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As part of its annual information evening for adult learners, University of Galway is outlining a new suite of courses to support people looking to upskill in response to evolving industry needs, including a new Diploma Series in Advanced Manufacturing. The information evening will take place on Wednesday June 18th from 5.30-7.30pm in the Human Biology Building on campus. Hosted by the University’s Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development, the information evening will highlight a wide range of flexible short courses and long-term study options, designed to meet the learning needs of professionals, jobseekers, and those returning to work. The part-time courses for 2025/26 include fully-funded Springboard+ courses for the unemployed and returners, and 90% funding for those in work but seeking to upskill, along with courses funded through our Skillnet partners. The newly developed Diploma Series in Advanced Manufacturing offers interdisciplinary courses tailored for professionals with backgrounds in science and engineering, particularly those in MedTech and manufacturing design. With a focus on digitalisation, sustainability, and smart manufacturing, the courses align closely with current and emerging industry needs. Prospective students will have the opportunity to meet representatives from the University’s part-time courses, including Business and Management, Science and Technology, Languages, Arts and Humanities, Community Education, and pre-university courses.             Nuala McGuinn, Director of the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development at University of Galway, said: “We understand the juggle of work and family for our adult learners and have created flexible learning pathways from micro-credential to masters for those progressing from a short, accredited module to a longer-term course. Learning just doesn’t happen in a straight line. Adults require opportunities to engage and re-engage in learning at all stages of their professional lives so that their skills are current with the workplace. In this ever-changing world, it’s important that our education system can respond to those changes.” During the event, attendees can join talks on part-time courses and micro-credentials, gain insights into NFQ Levels, and learn about the process of Recognition of Prior Learning and how it can support eligibility for study. Academic staff will also introduce the new Advanced Manufacturing courses and provide an overview of the four-year BA in Social Care. For further information on the information evening or to register visit universityofgalway.ie/adultlearning/info_eve  Ends

á sé fógartha ag Ollscoil na Gaillimhe go bhfuil an Dr Leo Quinlan ceaptha mar an chéad Cheann ar Scoil na Cógaisíochta agus na nEolaíochtaí Leighis.  Ábhar suntais is ea an ceapachán seo mar atá cruthú céad scoil Cógaisíochta na hOllscoile ón uair a bunaíodh in 1845 í.  Acadóir mór le rá agus ceannaire taighde i gColáiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe is ea an Dr Quinlan. Tá sé ina Leas-Déan ar Fhoghlaim, Teagasc agus Measúnú faoi láthair agus ina bhall de lucht acadúil na hOllscoile ó 1999 i leith.  Tá céim bainte amach ag an Dr Quinlan sa Bhithcheimic agus tá PhD aige i mBitheolaíocht Ghaschille. Tá cion buan déanta aige don oideachas agus don taighde, agus san áireamh leis sin tá an BSc in Eolaíocht Bhithleighis a stiúradh ar feadh deich mbliana agus an ról a bhí aige mar Cheann na Fiseolaíochta. Bhí ról lárnach ag an Dr Quinlan i mbunú chlár nua MPharm na hOllscoile a bheidh ag glacadh lena chéad chohórt mac léinn i Meán Fómhair 2025.  Forbairt mhór straitéiseach d’Ollscoil na Gaillimhe is ea bunú Scoil na Cógaisíochta agus na nEolaíochtaí Leighis sa mhéid is go dtugann sé le chéile an chógaisíocht agus na heolaíochtaí leighis in aonad acadúil nua a imreoidh tionchar ar thodhchaí an oideachais cúraim sláinte agus an taighde in Éirinn agus i gcéin.  Seo mar a labhair an Dr Leo Quinlan, Príomhthaighdeoir i bFiseolaíocht an Duine in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe agus Imscrúdaitheoir Maoinithe in CÚRAM – Ionad Feistí Leighis de chuid Thaighde Éireann: “Forbairt chinniúnach í seo d’Ollscoil na Gaillimhe agus is mór an onóir dom glacadh leis an ról seo. Tabharfaidh an Scoil nua deis an eolaíocht chógaisíochta a chomhtháthú le timpeallacht  ildisciplíneach fhuinniúil, rud a fhágfaidh go gcuirfí ar chumas ár gcuid mac léinn agus taighdeoirí tionchar cuimsitheach agus fadtéarmach a imirt ar chúram othar, ar chórais cúraim sláinte agus ar thaighde aistritheach.”  Tá an Dr Quinlan i gceannas freisin ar Shaotharlann Taighde na Fiseolaíochta Ceallaí, ar ionad feabhais é do leictrifiseolaíocht ianchainéil, cille agus fíocháin, agus tacaíonn sé leis an nuálaíocht i dteicneolaíocht cúraim sláinte trí bheith ina mheantóir do BioInnovate Ireland.  Dúirt an tOllamh Martin O’Donnell, Déan Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Céim mhór chun cinn don Ollscoil is ea ceapachán an Dr Quinlan. Tá sé tiomanta go hiomlán don fheabhas acadúil agus beidh an cheannaireacht a léirigh sé nuair a bhí ár gclár cógaisíochta nua á dhearadh den riachtanas agus timpeallacht oideachais atá idir dhinimiciúil agus treoraithe ag taighde á cothú aige. Is gearr uainn anois Scoil na Cógaisíochta agus na nEolaíochtaí Leighis a bheith ina hionad barr feabhais, áit a ndéanfar an nuálaíocht chliniciúil a chomhtháthú leis an oideachas agus le taighde feidhmeach a rachaidh chun tairbhe dár mic léinn, an réigiún agus cúram sláinte in Éirinn trí chéile.”  Dúirt an Dr Martina Ní Chúlain, an Stiúrthóir Forbartha Straitéisí i gColáiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Tá an clár MPharm seo á thabhairt isteach tráth a bhfuil dúshláin leanúnacha maidir leis an bhfórsa oibre roimh an gcóras cúraim sláinte, rud a fhágann go bhfuil an clár nua seo idir thráthúil agus ríthábhachtach. Cabhróidh sé le dul i ngleic leis an easpa náisiúnta poitigéirí agus ullmhóidh sé glúin nua gairmithe ardoilte a bheidh dírithe ar leas an othair agus a bheidh faoi réir déileáil le riachtanais shíorathraitheacha cúraim sláinte.”  Seo mar a labhair an tOllamh John Given, Bainisteoir Feidhmiúcháin Cógaisíochta, Ospidéil na hOllscoile, Gaillimh agus Ollamh Cúnta, Coláiste an Leighis, an Altranais & na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Bhí ról ríthábhachtach ag an Dr Quinlan maidir leis an gclár Cógaisíochta nua in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe a bhunú. Is éachtach an méid fuinnimh, tiomantais agus scileanna eagrúcháin a thaispeáin sé ó thús an phróisis seo. Éacht faoi leith is ea é an clár seo a sheoladh ó chéim an bhundearaidh go dtí liostáil ar an CAO laistigh de dhá bhliain agus guím gach rath air ina phost nua.”  Is ionann bunú na Scoile agus tabhairt isteach an chláir MPharm, a mbeidh na chéad mhic léinn ag tosú air i mí Mheán Fómhair 2025, agus gnéithe den fhís níos leithne aghaidh a thabhairt ar an nganntanas oibrithe cúraim sláinte san fhórsa oibre, go háirithe in iarthar na hÉireann agus, anuas air sin, éiceachóras taighde ardfhorbartha a chothú a bhfuil an chógaisíocht ina gné aistritheach de. Cuirfear, ar an gcaoi sin, le cumas na hOllscoile aghaidh a thabhairt ar dhúshláin sláinte chasta trí comhoibriú, nuálaíocht agus fionnachtain.  Críoch 

