News Archive

Publication sets out actions for Ireland to achieve membership of BBMRI-ERIC – one of Europe’s largest research infrastructures A research team at University of Galway has led the development of a roadmap which charts the path for Ireland to join the European research infrastructure for biobanking and biomolecular resources. The new publication, A Roadmap Towards Ireland’s Membership of BBMRI-ERIC, was developed by a multidisciplinary team led by University of Galway on joining the Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure - European Research Infrastructure Consortium. The roadmap reflects a growing national consensus that joining BBMRI-ERIC is essential for advancing health research and delivering long-term benefits for patients and society. BBMRI-ERIC facilitates access to nearly 500 biobanks across Europe, enabling collaborative, high-impact research. Biobanking enables the collection and storage of biological samples and health data from patients and volunteers for future research. It underpins the development of new diagnostics and treatments for diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular conditions and neurodegenerative disorders. In September 2024, the BioBANC Symposium III took place at University of Galway, involving stakeholders from academia, healthcare, patient advocacy and industry where strong support was expressed for Ireland to become a BBMRI-ERIC member. The symposium underlined the urgency of integrating biobanking into Ireland’s national healthcare system, to create a sustainable infrastructure for future health research and innovation. Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “This roadmap reflects the kind of leadership and collaboration that defines University of Galway’s role in national and European research. I want to thank our colleagues for driving this strategic vision forward - placing Ireland in a position to realise the full potential of biobanking for public good. Securing BBMRI-ERIC membership is a national opportunity. It requires collective commitment across government, healthcare, research and patient communities, and we strongly support a positive outcome for all involved.” Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the Health Service Executive, said: "Biobanking is a critical research tool which helps us understand illness and the different ways in which people respond to illness. Collaboration with BBMRI-ERIC will enhance the power of biobanking through collaboration and pooling of knowledge.” Dr Sonja Khan, Head of Education at the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, and Programme Director for the MSc Clinical Research at University of Galway said: “As biobanks continue to evolve, they are playing an increasingly critical role in advancing healthcare and addressing some of the world’s most pressing health challenges. This evolution is bringing changes in the relationship between biobanks and the biological samples and data they are entrusted to preserve by patients and participants. The Irish biobanking community is advocating that these changes are best navigated in alignment with our European partners through membership of BBMRI-ERIC.” Dr Avril Kennan, chief executive of Health Research Charities Ireland, said: “If we are serious about delivering truly patient-centered care, then research must be embedded as a core function of our health and social care system. Patients want to contribute to improvements - not just for themselves, but for others. By building research into routine care, we can turn every patient interaction into an opportunity to learn, to improve, and to innovate. The policy direction is clear; now we need collective commitment across the system to make it happen.” BBMRI-ERIC is headquartered in Graz, Austria, providing a harmonised framework for data quality, ethical and legal compliance, and responsible access to biological materials -accelerating scientific discovery while ensuring public trust. The report emphasises that a national biobanking infrastructure will require dedicated infrastructure funding, legislative backing, and stronger public awareness. Key Recommendations from the Roadmap Join BBMRI-ERIC: Position Ireland as a full member of the European biobanking network. Integrate biobanking into the health system: Embed biobanking in national healthcare policies to support ongoing research. Secure infrastructure funding: Move beyond short-term grants to a sustainable funding model. Strengthen public and political understanding: Launch awareness campaigns to enhance trust and transparency. Create a national biobanking node: Coordinate efforts and standardise best practices across the country. A federated and coordinated national approach will be essential, aligning Ireland’s biobanking capabilities with international standards while allowing regional strengths to flourish. The roadmap outlines the need to establish a national node to support integration, governance, and stakeholder collaboration. Professor Jens K. Habermann, Director General of BBMRI-ERIC, said: “Ireland’s membership will unlock the potential of biobanking and biomolecular resources to inspire the best research for the benefit of patients, the public, and the planet.” Billy McCann, patient advocate and member of the National Biobanking Working Group, said: “When you’re going through illness, so much is out of your control. But choosing to contribute to a biobank gives that experience meaning. You’re not just giving samples - you’re giving future researchers a key to unlock answers we don’t have yet. It’s a deeply personal decision, but it’s also a powerful act of hope - for yourself, for your family, and for people you’ll never meet. You’re part of something bigger than your own diagnosis.” The report is available at https://doi.org/10.12688/hrbopenres.14089.1 Ends    

Bhí searmanais Bronnta Céime an tSamhraidh ar siúl inniu in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, agus rinneadh comóradh ar éachtaí acadúla suntasacha na gcéadta mac léinn agus a dteaghlaigh. Bronnadh céim ar bhreis is 400 mac léinn le linn na searmanas, lena n-áirítear 92 mac léinn ar bronnadh Dochtúireacht san Fhealsúnacht (PhD) orthu. Ar an ngrúpa is mó a bhí i láthair bhí an 187 dochtúir ar bronnadh Baitsiléir Onóracha Leighis, Baitsiléir Máinliachta agus Baitsiléir Cnáimhseachais (MB, BCh, BAO) orthu.  Le linn an tsearmanais bronnta, bhronn Coláiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte 15 Bhonn don Bhliain Deiridh Leighis ar 12 chéimí. Fuair céimí amháin, an Dr Anmol Mahesh ó Chluain Meala, Co. Thiobraid Árann, 5 bhonn mar aitheantas ar a fheabhas a d’éirigh leis go hacadúil.               Dúirt Uachtarán Eatramhach Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Peter McHugh: "In Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, táimid an-bhródúil as bheith mar chuid d’aistear gach mac léinn, ag tacú lena bhforbairt agus ag ceiliúradh a gcuid éachtaí. Cuireann ár gcuid mac léinn tús le haistear nua anois, agus táim ag tnúth leis an tionchar dearfach a bheidh acu ina réimsí roghnaithe a fheiceáil."   Críoch

University of Galway hosted its Summer Conferring ceremonies today, marking a significant academic milestone for hundreds of students and their families.  More than 400 students were awarded their degrees during the ceremonies, including 92 who were conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).  The largest cohort to graduate during today’s ceremonies was the 187 doctors who received their Honours Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Obstetrics (MB, BCh, BAO) degree.   During the conferring ceremony, 12 graduates were awarded a total of 15 Final Medical Medals by the University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.  One graduate, Dr Anmol Mahesh from Clonmel, Co Tipperary, received 5 medals in recognition of his outstanding academic performance.               Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “At University of Galway, we take great pride in being part of each student’s journey, supporting their growth and celebrating their success. Graduation is not just an end, but the beginning of what our students can and will go on to achieve, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in their chosen fields."  Ends  

