Thursday, 22 January 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) A new medical twinning programme has been agreed between NUI Galway, UCC and the Allianze College of Medical Sciences, Kapala Batas, in northern Malaysia. Some 120 Malaysian and other south-east Asian students will study medicine in Galway and Cork for the first two and a half years, before completing their five-year degree in Malaysia. On successful completion, students will be awarded the NUI degree of MB, BAO, BCh. The agreement will initially run for 15 consecutive years of student intake but with the potential to be extended beyond that. During the period of the agreement, other health profession programmes may be developed by mutual agreement. Up to now, NUI Galway and UCC have only accepted Malaysian students into the Irish five-year medical programme. This initiative shifts the clinical training of the students to their home country. However they will still obtain an Irish medical qualification that will be approved and accredited by the professional accrediting authorities of Ireland and Malaysia. Commenting on the agreement, Professor B.G. Loftus, Dean of NUI Galway's College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, said: "Hospital based clinical education will take place in Malaysia, which will be of huge benefit to the graduates. The students will develop their clinical skills and knowledge in the context of their own culture, traditions and health needs. We believe the new twining project has real advantages for the Irish and Malaysian parties, the students themselves, and the people of Malaysia". The twinning programme is being developed within the context of ongoing bilateral links between Ireland and Malaysia, particularly the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding between the Irish and Malaysian Ministries of Education, and the Malaysian Government s invitation in 2004 to the Irish universities with renowned medical schools to develop a campus in Malaysia. According to Dr James J. Browne, President of NUI Galway, "In NUI Galway and UCC, we welcome this opportunity to work together as a single team to deliver a programme of which both universities can be proud. In recent years, Irish universities have developed strategic partnerships in many areas of graduate education and research. We realise the importance to both governments and to the students and people of both countries that Irish education in Malaysia is seen as operating consistently and to the highest international standards and that any elements of competition are managed within the overall national interest". There are documented records of Malaysian students studying in Ireland in such subjects as Medicine, Commerce and Engineering since just after the Second World War, and increasing rapidly since Malaysian independence in 1958. In 1988, Trinity College Dublin, UCD, UCC and NUI Galway established the Irish Universities Medical Consortium with the purpose of developing Irish medical education links with Malaysia and placing them on a firmer footing. Ten years later the Penang Medical College was established by UCD and RCSI. These Irish Malaysia links in the field of medical education have to date led to somewhere in the region of 3,000 to 4,000 Malaysian doctors with Irish medical qualifications. Michael Hanna, Manager of the College of Medicine and Health at UCC, said: "There is also a global dimension to this partnership. As our countries develop in the most challenging of times, and seek to provide for the heath needs of our peoples, we can learn from each other better ways of doing things and better ways of understanding and respecting the differences between us". The aspiration is that the relationship being established with ACMS will in time come to include other health programmes and research dimensions. In this context, NUI Galway and UCC are hopeful of developing strategic links with Universiti Sans Malaysia (USM), one of the five institutions selected by the Malaysian government as the country's lead universities in teaching and research. Clár Nua Oiliúna sa Leigheas ina Chleamhnas idir Éirinn agus an Mhalaeisia (View in English) Táthar tar éis clár nua cleamhnaithe leighis a aontú idir OÉ Gaillimh, Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh agus Coláiste Eolaíochtaí Leighis Allianze, Kapala Batas, i dtuaisceart na Malaeisia. Déanfaidh thart ar 120 mac léinn de bhunadh na Malaeisia agus oirdheisceart na hÁise staidéar ar an leigheas i nGaillimh agus i gCorcaigh ar feadh na chéad dhá bhliain go leith, agus críochnóidh siad a gcéim, a mhairfidh ar feadh cúig bliana ar fad, sa Mhalaeisia. Bronnfar céim MB, BAO, BCh de chuid Ollscoil na hÉireann ar na mic léinn a n-éireoidh leo. Mairfidh an comhaontú faoina nglacfar le mic léinn gach bliain ar feadh 15 bliana as a chéile ar dtús ach féadfar cur leis ina dhiaidh sin. I rith thréimhse an chomhaontaithe, féadfar cláir ghairmiúla leighis eile a fhorbairt ach gach páirtí a bheith aontaithe faoi. Go dtí seo ní raibh OÉ Gaillimh agus Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh ach ag glacadh le mic léinn Mhalaeiseacha ar an gcúrsa leighis cúig bliana Éireannach. Faoin tionscnamh seo is ina dtír dhúchais a chuirtear an oiliúint chliniciúil ar na mic léinn. Beidh siad i dteideal cáilíocht leighis Éireannach a bhaint amach, áfach, a bheidh faofa agus creidiúnaithe ag údaráis chreidiúnaithe ghairmiúil na hÉireann agus na Malaeisia. Ag labhairt dó faoin gcomhaontú dúirt an tOllamh B.G. Loftus, Déan Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte in OÉ Gaillimh: "Is sa Mhalaeisia a chuirfear oideachas cliniciúil otharlainne orthu, rud a bheidh ina shárbhuntáiste ag na céimithe. Déanfaidh na mic léinn a gcuid scileanna cliniciúla agus a gcuid eolais chliniciúil a fhorbairt i gcomhthéacs a gcultúir, a dtraidisiún agus a riachtanas sláinte féin. Creidimid go mbainfidh comhpháirtithe na hÉireann agus na Malaeisia, na mic léinn féin agus pobal na Malaeisia fíorthairbhe as an tionscadal nua cleamhnaithe." Tá an clár cleamhnaithe á fhorbairt i gcomhthéacs na nasc déthaobhach leanúnach idir Éirinn agus an Mhalaeisia, Meamram Comhthuisceana idir Aireachtaí Oideachais na hÉireann agus na Malaeisia, go háirithe, agus i bhfianaise an chuiridh a thug Rialtas na Malaeisia in 2004 d'ollscoileanna Éireannacha a bhfuil scoileanna cáiliúla leighis acu campas a fhorbairt sa Mhalaeisia. Dúirt an Dr James J. Browne, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, "Fáiltímidne in OÉ Gaillimh agus i gColáiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh roimh an deis seo oibriú le chéile mar aon fhoireann amháin chun clár ar díol mórtais é don dá ollscoil a chur ar fáil. Le blianta beaga anuas, tá ollscoileanna Éireannacha tar éis go leor comhpháirtíochtaí straitéiseacha a fhorbairt in go leor réimsí oideachais agus taighde. Aithnímid a thábhachtaí atá sé don dá rialtas agus do mhic léinn agus do phobal an dá thír go bhfeicfí sa Mhalaeisia go bhfuil an t-oideachas Éireannach ag feidhmiú go comhsheasmhach, go bhfuiltear ag cloí leis na caighdeáin idirnáisiúnta is airde agus go ndéantar bainistiú ar aon eilimintí iomaíochta chun leasa an dá náisiún." Tá taifid dhoiciméadaithe ann de mhic léinn Mhalaeiseacha a bhí mbun staidéir in Éirinn ar ábhair amhail an Leigheas, an Tráchtáil agus an Innealtóireacht ó dheireadh an Dara Cogadh Domhanda i leith, agus mhéadaigh a líon go mór ó bhain an Mhalaeisia neamhspleáchas amach i 1958. I 1988 bhunaigh Coláiste na Tríonóide, Baile Átha Cliath, An Coláiste Ollscoile Baile Átha Cliath, Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh agus OÉ Gaillimh Comheagras Leighis Ollscoileanna na hÉireann a raibh sé de chuspóir aige naisc oideachas leighis a fhorbairt idir Éirinn agus an Mhalaeisia agus bonn níos daingne a chur faoi na naisc sin. Deich mbliana ina dhiaidh sin bhunaigh an Coláiste Ollscoile Baile Átha Cliath agus Coláiste Ríoga na Máinleá in Éirinn Coláiste Leighis Penang. Is é an toradh atá ar na naisc seo idir Éirinn agus an Mhalaeisia i réimse an oideachais leighis go dtí seo go bhfuil idir 3,000 agus 4,000 dochtúir Malaeiseach ann a bhfuil cáilíochtaí Éireannacha acu sa leigheas. Dúirt Michael Hanna, Bainisteoir Choláiste Leighis agus Sláinte Choláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh: "Tá gné dhomhanda ag baint leis an gcomhpháirtíocht seo. De réir mar atá ár dtíortha ag forbairt sa tréimhse an-dúshlánach seo, agus iad ag iarraidh freastal ar riachtanais sláinte an phobail sa dá thír, is féidir linn bealaí níos fearr a fhoghlaim óna chéile le rudaí a dhéanamh agus le tuiscint agus meas a bheith againn ar na difríochtaí atá eadrainn." Táthar ag súil go gcuimseoidh an caidreamh atáthar a bhunú leis an ACMS cláir agus gnéithe sláinte eile de réir a chéile. Sa chomhthéacs seo, tá dóchas ag OÉ Gaillimh agus ag Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh go ndéanfar naisc straitéiseacha a fhorbairt le Universiti Sans Malaysia (USM), ceann de chúig institiúid arb iad rogha rialtas na Malaeisia iad mar scoth-ollscoileanna na tíre sin sa teagasc agus sa taighde. -críoch-

Wednesday, 21 January 2009

CANCELLED - One of the world's leading experts on disability law and policy, Professor Michael Stein, is to deliver a public lecture at NUI Galway. A former classmate of US President Barack Obama's at Harvard, Professor Stein is now the Executive Director of the Harvard Project on Disability, which is a flagship project at Harvard Law School. The free public lecture will be held on Monday, 26 January at 6.30pm, in Room MY129, Áras Moyola, NUI Galway. Professor Stein's lecture will address the past and the future of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and discuss changes to the act by Congress following some negative US Supreme Court decisions. Professor Stein will also talk about further changes that might be needed to enable the US to eventually ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a treaty which President Obama has already promised to sign. The visit to NUI Galway is being hosted by the Centre for Disability Law & Policy, School of Law, NUI Galway. Its Director, Professor Gerard Quinn, comments: "Michael Stein is known the world over for his scholarship and depth of insight in the broad field of disability law. He himself has a disability, which always adds a sharp edge to his analysis. The Harvard Project on Disability is known for its work in Asia, and especially in China". Professor Quinn adds: "Michael has visited our Centre in the past, and has taught at our Summer Schools on disability law so we know him as an engaging speaker who is always eager to reach out to his audience and their own experiences. We feel privileged to host his visit and warmly anticipate his talk". Professor Stein has written extensively on American disability law. His interests include cost/benefit analysis of disability law, genetic discrimination and the law, and the concept of 'reasonable accommodation'. He was also an active delegate at the drafting of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Professor Stein recently co-authored a major report for the US National Council on Disability comparing and contrasting US law with the requirements of the convention. If you would like to attend or have any special requirements, please contact mobile +353 (0)87 6660634 or email disability@nuigalway.ie. For further details please visit the Centre for Disability Law & Policy's website at www.nuigalway.ie/cdlp/ -ends-

Tuesday, 20 January 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) Due to popular demand, a second day has been added to the annual Teddy Bear Hospital at NUI Galway, which will be visited by a record 950 children this year. The children, from 24 primary schools in the Galway region, will bring their Teddy Bears to the hospital at NUI Galway on Thursday 29, and Friday 30, January. Organised by the University's medical and health sciences students, the event is for children aged 3-7, and aims to dispel fears associated with hospitals. Over 150 students will volunteer their time to explain (with Teddy's help) how treatments, such as x-rays, work. The Sláinte Society, NUI Galway's branch of the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations, first started the event four years ago. The event organiser, fifth year medical student Donna Cummins, has been involved since its inception: "People are usually scared of the unknown, and hospitals are places that children in particular don't know a lot about. By bandaging Teddy's arm, x-raying his leg or taking a Teddy MRI, we can illustrate to children what doctors and nurses in hospitals do". Donna added: "Feedback over the years, from parents and teachers, has been overwhelmingly positive so we know the Teddy Bear Hospital really benefits the children. For us medical students, this has to be one of the highlights of the year. We get to volunteer, help out the kids, and diagnose Teddy Bear maladies. We have had so much support from students across campus, our sponsors and from the University. With the extra day this year, it will simply be double the fun". The Teddy Bear Hospital will also feature a Teddy Pharmacy, stocked with nourishing vitamin juices and other healthy treats, from sponsors Total Produce. Smyths Toys will provide lots of toys for the 'Waiting Room', which will be donated to Cope after the event. Outside the Teddy Bear Hospital, an Order of Malta Ambulance will be on show for the children. Students from various NUI Galway societies will volunteer their time for face-painting, juggling and bouncy castle activities. According to Ríona Hughes, NUI Galway Societies Officer: "The Teddy Bear Hospital is an excellent example of how student societies at NUI Galway engage with the community in exciting and creative ways. This event has gone from strength to strength each year. It is of huge benefit to our medical students and to the local schools and children who participate in this fun event". NUI Galway has 89 active societies through which students make friends, pursue their interests, learn new skills and organise events such as the Teddy Bear Hospital. NUI Galway also runs the ALIVE Programme to assist students find further volunteering opportunities with community organisations. Lá Breise á chur le hOtharlann na mBéiríní ag Mic Léinn Leighis OÉ Gaillimh (View in English) De bharr an éilimh atá uirthi, beidh Otharlann na mBéiríní in OÉ Gaillimh ar oscailt ar feadh dhá lá i mbliana. Tabharfaidh 950 páiste cuairt ar an Otharlann i mbliana, an líon is mó cuairteoirí go dtí seo. Tabharfaidh na páistí ó 24 bunscoil i gceantar na Gaillimhe a gcuid Béiríní chuig an otharlann in OÉ Gaillimh Déardaoin agus Dé hAoine, 29 agus 30 Eanáir. Is iad mic léinn leighis agus eolaíochtaí sláinte na hOllscoile a eagraíonn an ócáid do pháistí idir 3 bliana agus 7 mbliana d'aois, agus is é an aidhm atá léi an eagla a bhíonn ar pháistí dul chun na hotharlainne a ruaigeadh. Caithfidh os cionn 150 mac léinn an dá lá ag obair go deonach agus ag míniú do na páistí (le cabhair an Bhéirín) an chaoi a n-oibríonn cóir leighis, amhail x-ghathanna. D'eagraigh an Cumann Sláinte, craobh OÉ Gaillimh de Chónaidhm Idirnáisiúnta Chumainn na Mac Léinn Leighis, an t-imeacht den chéad uair ceithre bliana ó shin. Tá baint ag eagraí na hócáide, an mac léinn leighis Donna Cummins atá sa chúigiú bliain, leis an otharlann ó thús: "Bíonn eagla ar dhaoine roimh rudaí nach bhfuil taithí acu orthu, agus ní bhíonn mórán ar eolas ag páistí, go háirithe, faoi otharlanna. Cuirimidne bindealán ar sciathán an Bhéirín, tógaimid x-gha de chois an Bhéirín nó déanaimid MRI ar an mBéirín, agus ar an gcaoi sin tugaimid léiriú do na páistí ar an obair a bhíonn ar bun ag dochtúirí agus ag banaltraí sna hotharlanna". Mar aguisín leis sin, dúirt Donna: "Bhí an t-aiseolas a fuaireamar le cúpla bliain anuas ó thuismitheoirí agus ó mhúinteoirí thar a bheith dearfach, mar sin tá a fhios againn go mbaineann na páistí an-tairbhe as Otharlann na mBéiríní. Seo ceann de bhuaicphointí na bliana againne, na mic léinn leighis. Faighimid deis oibriú go deonach, cuidiú leis na páistí agus diagnóisiú a dhéanamh ar an tinneas atá ar an mBéirín. Tá an-tacaíocht faighte againn ó mhic léinn ar fud an champais, ónár n-urraitheoirí agus ón Ollscoil. Beidh lá breise ann i mbliana agus beidh a dhá oiread spraoi againn". Beidh Poitigéir Béiríní in Otharlann na mBéiríní chomh maith ina mbeidh deochanna scamhardacha vitimíní agus rudaí deasa sláintiúla eile ar fáil, ónár n-urraitheoirí Total Produce. Cuirfidh Smyths Toys go leor bréagán ar fáil don 'Seomra Feithimh', agus tabharfar do Cope iad i ndiaidh na hócáide. Beidh Otharcharr de chuid Ord Mhálta taobh amuigh d'Otharlann na mBéiríní, agus beidh cead ag na páistí cuairt a thabhairt air. Beidh péintéireacht aghaidhe agus lámhchleasaíocht ar bun go deonach ag mic léinn ó chumainn éagsúla OÉ Gaillimh, agus beidh caisleán spraoi ann chomh maith. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Ríona Hughes, Oifigeach na gCumann in OÉ Gaillimh: "Is sárshampla Otharlann na mBéiríní den bhealach ar féidir le cumainn mac léinn in OÉ Gaillimh oibriú leis an bpobal ar bhealach atá spraíúil agus cruthaitheach. Ag feabhsú atá an t-imeacht gach bliain. Baineann ár gcuid mac léinn leighis, na scoileanna agus na páistí áitiúla a bhíonn rannpháirteach san ócáid spraoi seo an-tairbhe aisti". Tá 89 cumann gníomhach ag OÉ Gaillimh ina dtugtar deis do mhic léinn aithne a chur ar chairde nua, ábhair ar spéis leo iad a shaothrú, scileanna nua a fhoghlaim agus imeachtaí ar nós Otharlann na mBéiríní a eagrú. Tá Clár ALIVE á reáchtáil ag OÉ Gaillimh chomh maith ina gcuidítear le mic léinn tuilleadh deiseanna a aimsiú chun oibriú go deonach le heagraíochtaí pobail. -críoch-

