Researchers have found evidence that a therapeutic strategy which makes the brain work more efficiently to learn and recall memories may in fact help to target compromised brain activity in Alzheimer’s disease. The study led by University of Galway focused on nerve cells which routinely limit or restrict activity and messages being sent by the brain, rather than the more conventional approach of therapy for nerve cells which stimulate activity. Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder with clinical symptoms including diminished memory and cognitive function. It is the most prevalent cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are among the top 10 causes of death globally. The study was published in the journal Neuropharmacology and be read here. Professor Andrea Kwakowsky, Associate Professor of Pharmacology and lead researcher at the School of Medicine, University of Galway, said: “Given the ever-increasing burden of Alzheimer’s disease, the urgent need for the identification of novel targets for the development of disease-modifying therapy is clear.” The research team noted how the accumulation of Amyloid beta - protein fragment aggregates known as plaque – are a primary hallmark and suspected cause of Alzheimer’s disease. The Amyloid beta disrupts normal brain signalling and causes burn out and ultimately the death of nerve cells as it leads to the firing or over-activation of the nerve cells in the brain. This symptom of the disease is then compounded by activity in the inhibitory nerve cells, which routinely limit or restrict activity and messages, as they overcompensate for the stimulatory impact in the brain that the disease is having. The scientists highlighted that symptomatic relief from Alzheimer’s provided by these therapies which target the stimulatory nerve cells is only marginal, and the progression or underlying causes of the disease are not addressed. Professor Andrea Kwakowsky said: “Our research is looking at the possibility of a therapy which helps to restore a balance in the brain after nerve cells have reacted to Alzheimer’s. “We know, for sure, that the amino acid, GABA, is involved in many important physiological functions of the brain, including being the primary inhibiting factor for nerve cells. However, in Alzheimer’s disease, this control that it helps to exert in the brain is compromised, contributing to cognitive decline and memory impairment. “Science and medicine has shown that an increase in extracellular GABA can be triggered by the protein Amyloid beta, leading to over-activation of a specific population of GABA receptors in Alzheimer’s disease. “Our research is significant in that it demonstrates that if we block this GABA receptor activity in nerve cells we can reverse Alzheimer-like effects caused by Amyloid beta and improve cognitive performance.” The research was funded by the University of Galway Hardiman Research Scholarship, Alzheimer’s New Zealand, Freemasons New Zealand, Alzheimer’s New Zealand Charitable Trust, Aotearoa Foundation, Brain Research New Zealand, Health Research Council of New Zealand, Centre for Brain Research, the University of Auckland and the University of Otago. The team’s research is expanding on a hypothesis that has emerged in recent years, which shifts the focus of therapeutic treatment to the inhibitory side of signalling imbalance in nerve cells, suggesting that targeting the brain’s vulnerability to overstimulation-induced damage can ultimately reduce the impact and death of nerve cells. Ends

Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, T.D. has today officially launched a research report showcasing the success of CodePlus, a computing education outreach programme for girls.  The aim of CodePlus is to encourage female students in post-primary schools, especially from areas of socio-economic disadvantage, to learn more about computer science so that they can make informed decisions about pursuing studies at third level.  The CodePlus programme involves coding workshops, techtalks with female role models and site visits to industry partners.  The report shows 23,000 female post-primary students have taken part in CodePlus, with 6,450 engaged in activities and learning in 2024/25 alone.  The launch was hosted by Genesys and University of Galway, marking the programme’s success, and the vital support provided by industry partners.  Launching the report, Galway based Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, said: "CodePlus is opening doors for young women across the country, showing them that a future in computer science is not only possible, but within reach. The findings published today speak for themselves. More than 23,000 students have taken part in CodePlus to date, with more than 6,400 engaging in the last academic year alone. That is a powerful indicator of both demand and impact. “Programmes like CodePlus are essential if we are serious about increasing participation in STEM and building a more diverse, inclusive workforce for the future. This is about giving young women the confidence, the skills, and the visibility they need to make informed choices about their education and careers."  Professor Cornelia Connolly, University of Galway, said: “Our research presents a longitudinal study, showing the benefits of this outreach computing programme. Helping students and teachers cultivate powerful computing skills is one of the most important ways to ensure computing and digital technologies, such as AI, expands opportunity to everyone in society. We are showing Computer Science is not just a subject in school – we are showing young, educated, eager female students that there is a path for them to a career of their choice in this field.”  Key points from CodePlus report, available on https://www.codeplusireland.ie/: 3,982 female students have taken part in coding workshops as part of the initiative, including more than 700 in 2024/25 alone. 