Wednesday, 6 December 2023

University of Galway pioneers new, immersive approach to learning for students and educators    Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for Public Health and Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Hildegarde Naughton T.D. has launched a virtual reality (VR) learning system for nursing education, pioneered by University of Galway.  Funded through the ERASMUS+ programme, the ViReTrain project offers nursing students and educators immersive eLearning experiences, preparing them for the complex demands of healthcare delivery. With a focus on authentic, complex scenarios in virtual reality, the project is an innovative teaching strategy for academics and faculty working in nursing education. ViReTrain is unique in the emerging field of VR technology in the education of health professionals with the technology and VR scenarios being made available free of charge to nurse educators and their students. ViReTrain draws on expertise of researchers in a European higher education partnership - University of Galway; FH Muenster in Germany; Via University College in Aarhus, Denmark; and the University of Turku in Finland, who partnered with a software company, Ingenious Knowledge GmbH (Germany). ViReTrain's virtual reality simulations mirror nursing care in practice, where students can practice clinical skills, use the nursing process, employ critical thinking skills, make informed decisions, and take actions that address individual patient needs. Each scenario is tied to specific learning outcomes, encompassing both technical and non-technical skills.  Government Chief Whip and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton said: "The ViReTrain virtual reality education for nurses is a remarkable step towards the future of healthcare education. By combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to excellence, this project ensures that nurses will be even better prepared to deliver high-quality, safe and exceptional care to patients. Adopting this type of technology and opportunity for learning is both innovative and accessible and aligns with our commitment to improving healthcare standards and fostering international collaboration, further advancing our nation's healthcare system."  Professor Martin O’Donnell, Executive Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science at University of Galway, said: "By immersing students in authentic, complex scenarios ViReTrain cultivates critical thinking, decision-making, and technical expertise crucial for delivering patient-centered care. This innovative initiative not only enhances the quality of clinical nursing education but also underscores our commitment to fostering international collaboration and advancing healthcare standards. We are proud to lead this ground-breaking effort and make this transformative learning experience freely accessible to nursing educators and students, furthering our dedication to excellence in healthcare education.” Dr Siobhan Smyth, Principal Investigator and a lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, said: “ViReTrain empowers students and educators with an innovative, accessible and immersive learning tool. In this European project, we developed complex, authentic VR scenarios and modules, providing nurse educators with an educational framework and the software required to introduce VR simulation into their curricula. The project offers students the opportunity to acquire nursing skills in a safe and interactive environment that complements existing learning strategies.” Trish Galvin, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Stroke at University Hospital Galway, which forms part of the Saolta University Health Care Group said: “It’s amazing to see where stroke medicine has come over the last number of years in terms of acute interventions, improvements in outcome for patients in terms of mortality and morbidity. Today it has now entered the world of virtual reality,  and to see nursing at the forefront is fantastic because the role of the nurse is central to patients journeys on the stroke pathway.” What is the virtual reality learning system for nursing educators? The Virtual Reality scenarios have been crafted by project researchers, offering nursing students invaluable experiential learning opportunities and helping them to prepare for the multifaceted challenges they will encounter in clinical practice. How does the VR simulation work? Students don a VR headset and hold VR hand controllers to enter a virtual clinical ward. Here, they meet a VR patient and are tasked with providing nursing care within the context of the VR scenario. Similar to physical, and in-person simulation, a VR simulation includes a pre-briefing and a debriefing to maximise the learning experience. What is the role of the nursing student? Students assume the role of a newly qualified nurse, providing care to an individual patient. The patient's personal and clinical situation evolves, and the student's decisions influence responses by the patient and other staff members, as well as the patient's condition. Ends

Tuesday, 5 December 2023

University of Galway supports local school students as official observer delegation attends Dubai summit   To coincide with University of Galway's official observer status at the COP28 global summit, a "Dear World" message from a group of young people is being shared. The letter, and video which can be viewed here on YouTube, have been created to articulate the hopes and fears about the climate crisis of students in two post-primary schools in the Cois Fharraige Gaeltacht in Galway. The Cois Fharraige to COP project, which was conducted entirely through the Irish language, coincides with the attendance of a five strong delegation of University of Galway academics and researchers at the summit - the first time the University has been represented with official observer status. Twenty students from Coistí Glasa, or Green Committees, in Coláiste Chroí Mhuire, an Spidéal (Spiddal) and Coláiste Cholmcille, Indreabhán (Inverin) participated in three workshops organised by a team from the University, supported by Fóram Chois Fharraige um Phleanáil Teanga. Guest speakers were brought in to help gather student inputs and ideas on issues related to the negotiations at COP28. The students heard about distinctive flora in the area, the importance of peatlands, the challenge of rising sea levels and the impact of climate change on agriculture. The workshops led to the students helping to draft a letter to the world to express their views:   Dear World, From this small community on the edge of Europe, we’re asking for help.  We live on the west coast of Ireland, between peat bogland and the shore, in a place that has always had respect for the sea. When it’s calm, we go swimming and fishing. But with the advent of climate change, the things we value most are turning into a threat.  Research shows that sea levels and temperatures continue to rise. We see that Atlantic storms are getting more powerful, more frequent. Rainfall levels are growing continuously. And it feels like the seasons are out of sync. We are grateful for the beach, the fields, the blanket bog and everything that lives and grows there. But we are worried too. Even during our lifetime, we can see nature’s treasure in decline. It wasn’t young people who burnt the oil, cut the turf, felled the trees. But we will suffer the consequences most of all. This generation is ready to tackle climate change with enthusiasm and energy. But are you? Let’s stand together, as one global community, and turn our words into action. Yours hopefully, Young people of Cois Fharraige.   The sentiments were subsequently recorded on video as a message from young people in Connemara, on the edge of Ireland and Europe, to global leaders at COP28. Full details of the project are on https://www.universityofgalway.ie/cop28/ President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “While our University is embedded in our community and is deeply conscious of the role we can play for the public good by attending COP28, we are also here to offer opportunity to those in our community to play their part. The students who supported the Cois Fharraige to COP project have created a message to the world at what is clearly a critical juncture. The impact of humanity’s effect on the planet is becoming visible on all corners and the message from young people, here in the west of Ireland, is a unique perspective on how the climate and biodiversity crises are having an impact, in the present tense. The time is now and we hope their thoughts make an impression and resonate as loudly as the calls for action at COP28.” The University of Galway delegation at COP28 includes Professor of Engineering Jamie Goggins, Professor Charlie Spillane, Director of University of Galway’s Ryan Institute; Dr Una Murray, lecturer and researcher in Geography and with the Ryan Institute; and two researchers studying for PhD - Yuhan Zheng and Lala Rukh Memon. Dr John Caulfield, Director of Strategy Implementation at University of Galway, who led the Cois Fharraige to COP project, said: “If we don’t take action to tackle climate change, our young people will suffer the consequences. That’s why we worked with secondary school students in Cois Fharraige to help them express their hopes and fears about our changing climate with the world. Climate change is felt differently depending on where you live, and our teenagers have described in a compelling way how climate change is impacting the west of Ireland here and now.” While 20 students from the two schools took part in the Cois Fharraige to COP project, six feature in the video: Coláiste Chroí Mhuire, an Spidéal – Kate Ní Raghallaigh, Ella Nic Dhomhnaill, Chloe Ní Choisdealbha; Coláiste Cholmcille, Indreabhán – Daniel Mac Eochagáin, Aodán Ó Donnchadha, Paul Bheilbigh. Ends

Wednesday, 6 December 2023

Labhraíonn déagóirí Gaeltachta amach ar son na timpeallachta Léigh an teachtaireacht agus éist leis na déagóirí ag: www.universityofgalway.ie/cop28   Tá 20 dalta meánscoile ó Chois Fharraige i nGaeltacht na Gaillimhe tar éis labhairt amach faoina gcuid tuairimí agus imní maidir leis an athrú aeráide. Tá an litir a scríobh siad, agus físeán atá bunaithe air, á roinnt ar líne le linn COP28 – an chomhdháil dhomhanda faoi chúrsaí aeráide atá á reáchtáil ag na Násiúin Aontaithe in Dubai faoi láthair. D’oibrigh daltaí i gColáiste Chroí Mhuire, an Spidéal, agus Coláiste Cholmcille, in Indreabhán, in éineacht le baill foirne Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, foireann Fhóram Chois Fharraige um Phleanáil Teanga, agus aoichainteoirí ar chúrsaí timpeallachta chun an teachtaireacht a scríobh.  Le linn trí cheardlann, phléigh siad an timpeallacht anseo in iarthar na hÉireann, na hathruithe atá tagtha ar an aeráid agus an timpeallacht de réir an taighde, agus na mothúcháin atá acu maidir leis na hathruithe sin. Is i nGaeilge a reáchtáladh na ceardlanna ar fad, le haoichainteoirí atá lonnaithe sa cheantar, ina measc: Seathrún Ó Tuairisg (Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge), a labhair faoina thogra Flóra Chois Fharraige Nuala Ní Chonghaile (Ollscoil na Gaillimhe), a labhair faoi ról speisialta an phortaigh Ríonach Ní Néill (Ciotóg), atá ina healaíontóir agus gníomhaí pobail, agus a labhair faoin ardú ar leibhéal na farraige Aonghus Ó Coisdealbha (An Garraí Glas), a labhair faoi thionchar an athrú aeráide ar an bhfeirmeoireacht Ananda Geluk (Ollscoil na Gaillimhe) a bhí ina háisitheoir don cheardlann dheireanach Is é an Dr John Caulfield (Ollscoil na Gaillimhe) a stiúraigh an togra. Dar leis: “Murar féidir linn dul i ngleic leis an athrú aeráide, is iad an t-aos óg a bheidh thíos leis. B’in é an fáth gur oibrigh muid le daltaí meánscoile i gCois Fharraige chun cuidiú leo a gcuid dóchais agus imní maidir leis an athrú aeráide a roinnt leis an domhan mór. Ní hionann an t-athrú aeráide gach áit ar domhan, agus déanann na déagóirí cur síos cumhachtach ar an tionchar atá aige in iarthar na hÉireann ag an bpointe seo.” Buíochas leis na múinteoirí Bróna Ní Uallacháin (Coláiste Chroí Mhuire) agus Dónal Ó Fátharta (Coláiste Cholmcille) agus le Katie Ní Loingsigh agus Saoirse Holic ó Fhóram Chois Fharraige um Phleanáil Teanga a chuidigh leis an togra.    Téacs na litreach A Dhomhain Mhóir, Ón bpobal beag seo ar imeall na hEorpa, tá bhur gcuid cúnaimh á éileamh againn. Tá cónaí orainn ar chósta thiar na hÉireann, idir portach agus cladach, áit a raibh meas riamh ann ar an bhfarraige. Nuair a bhíonn sí socair téimid ag snámh agus ag iascaireacht. Ach le teacht an athrú aeráide, tá na rudaí is luachmhaire linn ag éirí ina mbagairt. Léiríonn an taighde go bhfuil leibhéal agus teocht na farraige ag fás go leanúnach. Feicimid go bhfuil stoirmeacha an Atlantaigh níos cumhachtaí, níos coitianta. Tá líon na báistí ag méadú gan stad. Is cosúil go bhfuil na séasúir féin as a riocht.  Táimid buíoch as an trá, na garrantaí, an portach agus gach a mhaireann ann. Ach táimid buartha freisin. Fiú le linn ár saoil, feicimid taisce na timpeallachta ag dul i léig.  Ní hé an t-aos óg a dhóigh an ola, a bhain an mhóin, a leag na crainnte. Ach is muid a bheas thíos leis. Tá an ghlúin seo réidh le tabhairt faoin athrú aeráide le fonn agus fuinneamh. Ach an bhfuil sibhse?  Seasaimis le chéile, mar phobal daonna domhanda, is déanaimis beart de réir ár mbriathar. Is muide le dóchas, Déagóirí Chois Fharraige.   Críoch

