Pat Collins, Lecturer in Economic Geography at University of Galway, said: “At its heart, the UrbanLab is about the people of Galway having a voice in shaping the future of Galway. This will be a space to meet, to learn, to decide and to dream about what a better Galway might look like.” Local building contractor, McNamara Construction, have been appointed to the construction project. Works are expected to be completed in early 2026. Ends

A new study led by University of Galway finds proposed Irish climate targets protect methane emission privileges at the expense of poorer nations' development.  The transition to a sustainable and equitable food system is being undermined by a new approach to climate target setting by livestock exporting countries such as Ireland and New Zealand, an international study by climate scientists has warned.  The study led by University of Galway in partnership with the University of Melbourne, University College Cork and Climate Resource has been published in the journal Environmental Research Letters.   The scientists have called out the new “temperature neutrality”, also known as "no additional warming", which allows Ireland to maintain a high share of global agricultural methane emissions while claiming to meet its climate targets.  This approach dramatically reduces the level of ambition needed for overall greenhouse gas emission reduction. The resulting targets have been proposed to the Irish Government by the Climate Change Advisory Council, in part to reduce potential disruption from Ireland’s legal commitment to achieve national climate neutrality by 2050.  Temperature neutrality is a concept based on stabilising a country’s contribution to global warming, rather than aiming for the more ambitious, established target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions. In effect, temperature neutrality requires modest reductions in methane emissions from high-emitting countries, denying methane emission “rights” to countries with low methane emissions. As methane emissions are strongly linked with agricultural production, widespread adoption of temperature neutrality would lock-in current inequalities in the global food system, by reducing the need to curtail or offset methane emissions in current livestock exporting countries such as Ireland.   The study shows that such exports overwhelmingly go to other wealthy, food-secure countries. Meanwhile, temperature neutrality severely restricts the development space for agriculture in low-income, food-insecure countries where livestock products are most needed to improve nutrition.   Furthermore, the temperature neutrality approach underestimates the level of emissions offsetting required in livestock exporting countries, delaying the development of new markets for farmers in those countries to deliver solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises.       Lead scientist, Dr Colm Duffy, Honorary Lecturer in Agri-Sustainability, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and Ryan Institute, University of Galway, said: “If every country adopted a temperature neutrality target, we’d seriously jeopardise the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C, or even 2°C.  “Worse still, this approach doesn’t just weaken climate ambition, it entrenches inequality. It protects the status quo for wealthy countries while placing an unfair burden on poorer, food-insecure countries, limiting their ability to grow their own food systems.”   The international research team ran a number of scenarios to assess the impact of the policy - which has also been proposed in New Zealand - on global mean temperatures.   Apart from “business as usual”, the temperature neutrality approach performed the worst in terms of global warming emissions.   By 2050, Ireland’s per capita methane emissions would remain almost six times the global average.   Dr Duffy added: “The science shows that the new policy essentially grandfathers methane emissions - meaning a country’s future share of warming is based not on equity or ambition, but on historical share of emissions. In essence; 'I had more, so I get more'.”  Dr Róisín Moriarty, Research Fellow at the Sustainability Institute at UCC, said: "A ‘no additional warming’ approach to target setting amounts to backsliding on a country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and is not a reflection of ‘highest possible ambition'. With less than 3 years of global carbon budget remaining to limit warming to 1.5°C, with a 50% chance of achieving it, countries around the world need to do as much as they possibly can to achieve the rapid, deep and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions needed to keep within the 1.5°C temperature goal."  Professor Hannah Daly, Professor in Sustainable Energy at UCC, said: "Methane emissions are responsible for around 40 per cent of global warming to date – methane’s short lifetime in the atmosphere means that cutting its emissions is an essential lever to limit global warming to safe levels. For a country like Ireland, with outsized methane emissions, to base our long-term climate target on simply stabilising warming is inadequate to meet our global obligations and sets a dangerous precedent.”  