18,018 career talks given to female students by female role models. More than 1,300 female students went on company visits to learn about opportunities for a career in the sector. Female students reported improved attitudes toward technology and greater awareness of Computer Science careers, with many citing the CodePlus programme as influential in shaping their decisions about future study. The all-girl environment and female role models are important, fostering a sense of belonging and providing a supportive learning experience. Workshops were the most valuable feature - enjoyable, supportive and confidence-boosting, while learning in teams/groupwork/collaboration enhanced learning and social development. Students reported improvements in communication, presentation and creativity skills and valuable, broader transferable skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, interpersonal and leadership skills. Data from the CodePlus initiative reveals a gap between initial interest and actual uptake of Computer Science courses at third level: while more than 30% expressed intent to pursue Computer Science immediately after participation, only 17% ultimately applied for Computer Science-related courses two years later. CodePlus helped participants make informed decisions on whether or not to pursue a computing career. Analysis suggests CodePlus is effective in sparking interest but sustained engagement and broader structural factors - such as curriculum exposure, societal perceptions and career guidance - play a critical role in long-term decision-making.   CodePlus began in Trinity College Dublin in 2015. In 2020, with support from Lero, the Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland Centre for Software and funding under the Discover programme, the initiative expanded at University of Galway and University of Limerick. It aligns with policy developments happening through the Department of Education, including the new primary curriculum and Senior Cycle review.  Dr Rachel Iredale, Head of Public Engagement for Research Ireland, said: "Research Ireland is pleased to have supported the CodePlus programme and this important longitudinal evaluation, which provides clear evidence of how early and inclusive engagement can broaden participation in computer science. CodePlus has helped to ensure that more young women can see a place for themselves in computer science and the wider STEM ecosystem."  Joe Smyth, Senior Vice President of R&D and Digital at Genesys, said: “Genesys is delighted to support the CodePlus programme and its goals of creating a more inclusive workforce in the critical areas of STEM, especially computer science. As Genesys builds out its workforce in the West of Ireland, we want to ensure that everyone has opportunities to participate in the global tech industry.”  CodePlus is supported by philanthropy and industry, including Google.org, Fidelity Investments, Bank of America, and Huawei.  Ends  

University of Galway and TE Connectivity have marked their partnership with a naming ceremony of a key facility for the BioInnovate Ireland programme. The TE Connectivity Meeting Room has been unveiled as part of the Ian Quinn Centre for Health Technology Innovation on the University campus, in recognition of the company’s commitment to supporting health technology innovation, talent development and industry–academic collaboration through BioInnovate. President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn, said: “Our partnership with TE Connectivity is symbolic of how University of Galway focuses on the translation of research and innovation into real-world impact. The naming of the space in the Ian Quinn Centre is a permanent and visible reminder of the inspiration of Ian Quinn and the support of TE Connectivity for our ambition to ensure we have collaborative facilities to enable ideas to move from concept to application.” Pat Duane, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Medical, TE Connectivity, said: “At TE, we are taking an active role in the creation of a strong pipeline of innovators and engineers ready to take the helm at companies like ours in the future. We support BioInnovate Ireland, and programmes like it all around the world, to inspire the next generation.”   Dr Sinead Walsh, Programme Director at BioInnovate Ireland, said: “Dedicated innovation spaces matter. The TE Room will be a place where BioInnovate fellows and partners can work together, challenge assumptions and progress ideas. It also reflects the strength of our relationship with TE Connectivity, and the importance of sustained university–industry collaboration for the region.” The Ian Quinn Centre for Health Technology Innovation was officially launched at University of Galway in May 2024 in honour of the late Ian Quinn who was central in establishing Galway as a global medtech hub. Ian Quinn was a visionary in medical device design and innovation. Having witnessed the decline of the IT hardware industry and other industries in Ireland, he set about ensuring that the medical device industry would not suffer the same fate. Ian Quinn founded Creganna with his brother Niall, which went on to become TE Connectivity following its acquisition in 2016. The TE Connectivity Meeting Room will be used by BioInnovate Fellows, alumni, clinicians, researchers and industry partners as a dedicated environment for collaboration, ideation and project development. The naming of the space reflects TE Connectivity’s continued engagement with BioInnovate through mentorship, site visits and knowledge exchange, and its broader support for innovation-led growth within the medtech sector. Ian Quinn was a driving force behind the establishment of BioInnovate Ireland in 2011, bringing the BioDesign model to Ireland in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and University of Galway. It is Europe's only affiliate of Stanford Biodesign and Ireland’s national healthcare device innovation training programme. Over the last 15 years it has played a central role in strengthening Ireland’s medtech ecosystem. The programme has trained 170 Fellows and led to the creation of 35 companies, 24 of which are alumni-led high potential start-ups. The Ian Quinn Centre for Health Technology Innovation builds on this success by providing co-working space, mentorship and global connections for emerging health technology ventures, while also serving as a hub where industry, clinicians and campus-based innovators can come together to accelerate the development of new solutions. BioInnovate Ireland is supported under the Innovators’ Initiative Programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021–2027. Ends