Environment, Marine and Energy

                                    *  On this page:
  Introduction                                                                                        *
  Martin Ryan Institute
  Environmental Change Institute
  Energy Research Centre
  Power Electronics Research Centre

Introduction

This thematic area caters for research at NUI Galway in Environmental Change Research & Modelling, Atmospheric Studies, Biodiversity and Bioinformatics, Marine Science and Law, and Sustainable Energy. The overall objectives are to consolidate and coordinate national research on the impacts of, and remedies for, natural and anthropogenic pressures on biodiversity, human health and the environment; to reduce environmental stress by developing impact-free aquaculture of marine organisms; and to develop energy research priorities that meet environmental objectives.

NUI Galway has two major institutes (the MRI & ECI) involved with environmental, marine and energy research. These work with colleges (Arts, Social Sciences, & Celtic Studies, Business, Public Policy, & Law, Engineering & Informatics, Medicine, Nursing, & Health Sciences, and  Science), departments and research groups to develop a synergy in environmental, marine and energy research.  The ECI and the MRI have recently developed a common research policy based on a number of themes, and these themes have been agreed nationally with our partners, particularly the Environmental Research Institute in University College, Cork. These arrangements have the capacity to contribute extensively to the national research programme on the environment.

*Images of marine organisms by Aileen Gill

Martin Ryan Institute (MRI)

The Martin Ryan Institute is the home of marine research at NUI Galway and is the regional and national centre for the study of marine and freshwater resources, ocean and coastal processes. Its research programmes promote the exploration and development of marine physical resources, increase understanding of aquatic biodiversity, analyse effects of environmental/climate change on aquatic ecosystems and facilitate sustainable development of aquatic biological resources. Its main research areas are taxonomy, biology, ecology and genetics of pelagic and benthic organisms, fisheries biology and economics, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, physical and chemical oceanography and marine geoscience.

Recent News
New and Spectacular Deep-water Coral Province Discovered off the West Coast of Ireland Read more
Novel Irish Fish Breeding Programme Reaches Milestone Read more
NUI Galway Research Headlines International Conference on Marine Biodiversity Read more 

Environmental Change Institute (ECI)

Research at the Environmental Change Institute is mainly focussed on Climate Change, Energy, Environment & Health, and Biodiversity. It also conducts research into Environmental Informatics, Environmental Technologies, and Social & Economic Impacts.  NUI Galway’s unique location on the North Western periphery of Europe, adjacent to the North Atlantic Ocean, has made it a particularly suitable location for national and international collaborative research on atmospheric processes and climate change. Through its interdisciplinary approach to Environmental Change Research, its pool of experienced researchers and motivated and scientifically-literate graduates, its purpose-built centre and state of the art equipment, the ECI makes a significant contribution to the very challenging field of Environmental Change Research.

Recent News
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources visits NUI Galway Read more
Scientific Conference to Feature NUI Galway's Atmospheric Research Read more 
NUI Galway Hosts First Science Café - on Climate Change Read more 
New Insect Species Discovered by NUI Galway Researcher Read more 
Mace Head Climate Research Station Celebrates 50th Anniversary Read more

Energy Research Centre

The Energy Research Centre operates as part of the Environmental Change Institute. Research is conducted in four main areas: bioenergy, renewable resources, energy efficient technologies and energy & society. The Centre brings together over 100 academic staff and researchers, from NUI Galway's Colleges of Science; Engineering and Informatics; Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies; Law; and Commerce, along with many key national and international collaborators.

Recent News
Tánaiste Announces BioSpark to Create 180 New Green Jobs Read more
NUI Galway Launches New Energy Research Centre  Read more

Power Electronics Research Centre

The Power Electronics Research Centre is involved in the growing areas of wind and solar power, wireless power & sensors for biomedical applications, battery management and power harvesting. The centre fosters links with industry by transferring technology from a strong research base in the University to the wider community. Collaborations have been established with the Power Electronics laboratory at the Massachusetts Institutes of Technology; the Czech Technical University of Prague, Zhejiang University and Harbin University, China, the City University of Hong Kong and the Tyndall Institute, Cork.

Recent News
Renewable Energy breakthrough for NUI Galway Researchers Read more

• Disclaimer
• Privacy
• Copyright
• Accessibility