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| June Cover Stories | June Features | Current Issue | Back Issues |
Now that most examinations are over, the campus is getting into Summer mode. That means an influx of visitors for various conferences as well as the annual Summer School. You will find a list of conferences and conferring ceremonies opposite. Further details of all events are available in the Press Office, Áras Fáilte, ext. 3361. Enjoy the Summer! Máire Mhic Uidhir, |TOP| Excavations in Southern Portugal The Department of Ancient Classics and the Centre for Archaeological Research, in the Department of Archaeology, NUI, Galway, are involved in an international research programme, set up to investigate the rural economy of ancient southern Portugal. The project is being undertaken in collaboration with the European Archaeology Project of the Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena, the Johann-Wolfgang-Von-Goethe University of Frankfurt/Main, and the Department of Classics, UCD. Investigations involving detailed topographical and geophysical survey, in addition to archaeological excavation, have already begun at two Roman villa sites in the Algarve. The preliminary results were very encouraging and a group of students from the Department of Ancient Classics NUI, Galway and UCD, will participate in continuing excavations in July and August of this year.
Pictured: Detail of a mosaic pavement found in the Roman villa in southern Portugal, where a team from NUI, Galway Departments of Archaeology and Ancient Classics are carrying out excavations. |TOP|
NUI, Galway was recently the recipient of a 'Good Neighbour' Award from the Health and Safety Authority. The 'Good Neighbour'scheme comprises 125 companies, who have good health and safety resources and who assisted smaller companies during National Safety Week. Pictured are from left: Mr. Frank Cunneen, Chairperson of Board of the Health and Safety Authority; Alice Daly, Safety Adviser, and Dr. Tom O'Connor, NUI, Galway. |TOP| Avril Stroms BA, MBS, (right), has recently joined the Conference Office as Operations Manager. Originally from Cashel, Co.Tipperary, she has just moved to Galway from Dublin, where she was working as Assistant Manager at the Point Theatre. Her new post involves the promotion and management of catering and conference activities on campus. |TOP|
The Corrib Society The Corrib Society is a new support group for NUI, Galway, which aims to involve staff, alumni and friends of the University in the continued development of the campus. Membership is open to individuals or couples making an annual gift of £1,000. A gift of this size made tax-efficiently can cost the donor as little as £560 per annum. Launched on 30 October 30th 1999 at the University's 150th Anniversary Gala Banquet, the Corrib Society has already attracted many members and has won strong endorsement from staff, graduates and friends of the University. The Society provides a supportive framework and appropriate recognition for all those who wish to support the University's ambitious capital development programme. To date a number of staff and alumni have joined the Society, including President Fottrell, who became its first member in October 1999. Members who join during 2000 will be recognised as Founding Members. A lunch on Tuesday, June 20th will be the first in a series of events celebrating the growth and development of the Corrib Society. If you are interested in joining the Corrib Society, or would like some additional information, please contact Liz McConnell at the Development Office, Ext. 3633 or 091 512052. |TOP| When national law and order break down as a result of armed conflict, as happened during the Bosnian War, it is important that the warring parties are aware of their obligations under international humanitarian law. Indeed the fear among combatants of facing an International Criminal Tribunal once the conflict is over, may be one of the few factors, which will protect the civilian population caught up in the conflict. These issues were addressed by a team of international experts at a one-day conference, hosted by the Irish Centre for Human Rights, NUI, Galway, in association with the Irish Red Cross and the British Red Cross. The Conference was entitled, 'Protecting Victims of War – Ensuring Respect for International Humanitarian Law'.
Pictured are from left, Ray Murphy, Irish Centre for Human Rights, NUI, Galway and Conference organiser; Paula Vine, London School of Economics; and Nancie Prud'homme, University of Quebec, Montreal. |TOP|
Bronnadh Scoláireachtaí na nGéanna Fiáine le déanaí ar bheirt mhac léinn atá ag freastal ar an gcúrsa Ard Dioplóma san Oideachas trí Ghaeilge in OÉ, Gaillimh. Ba é Peadar Mac an Iomaire, Stiúrthóir na Gaeilge Labhartha san Ollscoil agus Cathaoirleach Choimisiún na Gaeltachta, a bhronn na scoláireachtaí, atá urraithe ag Gaelscoileanna agus Gaeloiliúint. Ba iad Gormlaith Ní Scolaí, Indreabhán, Co. na Gaillimhe (ar chlé) agus Caitríona Ní Dhálaigh, Co. Chorcaí, a bhuaigh na scoláireachtaí arbh fhiú £1,250 an ceann. |TOP|
President McAleese The President, Mary McAleese presented the National Broadcasting Awards (Radio) for Equality Programmes, in NUI, Galway in April. The Awards initiative is a co-operative venture between the NUI, Galway/Siptu Alliance, 'Connemara Women 2000', and 'Women on Air'. It was organised with support from the EU NOW (New Opportunities for Women) programme.