Tuesday, 20 January 2009

Innovative management, personal creativity and a global mindset are key to Ireland's economic recovery, according to a new book launched at NUI Galway. Irish Management 2.0 combines articles, case studies and management reflections into a compelling commentary on the future of management practice and business education in Ireland. Speaking at the launch, Mr Pádraig Ó Céidigh, founder and chairman CEO of Aer Arann, and Executive in Residence for the Executive MBA programme at the J.E. Cairnes School of Business at NUI Galway, said: "The world is moving and here in Ireland we have to move faster to be competitive, in order to achieve this we need to continually re-invent ourselves like those highlighted in the case studies in this book, successful brands such as CRH plc., Bulmers, O2 and even U2. I have never read a book like this, and its timely publication makes it a must-read for the business sector including entrepreneurs, education institutions and their students, to face difficult challenges in the current economic climate". Dr James Cunningham, Director of the Centre of Innovation and Structural Change (CISC) at NUI Galway, and co-editor of the book with Dr Denis Harrington of Waterford Institute of Technology, comments: "The concept of the knowledge economy has changed the management paradigm for Irish managers. As our economy shifts from an over-reliance on construction over the coming years, the key challenge for all Irish businesses will lie in fundamentally changing the way Irish managers and business do business and through international competitiveness". How will Irish businesses compete on a global scale? The answer, according to Irish Management 2.0 is through: developing the breadth and depth of managerial excellence; increasing levels of organisational flexibility; unleashing the personal innovation capacity at a firm level; and building new collaborative organisational forms that span several industries. In order to hone managerial excellence in Ireland, Irish Management 2.0 argues that there must be greater investment in managerial development at firm level; an alignment of management styles and paradigms to the knowledge economy; changes in managerial mindset, conceptualisation of organisations and competitive contexts; and significant changes in collaborations between Irish managers and business school academics, both nationally and internationally. Cunningham and Harrington argue that Ireland is at the beginning of a new management revolution - Management 2.0 - that will impact Irish business and change the manner in which organisations are managed and run. They argue that Irish management and managers need to embrace new managerial practices and to develop a new management paradigm that is centred on unleashing the personal innovation capacity at a firm level and the enabling capabilities of managers. The role of manager extends beyond that of planning, leading, organising and controlling which are core to the management function, to becoming that of an enabler rather than a doer. Moving from doing to enabling requires Management 2.0 teams to build an organisational enabling platform on two capabilities - creativity and socialisation - designed to unleash the individual personal innovation capacity of all internal and external stakeholders of the firm. These are the central themes of Irish Management 2.0. A strong national pool of managerial talent is a key competitive requirement if Ireland is to become an exemplar knowledge based economy. With respect to future development of Irish managerial talent, Cunningham and Harrington argue we have still have a long way to go if we compete effectively in global markets. With an introduction by Harvard Business Review Editor Thomas A Stewart, Irish Management 2.0 is an essential resource for practitioners, students and for anyone interested in the future of Irish business and is available from Blackhall Publishers, Dublin www.blackhallpublishing.com. Irish Management 2.0 is supported by the MBA Association of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. The Centre for Innovation and Structural Change (CISC) is an interdisciplinary research centre at NUI Galway. The key objective of CISC is to build an internationally recognised programme of research and research training on the innovation processes and policies that are fundamental to the development of a knowledge-based economy. -Ends-

Tuesday, 20 January 2009

This year's BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition saw Leaving Cert student Daniel O'Reilly of Castleblayney College, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, receive top prize in the National Science Essay Competition organised by NUI Galway. Daniel, who won a laptop, trophy and a €500 science bursary for his school, received his prizes from the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe T.D., on the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) booth at the festival. The competition, co-ordinated by the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at NUI Galway, was sponsored for the fourth consecutive year by medical device technology company Medtronic. The contest is open to all students in the senior cycle of secondary schools in the Republic of Ireland, and this year was also open to all schools in Northern Ireland. The theme for the essay competition was Boundaries of Science – is there anything we should not do? The runner-up prize of a video iPOD, trophy and €250 school science bursary went to A-level student Bobby Tang of The Royal Belfast Academical Institution Belfast. Three letters of honourable mention were also issued to: Natalie Duda of Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin; Amy Diviney of Colaiste Chraobh Abhann, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow; and Rebecca Anderson of Eureka Secondary School, Kells, Co. Meath. Presenting the prizes, Minister O'Keeffe acknowledged the enthusiasm for science shown by all the entrants, saying: "I hope we see the future generation of scientists before us today". Professor Matthew Griffin, from REMEDI, NUI Galway, thanked all the students who participated in the competition, as well as Medtronic and SFI for their work in supporting science education. Angela Duffy, Senior R&D Scientist with competition sponsor Medtronic, said: "I am delighted to see such interest in research among secondary level students. Daniel and Bobby were deserved winners". Professor Frank Gannon, Director General, SFI, said: "I congratulate the winner and runners up on their success in the REMEDI science essay competition. I hope that your success today will encourage you to consider and explore the opportunities offered by careers in science and engineering. Ireland's future economic success is dependent on attracting young people into careers in science and engineering". Professor Gannon acknowledged the Education and Outreach programmes which are ongoing at REMEDI and the other eight SFI Centres for Science Engineering and Technology (CSETs) located at universities throughout Ireland and thanked the CSETs for their continued efforts in this regard. Daniel O'Reilly's essay was selected from a top-ten shortlist by a high profile panel of judges who met at REMEDI in November 2008 to choose a winner. The judges included: Tom Kennedy, Editor of Science Spin magazine; Cormac Sheridan, freelance science journalist; Dr Dónal Ó Mathúna, Senior Lecturer in Ethics, Decision-Making and Evidence in the School of Nursing, DCU; Dr Richard Hull, Department of Philosophy, and Centre of Bioethical Research and Analysis (COBRA) at NUI Galway; and Danielle Nicholson, Outreach Officer at REMEDI, NUI Galway. The competition is organised as part of a joint REMEDI and National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science (NCBES) at NUI Galway secondary school outreach programme called Galway Regional Outreach (GRO). The aim of the competition is to hear young people's views on contemporary scientific questions and to encourage students to consider studying science in third level. REMEDI is a research institute funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) under the Centres for Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) Programme. The Institute is hosted by NUI Galway at the NCBES. -ends-

Monday, 19 January 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) NUI Galway has announced the winners of the 2009 Alumni Awards to be presented at the tenth annual Gala Banquet and Alumni Awards ceremony on Saturday, 7 March, 2009 in the Radisson SAS Hotel, Galway. The Alumni Awards recognise individual excellence and achievements among the University's more than 65,000 graduates worldwide. The awards programme boasts an impressive roll call of 57 outstanding graduates who have gone on to honour their alma mater, including, for example, Michael D. Higgins, the late Seamus Brennan, Sean O'Rourke, Professor Frank Gannon and Dr Luke Clancy. The winners of the eight alumni awards to be presented at Gala 2009: Aer Arann Alumni Award for Sports Achievement and Leadership Ciaran FitzGerald BComm 1973 International Rugby Captain and Triple Crown Winner AIB Alumni Award for Literature, Communication and the Arts Dr Brendan O'Connor BSc 1982, PhD 1985 Founder, Cois Cladaigh Choir Bank of Ireland Alumni Award for Business and Commerce Mike Higgins BComm 1982 Managing Director, CIBC Real Estate Finance Group Duais Hewlett-Packard don Ghaeilge Pádraig Ó Ceithearnaigh HDip in Education 1976 Leas-Ardstiúthóir Chomhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge Medtronic Alumni Award for Healthcare and Medical Science Professor Michael O'Brien MB, BCh, BAO 1971, BSc 1973 Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine; Chief, Department of Anatomic Pathology, Boston Medical Center NUI Galway Alumni Award for Law, Public Service and Government John Hegarty BSc 1969, PhD 1976 Provost, Trinity College Dublin Alumni Award for Engineering, IT and Mathematics Finian O'Sullivan BSc 1976 Founder and Former CEO, Burren Energy Seavite Alumni Award for Natural Science Dr Catherine Caulfield BSc 1976, HDip in Ed 1977, PhD 2008 Chief Executive – Charles River Laboratories Preclinical Services Irl. Speaking on the announcement of the Awards recipients, President of NUI Galway, Dr James J. Browne said: "I am delighted to see the excellent calibre of the NUI Galway graduates to be honoured at the Gala Banquet in March. The Gala is a key event in the University's calendar and once again showcases the University's most outstanding and excellent graduates. Through the presentation of the annual Alumni Awards Programme, we celebrate the achievements of not only the winners but many generations of students who remain connected to their alma mater. I thank the sponsor companies who, through their generosity, make the Alumni Awards possible each year". Buaiteoirí Dhuaiseanna Alumni 2009 fógartha ag OÉ Gaillimh (View in English) Tá buaiteoirí Dhuaiseanna Alumni 2009 fógartha ag OÉ Gaillimh, duaiseanna a bhronnfar ag an 10ú Mórfhéasta agus Searmanas na nDuaiseanna Alumni, Dé Sathairn, 7 Márta 2009 in Óstán an Radisson SAS, Gaillimh. Tugann na Duaiseanna Alumni aitheantas do chéimithe a bhfuil éachtaí suntasacha déanta acu as breis is 65,000 céimí de chuid na hOllscoile atá lonnaithe ar fud na cruinne. Go dtí seo tá duais alumni bronnta ar 57 céimí den scoth – céimithe a bhfuil a n-alma mater fíorbhródúil astu – Michael D. Higgins, Seamus Brennan, Sean O'Rourke, an tOllamh Frank Gannon agus an Dr Luke Clancy ina measc. Seo a leanas an t-ochtar a mbronnfar Duais Alumni orthu ag Mórfhéasta 2009: Duais Alumni Aer Arann d'Éachtaí agus do Cheannaireacht Spóirt Ciaran FitzGerald BComm 1973 Captaen Fhoireann Rugbaí Idirnáisiúnta agus Buaiteoir Chorn na dTrí Náisiún Duais Alumni AIB don Litríocht, an Chumarsáid agus na hEalaíona An Dr Brendan O'Connor BSc 1982, PhD 1985 Bunaitheoir, Cór Chois Cladaigh Duais Alumni Bhanc na hÉireann don Ghnó agus an Tráchtáil Mike Higgins BComm 1982 Stiúrthóir Bainistíochta, CIBC Real Estate Finance Group Duais Hewlett-Packard don Ghaeilge Pádraig Ó Ceithearnaigh Ard-Dioplóma san Oideachas 1976 Leas-Stiúrthóir Chomhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge Duais Alumni Medtronic don Chúram Sláinte agus an Eolaíocht Mhíochaine An tOllamh Michael O'Brien MB, BCh, BAO 1971, BSc 1973 Ollamh le Paiteolaíocht agus Leigheas Saotharlainne, Scoil an Leighis, Ollscoil Bhostúin; Príomhoifigeach, Roinn na Paiteolaíochta Anatamaíche, Ionad Leighis Bhostúin Duais Alumni OÉ Gaillimh don Dlí, an tSeirbhís Phoiblí agus an Rialtas John Hegarty BSc 1969, PhD 1976 Propast, Coláiste na Tríonóide, Baile Átha Cliath Duais Alumni don Innealtóireacht, an Teicneolaíocht Faisnéise agus an Mhatamaitic Finian O'Sullivan BSc 1976 Bunaitheoir agus iar-Phríomhoifigeach Feidhmiúcháin, Burren Energy Duais Alumni Seavite don Eolaíocht Dúlra An Dr Catherine Caulfield BSc 1976, HDip in Ed 1977, PhD 2008 Príomhoifigeach Feidhmiúcháin – Charles River Laboratories Preclinical Services Irl. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr James J. Browne, nuair a fógraíodh buaiteoirí na nDuaiseanna Alumni: "Cúis áthais dom go bhfuil aitheantas le tabhairt do shárchéimithe OÉ Gaillimh ag an Mórfhéasta i mí an Mhárta. Tá an Mórfhéasta ar cheann de na príomhimeachtaí a eagraíonn an Ollscoil gach bliain agus deis a bhíonn san ócáid áirithe seo aitheantas a thabhairt do shárchéimithe de chuid na hOllscoile. Trí Chlár Bliantúil na nDuaiseanna Alumni, ní hamháin go dtugaimid aitheantas don mhéid atá bainte amach ag na buaiteoirí ach tugaimid aitheantas freisin do na mic léinn ar fad a bhfuil nasc acu go fóill lena n-alma mater. Is mian liom mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl do na cuideachtaí a dhéanann urraíocht fhlaithiúil ar an Mórfhéasta agus a chinntíonn gur féidir linn Duaiseanna Alumni a bhronnadh gach bliain". -Críoch-