Ag an tráthnóna eolais bliantúil d’fhoghlaimeoirí fásta, tabharfaidh Ollscoil na Gaillimhe eolas faoi shraith nua cúrsaí, Sraith nua Dioplómaí le hArd-déantúsaíocht san áireamh, a thacóidh le daoine atá ag iarraidh cur lena gcuid scileanna le freastal ar riachtanais an tionscail atá ag athrú i rith an ama.  Beidh an tráthnóna eolais ar siúl ó 5.30-7.30pm, Dé Céadaoin, an 18 Meitheamh san Áras Bitheolaíochta Daonna ar an gcampas.  Ionad Foghlama agus Forbartha Gairmiúla d’Aosaigh na hOllscoile atá ag reáchtáil na hócáide. Cuirfear béim ag an tráthnóna eolais ar raon leathan cúrsaí gearra solúbtha agus roghanna staidéir fhadtéarmaigh, atá á gcur ar fáil chun freastal ar riachtanais foghlama daoine gairmiúla, lucht cuardaithe poist, agus daoine atá ag filleadh ar an obair.  I measc na gcúrsaí páirtaimseartha a bheidh ar fáil i mbliain acadúil 2025/26 beidh cúrsaí Springboard+ atá maoinithe go hiomlán dóibh siúd atá dífhostaithe nó ag filleadh ar an obair, agus cúrsaí a bhfuil maoiniú 90% ar fáil dóibh do dhaoine atá fostaithe ach ar mian leo cur lena gcuid scileanna, mar aon le cúrsaí a gcuirtear maoiniú ar fáil dóibh trínár gcomhpháirtithe Skillnet.  Is cúrsaí idirdhisciplíneacha an tSraith Dioplómaí nua le hArd-déantúsaíocht atá curtha in oiriúint do lucht gairmiúil a bhfuil cúlra eolaíochta agus innealtóireachta acu, go háirithe iad siúd atá ag plé le teicneolaíocht leighis agus le dearadh déantúsaíochta. Tá béim sna cúrsaí ar dhigitiú, ar inbhuanaitheacht agus ar dhéantúsaíocht chliste, agus tá siad ag teacht leis na riachtanais reatha agus leis na riachtanais nua atá ag teacht chun cinn sa tionscal.  Deis atá san imeacht seo do dhaoine ar spéis leo a bheith ina mic léinn bualadh le hionadaithe ó chúrsaí páirtaimseartha na hOllscoile i réimsí éagsúla amhail Gnó agus Bainistíocht, an Eolaíocht agus an Teicneolaíocht, Teangacha, na Dána agus na Daonnachtaí, Oideachas Pobail, agus ó chúrsaí réamhollscoile chomh maith.  Bhí an méid seo le rá ag Nuala McGuinn, Stiúrthóir an Ionaid Foghlama agus Forbartha Gairmiúla d’Aosaigh in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Tuigimid go mbíonn cúraimí oibre agus teaghlaigh ar ár bhfoghlaimeoirí fásta agus tá conairí foghlama solúbtha cruthaithe againn ó chúrsaí micridhintiúr go cúrsaí máistreachta dóibh siúd atá ag iarraidh modúl gearr creidiúnaithe a dhéanamh nó dul ar aghaidh chuig cúrsa níos fadtéarmaí. Is iomaí cor i gcosán na foghlama. Teastaíonn deiseanna ó dhaoine fásta le páirt a ghlacadh agus páirt a ghlacadh an athuair san fhoghlaim ag gach céim dá saol gairmiúil ionas go mbeidh a gcuid scileanna ag teacht le riachtanais reatha an ionaid oibre. Sa domhan seo atá ag síorathrú, tá sé tábhachtach go mbeadh ár gcóras oideachais in ann freagairt do na hathruithe sin.”  Tabharfar deis dóibh sin a bheidh i láthair freastal ar chainteanna faoi chúrsaí páirtaimseartha agus faoi chúrsaí micridhintiúr, léargas a fháil ar Leibhéil NFQ, agus eolas a fháil faoin bpróiseas Aitheantais Réamhfhoghlama agus faoin mbealach ar féidir é sin a úsáid chun cáiliú le haghaidh staidéir. Chomh maith leis sin, déanfaidh an fhoireann acadúil cur i láthair faoi na cúrsaí nua Ard-déantúsaíochta agus tabharfaidh siad léargas ar an BA ceithre bliana i gCúram Sóisialta.  Le tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoin tráthnóna eolais nó le clárú, tabhair cuairt ar universityofgalway.ie/adultlearning/info_eve   Críoch  

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

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

Legal experts from around the world are to take part in a conference at University of Galway which aims to explore the options for conducting trials for terrorism and organised crime in Ireland. The two-day event - entitled Replacing the Offences Against the State Acts: The challenge of jury trials for terrorism and organised crime - will hear from legal academics and leading barristers from Ireland, the US, Australia and the UK. It is being hosted by University of Galway’s School of Law in association with Birmingham Law School on February 16th and 17th. Professor Donncha O’Connell, who was member of the Independent Review Group on the Offences Against the State Acts chaired by retired Court of Appeal Judge Michael Peart, which reported in June 2023, said: “Following on from the work of the Review Group – which published a majority and minority report but was unanimous in recommending repeal and replacement of the Offences Against the State Acts – this conference aims to explore the options open to Ireland when conducting trials for terrorism and organised crime, bearing in mind the priority attached to the right to trial by jury under the Irish Constitution.  “We hope to draw on the comparative expertise of academics and practitioners and relevant international standards in considering the likely shape of legislation to replace the Offences Against the State Acts at some stage in the future.” The conference will have a keynote address from Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin MRIA KC, Regents Professor and Robina Chair in Law, Public Policy & Society at the University of Minnesota and Professor of Law at Queen’s University Belfast.  Professor Ní Aoláin, who has just completed her mandate as UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism, is a member of the International Commission of Jurists and was made an honorary King’s Counsel in recognition of her outstanding work. The conference will also hear from leading criminal barristers in Ireland and Scotland - Brendan Grehan SC, Alice Harrison BL and Ronnie Renucci KC - in a session focused on practitioner perspectives chaired by Supreme Court judge, Ms Justice Iseult O’Malley.  Mr Grehan - a graduate of University of Galway - has defended and prosecuted in the Special Criminal Court, most recently acting as defence counsel for Gerard Hutch who was acquitted of murder following the notorious Regency Hotel gun attack in 2016.  Ends

Professor Fidelma Dunne appointed Interim Director and John Kilmartin as Adjunct Professor   World-leading research academic Professor Fidelma Dunne has been appointed Interim Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway. Professor Dunne has an extensive background in clinical trial management and is ranked number 1 in Ireland and number 6 in the world for her research into gestational diabetes. The University has also announced John Kilmartin, former Vice-President of Regulatory Affairs at Medtronic and an independent medtech regulatory expert, joins the Institute for Clinical Trials as Adjunct Professor.  Mr Kilmartin has more than 30 years’ experience in the medtech industry, with a particular focus on the emerging regulatory and clinical frameworks in Europe. Professor Martin O’Donnell, Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and Consultant Geriatrician at Saolta University Health Care Group, said: “We are honoured to have both Professor Fidelma Dunne and Mr John Kilmartin join the Institute for Clinical Trials. Their combined expertise in clinical trials, medical research and regulatory affairs will significantly contribute to our mission of advancing impactful clinical research. They will help to advance our clinical research goals and will make meaningful contributions to healthcare outcomes.” Professor Dunne said: “Clinical trials in new medicines and devices are vital to improving the health of people living in Ireland and worldwide. Improving health also has economic and societal benefits. Engaging in clinical trials allows patients in Ireland to receive new medicines and devices early. We have a track record of designing and delivering impactful clinical trials at University of Galway and I am delighted to lead the Institute for Clinical Trials which will have a pivotal role in further enhancing the clinical research landscape in Ireland.” Mr Kilmartin said: “The medtech industry is of huge importance to Ireland and Europe for the benefit of our patients, health systems and society. I believe that the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway can play a key role in helping to support innovation in medtech by strategically targeting barriers within the Irish ecosystem. It aims to strengthen and further promote growth in the medtech sector, expand treatment options for patients and ultimately contribute to the advancement of healthcare on a broader scale." Bios Professor Fidelma Dunne is the immediate past President of the International Association Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Groups and President of the Irish Endocrine Society (2021-2024). Professor Dunne has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing research and improving outcomes in the critical area of diabetes and pregnancy.  Her research interests, focused on diabetes and pregnancy, have resulted in an impressive portfolio of over 240 peer-reviewed publications, 12,000 citations, and significant grant funding.  Professor Dunne was honoured with the Jorgen Pedersen award in 2021 for her exceptional work in Diabetes in Pregnancy. She is the Principal Investigator of the EMERGE randomised controlled trial, funded by the Health Research Board, with ground-breaking results published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in October 2023 which showed that the drug metformin provided a safe and effective way to treat gestational diabetes. John Kilmartin has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the medtech industry, having led global regulatory teams in the development and implementation of clinical and regulatory strategies for various medical devices and drug/device combination products. He is actively involved with various medtech industry associations, including MedTech Europe and the Irish MedTech Association (IMA), where he served as the Chair of the IMA Regulatory Steering Committee for a number of years.  Mr Kilmartin has a strong focus on the evolving regulatory and clinical frameworks around the world, having collaborated with regulatory agencies such as FDA, European Notified Bodies, Competent authorities and other international regulators. Mr Kilmartin’s areas of interest and focus include the development of the next generation of Regulatory and Clinical Affairs professionals, creating co-operative links between third-level institutions, the medtech industry, regulatory authorities, and government agencies to ensure that the medtech ecosystem continues to thrive in Ireland and in Europe.  Ends