David Styles, Associate Professor in Agri-Sustainability, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and Ryan Institute, University of Galway, said: “Ireland’s agricultural sector has huge potential to contribute towards a future climate neutral and biodiverse economy, but this requires big changes over time. Establishing a robust and internationally defendable climate target is vital to plan for a just transition, not just internationally, but for Ireland’s farmers. Temperature neutrality falls short.”   Dr Duffy is a Research Fellow on the FORESIGHT project and Honorary Lecturer in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences at University of Galway. He was one of a number of signatories to an open letter that criticises a similar policy proposal in New Zealand.   The research was supported by funding from the Department of Climate Energy and the Environment for the FORESIGHT and CAPACITY climate modelling teams.  The full study can be read here: 10.1088/1748-9326/adf12d   Ends 

University of Galway today announced that Professor David J. Burn has been appointed the 14th President of the University with effect from the 8th of September 2025. Professor Burn will succeed Professor Peter McHugh who has held the position on an interim basis since September 2024. Professor Burn has served as Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University since 2017, where he led transformative change initiatives to restructure faculty, accelerate research performance, advance equality, diversity and inclusion and drive internationalisation. David is also Professor of Movement Disorders Neurology and Honorary Consultant Neurologist for Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust.    Professor Burn serves as Director of an Academic Health Science Centre, the Newcastle Health Research Partnership, which works to deliver improvements to health and wellbeing for the over three million people living in the Northeast of England and North Cumbria. Professor Burn is also President-elect of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. David will take up his position as President on the first day of the new term on the 8th of September 2025, joining the many thousands of students returning for the new academic year. Speaking about the appointment, Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, Chair of Údarás na hOllscoile, University of Galway’s Governing Authority, said: “Following a rigorous and competitive assessment process, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Professor David Burn as the next President of University of Galway. Professor Burn brings a wealth of experience in University and health care leadership and presents a compelling vision to inspire University of Galway’s staff and students to take this remarkable University to new heights. With a track record of leadership and achievement internationally, Professor Burn brings both the necessary experience and vision to this role and I look forward to working with him as we begin a new chapter in the University’s journey. “I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Interim President, Professor Peter McHugh, for his steady leadership of the University over the last year and to wish him well in his future endeavours.” Commenting on his appointment, Professor David J. Burn said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the next President of University of Galway. Although born and bred in the Northeast of England, I have had a strong personal connection to Ireland for over 35 years and am therefore no stranger to its rich heritage and vibrant culture. I look forward to working with all staff and students to help University of Galway further realise its incredible potential and am excited about what we can achieve together.” Ends Media queries to pressoffice@universityofgalway.ie

An tOllamh David J. Burn, Leas-Seansailéir Ionaid Dhámh na nEolaíochtaí Leighis, Ollscoil Newcastle, le tosú ar a théarma i mí Mheán Fómhair 2025. D’fhógair Ollscoil na Gaillimhe inniu gurb é an tOllamh David J. Burn an 14ú hUachtarán atá á cheapadh ar an Ollscoil le héifeacht ón 8 Meán Fómhair 2025. Tiocfaidh an tOllamh Burn i gcomharbacht ar an Ollamh Peter McHugh a raibh an post aige ar bhonn eatramhach ó Mheán Fómhair 2024. Bhí an tOllamh Burn ina Leas-Seansailéir Ionaid ar Dhámh na nEolaíochtaí Leighis, Ollscoil Newcastle ó 2017 i leith, áit a raibh sé i gceannas ar mhórthionscnaimh athruithe a bhain le hathstruchtúrú na foirne teagaisc, luas a chur faoi fheidhmíocht taighde, comhionannas, éagsúlacht agus cuimsiú a chur chun cinn agus borradh a chur faoin idirnáisiúnú. Is Ollamh le Néareolaíocht Neamhord Gluaiseachta agus Néareolaí Comhairleach Oinigh d’Iontaobhas NHS Ospidéil Newcastle upon Tyne é David chomh maith.    