University of Galway has announced the appointment of Dr Leo Quinlan as the inaugural Head of the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences. The appointment marks a significant milestone with the creation of the University’s first-ever School of Pharmacy since its foundation in 1845. Dr Quinlan, a distinguished academic and research leader in the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway, is currently Vice-Dean for Learning, Teaching and Assessment, and has been a member of the academic community at the University since 1999. A graduate in Biochemistry with a PhD in stem cell biology, Dr Quinlan has made lasting contributions to education and research, including directing the BSc in Biomedical Science for a decade and serving as the Head of Physiology. Dr Quinlan also played a pivotal role in establishing the University’s new MPharm programme, which will welcome its first cohort of students in September 2025. The formation of the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences is a major strategic development for University of Galway, bringing together pharmacy and the medical sciences in a new academic unit that will shape the future of healthcare education and research in Ireland and beyond. Dr Leo Quinlan, Principal Investigator in Human Physiology at University of Galway and Funded Investigator in the CÚRAM - Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices, said: “I am honoured to take on this role at such a historic moment for University of Galway. The new School offers a platform to integrate pharmaceutical science into a vibrant, multidisciplinary environment - enabling our students and researchers to make a real and lasting impact on patient care, healthcare systems, and translational research.” Dr Quinlan also leads the Cellular Physiology Research Lab, a centre of excellence in ion channel, cell and tissue electrophysiology, and serves as a mentor for BioInnovate Ireland, supporting innovation in healthcare technology. Professor Martin O’Donnell, Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway, said: “Dr Quinlan’s appointment represents a significant step forward for the University. His deep commitment to academic excellence and his leadership in shaping our new pharmacy programme will be instrumental in driving a dynamic, research-led educational environment. The School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences is poised to become a centre of excellence, integrating clinical innovation, education, and impactful research that will benefit our students, the region, and healthcare in Ireland.” Dr Martina Ni Chuláin, Director of Strategic Development at the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway, said: “At a time when the healthcare system faces ongoing workforce challenges, the introduction of our MPharm programme is both timely and vital. It will contribute directly to addressing the national shortage of pharmacists, preparing a new generation of highly skilled, patient-focused professionals equipped to meet the evolving needs of healthcare delivery.” Professor John Given, Executive Pharmacy Manager, Galway University Hospitals and Adjunct Professor College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences University of Galway, said: “Dr Quinlan has been instrumental in getting the new Pharmacy programme off the ground at University of Galway. His energy, commitment and organisational skills from day one have been outstanding. To get this programme from the table to the CAO in under two years has been a massive achievement and I wish him well in his new post." The introduction of the MPharm with the first students starting in September 2025 and the establishment of the School are part of a broader vision to address healthcare workforce shortages, particularly in the West of Ireland, and to more broadly cultivate an advanced research ecosystem where pharmacy becomes a transformative dimension, deepening the University’s ability to address complex health challenges through collaboration, innovation and discovery. Ends

An international team of astronomers led by University of Galway, has discovered the likely site of a new planet in formation, most likely a gas giant planet up to a few times the mass of Jupiter. Using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (ESO’s VLT) in Chile, the researchers captured spectacular images around a distant young star for the first time in the form of scattered near-infrared light that revealed an exceptionally structured disk. The European Southern Observatory (ESO), the world’s foremost international astronomy organisation, has today (Monday June 9, 2025) published a stunning view of the new planet-forming disk as their picture of the week. The disk extends out to 130 astronomical units from its parent star - the equivalent to 130 times the distance between Earth and the Sun. It shows a bright ring followed by a gap centered at roughly 50 astronomical units. For comparison, the outermost planet in our solar system, Neptune, has an orbital distance from the Sun of 30 astronomical units. Inside the disk gap, reminiscent of the outskirts of a hurricane on Earth, a system of spiral arms are visible. While appearing tiny in the image, the inner part of this planet-forming system measures 40 astronomical units in radius and would swallow all of the planets in our own solar system. The study was led by Dr Christian Ginski from the Centre for Astronomy in the School of Natural Sciences at University of Galway and was co-authored by four postgraduate students at the University.   Dr Christian Ginski, lecturer at the School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway and lead author of the paper, said: “While our team has now observed close to 100 possible planet-forming disks around nearby stars, this image is something special. One rarely finds a system with both rings and spiral arms in a configuration that almost perfectly fits the predictions of how a forming planet is supposed to shape its parent disk according to theoretical models. Detections like this bring us one step closer to understand how planets form in general and how our solar system might have formed in the distant past.” The study has been published in the international journal Astronomy and Astrophysics. Dr Ginski said: “Besides this exceptionally beautiful planet-forming cradle there is something else that I find quite special about this study. Along with the large international team that we assembled for these observations, four of our own University of Galway graduate students were involved in this study. Without the critical help of Chloe Lawlor, Jake Byrne, Dan McLachlan and Matthew Murphy we would not have been able to finalise the analysis of these new results. It is my great privilege to work with such talented young researchers.” Chloe Lawlor, PhD student in Physics with a specialisation in Astrophysics, University of Galway, said: “Working with Dr Christian Ginski on the 2MASS1612 paper has been an incredible experience. As an early-career researcher, having the opportunity to contribute to such exciting work has been especially rewarding. This work has been the perfect introduction to scientific writing and collaboration, and I’m very grateful for this kick-start to my research career.” Jake Byrne, MSc student in Physics with a specialisation in Astrophysics, University of Galway, said: “It’s an exciting time to be involved in planet formation theory at the University of Galway. There was a strong sense of collaboration among everyone involved in this paper, and I’m grateful to have been part of it. It's been a great introduction into what I hope to be a long career in research.” Dan McLachlan, MSc student in Physics with a specialisation in Astrophysics, University of Galway, said: “I found it quite a thrilling experience to be making my first contribution to an astrophysics publication and was very grateful for the opportunity provided by being a part of Dr Ginski's research group. I also honed my academic writing skills in stepping up to the challenge and learned a few analytical techniques that will be of vital use in my own future research work.” The wider research team included colleagues in the UK, Germany, Australia, USA, Netherlands, Italy, Chile, France, Japan. The scientific paper speculates on the presence of a planet based on its structure and the rings and spirals observed in the disk. It  also notes some tentative atmospheric emission of just such a planet which the research team say requires further study to confirm. Based on their research findings, Dr Ginski and his team have secured time at the world leading James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observatory in the upcoming observation cycle. Using the unprecedented sensitivity of the James Webb Telescope, the team hopes to be able to take an actual image of the young planet. If planets in the disk are confirmed, it will become a prime laboratory for the study of planet-disk interaction. The full study can be read here: https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202451647 See ESO photo of the disk here: https://www.eso.org/public/images/potw2523a/    Ends