University of Galway’s 2024 Postgraduate Open Day will focus on opportunities to improve employability and increase earning potential with a comprehensive insight of study options on offer. The Postgraduate Open Day will take place on Tuesday February 6, 2024 from 12pm-3pm in the Bailey Allen Hall. The event will showcase the suite of full-time and part-time postgraduate programmes available at the University, including taught and research masters, as well as doctoral research options.  Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the latest employability and industry trends, scholarship and funding opportunities, as well as tips on making a successful application. As part of University of Galway’s strategic focus on recognising excellence and success, all EU postgraduate students with a first class honours in their undergraduate degree are eligible to apply for a €1,500 scholarship towards their taught Masters at the University in 2024. Sarah Geraghty, Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach at University of Galway, said: “A postgraduate qualification is an investment in your career. We especially encourage visitors to explore the opportunities to improve their employability by expanding their knowledge, skills and expertise in their field. Insights from industry continuously demonstrate the significant financial value of a postgraduate qualification in the starting salary after graduation, and importantly it’s a benefit that can be realised right throughout the lifetime of a career.” University of Galway introduces new innovative postgraduate programmes annually, many of which are unique offerings and designed to meet industry needs and market-demand.  Recently announced new programmes include MSc Fintech (Economics and Financial Technology) welcoming applications from graduates of business, economics and finance degrees, or computer science and engineering graduates with a background in economics, and a relaunch of the MSc (Management and Sustainability) designed to shape future business leaders who will drive positive change, contribute to responsible business practices, and make a lasting impact on the world.  The School of Law has launched a new LLM in Criminology, Criminal Justice and Human Rights leading to possibilities in national, regional and international criminal justice agencies, NGOs, inter-governmental organisations and courts. The upcoming event is also an opportunity to explore the expanding range of flexible, part-time and online learning programmes designed for learners who are returning to study, pivoting their career to a new industry to upskilling in their current job. Bookings are now open for the event and visitors and book their place at https://universityofgalway.ie/choose-postgrad/ Ends

Díreofar ar dheiseanna chun infhostaitheacht a fheabhsú agus a chuirfidh ar chumas an fhostaí tuilleadh airgid a dhéanamh ag Lá Oscailte Iarchéime 2024 Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, áit a mbeidh léargas cuimsitheach ar na roghanna staidéir atá á dtairiscint. Beidh an Lá Oscailte Iarchéime ar siúl i Halla Bailey Allen Dé Máirt, an 6 Feabhra 2024 ó 12pm-3pm. Beidh eolas le fáil faoi na cláir iarchéime lánaimseartha agus pháirtaimseartha atá á dtairiscint ag an Ollscoil, lena n-áirítear máistreachtaí múinte agus taighde, chomh maith le roghanna taighde dochtúireachta. Tabharfar deis do chuairteoirí iniúchadh a dhéanamh ar na treochtaí fostaíochta agus tionscail is déanaí, ar dheiseanna scoláireachta agus maoinithe, chomh maith le comhairle a fháil faoin gcaoi iarratas rathúil a dhéanamh. Mar chuid d’fhócas straitéiseach Ollscoil na Gaillimhe maidir le haitheantas a thabhairt don tsárfheidhmíocht agus do rathúlacht, tá gach mac léinn iarchéime de chuid an AE a bhfuil céadonóracha bainte amach aige nó aici ina f(h)ochéim i dteideal cur isteach ar scoláireacht €1,500 i dtreo cúrsa Máistreachta múinte san Ollscoil in 2024. Bhí an méid seo le rá ag Sarah Geraghty, Stiúrthóir Earcaíochta Mac Léinn agus For-rochtana in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Is infheistíocht i do ghairm bheatha í cáilíocht iarchéime. Molaimid do chuairteoirí iad féin a chur ar an eolas faoi na deiseanna atá ann iad féin a dhéanamh níos infhostaithe trí chur lena gcuid scileanna agus saineolais ina réimse oibre féin. Tagann fianaise ón saol oibre go leanúnach gurbh fhiú go mór don fhostaí cáilíocht iarchéime a bheith aige nó aici nuair atá an tuarastal tosaigh á ríomh i ndiaidh na céime, agus leantar leis an mbuntáiste sin i rith shaol gairmiúil an fhostaí.” Cuireann Ollscoil na Gaillimhe tús le cláir iarchéime nuálaíocha gach bliain, ar cláir foghlama uathúla go leor acu agus iad deartha go sainiúil chun freastal ar riachtanais an ionaid oibre agus ar a bhfuil á éileamh ag an margadh. I measc na gclár nua atá fógartha le déanaí tá an MSc Teicneolaíocht Airgeadais (Eacnamaíocht agus Teicneolaíocht Airgeadais) a bheadh feiliúnach dóibh siúd a bhfuil céim acu i ngnó, eacnamaíocht nó airgeadas, nó céimithe ríomheolaíochta nó innealtóireachta a bhfuil cúlra san eacnamaíocht acu, agus tá an MSc (Bainistíocht agus Inbhuanaitheacht) seolta an athuair, ar clár é a bhfuil sé d’aidhm aige ceannairí gnó a sholáthar a spreagfaidh athruithe chun feabhais, a chuirfidh le cleachtais ghnó fhreagracha agus a mbeidh tionchar buan acu ar an domhan. Tá LLM nua seolta ag Scoil an Dlí sa Choireolaíocht, sa Cheartas Coiriúil agus i gCearta an Duine as a dtiocfaidh féidearthachtaí i ngníomhaireachtaí ceartais choiriúil ag an leibhéal náisiúnta, réigiúnach agus idirnáisiúnta, chomh maith le heagraíochtaí neamhrialtasacha, eagraíochtaí idir-rialtasacha agus sna cúirteanna dlí. Deis atá sa lá oscailte seo chomh maith tuilleadh a fhoghlaim faoin raon clár solúbtha, páirtaimseartha agus ar líne a dearadh d’fhoghlaimeoirí atá ag filleadh ar an staidéar nó ag féachaint le hathrú gairme nó le scileanna breise a shealbhú a rachaidh chun tairbhe leo ina bpost reatha. Is féidir leo siúd ar spéis leo freastal ar an imeacht seo áirithint a dhéanamh anois ag https://universityofgalway.ie/choose-postgrad/ Críoch