Tá an tOllamh Burn ina Stiúrthóir ar Chomhpháirtíocht Taighde Sláinte Newcastle, arb Ionad Acadúil Eolaíochta Sláinte í, a bhíonn ag obair chun sláinte agus folláine breis is trí mhilliún duine atá ina gcónaí in Oirthuaisceart Shasana agus i dTuaisceart Cumbria a fheabhsú. Is é an tOllamh Burn an tUachtarán tofa ar an gCumann Idirnáisiúnta Parkinson agus Neamhord Gluaiseachta chomh maith. Tosóidh David ina phost nua mar Uachtarán ar an 8 Meán Fómhair 2025, arb é an chéad lá den téarma nua é, agus na mílte mac léinn ag filleadh ar an Ollscoil don bhliain acadúil nua. Ag labhairt di faoin gceapachán, bhí an méid seo le rá ag an Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, Cathaoirleach Údarás na hOllscoile: “Tar éis próiseas measúnaithe a bhí dian agus iomaíoch, tá áthas orm a fhógairt go bhfuil an tOllamh David Burn ceaptha ina chéad Uachtarán eile ar Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Tá neart taithí ag an Ollamh Burn i gceannaireacht Ollscoile agus cúraim sláinte agus tá fís láidir curtha i láthair aige chun foireann agus mic léinn Ollscoil na Gaillimhe a spreagadh le go rachaidh an Ollscoil ar leith seo ó neart go neart. Tá dea-theist ar an Ollamh Burn go hidirnáisiúnta ó thaobh ceannaireachta agus a bhfuil bainte amach aige, agus tá an taithí agus an fhís aige atá riachtanach le tabhairt faoin ról seo. Tá mé ag súil le bheith ag obair leis agus muid ag cur tús le caibidil nua in aistear na hOllscoile. “Ba mhaith liom fíorbhuíochas a chur in iúl d’Uachtarán Eatramhach na hOllscoile, an tOllamh Peter McHugh, as an gceannaireacht stuama atá léirithe aige le bliain anuas, agus guím gach rath air amach anseo.” Ag labhairt dó faoina cheapachán, bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Ollamh David J. Burn: “Tá an-áthas orm, agus is mór an onóir dom a bheith ceaptha mar an chéad Uachtarán eile ar Ollscoil na Gaillimhe.  Bíodh is gur rugadh agus gur tógadh in Oirthuaisceart Shasana mé, tá nasc láidir pearsanta agam le hÉirinn le breis agus 35 bliain agus tá seantaithí agam ar a hoidhreacht shaibhir agus a cultúr bríomhar.  Tá mé ag súil le bheith ag obair as lámha a chéile le comhaltaí foirne agus le mic léinn chun lánacmhainneacht Ollscoil na Gaillimhe a bhaint amach, agus tá mé ar bís faoinar féidir linn a bhaint amach le chéile.” Críoch Ceisteanna ó na meáin chuig pressoffice@universityofgalway.ie 

A research team from University of Galway has captured a rarely observed ocean mixing process during an expedition to the Greenland Sea, a finding that could improve our understanding of Arctic climate change. The research team spent several weeks at sea during the summer of 2023 aboard the Marine Institute’s research vessel RV Celtic Explorer, carrying out surface ocean measurements in one of the most remote and climate sensitive parts of the world. The team focused on a phenomenon known as cabbeling. This process involves the temperature and salinity (concentration of salt) in the ocean, which together make up the ocean density. Cabbeling occurs when two water masses with different temperatures and salinities, but the same density, are mixed together. The result is a denser mixture than either of the original water masses, a consequence of the non-linear behaviour of seawater. This denser mixture then sinks, triggering turbulence and vertical mixing. Cabbeling has important implications for melting Arctic sea ice as it can increase the amount of heat from below to the ocean surface. The study has been published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans. To observe the cabbeling process, the team deployed a robotic instrument known as the Air-Sea Interaction Profiler (ASIP), which is a unique instrument specifically designed to study small-scale processes at the ocean surface. The ASIP is 2.8 metres in length, weighs about 90 kilograms, and is completely autonomous. Repeated dives and ascents by the robotic instrument carry its sensors through the upper 100 meters of the upper ocean, making fine-scale physical measurements including turbulence, temperature, and salinity. The results have implications for improving scientists’ understanding of cabbeling and its potential role in models of sea surface warming and Arctic ice loss, particularly as climate patterns shift. The Greenland Sea is expected to experience increased freshwater outflow from melting ice in a warmer climate, altering the regional dynamics. Understanding and incorporating the effects of cabbeling will enhance the accuracy of predictions of ocean heat transport, especially in polar regions where warming is accelerating and sea ice is in decline. The study was led by PhD candidate Kevin McGraw, Professor Audrey Morley and Professor Brian Ward from University of Galway, and took place along the East Greenland Polar Front, an area where cold, fresh Arctic water meets warmer, saltier Atlantic water.             Kevin McGraw, PhD candidate at the School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, said: “Cabbeling is rarely observed because it is sporadic and short-lived, with its intensity and reach varying across Polar Regions. Our underwater robotic platform, Air-Sea Interaction Profiler, is a unique instrument designed specifically to study the upper ocean without interference from the ship. Because it can capture rapid changes on the scale of seconds to minutes, it allowed the team to detect cabbeling in action which would have been nearly impossible with conventional methods.”             