Ócáid cheiliúrtha ag comóradh an deonacháin agus athainmniú an Aula Maxima in ómós don Uachtarán Tá fógartha ag Ollscoil na Gaillimhe inniu go bhfuil Cartlann Uachtaránachta an Uachtaráin, Mícheál D. Ó hUigínn, bronnta uirthi, chomh maith le leabhair óna bhailiúchán pearsanta. Áirítear leis na cáipéisí sa chartlann páipéir phearsanta, scríbhinní agus comhfhreagras agus beidh siad á gcoimeád i gCartlanna agus Bailiúcháin Speisialta Leabharlann na hOllscoile. Fógraíodh an deonachán go foirmiúil ag ócáid cheiliúrtha speisialta in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe áit ar cuireadh fáilte roimh an Uachtarán Ó hUigínn, in éineacht lena bhean chéile Sabina, ar ais chuig a alma mater. Sula ndeachaigh sé leis an bpolaitíocht, is i nGaillimh a bhí sé i mbun staidéir agus i mbun teagaisc. Reáchtáladh an ócáid san Aula Maxima i gCearnóg Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, ar athainmníodh é mar Halla Mhíchíl D. Uí Uigínn mar chuid den cheiliúradh. Nochtadh portráid den Uachtarán Ó hUigínn a rinne an t-ealaíontóir Colin Davidson freisin. Beidh an phortráid seo ar taispeáint don phobal i mbailiúchán ealaíne na hOllscoile. Bhí an ceiliúradh á óstáil ag Cathaoirleach Údarás Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn agus an tOllamh Peter McHugh, Uachtarán Eatramhach Ollscoil na Gaillimhe.      Seo mar a labhair Uachtarán na hÉireann, Micheál D. Ó hUigínn "Cúis áthais dom a fhógairt go foirmiúil go mbeidh mo chartlann scríbhinní agus cáipéisí ó mo théarmaí Uachtaránachta á gcoimeád in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe a bhuíochas le comhoibriú leis an institiúid sin.   “Coinneofar na comhaid seo go sábháilte as seo amach i gCartlann agus Bailiúcháin Speisialta Leabharlann Ollscoil na Gaillimhe agus beidh rochtain orthu ann sa todhchaí ag taighdeoirí ar spéis leo saol polaitiúil, sóisialta agus cultúrtha na tíre i gcaitheamh na tréimhse sin. Seans go dtabharfaidh na comhaid sin spléachadh ar mo chuid smaointeoireachta, air sin a thug spreagadh dom agus ar na húdair frustrachais a bhí agam. Is ionann iad agus na sonraí pearsanta a chuir bonn faisnéise le mo chuid óráidí, ráitis agus ábhar scríofa eile le 14 bliana anuas agus mé mar Uachtarán na hÉireann.   “Taitníonn an léitheoireacht thar cionn liom agus tá bailiúchán suntasach leabhar agam agus anuas ar na comhaid don chartlann, tugann sé an-sásamh dom cuid den bhailiúchán sin a bheith á bhronnadh agam ar an Ollscoil i láthair na huaire. Áirítear sa bhailiúchán sin cóipeanna de leabhair a fuair mé do mo thaighde pearsanta féin lena n-áirítear roinnt imleabhar a bhfuil go leor nótaí scríofa agam orthu agus a bhí ina lón machnaimh dom le linn dom a bheith i mo léachtóir san Ollscoil agus ina dhiaidh sin agus mé i m'Uachtarán. Tá go leor leabhar sa bhailiúchán freisin a tugadh dom mar bhronntanas ó raon leathan foinsí agus mé i mbun dualgais áitiúla, náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta. Comóradh ar eachtraí stairiúla atá i gcuid de na leabhair ar ar fhreastail mé féin orthu i gcáil oifigiúil.   “Tá sé tábhachtach dom féin go mbeadh an Aula Maxima sa Chearnóg – an halla clúiteach sin a bhfuil sé d'onóir agam anois a bheith ceangailte leis mar 'Halla Mhichíl D. Uí Uigínn’ – oscailte i gcónaí agus inrochtana don phobal, dóibh siúd a chónaíonn i nGaillimh, d'fhoireann agus mic léinn na hOllscoile agus do chuairteoirí agus do thurasóirí. Tá mé an-sásta cloisteáil mar sin gur spás a bheidh ann a úsáidfear ní díreach d'ócáidí ollscoile ach d'eachtraí poiblí eile cosúil le Féile Ealaíon na Gaillimhe, mar shampla.”   Bhí an méid seo le rá ag Uachtarán Eatramhach Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Peter McHugh: “Is onóir agus pribhléid dom an ról seo a bheith agam ar an lá a bhfógraíonn Ollscoil na Gaillimhe deonachán Chartlann Uachtaránachta an Uachtaráin Uí Uigínn. Tá áit speisialta ag an Uachtarán Ó hUigínn i gcroí agus in aigne phobal na hOllscoile seo. Deis mhachnaimh dúinn an deonachán seo a bheith faighte againn, chomh maith leis an mbealach atá romhainn a mheas. Agus muid ag glacadh seilbhe ar bhailiúchán páipéar chomh luachmhar seo, tá deis faoi leith againn inspreagadh a thabhairt do mhic léinn agus do thaighdeoirí.” Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Monica Crump, Leabharlannaí na hOllscoile: “Fíorscoláire is ea an tUachtarán Ó hUigínn agus tá dúil mhór aige i leabhair agus an-tuiscint aige ar thábhacht na léitheoireachta.  Cuireann a chartlann agus a chuid leabhar ar ár gcumas spléachadh a fháil ar a scoláireacht. Tá nasc díreach idir na leabhair seo, a bhfuil rian a láimh agus a chuid peannaireachta ar go leor acu, agus a chuid oibre mar Uachtarán agus na hábhair a bhí faoi chaibidil aige ina chuid óráidí. Is mór an phribhléid é go bhfuil an cinneadh déanta aige a chartlann Uachtaránachta agus sciar dá bhailiúchán leabhar a bhronnadh ar Leabharlann Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Údar bróid dúinn gur muid atá roghnaithe le bheith inár gcaomhnóirí dá oidhreacht, agus spreagadh á fháil dá bharr ag glúnta mac léinn agus scoláirí aisti sa todhchaí.” Deir Catriona Cannon, Ceannasaí na mBailiúchán Oidhreachta agus an Digitithe i Leabharlann Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Tá ról gníomhach agus bríomhar glactha ag an Uachtarán Mícheál D. Ó hUiginn i saol sóisialta, cultúrtha agus polaitiúil na Gaillimhe ó bhí sé ina mhac léinn in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Tá an tionchar nach beag atá imeartha aige ar shaol na hOllscoile le feiceáil sa leabharlann cheana féin agus is pribhléid dúinn anois a pháipéir phearsanta óna thréimhse mar Uachtarán na hÉireann a chur leis an ábhar sin. Táimid ag súil go mbeidh a oidhreacht ina inspioráid dár bhfoireann agus dár mic léinn sna blianta amach romhainn.” Roimh an ócáid cheiliúrtha, rinneadh dhá phainéal a shuiteáil taobh istigh de ‘Halla Mhichíl D. Uí Uigínn’ atá nua-ainmnithe. Tá sonraí beathaisnéiseach ar cheann de na painéal a cuireadh i dtoll a chéile le cabhair ón Dr John Cunningham, léachtóir Staire ar scor in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Tá grianghraf den Uachtarán Ó hUigínn nuair a bhí sé ina ghníomhaí ar an dara ceann, agus téacs ón dán a scríobh sé 'Of Saturdays Made Holy', dán a tiomnaíodh do Mary McPartlan, ar iarchomhalta foirne d’Ollscoil na Gaillimhe í agus cara mór leis an Uachtarán Ó hUigínn.   