Monday, 31 January 2022

Ten-year strategic partnership to focus on expanding academic links, student engagement, local and global events and the creative sector in the west NUI Galway and Druid have agreed a 10-year strategic partnership building on the existing relationship between the University and the renowned theatre company.  NUI Galway will be Druid’s exclusive academic partner, with the company offering internship opportunities and working to strengthen and enhance the success of NUI Galway’s Creative Arts programmes. The University will host an exhibition to mark Druid’s 50th birthday and NUI Galway 180th anniversary in 2025.  Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of NUI Galway, said: ““Great things start at NUI Galway, and Druid is one of those. We have a great tradition here of the creative arts and this partnership with Druid renews this relationship and is very much embedded in our values. When you ask why a student from Boston, Berlin or Beijing would choose to study in Galway, one aspect is the unique opportunity they have to learn with our world class creative organisations, including Druid.” Druid is also committed to expanding its impact on the NUI Galway campus with bespoke on-site performances and conversations, the first of these was Druid Gregory, outdoors in the University’s Quadrangle in September 2020. Garry Hynes, founder and Artistic Director of Druid, said: “For the past 10 years, the Druid Academy at NUI Galway has been a tremendous source of pride and inspiration for us as a company, working with students as they embark on their careers in theatre.  “We are delighted to announce the next stage of this academic partnership, deepening the relationship between ourselves, the students and the wider academic community in NUI Galway, the place where Druid was founded in 1975.” Druid and NUI Galway will work together to devise strategies to further develop Galway’s international reputation and engage with and integrate diverse and new communities and cultures in the region.  There will also be a focus on the NUI Galway alumni, partly through Druid’s international productions, as well bringing renewed visual presence for the creative arts company on campus, engaging and inspiring students and staff. Druid will also help to create greater awareness of the NUI Galway undergraduate and postgraduate courses within the arts community, at home and abroad, through mutual enhancement of the Druid Academy, Druid Artist-in-Residence and the Druid Archive, which is held by the University. Professor Patrick Lonergan, Professor of Drama and Theatre Studies at NUI Galway, added: “Druid is not only an inspirational theatre company; it is also one of Galway's most successful and resilient businesses. Our students will learn from their example as they build their own creative arts enterprises, working in the west of Ireland, nationally, and internationally - just as Druid do.  “We've already achieved so much from working together: the next decade of cooperation promises to be hugely exciting.” To view Garry Hynes and Marie Mullen reflecting on the origins of the Druid Theatre visit https://youtu.be/S5NszCy59Mo.  For more information on the partnership visit https://youtu.be/KimKW14Rr2w or learn more about Drama at NUI Galway at https://www.nuigalway.ie/drama/. Ends

Monday, 31 January 2022

Leagfaidh an chomhpháirtíocht straitéiseach deich mbliana béim ar naisc acadúla agus rannpháirtíocht mac léinn a fhorbairt, ar imeachtaí áitiúla agus domhanda agus ar an earnáil chruthaitheach san iarthar Tá OÉ Gaillimh agus Druid tagtha ar chomhaontú maidir le comhpháirtíocht straitéiseach 10 mbliana a threiseoidh an caidreamh reatha idir an Ollscoil agus Druid, ar compántas drámaíochta é a bhfuil ardcháil air. Beidh OÉ Gaillimh ina chomhpháirtí acadúil eisiach ag Druid, agus tairgfidh an comhlacht deiseanna intéirneachta agus féachfaidh sé le cláir OÉ Gaillimh sna hEalaíona Cruthaitheacha a láidriú agus a fheabhsú. Eagróidh an Ollscoil taispeántas chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh in 2025 ar an leathchéad bliain ó tháinig Druid ar an bhfód mar aon le comóradh 180 bliain OÉ Gaillimh.   Deir an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh: “Is iomaí tionscadal iontach ar cuireadh tús leis in OÉ Gaillimh, agus áirítear Druid ar cheann acu sin. Tá traidisiún láidir ealaíon cruthaitheach anseo againn, agus déantar athnuachan ar an traidisiún sin leis an gcomhpháirtíocht seo le Druid atá ag teacht go mór lenár luachanna. Dá bhfiafrófá díot féin cén t-údar a bheadh ag mac léinn as Bostún, Beirlín nó Béising teacht go Gaillimh chun staidéar a dhéanamh, gné amháin is ea an deis uathúil atá ann a bheith i mbun foghlama lenár n-eagraíochtaí cruthaitheacha den chéad scoth, agus áirítear Druid ar cheann acu sin.” Tá rún ag Druid chomh maith an lorg a fhágann sé ar champas OÉ Gaillimh a mhéadú trí thaibhléirithe agus imagallaimh shaincheaptha a reáchtáil. Ba é Druid Gregory an chéad cheann acu sin, a cuireadh ar bun amuigh faoi aer i gCearnóg na hOllscoile i Meán Fómhair 2020. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Garry Hynes, bunaitheoir agus Stiúrthóir Ealaíne Druid: “Cúis bhróid agus inspreagtha dúinn mar chomhlacht le 10 mbliana anuas is ea Acadamh an Druid in OÉ Gaillimh, agus an obair atá ar siúl againn le mic léinn atá ag tabhairt faoina saol oibre in earnáil na hamharclannaíochta.  “Tá an-áthas orainn céad chéim eile na comhpháirtíochta acadúla seo a fhógairt, agus a bheith in ann cur leis an gcaidreamh atá againn leis na mic léinn agus an pobal acadúil níos leithne in OÉ Gaillimh, an áit ar bunaíodh Druid in 1975.” Oibreoidh Druid agus OÉ Gaillimh as lámha a chéile chun straitéisí a fhorbairt a chuirfidh le cáil idirnáisiúnta na Gaillimhe agus féachfaidh siad le caidreamh a chothú leis na pobail agus na cultúir éagsúla nua sa réigiún, agus iad a chomhtháthú.   Beifear ag díriú chomh maith ar alumni OÉ Gaillimh, rud a bhainfear amach i bpáirt trí léiriúcháin idirnáisiúnta Druid, agus déanfar athnuachan ar láithreacht súl an chomhlachta ealaíon cruthaitheach seo ar an gcampas chun go dtarraingeofar aird na mac léinn agus na foirne trí chéile, agus go dtabharfar inspioráid dóibh. Cabhróidh Druid chomh maith níos mó feasachta faoi chúrsaí fochéime agus iarchéime OÉ Gaillimh a mhúscailt laistigh den phobal ealaíon sa bhaile agus i gcéin trí fheabhas a chur i gcomhpháirt ar Acadamh an Druid, ar Scéim Ealaíontóir Cónaitheach Druid agus ar Chartlann Druid, atá i seilbh na hOllscoile. Chuir an tOllamh Patrick Lonergan, Ollamh le Léann na Drámaíochta agus na hAmharclannaíochta in OÉ Gaillimh, leis an méid thuas agus dúirt: “Ní hamháin gur compántas amharclannaíochta inspioráideach é Druid, ach is é ceann de na gnóthaí is rathúla agus is láidre i nGaillimh é chomh maith. Foghlaimeoidh ár mic léinn óna bhfuil bainte amach acu agus iad ag tabhairt faoina bhfiontair ealaíon cruthaitheach féin a chothú in iarthar na hÉireann, go náisiúnta agus go hidirnáisiúnta, díreach ar nós Druid.  Tá an oiread sin bainte amach againn cheana féin as bheith ag obair i gcomhar le chéile, agus tá an chosúlacht air cheana féin gur tréimhse an-spreagúil a bheidh sna deich mbliana romhainn.” Is féidir Garry Hynes agus Marie Mullen a fheiceál ag déanamh machnaimh ar bhunús Amharclann an Druid trí chuairt a thabhairt ag https://youtu.be/S5NszCy59Mo. Tá tuilleadh eolais ar chuairt na comhpháirtíochta le fáil ag https://youtu.be/KimKW14Rr2w, nó foghlaim níos mó faoi Dhrámaíocht ag OÉ Gaillimh ag https://www.nuigalway.ie/drama/. Críoch

Friday, 28 January 2022

A team of researchers at CÚRAM, the SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices at NUI Galway, have discovered a radically new approach to the treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.  The study, published in Advanced Science, identified a groundbreaking therapeutic strategy for restoring the lining of the intestine of patients with the condition and other inflammatory bowel diseases.  The treatment could also help prevent further inflammation, which is how the disease progresses and worsens over time.  The NUI Galway CÚRAM researchers have designed a hyaluronan (HA) enema, which has shown significant potential in protecting against damage to the intestinal lining by decreasing inflammation and aiding in the maintenance of the health of the intestinal lining.  Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, or IBD, is characterised by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and effects over 3.2 million people in Europe.  Professor Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director of CÚRAM, said: ““The team strongly believes that the developed system can be delivered as an HA enema to act as a barrier-protecting system on the damaged colon barrier, reducing intestinal inflammation in the treatment of colonic inflammatory diseases.  “This will result in reduced inflammation and protection of the intestinal lining.”  The research represents a significant leap forward from the standard therapeutic interventions for colitis, which have focused mainly on maintaining remission levels, and do not address the root cause of the condition, especially damage to the intestinal lining and intestinal function. Dr Niranjan Kotla, conducted the principal research of the study at CÚRAM in collaboration with Dr Venkatakrishna R Jala, from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, James Graham Brown Cancer Centre, University of Louisville, in the US.   Dr Yury Rochev, co-lead on the publication added: "This research demonstrates the efficacy of a unique therapeutic strategy able to induce a positive effect on damaged colonic tissue. The reduction in inflammation will be of great benefit to patients and highlights the potential use of this treatment." Alongside the research into a specific therapeutic treatment for Crohn’s and colitis, CÚRAM researchers have also identified inflammation-specific targeted carriers for local drug delivery to inflammatory bowel disease.  The findings have been published in Biomaterials. The study looked at the highly challenging but potentially effective practice of delivering drugs directly to inflamed intestinal sites to treat inflammatory bowel disease, particularly Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.  The research team, led by Professor Abhay Pandit and Dr Yury Rochev in collaboration with Prof Larry Egan, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology at NUI Galway,  developed strong anionic charged inflammation targeted nanocarriers (IT-NCs) loaded with an immunosuppressant model drug.   “Our results suggest that IT-NCs have promising therapeutic potential as delivery carriers' in colitis management,” said Professor Pandit. This research was funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 - the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. The first study has been published in Advanced Science and is available here https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/advs.202103189 The second study has been published in Biomaterials and is available here, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142961222000035?via%3Dihub   Ends

Wednesday, 26 January 2022

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD has today announced Rural Voices, a new seminar series hosted by NUI Galway. The monthly sessions are being held to bring a renewed focus on rural issues at a national level. The seminars are planned as part of NUI Galway’s participation in the Higher Education and Research Network for Rural Development, established by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) as a commitment to Our Rural Future 2021-2025, Ireland’s new national rural development policy. Rural Voices is the first of its kind in Ireland. The events will feature research, projects and initiatives from academics and key rural stakeholders engaged in rural studies, including those in the Research Network for Rural Development. The first seminar takes place today Wednesday 26 January 2022.  It is open to the public, policy makers and key rural stakeholders, both nationally and internationally and can be accessed at https://bit.ly/3o1CIMa.   Launching the series, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, said: “This wonderful initiative provides a unique platform for Irish academics and rural stakeholders to put forward their projects and ideas as we work collectively to improve Rural Ireland.  “It is critically important that we all work together – government, academia and society – to address the major challenges and to seize the many opportunities ahead of us. “Rural Voices series is an exciting new opportunity for us to do just that. “Initiatives like these very much reflect and compliment the objectives of ‘Our Rural Future’ – the Government’s ambitious five year strategy which aims to transform Rural Ireland and provide more opportunities for our rural communities. “’Our Rural Future’ is already having a big impact the length and breadth of the country. Its objectives can only be further realised by initiatives like these.” President of NUI Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh welcomed the focus on rural studies.  “NUI Galway is delighted to lead this Rural Seminar Series in collaboration with the Department of Rural and Community Development. The series will provide an excellent opportunity for higher Irish Education Institutes and Research Centres to connect, network and learn from each other and in doing so, further rural research and development,” Professor Ó hÓgartaigh said. “I often speak about NUI Galway’s four key values of respect, openness, sustainability and excellence – and being here for the public good – this Seminar Series demonstrates our respect for heritage and rural life and our wish to sustain excellence in community and rural development practice.” The Our Rural Futures Higher Education and Research Network consists of academics engaged in rural research and policy in 16 Higher Education Institutions and three research institutions across Ireland. Associate Professor Maura Farrell, School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies, Discipline of Geography at NUI Galway was appointed to the Network by the NUI Galway President, Professor Ó hÓgartaigh. As part of her contribution to the Network, Professor Farrell will host the Rural Voices series, alongside her Geography colleagues in the NUI Galway Rural Studies Centre and in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development. Professor Farrell said: “Our aim in organising and hosting the monthly seminar series is firstly to provide a platform for Irish academics and key rural stakeholders to present their research or rural projects, but it also offers an opportunity to network with others engaged in a similar space, including academics and those with lived experience of rural issues. Initiating discussions around key rural issues is a small step on the road to finding solutions.” Dr Andrew Forde, Head of Rural Strategy and Social Enterprise at the Department of Rural and Community Development, is speaking at the opening session of this seminar series. Ends