Professor Audrey Morley, Professor of Marine Geology at the School of Geography and Archaeology, University of Galway, said: “The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a system of ocean currents that circulates water within the Atlantic Ocean, bringing warm water north and cold water south thereby distributing heat around the globe. Density gradients have been identified as a main driver of the AMOC, which may be altered by high-latitude cabbeling in a warming ocean. This suggests that the cabbeling effect needs to be considered to explain past and future AMOC variability.”             Professor Brian Ward, Professor of Ocean Physics at the School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, said: “These observations are a good example of the subtle processes associated with climate change and how small-scale processes can have broader implications. New methods of detection, such as the Air-Sea Interaction Profiler instrument, are required to fully understand the coupled ocean-atmosphere system.” The research highlights the importance of combining innovative ocean technology with field observations to improve our understanding of fine scale mixing processes that shapes regional and global climate patterns. The full study is available to read here: https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JC022567. Ends Media queries to pressoffice@universityofgalway.ie

University of Galway is hosting the exhibition of the Press Photography Ireland Awards 2025, featuring some of the most powerful moments in the world of news, sport, politics, arts and everyday life. The gallery includes more than 100 photographs and is being displayed in the foyer of the Hardiman Building until the end of September. All winning and shortlisted entries from the 47th annual awards hang in the exhibition, celebrating the very best in Irish press photography from 2024, both at home and abroad. Among the highlights are award-winning images by Photographer of the Year James Crombie, who works with Inpho, one of Ireland’s leading sports photography agencies, and specialises in major sports events in Ireland and internationally, as well as nature. It is the third year in which he has won the coveted title. Images are also in the exhibition from News Photographer of the Year Niall Carson, who works with PA Media, the leading news and sports agency for Ireland and the UK and specialises in current affairs and politics.             David Branigan, President of Press Photographers Ireland, said: "Photojournalism is the visual record of our life and times and especially in Ireland where we have a rich story-telling tradition it is especially cherished. The images presented in the AIB Press Photographer of the Year Award exhibition are the very best of truthful and accurate photography; these images anchor our reality, and it is an unmissable display." Ends

Tá fáilte curtha ag Ollscoil na Gaillimhe roimh an gcead pleanála atá faighte chun foirgneamh nua a thógáil do Scoil an Leighis. Déanfar an tsaoráid nua a fhorbairt ar champas theas na hOllscoile, gar don Chearnóg. Beidh ceithre urlár san fhoirgneamh, a bheidh thart ar 3,925 méadar cearnach ar mhéid, agus beidh aitriam gloinithe á nascadh le Bloc E, foirgneamh atá ann cheana féin, ar struchtúr é atá faoi chosaint agus a bhfuil tábhacht stairiúil agus ailtireachta ag baint leis. Cuirfidh an fhorbairt leis an leathnú leanúnach atáthar á dhéanamh ar dheiseanna teagaisc agus foghlama i gColáiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, lena n-áirítear an chéad ghrúpa mac léinn cógaisíochta ar an MPharm agus an clár Leighis (Iontráil do Chéimithe) atá le tosú i Meán Fómhair 2027. Cuirfidh an foirgneamh nua áiseanna den scoth ar fáil le haghaidh teagaisc agus taighde, lena n-áirítear seomraí do ranganna teagaisc, seimineáir agus cruinnithe, spásanna staidéir agus limistéir chomhoibríocha, saotharlanna taighde ardleibhéil agus oifigí riaracháin. Mar chuid de spriocanna inbhuanaitheachta níos leithne na hOllscoile, áirítear mar chuid den dearadh córais ghléasra agus painéil ghréine fhótavoltacha chun éifeachtúlacht fuinnimh a fheabhsú agus chun an tionchar ar an timpeallacht a laghdú. Dúirt Uachtarán Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh David Burn: “Is céim mhór chun cinn don Ollscoil é cead pleanála a fháil d’fhoirgneamh nua Scoil an Leighis. Léiríonn an fhorbairt seo ár dtiomantas láidir don oideachas agus don taighde leighis, go háirithe lenár gclár Leighis (Iontráil do Chéimithe) atá le tosú in 2027 agus an tairbhe a bhaineann leis do réigiún an iarthair agus an iarthuaiscirt agus go náisiúnta. Tá an fhorbairt mhór seo ríthábhachtach chun cuidiú leis an gcéad ghlúin eile de cheannairí cúraim sláinte agus cuirfidh an foirgneamh nua áiseanna ceannródaíocha ar fáil do mhic léinn, do thaighdeoirí agus don