Monday, 19 January 2009

Marian Harkin MEP will visit NUI Galway on Thursday, 22 January, for a public lecture on the EU's response to the current economic climate, and the impact of the recession on social capital and volunteering. The general public are invited to the lecture which takes place at 1pm in the Arts Millennium Building, NUI Galway. Marian Harkin is an Independent MEP for the North and West Constituency of Ireland. Marian has an active interest in volunteering and is a founder and Co-President of the Interest Group on Volunteering in the European Parliament. She has authored a report entitled The Role of Volunteering in Contributing to Social and Economic Cohesion and she has also spearheaded the campaign to get the European Parliament to designate the year 2011 as the European Year of Volunteering. Lorraine Tansey, Student Volunteer Co-ordinator at NUI Galway, runs the University s volunteering programme ALIVE. Lorraine expects interesting input from Marian Harkin: "It will be good to get a sense of the value our European Parliament puts on the social capital generated by volunteering and community engagement. We are also interested to discuss how the economic downturn is putting pressure on funding for community organisations and NGOs, and how these same economic forces might influence the public's capacity for community engagement". The event is being organised by NUI Galway's Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) which is dedicated to supporting and researching community engagement in Ireland. The session will be co-hosted by the NUI Galway's College of Business, Public Policy and Law, and chaired by its Dean, Dr Willie Golden. For further information contact Mary Bernard at the CKI office on 091 493823 or email cki@nuigalway.ie -ends-

Thursday, 15 January 2009

D'fhógair an Taoiseach Brian Cowen Comhthionscadal Taighde & Forbartha idir Shimadzu Corporation agus Grúpa um Optaic Fheidhmeach OÉ Gaillimh le linn don Rialtas a bheith ar mhisean trádála sa tSeapáin. Díreoidh comhthionscadal Shimadzu ar theicnící íomháithe, réimse a bhfuil roinnt paitinní ag an nGrúpa um Optaic Fheidhmeach ann. View in English Tá gnólacht Shimadzu, atá lonnaithe sa tSeapáin, ar cheann de mhórdheantúsóirí chórais agus threalamh íomháithe an domhain. Úsáidtear na córais agus an trealamh íomháithe seo i ndiagnóisiú agus i gcóireáil leighis. Forbraíonn, déanann agus dáileann an chuideachta raon leathan córas diagnóiseach d'fheidhmeanna cliniciúla éagsúla – CT, Angagrafaíocht Dealaithe Dhigitigh, Córais Chardashoithíocha, Radagrafaíocht Dhigiteach agus Córais Fluarascópachta, trealamh Ultrafhuaime agus trealamh radagrafaíochta ginearálta. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Taoiseach, an tUasal Brian Cowen, T.D., le linn dó a bheith ag trácht ar an tionscadal seo agus ar Infheistíochtaí Díreacha Coigríche Seapánacha eile d'Éirinn a fuair tacaíocht ón IDA freisin: "Tá an-áthas orm na hinfheistíochtaí nua a dhéanfaidh na gnólachtaí Seapánacha seo in Éirinn a fhógairt. Tugann an misean trádála seo agus éagsúlacht na n-earnálacha tionscail agus na gcuideachtaí Éireannacha atá páirteach ann, léargas ar shuim agus ar thiomantas na gcuideachtaí Éireannacha gaol níos fearr a bhunú leis na tSeapáin, ar príomhpháirtí í i ngeilleagar an domhain. Is faoi stiúir an Ollaimh Chris Dainty, Ollamh le Fisic Fheidhmeach i Scoil na Fisice, OÉ Gaillimh a chuirfear an Comhthionscadal Taighde & Forbartha seo i bhfeidhm. Tá an tOllamh Dainty gníomhach i measc an phobail idirnáisiúnta optaice le blianta fada agus is le deireanaí a ceapadh é ina Leas-Uachtarán ar Chumann Optúil Mheiriceá. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Ollamh Dainty: "Táimid thar a bheith sásta go bhfuil Shimadzu páirteach sa chomhthionscadal seo leis an nGrúpa um Optaic Fheidhmeach in OÉ Gaillimh. Comhpháirtí eolaíoch mór le rá é Shimadzu. Táimid ag tnúth le cur lenár ndeiseanna taighde leis an eagraíocht seo a bhfuil cáil dhomhanda bainte amach aici". D'fháiltigh an Dr James J. Browne, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, roimh an dea-scéala: "Aitheantas idirnáisiúnta ar láidreacht agus ar ábharthacht an Taighde & na Forbartha in OÉ Gaillimh é an comhthionscadal seo. Tá an Ollscoil ag súil go n-éireoidh go breá leis an tionscadal seo san am atá le teacht agus is mian linn freisin ardmholadh a thabhairt don Ghrúpa um Optaic Fheidhmeach, Grúpa ar a bhfuil ardmheas agus a bhfuil ardleibhéal feabhais bainte amach aige go domhanda". Bunaíodh an Grúpa um Optaic Fheidhmeach in OÉ Gaillimh in 2002, faoi stiúir Chris Dainty, agus tá an Grúpa seo á mhaoiniú trí mhórdheontas ó Fhondúireacht Eolaíochta Éireann (SFI). In 2007 dearbhaíodh go mbeadh maoiniú SFI ar fáil ar feadh cúig bliana eile. Bíonn an Grúpa um Optaic Fheidhmeach, ina bhfuil 25 taighdeoir, ag obair le tionscail éagsúla in Éirinn, san Eoraip, sna Stáit Aontaithe agus sa tSeapáin. Tá taighde an Ghrúpa dírithe ar cheithre réimse: optaic oiriúnaitheach, eolaíocht físe, íomháú agus scaipeadh. -críoch-

Thursday, 15 January 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) The commencement of a Collaborative Research and Development Project between Shimadzu Corporation, and NUI Galway s Applied Optics Group, has been formally announced by the Taoiseach Brian Cowen during a Government trade mission to Japan. The Shimadzu collaboration will focus on the field of imaging techniques, where the Applied Optics Group has a number of patents. Japanese firm Shimadzu is one of the world s leading manufacturers of advanced imaging systems and equipment for use in medical diagnosis and treatment. The company develops, manufactures and distributes a broad range of diagnostic systems in all areas of clinical application - CT, Digital Subtraction Angiography, Cardiovascular Systems, Digital Radiography and Fluoroscopy Systems, Ultrasound and general radiography equipment. Commenting on this and other Japanese Foreign Direct Investments for Ireland which have been supported by the IDA, An Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen, T.D., said: "I am delighted to announce these new investments in Ireland by Japanese firms. The size of this trade mission, the diversity of industry sectors represented and the Irish companies taking part, all testify to the eagerness and commitment of Irish companies to develop deeper relationships with Japan, a key player in the world economy. It also signals Ireland s intent to the international scientific community and knowledge based industry that Ireland is very much open for business". The Collaborative Research and Development Project will be under the direction of Professor Chris Dainty, who holds the chair of applied physics in the School of Physics at the NUI Galway. Professor Dainty has been active in the global optics community for several decades and was recently appointed a Vice-President of the Optical Society of America. According to Professor Dainty: "We are very pleased that Shimadzu has entered into this collaborative partnership with the Applied Optics Group here at NUI Galway. Shimadzu is a very distinctive scientific partner. We look forward to progressing and deepening our research collaboration with such a prestigious international organisation". NUI Galway President Dr James J. Browne welcomed the announcement: "This collaboration is an international recognition of the strength and relevance of R&D at NUI Galway. The University wishes the project continued success and applauds the Applied Optics Group, which has developed a strong reputation in its field, achieving a level of excellence on a global scale". The Applied Optics Group at NUI Galway was established in 2002, under the direction of Chris Dainty, and funded by a major grant from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). The SFI funding was renewed for a further five years in 2007. The Applied Optics Group, which has 25 researchers, has significant interaction with industry in Ireland, Europe, the United States and Japan. The Group's research focuses in four areas: adaptive optics, vision science, imaging and scattering. Tionscadal Taighde & Forbartha Seapánach Fógartha ag an Taoiseach (View in English) D'fhógair an Taoiseach Brian Cowen Comhthionscadal Taighde & Forbartha idir Shimadzu Corporation agus Grúpa um Optaic Fheidhmeach OÉ Gaillimh le linn don Rialtas a bheith ar mhisean trádála sa tSeapáin. Díreoidh comhthionscadal Shimadzu ar theicnící íomháithe, réimse a bhfuil roinnt paitinní ag an nGrúpa um Optaic Fheidhmeach ann. Tá gnólacht Shimadzu, atá lonnaithe sa tSeapáin, ar cheann de mhórdheantúsóirí chórais agus threalamh íomháithe an domhain. Úsáidtear na córais agus an trealamh íomháithe seo i ndiagnóisiú agus i gcóireáil leighis. Forbraíonn, déanann agus dáileann an chuideachta raon leathan córas diagnóiseach d'fheidhmeanna cliniciúla éagsúla – CT, Angagrafaíocht Dealaithe Dhigitigh, Córais Chardashoithíocha, Radagrafaíocht Dhigiteach agus Córais Fluarascópachta, trealamh Ultrafhuaime agus trealamh radagrafaíochta ginearálta. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Taoiseach, an tUasal Brian Cowen, T.D., le linn dó a bheith ag trácht ar an tionscadal seo agus ar Infheistíochtaí Díreacha Coigríche Seapánacha eile d'Éirinn a fuair tacaíocht ón IDA freisin: "Tá an-áthas orm na hinfheistíochtaí nua a dhéanfaidh na gnólachtaí Seapánacha seo in Éirinn a fhógairt. Tugann an misean trádála seo agus éagsúlacht na n-earnálacha tionscail agus na gcuideachtaí Éireannacha atá páirteach ann, léargas ar shuim agus ar thiomantas na gcuideachtaí Éireannacha gaol níos fearr a bhunú leis na tSeapáin, ar príomhpháirtí í i ngeilleagar an domhain. Is faoi stiúir an Ollaimh Chris Dainty, Ollamh le Fisic Fheidhmeach i Scoil na Fisice, OÉ Gaillimh a chuirfear an Comhthionscadal Taighde & Forbartha seo i bhfeidhm. Tá an tOllamh Dainty gníomhach i measc an phobail idirnáisiúnta optaice le blianta fada agus is le deireanaí a ceapadh é ina Leas-Uachtarán ar Chumann Optúil Mheiriceá. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Ollamh Dainty: "Táimid thar a bheith sásta go bhfuil Shimadzu páirteach sa chomhthionscadal seo leis an nGrúpa um Optaic Fheidhmeach in OÉ Gaillimh. Comhpháirtí eolaíoch mór le rá é Shimadzu. Táimid ag tnúth le cur lenár ndeiseanna taighde leis an eagraíocht seo a bhfuil cáil dhomhanda bainte amach aici". D'fháiltigh an Dr James J. Browne, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, roimh an dea-scéala: "Aitheantas idirnáisiúnta ar láidreacht agus ar ábharthacht an Taighde & na Forbartha in OÉ Gaillimh é an comhthionscadal seo. Tá an Ollscoil ag súil go n-éireoidh go breá leis an tionscadal seo san am atá le teacht agus is mian linn freisin ardmholadh a thabhairt don Ghrúpa um Optaic Fheidhmeach, Grúpa ar a bhfuil ardmheas agus a bhfuil ardleibhéal feabhais bainte amach aige go domhanda". Bunaíodh an Grúpa um Optaic Fheidhmeach in OÉ Gaillimh in 2002, faoi stiúir Chris Dainty, agus tá an Grúpa seo á mhaoiniú trí mhórdheontas ó Fhondúireacht Eolaíochta Éireann (SFI). In 2007 dearbhaíodh go mbeadh maoiniú SFI ar fáil ar feadh cúig bliana eile. Bíonn an Grúpa um Optaic Fheidhmeach, ina bhfuil 25 taighdeoir, ag obair le tionscail éagsúla in Éirinn, san Eoraip, sna Stáit Aontaithe agus sa tSeapáin. Tá taighde an Ghrúpa dírithe ar cheithre réimse: optaic oiriúnaitheach, eolaíocht físe, íomháú agus scaipeadh. -críoch-