Wednesday, 26 January 2022

NUI Galway Professor Pat Dolan has been appointed to a special panel to review children’s social care services in Northern Ireland.   Professor Dolan, Director of the Institute for Lifecourse and Society and UNESCO Chair at the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway, said a key part of the review will be listening to the voices of those with direct personal experience of the system.    Health Minister in the NI Executive Robin Swann MLA made the announcement, with the review to begin next month.   The panel will look at the support services for families, the care of children away from their families and how the services are currently structured, as well as looking at the support for staff. Professor Dolan said: “The creation of this panel enables an important gateway to hear the voice of the parents and young people with direct personal experience of social care services. It is intended that the review will lead to action in terms of better outcomes for service users and the professionals who work with and for them - where families views are not just heard but acted on”. Professor Ray Jones will be the independent lead reviewer assisted by an Advisory Panel, which includes Professor Dolan. The other members of the Advisory Panel are Her Honour Judge Patricia Smyth and Marie Roulston, OBE (former Director of Children’s services), along with young people and parents/carers with personal experience of children’s social care services.  The Children Order was introduced in Northern Ireland in 1995. It was designed to support and protect children to the highest extent possible. There are more children in care now than at any stage since the introduction of the Children Order and there has been a sharp increase since the start of the pandemic.  The review will engage throughout with parents; children and young people and with those working within and alongside children’s social care services. It is expected to run for 16 months. Young people, parents and carers are being independently recruited and supported by the Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC) and Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI). The review will also look at: - how families are supported to keep their children safe and well-cared for and enable them to stay together, and where this is not possible the provision of alternative care.   - how the current services are structured, managed and led.  - how front-line services are supported and developed to deliver the best possible outcomes for children, young people, families and parents who need their help and support. Ends 

Tuesday, 25 January 2022

Ten students at NUI Galway have been awarded scholarships at a virtual ceremony as part of the Johnson & Johnson Ireland Women in STEM2D (WiSTEM2D) Award Programme. This marks the inaugural year of the programme in NUI Galway. WiSTEM2D scholarship recipients will receive extensive industry mentoring and leadership training to help prepare them to pursue a career in STEM. WiSTEM2D refers to Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Manufacturing and Design. The WiSTEM2D programme underlines Johnson & Johnson’s commitment to developing and implementing high-impact strategies to support female students undertaking STEM2D degree courses at NUI Galway. The ten College of Science and Engineering students to be awarded the scholarships are: Ailíse Roche; Biomedical Science; Kilmurry, Co. Clare Aine Mitchell; General Science; Ballina, Co. Mayo Aisling Hanrahan; Biomedical Engineering; Liscannor Co. Clare Brenda Chanza; General Science; Swinford, Co. Mayo Karen Gillooly; Financial Maths and Economics; Williamstown, Co. Galway Luka Anna Mac Lochlainn; General Science; Moycullen, Co. Galway Rida Naseer; General Science; Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo Sabrina Kinga Szalaj; General Science; Gorey, Co. Wexford Shannon Hickey; General Science; Kilberry, Co. Kildare Thalyra Costa; Biomedical Engineering; Gort, Co. Galway Anna Rafferty, Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D University Lead and Director of Strategy, Johnson & Johnson Campus Ireland, said: “At Johnson & Johnson, we recognise that women are still under-represented in the STEM workforce in Ireland. Since 2016, Johnson & Johnson has supported nearly 300 female students across Ireland through the WiSTEM2D programme. We were delighted to extend our programme to include NUI Galway for this academic year, as we continue to work at building a diverse WiSTEM2D science community and developing a talent pipeline by nurturing and mentoring our future female STEM leaders. Over the last two years, we have worked very hard to ensure that the recipients of this award have not missed out on any opportunities despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.” Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of NUI Galway, said: “As the inaugural students to receive the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D bursaries at NUI Galway, these students are changemakers, making history and shaping the future of our university. We are very proud of our 10 Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D scholarship students in the College of Science and Engineering.  “By openly embracing and respecting all the talents in our society, we embrace and respect excellence. We are confident that the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D programme will empower our scholarship students to impact positively for the public good, for our society, our people and our planet.” NUI Galway PhD candidate, Aoibhín Sheedy is an alum of the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Award Programme, and founder of the NUI Galway WiSTEM Society. Speaking about the impact that the programme had on her career progression, Aoibhín said: “I took part in the WiSTEM2D Programme during my postgraduate studies at University College Cork. The programme enabled me to complete my master's thesis at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston. It also provided me with incredible opportunities, such as touring the Janssen Microbiome Institute and DePuy Synthes whilst in Boston. I am delighted that the female STEM students of NUI Galway now get the opportunity to take part in this programme. It has been one of the most defining elements of my career so far, and I know they will get as much from it as I have.” Currently, there are approximately 117,800 people across Ireland who are working in jobs that require STEM skills. However, the CSO reports that just 25% of these roles are performed by women, with just 5% in leadership roles. Whilst there has been a general upswing in the number of students choosing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects on their CAO applications, uptake among females remains low. Figures from a 2019 UCD Study reveals that over 40% of males list a STEM course versus just 19% of females. The virtual awards ceremony was also attended by Dr Anushree Dwivedi, Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D programme lead; Michael Gilvarry, General Manager, Cerenovus (Johnson & Johnson); Associate Professor, Mary Dempsey, Vice Dean, College of Science and Engineering, NUI Galway; families of the scholarship recipients; and student mentors. Recipients of the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Award scholarship were also presented with bespoke framed glass artwork created by Cork-based artist, Suzanne O’Sullivan. Ends

Monday, 17 January 2022

New Foundations initiative aims to deepen community and voluntary partnerships and supports North-South reconciliation Seven researchers at NUI Galway have secured funding as part of an initiative to support projects that will have a tangible impact on societal issues.  The awards have been made as part of the Irish Research Council’s New Foundations programme. They projects focus on NUI Galway partnerships which aim to deepen collaboration with community and voluntary organisations, global development, north-south reconciliation, our shared island and police-community relations They are:  Dr Conn Holohan will work with Galway Simon Community on immersive technology as a tool for advocacy and self-expression for people experiencing homelessness. Dr Elena Vaughan will partner with HIV Ireland in a stakeholder consultation and needs assessment to develop rights-based practice and policy guidelines to reduce HIV-related stigma in healthcare settings.  Dr Lindsay Reid will partner with Cúirt International Festival of Literature in her project - (Re)reading, (Re)writing, and (Re)shaping ‘The Classics’: Past, Present, and Future.  Dr Michaela Schrage-Frueh will partner with Age & Opportunity in the research project - Restorying Ageing: Older Women and Life Writing. Professor Patrick Lonergan will partner with Galway International Arts Festival on his research project - Diversity, Programming, and the International Arts Festival: Histories, Practices, and Policies.  Professor Jim Livesey was awarded funding for his research project - Citizens in Conflict: Early-Modern Political Theory and Contemporary Movements in Northern Ireland.  Dr Patricia Kennedy was awarded funding for her project - The Arts and New Digital Technologies for Peace Building and Reconciliation linked to Equality, Rights and Diversity.  Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris T.D., made the announcement, and said: “The community and voluntary sector plays a critical role in Irish life and will continue to do so. As these projects get underway, they support enhancement of the services this sector provides, while also providing excellent partnership opportunities for our researchers.”  Ends

Friday, 14 January 2022

More than 40 students and academics at NUI Galway have been honoured at the annual National University of Ireland awards.  NUI Galway awardees were commended for exceptional achievement in academic endeavour and span the wide range of learning at the University, from history, the Irish language and modern languages, to literature, medicine, education and engineering. Among the awardees were 28 from NUI Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, including students honoured with the Dr Henry Hutchinson Stewart Medical Scholarships, one among the oldest awards to be offered by the National University of Ireland. President of NUI Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “This clearly highlights the high calibre of students studying at NUI Galway. We respect their academic excellence. “I congratulate everyone on their achievements and I would also like to pay tribute to the teachers and educators and other support staff for their work with our students and in helping them to achieve such high standards.” Dr Patrick O’Leary, former Head of Chemistry at NUI Galway and began his term as Registrar of NUI this month, said: “The NUI Awards reward exceptional achievement in academic endeavour but also seek to resource some of our brightest minds to continue their academic careers. Today we make awards in a wide variety of areas and the work spans studies of the early medieval era to the NUI Dr H H Stewart Medical Scholarships and Prizes, highlighting the importance of medicine and healthcare during Covid-19.  Congratulations to all the awardees.” Full details on the NUI Galway students and academics honoured at a special awards ceremony hosted by the National University of Ireland are listed below:  Among those awarded First Prize were: Recipient Award Martin O’Donoghue Publication Prize in Irish History, joint award Monika Jurkiewicz NUI Travelling Doctoral Studentship in Latin American Literature Tammy Strickland NUI Travelling Doctoral Studentship in Neuroscience Ciara Shortiss NUI Travelling Doctoral Studentship Prize in Spinal Cord Injury Regeneration Jenny Dixon NUI Scholarship and Prize in Education, joint award Lauren McMahon Pierce Malone Scholarship in Engineering Colm Ó Flathúin Scoláireacht Chiste Theach an Ardmhéara sa Ghaeilge Adam Mac Donnacha Duais Chiste Theach an Ardmhéara sa Ghaeilge Keith Dowling French Government Medal and NUI Prize for Proficiency in French   First prize awardees from the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, included:  Dr Evan White Anaesthesia Rebekah Sartini General Practice Brianna Reilly Medical Microbiology Róisín Thornton Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dr Sinead McKenna Ophthalmology Rosie Waldron Paediatrics Adithi Gowda Physiology Thomas Butler Psychiatry Ellen Casey Public Health Dr Emma Callaghan Surgery Anu Mohandes Nair General Nursing Joseph Doherty Podiatric Medicine Elise Byrne Speech and Language Therapy   The following were awarded Second Prize, Third Prize or Commendation:  Professor Niall Ó Dochartaigh and Dr Eugene Costello both received Commendations in the Irish History category. NUI Galway was also successful in a number of Dr H H Stewart Literary Scholarships including Chloe Bright in English and Bláithín Breathnach in French, with Bláithín also receiving a Commendation in Italian. Chloe Kennedy was awarded 2nd prize in Spanish, and Amy Kennedy 3rd prize in German. In the Irish categories Muireann Ní Cheannabháin was presented with 2nd prize in the Duaiseanna an Dr T K Whitaker sa Ghaeilge, and Amy Cox was awarded 2nd prize in Scoláireacht Liteartha an Dr H H Stewart sa Ghaeilge Awardees from NUI Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences also included:  Second prize: Shania Coutinho, Anatomy; Anmol Mahesh, Biochemistry, Dr Aoife Fitzpatrick, Clinical Radiology, Cian Buckley O’Sullivan, General Practice; Zachary Hanrasi, Pathology; Emily Grehan, Midwifery; and Heather Gallen, Podiatric Medicine. Third Prize: Caoileann Nic Dhonncha, Anatomy; Dr Sarah Eustace, Clinical Radiology; Dr Rionagh Lynch, Medicine; Dominic Butler, Paediatrics; Wei Yang Lim, Pathology; Amy Marian Collins, General Nursing; and Muibat Cole, Children’s Nursing. Commendation: Dr Rionagh Lynch, Surgery Ends

Friday, 14 January 2022

Tens of thousands of antigen test kits are being provided to students at NUI Galway alongside Project UniCoV as part of public health efforts to limit the spread of Covid-19.  From Monday 17 January, students will be able to collect packs at four locations across campus.  Professor Breda Smyth, Chief Investigator of Project UniCoV and HSE West Director of Public Health, urged students to avail of the kits as well as additional testing, by signing up to take part in Project UniCoV.   “Everyone attending campus needs to adhere to the basic public health measures in the first instance – including not coming to campus if you have symptoms and are supposed to be self-isolating or restricting movements. “Being able to offer free antigen test kits on campus at NUI Galway and giving students the opportunity to take part in Project UniCov demonstrates how we can take a layered approach to public safety and the welfare of students and staff.” Students can collect five tests at a time. They are being advised to test twice a week, three days apart. They are also being advised to self-isolate if they test positive or develop symptoms and to follow public health advice.  Students are also being encouraged to avail of the option for further free antigen and/or salvia PCR testing for 12 weeks in semester two. A special QR code is being made available to students to support the research.  NUI Galway students are also encouraged to get the vaccine booster, to continue to wear face coverings and sanitise hands.  The University saw high levels of compliance from students with public health guidelines during the academic year and we thank them for that.  The distribution of free antigen test kits is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.  John Hannon, Director of Student Services at NUI Galway, said: “There was huge demand for free antigen testing from students in semester one and we know there will be huge demand again. The distribution of the free kits is one of many key steps we are taking as a university to help minimise the spread of Covid and keep our community as safe as possible.” Funded by Science Foundation Ireland, the Department of Further and Higher Education Research Innovation and Science, and the Health Service Executive, Project UniCoV aims to determine the feasibility of two rapid testing modalities - antigen testing and saliva PCR testing.  The research project is ongoing in four partner universities. To date, more than 27,700 rapid tests have been carried out, and about 3,300 students and employees have been tested bi-weekly. Further detail on unicov.org. Ends

