Cuireann an Institiúid Náisiúnta don Taighde ar Ailse Chíche na milliúin euro i bhfoirm maoinithe ar fáil d’Ollscoil na Gaillimhe chun cúram agus torthaí othair a chur chun cinn  Sheol an tAire Sláinte, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill T.D., infheistíocht charthanach mhaoinithe de chuid na hInstitiúide Náisiúnta don Taighde ar Ailse Chíche (NBCRI), arbh fhiú €4 mhilliún é, chun tabhairt faoi thaighde in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ar fhorbairtí a d’fhéadfadh saol na n-othar a athrú chun feabhais ó thaobh cúraim agus torthaí de.   Déanfaidh infheistíocht na hInstitiúide Náisiúnta don Taighde ar Ailse Chíche éascaíocht do thaighde feabhsaithe agus do dhiagnóisic a rachaidh chun tairbhe othar, agus san áireamh leis sin beidh íomháú digiteach nach bhfuil fáil air in Éirinn faoi láthair, leathnú trialacha cliniciúla agus tuilleadh comhoibrithe idirnáisiúnta i dtaobh samplaí cliniciúla a anailísiú.     Tá an maoiniú carthanach seo, arbh fhiú na milliúin euro é, á chur ar fáil mar chuid de Chomhpháirtíocht Shainiúil idir an NCBRI agus an Ollscoil, agus beidh poist ríthábhachtacha nua, idir acadúil agus taighde, mar thoradh air.   Tá an daonchairdiúlacht seo, agus an chomhpháirtíocht atá taobh thiar di, bunaithe ar na caidrimh sheanbhunaithe idir an dá eagraíocht ar cuireadh tús leo os cionn tríocha bliain ó shin, agus fócas ar leith acu le 15 bliana anuas ar thaighde eolaíoch agus cliniciúil a chumasú.   Síníodh an Chomhpháirtíocht Shainiúil go hoifigiúil agus seoladh go foirmeálta í ag ócáid a reáchtáladh in Institiúid Lambe don Taighde Aistritheach de chuid na hOllscoile.    Seo mar a labhair an tAire Sláinte, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D.: “Tá an-áthas orm an chomhpháirtíocht thábhachtach seo idir an Institiúid Náisiúnta don Taighde ar Ailse Chíche (NCBRI) agus Ollscoil na Gaillimhe a sheoladh. Ní hamháin go gcuirfidh an infheistíocht €4 mhilliún seo i dtaighde ailse chíche le cúram agus torthaí othar, ach réiteoidh sé an bealach d’fhionnachtana ceannródaíocha i dtaighde agus i ndiagnóisic. Ceann de na hailsí is coitianta is ea ailse chíche agus déantar bean amháin as gach seachtar in Éirinn a dhiagnóisiú leis an ngalar seo i gcaitheamh a saoil. Céim mhór chun tosaigh is ea fógra an lae inniu maidir le tacú le mná a bhfuil an galar seo ag gabháil dóibh.”   Dúirt Uachtarán Eatramhach Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Peter McHugh: “Cuireann Ollscoil na Gaillimhe fáilte roimh an maoiniú seo atá curtha ar fáil ag an NCBRI agus roimh an athrú suntasach chun feabhais a bheidh mar thoradh ar an gcomhoibriú fadtéarmach agus feidhmeach seo ar an taighde ailse chíche. Tá ár gcomhpháirtíocht ar an bhfód le fada an lá agus níl aon amhras orainn ach go ndéanfaidh an infheistíocht dhaonchairdiúil fhlaithiúil seo difear suntasach dóibh siúd a bhfuil ailse orthu, agus go mbeidh tionchar níos leithne ag an Ollscoil mar institiúid diantaighde a bhfuil fréamhacha sa phobal aici agus í tiomanta do leas an phobail.”    Tá ról lárnach á chomhlíonadh le fada ag an Institiúid Náisiúnta don Taighde ar Ailse Chíche (NBCRI), ar carthanas náisiúnta é, i bhforbairt na gclinicí scagthástála cíche agus siomptómacha a chur chun cinn in Ospidéal na hOllscoile, Gaillimh agus i bhforbairt buntaighde agus taighde chliniciúil ar ailse chíche in Institiúid Lambe in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe.    Tacóidh infheistíocht mhaoinithe an NBCRI leis na réimsí taighde seo a leanas:     Taighde aistritheach ar ailse chíche de chuid Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, ailse chíche mheiteastáiseach san áireamh; riosca géiniteach; fionnachtain agus brath bithmharcóirí; cumarsáid ó chill go cill laistigh de shiadaí; gaschealla agus teiripe chille.   An Bithbhanc Ailse agus oibriú i gcomhar le comhpháirtithe náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta, rud a éascóidh úsáid samplaí cliniciúla d’fhonn fiosrúchán a dhéanamh ar an gcaoi a bhforbraíonn an galar, a ndiagnóisítear é agus a gcuirtear cóir leighis air.  Saindiagnóisic trí úsáid a bhaint as trealamh íomháithe dhigitigh spásúil.  Trialacha cliniciúla a bhaineann le réimse na diagnóisice, cóireálacha leighis agus leo siúd a thagann slán, agus san áireamh leis sin tá máinliacht chíche agus teilealeigheas.  Forbairt ionaid ailse chuimsithigh a mbeidh creidiúnú Eorpach aige tríd an gclár taighde chomh maith le habhcóideacht a dhéanamh d’infreastruchtúr feabhsaithe do chóireáil ailse mar chuid de FSS an Iarthair agus an Iarthuaiscirt - ainmniúchán Ionad Ailse Ollscoil na Gaillimhe mar Ionad Ailse de chuid Eagraíocht Institiúidí Ailse na hEorpa (OECI).    Ceapacháin agus róil acadúla agus taighde lena n-áirítear Ceann na hOinceolaíochta Leighis; Stiúrthóir Eolaíochta; altraí do thrialacha cliniciúla; eolaithe iardhochtúireachta agus mic léinn PhD; scoláireachtaí samhraidh taighde ailse.   