Maidir leis an gcartlann - Bailiúchán Mhíchíl D. Uí Uigínn Tá léargas as an ngnách le fáil i gcartlann an Uachtaráin Uí Uigínn, a bhfuil dhá théarma uachtaránachta iomlána i gceist leis, ar shaol agus ar shaothar naoú Uachtarán na hÉireann, agus meascán saibhir dá pháipéir phearsanta óna théarma oifige. Áirítear leis dréachtaí d’óráidí a ndearna sé mioneagarthóireacht orthu, agus a nótaí lámhscríofa féin le feiceáil orthu mar aon lena chomhfhreagras pearsanta le líonra leathan agus éagsúil daoine. Breis agus 150 bosca atá i gceist leis an gcartlann, agus is é an Cartlannaí, Kieran Hoare, a dhéanfaidh catalógú orthu. Fanfaidh na taifid oifigiúla a bhaineann le téarmaí oifige an Uachtaráin Uí Uigínn i seilbh an Stáit agus aistreofar chuig an gCartlann Náisiúnta iad. Tá dhá chartlann Uachtaránachta shuntasacha eile á gcoimeád ag Leabharlann Ollscoil na Gaillimhe in éineacht le Bailiúchán Mhíchíl D. Uí Uigínn: páipéir an iarUachtaráin, Máire Mhic Róibín, chomh maith le roinnt bailiúchán a bhaineann le Dubhghlas de hÍde, céad Uachtarán na hÉireann. Tá an bailiúchán seo sa bhreis ar bhailiúcháin eile na Leabharlainne ina luaitear an tUachtarán Ó hUigínn go minic, agus ina dtagraítear dá chaidreamh fadbhunaithe leis an Ollscoil, dá thacaíocht leanúnach do na healaíona, dá ról lárnach sna hócáidí comórtha náisiúnta le linn Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán, agus dá dhíograis dhiongbháilte do chearta an duine agus don chomhionannas. Is iad na tréithe is mó atá le haithint sna cartlanna seo an cheannaireacht, déine intleachtúil, maoirseacht chultúrtha chomh maith le seirbhís phoiblí arna treorú ag fís. Anuas ar a bhailiúchán cartlainne, tá an tUachtarán Ó hUigínn i mbun sciar dá bhailiúchán leabhar a aistriú chuig an Ollscoil faoi láthair. Tugann Leabharlannaí na mBailiúchán Speisialta, Marie Boran, faoi deara go n-áirítear leis seo leabhair a bronnadh air le linn a Uachtaránachta, chomh maith le go leor leabhar a fuair an tUachtarán dá thaighde pearsanta féin, lena n-áirítear imleabhair a bhfuil go leor nótaí orthu agus a chuir bonn faisnéise faoina smaointeoireacht le linn dó a bheith ina léachtóir Ollscoile anuas go dtí a thréimhse mar Uachtarán. Nuair a bheidh sé catalógaithe, beidh an chartlann agus na leabhair araon inrochtana le haghaidh taighde ag baill den phobal i Seomra Léitheoireachta na gCartlann agus na mBailiúchán Speisialta sa Leabharlann. Tagann deonachán seo Chartlann Uachtaránachta Mhichíl D. Uí Uigínn d'Ollscoil na Gaillimhe sna sála ar na páipéir óna thréimhse sa saol poiblí atá bronnta ag an Uachtarán cheana féin ar Chumann Staire Lucht Saothar na hÉireann i dTor an Bhacaigh, Baile Átha Cliath agus ar Leabharlann Náisiúnta na hÉireann maidir lena chuid oibre le Páirtí an Lucht Oibre agus i dTithe an Oireachtais faoi seach. Is é mian an Uachtaráin é, agus na hinstitiúidí uile ar aon intinn leis maidir leis seo, go mbeidh rochtain éasca ag scoláirí ar na trí chartlann agus go mbeidh cur chuige oscailte agus comhoibríoch idir na trí eagraíocht i ndáil leo. Críoch

Celebratory event marks donation and renaming of historic Aula Maxima in honour of President University of Galway has today announced the donation of the Presidential Archive of President Michael D. Higgins, as well as books from his personal collection. The documents in the archive, which include personal papers, writings and correspondence, will be held in the Archives and Special Collections of the University Library. The donation was formally announced at a special celebratory event at University of Galway, where President Higgins was accompanied by his wife Sabina as he was welcomed back to his alma mater, where he studied and taught before entering politics. The event was held at the Aula Maxima in University of Galway’s iconic Quadrangle, which was renamed The Michael D. Higgins Auditorium as part of the celebrations. A portrait of President Higgins, by artist Colin Davidson, which has been acquired by the University for its public art collection, was also unveiled. The celebration was hosted by Chair of the Governing Authority of University of Galway, Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn and Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway.             President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, said: “I am very pleased to formally announce the collaboration with the University of Galway of my archive of writings and documents from my Presidential terms, for their custodianship.   “The University of Galway Library Archives and Special Collections can now provide a secure home for these files and make them accessible to future generations of researchers who are interested in the political, social and cultural life of our country over this period, the files of my Presidency that perhaps explain my thinking, motivation, and frustration too – the personal data that has helped inform my speeches, statements and other written materials over the past 14 years of my life mar Uachtarán na hÉireann.   “As well as my archive files, as an avid reader with a significant collection of books, I am delighted to be in the process of contributing a proportion of my collection to the University, a collection that includes titles that I acquired for my own personal research, including some heavily annotated volumes that informed my thinking during my time as a lecturer at the University through to my Presidency. The collection also includes many books presented to me from a wide range of sources while undertaking local, national and international engagements, with some of these marking historic events attended by myself in an official capacity.   “For me it is important that the Aula Maxima in the Quadrangle – the iconic auditorium which I am truly honoured is now to be associated with me as the ‘Michael D. Higgins Auditorium’ – always be open and accessible to the public, to those who live in Galway, to visitors, to the university staff and students, and to visitors and tourists. Therefore, it is a source of pleasure to hear that it is a space that will be utilised not just for university related occasions, but that it will also be used for other public occasions such as, for example, the Galway Arts Festival.”   Interim President of University of Galway, Professor Peter McHugh, said: “It is an honour and privilege to be in my role on the day when University of Galway announces the donation of President Higgins’ Presidential Archive. Our University holds a special place in our hearts and minds for President Higgins. The donation affords us an opportunity to reflect, but also to look ahead. As we become the custodian of such a treasured collection of papers, we hold a unique gift - the chance to inspire the minds of students and researchers.” Monica Crump, University of Galway Librarian, said: “President Higgins is a true scholar with a passion for books and the importance of reading.  His archive and books enable us to witness his scholarship in action, with well-thumbed and annotated books linking directly to his work as President and the topics in his speeches. It is an absolute privilege that he has chosen to donate his Presidential archive and a selection from his book collection to the University of Galway Library and we are proud to be the custodians of his legacy, which will inspire future generations of students and scholars”. Catriona Cannon, Head of Heritage Collections and Digitisation at University of Galway Library, said: “President Michael D Higgins has been an active, vibrant presence in the social, cultural and political life of Galway since his years as a student at the University of Galway. His impact on University life and on the city is evident across our existing holdings and it is our privilege to now add his personal papers from his time as President of Ireland. We look forward to engaging our staff and students with his inspiring legacy for years to come.” Ahead of the celebratory event, two panels were installed inside the newly named ‘The Michael D. Higgins Auditorium’, one of which is biographical and was composed with the support of Dr John Cunningham, retired lecturer in History at University of Galway. The second features a photograph of President Higgins as an activist with text from his poem ‘Of Saturdays Made Holy‘ dedicated to Mary McPartlan, a former staff member of the University and good friend of President Higgins. About the archive - The Michael D. Higgins Collection Spanning