Wednesday, 12 January 2022

€7.57million Government funding, investing in new educational, lifelong skills, personal and professional development programmes for students  NUI Galway has today launched a new educational programme that will prepare students to deal with the complexity and uncertainty of life and the future world of work.  Designing Futures has been developed to enhance the employability of NUI Galway graduates by offering additional practical and creative teaching, learning and skills development alongside traditional degree studies. More than 1,500 students are taking part in design thinking programmes each year, with more than 300 students attending new transdisciplinary modules in 2021/22.  Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, T.D., said: “Designing Futures is a really exciting and dynamic programme which aims to deliver a unique mix of skills coaching, trans-disciplinary modules and curriculum reform all underpinned by technology. “It is creating a sustainable system where every undergraduate embarks on a personalised and assessed learning journey. And crucially it has been designed with enterprise and international partners, ensuring graduates are employable and ready for the new world of work.   “NUI Galway continues to dream big, to think big and to lead on the biggest issues facing our country.” NUI Galway’s Designing Futures is funded by €7.57 million from the Higher Education Authority’s Human Capital Initiative of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. More than 100 students who have been supported by the Designing Futures team are running their own business or start-up.  The programme aims to -   Promote greater student engagement with civic society, community and enterprise, while expanding their education and preparedness for life and a career. Empower students to design personalised skills development pathways and to ensure graduates transversal skills achievements are recognised alongside their degree. Enhance NUI Galway and Ireland’s position as a leader in innovative, student-centred and enterprise-engaged education in Europe and internationally. President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “We at NUI Galway are delighted to announce the formal launch of the innovative Designing Futures programme, which directly aligns with and promotes the values of our University Strategy, Shared Vision, Shaped by Values (2020-2025).  “The University has a proud history and tradition of excellence in education, both in Ireland and globally. Designing Futures will deploy innovative educational technologies; open educational and strategic partnership with enterprise, creative and civic organisations; and bespoke, tailored support for students’ personalised learning.  “As a consequence, this exciting new programme will significantly enhance NUI Galway’s position as a leader in education in its region, and on the national and international stage. Through the Designing Futures programme, we are delighted to contribute substantively to preparing the next generation of our graduates who can creatively tackle the complexities and challenges of the world today, as we live and learn through and beyond this pandemic.” Designing Futures has been developed with enterprise, civic and cultural links at its core. Partners include Aerogen, Boston Scientific, SAP, Rent the Runway, Mbryonics, Veryan, Channel Mechanics and Medtronic and the Galway International Arts Festival.  Professor Michelle Millar, Dean of Students and Designing Futures Programme Lead, NUI Galway, said: “Designing Futures reaffirms our continued commitment at NUI Galway to ensuring the best possible education for our students, particularly in these challenging times.  “The innovative design of the programme will ensure our graduates are exceptionally well-placed to face and handle the complexities of today’s world, while also making the most of future opportunities in life after university.  “As well as their academic and disciplinary knowledge, and engagment with enterprise and civic and social partners, Designing Futures contributes to students’ holistic and rounded education through specialised personal development and success coaching. Designing Futures recognises, enhances and supports the totality of students’ experience at third-level, so that they will graduate well-equipped for the world of today, and tomorrow.”  Designing Futures has three core pillars -  1. A personalised student experience scaffolded by success coaches to support students to “design their futures” with a key focus on maximising their university experience. This incorporates an innovative personal development module, Designing Your Life (DYL), linked with and based on the approach which has been developed by Stanford University.  2. A new state of the art human-centred design studio, IdeasLab, which intersects with our enterprise partners to develop curricular and co-curricular experiences that are driven by design thinking, technology-enhanced learning, curiosity, creativity and empathy. 3. A new suite of modules focused on trans-disciplinary learning and action, which breaks down the traditional silos of academic specialism, promoting innovative thinking and problem-solving. Modelled on an approach developed in Georgia Institute of Technology, multidisciplinary teams of staff and students are brought together to solve research challenges in culture, enterprise and society. Ends

Wednesday, 12 January 2022

Maoiniú €7.57 milliún ón Rialtas, ag infheistiú i gcláir nua oideachais, scileanna fadsaoil, cláir forbartha pearsanta agus gairmiúla do mhic léinn  Inniu, sheol OÉ Gaillimh clár oideachais nua a ullmhóidh mic léinn chun dul i ngleic le castacht agus le héiginnteacht an tsaoil agus le saol na hoibre sa todhchaí. Forbraíodh An Ród seo Romhat chun infhostaitheacht chéimithe OÉ Gaillimh a fheabhsú trí theagasc, foghlaim agus forbairt scileanna praiticiúla agus cruthaitheacha breise a thairiscint le cois na céime traidisiúnta. Tá níos mó ná 1,500 mac léinn ag glacadh páirte i gcláir smaointeoireachta dearaidh gach bliain, agus tá níos mó ná 300 mac léinn ag tabhairt faoi mhodúil thrasdisciplíneacha nua in 2021/22. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Simon Harris, T.D., an tAire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta: “Is clár thar a bheith spreagúil agus dinimiciúil é An Ród seo Romhat a bhfuil sé mar aidhm leis meascán uathúil d’oiliúint scileanna, modúil thrasdisciplíneacha agus athchóiriú curaclaim a chur ar fáil agus an teicneolaíocht mar bhonn agus mar thaca leo ar fad. “Tá sé ag cruthú córas inbhuanaithe ina dtugann gach fochéimí faoi thuras foghlama pearsantaithe agus measúnaithe. Agus go ríthábhachtach tá sé deartha le comhpháirtithe fiontraíochta agus idirnáisiúnta, rud a chinntíonn go bhfuil céimithe infhostaithe agus réidh don saol nua oibre.  “Leanann OÉ Gaillimh de bheith uaillmhianach, gan aon teorainn lena smaointe agus ceannas á ghlacadh aige i ndáil leis na fadhbanna is mó atá os comhair na tíre." Tá maoiniú €7.57 milliún faighte ag An Ród seo Romhat in OÉ Gaillimh ó Thionscnamh Caipitil Dhaonna an Údaráis um Ard-Oideachas sa Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta. Tá níos mó ná 100 mac léinn a fuair tacaíocht ó fhoireann An Ród seo Romhat i mbun a ngnó nó a ngnólachtaí nuathionscanta féin. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an gclár -  -      Rannpháirtíocht níos mó mac léinn a chur chun cinn leis an tsochaí shibhialta, leis an bpobal agus leis an earnáil fiontraíochta, agus ag an am céanna a n-oideachas agus a n-ullmhacht don saol agus do shlí bheatha a leathnú. -      Cumhacht a thabhairt do mhic léinn chun conairí forbartha scileanna pearsantaithe a dhearadh agus a chinntiú go n-aithnítear na tras-scileanna atá bainte amach ag céimithe le cois na céime. -      Feabhas a chur ar sheasamh OÉ Gaillimh agus na hÉireann mar cheannaire san oideachas nuálach, mac léinn-lárnach agus dírithe ar an bhfiontraíocht san Eoraip agus go hidirnáisiúnta. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Tá lúcháir orainn in OÉ Gaillimh seoladh foirmiúil an chláir nuálach An Ród seo Romhat a fhógairt, clár atá ag teacht go díreach le luachanna ár Straitéise Ollscoile, Fís Roinnte, Múnlaithe ag Luachanna (2020-2025), agus a chuireann na luachanna sin chun cinn. “Tá dea-cháil le fada ar an Ollscoil mar gheall ar fheabhas oideachais, in Éirinn agus ar fud an domhain. Bainfidh An Ród seo Romhat leas as teicneolaíochtaí nuálacha oideachais; cuirfidh sé tús le comhpháirtíocht oideachais agus straitéiseach le heagraíochtaí fiontraíochta, cruthaitheacha agus sibhialta; agus cuirfidh sé tacaíocht shaincheaptha ar fáil d’fhoghlaim phearsantaithe na mac léinn. “Mar thoradh air sin, cuirfidh an clár nua spreagúil seo go mór le seasamh OÉ Gaillimh mar cheannaire san oideachas ina réigiún féin, agus ar an ardán náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta. Tríd an gclár An Ród seo Romhat, tá ríméad orainn cur go mór leis an gcéad ghlúin eile céimithe a ullmhú go mbeidh ar a gcumas dul i ngleic go cruthaitheach le castachtaí agus le dúshláin an domhain inniu, agus muid ag maireachtáil agus ag foghlaim sa phaindéim seo agus ina dhiaidh.” Forbraíodh An Ród seo Romhat le naisc fiontraíochta, chathartha agus chultúrtha ag a chroílár. I measc na gcomhpháirtithe tá Aerogen, Boston Scientific, SAP, Rent the Runway, Mbryonics, Veryan, Channel Mechanics agus Medtronic agus Féile Ealaíon Idirnáisiúnta na Gaillimhe. Dúirt an tOllamh Michelle Millar, Déan na Mac Léinn, Ceannaire Cláir, An Ród seo Romhat, OÉ Gaillimh: “Athdhearbhaíonn An Ród seo Romhat ár dtiomantas leanúnach in OÉ Gaillimh chun an t-oideachas is fearr is féidir a chinntiú dár mic léinn, go háirithe le linn na tréimhse dúshlánaí seo. “Cinnteoidh dearadh nuálaíoch an chláir go mbeidh ar chumas ár gcuid céimithe aghaidh a thabhairt ar chastachtaí shaol an lae inniu, agus ag an am céanna an leas is fearr is féidir a bhaint as deiseanna sa todhchaí tar éis dóibh an ollscoil a fhágáil. “Cuireann An Ród seo Romhat le heolas acadúil agus disciplín na mac léinn, agus a rannpháirtíocht le comhpháirtithe fiontraíochta, sibhialta agus sóisialta, agus anuas air sin cuireann an clár le hoideachas iomlánaíoch agus cuimsitheach na mac léinn trí fhorbairt phearsanta speisialaithe agus cóitseáil rathúlachta. Leis An Ród seo Romhat, aithnítear, feabhsaítear agus tacaítear le heispéireas iomlán na mac léinn ag an tríú leibhéal, ionas go mbeidh siad réidh do shaol an lae inniu agus amárach agus a gcéim bainte amach acu.” Tá trí ghné lárnacha sa chlár An Ród seo Romhat - Eispéireas pearsantaithe mac léinn le tacaíocht ó chóitseálaithe rathúlachta chun cabhrú leo a “dtodhchaí a dhearadh”, agus béim nach beag ar an leas is fearr a bhaint as a n-eispéireas ollscoile. Cuimsíonn sé seo modúl nuálach forbartha pearsanta, Ag Pleanáil don Saol, atá nasctha le agus bunaithe ar an gcur chuige atá forbartha ag Ollscoil Stanford. Stiúideo dearaidh úrscothach nua atá dírithe ar an duine, an tSaotharlann Smaointe, a mbeidh naisc dhoimhne aige lenár gcomhpháirtithe fiontraíochta agus a bhfuil sé mar aidhm leis eispéiris churaclaim agus chomhchuraclaim a fhorbairt a bhfuil inspioráid faighte acu ón smaointeoireacht dearaidh, ón bhfoghlaim le cuidiú teicneolaíochta mar aon leis an bhfiosracht, an chruthaitheacht agus an chomhbhá. Sraith nua modúl arna ndíriú ar fhoghlaim agus ar ghníomhaíocht thrasdisciplíneach, a bhriseann síos leagan amach traidisiúnta na speisialtóireachta acadúla, ag cur smaointeoireacht nuálaíoch agus réiteach fadhbanna chun cinn. Bunaithe ar chur chuige a forbraíodh in Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Georgia, tugtar meithleacha ildisciplíneacha foirne agus mac léinn le chéile chun dúshláin taighde i réimsí an chultúir, na fiontraíochta agus na sochaí a réiteach. Críoch