One of the world’s foremost experts on genocide, Professor William Schabas, will deliver a public lecture at the University on how the international legal system addresses racism and racial discrimination. The lecture will be given in the Aula Maxima, in the Quadrangle, on Wednesday January 31, at 4pm. Professor Schabas is the former director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at University of Galway. He is the author of numerous works on human rights, international crimes and genocide and he is currently based at Middlesex University.  Professor Schabas has appeared before the International Court of Justice and was formerly appointed to a UN commission of inquiry on Gaza. Organised by the Irish Centre for Human Rights in the School of Law, the lecture will see Professor Schabas discuss how the international legal system addresses racism and racial discrimination, drawing on his new book The International Legal Order’s Colour Line.   Professor Shane Darcy, Deputy Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, said: “We are delighted to host this lecture at a crucial time for the protection of human rights. With atrocities continuing in Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere, and with international law itself in jeopardy, Professor Schabas’ insights on the strengths and weakness of the international legal system in this domain will prove invaluable.” Professor William Schabas’ new book The International Legal Order's Colour Line (Oxford University Press, 2023) narrates how prior to the 20th century, international law was predominantly written by and for the “civilised nations” of the white Global North. It justified doctrines of racial inequality and effectively drew a colour line that excluded citizens of the Global South and persons of African descent from participating in international law-making while subjecting them to colonialism and the slave trade. The book charts the development of regulation on racism and racial discrimination at the international level, principally within the UN. Most notably, it outlines how these themes gained traction once the Global South gained more participation in international law-making after the First World War. It challenges the narrative that human rights are a creation of the Global North by focussing on the decisive contributions that countries of the Global South and people of colour made to anchor anti-racism in international law. The lecture is open to the public. Ends

University of Galway has heralded the appointment of Professor Michael O’Flaherty as Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe.   Professor O’Flaherty is a renowned human rights expert and previously held the position of Established Professor of Human Rights Law and Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the University.    He has had a long and distinguished career with the United Nations spanning 18 years, including setting up human rights field operations in conflict-affected states such as Sierra Leone and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as serving as a member of the UN Human Rights Committee.   Professor O’Flaherty was also Chief Commissioner the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, an institution set up under the auspices of the Good Friday Agreement. Most recently, he served as Director of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency from 2015-2023.   Originally from Galway, he was elected to the position of Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe by vote in the Council’s Parliamentary Assembly in Strasbourg.   President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, paid tribute to Professor O’Flaherty following the announcement of his appointment: “Professor O’Flaherty has an internationally respected reputation for dedication to human rights and leadership in the field both on the island of Ireland but also in Europe and around the world. On behalf of University of Galway, I wish to extend congratulations. The ideals and principles which Professor O’Flaherty has pursued and promoted throughout his career are under considerable strain in Europe and it is these qualities that will be at the core of his work in the coming years.”   Professor Siobhán Mullally, Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the University, said: “On behalf of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, I am delighted to congratulate Professor Michael O’Flaherty on his election as Council of Europe Commissioner of Human Rights.  Michael is an outstanding human rights lawyer and advocate, and distinguished academic. As the former Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, he helped to build the Centre’s global reputation for human rights research, teaching and international engagement. His election comes at a challenging time for human rights protection in Europe and globally, as core values of democracy, equality and solidarity are under threat. Michael has prioritised the defence of democracy, protection of the rights of minorities, and vindication of the rights of the Ukrainian people. We look forward to supporting this critical and urgent work and wish him every success.”    Professor O’Flaherty will take up the position of Commissioner on 1 April 2024 for a six year term.   The Council of Europe was founded in 1949 as an international organisation dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law across Europe. The Council comprises 46 member states, including Ireland as a founding member.   The Commissioner for Human Rights was established by the Council of Europe in 1999 with a mandate to promote awareness of and respect for human rights across the 46 members states.   Ends

Academics at the Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC) and University of Galway have played a key role on the first comprehensive report on our scientific understanding of climate change and its effects on Ireland. Ireland’s Climate Change Assessment Report (ICCA) was officially launched by Minister for the Environment, Communications, Climate and Transport Eamon Ryan T.D. at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin. The objective of the ICCA Report is to deliver a comprehensive report on our understanding of climate change; the option to respond to the challenges it poses; to identify opportunities that may arise from the planned transition to a climate neutral, biodiversity-rich, environmentally sustainable and climate resilient economy and society. ICHEC's Dr Paul Nolan, alongside Dr Liam Heaphy, and Dr Enda O'Brien worked in partnership with Professor Conor Murphy and Dr Tara Quinn of Maynooth University to research existing science and write an extended report on adaptation research and policy in Ireland. Dr Liam Heaphy, University of Galway ICHEC, said: “This has been an immense undertaking, which will serve as a reference point on climate change for Ireland, helping people to surmise the present state-of-the-art in research and policy, identify knowledge and policy gaps, and coordinate their own work with those of others.” Dr Paul Nolan, University of Galway ICHEC, said: "The assessment report delivers a first comprehensive Ireland-focused, state of scientific knowledge report on our understanding of climate change, the options to respond to the challenges it poses, and the opportunities that may arise from the planned transition to a climate neutral and climate resilient economy and society.” Also contributing to the ICCA Report from University of Galway were Dr Eugene Farrell and Dr Nessa Cronin, School of Geography, Archaeology, and Irish Studies, Dr Jurgita Ovadnevaite, Ryan Institute, Kirsten Fossum, Damien Martin, ad Dr James McGrath, School of Natural Sciences, and Clare Noone, School of Physics. Dr Farrell provided knowledge on research and policy gaps in Ireland, cross-cutting issues framing adaptation in Ireland, and practical steps required to build community involvement and participation to deliver a more climate resilient Ireland. Dr Cronin's contribution argues that culture and Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences research can help bridge the policy gap between climate ambition and climate action. She outlines how culture should be regarded as the 4th pillar of sustainability and as a core national infrastructure in accelerating transformational eco-social change. The report was funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with the research undertaken by academics at a number of institutions - University of Galway ICHEC, Maynooth University, University College Cork, Dublin City University and Trinity College Dublin. The report consists of four volumes the underlying science; climate neutrality and decarbonisation; climate resilience and adaptation; and just transitions and transformative change. Volume 3 – Being Prepared for Ireland’s Future Climate – runs to 10 chapters covering biodiversity, agriculture, forestry, land-use, coastal and inland water, settlements, heritage, critical infrastructure, health, business, and tourism. Key findings from the ICCA Report found that Ireland's climate is changing with impacts being felt both in Ireland and elsewhere and it will be the reality until excessive greenhouse gases cease and a new climate equilibrium is achieved. The report also states that although early concerted action can limit global temperatures by the end of the century, sea levels will continue to rise beyond 2100. The report also found how climate impacts interact with and intensify other environmental impacts from human activity, such as we see in our biodiversity crisis. A synthesis report and the volumes from the ICCA Report are available from the EPA's website. Ends