fhoireann, ag cothú nuálaíocht, fionnachtain agus barr feabhais san oideachas leighis, agus ag an am céanna ag léiriú meas ar oidhreacht an champais stairiúil seo.” Dúirt an Dr Martina Ní Chúlain, an Stiúrthóir Forbartha Straitéisí i gColáiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Is infheistíocht shuntasach i dtodhchaí an leighis agus na n-eolaíochtaí sláinte in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe atá sa tsaoráid nua seo – ag cur lenár gcumas agus lenár n-inniúlachtaí, ag saibhriú eispéireas na mac léinn, ag tacú leis an bhfoireann, agus ag cumasú cuir chuige theagaisc nua-aimseartha. Beidh ról ríthábhachtach ag an bhfoirgneamh i múnlú an chéad ghlúin eile de ghairmithe cúraim sláinte agus is léiriú é ar ár n-uaillmhian a bheith inár gceannaire náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta in oideachas agus taighde leighis.” Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Ollamh Laurence Egan, Ceann Scoil an Leighis in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Ní hamháin go gcuirfidh Foirgneamh nua Scoil an Leighis feabhas ar an gcaoi a múinimid agus a bhfoghlaimímid ach feabhsóidh sé an chaoi a n-oibrímid le chéile le disciplíní eile agus lenár gcomhpháirtithe cúraim sláinte freisin. Tacóidh sé le samhail d’oideachas leighis a thugann tús áite do nuálaíocht, comhoibriú agus nasc láidir le riachtanais cúraim sláinte ár réigiúin agus níos faide i gcéin.” Críoch

University of Galway has welcomed planning approval for the development of a new School of Medicine Building. The new facility is to be built on the University’s south campus, a short distance from the Quadrangle and will complement ongoing expansion of courses in the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway including the first intake of pharmacy students on the MPharm this September and the planned Graduate Entry Medicine programme which is due to begin September 2027. The building design runs over four storeys, covering approximately 3,925sq metres, and is integrated, via a glazed atrium link, with the existing Block E building, a protected structure of historical and architectural significance. It will offer state-of-the-art facilities for teaching and research, including tutorial, seminar and meeting rooms, study spaces and collaboration areas, advanced research laboratories and administration offices. As part of the University’s broader sustainability goals, the design includes plant systems and solar PV panels to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.             Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said: “Planning approval for our new School of Medicine Building is a major milestone for the University. This development reflects our strong commitment to medical education and research, particularly with our Graduate Entry Medicine programme due to begin in 2027 and the benefit it will reap for the west and north-west region, and nationally. A development of this scale is key to supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders by providing students, researchers and staff with cutting-edge facilities, fostering innovation, discovery, and excellence in medical education, all while honouring the heritage of our historic campus.” Dr Martina Ni Chúlain, Director of Strategic Development at the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway, said: “This new facility represents a significant investment in the future of medicine and health sciences at the University of Galway - enhancing our capacity and capabilities, enriching the student experience, supporting staff, and enabling modern teaching approaches. It will play a critical role in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals and reflects the scale of our ambition as a national and international leader in medical education and research.”  Professor Laurence Egan, Head of the School of Medicine at University of Galway, said: “The new School of Medicine Building will not only enhance how we teach and learn but also how we work together across disciplines and with our healthcare partners. It will support a model of medical education that prioritises innovation, collaboration and a strong connection to the healthcare needs of our region and beyond.” Ends

University of Galway students and staff will host SDG Week from September 20th- 27th - dedicated to increasing awareness, engagement and action to help achieve the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  SDG Week activities will include a parkrun, a Green Flag raising ceremony, a climate assembly, learn to darn workshop, a water and sustainability showcase, a Student Union-led panel discussion on how to make campuses more sustainable, seed donation, eco-anxiety café, research talks, table quiz, beach clean and consultations with staff and students to help shape the University’s next Sustainability Strategy.  The week-long series of events is open to the wider Galway community as well as University of Galway students and staff.  