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OllscÉala - march 2010

President's Message - Focal ó Uachtarán (Leagan Gaeilge)

Anois teacht an Earraigh …
Fáilte chuig an chéad Ollscéala 2010. I would like to begin by acknowledging the difficulties which colleagues throughout the University are working with every day. In these challenging times, where individuals face financial hardships as well as pressures in the workplace as a result of limited resources, I would like to personally pay tribute to colleagues who are working hard to deliver quality services in these less than ideal circumstances. Thank you sincerely for your efforts. I am confident that with your help we will overcome the present difficulties. There is much in our recent achievements, detailed below, to inspire this confidence.

NUI Galway - University of Limerick Alliance
Recently we announced a major institution-wide Strategic Alliance between NUI Galway and University of Limerick. Launched at the Royal Irish Academy by An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, TD, in the company of An Tánaiste, Mary Coughlan TD and Minister for Education & Science, Batt O’Keefe TD, the objective of the Alliance is to better support the social and economic development of our region by combining the strengths of the two universities.

This partnership across all of the key areas of activity will positively impact on teaching, research, technology transfer, lifelong learning and the provision of services. Building on our strong record of partnership with St Angela’s College, Sligo; Burren College of Art; Shannon College of Hotel Management; and the Líonra network , it will lead to an increase in the quantity and quality of our collaborative research and teaching; will further develop industrial, business and other partnerships; help to ensure the most effective use of our combined resources; and serve to enhance the international standing of both our universities.

The Alliance has an exciting international dimension, through a partnership with Georgia Institute of Technology in the US. This element will focus on the exploitation of research from both Irish universities. For further details on the Alliance see http://www.nuigalway.ie/ul-alliance/

Following her participation in the launch of the NUI Galway - University of Limerick Strategic Alliance, An Tánaiste, Mary Coughlan, TD visited the University on 19 February for a Roundtable Briefing on the work of the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, meeting with clinicians, scientists and engineers engaged in research at NCBES.

International Research Successes
In recent weeks we have enjoyed international endorsement of the quality research underway at NUI Galway through three new developments. In Health Promotion Research, the University has been designated as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Health Promotion Research at an event in the University on 29 January 2010 by Áine Brady, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health & Children.

In further good news, Minister for Health & Children, Mary Harney, TD, announced last month that €7.5m in capital funding is being provided for the construction of a new Clinical Research Facility on the grounds of University Hospital Galway. This will further add to the considerable strength of NUI Galway in biomedical science, complementing the research achievements of the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science (NCBES) and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI).

We have just announced the establishment of The Lifecycle Institute, a major new €10 million initiative in the social sciences at NUI Galway. Funded through philanthropic donations and in collaboration with The Atlantic Philanthropies, this will advance an integrated approach to policy and services for older people, children and people with disabilities. The multidisciplinary Institute will build on the work of the Child and Family Research Centre; the Centre for Disability Law and Policy; and the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, and will be housed in a new building. Each of the three centres is making an important contribution to its respective field in Ireland and internationally as they undertake research, enhance knowledge and influence policy in relation to these population cohorts.

These three exciting developments highlight the excellence of research activity at NUI Galway across the humanities, social sciences and the biomedical sciences. Congratulations to all involved!

Strategic Plan 2009 – 2014
Our Strategic Plan was formally launched on 16 December 2009 at a reception in the Aula Maxima. This launch generated significant public interest with an emphasis in media coverage on the economic value of the University to the region. The next phase of the strategic planning process is the development of an institutional operational plan; this work is well underway. It includes a planning process at School and College level, and the development of a single support services strategy in support of the University’s academic mission.

In a related development, the University Management Team met with the GMIT Management Team in December 2009 to discuss each others’ Strategic Plans and to explore collaboration opportunities. It was agreed that the partnership which currently exists between the two institutions should be further built upon, in particular in the areas of Teaching Programmes; Research and Innovation; and Student Engagement.

Galway University Foundation
On 8 January, Galway University Foundation hosted the launch of the Bailey Allen Wing in the recently refurbished Áras na Mac Léinn. Over 200 invited guests attended an evening of celebration of the University’s cultural and creative heritage with performances by Macnas, Druid Theatre Company, the University Orchestra and Frankie Gavin among others. The event recognised the philanthropy of the late Angela Allen, whose benefaction was made in memory of her late son and alumnus, Frank Bailey.