Monday, 12 January 2009

Tionólfaidh OÉ Gaillimh oíche eolais do dhaoine atá ag smaoineamh ar thabhairt faoi chlár fochéime lánaimseartha mar mhic léinn lánfhásta. Eagrófar an ócáid i dTéatar Choilm Uí Eocha, Áras Dán na Mílaoise, OÉ Gaillimh Déardaoin, 15 Eanáir ag 8i.n. View in English Tabharfar eolas faoi na cláir atá ar fáil do mhic léinn lánfhásta, faoi na riachtanais iontrála agus faoi na nósanna imeachta iarratais agus roghnaithe. Díreofar chomh maith ar an tacaíocht airgid agus ar chineálacha eile tacaíochta atá ar fáil. Gach bliain in OÉ Gaillimh, coinnítear cuóta áiteanna ar mhórchuid na gclár do mhic léinn lánfhásta, ar daoine iad atá 23 bliain d'aois nó níos sine ná sin. Déantar iarratais ar na cláir chéime, ar an ngnáthbhealach a ndéanann iontrálaithe Ollscoile é, tríd an Lár-Oifig Iontrála (CAO) faoin 1 Feabhra. Tá sé tugtha faoi deara ag Trish Hoare, Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Lánfhásta in OÉ Gaillimh, go bhfuil an spéis atá ag daoine filleadh ar an staidéar foirmiúil ag méadú: "I bhfianaise na géarchéime eacnamaíochta tá go leor daoine ag iarraidh deiseanna nua fostaíochta a thapú trí chéim a bhaint amach. Tá an-spéis ag daoine san Altranas agus sna cláir Eolaíochtaí Sláinte ar nós na Teiripe Saothair. Beidh ionadaí ag an oíche oscailte eolais a bheidh in ann ceisteanna faoi na cláir seo a fhreagairt". Deir Trish Hoare go bhfuil cineálacha éagsúla tacaíochta airgid ar fáil do mhic léinn lánfhásta: "Ní bhíonn aon táillí teagaisc le híoc ag daoine atá ag tabhairt faoi bhunchéim den chéad uair. Bíonn deontais ardoideachais ar fáil chomh maith dóibh siúd a bhíonn ina dteideal agus a chomhlíonann critéir áirithe. D fhéadfadh lucht faighte liúntas Leasa Shóisialta a fháil chomh maith chun filleadh ar an oideachas ach critéir áirithe a chomhlíonadh. Tá súil againn tuilleadh eolais a thabhairt fúthu seo ar fad agus faoi chineálacha eile tacaíochta atá ann ag an seisiún comhairleach". Déanfar cur i láthair chomh maith ar Chlár Rochtana Speisialta na hOllscoile do mhic léinn lánfhásta atá faoi mhíbhuntáiste socheacnamaíoch agur ar an mBonnchúrsa réamh-Ollscoile san Eolaíocht agus san Innealtóireacht, agus ar an mBonnchúrsa réamh-Ollscoile sa Tráchtáil. Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoin oíche eolais, déan teagmháil le Trish Hoare ag 091 492695 trish.hoare@nuigalway.ie -críoch-

Monday, 12 January 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) NUI Galway will hold an information evening for mature students considering undertaking a full-time undergraduate degree programme. The event will be held on Thursday, 15 January, at 8pm, in the Colm Ó hEocha Theatre, Arts Millennium Building, NUI Galway. Information will be provided on the programmes available to mature students, on entry requirements and on the application and selection procedures. There will also be a focus on financial and other supports. Each year at NUI Galway, a quota of places on most programmes is reserved for mature students, who are deemed to be those aged 23 and over. Applications for degree courses are made in the normal way for University entrants through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February. Trish Hoare, Mature Students Officer at NUI Galway, has noticed a growing interest in returning to formal study: "With the economic downturn, many are looking to develop new employment opportunities by studying for a degree. There has been much interest in Nursing and in the Health Sciences programmes such as Occupational Therapy. There will be a representative at the open information evening to take questions relating to these programmes". Trish Hoare points out that there are various financial supports for mature students: "Tuition fees are free for first-time undergraduates. There are also higher education grants to avail of if an individual is eligible and meets certain criteria. Social Welfare recipients may be entitled to back to education allowance, again, if they meet certain criteria. We hope to provide further information on all of these and other supports in the advisory session". A presentation will also be given on the University's special Access Programme for socio-economically disadvantaged mature students and on the pre-University Foundation Courses in Science and Engineering, and in Commerce. For further information on the information evening contact Trish Hoare on 091 492695 trish.hoare@nuigalway.ie Oíche Eolais do Dhaoine ar Spéis leo Freastal ar OÉ Gaillimh mar Mhic Léinn Lánfhásta (View in English) Tionólfaidh OÉ Gaillimh oíche eolais do dhaoine atá ag smaoineamh ar thabhairt faoi chlár fochéime lánaimseartha mar mhic léinn lánfhásta. Eagrófar an ócáid i dTéatar Choilm Uí Eocha, Áras Dán na Mílaoise, OÉ Gaillimh Déardaoin, 15 Eanáir ag 8i.n. Tabharfar eolas faoi na cláir atá ar fáil do mhic léinn lánfhásta, faoi na riachtanais iontrála agus faoi na nósanna imeachta iarratais agus roghnaithe. Díreofar chomh maith ar an tacaíocht airgid agus ar chineálacha eile tacaíochta atá ar fáil. Gach bliain in OÉ Gaillimh, coinnítear cuóta áiteanna ar mhórchuid na gclár do mhic léinn lánfhásta, ar daoine iad atá 23 bliain d'aois nó níos sine ná sin. Déantar iarratais ar na cláir chéime, ar an ngnáthbhealach a ndéanann iontrálaithe Ollscoile é, tríd an Lár-Oifig Iontrála (CAO) faoin 1 Feabhra. Tá sé tugtha faoi deara ag Trish Hoare, Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Lánfhásta in OÉ Gaillimh, go bhfuil an spéis atá ag daoine filleadh ar an staidéar foirmiúil ag méadú: "I bhfianaise na géarchéime eacnamaíochta tá go leor daoine ag iarraidh deiseanna nua fostaíochta a thapú trí chéim a bhaint amach. Tá an-spéis ag daoine san Altranas agus sna cláir Eolaíochtaí Sláinte ar nós na Teiripe Saothair. Beidh ionadaí ag an oíche oscailte eolais a bheidh in ann ceisteanna faoi na cláir seo a fhreagairt". Deir Trish Hoare go bhfuil cineálacha éagsúla tacaíochta airgid ar fáil do mhic léinn lánfhásta: "Ní bhíonn aon táillí teagaisc le híoc ag daoine atá ag tabhairt faoi bhunchéim den chéad uair. Bíonn deontais ardoideachais ar fáil chomh maith dóibh siúd a bhíonn ina dteideal agus a chomhlíonann critéir áirithe. D fhéadfadh lucht faighte liúntas Leasa Shóisialta a fháil chomh maith chun filleadh ar an oideachas ach critéir áirithe a chomhlíonadh. Tá súil againn tuilleadh eolais a thabhairt fúthu seo ar fad agus faoi chineálacha eile tacaíochta atá ann ag an seisiún comhairleach". Déanfar cur i láthair chomh maith ar Chlár Rochtana Speisialta na hOllscoile do mhic léinn lánfhásta atá faoi mhíbhuntáiste socheacnamaíoch agur ar an mBonnchúrsa réamh-Ollscoile san Eolaíocht agus san Innealtóireacht, agus ar an mBonnchúrsa réamh-Ollscoile sa Tráchtáil. Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoin oíche eolais, déan teagmháil le Trish Hoare ag 091 492695 trish.hoare@nuigalway.ie -críoch-

Thursday, 8 January 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) The Faulkes Telescopes Universe Challenge will be launched today (Thursday, 8 January) at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in the RDS, as part of the Irish celebrations of the International Year of Astronomy 2009. Transition Year students, and their equivalents in Northern Ireland, will be asked to take part in scientific research projects involving the Faulkes Telescopes. The state-of-the-art, 2m diameter telescopes are situated on mountain-top sites in Australia and Hawaii, and can be remotely operated by school groups. Members of the professional astronomy community in universities and institutes throughout the island of Ireland will suggest research projects and assist school students in their delivery. On the basis of their results, to be presented at the Galway Science and Technology Festival in October 2009, the best group, including their teacher and professional mentor, will be invited to visit the Chilean Observatories of the European Southern Observatory. There they will see one of the world s best telescopes and try out one of the smaller telescopes for their own research. The International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) is a global celebration of astronomy and its contribution to society and culture. 2009 is the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo, in reality the beginning of the modern age in astronomy. The aim of IYA2009 is to stimulate a worldwide interest and encourage participation in astronomy and in science amongst students at all levels, and among the general public. In Ireland, a programme of events is being organised by the Irish Node of IYA2009, headed by Professor Michael Redfern, Centre for Astronomy, NUI Galway. According to Professor Michael Redfern: "The Faulkes Telescopes Universe Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for school students to experience original scientific research, and for them to meet and work with real scientists. There can be immense satisfaction from achievements that take time and effort - which I think can sometimes be missed in school curricula, and in the scramble for points. The research these students will undertake is original, no one can tell them in advance what the results are supposed to be - I think that this is a very exciting opportunity. The prize is very generously sponsored by the European Southern Observatory, even though Ireland is not a member". The Faulkes Telescopes Universe Challenge is sponsored by Discover Science & Engineering, NUI Galway, Northern Ireland Space Office and Armagh Observatory. Further information can be found at www.astronomy2009.ie. Dúshlán Teileascóp na Scoileanna Seolta mar chuid de Bhliain Idirnáisiúnta na Réalteolaíochta 2009 (View in English) Seolfar Dúshlán Theileascóip Faulkes na Cruinne inniu (Déardaoin, 8 Eanáir) ag Taispeántas Eolaithe Óga agus Teicneolaíochta BT san RDS, mar chuid de cheiliúradh na hÉireann ar Bhliain Idirnáisiúnta na Réalteolaíochta 2009. Iarrfar ar dhaltaí Idirbhliana, agus ar a gcomhdhaltaí as Tuaisceart Éireann, a bheith rannpháirteach i dtionscadail taighde eolaíochta a bhaineann le Teileascóip Faulkes. Tá na teileascóip seo, a bhfuil trastomhas 2m iontu, suite ar láithreáin ar bharr na gcnoc san Astráil agus i Haváí agus is féidir le grúpaí scoile iad a oibriú go cianda. Molfaidh baill de phobal gairmiúil na réalteolaíochta in ollscoileanna agus in institiúidí ar fud oileán na hÉireann tionscadail taighde agus cuideoidh siad leis na daltaí scoile na tionscadail a chur i gcrích. Bunaithe ar na torthaí, a fhógrófar ag Féile Eolaíochta & Teicneolaíochta na Gaillimhe i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2009, tabharfar cuireadh don ghrúpa is fearr, dá múinteoir agus dá meantóir gairmiúil, cuairt a thabhairt ar Réadlanna Sileacha Réadlann na hEorpa Theas. Feicfidh siad ceann de scoth-theileascóip an domhain ansin agus bainfidh siad triail as ceann de na teileascóip bheaga dá gcuid taighde féin. Is ceiliúradh domhanda Bliain Idirnáisiúnta na Réalteolaíochta (IYA2009) ar an réalteolaíocht agus ar an gcaoi a gcuireann sí leis an tsochaí agus leis an gcultúr. Táthar ag déanamh ceiliúradh comórtha 400 bliain ar an uair ar úsáid Galileo teileascóp réalteolaíochta, arb éard a bhí ann i ndáiríre tús na réalteolaíochta nua-aimseartha. Is é aidhm IYA2009 spéis a chothú ar fud an domhain agus rannpháirtíocht a spreagadh sa réalteolaíocht agus san eolaíocht i measc mac léinn ag gach leibhéal, agus i measc an phobail i gcoitinne. Tá clár imeachtaí á eagrú in Éirinn ag Nód Éireannach an IYA2009, faoi stiúir an Ollaimh Michael Redfern, Ionad na Réalteolaíochta, OÉ Gaillimh. Deir an tOllamh Michael Redfern: "Is deis iontach Dúshlán Theileascóip Faulkes na Cruinne do dhaltaí scoile taithí a fháil ar an mbuntaighde eolaíoch, agus bualadh le fíoreolaithe agus oibriú leo. Bíonn an-sásamh le baint as éachtaí a mbaineann am agus dianiarracht leo – rud a shílim a bhíonn in easnamh in amanna ar churaclaim scoile agus sa sciob sceab ar phointí. Is buntaighde a bhíonn ar bun ag na mic léinn seo, ní bhíonn aon duine in ann a rá leo roimh ré cén toradh ba cheart a bheith air – sílim gur deis iontach é seo. Rinne Réadlann na hEorpa Theas urraíocht ar an duais, cé nach bhfuil Éire ina comhalta di." Tá Discover Science & Engineering, OÉ Gaillimh, Northern Ireland Space Office agus Réadlann Ard Mhacha ag déanamh urraíochta ar Dhúshlán Theileascóip Faulkes na Cruinne. Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil ag www.astronomy2009.ie -críoch-

Thursday, 8 January 2009

Seolfar Dúshlán Theileascóip Faulkes na Cruinne inniu (Déardaoin, 8 Eanáir) ag Taispeántas Eolaithe Óga agus Teicneolaíochta BT san RDS, mar chuid de cheiliúradh na hÉireann ar Bhliain Idirnáisiúnta na Réalteolaíochta 2009. View in English Iarrfar ar dhaltaí Idirbhliana, agus ar a gcomhdhaltaí as Tuaisceart Éireann, a bheith rannpháirteach i dtionscadail taighde eolaíochta a bhaineann le Teileascóip Faulkes. Tá na teileascóip seo, a bhfuil trastomhas 2m iontu, suite ar láithreáin ar bharr na gcnoc san Astráil agus i Haváí agus is féidir le grúpaí scoile iad a oibriú go cianda. Molfaidh baill de phobal gairmiúil na réalteolaíochta in ollscoileanna agus in institiúidí ar fud oileán na hÉireann tionscadail taighde agus cuideoidh siad leis na daltaí scoile na tionscadail a chur i gcrích. Bunaithe ar na torthaí, a fhógrófar ag Féile Eolaíochta & Teicneolaíochta na Gaillimhe i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2009, tabharfar cuireadh don ghrúpa is fearr, dá múinteoir agus dá meantóir gairmiúil, cuairt a thabhairt ar Réadlanna Sileacha Réadlann na hEorpa Theas. Feicfidh siad ceann de scoth-theileascóip an domhain ansin agus bainfidh siad triail as ceann de na teileascóip bheaga dá gcuid taighde féin. Is ceiliúradh domhanda Bliain Idirnáisiúnta na Réalteolaíochta (IYA2009) ar an réalteolaíocht agus ar an gcaoi a gcuireann sí leis an tsochaí agus leis an gcultúr. Táthar ag déanamh ceiliúradh comórtha 400 bliain ar an uair ar úsáid Galileo teileascóp réalteolaíochta, arb éard a bhí ann i ndáiríre tús na réalteolaíochta nua-aimseartha. Is é aidhm IYA2009 spéis a chothú ar fud an domhain agus rannpháirtíocht a spreagadh sa réalteolaíocht agus san eolaíocht i measc mac léinn ag gach leibhéal, agus i measc an phobail i gcoitinne. Tá clár imeachtaí á eagrú in Éirinn ag Nód Éireannach an IYA2009, faoi stiúir an Ollaimh Michael Redfern, Ionad na Réalteolaíochta, OÉ Gaillimh. Deir an tOllamh Michael Redfern: "Is deis iontach Dúshlán Theileascóip Faulkes na Cruinne do dhaltaí scoile taithí a fháil ar an mbuntaighde eolaíoch, agus bualadh le fíoreolaithe agus oibriú leo. Bíonn an-sásamh le baint as éachtaí a mbaineann am agus dianiarracht leo – rud a shílim a bhíonn in easnamh in amanna ar churaclaim scoile agus sa sciob sceab ar phointí. Is buntaighde a bhíonn ar bun ag na mic léinn seo, ní bhíonn aon duine in ann a rá leo roimh ré cén toradh ba cheart a bheith air – sílim gur deis iontach é seo. Rinne Réadlann na hEorpa Theas urraíocht ar an duais, cé nach bhfuil Éire ina comhalta di." Tá Discover Science & Engineering, OÉ Gaillimh, Northern Ireland Space Office agus Réadlann Ard Mhacha ag déanamh urraíochta ar Dhúshlán Theileascóip Faulkes na Cruinne. Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil ag www.astronomy2009.ie -críoch-