two full presidential terms, President Higgins’ archive offers an extraordinary window into the life and work of Ireland’s ninth President with a rich array of material representing personal papers from his time in office. It includes meticulously edited speech drafts bearing his handwritten annotations and his personal correspondence with a wide and diverse network of individuals. The collection runs to more than 150 archival boxes and is to be catalogued by Archivist Kieran Hoare. The official records of President Higgins’s terms of office will remain with the State and be transferred to the National Archives. The Michael D. Higgins Collection at University of Galway sits alongside two other notable Presidential archives preserved by the University Library: the papers of former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, as well as a number of collections relating to Douglas Hyde, the first President of Ireland. It also adds to existing collections held at the Library, in which President Higgins features frequently, highlighting his enduring relationship with the University, his passionate advocacy for the arts, his influential role in national commemorations during the Decade of Centenaries, and his steadfast dedication to human rights and equality. These archives form a compelling narrative of leadership, intellectual rigour, cultural stewardship and visionary public service. As well as his archive collection, President Higgins is in the process of transferring a selection of book collection to the University. Special Collections Librarian, Marie Boran, notes that this includes books presented to him during his Presidency, as well as many titles acquired by the President for his own personal research, including heavily annotated volumes which informed his thinking during his time as a lecturer at the University through to his Presidency. Once catalogued, both the archive and books will be accessible for research by members of the public in the Library’s Archives and Special Collections Reading Room. Michael D. Higgins’ Presidential Archive at the University of Galway follows on from papers which the President has already donated from his time in public life to the Irish Labour History Society in Dublin’s Beggars Bush and to the National Library of Ireland, relating to his work in the Labour Party and the Houses of the Oireachtas respectively. It is the President’s wish, shared by all of the institutions, that scholars will have easy access to all three archives and that there will be an open and collaborative approach between all three organisations. Ends  

BioInnovate Ireland, based at University of Galway, hosted its annual symposium, bringing together more than 250 health technology innovators, clinicians, entrepreneurs, legal experts and industry leaders. The event explored vital role of building a team of advisors and directors to drive startup success in health tech innovation, while also featuring a showcase of the cutting-edge solutions being developed by this year’s fellows for unmet patient needs. The theme of the symposium was ‘From Bench to Boardroom: Governance Strategies for Health Tech Leaders’. The event was co-hosted by the Ian Quinn Centre for Health Technology Innovation, which is co-located at BioInnovate on the University of Galway campus. The Centre aims to translate health technology projects to successful spin-out companies by providing co-working space, mentorship, and global connections. Professor Martin O’Halloran, Director of BioInnovate Ireland, said: “As a growing number of our alumni companies grow and scale, having the structures and processes in place to manage that scaling becomes more and more important. These companies must be empowered with the frameworks and leadership practices that underpin successful health technology ventures. This year’s symposium reflects BioInnovate’s commitment to supporting our companies transitioning from start-ups to scale-ups." Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “BioInnovate Ireland is a flagship example of our University’s innovation ecosystem in action - bringing together academia, healthcare and industry to address real clinical needs. We are proud to support a programme that not only delivers tangible health solutions, but also builds national capacity in medtech leadership.” Among those taking part in the symposium were Dr Elizabeth McGloughlin, co-founder of Tympany Medical; serial medtech entrepreneur Professor Paul Gilson; and Marie Gavin, Partner at law firm RDJ, all of whom explored governance, including the value of effective boards, the role of strong chairpersons, and practical strategies for navigating early-stage growth and investment. Other speakers included Caroline Spillane, chief executive of the Institute of Directors Ireland; Lorna Smyth from Diligent; and Ruairí Cosgrove from PwC. The event also hosted a panel discussion and innovation showcase, with pitches from this year’s BioInnovate fellows, who have spent the last ten months understanding specific unmet healthcare challenges, including hypertension, nephrology and interventional oncology. The solutions being developed have the potential to help millions of patients through exciting first-in-class medical devices and connected health solutions.  BioInnovate is supported under the Innovators’ Initiative Programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland, and the European Union through the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021–2027. Ends

As part of celebrations for World Environment Day 2025, University of Galway has honoured the outstanding contributions of students who are leading the way in creating a more sustainable future on campus and beyond. This year, the University is pleased to announce two separate student recognition initiatives that highlight leadership, innovation, and action in sustainability. Sustainability Champion Digital Badge Recipients Nine exceptional students have been awarded the Sustainability Champion Digital Badge in recognition of their leadership, dedication, and tangible contributions to fostering a more sustainable campus environment. The recipients of the 2025 badge are: Molly Hickey Adam Mullins Faye Ní Dhomhnaill Peter O’Neill Izzy Ó Tighearnán Hom Nath Poudel Giulia Sanchini Muriel Sinke Sofia Sjoqvist These students were recognised for their work in areas such as waste reduction, energy conservation, awareness campaigns, and cross-cultural collaboration. The badge is part of the University Skills Passport (UPS) initiative, which accredits valuable extracurricular and co-curricular learning and leadership. Each of these champions completed sustainability training and implemented real-world projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the University of Galway’s Sustainability Strategy. Dr Richard Manton, Director of Sustainability at University of Galway said: “The Sustainability Champion Digital Badge recognises not only the initiative and commitment of these students but also their role as changemakers helping to shape a just and sustainable future for all.”   The students’ reflections underscore the transformative impact of their work. Izzy Ó Tighearnán said: “Working side by side with staff in a genuine, non-tokenistic way means that student voices are central to sustainability on campus.” Adam Mullins said: “Receiving the Sustainability Champion digital badge is both an honour and a motivation. A reminder of the responsibility I have to continue to advocate for a more sustainable future.” Student Sustainability Leadership Awards 2025 In a separate initiative, the University is also delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 Student Sustainability Leadership Awards: Hugh Gately and Diníon Carton. This award recognises students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing sustainability on campus. As part of their role, Hugh and Dinion will work closely with the University’s Sustainability Office over the coming academic year, representing the student voice for sustainability and helping to drive further progress toward our climate and ecological goals. Ends

