March 2009 Prestigious US Psychology Society Opens Chapter at NUI Galway

The prestigious psychology society, Psi Chi, has established its first chapter outside of the US at NUI Galway. Since 1929, the society has encouraged excellence in academic psychology and in furthering psychology as a science. Famous members include TV's Dr Phil and publishing's Hugh Hefner. Members must have excelled academically before being eligible for acceptance and once inducted hold a lifetime membership of the Society. The mission of Psi Chi is to produce well-educated, ethical, and socially responsible members committed to contributing to the science and profession of psychology and to society in general. Dr Ian Stewart, School of Psychology, NUI Galway, said: "The recent inauguration and addition of the NUI Galway Psi Chi Chapter is a great achievement for both the students and staff. I have no doubt, given our enthusiastic membership, that the NUI Galway chapter will make a significant contribution both to the society and to the cause of scientific psychology in the years ahead". At NUI Galway, the B.A. Psychology is one of the most sought after undergraduate courses, with the subject of psychology also popular among Bachelor of Arts students. Dr Stewart added: "Most people find psychology intrinsically interesting. Even a little knowledge of psychology is useful in most career paths, whether in applied areas such as clinical psychology and the health services, or more general areas such as the media, IT or management". It is hoped that the NUI Galway chapter of Psi Chi will forge the way for many new international chapters that we can share the aims and success of our North American colleagues. -Ends-