Dissolution of the NUI
On 20 January 2010, the Minister for Education & Science, Mr Batt O'Keeffe TD moved to dissolve the National University of Ireland. Following this, the four Presidents of the NUI universities met with Minister O’Keeffe to express their concerns. I want to reassure colleagues that NUI Galway continues as before: there will be no change to the University’s name; the nature or quality of our degrees will not be affected; and there will be no impact on jobs at this campus by the dissolution of the NUI.

We must now work within Government’s decision to abolish the NUI. My approach is to:
a) maintain NUI Galway’s good name and standing nationally and internationally;
b) work with the other Presidents, the Minister and his officials to implement the Government decision in a manner that does not damage the good name of our University, our alumni or our students and which maintains the well-established NUI brand name; and
c) work with our partner institutions, St Angela's College, Sligo; Shannon College of Hotel Management and the Burren College of Art to ensure that the standing of their qualifications (NUI Degrees) is maintained.

President’s Awards for Teaching Excellence
Invitations for nominations have been sought from alumni, students and staff for this scheme. Please see http://www.nuigalway.ie/celt/teaching_and_learning/presidents_award.html to nominate an outstanding teacher.

Many of the news items above highlight the talent, commitment and dedication of colleagues throughout the University. This inspires great confidence. Despite the challenges, we will continue to achieve and prosper - with your help. Ní neart go cur le chéile.
Beir bua agus beannacht,
James J. Browne PhD, DSc, MRIA, C.Eng
Uachtarán – President

Ollscéala Márta 2010 Focal ó Uachtarán

Anois teacht an Earraigh …

Fáilte chuig céad Ollscéala na bliana seo. Ba mhaith liom a rá, i dtús báire, go dtuigim na deacrachtaí a bhíonn le réiteach agaibhse, a chomhghleacaithe, ar fud na hOllscoile gach lá. Tráth seo na géarchéime, agus deacrachtaí airgid ag cur as do dhaoine sa mhullach ar bhrú san ionad oibre de bharr acmhainní teoranta, ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl go pearsanta daoibhse, mar chomhghleacaithe, atá ag obair go crua le seirbhísí den scoth a chur ar fáil agus gan cúinsí thar mholadh beirte. Buíochas ó chroí libh as bhur ndúthracht. Bheinn dóchasach go n-éireoidh linn na fadhbanna atá againn faoi láthair a shárú le cabhair uaibhse. Tá neart ábhar dóchais sa mhéid atá bainte amach againn le tamall anuas mar a fheicfidh sibh anseo thíos.

Comhfhiontar Straitéiseach idir OÉ Gaillimh agus Ollscoil Luimnigh
Le gairid sheolamar mór-Chomhfhiontar Straitéiseach idir OÉ Gaillimh agus Ollscoil Luimnigh. Sheol an Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, TD, i gcuideachta an Tánaiste, Mary Coughlan TD agus an Aire Oideachais & Eolaíochta, Batt O’Keefe, TD, an Comhfhiontar in Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann. Is é aidhm an Chomhfhiontair tacaíocht níos fearr a thabhairt d’fhorbairt shóisialta agus eacnamaíoch an cheantair seo trí láidreachtaí an dá ollscoil a nascadh.

Beidh tionchar ag an gcomhpháirtíocht seo a mbeidh feidhm léi i ngach príomhréimse gníomhaíochta ar an teagasc, ar an taighde, ar aistriú teicneolaíochta, ar fhoghlaim ar feadh an tsaoil agus ar sholáthar seirbhísí. Cuirfidh seo leis an gcomhpháirtíocht láidir atá againn le Coláiste San Aingeal, Sligeach, le Coláiste Ealaíne Bhoirne, le Coláiste Bainistíochta Óstán Shionainne agus leis an ngréasán LÍONRA. Cuirfidh an comhfhiontar leis an taighde agus an teagasc atá á ndéanamh agus feabhsóidh caighdeán an taighde agus an teagaisc sin. Cuideoidh an Comhfhiontar linn comhpháirtíochtaí tionscail, gnó agus eile a fhorbairt; cuideoidh sé linn an úsáid is éifeachtaí a bhaint as na háiseanna atá againn; agus cuirfidh sé le seasamh idirnáisiúnta an dá ollscoil.

