University of Galway to lead multi-institutional study in Europe, supported by Joint Programme Neurodegenerative Disease Research   A research project aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders has received €1.1 million in funding support by the European Union through the Joint Programme on Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND). The funding will spearhead a collaborative project, led by researchers at University of Galway, in partnership with institutions in Poland, Italy and Turkey. Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, present a significant challenge due to their debilitating nature. Marked by the gradual deterioration of nerve cells, these conditions severely impact a person’s quality of life and place a substantial burden on patients, families, and healthcare systems. The research will be led by Dr Kasia Whysall with Dr Leo Quinlan, Principal Investigators and Associate Professors at the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway. Dr Whysall said: “This research endeavours to seek to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, with a particular focus on Alzheimer’s Disease. “Specific proteins which accumulate as a result of the disease have been studied, however their regulation poses challenges. "This project aims to uncover valuable insights into the early pathological processes driving neurodegeneration. "Our research suggests that early changes in the function of enzymes known as V-ATPase, and how this affects lysosomes – a type of recycling centre in the body that helps cells function properly, could be a key target for intervention to restore metabolic balance. We also found that damage to these cell parts might make neurons more vulnerable, supporting our investigation into treatment strategies that target gene regulation." The research will be driven by the pressing need for early detection and effective interventions, and will employ cutting-edge technologies and collaborative partnerships to explore novel pathways for development of treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Central to the research will be the exploration of emerging biomarkers, including micro RNAs (miRs) and extracellular vesicles associated with these disorders and which hold promise as non-invasive indicators of disease onset and progression.             Dr Quinlan said: “Our goal is not only to identify potential biomarkers for early diagnosis, but also to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. By combining our research with innovative therapeutic strategies, we hope to make significant strides towards improving the lives of individuals affected by these devastating conditions.”             Professor Martin O’Donnell, Executive Dean for the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway, said: “In addition to its potential implications for future clinical practice, this project is an opportunity to transform the landscape of neurodegenerative research, offering new avenues for targeting interventions and personalised treatments. The research partnerships established as part of this research underscores the importance of global cooperation in addressing pressing health challenges.” Ends

As Ireland celebrates a century of diplomatic ties with the United States, University of Galway, Queen's University Belfast and University College Cork are partnering with the Irish Institute of Boston College to explore US-Ireland relations and peacebuilding. The three universities make up the former Queen's Colleges in Ireland – established in 1845 to offer education to all denominations. To mark the centenary and the historic links of the three institutions, a special conference is to take place at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin on Friday October 4th.  The all-island and transatlantic event will shine a light on US connections to peacebuilding during the Northern Ireland conflict; reconciliation on the island of Ireland, both north and south; and diplomatic relations with the US - one of the most important for the island. Among those taking part is former US Senator and peace envoy George Mitchell, who will open the conference with a video welcome message. The distinguished line-up of academic speakers and policy practitioners includes: Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, Former US Deputy National Security Advisor and former Ambassador at the United Nations Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern Professor Brendan O’Leary, University of Pennsylvania Professor Mary C. Murphy, Director of the Irish Institute, Boston College Lynsey Moore, Director of International Relations for the Northern Ireland Executive Office Brian Glynn, Managing Director for the Americas in the European External Action Service      The conference will address the potential future role of the US, especially in light of the upcoming 2024 US presidential election, along with the safeguarding of the Good Friday Agreement and supporting relations between the UK, Ireland, Northern Ireland and the EU. It will also celebrate the historic links between the three former Queen's Colleges in Ireland - University of Galway, Queen's University Belfast, and University College Cork - and the relaunch of the Irish Institute of Boston College. Professor Niall Ó Dochartaigh, Professor of Political Science at University of Galway, a 2024-25 Fulbright fellow researching US civil society peacemaking efforts during the Troubles at NYU, and one of the organisers of the conference, said: “Despite initial scepticism and resistance from many, the United States played a positive and significant role in the peace process of the 1990s and continues to play an important role today. “By bringing together practitioners who were directly involved and scholars researching US involvement, this conference will enhance our understanding of the US role in the past and the potential for the US to play a positive role into the future.” Professor Mary Murphy, Director of the Irish Institute, Boston College and one of the organisers of the conference, said: “Against an increasingly volatile and polarised global political landscape, the need to harness the lessons of the Northern Ireland peace process has never been more pressing. The Irish Institute at Boston College is very pleased to partner with colleagues from across the island of Ireland on this conference exploring the impact of US-Ireland relations and peacemaking.”  Dr Peter McLoughlin, a Director of Internationalisation at Queen’s University Belfast who also helped organise the event, added that: “Even the recent challenges of Brexit have shown the continued importance of the US in preserving peace on the island of Ireland. This conference provides an ideal opportunity to review that role and to consider future relationships between the island and the US in an ever more uncertain world.” For more information or to register for the conference visit https://tinyurl.com/bddjy3jv   Ends

UrbanLab Galway, an initiative of University of Galway, has unveiled a perspective-shifting art installation in Salthill Park, Galway, as part of the Architecture on the Edge festival. Samhlú Salthill is a canvas which reimagines the urban space and presents a glimpse of the potential future, allowing the viewer to look out to Galway Bay and to the well-known Leisureland complex and how they might look in decades to come. The installation combines with the UrbanLab App to take the experience further, allowing visitors to unlock additional layers of change through augmented reality. Dr Patrick Collins, Director of UrbanLab Galway and lecturer in Geography at University of Galway, said: "The Samhlú Salthill installation is a combination of perspective and imagination. It uses anamorphic techniques to create stunning visual effects that change as viewers move around it. “From one angle, you might see one potential future for Salthill. But as you shift your position, the image changes to reveal alternative future visions for the area. It's a powerful metaphor for the transformative power of community-driven urban planning. “This anamorphic artwork isn't just a feast for the eyes; it's a catalyst for conversation. Thanks to the Urban Lab and our app, each image contains elements drawn from our ongoing public consultation, where we are asking people in Galway to identify locations and how they could be reimagined, redeveloped, enhanced, reopened. “As people interact with the art, they're literally seeing their community's ideas take shape before their eyes." Samhlú Salthill was strategically placed in Salthill Park, across from the well-known Leisureland complex, a space ripe for revitalisation. The project is backed by Galway City Council, Science Foundation Ireland, and University of Galway and serves as both an artistic landmark and a focal point for community discussion. Dr Collins explains: "Anyone who downloads the UrbanLab app can then use it and point their phone at the artwork, and watch as digital elements spring to life. We want people to share their reactions and ideas directly through the app. This fusion of physical art and digital interaction creates a truly unique public forum." Ends