Bhí an méid seo le rá ag Caroline Loughnane, Cathaoirleach na hInstitiúide Náisiúnta don Taighde ar Ailse Chíche: “An misean atá ag an Institiúid Náisiúnta don Taighde ar Ailse Chíche airgead a bhailiú chun tacú le taighde ailse chíche den chéad scoth a mbeidh fíorthionchar aige, agus tionchar intomhaiste, ar thorthaí d’othair le hailse chíche. Tá an-áthas orainn a bheith in ann an infheistíocht seo, arbh fhiú €4 mhilliún í, a dhéanamh sa chlár taighde ailse chíche in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe faoi stiúir an Ollaimh Michael Kerin agus a fhoireann. An toradh a mbítear ag súil leis ó thaighde ná fionnachtana nua, cóireálacha leighis níos éifeachtaí agus torthaí níos fearr d’othair atá ag fulaingt le hailse chíche. Tá an NBCRI ag tacú le taighde ar ailse chíche le breis agus tríocha bliain agus tá an-áthas orainn a bheith in ann cur lenár dtiomantas do chlár taighde ailse chíche in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe agus céim nua á tógáil aige mar ionad ailse le creidiúnú Eorpach i gcomhpháirtíocht le FSS an Iarthair agus an Iarthuaiscirt.”   Dúirt an tOllamh Michael Kerin, Ollamh le Máinliacht in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, Máinlia Comhairleach in Ospidéil na hOllscoile, Gaillimh agus Stiúrthóir Taighde NBCRI: “Tacóidh an maoiniú seo le clár cuimsitheach taighde agus tógann sé ar a bhfuil bainte amach, a bhuíochas le tacaíocht an NBCRI, i dtaighde ailse chíche, na géinte atá ina n-údar don ghalar, mar shampla, na bithmharcóirí atá in ann cúrsa an ghalair a thuar, agus léirmhíniú radaighníomhach níos fearr. Tá sé tar éis ligean dúinn cur le comhoibrithe cliniciúla agus taighde ar an oileán seo agus ar fud an domhain. Tá an fhoireann taighde thar a bheith buíoch dár mBord agus dár nOibrithe Deonacha a thugann an-tacaíocht agus spreagadh dúinn.   An toradh atá ar an gcaidreamh seanbhunaithe idir Ollscoil na Gaillimhe agus an NBCRI ná isteach is amach le €8 milliún i bhfoirm maoiniú daonchairdiúil agus infheistíocht i dtaighde a bheith curtha ar fáil ó 2010 i leith d'Institiúid Lambe san Ollscoil.   Athdhearbhú is ea tiomantas nua seo an NBCRI ar an bhfócas atá ag an gcarthanas ar chur chuige a fhaigheann faisnéis ó thaighde féachaint le torthaí níos fearr a fháil d’othair.    Críoch    

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill T.D. today formally launched a €4million charitable funding investment by National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) for research into life-changing advancements in patient care and outcomes at University of Galway.  The NBCRI philanthropy will enable enhanced research and diagnostics for the benefit of patients, including digital imaging currently not available in Ireland, the expansion of clinical trials and more international collaboration on the analysis of clinical samples.  The multimillion-euro charitable funding is being provided as part of a new Signature Partnership between NBCRI and the University which will provide for new, critical academic and research posts.  The partnership and philanthropy build on a legacy of relations between the two organisations going back more than three decades, with a specific focus on enabling scientific and clinical research over the last 15 years.  The Signature Partnership was officially signed and formally launched at an event in the University’s Lambe Institute for Translational Research.  Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D.: “I am delighted to launch this important partnership between the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) and the University of Galway. This investment of €4 million in breast cancer research will not only enhance patient care and outcomes but also pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in research and diagnostics. As breast cancer is one of the most common cancers, with 1 in 7 women in Ireland receiving a diagnosis during their lifetime, today’s announcement marks another important step forward in supporting women affected by this disease.”  Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “University of Galway welcomes this funding by NBCRI and the step change it creates in a longstanding and impactful collaboration on breast cancer research. Our partnership goes back many years and we have no doubt that this generous philanthropic investment will make a significant difference to outcomes for cancer patients, as well as the wider impact that our University can have as a research-intensive institution, rooted in the community and committed to the public good.”  A national charity, the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) has been instrumental in advancing the development of the breast screening and symptomatic clinics at University Hospital Galway and the development of clinical and fundamental breast cancer research at the Lambe Institute at University of Galway.  