President's message

Fáilte romhat and welcome to the Web site of National University of Ireland, Galway. Whether you are a prospective student, a research, a graduate or a visitor to our campus I invite you to explore this Web site and share in the life our University.

Founded in 1845 with an initial intake of 63 students in 1849, NUI Galway is now a thriving institution with over 16,000 students, of which 1,500 are international students representing over 92 countries across the globe, making up over 10% of the student population.

NUI Galway is a leading international, research-intensive university, ranked among the top 250 universities in the world.

In 2009 we have been recognised as University of the Year by The Sunday Times, outperforming 21 other Irish third-level institutions to achieve this distinction.

Alistair McCall, Editor of the Sunday Times University Guide 2010 said:

"NUI Galway is the epitome of what third-level education should be about. Its graduates are sought after throughout Ireland and beyond, and the NUI Galway name is synonymous with high quality"

Highlights 2008 - 2009

These accolades highlight the tremendous achievement and endeavor which exists on our campus. Behind these major institutional plaudits lie the hard work and talent of many world leading teachers and researchers, which we in University leadership are determined to support and nurture. Some examples below will illustrate this:

• In September 2009 An Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen turned the first sod on our new €45 million Engineering Building. When built in 2011, our Engineering School - which currently has the largest enrollment of any Irish University - will have the very best of facilities for its students and staff.
  
• NUI Galway is now home to the Republic of Ireland's only UNESCO Chair in Children Youth and Civic Engagement. This was inaugurated by President of Ireland, Mary McAleese in March 2009.
• During Summer 2009, our Volunteering Programmes came before a global audience, when NUI Galway students through the ALIVE Programme played a major role in the overwhelming success of the Volvo Ocean Race Galway Stopover.
• Our new €22 million Sports Centre, opened in 2008, encourages achievement by elite sports people and increased student well-being in the wider campus population.
• In October 2009 we completed a purpose-built auditorium and cultural venue, The Bailey Allen Wing which will enrich cultural life on campus and provide a world-class event and conference venue for Galway city.
• Our strong record in Technology Transfer and Commercialisation has been recognised by Enterprise Ireland which ranks NUI Galway as the leading Irish university for patents and licensing agreements.

For the Future

However, resting on our laurels is not an option. I continue to be ambitious for our University.

Despite a challenging economic climate, and with the tremendous support of friends and alumni, through Galway University Foundation, we will continue to build on this success. In September 2009 we published our Strategic Plan 2009 - 2014 which sets out our ambitious vision for development and partnership. Guided by a principle of excellence in key areas and informed by a spirit of strategic collaboration, I am confident we will achieve our vision.

Dr James J. Browne
Uachtarán - President