Tiny plankton organism helps reveal hidden record of key marine currents and changes to Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation An international research team led by the University of Galway has developed a crucial new way to enable scientific reconstruction of ocean acidity and CO2 levels in cold polar oceans, giving new insights into climate change.   The scientists studied how tiny polar foraminifera plankton record ocean acidity (pH) in their shells. When these organisms die and sink to the ocean floor, their shells form part of the ocean’s natural climate archive, which can be studied when collecting sediment cores from the seabed.     In both hemispheres, Polar seas are areas of strong deep-water formation which play a major role in the storage of CO2 and the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) - the conveyor belt of marine currents that keep Northern Europe, in particular Ireland and Britain, relatively mild in winter.    The new findings now allow scientists to go back in time to test whether the rate at which CO2 is removed from the atmosphere is reduced when the AMOC slows down.   The research has been published in the scientific journal Biogeosciences and is available here https://cp.copernicus.org/articles/19/2493/2023/cp-19-2493-2023.pdf.   These and other findings and policy issues will be discussed at the third Annual Irish Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) Meeting taking place from today at University of Galway.     Dr Audrey Morley, senior researcher on the project, said: “Our analysis of the tiny polar foraminifera has opened a door to answer questions about climate change which was previously unavailable. We can use our new method to look at the acidity of the polar surface ocean and how it changed over time. That also gives us a deeper understanding of how the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation controls our climate.”    Scientists warn that Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is at risk of being disrupted due to rapid global warming. The ultimate threat is that a weakening or collapse of the AMOC triggers extreme weather events and disruptive changes in seasonality across Europe.   Dr Morley said: “Today, 25-30% of the anthropogenic (human-caused) CO2 emitted into the atmosphere is absorbed by the ocean, effectively mitigating the impact of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions on climate change. Whether or not, or how, the rate at which CO2 is removed from the atmosphere changes in response to global warming, or a weakening or collapse of the AMOC, is a critical question that remains to be determined.   “There is a risk if the AMOC slows down and deep-water formation slows down then the cold-water areas of the Polar Oceans won’t remove as much CO2 from the atmosphere and store it away in the deep ocean as they do now.    “The analysis of past warm climates can help us shed light on these important feedback processes. Closing this knowledge gap is crucial if we want to fully understand and quantify the risks of future global warming.”   The third Annual Irish Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) Meeting is hosted by the Ryan Institute at University of Galway and is proudly co-organised with Maynooth University and Met Éireann. It brings together leading researchers, state agencies and policymakers to discuss latest research findings and future priorities for AMOC research in Ireland.   Ends 

University of Galway has announced two partnerships with leading Chinese medical universities.   The collaborations with Hebei Medical University and Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University focus on stem cell research and PhD study opportunities.     The announcements were made as part of a trade mission to China led by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D., with the support of Enterprise Ireland.    President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn, said: “University of Galway has developed strong links in China thanks to the excellence of our academic research. We are now seizing the opportunity to build on this and fulfil the promise set out in our Strategy 2025-2030 Of Galway, For the World, and we look forward to the impact that these partnerships can create for society and for healthcare.”   Professor Tim O’Brien, Director of the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at University of Galway, said: “By combining the strengths in regenerative medicine and clinical research at University of Galway with China’s scale, expertise and commitment to innovation, we are hopeful that these partnerships will deliver real benefit for patients and society. The relationships that we have built with these universities in China is international collaboration at its best: forward-looking, people-centred, and focused on shared global impact.”   The transnational education event in Beijing was attended by more than 150 people from 13 higher education institutions in Ireland and China.   University of Galway has renewed a partnership for a Joint Stem Cell Research Centre with Hebei Medical University. The collaboration will enable joint PhD and Masters supervision and collaborative research, including 12 postgraduate opportunities for students Hebei Medical University to enrol in the M.Sc. in Regenerative Medicine & M.Sc. in Cellular Manufacturing and Therapy in University of Galway. The partnership will also seek to drive collaborations between hospitals, universities, and industry in China and Ireland, bringing innovative regenerative stem cell therapies to patients worldwide.   A PhD scholarship Programme is also being renewed with the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) which funds up to 10 students from Xiangya School of Medicine to pursue PhD studies in Galway. The collaboration aims to strengthen joint clinical and scientific research between the EU and China, promote academic exchange and deepen institutional links.    Ends 

Prospective mature students and adult learners considering a return to education are invited to a special information event at University of Galway. The information evening will take place on campus on Thursday January 15th from 6pm-9pm in the Institute for Lifecourse and Society, Upper Newcastle Road. Hosted by the University’s Access Centre, the event will outline the CAO application process, entry pathways, funding options and practical supports available to adults who are thinking about returning to study. Students who have successfully returned to education and transformed their careers and confidence will also give first-hand accounts of their experience. The event is open to anyone aged 23 or over who is applying through the CAO as a mature student, as well as adults considering upskilling, retraining or returning to education and those interested in Access courses or flexible learning opportunities, such as Microcreds. Staff will be on hand to discuss degree programmes, career opportunities and unique learning experiences at the University. The Career Development Centre will also provide expert advice on career pathways and progression after completing a qualification. The information evening will highlight the wide range of flexible learning options available for adult learners. Representatives from the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development will showcase short courses, languages, online learning and professional development programmes tailored to fit around work, family and life commitments. The event will also serve as a gateway to the University’s Access Foundation Diploma Courses, which support learners at a pre-university level to build confidence, academic skills and a strong platform for success in a full degree. Kathleen Hartigan, Mature Students Officer, Access Centre, University of Galway, said: “There is truly a place for everyone at University of Galway. Whether you choose a full-time degree, take your first step through an Access course, or pursue flexible lifelong learning, our community is here to support you to reach your full potential.” Nuala McGuinn, Director of the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development, University of Galway, said: “Technological change is reshaping how we work, learn and develop new skills across every sector. But lifelong learning isn’t only about careers - it’s also about curiosity and the joy of learning something new. Whether someone is pursuing a short micro-credential, a flexible part-time undergraduate or postgraduate course, our staff are ready to help people find learning opportunities that fit their lives.” For further information or to register to attend, visit www.universityofgalway.ie/mature Ends