Tá diminsean idirnáisiúnta ag baint leis an gComhfhiontar, trí chomhpháirtíocht leis an Georgia Institute of Technology i Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá. Díreoidh an ghné seo ar shaothrú an taighde sa dá ollscoil in Éirinn. Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoin gComhfhiontar féach http://www.nuigalway.ie/ul-alliance/

I ndiaidh don Tánaiste, Mary Coughlan, TD, an Comhfhiontar Straitéiseach idir OÉ Gaillimh agus Ollscoil Luimnigh a sheoladh, thug sí cuairt ar an Ollscoil an 19 Feabhra agus d'fhreastail sí ar Sheisiún Eolais faoi obair an Ionaid Náisiúnta um Eolaíocht Innealtóireachta Bithmhíochaine (NCBES), agus bhuail sí le cliniceoirí, le heolaithe agus le hinnealtóirí atá i mbun taighde ann.

Gnéithe Taighde Idirnáisiúnta ar éirigh go maith leo
Le cúpla seachtain anuas fuaireamar aitheantas idirnáisiúnta as caighdeán an taighde atá ar bun in OÉ Gaillimh i dtrí fhorbairt nua. Ó thaobh Taighde ar Chothú Sláinte de, rinne Áine Brady, TD, Aire Stáit sa Roinn Sláinte & Leanaí an Ollscoil a ainmniú ina h Ionad Comhoibrithe don Taighde ar Chothú Sláinte na hEagraíochta Domhanda Sláinte (WHO) ag ócáid san Ollscoil an 29 Eanáir 2010.

Bhí dea-scéala eile ann an mhí seo caite nuair a d’fhógair an tAire Sláinte & Leanaí, Mary Harney, TD go mbeadh maoiniú caipitil €7.5m á chur ar fáil le hÁis Taighde Chliniciúil nua a thógáil ar thailte Otharlann na hOllscoile. Neartóidh seo OÉ Gaillimh i réimse na heolaíochta bithleighis, agus cuirfidh sé lena bhfuil bainte amach ó thaobh taighde de ag an Ionad Náisiúnta um Eolaíocht Innealtóireachta (NCBES) agus ag an Institiúid um Leigheas Athghiniúnach (REMEDI).

Tá sé díreach fógartha againn go bhfuil an Institiúid Saolré, mórthionscnamh €10 milliún nua sna heolaíochtaí sóisialta in OÉ Gaillimh, bunaithe againn. Tá an Institiúid maoinithe trí shíntiúis dhaonchairdiúla i gcomhar le The Atlantic Philanthropies. Cuirfidh sí cur chuige comhtháite i dtaighde seirbhísí agus polasaí chun cinn do dhaoine scothaosta, do leanaí agus do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas. Cuirfidh an Institiúid ildisciplíneach seo le hobair an Ionaid Taighde um Leanaí agus Teaghlaigh, an Ionaid um Dhlí agus Beartas Míchumais, agus an Ionaid um Sheaneolaíocht Shóisialta. Beidh sí lonnaithe i bhfoirgneamh nua. Tá gach ceann de na hionaid sin ag saothrú a réimse sainiúil féin in Éirinn agus go hidirnáisiúnta agus ag tabhairt faoi thaighde, ag cur le heolas agus ag dul i bhfeidhm ar chúrsaí polasaí sna pobail áirithe sin.

Léiríonn na forbairtí iontacha seo atá déanta feabhas an taighde atá ar bun in OÉ Gaillimh sna daonnachtaí, sna heolaíochtaí sóisialta agus sna heolaíochtaí bithleighis. Comhghairdeas le gach duine a bhí páirteach iontu!

Plean Straitéiseach 2009 – 2014
Seoladh ár bPlean Straitéiseach go foirmiúil an 16 Nollaig 2009 ag fáiltiú san Aula Maxima. Bhí an-spéis ag an bpobal sa seoladh seo agus cuireadh béim sa chumhdach sna meáin ar luach eacnamaíoch na hOllscoile don taobh seo tíre. Plean oibríochtúil institiúideach an chéad chéim eile sa phróiseas pleanála straitéisí; tá an obair seo faoi lánseol. Mar chuid de sin tá próiseas pleanála ar bun ag leibhéal Scoile agus Coláiste, agus táthar ag forbairt straitéise seirbhísí tacaíochta aonair le cur le misean acadúil na hOllscoile.