The object of the competition was to raise awareness of equality issues through local and community radio franchise holders, by documenting situations and campaigns; by highlighting the effects of inequality; and by identifying solutions which Irish people are putting in place. Each participating group prepared and broadcast a 30-minute documentary programme. The winning groups were 'Muintearas', the Connemara-based development organisation, and 'Pluto', the NUI, Galway Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Society. Pictured with President McAleese are Yvonne Igoe (Flirt FM) and Ornaith O'Dowd (Auditor of Pluto). |TOP| ROPES explores the vexed question of minority issues Minority issues and how they are dealt with, locally and globally, is the central theme of the eighth edition of ROPES, NUI, Galway's Arts Postgraduate Review. The Review is the only publication of its kind in Ireland and has established a solid reputation for originality and quality, not to mention very respectable sales! The latest edition, which is packed with original poems, essays, articles, a drama and a film script, was launched in April by award-winning poet, Louis de Paor. Among well-known poets who have contributed to the publication are Fred Johnston, Vona Groarke, Liam Ó Muirthile, Gerard Dawe, Medhb McGuckian, Biddy Jenkinson and Moya Cannon.
Pictured at the launch of ROPES, are from left, Máire De Búrca, Eagarthóir Gaeilge; Hilary Lennon, Co-Editor; and Poet, Eva Bourke. |TOP| Professor Paul Ryan, Geology Department, was recently elected Chairperson of the Tectonic Studies Group (TSG) of the Geological Society. TSG is a specialist group of the Society, which promotes academic and commercial studies in the fields of structural geology and tectonics. TSG organises several international conferences each year and one is planned for Ireland in three years time. Professor Ryan has also edited with Dr. Conall MacNiocaill a special publication of the Geological Society entitled Continental Tectonics. Dr MacNiocaill studied for his B.Sc. and Ph.D in NUI, Galway and now has a lecturership in the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford. This volume was to celebrate the 60th birthday of Professor John F. Dewey FRS, who was awarded a Doctorate in Laws by the NUI at Maynooth for his role in developing the theory of plate tectonics. |TOP| The Department of Management inaugurated a research seminar series in May, to provide a forum for the presentation of new research in the areas of activity in the Department. These include industrial relations, human resource management, strategic management, and entrepreneurship. The series provided useful linkages for the academic staff and post-graduate students of the Department with other researchers, both national and international. The inaugural speaker of the series was Professor Bill Roche, Dean of Research at the Michael Smurfit Business School, UCD, who spoke on 'The Individualisation of Irish Industrial Relations'.
Pictured before the inaugural lecture are from left, Professor Roy Green, Department of Management; Professor Bill Roche, Michael Smurfit Business School; and Professor Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, Registrar. |TOP| Understanding and Supporting Dyslexia A recent seminar, organised by the Disability Service in NUI, Galway heard that one in fifty of the population suffers from dyslexia. Dr. Joan McQuoid, University of Ulster, was conducting a seminar on 'Understanding and Supporting Dyslexia'. Twenty students in NUI, Galway presented with dyslexia during the current academic year. Facilities such as 'Text Help', a specially designed computer programme for the use of students with dyslexia, have been provided by the University's Disability Service and it is hoped that 'Study Scan', a quick screening method for indicating the possibility of dyslexia, will be available in the coming year.
Pictured at the seminar are from left, Caroline McGrath, Director AHEAD (Association for Higher Education, Access and Disability); Gerard Quinn, Law Department, NUI, Galway; Agnes O'Farrell, Disability Liaison Officer; Professor Jim Ward, Vice-President for Human and Physical Resources; Dr. Tom Sherry, Department of Mathematics, NUI, Galway; and Dr. Joan McQuoid, University of Ulster. |TOP| A number of NUI, Galway staff have been appointed to the editorial board of the publishing company, 'Arlen House'. Originally founded in Galway in 1975, Arlen has recently been revamped and is celebrating its 25th birthday this year with an exiting Autumn list. Mary Clancy (currently on leave from the Open Learning Centre) has been appointed history editor, while Ann Lyons (Womens Studies Centre) is editor of the feminist studies list and Póilín Nic Chonaonaigh (James Hardiman Library) is Irish language editor. Members of the editorial advisory board include NUI, Galway staff alongside representatives from GMIT, Queen's University, Belfast and the Galway wider community. Should you have a book proposal which you wish 'Arlen House' to consider, please contact the publisher, Alan Hayes, PO Box 222, Galway. |TOP| The inaugural publication of the academic journal of the Information Technology Centre was recently published. The journal reflects the rich diversity of research interests cultivated in the IT Centre and includes papers on themes such as Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering and Information Technology, and Image Processing and Information Systems. Pictured are from left: Colm O'Riordan, Co-Editor; Professor Gerry Lyons, Director, IT Centre; Professor Tom Boylan, Dean of Research: and Josephine Griffith, Co-Editor. |TOP| Transport of the Year Idea competition 2000 Four NUI, Galway Commerce students are winners in five categories in the Transport of the Year Idea Competition 2000. These annual national awards are organised by the Chartered Institute of Transport and are open to both professionals and students. The award is presented to the originator of the idea, which the judges consider to be the most innovative and which could make the most significant contribution to some aspect of transport in Ireland.