Findings of The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in Ireland from 1998-2022 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in Ireland from 1998-2022 reveals a drop in substance misuse; a decrease in condom use and an increase in young people feeling pressured by schoolwork The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Trends Report 1998–2022, launched today by the Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, highlights notable changes in the health behaviours and wellbeing of Irish children over the past 25 years. This report, led by researcher Louise Lunney in collaboration with the HBSC research team at the Health Promotion Research Centre at University of Galway, found significant reductions in substance use and improvements in certain health behaviours, alongside a worrying decline in mental health and increased pressure related to schoolwork. The report brings together data from over 70,000 children in Ireland since 1998, offering critical insights to inform policy, practice and supports for young people. The HBSC is a cross-sectional study conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe. It runs every four years. Among the key trends reported: Smoking among 10–17-year-olds fell to 4.7% in 2022, down from 22.6% in 1998. Reports of having ever been drunk declined from 33% in 1998 to 17.8% in 2022. Cannabis use in the past year dropped to 6.5% in 2022, compared to 12.3% in 1998. Daily soft drink consumption decreased dramatically from 37.4% in 2002 to 6.6% in 2022. However, the report also reveals that: 46.3% of children report feeling low weekly or more often - double the figure from 1998. 47.8% of children feel pressured by schoolwork, up from 32.9% in 1998. Despite an overall decline in reported sexual activity, fewer young people (55.2% in 2022, down from 78.0% in 2010) report using a condom during last sexual intercourse The HBSC study is conducted every four years in collaboration with the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. In 2022, 45 countries and regions participated, collecting data on health behaviours, health outcomes and the social contexts of children’s lives. Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor said: “I would like to extend my most sincere thanks to the University of Galway’s HBSC team, who have conducted this study on our behalf since 1998. HBSC is a key, internationally comparable study that provides us with vital information regarding the health of our children, highlighting both positive trends, such as the reductions in tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use since 1998, but also the more concerning ones, such as many of the indicators relating to mental health and the pressures of schoolwork. “I also want to thank the children and the schools involved in this research. In taking the time to make your voices heard, you are helping us to help future generations and to make growing up a more positive experience. As the report shows, we have done some great work over the past 25 years; however, there is always more to do.” Professor Saoirse Nic Gabhainn, Principal Investigator at the Health Promotion Research Centre at University of Galway, said: “A study like HBSC, that tracks trends in health behaviours, outcomes and social context of children’s lives over such a long period is a huge resource to anyone interested in children’s lives. Over 70,000 children have been involved since 1998, and many people across Irish society have helped in some way, particularly schools, teachers and parents. “While many indicators have improved over time, the pressures that children feel from school and society are increasing. Now is the time for our society to support teachers and parents in schools and communities to protect and promote youth well-being.” Compared to findings from 1998*, the study found fewer children engaging in substance use, more children feeling pressured by schoolwork, less young people reporting sexual activity and among those that do – fewer are reporting using a condom. Mental health indicators have disimproved, with more young people reporting feeling low, fewer reporting high life satisfaction and fewer reporting feeling happy with their lives. Additional findings include: Health behaviour outcomes – both positive and negative trends More children report sleep difficulties in getting to sleep about every week or more frequently – 46.3% in 2022, compared to 30.9% in 1998. More children report having a headache about every week or more frequently – 38.2% in 2022, compared to 26.0% in 1998. More children brushing their teeth more than once a day – 72.5% in 2022, compared to 57.6% in 1998. More children report always wearing a seatbelt when travelling by car – 81.2% in 2022, compared to 41% in 1998. Co-Principal Investigator, Professor Colette Kelly from the Health Promotion Research Centre at the University of Galway, said: “This report is the culmination of many years of work, and brings together some good news about the health behaviours of Irish children. However, it also illustrates persistent inequalities in young people’s health. Children from lower social class groups are doing less well than those from higher social class groups across a range of indicators. The report provides a breakdown of age, gender and social class patterns which provide more in-depth information on each of the indicators.” *Base years vary across indicators – see full report details here: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/hbsc/ Ends

University of Galway, Galway University Hospitals, LIfT BioSciences and Hooke Bio awarded funding from the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund   Clinical researchers are set to launch immune-cell therapy clinical trials aimed at tackling treatment resistance in solid tumour, supported by a €11.9 million grant from the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund. The project is being spearheaded by a consortium from LIfT BiSciences, University of Galway, Galway University Hospitals and Hooke Bio. The funding award, announced by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke T.D., and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless T.D., is the largest single grant awarded by the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund to date, with €5.9 million in direct funding going to University of Galway. The consortium will launch the first-in-human clinical trials of a ground-breaking neutrophil-based cancer immune-cell therapy developed by LIfT BioSciences, a client of Údarás na Gaeltachta with an Irish base in An Spidéal, Co. Galway. Neutrophils are part of the first line of defence in the body’s immune response. The trial will focus on patients with metastatic cervical and head and neck cancer who have exhausted all standard treatments, including checkpoint inhibitors. Trials, which will be conducted at Galway University Hospitals, are expected to begin in 2026. The grant will support the clinical development of LIfT BioSciences’ next-generation cell therapy designed to overcome resistance in solid tumours, known as Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils (IMANs). University of Galway will contribute its deep expertise in oncology and cell therapy clinical trials, as well as in translating laboratory research into clinical applications, including predictive biomarkers. Hooke Bio will provide advanced analytical tools to optimise and assess how patients respond to this novel therapy. The study will first establish the safe and effective dose of immune-cell cancer therapy and then combine this treatment with other immune-based therapies to overcome resistance to these cancer treatments observed in some patients.             