The new NBCRI funding investment will support: University of Galway’s translational breast cancer research, including metastatic breast cancer; genetic risk; biomarker discovery and detection; cell communication within tumours; stem cells and cell therapy. The Cancer Biobank and collaboration with expert national and international partners which enables the use of clinical samples to investigate how the disease develops, is diagnosed and is treated. Specialist diagnostics through state-of-the-art digital spatial imaging equipment. Clinical trials into diagnostics, treatment and survivorship, including breast surgery and telemedicine. The development of a European-accredited comprehensive cancer centre through the research programme and advocacy for improved cancer treatment infrastructure as part of the HSE West and North-West - University of Galway Cancer Centre designation as an Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) Cancer Centre.  Academic and research appointments and roles including a Chair of Medical Oncology; Scientific Director; clinical trials nurses; postdoctoral scientists and PhD students; cancer research summer scholarships.  Chairperson of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute, Caroline Loughnane, said: “The mission of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute is to raise funds in support of world-class breast cancer research that has a real and measurable impact on outcomes for breast cancer patients. We are delighted to be making this investment of €4million in the breast cancer research programme at University of Galway, led by Professor Michael Kerin and his team. Research means new discoveries, more effective treatments and better outcomes for breast cancer patients. Building on more than three decades of support, NBCRI is excited to extend its commitment to the breast cancer research programme at University of Galway as it enters a new phase as a European accredited cancer centre in partnership with the HSE West and North-West.”  Professor Michael Kerin, Professor of Surgery at University of Galway, Consultant Surgeon at Galway University Hospitals and Research Director at NBCRI, said: “This funding underpins an expansive programme of research and builds on the legacy of the NBCRI contribution to major discoveries in breast cancer ranging from the genes that cause it, biomarkers that predict outcome, improved radiological interpretation. It has allowed us to contribute to major clinical and research collaborations on this island and across the globe. The research team are immensely grateful to our Board and Volunteers whose support is immense and inspirational.”  University of Galway’s longstanding relationship with NBCRI has enabled approximately €8million of philanthropic funding and investment in research at the Lambe Institute at the University since 2010.  The new commitment by the NBCRI reaffirms the charity’s focus on a research-informed approach to improving patient outcomes. Ends

University of Galway’s Tax Clinic has been recognised with the Excellence in Education award at the prestigious Irish Accountancy Awards 2025. The win celebrates its outstanding contribution to tax education and social inclusion in Ireland. The Irish Accountancy Awards celebrate the most innovative individuals and organisations driving excellence across the accounting profession. The Excellence in Education award for the Tax Clinic at University of Galway’s J.E Cairnes School of Business and Economics recognises its commitment to delivering impactful learning opportunities while serving a vital social function. The University of Galway Tax Clinic provides free, confidential tax information and support to students and members of marginalised communities. Through this initiative, tax student volunteers, under the supervision of qualified tax professionals, help and educate individuals better understand and manage their tax affairs.   Emer Mulligan, Director of the Tax Clinic and Personal Professor of Taxation and Finance at University of Galway, said: “I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of the Tax Clinic. Our tax students working in the clinic are getting an exceptional professional tax experience, whilst assisting marginalised citizens with their tax compliance and correspondence with the Revenue. I am confident our Tax Clinic is making a real difference, empowering our citizens in this critical aspect of fiscal citizenship. I look forward to further expansion of the tax clinic, building on this external recognition. I am grateful to our professional tax advisors who give their time and expertise to this initiative on a pro bono basis.” For more information on the University of Galway Tax Clinic visit https://www.universityofgalway.ie/taxclinic/.  Ends