Údarás Elections, 2026

Manus Biggs is a Professor in Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering, a University of Galway graduate, and a native of Galway city. He secured a lectureship at University of Galway in 2014 after completing a PhD at the University of Glasgow and postdoctoral research at Columbia University, New York. He was promoted to Professor in Biomedical Engineering in 2025.

Since 2014, he has been a funded investigator with CÚRAM, where his interdisciplinary research focuses on biomaterials, medical devices and tissue engineering. His work spans discovery-led and applied research, with a particular emphasis on the development of medtech technologies. He is also a committed teacher and oversees tissue engineering modules at undergraduate and graduate levels.

His research has been supported by competitive national and international funding awards and has resulted in more than 80 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals. He has received the University of Galway President’s Award for Research Excellence and the UK Society for Biomaterials Larry Hench Young Investigator Award.

His career at University of Galway has been shaped by a commitment to excellence in teaching, research and innovation, and by a strong belief in the University’s role as a regional, national and international leader.

Read Professor Biggs' full candidate statement here.

Watch Professor Biggs’ candidate video here.

I am a human factors psychologist and member of the discipline of primary care, and Personal Professor in the School of Medicine. I am the Research Director of the Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, and Director of the Diploma and Masters in Healthcare Simulation and Patient Safety.

My research, and teaching, are concerned with improving human performance and safety in high-risk work environments. I have carried out research in a wide range of high-risk industries (e.g. healthcare, offshore oil production), and the military (e.g. naval aviation, special forces), and taught students from many different backgrounds. I have worked in academic institutes in the UK, USA, and Ireland. I have received more than nine million euro of funding as a Principal/Co-Principal investigator and authored more than 200 publications.

Read Professor O'Connors' full candidate statement here.

Seán is Established Professor of Mechanical Engineering since Jan 2009. He was Head of Discipline of Mechanical Engineering from 2011 to 2019. Seán obtained his BE (1st) in 1989 and MEngSc in 1992 in Mechanical Engineering from University College Galway. He worked in engineering industry in Galway from 1991 to 1995. He obtained his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at University of Nottingham in 1999 and worked as Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Reader and Associate Professor at University of Nottingham till December 2008.

Seán is passionate about university teaching, research excellence, the student experience and industrial collaboration. He has been external examiner at multiple national and international universities both for undergraduate and research degrees. He is a Chartered Engineer with Engineers Ireland. He is active in research for many years with more than 200 journal papers, similar number of international conference presentations, and about €10m in research funding. He serves on numerous journal editorial boards and is Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Strain Analysis for Engineering Design (Sage). His research has won numerous awards for best journal publications and presentations at international conferences. He has co-organised numerous international research conferences and symposia. He has supervised 39 PhDs and 5 research Masters.

Read Professor Leens' full candidate statement here.

Watch Professor Leens’ candidate video here. 

Declan McGrath is Director of Research Accounts at the University of Galway, where he leads a team responsible for the financial management of externally funded research across the full post-award lifecycle. He works closely with the Bursar’s Office and the Office of the Vice-President for Research, supporting strategic decision-making, governance, and compliance across a diverse portfolio of national and European funding programmes.

Declan has extensive experience in financial management, audit, and regulatory compliance, including oversight of complex funding streams such as Horizon Europe, Research Ireland, and other national funding agencies. He has played a key role in strengthening financial controls, improving reporting processes, and driving operational efficiencies within the University’s research ecosystem. He is an active contributor to institutional initiatives, including the Research Process Improvement programme, and is committed to enhancing transparency, accountability, and service delivery across the University.

A qualified accountant, Declan brings a practical, solutions-focused approach, underpinned by strong cross-functional collaboration and a deep understanding of how the University operates.

Read Declan's full candidate statement here.

I am the Global Employability Manager at the University of Galway, Career Development Centre, where I lead the development of strategic initiatives to support both international and domestic students in accessing global career opportunities. I have worked at the University for almost five years, previously as a Placement Officer, building strong partnerships with employers and supporting students’ transition into the workplace.

I hold an MSc in Strategy, Innovation and People Management (First Class Honours), a Diploma in Human Resource Management (CIPD) and a BA in Marketing Management. My professional background spans higher education, recruitment, and over a decade in the pharmaceutical industry, where I worked in business development, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership roles.

Alongside my professional role, I contribute actively to my community. I am Chair of the AHECS International Student Community of Practice, a member of Scoil Éinde Parents’ Association, and a committee member of Knocknacarra FC. I am also involved in coaching soccer, GAA, and hockey.

My career reflects a strong commitment to people, collaboration, and creating supportive environments where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential.

Read Gráinnes' full candidate statement here.

Watch Gráinnes’ candidate video here.

Originally from India I moved to Ireland in 2008 and completed my PhD education in University of Galway.

Today, I am a Senior Technical Officer in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences at the University of Galway. I bring many years of technical knowledge gained through a combination of industry and research experience, which I now apply to supporting teaching and research activities within the University.

In my role, I work closely with students, professional support staff and academic colleagues across University services to support the operation of complex environments. This includes practical engagement with facilities, safety, and the delivery of teaching and research. My transition into a Technical Officer role has provided me with a direct understanding of how institutional decisions are experienced and how they affect staff workloads and the student learning experience.

Read Indus' full candidate statement here.

I am presently Director, Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development (CALPD) since 2013, and have previously worked in the Technological University sector (TUS). I also worked in the private sector with the European Business Innovation Network in Brussels, where I led a transnational project developing business support services for client SMEs across Europe.

I actually commenced my career as a primary school teacher and have now merged my interest in teaching and education management with my current role which is both external and internal facing.

With 25+ years’ experience in adult learning and engagement with industry, I have effectively led many inter-disciplinary teams and managed large-scale projects and budgets. I represent the University at national and international events and I am a member of a number of internal and external committees. I Chair the Board of Management of a large primary school in my area and I am an active member of the University coaching panel, having trained as an executive coach.  

Through these roles, I have gained market insights and an in-depth understanding of the needs of our University stakeholders and how we can shape the University to be a strong force regionally and beyond.

Read Nualas' full candidate statement here.

I am Sinead Wynne, I have been working in the University of Galway since 2019, prior to that I worked for the HSE, and Clare Disability Services. A proud Clare woman, mother of 3, and grandmother of 4, and avid bridge player. All of my working career has been committed to supporting colleagues and serving the community. Whether through my engagement on various committees or boards locally or nationally I have served with a commitment to serving others. Having worked in the Public Services most of my career,  I am committed to continuous improvement of the services and supporting those who work in the services.

I am a qualified mediator and counsellor skills that I use throughout my career.

Read Sineads' full candidate statement here.

Sylvia McDonagh is the School Manager in the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and works with colleagues in the School and three Disciplines to promote and develop opportunities for students to undertake study in the areas of Pharmacy, Physiology and Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

Having joined the University in 2002, Sylvia has supported students and staff through roles in HR, Exams, Research, Schools and Medical Internship.

Sylvia’s primary degree is in Commerce from University of Galway. She is a qualified Accounting Technician with a Masters in International Management and an MBA.  Sylvia contributes to the University community as a staff coach through the staff coaching initiative and other initiatives such as Leading Ireland’s Future Together (LIFT) and staff mentoring schemes.

Sylvia is a current member of the Staff Social Club organising various events such as the Staff Barbeque and Nights at the Movies, placing value on the importance of work life balance and community connections with staff.

Sylvia's love for sport drives her to support young people through coaching girls and boys across multiple age groups as well as through mentorship of other coaches to enable them to develop their skills in a supported environment, promoting positive decision making.

Read Sylvias' full candidate statement here.