Pictured are from left, Richard Hendrich, Development Director, Tibet & Briton Group Ireland Ltd. (sponsors); Joe Jacob, T.D., Minister for State at the Department of Public Enterprise: and Paul McDonagh, NUI, Galway. Paul's winning entry was entitled 'Adaptation of Safety Netting in Air Transport for Automobiles with a Purpose of Child Safety'. |TOP| Founder of Applied Geophysics Unit retires
Andrew and his wife Rose, are retiring to South Africa at the end of the summer but intend to return to Galway regularly. We wish them every happiness! |TOP| NUI, Galway Visa Card winner Dympna Casey, Department of Nursing Studies, is the winner of the recent NUI, Galway Visa Card draw. The prize was a weekend break away to the value of £300. Galway Archaeological and Historical Society. The centenary volume of the Galway Archaeological Society will be published shortly. The editors are now inviting staff members and graduates to submit articles for inclusion in Volume 53 of the Journal. Enquiries may be addressed to Professor John Waddell (Department of Archaeology) or Dr. Diarmuid Ó Cearbhaill (Department of Economics). |TOP|
The inaugural Postgraduate Ball held in April, was a great success. Postgraduate students account for 20% of registered students in the University and since its inception in 1998, the Postgraduate Society has been active in representing the students and organising events. Pictured from left are, Paddy Jordan, President of the Students' Union; Orla Power, Incoming Vice-President, S.U; Ann O' Hara and John Curtin, Postgraduate students in Microbiology. |TOP| At a special function held in the Royal Irish Academy recently, President Mary McAleese launched Volume 1 of the new survey of Clare Island. The original Clare Island Survey 1909-1911, was the most ambitious multidisciplinary project ever undertaken and made Clare Island, at the mouth of Clew Bay, world famous. The new survey constitutes a fresh baseline study, using modern methods to assess almost a century of environmental and social change. Tim Collins, Medical Library, NUI, Galway, is a major contributor to this volume. Tim has published much on the history and bibliography of Irish botany and zoology over the years and has been involved with the new survey since its commencement in 1991. |TOP|
One of NUI, Galway's youngest student societies, MusicSoc, has won the premier award for the best society in a third level institution in Ireland. A previous national award winner has been the University's Political Discussion Society (PDS), which was outright winner in 1998 and again in 1999. Although a mere three years in existence, MusicSoc has made a huge impression on student life at NUI, Galway, by encouraging students to participate in a broad range of musical activities from the University Orchestra, to traditional music sessions, jamming sessions, and the provision of drum, piano and guitar lessons for students. Pictured from left are some members of MusicSoc: Brid McNamee, Christopher Joyce, Emer Small and Rosina Joyce. |TOP|
Pictured: Sarah Power receiving first prize from Professor Watts, TCD. |TOP| | June Cover Stories | June Features | Current Issue | Back Issues | Ollscéala is published by the Press and Information Office Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. Tel. 091-750418 Fax: 091-750521 E-mail: m.mhicuidhir@nuigalway.ie |
Presentation of 'Good Neighbour' Award
Conference Office Appointment
Scoláireachtaí na nGéanna Fiáine
Publication of IT Journal
Dr. Andrew Brock (right), is retiring at the end of June as Professor of Applied Geophysics. The Applied Geophysics Unit - the department which he established in 1979 - is organising an event in NUI, Galway on June 23rd and 24th, to celebrate his contribution to Geophysics. On Friday 23rd there will be a workshop, the content of which will reflect Professor Brock's academic interests and contributions in Africa and in Ireland. The morning session will concentrate on the dynamics of the East African Rift System and will include speakers from the UK and Zimbabwe. The afternoon session will concentrate on the development of geophysics in Ireland. The Speakers include current post-graduate students and former post-graduates now working in a variety of professions related to geophysics. A conference dinner will take place that evening.
Enjoying the Postgraduate Ball
Only three years old ...and already the best in the country!
The Health Research Board of Ireland recently held the annual Watts Medal and Poster Competition at the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland. Sarah Power, who graduated last year with an Honours B.Sc. in Anatomy, was awarded first prize in the poster competition. Her research was entitled Mesentery: An Ultrastructural Study'. Sarah is currently working on a Master of Science degree under the auspices of the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, in collaboration with Professor Morrison of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.