Tuesday, 11 January 2022

Pioneering study of heart cells supported by family of late Tyrone footballer to explain cause of death and develop genetic cures  The Cormac Trust, set up in the name of the late Tyrone footballer Cormac McAnallen, is to support research at NUI Galway into Sudden Adult Death Syndrome and the development of future genetic cures. The support from The Cormac Trust will enable research into the mechanism of disease and the discovery of new treatments using stem cell technology which allows researchers to grow heart cells in the lab.  The Cormac Trust was set up by Bridget and Brendan McAnallen after the sudden death of their son Cormac in March 2004 aged 24. Cormac was a well-known sportsman of exceptional fitness and of ostensibly perfect health up until the time of his death. He won the All-Ireland Football Championship with Tyrone in 2003.   The University’s Regenerative Medicine Institute REMEDI has enrolled 20 patients into a programme analysing heart cells and causes of death. Professor Tim O’Brien, Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Consultant Endocrinologist at Galway University Hospitals and Director of REMEDI, said: “We greatly appreciate the support from The Cormac Trust which enables research into the mechanism of disease and also discovery of new treatments using technology which allows researchers to grow heart cells in the laboratory.”  Bridget McAnallen, Cormac’s mother and director of the Cormac Trust, said “We are delighted that a cure for Long QT Syndrome, one of the most prevalent types of SADS, is on the horizon. Cormac McAnalllen died very suddenly from this condition which often has no symptoms and kills even the strongest and fittest young people without warning. This amazing and ground-breaking genetic research which involves North-South co-operation is, I believe, the first research to envisage a cure for this shocking condition, which not only can kill young people, but can be passed on and cause death in successive generations, and devastate families.” The issue of sudden cardiac death among young people became more widely known among the general public largely due to the death of Cormac and Irish youth rugby international John McCall and other subsequent cases. Since 2004, the McAnallen family have been keen to direct public attention to these cardiac conditions that cause such sudden deaths.  Researchers at NUI Galway have generated a biobank of cells which are created by taking skin biopsies and converting the cells to become any cell type in the body.  The new technology is known as induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs. These are cells that are derived from skin or blood cells that have been reprogrammed back into an embryonic-like pluripotent state that enables the development of stem cell therapies. The NUI Galway’s Regenerative Medicine Institute REMEDI is researching the stem cell technology, working with the Centre for Cell Manufacturing, to develop treatments for cardiac conditions associated with sudden death.  The research group includes Dr Terence Prendiville, Clinical Paediatric Cardiologist at the National Children’s Research Centre, based at the Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Professor Tim O’Brien and Sanbing Shen, Director of the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) programme at NUI Galway.  Funding from the Cormac Trust will support stem cell research to investigate causes and potential cures for Long QT syndrome (LQTS).  Dr Terence Prendiville said: “Sudden unexplained death in the young tragically strikes approximately 160 families a year on the island of Ireland. This is often the first time a family comes to medical attention and the condition may affect up to half of close relatives, unbeknownst to them. “Our research allows us for the first time to study heart cells - from someone who is alive or from someone who has died - to try and discover the cause of death, if unknown, and to develop genetic cures that will be the treatment of the future.” Ends

Wednesday, 5 January 2022

NUI Galway’s Access Centre will hold its annual information evening on Wednesday, 12 January, from 7-9pm. The event will focus on the needs of Mature Students and Adult Learners who may be considering full-time or part-time studies for the 2022-23 academic year. The online information evening is designed for those aged 23 or over wishing to find out more about study options at NUI Galway. Course experts and current students in the University will be on hand to provide support, information, and to answer questions from prospective students to help them decide which options best suit their personal circumstances and professional development needs. Kathleen Hartigan, Mature Students Officer at NUI Galway’s Access Centre, said: “We have seen over the years that mature students bring an enthusiasm and a motivation to learn that enriches our campus community, and we are dedicated to providing them with the necessary information to help them choose the best educational option at NUI Galway.” The University’s Career and Development Centre will deliver a presentation focusing on what course of study will best suit individuals needs and career pathways, and there will be an opportunity to hear from a diverse panel of current mature students. Staff from NUI Galway’s undergraduate and postgraduate courses, along with representatives from the University’s Student Services will also be present to guide attendees on the range of course options and supports offered at NUI Galway, while academic staff will answer specific queries on degrees and progression. Members of the Access Centre will be available to answer questions on pre-university courses in terms of Access courses, and the Disability Support Services, who have expertise in supporting students at third level who may have a long-term health condition (physical or mental), or a specific learning difficulty, will also be in attendance to give guidance to prospective students. Registration for this event is essential. Please register at www.nuigalway.ie/caoevents or contact maturestudents@nuigalway.ie. Further information is available at www.nuigalway.ie/mature  Ends

Wednesday, 5 January 2022

Beidh an tráthnóna eolais a eagraíonn Ionad Rochtana OÉ Gaillimh gach bliain ar siúl Dé Céadaoin, an 12 Eanáir, idir 7-9pm. Díreoidh an ócáid ar riachtanais na Mac Léinn Lánfhásta agus na bhFoghlaimeoirí Fásta atá ag smaoineamh ar thabhairt faoi staidéar lánaimseartha nó páirtaimseartha sa bhliain acadúil 2022-23. Eagraítear an tráthnóna eolais ar líne do dhaoine atá 23 bliain d’aois nó níos sine agus a dteastaíonn uathu tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi na roghanna staidéir atá ar fáil in OÉ Gaillimh. Beidh saineolaithe cúrsaí agus mic léinn reatha de chuid na hOllscoile i láthair chun tacaíocht agus eolas a thabhairt, agus le ceisteanna ó mhic léinn ionchasacha a fhreagairt le cabhrú leo cinneadh a dhéanamh faoi na roghanna is fearr a oireann dá gcúinsí pearsanta agus dá riachtanais forbartha gairmiúla féin. Bhí an méid seo le rá ag Kathleen Hartigan, Oifigeach na Mac Léinn Lánfhásta in Ionad Rochtana OÉ Gaillimh: “Chonaiceamar thar na blianta go mbíonn mic léinn lánfhásta díograiseach agus spreagtha chun foghlama, agus go gcuireann siad go mór le pobal an champais. Tabharfaimid gach eolas dóibh chun cabhrú leo an cúrsa oideachais cuí a roghnú in OÉ Gaillimh.” Déanfaidh Ionad Forbartha Gairmeacha na hOllscoile cur i láthair ina ndíreofar ar an gcúrsa staidéir is fearr a oirfidh do na riachtanais agus do chonairí gairme ar leith, agus beidh deis ann éisteacht le painéal de mhic léinn lánfhásta reatha ó réimsí éagsúla. Beidh comhaltaí foirne ó chúrsaí fochéime agus iarchéime OÉ Gaillimh, mar aon le hionadaithe ó Sheirbhísí Mac Léinn na hOllscoile, i láthair freisin chun treoir a thabhairt don lucht freastail maidir leis an raon cúrsaí agus tacaíochtaí a thairgtear in OÉ Gaillimh, agus freagróidh comhaltaí foirne acadúla ceisteanna ar leith faoi chéimeanna agus faoi shlite chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh. Beidh baill den Ionad Rochtana ar fáil chun ceisteanna a fhreagairt faoi chúrsaí réamh-ollscoile ar nós cúrsaí Rochtana. Beidh na Seirbhísí Tacaíochta Míchumais, arb é a gcúram tacú le mic léinn ag an tríú leibhéal a bhfuil riocht sláinte (fisiciúil nó meabhrach) fadtéarmach orthu, nó a bhfuil deacracht shonrach foghlama acu, i láthair freisin chun treoir a thabhairt do mhic léinn ionchasacha. Ní mór clárú don ócáid seo. Cláraigh ag www.nuigalway.ie/caoevents nó déan teagmháil le maturestudents@nuigalway.ie. Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil ag www.nuigalway.ie/mature  Críoch

Tuesday, 1 March 2022

Déanfaidh Uachtarán na hÉireann Micheál D. Ó hUigínn an ceiliúradh seachtaine a oscailt Tá sraith imeachtaí seolta ag OÉ Gaillimh chun Lá Eitneachta Thaistealaithe na hÉireann a cheiliúradh, amárach Dé Máirt, an 1 Márta. Chuir Uachtarán na hÉireann, Micheál D. Ó hUigínn tús leis an gceiliúradh seachtaine le haitheasc tosaigh, ag plé cearta agus ceisteanna eile a bhíonn ag déanamh tinnis do Thaistealaithe. Dúirt an tUachtarán Ó hUigínn: “Tá lúcháir orm Ceiliúradh Lá Eitneachta na dTaistealaithe a oscailt arís i mbliana in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. “Is iontach an tsraith imeachtaí atá beartaithe don tseachtain agus molaim an lucht eagraithe as an gclár atá curtha le chéile acu. “Is lá mór é an lá inniu chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar stair shaibhir ársa Thaistealaithe na hÉireann, an t-aon mhionlach dúchasach in Éirinn. B’fhiú dúinn machnamh a dhéanamh ar an méid atá bainte amach againn mar phobal a aithníonn agus a chuireann luach ar thraidisiúin agus ar chultúr na dTaistealaithe, ach tá go leor le déanamh fós maidir le rannpháirtíocht iomlán agus comhionannas.” Is comóradh é Lá Eitneachta Thaistealaithe na hÉireann an 1 Márta ar aitheantas oifigiúil a bheith faighte ag Taistealaithe na hÉireann ón Rialtas mar ghrúpa eitneach ar leith agus ceiliúrann sé cultúr agus oidhreacht Thaistealaithe na hÉireann idir cheol, thraidisiúin cheardaíochta agus teanga. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Tá meas agus oscailteacht ainmnithe ag pobal na hollscoile mar phéire dár gcroíluachanna, agus trí chomhiarracht i dtionscnaimh éagsúla, táimid ag tabhairt faoin dúshlán ár bpobal a dhéanamh níos cothroime, níos cuimsithí agus níos éagsúla mar phobal oibre agus mar phobal staidéir. Is maith an oidhe orainn é go bhfuil buanna go léir na sochaí againn anseo. “Leanfaimid leis an obair atá ar siúl againn chun fáilte a chur roimh Thaistealaithe, tacú leo agus iad a chosaint mar chuid luachmhar de shaol na hollscoile. Tá ríméad orm go ndéanfaidh féile eitneachta na dTaistealaithe ceiliúradh ar an oscailteacht seo agus go mbeidh béim ar níos mó deiseanna ar mhaithe le tionchar dearfach agus cuimsiú.” Is comóradh é Lá Eitneachta Thaistealaithe na hÉireann ar aitheantas oifigiúil a bheith faighte ag Taistealaithe na hÉireann ón Rialtas mar ghrúpa eitneach ar leith agus ceiliúrann an lá cultúr agus oidhreacht Thaistealaithe na hÉireann idir cheol, thraidisiúin cheardaíochta agus teanga. Bíonn an ceiliúradh bliantúil eagraithe ag an tionscadal Mincéirs Misl'd in Education (MMIE) in OÉ Gaillimh. Baineann tionscadal MMIE le Taistealaithe na hÉireann a chumasú le dul ar aghaidh chuig an ardoideachas agus muintearas a aireachtáil ann. Tugann Mincéirs Misl’d in Education comhpháirtithe le chéile as Ionad Rochtana OÉ Gaillimh, Gluaiseacht Taistealaithe na Gaillimhe, Involve CLG, Grúpa Tacaíochta Taistealaithe Mhaigh Eo, Grúpa Tacaíochta Taistealaithe Shligigh, Ionad Forbartha Taistealaithe agus Idirchultúrtha an Iarthair, Tusla, an tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas agus ionadaithe mac léinn chun oibriú le chéile chun bacainní ar ardoideachas a bhaint. Ag an seoladh chomh maith bronnadh Gradam Michael McDonagh do Shármhaitheas Lucht Tacaíochta Phobal Taistealaithe na hÉireann, a ainmníodh in ómós don Taistealaí Éireannach agus feachtasóir ar son na gceart. Ba iad na buaiteoirí ná léachtóirí OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Deirdre Hardiman agus an Dr Helen Casey. Bronnadh ballraíocht saoil i gCumann Mincéirs Whiden ar chéimí de chuid OÉ Gaillimh, Jason Sherlock, freisin. I measc imeachtaí na seachtaine beidh plé painéil ar an ngá atá le Lucht Tacaíochta do Thaistealaithe na hÉireann; An Bille um Chultúr agus Stair an Lucht Siúil san Oideachas, 2018; Eispéireas Gipseach, Roma agus Taistealaithe na hÉireann ar baill den phobal LGBT+ iad laistigh dá bpobail féin; agus coiriúlú na fánaíochta ó pheirspictíocht na RA agus na hÉireann. Cuirfidh ceardlanna agus taispeántais chultúrtha deiseanna éagsúla ar fáil freisin don fhoireann, do mhic léinn agus don phobal tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi chultúr agus stair Thaistealaithe na hÉireann. I measc na mbuaicphointí beidh an dráma a bhfuil duaiseanna bainte amach aige Magpies on the Pylon a scríobh Michael Collins; grianghraif ón taispeántas cáiliúil taistealaithe Crown a thaispeánann gruaig na mban; agus Taispeántas Beo Thaistealaithe na hÉireann a bhí ar an gcampas inniu taobh amuigh d’Áras na Mac Léinn agus ina raibh Vaigín Bairille athchóirithe go hiomlán. Tá tuilleadh eolais agus naisc chun clárú do na himeachtaí le fáil ag www.nuigalway.ie/accesscentre/travellereducationofficer Críoch