Wednesday, 7 January 2009

Éacht suntasach a bhaineann leis an tionscadal taighde nua síolraithe éisc seo is ea go bhfuil breis is 20,000 trosc óg scaoilte amach san fharraige ar chósta an iarthair. Is í Institiúid Mháirtín Uí Riain in OÉ Gaillimh atá i mbun an tionscadail seo agus tá an trosc óg atá síolraithe go speisialta á stóráil i gcaighin i bhfeirm éisc Trosc Teo. i gConamara, Co. na Gaillimhe. Beathófar na héisc seo, atá síolraithe as tréithchineál sonrach Éireannach, go dtí go mbeidh siad oiriúnach don mhargadh. View in English Is é seo an chéad stoc de throsc óg tairgthe faoin tionscadal taighde ar a dtugtar EIRCOD, tionscadal atá á mhaoiniú ag Foras na Mara agus a áirítear mar Fhochlár Taighde Mara den Phlean Forbartha Náisiúnta. Forbraíodh an tionscadal seo le dul i ngleic leis an laghdú a bhí le sonrú sa líon gabhálacha, imní maidir le róshaothrú agus ídiú stoc éisc, le cois a chinntiú go gcruthaítear éagsúlacht i dtionscadal dobharshaothraithe na hÉireann. Is é príomhaidhm thionscnamh EIRCOD stoc troisc agus clár síolraithe a dhearadh, a bhunú agus a fheidhmiú – clár a oireann d Éirinn agus a thacaíonn leis an tionscal dúchasach feirmeoireachta éisc. Dar leis an Dr Richard Fitzgerald, Eolaí Sinsearach le tionscadal EIRCOD in Institiúid Mháirtín Uí Riain, OÉ Gaillimh, gur céim shuntasach chun cinn é go bhfuil na héisc seo scaoilte chun farraige: "Is é seo an chéad uair riamh a bhfuil tréithchineál dúchasach troisc síolraithe agus a bhfuil an oiread sin éisc scaoilte chun farraige in Éirinn. Cé go bhfuil coincheapa cosúla á gcur i bhfeidhm le trosc san Iorua, i gCeanada agus san Íoslainn is é seo an chéad uair riamh a bhfuil clár síolraithe náisiúnta curtha i bhfeidhm sa tír seo. Is cinnte gur céim shuntasach chun cinn atá ann mar aon le léargas ar an tacaíocht atáthar sásta a thabhairt do thionscadal feirmeoireachta éisc na hÉireann". Tháinig an trosc óg ó uibheacha a bailíodh ón Muir Cheilteach, amach ó chósta an Deiscirt, agus ansin goradh agus beathaíodh na huibheacha in áiseanna Institiúid Mháirtín Uí Riain i gConamara, Co. na Gaillimhe. Tá tuismíocht na n-iasc seo ar eolas agus déanfar comparáid idir fás na ngrúpaí difriúla go dtí go mbeidh siad feiliúnach don mhargadh agus na grúpaí a bhfuil ag éirí go maith leo agus atá á roghnú le húsáid i ngníomhaíochtaí síolraithe a bheidh ar bun amach anseo. Chomh maith leis sin dúirt an Dr Fitzgerald: "Go bunúsach is éard atá ar bun againn, díreach mar a dhéanaimid i gcás feirmeoireachta eallaigh nó caorach, an stoc is fearr agus is féidir linn a shíolrú. Sa chás áirithe seo, tá leas á bhaint againn as an daonra áitiúil troisc – na troisc is fearr a oireann dár gcoinníollacha cósta. Is é cuspóir na hoibre seo go mbeidh na héisc seo, nuair a bheidh siad feiliúnach don mhargadh, frithsheasmhach in aghaidh galair agus feiliúnach don mhargadh in achar gearr ama". Le ceithre bliana anuas, bhí MRI Carna ar thús cadhnaíochta in Éirinn sa réimse seo agus tá clár taighde fheidhmigh curtha i bhfeidhm ar mhaithe leis an acmhainn náisiúnta chun éisc a thairgeadh agus a bheathú a fhorbairt. Deir John Kavanagh, Stiúrthóir Oifig um Aistriú Teicneolaíochta Ignite in OÉ Gaillimh go mbaineann féidearthacht iontach leis na teicneolaíochtaí atá forbartha ag MRI Carna: "Is éard a tharla in Institiúid Mháirtín Uí Riain gur tógadh ubháin tríd an bpas larbhach go dtí gur foirmíodh éisc óga. D'fhéadfaí leas a bhaint as na scileanna gorlainne agus na teicneolaíochtaí speisialta seo chun tionscal nua a chruthú in Éirinn. Teicneolaíocht chumasúcháin atá anseo a d'fhéadfaí a úsáid le speicis éisc eile d fhonn séasúracht chomhlántach agus rogha níos fearr a chruthú san áit mhargaidh. Tá deis shuntasach gnó ann cuideachta a bhunú chun éisc óga mara a thógáil don earnáil tráchtála". Is é Institiúid Mháirtín Uí Riain, OÉ Gaillimh, atá lonnaithe i gCarna, Co. na Gaillimhe i gcomhar leis na comhpháirtithe seo a leanas atá páirteach i dtionscadal EIRCOD - Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Grúpa Táirgeoirí Bia Mara na hÉireann agus an Dr Ashie Norris. Tá an tionscadal seo ag cur le hobair atá curtha i gcrích ag Institiúid Mháirtín Uí Riain agus Trosc Teo. le ceithre bliana anuas, obair a rinneadh le cabhair ó na gníomhaireachtaí stáit ábhartha, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Foras na Mara agus Bord Iascaigh Mhara. -críoch-

Monday, 5 January 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) The first milestone has been reached in a new fish breeding research project with the transfer to sea off the west coast of over 20,000 juvenile cod. The project, led by NUI Galway's Martin Ryan Institute, has placed the specially bred juvenile cod into cages in the Trosc Teo. fish farm in Connemara, Co. Galway. The fish, bred from a specific Irish strain, will be further reared to reach market size. These are the first juvenile cod stocks produced under the research project which is called EIRCOD and funded by the Marine Institute and the Marine Research Sub-programme of the National Development Plan. The project came about in response to declining wild catches, caution over exploitation and depletion of fish stocks, and also the need to diversify the Irish aquaculture industry. The EIRCOD initiative's overall objective is to design, establish and operate a cod broodstock and breeding programme which is customised for the Irish environment and underpins the native fish farming industry. According to Dr Richard Fitzgerald, Senior Scientist with the EIRCOD project at the Martin Ryan Institute, NUI Galway, the release of the fish is a significant step: "This is the first time a native strain of cod has been bred and released in these numbers in Ireland. While similar concepts are exploited with cod in Norway, Canada and Iceland, this is the first occasion where a national breeding programme has been employed in this country. It represents a significant step forward and a major support for the Irish fish farming industry". The juvenile cod came from eggs collected from the Celtic Sea, off the South coast, and then hatched and further reared at the Martin Ryan Institute's facilities in Connemara, Co. Galway. The parentage of these fish is known and the growth performance of the different groups will be monitored up to market size with the better performing groups being selected for use in future breeding activities. Dr Fitzgerald added: "What we are doing, much as we do in cattle or sheep farming, is breeding the best stock we can. In this case, we are drawing on the genetic reservoir of local cod populations that are most suited to our coastal conditions. The objective is that these fish, when market size, will have been more disease resistant and have grown rapidly to market size". For the past four years, MRI Carna has been the major performer in Ireland in this area and has conducted a programme of applied research to develop a national capacity to produce and rear fish. John Kavanagh, Director of the Ignite Technology Transfer Office at NUI Galway, says the technologies developed by MRI have huge potential: "What we have seen at the Martin Ryan Institute is the rearing of ova through the larval phase, to juvenile fish. The associated hatchery skills and specialist technologies have the potential for a new industry in Ireland. This is enabling technology that can be applied to other fish species leading to complementary seasonality and greater choice in the marketplace. There is a significant business opportunity in establishing a company to rear marine juvenile fish for the commercial sector". The EIRCOD project is led by NUI Galway's Martin Ryan Institute in Carna, Co. Galway with partners UCC, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Irish Seafood Producers Group and Dr Ashie Norris. The project builds on work carried out by the Martin Ryan Institute and Trosc Teo. over the past four years with the assistance of the relevant state agencies Údarás na Gaeltachta, Marine Institute, and BIM. Éacht Suntasach Bainte Amach ag Clár Nuálach Síolraithe Éisc in Éirinn (View in English) Éacht suntasach a bhaineann leis an tionscadal taighde nua síolraithe éisc seo is ea go bhfuil breis is 20,000 trosc óg scaoilte amach san fharraige ar chósta an iarthair. Is í Institiúid Mháirtín Uí Riain in OÉ Gaillimh atá i mbun an tionscadail seo agus tá an trosc óg atá síolraithe go speisialta á stóráil i gcaighin i bhfeirm éisc Trosc Teo. i gConamara, Co. na Gaillimhe. Beathófar na héisc seo, atá síolraithe as tréithchineál sonrach Éireannach, go dtí go mbeidh siad oiriúnach don mhargadh. Is é seo an chéad stoc de throsc óg tairgthe faoin tionscadal taighde ar a dtugtar EIRCOD, tionscadal atá á mhaoiniú ag Foras na Mara agus a áirítear mar Fhochlár Taighde Mara den Phlean Forbartha Náisiúnta. Forbraíodh an tionscadal seo le dul i ngleic leis an laghdú a bhí le sonrú sa líon gabhálacha, imní maidir le róshaothrú agus ídiú stoc éisc, le cois a chinntiú go gcruthaítear éagsúlacht i dtionscadal dobharshaothraithe na hÉireann. Is é príomhaidhm thionscnamh EIRCOD stoc troisc agus clár síolraithe a dhearadh, a bhunú agus a fheidhmiú - clár a oireann d Éirinn agus a thacaíonn leis an tionscal dúchasach feirmeoireachta éisc. Dar leis an Dr Richard Fitzgerald, Eolaí Sinsearach le tionscadal EIRCOD in Institiúid Mháirtín Uí Riain, OÉ Gaillimh, gur céim shuntasach chun cinn é go bhfuil na héisc seo scaoilte chun farraige: "Is é seo an chéad uair riamh a bhfuil tréithchineál dúchasach troisc síolraithe agus a bhfuil an oiread sin éisc scaoilte chun farraige in Éirinn. Cé go bhfuil coincheapa cosúla á gcur i bhfeidhm le trosc san Iorua, i gCeanada agus san Íoslainn is é seo an chéad uair riamh a bhfuil clár síolraithe náisiúnta curtha i bhfeidhm sa tír seo. Is cinnte gur céim shuntasach chun cinn atá ann mar aon le léargas ar an tacaíocht atáthar sásta a thabhairt do thionscadal feirmeoireachta éisc na hÉireann". Tháinig an trosc óg ó uibheacha a bailíodh ón Muir Cheilteach, amach ó chósta an Deiscirt, agus ansin goradh agus beathaíodh na huibheacha in áiseanna Institiúid Mháirtín Uí Riain i gConamara, Co. na Gaillimhe. Tá tuismíocht na n-iasc seo ar eolas agus déanfar comparáid idir fás na ngrúpaí difriúla go dtí go mbeidh siad feiliúnach don mhargadh agus na grúpaí a bhfuil ag éirí go maith leo agus atá á roghnú le húsáid i ngníomhaíochtaí síolraithe a bheidh ar bun amach anseo. Chomh maith leis sin dúirt an Dr Fitzgerald: "Go bunúsach is éard atá ar bun againn, díreach mar a dhéanaimid i gcás feirmeoireachta eallaigh nó caorach, an stoc is fearr agus is féidir linn a shíolrú. Sa chás áirithe seo, tá leas á bhaint againn as an daonra áitiúil troisc - na troisc is fearr a oireann dár gcoinníollacha cósta. Is é cuspóir na hoibre seo go mbeidh na héisc seo, nuair a bheidh siad feiliúnach don mhargadh, frithsheasmhach in aghaidh galair agus feiliúnach don mhargadh in achar gearr ama". Le ceithre bliana anuas, bhí MRI Carna ar thús cadhnaíochta in Éirinn sa réimse seo agus tá clár taighde fheidhmigh curtha i bhfeidhm ar mhaithe leis an acmhainn náisiúnta chun éisc a thairgeadh agus a bheathú a fhorbairt. Deir John Kavanagh, Stiúrthóir Oifig um Aistriú Teicneolaíochta Ignite in OÉ Gaillimh go mbaineann féidearthacht iontach leis na teicneolaíochtaí atá forbartha ag MRI Carna: "Is éard a tharla in Institiúid Mháirtín Uí Riain gur tógadh ubháin tríd an bpas larbhach go dtí gur foirmíodh éisc óga. D'fhéadfaí leas a bhaint as na scileanna gorlainne agus na teicneolaíochtaí speisialta seo chun tionscal nua a chruthú in Éirinn. Teicneolaíocht chumasúcháin atá anseo a d'fhéadfaí a úsáid le speicis éisc eile d fhonn séasúracht chomhlántach agus rogha níos fearr a chruthú san áit mhargaidh. Tá deis shuntasach gnó ann cuideachta a bhunú chun éisc óga mara a thógáil don earnáil tráchtála". Is é Institiúid Mháirtín Uí Riain, OÉ Gaillimh, atá lonnaithe i gCarna, Co. na Gaillimhe i gcomhar leis na comhpháirtithe seo a leanas atá páirteach i dtionscadal EIRCOD - Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Grúpa Táirgeoirí Bia Mara na hÉireann agus an Dr Ashie Norris. Tá an tionscadal seo ag cur le hobair atá curtha i gcrích ag Institiúid Mháirtín Uí Riain agus Trosc Teo. le ceithre bliana anuas, obair a rinneadh le cabhair ó na gníomhaireachtaí stáit ábhartha, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Foras na Mara agus Bord Iascaigh Mhara. -críoch-