An international research team led by University of Galway is working in partnership with stakeholders in Vietnam to enable marginalised urban populations to be able to access healthier, more affordable and more sustainable food and diets. The EcoFoodSystems project is conducting research on city regional dietary transitions with food systems organisations and institutions in the south-east Asian country. Vietnam has a population of 99 million – half of whom now live in urban areas, including 8 million in Hanoi. It is estimated that by 2050 three quarters of the country’s population will be living in urban areas. The EU and UN funded project is specifically focused on working with partners to help improve the health of people and communities that are nutritionally marginalised as a result of their diets. EcoFoodSystems is led by Professor Charles Spillane, Director of the Ryan Institute at University of Galway, in partnership with Alliance Bioversity - The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in Vietnam and Cali, Colombia; Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands and the international NGO Rikolto in Vietnam. Professor Charles Spillane, Director of the Ryan Institute, University of Galway, said: “Vietnam has made impressive strides in food security and nutrition over the past decades. “Healthy diets lead to healthy people. But there is a challenge for all organisations in the Hanoi city region’s food system to ensure that all people, young and old, rich and poor, have access to healthy diets that are affordable, where the foods within the diet are produced and supplied with the lowest environmental impact.” “Our project aims to conduct research with partner organisations to better navigate this dietary transition to ensure that current and future generations are healthy.” EcoFoodSyetsms is funded by the European Union and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The research group held a multi-stakeholder consultation workshop in Hanoi, which brought together key representatives and experts from over 50 organisations. The event was opened by Dr Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director General, International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Vietnam who highlighted the importance of taking a foods systems approach across ministries, sectors and stakeholders. The research priorities identified at the EcoFoodSystems workshop will help to inform sustainable food systems transformations and dietary transitions in Vietnam. Mark Lundy, Co-Investigator, EcoFoodSystems project and Leader of Global Food Environments & Behaviour at the Alliance Bioversity-CIAT, said: “The Alliance of Bioversity-CIAT is excited to participate in the EcoFoodSystems project given its focus on linking sustainable, agro-ecological production systems with diverse and healthy diets for consumers. “We hope to help identify clear market signals from consumers to incentivise farmer adoption of clean production practices, for traders to improve traceability of products and retailers to ensure good access and affordability for all consumers.” Dam Trong Tuan, EcoFoodSystems partner Rikolto - Vietnam, said: “Change on a global, national and city-regional scale demands that urban food markets become more inclusive and offer value to all actors in the food chain.” “We empower farmer groups to become solid business partners and implement future-proof, sustainable practices within our urban food systems.” The EcoFoodSystem project’s activities are aligned with Vietnam’s national policies and the National Action Plan on Food System Transformation, which aims for Transparency, Responsibility, and Sustainability by 2030. Ends

University of Galway joins ÉireComposites and ORPC Ireland for successful analysis of renewable energy technology for rivers and tides University of Galway has announced successful testing of a next generation marine hydrokinetic turbine foil for renewable energy. The technology was designed by US-headquartered global leader in marine energy ORPC Ireland and fabricated by ÉireComposites, based Inverin, Co Galway.  The testing programme is part of the €3.9 million European Commission’s Horizon 2020-funded CRIMSON project and involved 1.3 million fatigue cycles on the turbine foil – the highest number ever reported on a full-scale marine energy component in dry laboratory conditions. The tests were led by the Sustainable and Resilient Structures Research Group at University of Galway, which is part of the Enterprise Ireland-supported technology centre Construct Innovate and the University’s Ryan Institute. The 5m long foil is made from high-performance, carbon fibre reinforced polymer. It is shaped similarly to an airplane wing. When placed perpendicular to river or tidal currents, the foils spin under that force and the technology sends clean, renewable energy via an underwater generator. Three of these foils combine in each of two turbines in the 80kW RivGen marine hydrokinetic energy device. The technology underwent intense stress testing in the University’s Large Structures Testing Laboratory to demonstrate its ability to withstand operational loads over its design lifetime.  Prior to completing the testing campaign, a destructive static test was performed on the foil in order to demonstrate its structural integrity at loads well in excess of what is expected during operation in the marine environment.  Dr William Finnegan, Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator of CRIMSON at the University of Galway, said: “The findings from this full-scale structural testing programme help to de-risk ORPC’s technology and give insights that can be used for structural health monitoring and inform the next generation of testing standards. The combination of such high-level design and manufacturing with University of Galway’s state-of-the-art testing will improve the reliability of river and tidal energy devices as they move closer to commercial viability.” Tomás Flanagan, Chief Executive of ÉireComposites, said: “ÉireComposites is delighted that the turbine foils we manufactured have performed so well during testing. The foils have a complex helical shape and are challenging to manufacture; they are a credit to the engineers and technicians who worked on the project. We’re delighted to see our work with ORPC Ireland, University of Galway, and the other partners coming to fruition and we’re excited about the commercial potential for marine hydrokinetic devices in delivering clean, sustainable energy. At a time when global interest is focused on achieving a net-zero emission future, it is great to be making advances in the technology that supports this global shift.” Patrick Cronin, Director of European Operations at ORPC Ireland said: “ORPC are bringing clean, predictable, emission-free tidal and river energy to markets around the globe, and this important research is helping to maximise design efficiency and minimise power system costs as global demand for underwater renewable power systems continues to be strong. We are delighted to collaborate with our Irish research partners, University of Galway and ÉireComposites, to move our next-generation power systems to market, and we look forward to the next stage of the project.” The test foil was designed by the team at ORPC Ireland and manufactured from a high-performance carbon fibre reinforced polymer by ÉireComposites, which are leading the CRIMSON Project, and incorporates recycled carbon-fibre material from Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, Germany. The next phase of the project will trial the complete turbine in operational conditions at Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche’s large towing tank in Rome, Italy.  Ends

Researchers at University of Galway have marked one year of a project designed to tackle healthcare myths and help the public to quickly and easily check the reliability of popular health claims through the online resource iHealthFacts.ie.  Using scientific evidence, such as trusted health sources and peer-reviewed studies, the research team analyses information in order to support or refute a healthcare claim. Over the last year, more than 4,500 users have visited iHealthFacts.ie; more than 150 questions have been submitted; and the researchers have assessed, answered or are analysing 60 claims about things that can improve our health. Some of the questions analysed include:  Do collagen supplements make a difference in skin ageing? Does working long hours help to prevent dementia? Do drinks containing aspartame increase the risk of cancer in the future? Does taking omega 3 or omega 6 fatty acids - either as supplements or through diet - improve brain health or cognitive function?  Do UV lamps in nail bars cause skin cancer? Does lavender improve sleep/does listening to radio, music or podcasts make a difference to sleep? iHealthFacts.ie is funded by the Health Research Board and the Health Service Executive and supported by University of Galway. Its aim is to help people to think critically about health claims and make well-informed choices.   Professor Declan Devane, Professor of Health Research Methodology, University of Galway and Principal Investigator with iHealthFacts.ie, said: “Some people find themselves overwhelmed with information, particularly information about what they can do to improve or protect their health. Increasingly, health information spreads faster and further thanks to the web, social media, instant messaging, television and radio, but unfortunately much of it is unreliable. This can lead to poorly informed choices, under- or overuse of health interventions, or treatments, and avoidable waste and human suffering. This is what we aim to tackle.” Dr Philip Crowley, GP and National Director of Strategy and Research with the HSE, said: “Providing trusted health information and advice is one of the HSE’s most important duties. People trust HSE.ie as an online source of health advice, and our healthcare teams are highly trusted by patients to share advice and information. Our work with iHealthFacts.ie aims to explore ways to tackle health misinformation circulating on social media, and to reinforce the value of getting health advice that is evidence-based, from a safe source.” Dr Paula Byrne, lead researcher with iHealthFacts.ie and post-doctoral researcher with Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland, said: “We are delighted with the level of interest from the public in iHealthFacts. Thousands of people have accessed our website and read our reviews. We hope this information helps people make informed health decisions and become more skilled in distinguishing reliable health information from that which is unreliable." Deirdre Mac Loughlin, Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) representative on iHealthFacts, said: “PPI, in partnership with iHealthFacts, facilitates informed health decisions through the wealth of lived experience it brings, thus, ensuring a high standard of relevance, rigour, and accountability. This aspect is particularly vital in the realm of publicly funded research, ensuring that the outcomes are not only scientifically robust, but also resonate with and are accountable to the community it serves." Initially set up to debunk misinformation surrounding COVID-19, the research and engagement project was relaunched in late 2022 with further suppot from the HSE and HRB to focus on more general health information and to answer some of the myths around health claims scientifically. The public can submit a question at https://ihealthfacts.ie/ and read through the findings of the research into each health question. People are urged to consider the questions and all of the analysis in full in order to get the best information in relation to healthcare claims and questions which have been analysed.  Some findings of a sample of questions analysed so far: Do UV lamps in nail bars cause skin cancer? We found very few studies about skin cancer and UV lamps in nail bars.   Some studies reported a link between UV lamps and skin cancer, but others found that there was no link. All the studies we found were either of low quality or not based on humans, so we can’t be sure of their findings or how relevant they are to the general public.  Does lavender improve sleep/does listening to radio, music or podcasts make a difference to sleep? Claims have been made that lavender oil, made from the flowers of the lavender plant, is calming and may help people sleep better.  One good quality study suggests that lavender may help women with insomnia fall asleep quicker and stay asleep. However, this study only had a small number of people in it.  Three other studies have observed improvements in sleep in people using lavender, but we are less certain of the findings of these studies. Does cycling damage men’s genitals?  Research on the relationship between cycling and circulation or nerve damage to men’s genitals is very limited.  One study found some evidence to suggest a possible link between cycling and erectile dysfunction (caused by poor circulation or nerve damage) when age and some diseases were taken into consideration. The majority of studies in this area are of low quality, so we can’t be sure of this finding.   Ends