Monday, 28 February 2022

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins opens week-long celebrations NUI Galway has launched a series of events to mark Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day, tomorrow Tuesday 1 March. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins led the opening of the week-long celebrations with a keynote address, exploring rights and other issues for the Traveller community. President Higgins said: “I am delighted to be opening today’s Traveller Ethnicity Day Celebrations hosted again this year by the National University of Ireland Galway. “The series of events planned during the week is so impressive and I commend the organisers for developing the programme. “Today is a day to celebrate the rich and ancient history of Ireland’s Traveller community who constitute Ireland’s only indigenous minority. Today is a day to take stock on how far we have come as a society that recognises and values the Traveller traditions and culture, but it is also a day to consider the road still ahead to full participation and equality.” Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day on March 1 marks the anniversary of when the Irish Government formally recognised Irish Travellers as a distinct ethnic group and celebrates Irish Travellers culture and heritage including music, craft traditions and language.  President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “Our university community has defined respect and openness as two of our core values, and through collective effort across many different initiatives, we are meeting the challenge of making our community a more equal, inclusive and diverse place in which to work and study. We are better for having all the talents in society here. “We will continue our determined work to welcome, support and vindicate the Traveller community as a part a valuable and valued part of the life of our university. I am delighted that our Traveller ethnicity festival will celebrate this sense of openness and highlight many more opportunities for further positive impact and inclusion.” Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day marks the anniversary of formal recognition by the Irish Government of Irish Travellers as a distinct ethnic group and the day celebrates Irish Traveller culture and heritage including music, craft traditions and language. NUI Galway’s now annual celebrations are organised by the University’s Mincéirs Misl’d in Education (MMIE) project. The MMIE project is about empowering Irish Travellers to transition and build a sense of belonging in higher education. Mincéirs Misl’d in Education brings together partners in NUI Galway Access Centre, Galway Traveller Movement, Involve CLG, Mayo Sligo Traveller Support Group, Sligo Traveller Support Group, Western Traveller Intercultural Development Centre, Túsla, the  Higher Education Authority and student representatives to work together to remove barriers to higher education.  The launch included the presentation of the Michael McDonagh Award for Traveller Ally Excellence, named in honour of the Irish Traveller and rights campaigner. The awardees were NUI Galway lecturers Dr Deirdre Hardiman and Dr Helen Casey.  NUI Galway graduate Jason Sherlock was also honoured with lifetime membership of the Mincéirs Whiden Society.  The week-long events include panel discussions on the need for Irish Traveller Allies; the Traveller Culture and History in Education Bill 2018; Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller LGBT+ people’s experience within their communities; and the criminalisation of nomadism from a UK and Irish perspective.  Workshops and cultural exhibitions will also offer a variety of opportunities for staff, students and the public to discover more about Irish Traveller culture and history.  Some of the highlights include the award-winning play Magpies on the Pylon by Michael Collins; photographs from the well-known Crown exhibition showing Irish Traveller women and their hair; and the Irish Traveller Living Exhibition which was hosted on campus today outside Áras na Mac Léinn and includes a fully restored Barrel Top Wagon. For further information and links to register for events at www.nuigalway.ie/accesscentre/travellereducationofficer  Ends

Monday, 28 February 2022

Cruthaíonn an tSeirbhís Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra agus OÉ Gaillimh comhpháirtíocht chun bás agus oidhreacht an taighdeora a chomóradh Inniu, sheol an tSeirbhís Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra agus an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta i gcomhpháirtíocht le OÉ Gaillimh Scéim Sparánachta Taighde Cuimhneacháin Karzan Sabah D Ahmed. Cruthaíodh an sparánacht chun aitheantas agus ómós a thabhairt do thaighdeoir OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Karzan Sabah D Ahmed, a bhásaigh i dtimpiste bhóthair lena bhean chéile Shahen Qasm agus a n-iníon Lina i mí Lúnasa 2021. Ag an am, bhí Karzan Ahmed ina iarrthóir PhD in OÉ Gaillimh i mbun taighde in Eolaíocht Chomhshaoil. Dhírigh a chuid oibre ar mheastóireacht a dhéanamh ar fheidhm éiceachórais feithidí i ngnáthóga feirme le cur san áireamh i scéimeanna nua agra-chomhshaoil agus bhí dlúth-chomhoibriú ar siúl leis an tSeirbhís Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra. Bhronn OÉ Gaillimh PhD iarbháis air in Eolaíocht Chomhshaoil i mí Dheireadh Fómhair. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, ag seoladh na sparánachta: “Táimid thar a bheith buíoch den tSeirbhís Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra agus den Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta as a dtacaíocht agus a gcomhpháirtíocht agus muid ag tabhairt ár gcomhghleacaí Karzan Ahmed agus a bhean chéile Shahen Qasm agus a n-iníon Lina chun cuimhne. “Ghoill a mbás go mór ar ár bpobal agus, go háirithe, orthu siúd a d’oibrigh go díreach le Karzan. Cabhróidh an sparánacht fhlaithiúil seo lena chuid oibre a thabhairt ar aghaidh, agus ag an am céanna déanfar ceiliúradh agus cuimhneofar ar a fheabhas agus ar a thiomantas agus ar thiomantas OÉ Gaillimh don réimse tábhachtach seo.” Dúirt an tAire Stáit le freagracht as Oidhreacht agus Athchóiriú Toghcháin Malcolm Noonan T.D.: “Rinne Karzan Ahmed taighde tábhachtach a raibh tionchar aige ar fheirmeoireacht le meas ar an Dúlra le linn a thréimhse in OÉ Gaillimh. D’oibrigh sé go dlúth le foireann na Seirbhíse Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra (NPWS) agus bhí sé thar a bheith fial lena chuid ama agus saineolais. “Tá an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta muiníneach go gcuirfidh an sparánacht taighde seo le taighde Karzan agus go dtabharfaidh sé deis do mhic léinn taithí ríthábhachtach a fháil i réimse na bithéagsúlachta feirme, i gcomhar leis an NPWS.” Reáchtálfar Scéim Sparánachta Taighde Cuimhneacháin Karzan Sabah D Ahmed mar chlár taighde samhraidh i Scoil na nEolaíochtaí Nádúrtha in OÉ Gaillimh, ag díriú ar fheirmeoireacht le meas ar an dúlra agus ar bhithéagsúlacht inveirteabrach. Beidh an scéim nua oscailte do mhic léinn ó gach institiúid ardoideachais in Éirinn a bhfuil suim acu ann. Críoch 

Monday, 28 February 2022

National Parks and Wildlife Service and NUI Galway form partnership to mark researcher’s death and legacy  The National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in partnership with NUI Galway have today announced the Karzan Sabah D Ahmed Memorial Research Bursary Scheme. The bursary has been created to recognise and honour NUI Galway researcher Dr Karzan Sabah D Ahmed, who died in a road accident with his wife Shahen Qasm and baby daughter Lina in August 2021.  At the time of his death Karzan Ahmed was a PhD candidate at NUI Galway undertaking research in Environmental Science. His work focused on evaluating insect ecosystem function in farm habitats for inclusion in novel agri-environmental schemes and involved close collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service NUI Galway awarded Karzan Ahmed a posthumous PhD in Environmental Science in October. President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “We are extremely grateful to the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for their support and partnership in remembering our colleague Karzan Ahmed and his wife Shahen Qasm and their baby daughter Lina.  “Their deaths had a profound impact on our community and, in particular, those who worked directly with Karzan. This generous bursary will help to continue his work, celebrating and remembering his excellence and both his and NUI Galway’s commitment to this important area.” Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan T.D. said: “Karzan Ahmed undertook important and impactful research in High Nature Value farmland during his time at NUI Galway. He worked closely with staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and was exceptionally generous and giving with his time and expertise.  “The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are confident that this research bursary will continue to build upon Karzan’s research and afford students an opportunity to gain vital experience in the area of farmland biodiversity, in collaboration with NPWS.” The Karzan Sabah D Ahmed Memorial Research Bursary Scheme will run as a summer research programme in the School of Natural Sciences at NUI Galway, focusing on high nature value farming and invertebrate biodiversity. The new scheme will be open to interested students from all higher education institutions in Ireland.  Ends

Monday, 28 February 2022

Cartlann mhór ina bhfuil breis agus 600,000 leathanach ar fáil do lucht taighde Tá catalógú déanta ag OÉ Gaillimh ar chartlann Chonradh na Gaeilge, an eagraíocht Ghaeilge is sine in Éirinn, agus tá an chartlann sin seolta ag an Ollscoil. Déantar cíoradh sna cáipéisí ar chorradh agus céad bliain d’imeachtaí, d’fheachtais agus d’éachtaí an Chonartha agus tugtar léargas eisiach iontu ar chúrsaí teanga, cultúir, sóisialta agus polaitíochta a bhaineann le stair na hÉireann. In 2018, de thoradh cainteanna a thionscain an Dr John Walsh agus a lean ar aghaidh faoina stiúir, cuireadh an chartlann faoi choimeád i Leabharlann na hOllscoile. Bhí níos mó ná 600 bosca ábhair ann agus níos mó ná 600,000 leathanach. Tá sé ar cheann de na bailiúcháin is mó dár taisceadh in OÉ Gaillimh riamh. Tá catalógú déanta anois air ag an gcartlannaí Niamh Ní Charra. Tugann Cartlann Chonradh na Gaeilge deis don phobal fáil a bheith acu ar na príomhfhoinsí a bhain le forbairt polasaithe i leith na Gaeilge. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Tá an Ollscoil seo tiomanta don Ghaeilge mar a léirítear inár Straitéis don Ghaeilge. Is ar mhaithe leis an bpobal agus chun na pobail a bhfuilimid ag freastal orthu a chothú atáimid anseo. Ó tharla go bhfuil catalógú déanta ar an gcartlann anois, beidh fáil go forleathan air mar acmhainn thábhachtach teagaisc agus taighde.” Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Dr Niall Comer, Uachtarán Chonradh na Gaeilge: “Léiríonn gairmiúlacht agus tiomantas na foirne go ndearna muid an cinneadh ceart an chartlann luachmhar seo a lonnú anseo in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, agus gabhaim buíochas fosta leis an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán as an mhaoiniú agus an tacaíocht leanúnach a chuirtear ar fáil don tionscnamh seo.” Tá gach tréimhse deich mbliana ó bunaíodh Conradh na Gaeilge in 1893 go dtí go ndearnadh an bailiúchan a thaisceadh in OÉ Gaillimh in 2018 san áireamh sa chartlann. Bhí Conradh na Gaeilge ag plé leis an nGaeilge a chur chun cinn agus le breathnóireacht a dhéanamh agus taifead a choinneáil ar úsáid na Gaeilge i ngach gné den saol ó lá go lá. Seo samplaí de chuid de na míreanna is spéisiúla sa chartlann:   Teachtaireachtaí ó phríosúnaigh phoblachtánacha ar pháipéar toitíní a smugláladh as Príosún na Ceise Fada sna 1980idí agus comhfhreagras idir Conradh na Gaeilge agus Seirbhís Príosúin na Banríona maidir leis an gcosc ar chuairteanna i nGaeilge Clár Guth na nGaedheal 1904 ina bhfuil trácht ar an gcéad uair a bhí an teanór John McCormack ar stáitse taobh amuigh d’Éirinn nuair a bhí sé 20 bliain d’aois Bileog a bhaineann le hagóid in aghaidh chogadh Vítneam taobh amuigh d’Ambasáid Mheiriceá, 1972  Seiceanna do Phádraig Mac Piarais agus Traolach Mac Suibhne a bhfuil a síniú ar a gcúl ó na blianta 1912 agus 1920 Litreacha ó Bhreandán Ó Beacháin agus Seán O’Casey a bhaineann le léirithe ar a saothar Gaeilge  Samplaí de phacáistiú ilteangach, paicéad cnónna Aer Lingus ina measc Mórleabhar faoi cheangal leathair ina bhfuil liosta de na craobhacha (1904-1918), rud a léiríonn cé chomh láidir agus a bhí an eagraíocht ag tús an 20ú hAois Grianghraif de léirsithe ina rabhthas i mbun agóide faoina laghad clár Gaeilge a bhí ar an teilifís agus ar an raidió, agus faoi ghabháil daoine nár dhíol a gceadúnas teilifíse mar agóid ina aghaidh sin Miontuairiscí agus cláir na nArd-Fheiseanna bliantúla ó 1894 go 2008 ina léirítear an daonlathas agus an chruthaitheacht a bhain leis an eagraíocht Foclóir pearsanta lámhscríofa ó dheireadh an 18ú hAois, a bronnadh ar an dlíodóir, bailitheoir leabhar, agus fear a raibh spéis aige sa Ghaeilge, Ernest Reginald McClintock Dix in 1909 agus a tugadh do leabharlann Chonradh na Gaeilge ina dhiaidh sin Póstaeir ó chraobhchomórtais chlubanna CLG ag deireadh na 1950idí  Preasráiteas ag éileamh go gcuirfí deireadh le pionós an bháis in Éirinn, 1976  Tá ábhar sa chartlann a bhaineann le ceol, spórt, drámaíocht, reiligiún, polaitíocht agus imeachtaí ar nós fheachtas bliantúil Sheachtain na Gaeilge agus comórtais Oireachtais a mbeidh comóradh 120 bliain agus 125 bliain a mbunaithe faoi seach ann i mbliana. Tá tuairiscí na dTimirí sa chartlann chomh maith, ina bhfuil eolas mion le fáil ar na hathruithe a bhí ag teacht ar shochaí na hÉireann go háirithe sna 1960idí agus sna 1970idí, agus corrthuairisc ó na 1920idí. Labhair an Dr John Walsh, Ollamh Comhlach le Gaeilge in OÉ Gaillimh a bhí i mbun thiomsú na cartlainne, ar thábhacht na cartlainne do lucht taighde: “Is acmhainn an-luachmhar an bailiúchán seo do lucht taighde de bhrí go léirítear ann an obair cheannródaíoch a bhí ar siúl ag Conradh na Gaeilge i réimsí éagsúla, ar nós na bhfeachtas le seirbhísí raidió agus teilifíse, scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge, údarás Gaeltachta daonlathach, stádas na Gaeilge san AE agus cearta teanga a bhaint amach ar dhá thaobh na teorann.” Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag John Cox, Leabharlannaí na hOllscoile: “Cuireann an Ollscoil agus an Leabharlann an-bhéim ar an nGaeilge a chur chun cinn agus tacú léi. Táimid an-bhródúil as an mbaint a bhí againn leis an gcatalógú agus le cartlann chomh mór agus chomh tábhachtach seo a chur ar fáil don teagasc agus don taighde agus is léiriú é ar an gcomhpháirtíocht den scoth a bhí againn le Conradh na Gaeilge.” Tá fáil ag lucht taighde ar an gcartlann i Seomra Léitheoireachta na gCartlann agus na mBailiúchán Speisialta i Leabharlann OÉ Gaillimh.  Tá bailiúchán fairsing, beagnach 400 cartlann ar fad, ag OÉ Gaillimh, faoi chúram na Leabharlainne. Ar na réimsí is mó a bhfuil ábhar a bhaineann leo sa bhailiúchán tá an drámaíocht, scannáin agus na taibhealaíona, an litríocht, an stair agus an pholaitíocht, agus tá béim ar leith ar ábhar i nGaeilge.  I measc na mbailiúchán is cáiliúla tá cartlann Chonradh na Gaeilge agus cartlann Mary Robinson; páipéir liteartha John McGahern agus Thomas Kilroy; cartlanna compántas amharclannaíochta éagsúil, lena n-áirítear Amharclann na Mainistreach, Amharclann an Gheata agus Amharclann an Druid; Bailiúchán Tim Robinson ina bhfuil eolas mion faoi thíreolaíocht agus topagrafaíocht Chonamara; agus cartlanna ó eastáit mhóra talún i gCúige Chonnacht agus roinnt páipéar a bhaineann leis na Trioblóidí i dTuaisceart Éireann. Cuirtear an-bhéim ar chartlanna a fhoilsiú ar líne mar chuid de chlár digitithe leanúnach.  Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil anseo faoi na Cartlanna agus na Bailiúcháin Speisialta in OÉ Gaillimh: http://library.nuigalway.ie/collections/archives/   Is féidir le taighdeoirí brabhsáil tríd an mbailiúchán sula dtagann siad chuig an Leabharlann lena scrúdú via https://exhibitions.library.nuigalway.ie/s/cnag/page/home Críoch