Professor Sean Hynes, Consultant Histopathologist and Translational Cancer Researcher from University of Galway’s School of Medicine and Lead Academic of the award said: "In partnership with LiFT BioSciences and Hooke Bio, we are very excited about University of Galway and Galway University Hospital being at the forefront of delivering on new oncological cellular therapies by using neutrophils, the body's own first responders, in the fight against cancer and ensuring patients in the West of Ireland have access to such cutting edge treatments."             Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, said: “The Institute for Clinical Trials is proud to support this collaboration and look forward to working closely with Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund partners LifT BioSciences and Hooke Bio, and with academic and clinical colleagues at the University and Galway University Hospital. The programme will bring a new therapy to patients with an unmet critical need. This will be a truly inspirational journey from basic science to a first in human trial as we deliver this novel cell therapy to cancer patients.”             Dr Michael McCarthy, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Principal Investigator at University Hospital Galway, added: “Cancer remains one of the most complex and dynamic diseases. IMANs have the potential to overcome key limitations of current cancer treatments by activating both the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system. This dual stimulation enables a comprehensive anti-tumour response, representing a transformative advancement in cancer therapy. We are pleased to receive this grant in collaboration with LIfT and Hooke Bio, and we look forward to accelerating the clinical development of this groundbreaking immunotherapy."             Dr Andrew Finnerty Manager of the Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland at University of Galway, said: “We at the Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland (CCMI) at the University of Galway look forward to delivering on our cellular manufacturing role within this project.  The awarding of this The Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund paves the way for CCMI to truly expand and develop as a manufacturing hub for cellular therapies and to deliver on this ground-breaking neutrophil immuno-cell therapy. This will build on our Good Manufacturing Practice certified status and proven track record on delivering clinical therapeutic products.”          HSE West and North West Regional Executive Officer Tony Canavan said: “One of the key priorities for the cancer programme across the west and north west region is to increase the number of patients participating in clinical trials and ensure that our communities have access to new and better therapies. This ground-breaking immunotherapy trial demonstrates the power of collaboration between academic, industry and healthcare partners to drive innovation in cancer research and to improve patient outcomes.” The Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund is a €500 million fund established under the National Development Plan (NDP) in 2018. It is managed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with administrative support from Enterprise Ireland. Ends

International citizen science project reveals streetlights are only one part of the growing light pollution problem, with residential and commercial lighting also playing major roles A major international citizen science project, with contributions from University of Galway, has revealed that streetlights are far from the only source of light pollution affecting our night skies. The study, published in Nature Cities, challenges the common assumption that streetlights are the primary contributor to urban light pollution and indicates that residential, commercial, and other non-street lighting sources play a significant role in brightening our night skies. Many of these sources remain on well after midnight, creating unnecessary light spill and contributing significantly to night-time skyglow and its environmental impacts. More than 250 citizen scientists, mostly located in Germany, used a mobile app called Nachtlichter (‘Nightlights’) to examine over 230,000 individual light sources during 3,868 night-time surveys.             The study was led by Christopher Kyba, former geographer at Ruhr University Bochum and the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, who said: “Both energy and lighting policy as well as research on the effects of artificial light on the environment have generally focused on street lighting. Our findings indicate that a broader approach that considers all lighting is necessary in order to understand and reduce the environmental impacts of light in cities.” The research has direct relevance for Ireland, where there is currently no national legislation or policy to mitigate light pollution. With the EU requiring member states to address light pollution through Nature Restoration Action Plans, these insights offer valuable direction for future policy. University of Galway researcher with the School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies, Georgia MacMillan contributed to the study by coordinating surveys in multiple Irish locations around counties, such as Mayo and Galway, including the University of Galway campus.             Georgia MacMillan said: “Using the NightLights application to conduct pilot surveys for this project helped us to consider the different sources of light pollution. This is something we need to do on a larger scale in Ireland and we hope to use the application for future studies in collaboration with other Irish University campuses and community groups.” A Research Ireland Employment-based PhD Scholar, MacMillan is examining the role of dark sky tourism and community engagement in addressing light pollution, supervised by Dr Thérèse Conway and Professor Marie Mahon from the University’s School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies.              Dr Thérèse Conway said: “Through her role, Georgia has been instrumental in the successful bid by Dark Sky Ireland to host the Artificial Light at Night Conference (ALAN), which will take place in County Mayo later this year. It is the first time that Ireland will host this leading interdisciplinary event which will be attended by global specialists in light pollution and dark sky preservation such as Dr Christopher Kyba, lead author of the Nature Cities paper.” The full study in Nature Cities is available at https://www.nature.com/articles/s44284-025-00239-5 The Artificial Light at Night Conference will take place from 28-31 October 2025 at the Westport Woods Hotel, Mayo.  More information on the conference can be found at www.artificiallightatnight.org. Ends