A new research project being pioneered by University of Galway is to develop solutions to ensure the seamless delivery of regular and elective patient care in a health emergency such as a pandemic. The RAPIDE research project (Regular and Unplanned Care Adaptive Dashboard for Cross-border Emergencies) is being undertaken following the award of a €6 million grant through Horizon Europe and involves a consortium of 13 partners from Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Slovenia, Malta and Estonia.  One of the aims of the research project is to set new standards for fostering resilience and preparedness for future health emergencies, including how digital technologies can offer solutions for care in the home and outside of hospitals and clinics. Researchers will also measure the impact of delayed or unmet care during a health emergency such as a pandemic. The University of Galway team is led by Professor Máire Connolly, Established Professor of Global and Environmental Public Health at the School of Health Sciences with Professor Jim Duggan, Professor of Computer Science at the School of Computer Science. Professor Connolly said: “Our research and what we learn from the RAPIDE project will contribute to national preparedness in Ireland and it will also have an impact within the EU and at a global level.” RAPIDE’s multidisciplinary team of experts in pandemic preparedness, public health, primary care, community care, hospital planning, and computer science will analyse solutions to overcome the challenges of overwhelming patient numbers during a pandemic or health emergency. The research will look back on the COVID-19 pandemic to measure the impact of delayed or unmet care for conditions such as strokes, heart attacks, diabetes and cancer treatment. It will also assess the delivery of regular care across hospital, primary care and home-based settings.  Professor Connolly said: "During the COVID-19 pandemic regular healthcare across Europe was disrupted with long-term consequences for patients. The RAPIDE project offers a valuable opportunity to learn from this, to build in healthcare optimisation and forecasting and to create more flexible and adaptable ways to deliver healthcare. It builds on the success of PANDEM-2 project, which was all about developing systems for countries, governments and their health services to plan and prepare responses when the next pandemic hits. “The RAPIDE research will have applicability for winter surges in hospital admissions due to respiratory illnesses, including influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV as it is better known. This winter these illnesses have put hospitals under pressure with increased hospital and ICU admissions in children under 5 and adults aged 65 years and over. It is one of the aims of this project to help hospitals plan for such surges.” Professor Duggan's team will develop a cutting-edge decision support system to forecast surges in demand for patient care during health emergencies. Professor Duggan said: “Our novel technical solution will use state of the art simulation and mathematical methods to model epidemiological and patient pathways in order to evaluate flexible healthcare solutions. The goal is to help mitigate the impact of increased patient demand during pandemic emergencies. The work will be informed by stakeholder requirements and insights across different healthcare scenarios, including hospital, primary, and community care settings, and in collaboration with partners in the Netherlands, Italy, Slovenia and Malta.” RAPIDE will also research digital technologies and the impact on home-based care in rural communities, by evaluating progress made during the pandemic on remote consultations and health monitoring, electronic prescribing and health apps. It will also learn from partners in the research consortium, in particular Norway and the Netherlands, which are both very advanced in these areas.  As the project nears completion, the Global Health team at University of Galway will evaluate performance of the decision support system and hybrid-care delivery tools in a pandemic simulation exercise. Stakeholders including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Commission Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety will take part in the stress test.  Professor Connolly added: “We also acknowledge the recent establishment of Ireland’s new emerging health threats agency, as announced by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly T.D. This underscores the importance of building capacity for managing public health threats.” Ends

University of Galway has unveiled a sponsorship deal for the Hurling Club - medical device and pharmaceutical consultancy firm Trinzo. The partnership was marked at a special on-campus get-together at the Quadrangle ahead of this season’s Fitzgibbon Cup. University of Galway Hurling are the League Champions for 2023 and have made it to the final of the Fitzgibbon for the last two years, having last lifted the historic trophy in 2010. The University’s Dean of Students Professor Ciara Meehan joined Liam Turley, chief executive of Trinzo, to mark the sponsorship, along with club players Eoin Lawless, Colm Cunningham, Gavin Lee and Ian McGlynn, and club representatives Michael J O’Connor, GAA Officer, Feargal O'Callaghan, acting Director of Sports, Michael Molloy, Club Chair, Barry Murphy, Club Secretary, and Jeff Lynskey, Club Coach. University of Galway’s Dean of Students, Professor Ciara Meehan, said: “University of Galway has a great history in the Fitzgibbon and we are delighted to bring that to a partnership with Trinzo, a Galway-based company that shares our vision for excellence and community development. Sport can be such an important contributor in the growth and health of individual, and having a supportive sponsor makes a real difference. We look forward to a successful journey with Trinzo and to seeing the partnership flourish in the future as we wish all the players, staff and volunteers every success in the Fitzgibbon in 2024.” Liam Turley, chief executive of Trinzo, said: “We are delighted to sponsor the University of Galway Hurling Club and we hope that our partnership will help the hurlers and all those involved with the club to reach great heights. People are at the heart of everything we do – from our clients and their patients, to our local community. That’s why we’re proud to support University of Galway’s hurling team, promoting sport at a local and national level and giving us the chance to support students who are competing at elite level and taking to the field for University of Galway. We wish them every success.” Speaking at the get-together, Michael Molloy, Chair of University of Galway’s Hurling Club, said: “We are delighted to be able to celebrate the great sponsorship and support that we have from Liam Turley and everyone at Trinzo and we hope it will lead to many other celebrations as we head into the fierce competition of this year’s Fitzgibbon Cup.” Trinzo is a medical device and pharmaceutical consultancy firm based in Galway that solves quality, compliance, business development and product development issues to support healthcare globally. The Fitzgibbon Cup starts on January 17, 2024, with 10-time winners University of Galway drawn in Group D along with SETU Carlow and UCD. Ends