Wednesday, 25 February 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) Researchers to partner with 22 companies in a strategic €23.9 million collaborative investment Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan T.D., has today (Wednesday, 25 February, 2009) announced the establishment of five new Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Strategic Research Clusters (SRCs), representing a €23.9 million investment in ground-breaking, collaborative research activities involving seven academic institutions and 22 companies. A relatively new element in SFI's portfolio of supports, the SRC programme was first introduced in 2007 to link scientists and engineers in partnerships across academia and industry to address crucial research questions, foster the development of new and existing Irish-based technology companies, and to grow partnerships with industry. Making the announcement, the Tánaiste said: "Science, while engaging and exciting, is also a fiercely competitive arena, and it is increasingly clear that a country's economic fortunes are significantly dependent on its ability to conduct research that translates into economically-beneficial outcomes. The Government's 'Building Ireland's Smart Economy' framework prioritises continued investment in science and engineering infrastructure to assist with the creation of a thriving enterprise sector, high-quality employment and first-class infrastructure. The 170 highly skilled personnel involved in these SRCs, together with the 22 partner companies are central to achieving this," the Tánaiste stressed. Also present at the announcement the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Jimmy Devins T.D. said: "SRCs bring together academic and industrial expertise to create innovative research and entrepreneurial foresight that, in combination, will help to re-shape Ireland's economy, create employment opportunities, boost our reputation abroad and ultimately act as the engine that sustains all of these in the long-term". The Lead Principal Investigators of the five new SRCs are: 1. Professor Lokesh Joshi of NUI Galway - Alimentary Glycoscience Research Cluster (AGRC) 2. Professor Pádraig Cunningham of UCD - Clique SRC 3. Dr William Donnelly of Waterford Institute of Technology - Federated, Autonomic Management of End-to-end Communication Services (FAME SRC) 4. Professor Miles Turner of DCU - Precision SRC 5. Professor Brett Paul, also from DCU - Irish Separation Science Cluster Welcoming the announcement, Director-General of SFI, Professor Frank Gannon said: "SFI believes in supporting only top-level relevant research - subsidising mediocre research activity will not produce the outputs required to enhance Ireland's scientific and innovation landscape and re-energise Ireland's economy. These new SRCs, have successfully come through a lengthy and thorough peer review. From 40 proposals, I am confident that SFI is supporting the very best teams of researchers and industry-based experts that will help to provide a range of strategic economic benefits to Ireland". Funding announced today was approved by the SFI Board following a rigorous, multi-faceted assessment process. This encompassed international scientific peer review, 23 reviews participated in the pre-proposal panel, 27 international experts participated in the postal review process and 27 international experts participated in the five on-site reviews. In addition, a 'Strategic Value to Ireland' assessment was performed by key Government agency stakeholders, including IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Department of Taoiseach, Forfás, the Higher Education Authority and the Health Research Board. Fógraíonn an Tánaiste Cúig 'Ghrúpa Taighde Straitéiseacha' Fhondúireacht Eolaíochta Éireann Taighdeoirí le hoibriú i gcomhar le 22 cuideachta mar chuid d'infheistíocht straitéiseach chomhoibríoch ar fiú €23.9 milliún í (View in English) D'fhógair an Tánaiste agus Aire Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta, Mary Coughlan T.D., inniu (Dé Céadaoin, 25 Feabhra 2009) go bhfuil cúig Ghrúpa Taighde Straitéiseacha bunaithe ag Fondúireacht Eolaíochta Éireann. Is ionann na grúpaí taighde straitéiseacha seo agus infheistíocht ar fiú €23.9 milliún i ngníomhaíochtaí úrnua, comhoibríocha taighde a bhfuil 7 n-institiúid acadúla agus 22 cuideachta páirteach iontu. Gné réasúnta nua d'obair Fhondúireacht Eolaíochta Éireann é clár na nGrúpaí Taighde Straitéiseacha ar cuireadh tús leis in 2007. Tá sé mar aidhm leis an gclár seo eolaithe agus innealtóirí atá ag obair sa timpeallacht acadúil agus sa tionscal a thabhairt le chéile, le déileáil le príomhcheisteanna taighde, le cuideachtaí teicneolaíochta nua agus reatha Éireannacha a fhorbairt, agus le comhpháirtíochtaí a chruthú leis an tionscal. Ag fógairt an chláir di, dúirt an Tánaiste: "Cé gur ábhar iontach suimiúil agus spéisiúil í an eolaíocht, is réimse thar a bheith iomaíoch í freisin, agus tá sé ag éirí níos soiléire de réir a chéile go mbeidh rath geilleagrach na tíre ag brath go mór ar chumas na tíre taighde a dhéanamh a mbaineann torthaí a théann chun tairbhe an gheilleagair leis. Díríonn an foilseachán Rialtais 'Building Ireland's Smart Economy' ar infheistíocht leanúnach san eolaíocht agus san infreastruchtúr innealtóireachta ar mhaithe le hearnáil ghníomhach fiontair a chruthú, mar aon le fostaíocht ar ardchaighdeán agus infreastruchtúr ar ardchaighdeán. Beidh ról lárnach ag an 170 oibrí ardcháilithe atá páirteach sna Grúpaí Taighde Straitéiseacha seo, mar aon leis an 22 cuideachta comhpháirtíochta leis an aidhm seo a chur i gcrích." Bhí an tAire Eolaíochta, Teicneolaíochta agus Nuálaíochta, an Dr Jimmy Devins T.D. i láthair ag an ócáid freisin agus bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá aige: "Éiríonn leis na Grúpaí Taighde Straitéiseacha seo saineolas acadúil agus tionsclaíoch a thabhairt le chéile ar mhaithe le taighde nuálaíoch agus forbairt fiontraíochta a chabhróidh le geilleagar na hÉireann a athchruthú, deiseanna fostaíochta a chruthú, cur lenár gcáil thar lear agus na nithe seo ar fad a chothú sna blianta amach romhainn". Is iad na Príomhthaighdeoirí atá páirteach sna cúig Ghrúpa Taighde Straitéiseacha nua: 1. An tOllamh Lokesh Joshi, OÉ Gaillimh – Grúpa Taighde um Ghlioceolaíocht Bia (AGRC) 2. An tOllamh Pádraig Cunningham, An Coláiste Ollscoile, Baile Átha Cliath – Grúpa Taighde Straitéiseach Clique 3. An Dr William Donnelly, Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Phort Láirge – Bainistíocht Chónasctha, Uathnómach Seirbhísí Cumarsáide Ceann go Ceann (Grúpa Taighde Straitéiseach FAME) 4. An tOllamh Miles Turner, Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath – Grúpa Taighde Straitéiseach Precision 5. An tOllamh Brett Paul, Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath – Grúpa Taighde Eolaíocht Deighilte Éireannach Ag caint dó faoin dea-scéala seo, dúirt an tOllamh Frank Gannon, Príomh-Stiúrthóir Fhondúireacht Eolaíochta Éireann, an méid seo a leanas: "Tá sé mar aidhm ag Fondúireacht Eolaíochta Éireann tacú le taighde ábhartha ardleibhéil – ní chruthófar na torthaí inmhianaithe le timpeallacht eolaíochta agus nuálaíochta na hÉireann a fheabhsú agus geilleagar na hÉireann a thabhairt chun beochta arís trí mhaoiniú a chur ar fáil do ghníomhaíocht taighde lagmheasartha. Tá athbhreithniú piaraí déanta ar na Grúpaí Taighde Straitéiseacha seo. Ón 40 togra, táim muiníneach go bhfuil Fondúireacht Eolaíochta Éireann ag tacú leis na taighdeoirí agus leis na saineolaithe tionscail is fearr a chabhróidh le raon tairbhí geilleagracha straitéiseacha a chruthú d'Éirinn". Cheadaigh Bord Fhondúireacht Eolaíochta Éireann an maoiniú a fógraíodh inniu i ndiaidh próisis mheasúnaithe a bhí dian agus ilghnéitheach. Áiríodh sa phróiseas athbhreithniú eolaíoch idirnáisiúnta piaraí, bhí 23 athbhreithniú páirteach sa phainéal réamhthogra, bhí 27 saineolaí idirnáisiúnta páirteach sa phróiseas athbhreithnithe poist agus bhí 27 saineolaí idirnáisiúnta páirteach i gcúig athbhreithniú ar an láthair. Chomh maith leis sin, rinne lucht leasa gníomhaireachtaí Rialtais, an IDA, Fiontraíocht Éireann, Roinn an Taoisigh, Forfás, an tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas agus an Bord Taighde Sláinte measúnú air maidir leis an 'Luach Straitéiseach d'Éirinn'. -Críoch-

Wednesday, 25 February 2009

The first major competition to be held at NUI Galway's new 25 metre pool takes place this Friday and Saturday as the University hosts the Irish Water Polo Intervarsities. Some 100 athletes, representing up to ten third-level institutions from across the country, will participate. NUI Galway' Swimming and Water Polo Club have won the men's title four times and competition is expected to be fierce in what is known to be a great spectator sport. Water polo is the oldest Olympic team sport having been contested continuously at every modern Olympic Games since Paris 1900. An extremely demanding and physical sport, players may swim the equivalent of up to five kilometres in a singe game. Only the goalkeeper is allowed to touch the bottom of the pool while the rest of the players risk a foul if they do so. Kathy Hynes, Development Officer for Clubs and Participation at NUI Galway, has noted the growing interest in pool sports: "At NUI Galway, swimming and water polo have always been very strong, with very dedicated and talented club members. With the opening of the Sports Centre there has been a surge of interest in all water sports. The new pool provides an ideal opportunity for all students and staff to learn the lifelong skill of swimming. We are proud to host other universities at our state-of-the-art facilities". The six-lane pool at NUI Galway is equipped with a moveable floor, which can be adjusted to provide a perfect setting for various pool sports including water polo, kayaking or sub-aqua training. According to Kathy Hynes, "This is an exciting time for all involved in aquatic sport at NUI Galway. A Swimming Gala, which will hopefully become an annual event in the University calendar, is currently being planned by the Swimming and Water Polo Club". The Intervarsities will begin on Friday afternoon, 27 February, with the finals scheduled for Saturday evening. Kathy Hynes added: "Onlookers will be guaranteed a memorable few hours, as the competitors this year are of a particularly high standard". For more information on the event, email swimming@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

Tuesday, 24 February 2009

A research project conducted by NUI Galway, in conjunction with the HSE West, has revealed that many postgraduate students who will go on to be involved in child protection have very little knowledge of the processes to be adhered to when reporting and following up on child protection concerns. The project explored knowledge of the existing processes in child protection services in Ireland among postgraduate students from various disciplines including general and mental health nursing, teaching and social work. Focus group interviews with participants revealed major inconsistencies between the disciplines in relation to knowledge of child protection issues and their respective roles. The report has been published by the multi-disciplinary Child Protection Education Group West. According to Sinead Hahessy, Lecturer in Nursing at NUI Galway, and co-author of the report with fellow Nursing lecturer Marcella Kelly: "The report's findings raise concerns as to whether professionals understand the importance of the multi-disciplinary roles needed to enact effective child protection and welfare practices. In essence, this threatens what is advocated as international best practice". Other key conclusions to emerge from the study included: - Those agencies that have the most frequent professional contact with children, such as teachers, nurses, social workers etc. are often not aware of each others professional responsibilities. - Reporting concerns was deemed to be a convoluted process by postgraduate students. - There is considerable ambiguity surrounding the identification of a first point of contact for professionals, with evidence of ad hoc approaches to reporting among students. - Multi-disciplinary approaches to child protection is continuously being threatened in service provision across the disciplines. Sinead Hahessy added: "Child protection has to become a fundamental building block in training nurses, social workers and educators. The alarming theme emerging from this report is the fact that students are not being comprehensively trained in how to best deal with child protection issues in a multi-disciplinary manner. There needs to be consistency and inter-connections in training to deliver a truly multi-disciplinary skill set and mindset among students which will best serve society's needs. Multi-disciplinary education is the way forward." It is envisaged that the findings of this study will inform the development of an educational framework that will encapsulate the ethos of multi-disciplinary approaches to child protection. This is to ensure that those involved in professional contact with children can work effectively in the spirit of collaboration in providing protection for vulnerable children and their families. Funding is being sought to develop a specialist training module and it is envisaged that this could be done in an e-learning format to facilitate access and dissemination for all involved. E-learning offers a flexible mode of delivery for learners. It also has the potential to allow updating of material as legislation evolves in this area. Multi-media resources will be developed using the specialist facilities at the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, NUI Galway. -ends-

Tuesday, 24 February 2009

Ms Mary Wallace, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with special responsibility for Health Promotion and Food Safety, today (24th February, 2009) published the results from the Mental Health and Social Well-being Report of the National Health and Lifestyle Survey (SLÁN 2007). This report, which was commissioned by the Department of Health and Children, is part of a series based on the main SLÁN 2007 survey which was carried out by a research consortium involving NUI Galway, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, the Economic and Social Research Institute, and University College Cork. Involving face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of 10,364 respondents, the study is the largest national survey to date on the extent of both positive and negative mental health and social well-being in the Irish adult population. "We are very pleased to launch this report, which provides important national level data to guide policy and service development in promoting mental health improvement at a population level. Promoting and protecting population mental health contributes to the functioning of individuals, communities and society and reduces the social and economic burden of mental disorders" said Minister Wallace. The research team from NUI Galway was led by Professor Margaret Barry, Director of the Health Promotion Research Centre, and included Mr Eric Van Lente and Dr Michal Molcho, also from the Health Promotion Research Centre. "This report provides the most comprehensive information to date on levels of positive mental health and mental health problems in the Irish adult population. The findings indicate that while the majority of people report reasonably high levels of positive mental health, respondents with low levels of education, low income, who are not in paid emploment and have lower levels of social support, all experience poorer mental health. The findings also indicate the importance of good mental health for our physical health and well-being and underscore the need to implement the recommendations of the national mental health policy Vision for Change", Professor Barry said on behalf of the team. The report is available on line at www.dohc.ie or www.slan07.ie ENDS

