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 The 8th International Universal Design Conference 2026 (UD26) will explore how Universal Design can help create a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable society. University of Galway and the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) at the National Disability Authority (NDA), will welcome almost 400 delegates from Ireland and around the world to UD26 at the Galmont Hotel, Galway from 4 to 6 November. In-person registration is now closed. Registration is available to attend some of the three-day events streamed online at the UD26 website. Recognised as an associated event of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, UD26 will bring together researchers, policymakers, educators, industry leaders, designers, practitioners, disability advocates, students and community organisations. Prominent keynote speakers include: · Inmaculada Placencia Porrero, Independent Expert on the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). · Sarah Herrlinger, Senior Director, Global Accessibility Policy & Initiatives at Apple. · Per-Olof Hedvall, Professor of Design, Mid Sweden University, and Bevica Guest Professor in Universal Design, Kolding School of Design · Valerie Fletcher, Executive Director, Institute for Human Centered Design · Igor Stefanovic, Technical Coordinator of Ethics, Culture and Social Responsibility Department at UN Tourism (World Tourism Organization). The conference theme, "Advancing an Inclusive and Sustainable World through Universal Design", reflects the growing international importance of designing environments, services, technologies, communications and policies that are accessible, usable and welcoming for everyone, regardless of age, size, ability or disability. As Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, UD26 provides an important opportunity to showcase Irish and international leadership in accessibility, inclusion and sustainable development. Over three days, delegates will participate in plenary panel discussions, scientific presentations, practical workshops, case studies, exhibitions and networking opportunities. Discussions will focus on the role of Universal Design in shaping inclusive communities, public services, education systems, workplaces, built environments and digital technologies. Dr Helen Maher, Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at University of Galway, said: “Universal Design is about inclusion by design which enables the creation of environments, services, policies and technologies to advance equality by recognising our diversity. UD26 provides a unique platform to enhance international collaboration, innovation and shared learning to continue to effect progressive change. We are delighted to welcome delegates to Galway to explore how Universal Design can support us to shape a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future for all.” Dr. Gerald Craddock, Chief Officer, Centre for Excellence in Universal Design at the NDA, said: “Advancing an inclusive and sustainable world through Universal Design is the catalyst to transform our society in a way that is welcoming, safe and celebrates the difference in each and every one of us.” Per-Olof Hedvall, Professor of Design, Mid Sweden University, and Bevica Guest Professor in Universal Design, Kolding School of Design, said: “I’m looking forward to meeting colleagues and friends to discuss new theories and practices, but most of all I hope UD26 will urge the field to keep universal designing and to keep asking: What kind of world are we building?” A conference highlight on Friday 6 November (evening) features the documentary World Premiere of Driven to Ride. The documentary tells the story of a class action case won by disabled women that is transforming Boston Public Transport. Since its establishment in 2012, the International Universal Design Conference has become a leading international forum for sharing research, policy developments, innovation and best practice. The conference is guided by the enduring principle: "Difference is the condition of everyone." Brigid (c. 450-525 AD). This principle recognises that human diversity is a universal experience and that inclusive design benefits everyone. UD26 will provide a unique platform for international collaboration and knowledge exchange, enabling participants to explore practical and innovative approaches to removing barriers and creating opportunities for full participation in society. To view the conference programme, speakers and accessibility details, visit: UD26 website Ends

University of Galway has announced a new sponsorship partnership with Supermac’s, marking a significant investment in the development of Gaelic Games at the University. The sponsorship will provide valuable support to the University's Men's Football, Ladies Football and Hurling programmes, including new playing jerseys, team kit and essential resources. The investment will help strengthen the clubs, enhance the student-athlete experience and support the continued development of Gaelic Games at the University of Galway. At the official launch, the University showcased newly designed Gaelic Games jerseys, produced by McKeever Sports, the new official kit supplier for University of Galway Gaelic Games. Founded in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, in 1978 by Pat McDonagh, Supermac’s has grown into one of Ireland’s most recognisable indigenous businesses, with a strong commitment to supporting Irish sport and the communities in which it operates. The new partnership with University of Galway represents a further extension of that commitment, supporting the next generation of players as they balance their academic studies with their sporting ambitions. Des Ryan, Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing at University of Galway, said: "We are delighted to announce this new partnership with Supermac’s. They have been tremendous supporters of Gaelic Games in Galway for many years, and it's fantastic to see that commitment now extending to our students here at University of Galway. "This sponsorship will make a real difference to our Men's Football, Ladies Football and Hurling clubs, helping us provide the resources and support our players need to develop, compete and enjoy their sport. "We are also delighted to welcome McKeever Sports as our new Gaelic Games kit supplier. The new jersey’s look fantastic, and it's great to see our clubs coming together with a strong and recognisable identity. "Our ambition is to build a Gaelic Games programme that provides