Chomh maith leis sin, chas Foireann Bainistíochta na hOllscoile le Foireann Bainistíochta GMIT i mí na Nollag, chun a bPleananna Straitéiseacha a phlé agus chun a fháil amach an bhfuil deiseanna comhpháirtíochta ann. Aontaíodh gur cheart cur leis an gcomhpháirtíocht atá ann faoi láthair idir an dá institiúid, go háirithe maidir le Cláir Theagaisc, Taighde agus Nuálaíocht, agus Rannpháirtíocht na Mac Léinn.

Fondúireacht Ollscoil na Gaillimhe
Sheol Fondúireacht Ollscoil na Gaillimhe Sciathán Bailey Allen in Áras nuachóirithe na Mac Léinn an 8 Eanáir. D'fhreastail breis agus 200 aoi ar an oíche cheiliúrtha ar oidhreacht chultúrtha agus chruthaitheach na hOllscoile ina raibh Macnas, Compántas Druid, Ceolfhoireann Uladh agus Frankie Gavin, i measc daoine eile, ar an stáitse. Thug an ócáid aitheantas do dhaonchairdeas Angela Allen, nach maireann, a thug síntiús don Ollscoil i gcuimhne a mic, alumnus de chuid na hOllscoile, Frank Bailey, nach maireann.

Ollscoil na hÉireann a scor
An 20 Eanáir 2010, d’fhógair an tAire Oideachais & Eolaíochta, Batt O’Keefe, TD, go bhfuil Ollscoil na hÉireann le scor. Bhí cruinniú ag ceithre Uachtarán ollscoileanna OÉ leis an Aire O'Keefe lena n-imní faoin scéal sin a chur in iúl dó. Ba mhaith liom go dtuigfeadh mo chomhghleacaithe go leanfaidh OÉ Gaillimh mar a bhí go dtí seo: ní athróidh ainm na hOllscoile; ní bheidh tionchar aige seo ar an gcineál cúrsaí atá againn ná ar chaighdeán na gcúrsaí sin; agus ní bheidh aon tionchar ag scor OÉ ar phoist ar an gcampas seo.

Caithfimid oibriú ar bhealach a chuireann le cinneadh an Rialtais deireadh a chur le hOllscoil na hÉireann. Is é an cur chuige a bheadh agamsa:

a) clú agus seasamh OÉ Gaillimh go náisiúnta agus go hidirnáisiúnta a bhuanú;
b) oibriú leis na hUachtaráin eile, leis an Aire agus lena oifigigh chun cinneadh an Rialtais a chur i bhfeidhm ar bhealach nach ndéanann dochar do chlú na hOllscoile, na n-alumni ná ár mac léinn agus chun go gcoinneofar an branda seanbhunaithe OÉ; agus
c) oibriú lenár n-institiúidí comhpháirtíochta, Coláiste San Aingeal, Sligeach, Coláiste Bainistíochta Óstáin Shionainne agus Coláiste Ealaíne Bhoirne lena chinntiú go gcloífear le seasamh a gcuid cáilíochtaí (Céimeanna OÉ).

Gradaim an Uachtaráin don Fheabhas Teagaisc
Lorgaíodh ainmniúcháin ar alumni, ar mhic léinn agus ar an bhfoireann don scéim seo. Féach http://www.nuigalway.ie/celt/teaching_and_learning/presidents_award.html le múinteoir den scoth a ainmniú.

Léiríonn go leor de na míreanna nuachta thuas buanna, dílseacht agus dúthracht comhghleacaithe ar fud na hOllscoile. Is mór an tuar dóchais iad. Ainneoin na ndúshlán atá le sárú, beidh rath agus bláth orainn - le cabhair uaibhse. Ní neart go cur le chéile.

Beir bua agus beannacht,
James J. Browne PhD, DSc, MRIA, C.Eng
Uachtarán – President

Oifig an Uachtaráin
This page was last updated Thursday, March 25, 2010