Tá a dán ‘Na Blátha’ curtha le Conair Filíochta na Gaillimhe Tá binse nua curtha ar champas Ollscoil na Gaillimhe in ómós don fhile Gaeilge agus céimí ollscoile, Caitlín Maude, nach maireann. Ag an ócáid tiomnaithe, bhí mac an fhile, Caomhán Ó Luain, agus a iníon Fiadh. Baill de Bhothán na bhFear, Cluain Cearbán i gCo Mhaigh Eo a rinne an binse a dhearadh i gcruth leabhair agus a thóg é le snáithínghloine. Fuarthas tacaíocht ó Oifig na bhFoirgneamh agus Eastát san Ollscoil. Tá an dán Gaeilge ‘Na Blátha’ le Caitlín Maude le léamh ar an mbinse, chomh maith le h-aistriúchán Béarla leis an scríbhneoir clúiteach, Nuala Ní Chonchúr. Tá an binse suite i nGairdín Mháirín de Valéra ar an taobh ó thuaidh de Chearnóg na hOllscoile agus tá sé curtha anois ar Chonair Filíochta na Gaillimhe. Is é an ceathrú suíomh ollscoile ar an gconair timpeall na cathrach, agus tá dánta le Terry McDonagh, Louis de Paor agus Micheál D. Ó hUigínn le léamh in áiteanna eile ar an gcampas.             Dar le Tom Kenny, comhbhunaitheoir Chonair Filíochta na Gaillimhe: “Tá thart ar 30 dán againn anois ar Chonair Filíochta na Gaillimhe atá suite ar fud na cathrach. Is iontach deas an dán le Caitlín Maude a fheiceáil ar champas na hollscoile agus tá mé cinnte go léifidh na mílte daoine amach anseo é.”             Dar leis an Ollamh Rióna Ní Fhrighil, Ceann Disciplín na Gaeilge, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Bhí Caitlín Maude fréamhaithe sa dúchas, ach scríobh sí ina glór féin faoi anáil litríochta na hEorpa. Labhair sí amach faoi fhadhbanna sóisialta a linne rud a théann i bhfeidhm ar scoláirí an lae inniu. Bean láidir Ghaeltachta a bhí inti a thug misneach do na filí a tháinig ina diaidh agus spreagann a cuid dánta filí óga na Gaeilge fós sa lá atá inniu ann.” Críoch

Caitlín Maude’s poem ‘Na Blátha’ has been added to the Galway Poetry Trail   University of Galway has dedicated a new ‘book bench’ on its campus in memory of Irish language poet Caitlín Maude, a graduate of the University. The dedication event was attended by the late poet’s son, Caomhán Ó Luain, and his daughter Fiadh. The fibreglass bench, shaped like an open book, was created by the Louisburgh Area Men’s Shed in Co. Mayo, with support from the University’s Buildings and Estates team. It features the Irish language poem ‘Na Blátha’ by Caitlín Maude, along with an English translation by celebrated writer Nuala O’Connor. The bench, located in the Máirín de Valéra Garden on the north side of the University’s Quadrangle building, has also been added to the city-wide Galway Poetry Trail. It is the fourth university location on the trail, joining poems by Terry McDonagh, Louis de Paor, and Michael D. Higgins.             Tom Kenny, co-founder of the Galway Poetry Trail said: “There are now around 30 poems across the city on the Galway Poetry Trail. It is wonderful to see Caitlín Maude’s poem on the university campus and I’m sure that thousands of people will read it here into the future.”             Professor Rióna Ní Fhrighil, Head of the Discipline of Irish at University of Galway said: “Caitlín Maude was rooted in tradition, but she wrote in her own voice, inspired by wider European literary styles. She addresses contemporary social issues in her poetry that still resonate with students today. This strong Gaeltacht woman gave confidence to the Irish language poets that came after her and she continues to inspire young poets today.” Ends

University of Galway and Ethiopian Public Health Institute have partnered to conduct research and innovation activities to enable transitions to more sustainable, healthy and affordable diets in Addis Ababa city region The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) and University of Galway in have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen their partnership research and educational activities on the theme of “Nutrition, Food Systems and Public Health”. The EPHI is the key research institute of the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, while University of Galway is Ireland’s leading university on sustainable development.  The partnership between the EPHI and University of Galway, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, coincides with the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia between July 27-29th 2025. The UNFSS+4 is a global multistakeholder platform to accelerate food systems transformation in support of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In January, for the African continent, the UNFSS+4 builds further from the momentum of the Kampala Declaration adopted by African Union member states in January 2025, which aims to build resilient and sustainable agrifood systems in Africa. Aligned with UNFSS+4 and Kampala Declaration policy goals, the EPHI - University of Galway Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework for joint research, educational and capacity development initiatives on sustainable, resilient and healthy food systems between the two organisations. The partnership builds on ongoing collaboration resulting from the EcoFoodSystems project funded by the European Union and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which is led by University of Galway. EcoFoodSystems is conducting research with national stakeholders in Ethiopia to enable transitions towards diets that are more sustainable, healthy and affordable in Addis Ababa city region. By 2050, more than 70% of the world population will be living in urban areas, mostly living in rapidly expanding city regions. The EcoFoodSystems project is focused on enabling sustainable food systems transitions in Addis Ababa, a city of almost 6 million people which will expand to 12 million people by 2050, largely driven by inward migration. On March 18th 2025, EPHI and University jointly ran a multistakeholder EcoFoodSystems workshop in Addis Ababa to identify key priorities for transitions towards sustainable food systems and diets in the city region.             Speaking on the inter-institutional partnership, Project Leader of the EcoFoodSystems project, Professor Charles Spillane of University of Galway said: “The future of food systems will be dictated by what foods are consumed in urban areas, particularly rapidly growing city regions such as Addis Ababa. The foods that are purchased and consumed in urban areas will increasingly dictate what is grown in rural areas. Given that over 3 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet, a key challenge facing our agriculture and food systems is how to deliver a sustainable, healthy and affordable diet for city regions, while strengthening the livelihoods of rural food producers. The University of Galway is honoured to work with the EPHI on research, education and innovation activities to address this grand challenge.”             Dr Masresha Tessema. Director of the Nutrition, Environmental Health and Non-communicable Disease Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, said: “The partnership with the University of Galway offers a valuable opportunity for EPHI to strengthen evidence-based decision-making across Ethiopia’s food and nutrition systems. Through the EcoFoodSystems project, this collaboration supports our national goals by building local research capacity, fostering innovative approaches to sustainable diets, and aligning multisectoral efforts to improve nutrition and public health outcomes.”             Ambassador of Ireland to Ethiopia, Olivia Leslie, further added: “I welcome the signature of this Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Galway and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute. The agreement will deepen collaboration and research between the institutions on food systems and nutrition, and it is fitting that is being announced during this week’s UN Food Systems Summit here in Addis Ababa. For over 30 years, Ireland’s development partnerships in Ethiopia have had a strong focus on supporting health, nutrition, and inclusive economic growth, particularly for women and girls. Effective food systems are a critical underpinning to this.” The new partnership between University of Galway and EPHI marks an important step in aligning public health and food systems research to tackle the challenges of urbanisation, climate change, and the double burden of malnutrition in Addis Ababa and Ethiopia. The new partnership will allow the institutions to join forces to generate evidence, build capacity, and inform policy pathways that can improve the health and sustainability of food systems in Addis Ababa and beyond. Ends

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