New research has revealed that using smartphones for personal purposes while at work can lead to reduced stress, as well as lower levels of conflict between work and personal life.  The study was conducted by University of Galway and University of Melbourne at the European branch of a global pharmaceutical company which underwent a transformative change in its phone policy - shifting from a restrictive approach to personal phones, to open access for non-work purposes. Led by Professor Eoin Whelan, at University of Galway’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, the research highlights the potential benefits of moderate mobile phone usage in the professional setting, with no discernible impact on worker performance. The company had originally banned personal use of phones in the 1990s for health and safety reasons, amid concerns of employees being distracted while working around dangerous chemicals.  Staff had since voiced dissatisfaction with the ban and reported feeling disconnected, while senior management felt the branch was viewed as technophobic because of the ban and that it was hampering competitiveness against other branches of the company. Prior to the study taking place, only senior management at the company could bring their personal mobile phone into the workplace.  Over the course of a year, the research tracked about 40 employees who availed of the new policy and used their personal smartphones when at work, and a similar number who maintained a self-imposed ban by leaving their phones behind them when they stepped inside the work premises.  The insights gained from the experiment were explored through qualitative interviews. The study found:  Despite fears of smartphone distraction and loss of focus, work performance did not decline when the ban was lifted Work-life conflict - the perceived conflict between the demands of work and personal life - significantly declined for workers who had access to their phones compared to those who did not Employees with access to phones reported being able to help with family issues during the day, helping to reduce pressure on their partner Spreading personal communications throughout the day also meant employees were not overwhelmed when they turned on their phone after work While previous research has primarily focused on the consequences of technology and work-related communications impacting on people outside of the workplace, this study stands out for its innovative approach in investigating the reverse scenario. The ground-breaking findings contribute to understanding of the interplay between technology and the sought-after work-life balance while also offering practical insights for organisations aiming to foster a healthier and more balanced work environment. Speaking of the findings, Professor Eoin Whelan, University of Galway J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, said: "Rather than enforcing a ban on smartphones in the workplace, our experiences in tracking the introduction of smartphones in this company suggest a more effective strategy would be to establish an organisational climate where the company expectation for smartphone behaviours are known – for example ensuring that they are not used in meetings or in the canteen, with adherence monitored by employees themselves. "Managers must realise the unintended consequences of forcing a smartphone ban. Preventing phones in the workplace can increase work-life conflict, which in turn has significant implications for work performance, job satisfaction, absenteeism, turnover intentions, as well as general wellbeing.” The research noted other studies into personal use of smartphone in the workplace, with some reports suggesting employees spent an average of 56 minutes during a working day on their smartphone for non-work related tasks, and that they check their phone an average of 150 times a day. The full paper is available to read here  Ends

Reáchtálfaidh Ionad Rochtana Ollscoil na Gaillimhe an oíche eolais bhliantúil sin a dhíreoidh ar riachtanais na mac léinn lánfhásta agus na bhfoghlaimeoirí fásta atá ag smaoineamh ar thabhairt faoi staidéar lánaimseartha nó páirtaimseartha don bhliain acadúil 2024. Beidh an oíche eolais ar siúl Dé Céadaoin, an 10 Eanáir, ó 6.30-9pm san Institiúid Cúrsa Saoil agus Sochaí, Bóthar an Chaisleáin Nua Uachtarach, Gaillimh. Tá an ócáid ceart dírithe go háirithe orthu siúd atá 23 bliain d’aois nó níos sine atá ag iarraidh tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi na roghanna staidéir atá ar fáil in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Beidh deis ag an lucht freastail deiseanna a phlé le mic léinn lánfhásta reatha agus le saineolaithe na gcúrsaí, rud a chabhróidh leo cinneadh a dhéanamh faoi na roghanna is fearr a d’oirfeadh dá gcúinsí pearsanta agus dá riachtanais forbartha gairmiúla. Bhí an méid seo le rá ag Kathleen Hartigan, Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Lánfhásta in Ionad Rochtana Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Tá a dhíograisí is a bhíonn mic léinn lánfhásta feicthe againn i gcaitheamh na mblianta, agus cuireann a ndúil san fhoghlaim go mór lenár bpobal campais. Táimid tiomanta an t-eolas atá de dhíth orthu a chur ar fáil dóibh le go mbeidh siad in ann an rogha oideachais is oiriúnaí dóibh féin a dhéanamh in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe.” Déanfaidh Ionad Forbartha Gairmeacha na hOllscoile cur i láthair faoin gcaoi conairí gairme a fhiosrú agus plean oideachais agus gairme a chur i dtoll a chéile. Bhí an méid seo le rá ag Nuala McGuinn, Stiúrthóir an Ionaid Foghlama agus Forbartha Gairmiúla d’Aosaigh, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Tabharfaidh saineolaithe san oideachas aosach ó réimsí na gcúrsaí fochéime, iarchéime agus páirtaimseartha léargas ar na cúrsaí atá ann, ar na sceidil sholúbtha agus na seirbhísí tacaíochta atá curtha in oiriúint do riachtanais na bhfoghlaimeoirí lánfhásta.” Beidh baill den Ionad Rochtana ar fáil chun ceisteanna a fhreagairt faoi chúrsaí réamh-ollscoile ar nós cúrsaí Rochtana/Bonnchúrsaí. Beidh na Seirbhísí Tacaíochta Míchumais, a bhfuil saineolas acu faoin gcaoi tacú le mic léinn a bhfuil riochtaí sláinte (fisiciúil nó meabhrach) fadtéarmach orthu, nó a bhfuil deacracht shonrach foghlama acu, i láthair chun treoir a thabhairt do mhic léinn ionchasacha.  Ní mór clárú don ócáid seo. Cláraigh anseo nó seol ríomhphost chuig maturestudents@universityofgalway.ie. Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil ag https://universityofgalway.ie/mature/. Críoch

University of Galway’s Access Centre will hold its annual information evening, focusing on the needs of mature students and adult learners who may be considering full-time or part-time studies for the 2024 academic year. The information evening will take place on Wednesday, January 10th, from 6.30-9pm in the Institute for Lifecourse and Society, Upper Newcastle Road, Galway. The in-person event is designed particularly for those aged 23 or over who want to find out more about study options at University of Galway. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss opportunities with current mature students and course experts to help them decide which options best suit their personal circumstances and professional development needs. Kathleen Hartigan, Mature Student Officer at University of Galway’s Access Centre, said: “We have seen over the years that mature students bring an enthusiasm and a motivation to learn that enriches our campus community, and we are dedicated to providing them with the necessary information to help them choose the best educational option for their needs.” The University’s Career Development Centre will deliver a presentation on exploring career pathways and how to plan education and a career journey.   Nuala McGuinn, Director at the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development, University of Galway, said: “Experts in adult education from the undergraduate, postgraduate and part-time course areas will share insights on course offerings, the flexible schedules available to students and the support services that are tailored to the needs of mature learners.” Members of the Access Centre will be available to answer questions on pre-university courses in terms of Access/Foundation courses, and staff from Disability Support Services, who have expertise in supporting students who may have a long-term health conditions (physical or mental), or a specific learning difficulty, will also be in attendance to give guidance to prospective students. Registration for this event is essential. Please register here or email maturestudents@universityofgalway.ie Further information is available at https://universityofgalway.ie/mature/.  Ends 

