October New interactive exhibition focusing on medtech opens at Galway City Museum
CÚRAM, the SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices based at University of Galway, together with Galway City Museum has launched a new public exhibition celebrating the collaboration, creativity and innovation in medical technology (medtech) research in Ireland.
SUPERHUMAN explores the story of the medtech sector which employs over 40,000 people in Ireland today. As the highest exporter of medical device products per capita in Europe, Ireland is one of the top five hubs for medtech research in the world.
The exhibition, which is the only exhibit in the country exploring the world of medical technology in Ireland, showcases the development of Galway and Ireland as a medtech hub and explains how we can all play a part in driving research forward.
Visitors are invited to experiment with interactive features, explore information panels, view short films and learn about medical device research past, present and future.
Professor Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director at CÚRAM, commented: “450 medtech companies are based in the west of Ireland, and the sector is of huge value to the Irish economy. Over 80% of stents are produced in Galway which means that if you are one of those people who have a stent have a little piece of Galway in your heart.
“We’re delighted to partner with Galway City Council to showcase the many reasons why Galway has become a global hub for medical device research. We look forward to continuing the collaboration and the opportunity it gives us to share our work with new audiences and collaborators over the coming years.”
University of Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “This exhibit provides an excellent platform for everyone to engage with our world class researchers and to see the benefits of the research carried out in Galway, at the University of Galway. It is a going out to our community consistent with our value of openness. It is also an example of the care that is at the heart of CÚRAM and University of Galway, and our impact in areas of profound need in and for our communities. SUPERHUMAN as Gaeilge is fordhaonna. Tá sé seo fíordhaonna – truly human – freisin.”
Eithne Verling, Director at the Galway City Museum, said: “Galway City Museum is delighted with the new SUPERHUMAN exhibition and with the creative collaboration with Cúram and SFI. This is a unique exhibition in Ireland and a most important one for Galway, a thriving global medtech cluster.”
CÚRAM’s research is focused on developing innovative and smart medical devices and implants to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic ailments such as heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes. In line with University of Galway’s core values of respect, excellence, openness and sustainability, CÚRAM’s public engagement programme is focused on building relationships with community.
The exhibit is located on the upper floor of the Galway City Museum and is fully and freely accessible. Throughout the year, a number of events associated with the exhibit will be run by CÚRAM at the museum in collaboration with local organisations such as Baboró International Arts Festival Children, the Galway Science and Technology Festival, and others.
For more information on the exhibition or on the associated programme of events people can contact museum@galwaycity.ie or call 091 532 460.
The public are invited to subscribe to the museum newsletter and to follow the museum online at www.galwaycitymuseum.ie or on social media for all the latest in SUPERHUMAN developments.
Ends