Friday, 25 February 2022

Extensive archive containing over 600,000 pages is available to researchers The archive of Conradh na Gaeilge, Ireland’s oldest Irish language organisation, has been catalogued and launched by NUI Galway. The documents cover more than a century of Conradh’s existence, campaigning and achievements and provide an unparalleled insight into linguistic, cultural, social and political aspects of Irish history. In 2018, following discussions instigated and led by Dr John Walsh, the University’s Library became the custodian of the archives. It consisted of more than 600 boxes of material and over 600,000 pages, making it one of the largest collections ever deposited with NUI Galway. Now catalogued by archivist Niamh Ní Charra, the Conradh na Gaeilge Archive at NUI Galway gives researchers, students and the public unique access to primary sources about the development of Irish language policy. President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “Our University is committed to the Irish language through our Straitéis don Ghaeilge. We are here for the public good and to sustain the communities which we serve. Now that the archive has been catalogued, it will be widely available for use as a significant resource for teaching and research.” Dr Niall Comer, President, Conradh na Gaeilge, said: "The professionalism and dedication of the staff show that we made the correct decision to locate our valuable archive in NUI Galway and I would also like to thank the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for their continued funding and support for this project." Every decade is represented in the archive, from the founding of Conradh na Gaeilge in 1893 to the deposition of the collection with NUI Galway in 2018. Conradh na Gaeilge was actively involved in promoting, observing and documenting the use of Irish across all aspects of everyday life. Highlights in the archive include:  Republican prisoners’ messages on cigarette papers smuggled out of the Maze prison in the 1980s and correspondence between Conradh na Gaeilge and HM Prison Service on the ban on visits in Irish A 1904 Guth na nGaedheal programme featuring tenor John McCormack’s possible first performance outside of Ireland at the age of 20 A flyer relating to an anti-Vietnam war protest outside the American embassy, 1972  Cheques to and endorsed by Patrick Pearse and Terence MacSwiney in 1912 and 1920 Letters from both Brendan Behan and Seán O’Casey relating to productions of their work in Irish  Samples of multilingual packaging including an Aer Lingus peanuts wrapper. An oversized leather-bound book listing branches (1904-1918) showing the strength of the organisation at the beginning of the 20th Century Photographs of demonstrations protesting both the lack of Irish language programming on TV and radio, and the arrest of people who refused to pay their television licences as a result Minutes and programmes from the annual Ard-Fheis covering the period 1894 to 2008 showing the democracy and creativity in the organisation A handwritten personal dictionary from the late 18th century which was gifted to solicitor, book collector, and Irish language enthusiast Ernest Reginald McClintock Dix in 1909 and subsequently given to Conradh na Gaeilge library Posters from GAA club championships in the late 1950s  A press release calling for the end to the death penalty in Ireland, 1976  The archive includes material relating to music, sport, drama, religion, politics and events such as the annual Seachtain na Gaeilge campaign and Oireachtas competitions which celebrate their 120th and 125th anniversaries respectively this year. It also features the Timirí (organisers’) reports, which provide detailed information on changes in Irish society mainly during the 1960s and 1970s, and some reports from the 1920s. Dr John Walsh, Associate Professor of Irish at NUI Galway who led the acquisition of the archive, noted its significance to the research community: “This collection is a very valuable resource for researchers because it illustrates Conradh na Gaeilge’s pioneering work in various areas, for instance the campaigns for radio and television services, all-Irish schools, a democratic Gaeltacht authority, the status of Irish in the EU and language rights on both sides of the border.” John Cox, University Librarian, said: “Promoting and supporting the Irish language is a priority for the University and Library. Our engagement in cataloguing and making available for teaching and research an archive of such scale and significance is a source of great pride and represents the fruition of an excellent partnership with Conradh na Gaeilge.” The archive is open for consultation by researchers in the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room of the NUI Galway Library.  NUI Galway has an extensive collection of almost 400 archives, managed by its Library. Collection strengths include theatre, film and the performing arts, literature, history and politics, with a particular focus on material in the Irish language.  Collections of note include the archives of Conradh na Gaeilge and Mary Robinson, the literary papers of John McGahern and Thomas Kilroy, the archives of a range of theatre companies, including the Abbey, Gate and Druid, the Tim Robinson Collection detailing the geography and topography of Connemara, as well as the archives of several Connacht landed estates and a number of papers relating to the Northern Ireland Troubles. There is a strong focus on publishing archives online as part of an ongoing digitisation programme.  For more information about the Archives and Special Collections at NUI Galway visit http://library.nuigalway.ie/collections/archives/ Researchers can browse the contents of the collection in advance of accessing it in the Library via https://exhibitions.library.nuigalway.ie/s/cnag/page/home End

Thursday, 17 February 2022

Two NUI Galway projects have been selected to develop solutions for operational challenges facing the Defence Forces. The research teams have secured funding as part of the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) -Defence Organisation Challenge. The researchers will collaborate with the Defence Forces to develop disruptive solutions to challenges faced by the Army, Navy and Air Corps while also having a potential to deliver significant societal impact. The first project, AltFuel4DF, will focus on convert waste to low-carbon fuel. The second, SafeGuard-Bio, will look at a novel device to detect multiple biological agents. Professor Jim Livesey, Vice President Research and Innovation at NUI Galway, said: “The successful projects in the SFI-Defence Organisation Challenge have huge potential and are a mark of the value our researchers place on responding to society’s needs.  “Collaboration is a vital element of research and as a public university it is profoundly important for our excellence to be put to the test in developing solutions for those who serve on the frontline while also creating the potential for societal impact.” The successful projects were announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris T.D. and Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney T.D. The NUI Galway projects are among just 10 selected as part of the SFI-Defence Organisation Innovation Challenge.  :: AltFuel4DF A joint project with Dr Rory Monaghan and the Institute of Technology Carlow will develop technologies to convert waste products like rubbish and residues from forestry and agriculture into sustainable low-carbon fuels. This will help the Defence Forces reduce emissions and improve energy security by cutting reliance on imported fossil fuels. Part of the project will analyse fuel use to establish greatest need. Within transport in the Defence Forces, there is potential for the low-carbon fuel to be used for ships, planes and vehicles on land. :: SafeGuard-Bio Led by Professor Lokesh Joshi and Dr Stephen Cunningham, the project is in part a result of a decade long collaboration with the Defence Forces and Aquila Bioscience.  The NUI Galway team, in collaboration with the Defence Forces, will develop a rapid and reliable platform for simultaneous detection of several biological threat agents from a single sample.  The solution has potential far beyond the security field, including aspects of public health and environmental monitoring for better awareness of infectious agents. Ends

Thursday, 17 February 2022

Naoi n-ollscoil Eorpacha diantaighde ag obair chun deiseanna a mhéadú do mhic léinn agus chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar dhúshláin shochaíocha Tá fáilte curtha ag OÉ Gaillimh roimh thacaíocht an Rialtais do Chomhghuaillíocht Ollscoileanna ENLIGHT, a mhéadóidh deiseanna do mhic léinn agus don fhoireann chun staidéar, foghlaim agus oibriú ar fud na hEorpa. Tá maoiniú beagnach €445,000 bainte amach ag OÉ Gaillimh ón Údarás um Ard-Oideachas (ÚAO) chun an tionscnamh teagaisc, foghlama agus taighde uile-Eorpach a chur chun cinn as seo go ceann dhá bhliain go leith. Tugann ENLIGHT an t-ardán d’ollscoileanna chun cineál nua “campais” a chruthú ina mbeidh fáil níos éasca ag mic léinn agus ag comhaltaí foirne ar staidéar, oiliúint, teagasc, taighde agus roinnt seirbhísí ar bhonn idirnáisiúnta. Dúirt Leas-Uachtarán Idirnáisiúnta na hOllscoile, an tOllamh Becky Whay: “Is eiseamláir de chomhghuaillíocht ENLIGHT é tiomantas OÉ Gaillimh d’oscailteacht agus d’éagsúlacht inár nOllscoil, ag cruthú deiseanna do mhic léinn agus don fhoireann, agus dár réigiún cáiliúil san iarthar chomh maith. “Cuireann ár gcomhpháirtíocht i Líonra Ollscoileanna Eorpacha muid ar thús cadhnaíochta maidir le samhlacha a dhearadh do chomhoibriú, oideachas, taighde agus fás tras-Eorpach.” “Tá an tacaíocht mhaoinithe seo ón ÚAO ríthábhachtach dár gcumas an leas is fearr a bhaint as na buntáistí a thugann ballraíocht sa chomhghuaillíocht seo dúinn – dár mic léinn ar mian leo taisteal agus foghlaim ar fud na hEorpa agus dár bhfoireann ar mian leo dul i gcomhpháirtíocht le lucht léinn agus le seirbhísí gairmiúla.” Neartóidh maoiniú an Rialtais rannpháirtíocht OÉ Gaillimh in ENLIGHT agus tacóidh sé le malartuithe mac léinn agus comhoibriú agus rannpháirtíocht foirne. I gcomhghuaillíocht ENLIGHT tá – OÉ Gaillimh; Ollscoil Comenius, an Bhratasláiv (An tSlóvaic); Ollscoil Groningen (An Ísiltír); Ollscoil Bordeaux (An Fhrainc); Ollscoil Gent (An Bheilg); Ollscoil Tartu (An Eastóin); Ollscoil Gottingen (An Ghearmáin); Ollscoil Thír na mBascach (An Spáinn); Ollscoil Uppsala (An tSualainn). Tá sé mar aidhm ag ENLIGHT an t-ardoideachas a athrú i gcomhar lena chéile, ag tabhairt aghaidh ar dhúshláin shochaíocha agus ag cur caighdeán na beatha chun cinn mar aon le hinbhuanaitheacht agus rannpháirtíocht sheachtrach le pobail na n-ollscoileanna comhpháirtíochta. Dúirt Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh agus cathaoirleach reatha Chomhghuaillíocht ENLIGHT, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh: “Tá OÉ Gaillimh thar a bheith sásta le tacaíocht an Rialtais maidir lenár rannpháirtíocht i gcomhghuaillíocht ENLIGHT a neartú. Tá na naoi n-ollscoil in ENLIGHT lonnaithe lasmuigh de phríomhchathracha rud a thugann dearcadh faoi leith dúinn ar an saol agus ar an bpobal. Le chéile, cuirimid borradh faoi fhorbairt ar bhonn réigiúnach, oibrímid go dlúth le dul i ngleic le dúshláin shochaíocha agus breathnaímid ar uaillmhian idirnáisiúnta mar bhealach leis an tionchar réigiúnach is mó a bheith againn.  In OÉ Gaillimh, is trína bheith oscailte do na caighdeáin is airde maidir le barr feabhais agus comhoibriú a dhéanaimid an freastal is fearr – agus a léirímid an meas is fearr – ar ár réigiún. Trí thacaíocht an Rialtais do ENLIGHT tabharfar an deis dúinne agus dár mic léinn agus dár bhfoireann foghlaim le chéile, barr feabhais a bhaint amach agus aghaidh a thabhairt ar dhúshláin chomhroinnte atá ag teacht lenár luachanna mar phobal ollscoile.” Tabharfaidh ENLIGHT ardán do OÉ Gaillimh do chomhpháirtíochtaí agus comhoibrithe chun maoiniú níos leithne a mhealladh faoin gclár Erasmus agus an clár Fís Eorpach. Neartóidh sé chomh maith comhpháirtíochtaí straitéiseacha na naoi n-institiúid rud a spreagfaidh comhoibriú oideachais, taighde agus nuálaíochta a chuirfidh lenár n-iomaíochas idirnáisiúnta agus lenár dtionchar domhanda. Mar chuid d’obair na comhghuaillíochta, beidh ócáid ar siúl ag OÉ Gaillimh i gcomhar le hOllscoil Uppsala sa tSualainn i mBealtaine 2022. Is é an téama ná Forbairt Uirbeach Inbhuanaithe agus tiocfaidh taighdeoirí, mic léinn agus páirtithe leasmhara réigiúnacha ó gach cearn den chomhghuaillíocht le chéile chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar chomhdhúshláin. Críoch