Tuesday, 24 February 2009

Rod Stoneman and James Finlan of NUI Galway's Huston School of Film & Digital Media are in Western Africa for the continent's largest film festival, FESPACO. Held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the film festival first started 40 years ago and has evolved into an internationally renowned event. The team from NUI Galway will continue a long-standing collaboration with the Imagine Film School in Ouagadougou, by running a newsreel workshop for its students. The resulting newsreels will be shown on television and in cinemas throughout Ouagadougou as part of the festival, which runs from 28 February to 7 March. Founded by leading African film director Gaston Kabore in 2005, the Imagine Film School has set an example in stimulating creative filmmaking across the African continent. The Huston School previously collaborated with the Imagine Film School on a script workshop in 2005. All workshops at Imagine are supported by NUI Galway's Community Knowledge Initiative, which promotes the ethos of civic engagement among students, staff and the wider community. Commenting on the trip to Burkina Faso, James Finlan co-ordinator of the M.A. in Production and Direction says: "Our involvement with the Imagine Film School and FESPACO festival continues our association with the continent of Africa. Last year, two of our production/direction students travelled to Nigeria to shoot their award-winning film FGM – No Way Home, which looks at the controversial topic of female genital mutilation. A current Huston student on the Public Advocacy and Activism course, Stephen Stewart also recently picked up a Digital Media award for his film Appeal to the people of Africa". The Huston School of Film & Digital Media runs a number of M.A. courses including Production/Direction, Screenwriting, Film Studies, Arts Policy & Practice, Digital Media, and Public Advocacy & Activism. Further information is available from: www.filmschool.ie -ends-

Monday, 23 February 2009

Acclaimed American pianist Dr Orin Grossman will give a free lunchtime piano recital at NUI Galway's Aula Maxima Upper on Tuesday, 3 March at 1pm. The hour-long programme 'SWonderful – the Music of George Gershwin and Friends will feature the music of George Gershwin, ragtime musician Scott Joplin, and novelty piano composer Zez Confrey. The free, ticketless concert is open to the public and all are welcome. Since his successful New York Carnegie Recital Hall debut, Dr Grossman has pursued a long-standing interest in American jazz and popular music. His innovative combination of classical pieces with his transcriptions of jazz piano solos; and his extraordinary ability to move through different idioms, has led to a growing number of exciting and unusual recitals in New York and elsewhere around the world. In recent years, Dr. Grossman has been particularly associated with the music of George Gershwin, performing concerts of his song transcriptions and classical pieces to critical praise around the world. Recent concerts have been held in Cairo, New York, Florence, and St Petersburg, where he performed Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and gave the Russian premiere of Gershwin's Second Rhapsody with the St Petersburg Philharmonic. The Gershwin element of the recital will include Gershwin's three preludes, his first extended composition, Rhapsody in Blue, and six songs from The Gershwin Songbook to include: 'SWonderful; I am Just a Little Girl; The Man I Love; and Someone to Watch Over Me. According to Fionnuala Gallagher, Arts Officer, NUI Galway: "This is a rare and marvellous opportunity to hear the music of Gershwin from the heart of a true aficionado. Orin Grossman performs this one-hour lunchtime as a special gift to NUI Galway and all music lovers, and is not to be missed". Orin Grossman began piano and theory instruction at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA at the age of five. He went onto Harvard College, where he graduated Magna cum Laude in Music and won the prestigious Concerto Competition. He continued his studies at Yale University, earning a Ph.D. in Music. In 1971, he toured France with the Yale Orchestra, winning particular acclaim in concerts in Paris and Lyon. Dr Grossman joined Fairfield University in 1975 as an Assistant Professor of Fine Arts. In 1991 he was appointed Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He is currently the Academic Vice-President at Fairfield University, where he is also Professor of Visual and Performing Arts. For further information, contact Deirdre Lydon at the Arts & Theatre office, NUI Galway on 091 495098 or deirdre.lydon@nuigalway.ie -ends-

Monday, 23 February 2009

Third-year NUI Galway medical student Kapil Sharma is in Las Vegas this week to present at the Orthopaedic Research Society s 55th meeting. His presentation 'Tracking Human Adult and Fetal Stem Cells during Segmental Bone Repair' resulted from research carried out at the Georgia Institute of Technology, during a UREKA International Exchange Programme. The UREKA International Exchange Programme is one of two summer undergraduate research fellowship programmes, funded by Science Foundation Ireland, at the National Centre for Biomedical Science, NUI Galway. The UREKA programme promotes active research participation by undergraduate students from science, engineering and medicine, in a challenging and enjoyable research environment. Kapil, who was born in Galway city but grew up in Ennis, Co. Clare, spent three months last summer working in the US on a project that is part of a longstanding research partnership between NUI Galway and Georgia Institute of Technology. Working with Professor Frank Barry of NUI Galway's Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) and Professor Robert Guldberg of the Georgia Institute of Technology, Kapil's research encompassed orthopedic biomechanics, and bone and cartilage tissue engineering. Kapil is currently based in Sligo, where along with 16 other NUI Galway medical students, he is undertaking a year of clinical training at Sligo General Hospital. For him, the UREKA programme has been a very positive experience: "Participating in the UREKA International Exchange programme in Georgia Tech has been one of the most academic and professionally fulfilling experiences of my life. I am truly excited about travelling to Las Vegas, this is a remarkable opportunity for me to present the research I did over the summer as well as to represent REMEDI and NUI Galway". Professor Frank Barry, Scientific Director, REMEDI, also praised the UREKA programme: "This is a perfect example of the immense value of the UREKA programme in providing training for talented young scientists. The time spent at Georgia Tech, the chance to participate in this compelling research project, and the podium presentation at the Orthopaedic Research Society s meeting, all provide great opportunities for new research insights. I congratulate Kapil on his achievements and wish him great success in his future career". Kapil will attend the meeting in Las Vegas along with a number of REMEDI scientists who will also be making presentations. The NCBES at NUI Galway will welcome its fifth cohort of students to the UREKA Programme in 2009 and applications will be accepted from undergraduate students worldwide. -Ends-

Monday, 23 February 2009

The EU's Water Framework Directive is the subject of an upcoming workshop at NUI Galway on 5 March, from 2.30-4.30pm. Speakers will include the Fulbright Scholar Dr Jon MacDonagh-Dumler of the Institute for Water Research at Michigan State University. Ireland has similar water management problems to the Great Lakes region, and Dr MacDonagh-Dumler is currently based at NUI Galway researching the workings of the Water Framework Directive and factors that influence its management and implementation in Ireland. The Water Framework Directive (WFD) brings together, in one management scheme, the regulations of 11 existing major EU directives, to which Member States must comply. Following public consultation, Ireland and other EU countries will implement the first water management plan at the end of 2009. According to Dr MacDonagh-Dumler: "I have observed that the WFD management plan is designed to coordinate and improve existing management programmes that impact water resources, thus making the whole effort more efficient and effective. It also introduces novel opportunities for collaboration among many different stakeholders, including the public". Dr MacDonagh-Dumler's research project is being hosted by Dr Brendan Flynn of the School of Political Science and Sociology at NUI Galway, who comments: "Ireland has much to gain from the four decade long American experience of clean water policy, but in my view that story is not really much understood by key policy actors or academics in Ireland. An authoritative American voice on these matters would add considerably to the Irish debate on clean water policies". Other perspectives at the seminar on 5 March, which is entitled 'The EU Water Framework Directive: Irish, European and American Perspectives' will come from speakers Francis Jacobs, Head of European Parliament Representations, and Sinead O'Brien, Chair of SWAN (Sustainable Water Network Ireland). The event is aimed at environmental researchers with a broad interest in water policy, and the general public with an interest in water quality and sustainability issues. According to Dr Martina Prendergast, Development Manager of the Environmental Change Institute at NUI Galway, which is supporting the event: "Dr MacDonagh-Dumler will be able to give us insights into the excellent 'state of the art' methodologies and academic traditions from the USA. Sinead O'Brien of SWAN will speak about the crucial question of public participation. This event offers a vital and timely contribution towards an issue of pressing concern in Ireland - our growing environmental problems". Registration for the event is free, for further information email brendan.flynn@nuigalway.ie -ends-

Friday, 20 February 2009

Three new research reports are released today by the Western Region Drugs Task Force addressing tranquillser and sedative misuse; drug use in the Traveller community; and drugs issues in new communities. The new data target key gaps in knowledge on drugs issues in the West of Ireland. Launching the three reports in Galway, John Curran Minister of State with special responsibility for Drugs Strategy and Community Affairs at the Department of Community, Rural, and Gaeltacht Affairs said: "I am delighted to be here today to launch these three research reports for the Western Regional Drugs Task Force. In our role as policymakers it is vital that we establish reliable information concerning the nature and extent of drug misuse among all groups in society and also emerging trends of drugs misuse. I know that this research will be used to inform the work of the Task Force and will help to provide a better response to the needs of the communities covered by the Task Force". Dr Saoirse Nic Gabhainn of NUI Galway's Health Promotion Research Centre, said: "This is an important milestone in the work of the Western Region Task Force, it emphasises the comittment working from the evidence and reinforces how important it is to work with communities and community groups to help address old and emerging problems". The three reports are: 1 Minor Tranquillsers and Sedatives: Use and Misuse in the West of Ireland, by Kealan Flynn of iWrite Consulting This report illustrates the huge pull on the public purse of inappropriately prescribed minor tranquillisers and sedatives. Between 2000 and 2007, national exchequer spending on these drugs was €168.9 million, of this €90 million was for drug costs and €79 million for professional fees. In this period almost 90,000 people received 1.5 million prescriptions in the western region – most of them older, female and medical card holders. This report clearly identifies how the national prescribing guidelines are not being followed - and recommends that this be addressed as a matter of urgency. 2. Substance Misuse in the Traveller Community: A Regional Needs Assessment, by Marie-Claire Van Hout of Waterford Institute of Technology This report highlights how changes within the Traveller community – including fragmentation of their traditional culture, poverty and experiences of marginalisation in Irish society - places them at increased risk of substance misuse. Although the evidence suggests that fewer Travellers use drugs than settled people, Traveller groups identified that illegal drug taking was most prevalent among young men in their community with very low levels being used by Traveller women. However, Traveller groups reported women most commonly abusing minor tranquillisers and sedatives. The report states that drug education and prevention for Travellers needs more attention, and recommends a community development approach to working with Travellers. 3. Substance Use in New Communities: A way forward, by Colette Kelly, Cliona Fitzpatrick and Saoirse Nic Gabhainn of the Health Promotion Research Centre, NUI Galway. This report describes how migrant workers, asylum seekers and refugees are often cut off from supports – especially those who are isolated from their families and have poor English language skills. Immigrants generally come from countries with lower levels of drug use than in Ireland, and are often forced to alter their cultural values and behaviours to adapt to the lifesytle of the Irish population. The report recommends that barriers to effective service utilisation must be tackled and minimised; requiring supports for new communities, service providers and communication between the two. All three reports will be available for download from: www.wrdtf.ie -ends-

Friday, 20 February 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) Following a lengthy standing ovation, Archbishop Desmond Tutu addressed a packed audience of over 1000 people at NUI Galway's Literary and Debating Society event on Sunday, 15 February. The Noble Peace Prize winner called for a sense of 'togetherness' in order that humanity might combat the challenges of climate change and economic meltdown. Archbishop Tutu, who led South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, was critical of the vast sums spent on military budgets, when so many lacked clean water, education and basic healthcare. Referring to the 'so-called war on terror', he said there was no way to win 'as long as there are conditions in the world that make people desperate'. The Archbishop was introduced by Sir Bob Geldof, who told the packed auditorium 'how privileged we are to be in the same room as an historic giant'. Sir Bob was making his first visit to NUI Galway in over 30 years, since he gigged in the college bar with the Boomtown Rats. Speaking about the spirit of volunteering at NUI Galway, the Archbishop praised the University's ALIVE volunteering programme which encourages civic engagement, describing it to media as 'fantastic'. He also reminded the audience that every human was family, and said 'you know you all come from Africa'. Dan Colley, Auditor of the Literary and Debating Society at NUI Galway, described the Archbishop's address and 'enlightening and lightening', referring to the South Africans humour. At the end of proceedings, Sir Bob Geldof presented the Literary & Debating Society's highest accolade, the President's Medal, to Archbishop Tutu. The medal has previously been awarded to such notable figures as philosopher and linguist Noam Chomsky, US Senator Mike Gravel, Congressman Bruce Morrison, and former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. Proceeds from the event have been pledged to two charities of Archbishop Tutu's choice, Tygerberg Children's Hospital and Philani Child Health and Nutrition project in South Africa. Ardmholadh Tugtha ag an Ardeaspag Tutu do Scéim Dheonach ALIVE in OÉ Gaillimh (View in English) I ndiaidh don slua seasamh agus bualadh bos fada a thabhairt dó, labhair an tArdeaspag Desmond Tutu leis an mbreis is 1000 duine a bhí sa lucht éisteachta ag ócáid Chumann Liteartha agus Díospóireachta OÉ Gaillimh, Dé Domhanigh, 15 Feabhra. D'iarr buaiteoir Dhuais Síochána Nobel go mbeadh 'aontacht' ann sa chaoi go mbeidh an cine daonna in ann aghaidh a thabhairt ar na dúshláin a bhaineann leis an athrú aeráide agus leis an ngéarchéim sa gheilleagar. Rinne an tArdeaspag Tutu, a bhí i gceannas ar Choimisiún Fírinne agus Athmhuintearais na hAfraice Theas, cáineadh ar na suimeanna ollmhóra airgid a chaitear ar bhuiséid mhíleata, nuair atá a oiread sin daoine gan uisce glan, gan oideachas ná cúram bunúsach sláinte. Ag tagairt dó don 'chogadh in aghaidh na sceimhlitheoireachta', mar a thugtar air, dúirt sé nach bhféadfaí an cogadh sin a bhaint 'fad atá cúrsaí ar domhan ag cur éadóchais ar dhaoine'. Chuir Bob Geldof an tArdeaspag Tutu i láthair, agus dúirt sé leis an slua 'gur phribhléid é bheith sa seomra céanna le fathach de chuid na staire'. Ba í céadchuairt Bob Geldof ar OÉ Gaillimh í le 30 bliain, ó bhí sé ag seinm i mbeár an choláiste leis na Boomtown Rats. Ag labhairt dó faoina thógtha atá OÉ Gaillimh le hobair dheonach, mhol an tArdeaspag Tutu scéim dheonach ALIVE a chuireann an comhpháirteachas poiblí chun cinn, agus dúirt sé leis na meáin go bhfuil an scéim seo 'thar barr'. Chuir sé i gcuimhne don lucht éisteachta gur gaol gach duine lena chéile, agus dúirt 'tá a fhios agaibh gurb as an Afraic sibh ar fad'. Dúirt Dan Colley, Reachtaire Chumann Liteartha agus Díospóireachta OÉ Gaillimh, go raibh aitheasc an Ardeaspaig 'lán eolais agus lán de chroí', ag tagairt dó d'acmhainn ghrinn fhear na hAfraice Theas. Bhronn Bob Geldof Bonn an Uachtaráin, buaicghradam an Chumainn Liteartha agus Díospóireachta, ar an Ardeaspag Tutu i ndiaidh na léachta. I measc na ndaoine ar bronnadh an gradam seo orthu go dtí seo bhí an fealsamh agus an teangeolaí Noam Chomsky, an Seanadóir Meiriceánach Mike Gravel, an Feisire Meiriceánach Bruce Morrisson, agus an t-iar-Thaoiseach Bertie Ahern. Bronnadh luach na dticéad ar dhá charthanas a roghnaigh an tArdeaspag Tutu, Ospidéal Leanaí Tygerberg agus tionscadal Sláinte agus Cothaithe Leanaí Philani san Afraic Theas. -Críoch-