opportunities for everyone, from students taking up the games for the first time to those competing at the highest level of Higher Education sport. Partnerships like these are hugely important in helping us achieve that." Pat McDonagh, Founder and Managing Director of Supermac’s, said: “Supermac’s has always been proud of its Galway roots and our longstanding association with the GAA. For more than three decades, we have been committed to supporting the development of hurling and football, and we have seen first-hand the positive impact that sport can have on individuals, teams and communities. “Our support for the GAA has always been about more than having our name on a jersey. It is about making a meaningful contribution to the development of sport, supporting the communities that have supported our business and creating opportunities for young people to participate and succeed. "We are delighted to begin this new partnership with University of Galway and support its Men's Football, Ladies Football and Hurling clubs. “University sport provides a fantastic opportunity for young players to continue developing both on and off the field while pursuing their education. This partnership is a natural extension of our longstanding commitment to the GAA, and we are pleased to play a part in supporting these students. We wish all three clubs every success in the years ahead.” The new sponsorship with Supermac’s, alongside the appointment of McKeever Sports as the University's Gaelic Games kit supplier, represents an important step in the continued development of the University's sporting programme. Ends

New research from University of Galway shows that transformative changes in farming and land use could mitigate huge risks facing Ireland’s farmers and taxpayers over the coming decades. The findings underline how current farming practices and land use patterns leave Ireland vulnerable to inevitable global shocks, including climate change impacts and trade disruptions. By making greater use of farm and food by-products, alongside ambitious climate action, circular farming could diversify revenue streams and reduce risk.   The research has been published in two new scientific articles in Nature portfolio journals. The first study published in npj – Sustainable Agriculture applies alternative solutions to evaluate land use strategies developed as part of Ireland’s Land Use Review Phase 2, a government‑led assessment that examines how Ireland’s land can best meet climate, biodiversity, food production and rural livelihood goals out to 2050. The second study published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment explored a range of future farming and land use alternatives that achieved climate neutrality by 2050 and embedded high levels of circularity – recycling biological resources to supply animal feed and bioenergy generation. Both studies illustrate the increasing costs likely to face farmers, taxpayers and consumers if difficult decisions on subsidy reform and land strategy are kicked further down the road. They also provide robust evidence for policy makers and farming stakeholders grappling with difficult decisions on how to balance apparently competing objectives for land. The research was led by Professor David Styles and Dr Daniel Henn from the Ryan Institute at University of Galway. Professor David Styles from the Ryan Institute at University of Galway, said: “Business as usual exposes Irish farmers to pollution pricing in a sustainable future, trade barriers in a regional rivalry future, and climate-change-driven productivity losses in a fossil-fuelled-growth future. More diversified farming could help insulate Irish farmers, consumers and taxpayers to this plethora of risks, whilst improving food and energy security and supporting a vibrant agri-food sector less exposed to reputational risk and trade barriers.” In his research, Professor Styles assessed five possible futures drawn from outlooks used by the global climate and economic research communities. Ambitious climate-neutral bioeconomy and alternative‑protein scenarios include: More use of home‑grown peas and pulses Refined protein extracted from grass biorefineries Low-input multifunctional bioenergy crops such as willow High levels of technology adoption More diversified land use These scenarios were found to dramatically reduce emissions while lowering exposure to future risks. Dr Henn’s alternative research scenarios included dairy specialisation, food production diversification and national food self-sufficiency. Advanced circular animal feed included refined by-products from breweries and other food industries, and insect meal produced from insects fed on food waste. Novel indicators to evaluate sustainability and resilience considered factors such as import dependency, net human-edible protein production, total land requirement for agriculture and bioenergy generation, alongside greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient losses to water. Findings showed that circular farming strategies could reduce Ireland’s exposure to future market, regulatory and climate threats - through the substitution of imported feed, food, fertiliser and fossil energy. Dr Daniel Henn, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Ryan Institute, University of Galway, said: “Increased circular agriculture is more resilient to future volatility. Embedding it within the ambitious land use strategies needed to achieve climate neutrality can create more robust, self-sustaining farming systems that are better able to cope with climate and geopolitical shocks.” Dr Colm Duffy, Research Fellow at the Ryan Institute, University of Galway, said: “Better use of Ireland’s abundant bioresources could substantially lower import demands. While this creates obvious economic benefits for society as a whole, benefits need to be translated to farmer incomes.” Both studies underline the pivotal role of diversification, and the need for long-term strategic policymaking that reconciles climate, biodiversity, food security and rural livelihood objectives for farming and downstream bioeconomy sectors, such as timber for construction and advanced biofuels for aviation and shipping. This research involved partners from Munster Technological University, the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) and Fers Ltd. Funding support was from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine. The first study published in npj – Sustainable Agriculture can be read here. The second study published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment can be read here. Ends