Tuesday, 15 February 2022

Nine European research-intensive universities working to increase opportunities for students and to address societal challenges NUI Galway has welcomed Government support for the ENLIGHT University Alliance, which will increase opportunities for students and staff to study, learn and work across Europe. NUI Galway has secured funding of almost €445,000 from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to progress the new pan-European teaching, learning and research initiative over the next two and half years. ENLIGHT gives universities the platform to create a new type of “campus” where students and staff have increased opportunities for international study, training, teaching, research and sharing of services. The University’s Vice President International, Professor Becky Whay said: “The ENLIGHT alliance exemplifies NUI Galway’s commitment to openness and diversity in our University, creating opportunities for students and staff, as well as for our renowned western region.  “Our partnership in a European University Network puts us at the forefront of designing models for cross European collaboration, education, research and growth.”  “This funding support from the HEA is critical to our ability to optimise the advantages that membership of this alliance opens up for us - for our students who wish to travel and learn throughout Europe and for our staff who wish to partner with fellow academics and professional services.” The Government funding will strengthen NUI Galway’s participation in ENLIGHT and support student exchanges and staff collaboration and engagement.  The ENLIGHT alliance includes - NUI Galway; Comenius University, Bratislava (Slovakia); University of Groningen (Netherlands); University of Bordeaux (France); Gent University (Belgium); University of Tartu (Estonia); University of Gottingen (Germany); University of the Basque Country (Spain); and Uppsala University (Sweden). ENLIGHT aims to collaboratively transform higher education, addressing societal challenges and promoting equitable quality of life, sustainability and external engagement with the communities of the partner universities. NUI Galway President and current chair of the ENLIGHT Alliance, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “NUI Galway is delighted with this Government support to strengthen our participation in the ENLIGHT alliance. “All nine of the universities in ENLIGHT are based outside of capital cities which gives us a particular perspective on the world and community.  "Together, we are regional drivers of development, working closely to tackle societal challenges and see international ambition as a means of maximising regional impact. At NUI Galway, we serve our region best - and respect it - by being open to the highest standards of excellence and co-operation. Securing Government support for ENLIGHT will afford us and our students and staff the opportunity to learn collectively, to excel and to address shared challenges consistent with our values as a university community.” ENLIGHT will give NUI Galway a platform for partnerships and collaborations to attract wider funding under the Erasmus and Horizon Europe programmes.  It will also strengthen strategic partnerships across the nine institutions, encouraging education, research and innovation collaborations, contributing both to our international competitiveness and collective global impact. As part of the work of the alliance, NUI Galway is partnering with Uppsala University in Sweden on an event in May 2022. The theme is Sustainable Urban Development with researchers, students and regional stakeholders from across the alliance coming together to address collective challenges. Ends

Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Well-being programme takes place over six weeks in higher education institutions across Europe  Initiative aims to study physical and mental health benefits for students and young people NUI Galway has launched a new well-being programme - Mind, Body, Boost - to support students’ physical and mental health and research its impact. The initiative is taking place in partnership with higher education institutions in six European countries and aims to address social isolation, poor lifestyle balance, mental health difficulties and low levels of physical activity of young people. Mind, Body, Boost also involves research to assess the impact and benefit of a six-week health and wellbeing programme on physical and mental health. Professor Michelle Millar, Dean of Students, NUI Galway, said: “We know from our students that the issues of anxiety and stress are real. Mind, Body, Boost provides us with a new opportunity to help our students improve their overall well-being, to prevent isolation and open the door to physical activity. Most of all, it is a huge opportunity to learn the impacts of this approach.” Mind, Body, Boost is designed to be accessible and welcoming for third level students with low levels of physical activity and mental health struggles and who have had limited opportunities to participate in physical activity, for whatever reason, through personal difficulties or other obstacles.  It is running in seven institutions across Europe. The programme recruits students via student sign-up and seeks referrals from student service, health professionals and educators.  An APP has been developed for participating students who will receive encouragement and motivation to achieve their goals each week. Today, Tuesday 8 February 2022, marked the introductory session for NUI Galway students, and sessions continue on campus on the same day each week for the next six weeks.  The sessions run for 25 minutes and 45 minutes and include a mix of low-moderate intensity physical activity, relaxation, and resilience sessions.  The project is co-funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus + Sport programme.  The partners include - Trinity College Dublin; University of Stirling, Scotland; University of Limerick; University of Lisbon, Portugal; Technical University of Munich, Germany; Vilnius University, Lithuania; and It’s Great Out There Coalition, Brussels. To find out more information visit www.mindbodyboost.eu Ends

Wednesday, 2 February 2022

A special new scholarship has been announced by University of Galway for entrepreneurial undergraduate students. The Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship, funded through the generous philanthropic support of the Liffey Trust, will run for an initial 10-year period. The scholarship will help to support students in University of Galway’s newly launched student innovation and entrepreneurship hub, IdeasLab. It will also help to promote the concepts of job creation, entrepreneurial development and education for life for undergraduate students commencing their studies. First year undergraduate students at University of Galway can apply for a scholarship valued at up to €9,000 for the duration of their studies at the University.  The inaugural students will be selected in March 2022.  President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “We welcome our new partnership with the Liffey Trust. A key strength of University of Galway is our partnership with business, industry, government and civic society to nurture graduates that are civic, innovative and entrepreneurial. The scholarship will sow the seeds to further enhance and support our vision for innovation, excellence and entrepreneurship in the region.” The Liffey Trust was established more than 30 years ago and has been supporting entrepreneurs to establish and grow new businesses since then. The University of Galway scholarship is named in honour of the founder of the Liffey Trust, Galway native Séamus McDermott, in recognition of his contribution to entrepreneurship in Ireland.  Professor Michelle Millar, Dean of Students in University of Galway, said: “We are delighted to broaden our scholarship portfolio to include the Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship. Our campus is filled with creative and innovative minds that this scholarship can make a real difference to.” For further information on the scholarship contact ideaslab@nuigalway.ie, or submit an application at https://bit.ly/3u2r0Vk.  Ends

Tuesday, 29 March 2022

An extraordinary audio archive from NUI Galway will be showcased at this year's Cúirt International Festival of Literature in Galway.  Nearly 100 years after they were first captured, wax cylinder recordings held in the University Library were digitised last summer with support from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.  The recordings were made by Tomás Ó Máille (1880-1938), the inaugural Professor of Irish at the University. Appointed in 1909, the Joyce Country native held the professorship until his premature death in 1938.  A pioneer in many ways, Tomás Ó Máille’s greatest foresight was his commitment to the newest technology of his day - audio recording. Focusing on folklore, song, and dialects, he created hundreds of recordings of Irish speakers from every county in Connacht and also Co Clare. He assisted the recording work of other collectors and scholars including Wilhelm Doegen, head of the Sound Department at the Prussian State Library in Berlin. In this concert as part of the Cúírt festival, Dr Deirdre Ní Chonghaile will introduce Tomás Ó Máille and his work, along with excerpts of his recordings from the NUI Galway archive. She will also introduce three special guests - singers Sarah Ghriallais, Mary Staunton, and Saileog Ní Cheannabháin - who will perform their own renditions of songs retrieved from Ó Máille’s recordings.  Speaking ahead of the Cúirt showcase, Dr Ní Chonghaile said: "This event sees one of Ireland’s most significant audio archives come to life for the first time and witnesses songs returning to their rightful place - in each community’s repertoire. We are thrilled to partner with Cúirt and Arts-in-Action to celebrate Tomás Ó Máille’s outstanding legacy in capturing artistic treasures of the Irish language from every county west of the Shannon." With surtitles in English, An Chartlann Bheo - Animating the Archive takes place at An Taibhdhearc on Wednesday 6 April at 1pm. It is free to attend but booking is advisable at https://www.cuirt.ie/whats-on/an-chartlann-bheo-animating-the-archive/. Ends

Tuesday, 29 March 2022

Den chéad uair ó 1930 i leith, beidh seod-chartlann fhuaime de chuid Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh i lár an aonaigh ag Féile Idirnáisiúnta na Litríochta, Cúirt na Gaillimhe. Beagnach céad bliain ó gabhadh iad ar fhiteáin céireacha, rinneadh na taifeadtaí i Leabharlann na hOllscoile a dhigitiú an samhradh seo caite le tacaíocht ón Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus na Meán. Is taifeadtaí iad seo a chruthaigh Tomás Ó Máille (1880-1938), an chéad Ollamh le Gaeilge san Ollscoil. De bhunadh Dhúiche Sheoigheach, ceapadh Tomás ina ollamh i 1909 agus lean sé air sa ról go bhfuair sé bás go hanabaí in 1938. Ceannródaí ab ea an Máilleach ar mhórán bealaí ach is suntasach go háirithe mar a dhírigh sé ar nua-theicneolaíocht a linne fhéin – an taifeadadh fuaime. Ag diriú ar bhéaloideas, amhráin, agus canúintí éagsúla, chruthaigh sé na céadta taifeadadh fuaime de chainteoirí Gaeilge as gach contae i gConnacht agus as an gClár. Freisin, chuidigh sé le bailitheoirí agus scoláirí eile taifeadtaí a chruthú, ina measc Wilhelm Doegen, stiúrthóir Roinn na Fuaime i Leabharlann na Prúise i mBeirlín. Sa cheolchoirm seo mar chuid d'fhéile Cúirt, cuirfidh Deirdre Ní Chonghaile Tomás Ó Máille agus a shaothar i láthair, agus cloisfear blaiseadh beag dá thaifeadtaí. Freisin, déanfaidh triúr aíonna speisialta – Sarah Ghriallais, Mary Staunton agus Saileog Ní Cheannabháin – a leagan féin d’amhráin as cartlann an Mháilligh a chanadh. Ag labhairt di roimh na hócáide uathúla seo, dúirt an Dr Ní Chonghaile: "Beidh an chartlann ina steillbheatha, beo ar ardán, agus na hamhráin a chruinnigh Tomás ar ais i mbéal an phobail. Tá ríméad orainn an deis seo a chruthú i gcomhpháirt le Cúirt agus Arts-in-Action. Seo ceiliúradh ar mhór-obair a rinne an Máilleach ag cruinniú saibhreas na n-ealaíon Gaeilge ó gach contae taobh thiar den tSionainn." Le fortheidil i mBéarla, beidh An Chartlann Bheo - Animating the Archive ar siúl sa Taibhdhearc ar an gCéadaoin 6 Aibreán ag 1.00in. Tá sé saor in aisce ach ní mór ticéid a chur in áirithe: https://www.cuirt.ie/whats-on/an-chartlann-bheo-animating-the-archive/. Críoch