University of Galway has celebrated the success of one its oldest ever graduates who was conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy, 77 years after being born in a mother and baby home.  Dr Mary Harney, a human rights defender and advocate, earned her PhD studying with the Irish Centre for Human Rights. Dr Harney said: “It is an absolute milestone. It’s more than that. All I have ever wanted in my life is education. To me it’s the most important thing in the world. “To achieve it at this stage - the final part of the jigsaw puzzle… I started my BA when I was 42, I am 77 now. I have come all this way. I’ve got two masters, an honorary Master in Phil and now the PhD. Now for me, I’d like to say the circle has been complete, but I think there is more. I am hungry for more but I do not know what that more is, yet. Professor Becky Whay, Interim Deputy President and Registrar of University of Galway, officiated at the conferring ceremony and said: “It is a privilege to share a stage and, on behalf of University of Galway, to bestow a doctorate on Mary Harney. She is an inspiration to all of us in the university and a remarkable symbol of the value of education.” Dr Maeve O’Rourke, Senior Lecturer in the Irish Centre for Human Rights and Dr Harney’s PhD supervisor said: “We are so proud of Mary’s achievement. She is an inspiration to all of us in the Irish Centre for Human Rights and to human rights defenders globally.” Professor Siobhán Mullally, Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at University of Galway, said: “Mary completed a brilliant PhD thesis on human rights movement lawyering, following on from a first class honours LLM degree in International Human Rights Law. Her remarkable story, and her combination of scholarship and activism, reflects the very best of what human rights education is about in today's troubled world.”             Asked whether she had any advice for survivors or advocates, Dr Harney said: “Find a support group. If there isn’t one already out there, create one. The power of meeting with disenfranchised people and becoming part of that group as opposed to being apart from it, I think that is one of the most important things. We cannot support just by waving flags and protesting. We have to get out boots on the ground and work together with the people that are going through this very traumatic time in our world and we have to have solidarity on that. We cannot do it if we are all divided.” Dr Harney’s doctoral thesis was on the topic: "Towards Best Practices in the Pedagogy of Human Rights Clinics: Movement Lawyering, its Emotional Impacts on Students and the Question of Teaching Resilience". Described by colleagues in the Irish Centre for Human Rights as the “resister in chief” and a renowned human rights activist and student, Dr Harney holds a BA in Human Ecology and an Honorary Master’s Degree in Philosophy from the College of the Atlantic in Maine, USA. She also has two postgraduate degrees from University of Galway: an MA in Irish Studies and an LLM in International Human Rights. Dr Mary Harney was born in Bessborough Mother and Baby Home, in Cork. Her inspirational life story is featured in the award winning documentary "Testimony’ (2025), which follows the lives of various Irish citizens who were incarcerated in Ireland’s notorious institutions for unmarried women and their children. Testimony was the recipient of the 2025 ICCL Human Rights Film Award. The ceremony took place at University of Galway's 2026 Summer Conferring, where more than 400 students were awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates including 105 new Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates.  Ends

Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton T.D. has today officially opened an international conference on youth participation hosted by the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at University of Galway.  The two-day event brings together stakeholders from practice, policy, research and academic communities, particularly those working in youth work, child protection and welfare, community development, and education sectors to focus on genuine power sharing with children and young people.  Galway-based Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton T.D., said: “I am delighted to open this important international conference on youth participation. Children and young people have a right to be heard and to have a meaningful role in shaping the decisions that affect their lives. This conference provides an invaluable opportunity to share ideas and learn from national and international experience on how we can move beyond consultation towards genuine partnership with young people. By empowering young people to contribute to policy, research and practice, we can build more inclusive, responsive and sustainable communities for the future.” Professor John Canavan, Chair of UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre at University of Galway, said: “The conference recognises young people as key stakeholders in a global world undergoing huge and rapid transformation – in the not distant future, they will either benefit from, or suffer the consequences of social and political choices being made now. It is critical that they are included in these decision-making processes.”  A keynote speaker at the conference, Raphael Denis, a Tanzanian youth participation practitioner at Citizens for Change, said: “Too many systems still treat young people as voices to be heard, rather than partners in shaping change. The shift we need is not just more participation, but more power; trusting young people as co-researchers and co-producers of knowledge. It’s time for this shift to be made more practical, and this conference is a step towards that direction.”  The two-day conference, under the heading - Shifting Power: New Frontiers in Youth Participation – takes place at University of Galway on June 11th and 12th.  This year’s theme reflects the growing global emphasis for children and young people to participate in decisions that affect their lives and it also recognises Ireland’s place among the leading countries on child and youth consultation and engagement, as noted by the OECD.  Among the specially curated events is “From Talk to Track”, a live music lab hosted by Kabin Crew Teens, the youth-led creative hub based in Knocknaheeny, Cork. They will deliver a live youth-led songwriting, recording, and performance process in response to the themes and insights from the conference with the aim of creatively translating conference learning, exploring themes such as power-sharing, participation, equity, inclusion, and the role of adult allies through music and collaborative creativity.  The conference will also showcase national and international experiences from a range of participation structures including youth councils, advisory groups, consultation bodies, co-produced and participatory action research initiatives across a range of educational, youth work and child welfare settings.  Participants will be invited to identify practical pathways for impact within their own professional contexts.  Key insights and participant perspectives gathered will be disseminated and used to inform future engagement with policymakers, practitioners, and other key audiences, supporting the advancement of more effective and inclusive youth participation strategies.   Ends  

 Professionals looking to future-proof their careers and explore flexible learning opportunities are invited to the annual Adult Learning information evening at University of Galway. The event will showcase a wide range of part-time and flexible study opportunities, including Microcreds and Springboard+, designed to help professionals upskill, reskill and advance their careers in today’s rapidly evolving employment market. Hosted by the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development, the information evening takes place on Wednesday, June 17th from 5.30pm-7.30pm in the Orbsen Building on the University’s south campus. One of the featured talks will explore the impact of AI on the future of work and employment trends, offering valuable insights into the changing skills landscape and emerging career opportunities. Attendees will meet course representatives and learn more about part-time courses across a range of high-demand sectors, including Business and Management, Science and Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Languages, and pre-university courses. The event will also introduce the University’s newly developed Diploma Series in Advanced Manufacturing. These interdisciplinary courses are tailored for professionals from science and engineering backgrounds, particularly those working in MedTech and engineering sectors. Focused on digitalisation, sustainability and smart manufacturing, the courses are designed to align with evolving industry needs and future workforce demands. Nuala McGuinn, Director of the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development, University of Galway, said: “As skills needs continue to evolve across many sectors, our University is committed to offering relevant, high-quality part-time courses that support lifelong learning and equip individuals and employers with the expertise needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. “This information evening provides an excellent opportunity for adult learners to explore flexible learning pathways that can help them advance their careers and respond to changing workplace demands.” The University’s growing portfolio of Micro-credentials will also be on show - short, flexible, accredited courses designed to deliver targeted, industry-relevant skills and knowledge in a focused timeframe. Developed in response to industry needs, these courses support professional development and career progression while allowing learners to balance study with work and personal commitments. An 80% fee subsidy is currently available for selected micro-credentials. Information will also be available on Springboard+ opportunities for 2026/27, including fully funded courses for unemployed learners and returners, as well as 90% funding for those currently in employment who wish to upskill. Courses are available in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Software Development, Construction, AgInnovation, Medical Technologies Regulatory Affairs, and Creative Technologies. The event is free. To register to attend and for more information visit: universityofgalway.ie/adultlearning/info_eve  Ends