Among the highlights is the Community Climate Assembly with community groups, researchers and companies coming together to share success stories and amplify community voices on climate action. Community speakers will address water, mobility, nature, food and wellbeing, and the event is open to everyone and is free to attend. The assembly will take place on Saturday, 27th September, in the Bailey Allen Hall, University of Galway.  Professor Becky Whay, Deputy President and Registrar at University of Galway, said: “As the number one university in Ireland for sustainability and a national SDG Ambassador, University of Galway is proud to host our third annual SDG Week. Through SDG Week, we are advocating local action for global change. This is part of our mission to lead the transition to a sustainable future and foster the next generation of leaders and innovators to tackle global challenges.”  Another highlight of the week will be the Run into SDG Week with parkrun and Sanctuary Runners. This community-spirited event combines fitness, fun and sustainability, with free t-shirts and light refreshments afterwards. All are welcome to join for a run, jog or walk. The parkrun takes place on Saturday, 20th September, starting at the University Park and Ride in Dangan.  A guided walk along University of Galway’s Biodiversity Trail, exploring campus habitats – from riverbanks to herb gardens, to wildlife and conservation activities, will take place on Monday, 22nd September.  University of Galway Director of Sustainability, Dr Richard Manton, said: “There is something for everyone during University of Galway SDG Week. We are inviting the wider Galway community to join us on campus for the Run into SDG Week along our beautiful biodiversity trail on Saturday 20th, the Community Climate Assembly on Saturday 27th or any of our other events during the week. Check out our website for the full list.”  SDG Week will also see University of Galway raise its third Green Flag, awarded by An Taisce as part of the Green Campus programme.  A full SDG Week event listing is available at www.universityofgalway.ie/sdgweek/  Ends

University of Galway and the University’s Students’ Union have issued a fresh joint appeal for homeowners to consider offering a room to rent for students for the new academic year.  During the summer, the University’s Accommodation Advisory Service led the latest annual push to source and expand student rental opportunities in the region, including an awareness campaign on social media and online and a leaflet drop to 57,000 houses in Galway and Clare in August.  To date, this year, 1,768 properties have been advertised on the University’s accommodation portal Studentpad.  University of Galway is urging homeowners to consider offering a room to rent and to register with its Accommodation Advisory Service. The rent-a-room scheme offers homeowners a tax-free income of up to €14,000 per year.   To advertise with the University’s Studentpad or to find out more, homeowners and landlords can visit the information page.  Professor Ciara Meehan, Dean of Students at University of Galway, said: “Our Accommodation Advisory Service remains committed to building the networks with the wider community that our students rely on, and the team is available year round to assist students. But the reality in the housing markets is that there are fewer new landlords and new properties to attract.  “Our University has much to be proud of when it comes to the student experience – our clubs, societies, and volunteering opportunities; a community that promotes belonging and celebrates diversity; and our focus on student success. Securing accommodation helps students get off to a strong start and allows them to fully engage with everything we have to offer.  “This year we are making a further direct appeal - If you have ever thought about offering a room, or know someone who might, now is the time to act. Every extra room that we can help offer counts, and your home or your spare room could be the difference between a student commuting long distances and getting the best experience and thriving through university.'  University of Galway Students’ Union President Maisie Hall said: "We are asking anyone in or around Galway city with spare rooms to please consider renting to students. Your room could be the difference between a student dropping out or continuing their studies.”  University of Galway’s dedicated Accommodation Advisory Service first embarked on awareness campaigns in 2022, with a view to providing enhanced supports and advice for students as well as sourcing and expanding new accommodation options.  These campaigns and on-the-ground engagement with stakeholders in the Greater Galway region have led to a doubling of the number of rooms and properties advertised on the Studentpad portal.  The Accommodation Advisory Service also provides guidance to students on what precautions and checks and balances to consider when considering booking and agreeing a lease with a private landlord.  A new mechanism is also being introduced for landlords to verify their properties, giving students an extra level of confidence when renting.  Ends