Thursday, 19 February 2009

NUI Galway student Stephen Stewart, from Rathcoole, County Dublin, has won the Connect-World Student Digital Story telling Award for his short film Appeal to the People of Africa at Digital Media Awards 2009. The film gives an insight into some the fortitude and dignity that Irish children could learn from their peers in Africa. This is the second year Stephen has won this award. Students of the Huston School of Film & Digital Media, NUI Galway, accounted for two out of three nominations in the student category at the awards. Richard Walsh from Ballybunion, County Kerry, and Julian Ulrichs from Galway City, were also nominated for their short documentary F.G.M. - No Way Home. The film deals with the issue of female genital mutilation and focuses on the story of Pamela Izevbekhai, a Nigerian woman living in Ireland, and her daughters. Last year, the documentary was awarded the Radharc Award for best short documentary. The Digital Media award for students is sponsored by Connect-World, the Irish organisation which promotes coverage of international development issues in the media. Entries were open to all third-level and higher education students, with the brief to tell a story of global development. Commenting on the award, Andrea Breslin of the Huston School of Film & Digital Media, NUI Galway, said: "We are thrilled that one of our students has won this prestigious award, for the second time, for such an original and engaging piece. The subject matter is directly related to the masters in Public Advocacy & Activism which he is currently studying at the Huston Film School. The Digital Media Awards are held in such high regard it's an honour for the school to have been represented this year, and to have the work of the students recognised in this way". Launched in 2003, The Digital Media Awards were engineered to raise awareness of the emerging digital media sector in Ireland and more importantly to act as a showcase for the varied dynamic works being created by companies and third-level institutions across a broad spectrum of categories in digital media. The Huston School of Film & Digital Media runs a number of M.A. courses including Production/Direction, Screenwriting, Film Studies, Arts Policy & Practice, Digital Media, and Public Advocacy & Activism. Further information available from: www.filmschool.ie -ends-

Thursday, 19 February 2009

NUI Galway 2-10 UUJ 1-8 NUI Galway kept their best till last to leave University of Ulster Jordanstown (UUJ) reeling and out of the race to land this year's Sigerson Cup after a robust quarter-final at Kingspan/Breffni Park, Cavan. The semi-final line up for this year s Sigerson Cup was decided yesterday and NUI Galway will now face Cork IT on Friday 27, February. Although they won most of the battles, the NUI Galway students looked like losing the war until an unanswered 1-4 tally in the final 18 minutes ousted long-time leaders UUJ. The sides were level on just two occasions over the hour but NUI Galway's physical superiority, greater experience and Paul Broderick's 56th-minute penalty, following a foul on inter-county star Seán Armstrong, eventually wore the northerners down. Mark Gottsche's goal, after a terrific run by centre back Gareth Bradshaw, was just one of many features of a first half that finished 1-7 to 1-5 in favour of UUJ. Tony Regan, Head of Sport, NUI Galway, commented: "Considering we had such a poor start conceding 1-3 in the first five minutes, great credit must go to the team for holding their nerve and battling through to gain a merited five point win. To qualify for the semi-final in Cork IT next weekend gives a tremendous boost to Gaelic Games as a whole in the University and with yesterday's convincing win we are optimistic of our chances". UCD also overcame Garda College yesterday and will now face Dublin rivals DIT in the opposite semi-final. NUI Galway: L Grant; C McDonald, G Cafferkey, D Finnegan; N Ewing, P Domican, G Begley, G Bradshaw, K Conroy; C Kenny (0-2, one free), M Gottsche (1-0), S Armstrong (0-1), J Connellan (0-3); P Broderick (1-3, pen, two frees), C Healy. Subs: Conor Delaney for M Gottsche (58 mines); E Hoare (0-1) for C Healy (58 mines). UUJ: G Kelly; D McDermott, A Girvan, D Morgan (0-1); K Nolan, D Hughes, D Bate son; J Colgan, P Downey; C Donnelly (0-3, two frees), T McCann (0-3), R Muldrow (0-1); C Kavanagh (1-0), S Forcer, D Mulholland. Subs: P Hughes for D Mullholland (49 mins); C Murray for S Forker (51 mins). Referee: P Fox (Westmeath).

Wednesday, 18 February 2009

Adi Roche, Founder and CEO of Chernobyl Children's Project International, will deliver a seminar at NUI Galway on Thursday, 26 February at 1pm. Her presentation will focus on volunteerism in the context of her work with Chernobyl Children's Project International (CCPI). The event is being organised by NUI Galway's Community Knowledge Initiative, which runs the University's volunteering programme ALIVE. Adi Roche has spent decades campaigning for issues relating to the environment, peace and justice. While working full-time as a volunteer for the Irish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, she devised a Peace Education Programme and delivered it in over fifty schools throughout Ireland. In 1991 Adi Roche established the Chernobyl Children's Project International. CCPI has offices in Ireland, Minsk and the USA. Since then, the organisation has delivered over €76 million in direct and indirect humanitarian and medical aid to thousands of children and their families in the Chernobyl-affected regions. Lorraine McIlrath heads up the Community Knowledge Initiative at NUI Galway: "We are delighted to welcome Adi Roche to Galway and the University. Adi has been a national and international role model as an agent of social change, who has in a very short time focused national and international attention and action on the social consequences of Chernobyl. We know that her visit will do much to inspire and give confidence to our students and broader community to take local action on social injustice issues". The event, supported by Camp Claddagh, the Galway Based Outreach Group of Chernobyl Children's Project International, NUI Galway's Huston School of Film & Digital Media, and the University's J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics. The event will be held in the Siobhán McKenna Theatre, in the Arts Millennium Building, NUI Galway. To book a place please contact the Community Knowledge Initiative office on 091 493823 or email mary.bernard@nuigalway.ie -ends-

Monday, 16 February 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) NUI Galway is pleased to announce the appointment of former Irish Olympian, Gary Ryan as Sports Development Officer – Elite. This new role within the Sports and Recreation Unit of the University will provide support and assistance to individual elite performers and implement performance development programmes, support services such as sports science, strength and conditioning, and nutrition will also be offered. Gary Ryan is a former multiple Irish sprint record holder who represented Ireland at the Atlanta and Sydney Olympic Games. He won a bronze medal for the 4x400m relay at the World Indoor Championships in 2004, as well as numerous Irish titles. Gary has for the past three years been the Director of Coaching for the Athletics Association of Ireland where he was responsible for the development of Coach Education and the high performance Junior and Youth achiever program, which is preparing athletes for the 2012 and beyond Olympic Games. Speaking about his appointment, Gary Ryan, said: "There is huge potential across a broad range of sports at NUI Galway and I look forward to playing a role in helping the elite sportspeople in the University reach their maximum potential, and achieve success nationally and internationally". NUI Galway has evolved into a modern centre for sporting excellence. The University has a state of the art Sports Centre which includes a 25m swimming pool, an elite performance gym and an international basketball arena as well as a number of external facilities. It has a sports development programme for elite athletes, a sports scholarship scheme and a growing academic portfolio of courses including the Sports and Exercise Engineering Degree Course. President of NUI Galway, Dr James J. Browne, said: "We are delighted to welcome Gary to this new post of Sports Development Officer - Elite. Here at NUI Galway we have recently invested very significantly in our sports infrastructure and this appointment is further proof of the University s commitment to supporting sport on campus, by providing dedicated resources to assist our elite athletes". Originally from Kilcommon, County Tipperary, Gary is a graduate of Waterford IT and the University of Limerick with an MSc in Sports Biomechanics. Oifigeach Nua d'Fhorbairt Spórt Éilíte in OÉ Gaillimh (View in English) Cúis áthais do OÉ Gaillimh a fhógairt go bhfuil an t-iar-lúthchleasaí Oilimpeach Éireannach, Gary Ryan ceaptha mar Oifigeach Forbartha Spóirt – Éilít. Is in Aonad Spóirt agus Áineasa na hOllscoile a bheidh Gary ag obair agus beidh sé de dhualgas air tacaíocht agus cúnamh a thabhairt do mhic léinn atá dírithe ar spóirt éagsúla agus cláir forbartha gníomhaíochta a chur i bhfeidhm. Chomh maith leis sin, beidh sé de dhualgas air seirbhísí tacaíochta cosúil le heolaíocht spóirt a sholáthar, treoracha a thabhairt maidir le láidreacht agus le cleachtadh, agus noda maidir le dea-chothú. Iar-ilchuradh rásaíochta ráibe na hÉireann é Gary Ryan agus rinne sé ionadaíocht thar ceann na hÉireann ag na Cluichí Oilimpeacha in Atlanta agus i Sydney. Bhuaigh sé bonn cré-umha sa rás sealaíochta 4x400m ag an gComórtas Domhanda faoi dhíon in 2004, mar aon le roinnt comórtas anseo in Éirinn. Le trí bliana anuas tá Gary ag obair mar Stiúrthóir Oiliúna do Chumann Lúthchleasaíochta na hÉireann. I measc na bhfreagrachtaí a bhí air bhí Oideachas Oiliúna a fhorbairt mar aon le clár gnóthachtála ardghníomhaíochta na Sóisear agus na nÓg, clár atá dírithe ar lúthchleasaithe a ullmhú do Chluichí Oilimpeacha 2012 agus na cluichí a bheidh ar siúl ina dhiaidh sin go deimhin. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Gary Ryan faoina cheapachán: "Is léir go bhfuil go leor deiseanna forbartha ann i gcineálacha éagsúla spóirt in OÉ Gaillimh agus táim ag tnúth le ról lárnach a bheith agam i gcabhrú leis an spórt éilíte a chur chun cinn san ollscoil ionas gur féidir leis na mic léinn dul chun cinn a dhéanamh, agus aitheantas náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta a bhaint amach dóibh féin". Tá fás agus forbairt tagtha ar chúrsaí spóirt in OÉ Gaillimh in imeacht na mblianta agus tá ionad nua-aimseartha don fheabhas spóirt cruthaithe san ollscoil anois. Tá Ionad Spóirt den scoth san Ollscoil anois lena n-áirítear linn snámha 25 méadar, giomnáisiam den chéad scoth agus cúirt cispheile idirnáisiúnta mar aon le roinnt áiseanna seachtracha. Tá clár forbartha spóirt do lúthchleasaithe éilíte, le cois scéim scoláireachtaí spóirt agus portfóilió acadúil cúrsaí lena n-áirítear Céim sa Spóirt agus san Innealtóireacht Aclaíochta bunaithe san Ollscoil. Dúirt an Dr James Browne, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh: "Cúis áthais dúinn fáilte chroíúil a chur roimh Gary mar Oifigeach Forbartha Spóirt Éilíte. Tá go leor airgid infheistithe againn anseo in OÉ Gaillimh in acmhainní spóirt agus dearbhú eile fós é an ceapachán seo ar thiomantas na hOllscoile tacú le cúrsaí spóirt go ginearálta ar an gcampas, trí acmhainní ar leith a sholáthar dár lúthchleasaithe éilíte". Fear de bhunadh Chill Chuimín, Co. Thiobraid Árann é Gary ó dhúchas. D'fhreastail sé ar Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Phort Láirge agus bhronn Ollscoil Luimnigh MSc i mBithmheicnic Spóirt air. -Críoch-

Monday, 16 February 2009

Feminist economist Dr Simel Esim will be in NUI Galway on Wednesday, 18 February, to present a lecture and film entitled Social Care on the Move: Women's Employment and Labour Migration in Arab States. Dr Esim works in Beirut, where she is a Gender Equality and Women Workers' Issues specialist with the International Labour Organisation's regional office for Arab States. An agency of the UN, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is the global body responsible for drawing up and overseeing international labour standards. The ILO promotes the 'Decent Work Campaign' to protect the rights of domestic workers in a changing economic climate. Dr Esim has worked extensively on migrant workers rights and issues relating to informal labour. Her visit to NUI Galway is being hosted by the University's Global Women's Studies Programme. According to Dr Esim: "Meeting the needs of social care is generally perceived as an issue of individual households with the burden falling primarily on women to resolve the gap through a 'double shift' or hiring domestic help". Dr Nata Duvvury, a Lecturer with NUI Galway's Global Women's Studies Programme, says: "A critical emerging global issue is the crisis in the care economy, in both developed and developing countries. Women have moved into the labour market, often relying on migrant workers to carry out domestic duties known as the 'care economy'. With the economic meltdown, we can expect women to go back into the home, dislodging migrant workers. At the same time, we envisage an increase in migration, as women emigrate in search of work in a domestic setting". Driven by extreme poverty, several million female migrant workers from countries such as Sri Lanka, the Philippines and areas of sub-Saharan Africa, work in domestic service in Arab States. In the lecture at NUI Galway Dr Esim will discuss the implications of relying on migration to resolve the crisis in the care economy in Lebanon in particular. The film Social Care on the Move: Women's Employment and Labour Migration in Arab States highlights both the tensions and bonds which form between the women who hire domestic workers and the domestic workers themselves. The event will take place at 4pm at NUI Galway's Huston School of Film and Digital Media which is based in Earl's Island. For further information or to RSVP please contact Gillian Browne, Gillian.browne@nuigalway.ie or 091 493450. -ends-