Professor Siobhán Mullally has been elected chair of a newly-established body supported by the United Nations to enhance the protection and promotion of human rights of refugees and asylum-seekers. The Platform of Independent Experts on Refugee Rights (PIERR) was established by a group of UN and regional independent human rights experts in December 2023 and aims to better co-ordinate joint advocacy initiatives. Professor Mullally is Director of Irish Centre for Human Rights at University of Galway and UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children. Professor Mullally, said: “The platform is being launched at a time when persecution, conflict, violence, and human rights violations, have resulted in record numbers of people displaced and forced to seek protection. “At the same time, the rights of refugees and asylum seekers are increasingly threatened by a denial of the right to seek asylum. We are witnessing increasingly punitive measures adopted by states, collective expulsions, deprivation of liberty, limited access to asylum procedures, as well as hostility and xenophobia worldwide. “Against this background, it is urgent that we work together across international and regional human rights bodies, to mobilise the full potential of international law and the promised universality of human rights protections. “I hope that this global platform will be an effective advocate for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, recognising the fundamental right to seek asylum, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and a foundation of our shared responsibility to provide a place of refuge.”  The platform is supported by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. The expert panel includes Gehad Madi, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants; Siobhán Mullally, UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children; Priya Gopalan (Chair-Rapporteur), Matthew Gillett (Vice-Chair on Communications), Ganna Yudkivska (Vice-Chair on Follow-Up), Miriam Estrada-Castillo, and Mumba Malila of the UN Working Group on arbitrary detention; Claude Heller, Chair of the UN Committee against torture; Selma Sassi-Safer, Commissioner and Special Rapporteur on refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons and migrants in Africa of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights; José Luis Caballero Ochoa, Commissioner and Rapporteur on the rights of migrants of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Ends

Three University of Galway public engagement and education outreach initiatives have been awarded funding through Science Foundation Ireland’s Discover Programme.   The projects are among 38 being supported with €5million investment announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris T.D., and Minister for Education, Norma Foley T.D. to encourage understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).   The funding will create greater public awareness of the impact of STEM on society and everyday life, generate opportunities for dialogue and encourage diversity in STEM-related disciplines.   Professor Jim Livesey, Vice-President for Research and Innovation at University of Galway, said: “Outreach and public engagement are integral to research at University of Galway and these innovative projects will help generate enthusiasm for STEM while inspiring young people to aspire to careers in the sciences. I thank Science Foundation Ireland for their continued support of these programmes and look forward to the events and activities that are planned.”   University of Galway’s funded projects include:   ReelLIFE SCIENCE ReelLIFE SCIENCE is a cross-border public engagement programme, which encourages young people and the public to discover more about STEM and its impact on individuals, society and the environment, while at the same time developing participants’ creativity, communication and digital skills.  Young people from primary schools, secondary schools and youth organisations are challenged to research a STEM topic and communicate it for the public via an engaging and educational 3-minute video. The best videos are awarded prizes of €1,000 and are screened for the public at the Galway Science and Technology Festival, at other public events, and online.  Led by Dr Enda O’Connell, ReelLIFE SCIENCE has enabled more than 23,000 young people from across the island of Ireland to directly engage with STEM in a novel way. The videos produced have had a secondary audience of over 570,000 online and at public screenings, increasing the public’s knowledge and engagement with science and technology.  Empathy Detectives The Empathy Detectives project is a collaboration between CÚRAM, the SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices hosted by University of Galway, and the University’s Ideas Lab and PPI Ignite Network, and patient representative Cameron Keighron, a member of the D1 Now Young Adult Panel, which aims to improve engagement between young adults with Type 1 Diabetes and their healthcare providers.   Led by Professor Abhay Pandit, the project will convene a patient panel to work alongside the project team to create 'empathy kits'; a series of short experiences that create empathy and understanding about the lived experience of diabetes for public audiences, with a particular focus on junior cycle students and families. These kits will be made available at Galway City Museum, through CÚRAM's public exhibit 'SUPERHUMAN' which is housed there. The kit will be co-created, tested and evaluated with a view to establishing a model for creation of further empathy kits representing chronic conditions targeted by current research at CÚRAM.    The project will deliver a series of design workshops that will incorporate the empathy kit experience and facilitate participants to use design thinking exercises to generate creative ideas and solutions for chronic illnesses. Workshop audiences will include teachers, students, researchers, patient groups and families. Key to the success of the project will be the involvement of patients, researchers and clinicians in the design of the empathy experience. The end goal of the project is to create meaningful educational resources that encourage and develop empathy alongside innovation, and that relate directly to the junior cycle science curriculum. START To Discover: Fuelling curiosity with trials and scientist interactionSTART To Discover aims to make STEM learning engaging and accessible for all primary school children in Ireland, fuelling a new generation of scientific curiosity and discovery. The project builds on two successful projects by University of Galway - the ‘START (Schools Teaching Awareness of Randomised Trials) Competition’ and the 'Meet the Scientist Webinar Series'.    The 'Meet the Scientist Webinar Series' lets children interact with real scientists, hearing about their jobs and careers, asking questions, and learning about the different paths in STEM. These webinars encourage children to see themselves in these roles, sparking curiosity and ambition.   The 'START Competition' gives children the chance to become scientists themselves. They work together to create, carry out, and report on their own science experiments, learning about how research works and experiencing the excitement of discovery.   The project team, led by Dr Sandra Galvin, aim to bring in a wider range of professionals for the webinars, providing more resources for schools participating in the competition, and finding new ways to involve and inspire more children.    Ends

Tá ainm dlíthiúil nua Ollscoil na Gaillimhe fógartha go foirmeálta anois – Ollscoil na Gaillimhe a bheidh uirthi i nGaeilge, agus University of Galway i mBéarla. Dheimhnigh an tAire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta, Simon Harris T.D., an t-athrú le hordú tar éis athbhrandáil a tharla in 2022. Tháinig éifeacht leis an ainm dlíthiúil nua Dé Céadaoin, an 21 Feabhra 2024 agus fógraíodh inniu é trína fhoilsiú in Iris Oifigiúil an Rialtais. D’fhógair Uachtarán Ionaid agus Meabhránaí Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, an tOllamh Pól Ó Dochartaigh, an t-athrú i dteachtaireacht chuig an bhfoireann: “Tá an-áthas orm a bheith in ann an nuacht a roinnt libh go bhfuil athrú tagtha ar ainm dlíthiúil na hOllscoile agus is mian liom aitheantas a thabhairt don tacaíocht a thug an tAire Harris dúinn an lá suntasach i stair agus oidhreacht na hOllscoile a bhaint amach. “Is ionann ainm dlíthiúil na hOllscoile anois agus ‘Ollscoil na Gaillimhe’ i nGaeilge, agus ‘University of Galway’ i mBéarla. Leanann ár dtiomantas mar ollscoil do phrionsabal an dátheangachais agus léiriú air sin is ea an t-ainm nua seo. Ba mhaith liom thar ceann na hOllscoile buíochas a ghabháil le gach duine a raibh baint acu leis an athrú go dtí an t-ainm nua. Aithnímid freisin iad siúd ar fad lasmuigh de phobal na hOllscoile a thacaigh lenár n-iarrachtaí féiniúlacht a bhunú atá chomh nasctha sin leis an áit ina bhfuilimid, agus a leanann leis an tacaíocht sin i gcónaí. Críoch