School of Psychology

Welcome. The School of Psychology is housed in a purpose-built facility in the centre of campus. We are dynamic, innovative and recognised for our teaching, research, and community contribution. We have a suite of professionally accredited undergraduate and postgraduate (Higher Diploma, Masters and PhD) programmes. We also have two active and successful research streams: Brain & Behaviour, and Health & Wellbeing. Researchers from both have participated in acquiring major national and international funding awards and we continue to develop a strong profile in quantity and quality of research output.

 

13 March 2024

Two University of Galway researchers receive SFI Public Service Fellowship funding

Two University of Galway researchers have received funding through Science Foundation Ireland’s Public Service Fellowship programme Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris T.D. announced funding for a total 14 research awards representing a total grant funding in excess of €1.25 million. The novel programme offers academic researchers the unique opportunity to be temporarily seconded to Government departments and agencies and work on specific collaborative research projects. The fellowships help to foster innovation and provide an evidence base for policy, through close collaboration and engagement within the public sector and academic research community. Dr Kristin Anderson, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, will be on secondment with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on the project ‘The application of behavioural science to influence food safety compliance’, which aims to utilise behavioural science to provide insight in focus areas such as the food hygiene rating scheme, food safety culture, and regulatory enforcement. Heike Vornhagen, Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, received a Fellowship award for her project ‘Dashboard Design for HSE Quality Improvement Reports.’ The Fellowship will enable her to work with the Health Service Executive for two years and focuses on developing visualisations and data dashboards to support decision-making. Making the announcement, Minister Harris, said: “I am delighted that this funding through the SFI Public Service Fellowship Programme spans 11 Government departments and agencies. Research plays a significant role in helping Government and Public Sector address national and global challenges, including climate change, health and well-being, food security, transport and digital transformation. “This targeted immersion and integration of research expertise in our public service represents a win-win partnership for participating researchers and government entities alike, and fully aligns with departmental efforts to strengthen connectivity between the sectors.” Professor Jim Livesey, Vice-President for Research and Innovation at University of Galway, said: “Congratulations to Kristin and Heike on being awarded SFI Public Service Fellowship funding. The Fellowship programme allows the awardees and industry to benefit from each other’s invaluable knowledge and expertise, and enhance collaboration of the research community with public bodies.” Ends

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12 March 2024

University unveils MBA scholarship in honour of local entrepreneur Colm Feeney

University of Galway has announced a new MBA Scholarship in honour of the late entrepreneur Colm Feeney.  The scholarship was launched at a special event on campus attended by family, friends and the business community, which also paid tribute to Mr Feeney’s memory and legacy in the west of Ireland. The Colm Feeney MBA Scholarship will support high-calibre applicants to join the MBA programme at the University’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics. As part of this annual scholarship, the scholars will have the opportunity of dedicated one-to-one mentorship throughout their studies from a leader in business.  Colm Feeney established SSL Logistics, now Rhenus Logistics, in Galway in 2000, which has grown to a leading business with 125 employees.  Mr Feeney also dedicated time and energy to helping other small business owners in Galway through mentorship, and it is in this spirit of giving back to the regional business community that his wife, Rosaleen and the Feeney family have established this new MBA scholarship in partnership with University of Galway. One aim of the Colm Feeney MBA Scholarship is to help small businesses and social organisations grow and thrive, and with that applicants working in organisations with fewer than 100 employees will be given priority. The Feeney family said: “As a family, we wish to honour Colm's legacy in a way that represents his positive energy, his ability to instill confidence and self-belief in others and his willingness to share his knowledge. The extent of his reach continues to inspire us. We feel this particular MBA Scholarship reflects these qualities and will provide excellent opportunities for the successful candidates.” Professor Kate Kenny, MBA Programme Director at J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics stated: “The generosity of the Feeney family to support MBA students in small businesses, community and voluntary sector organisation is very welcome. The spirit of the Colm Feeney scholarship ties in with our mission at the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics: an explicit focus on business for the public good.” Ends

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11 March 2024

Diabetes researcher honoured with global recognition

Professor Fidelma Dunne becomes the first Irish person to receive Norbert Freinkel Award from American Diabetes Association   Leading diabetes researcher and Acting Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, Professor Fidelma Dunne, has been recognised by the largest global diabetes research and educational organisation in the world, the American Diabetes Association. Professor Dunne is being honoured for outstanding scientific achievement in the understanding and treatment of diabetes and pregnancy and lifelong dedication to advancing both clinical practice and clinical research in the field. Professor Dunne said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Norbert Freinkel Award from the American Diabetes Association. This recognition is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the research team at the University of Galway and the Institute for Clinical Trials and the broader Irish diabetes and endocrinology clinical and research community. “It reflects not only my own dedication to advancing knowledge and treatment in the critical intersection of diabetes and pregnancy, but also the patients involved in the trial who place their trust in our team and our clinical research.” Professor Dunne is Professor of Medicine at University of Galway and Consultant Endocrinologist at Saolta University Health Care Group and becomes the first Irish person to be recognised with the Norbert Freinkel Award from the American Diabetes Association. The award recognises the value and impact of Professor Dunne’s research into gestational diabetes and healthcare for pregnant women and mothers, as well as a lifetime of contributions, both clinical and research, to the field of diabetes and pregnancy. This work culminated in the EMERGE trial published in JAMA: the Journal of American Medical Association, in 2023, which has alleviated concerns over metformin drug use for mothers with diabetes and their babies. President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “Professor Fidelma Dunne’s ground-breaking work in the field of diabetes and pregnancy positions her work here in Galway in an international setting and has significantly contributed to the global understanding of this complex condition. Her leadership and achievements reflect the excellence and commitment to research and clinical advancement at University of Galway.” As part of the award, Professor Dunne will deliver the Award Lecture at the American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Sessions in Florida in June. Ends

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Undergraduate

Undergraduate

Undergraduate programmes in our School

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Postgraduate

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Postgraduate programmes in our School

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Research

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Research in our School

Psychology Research

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International Students

In the School of Psychology approximately 100 visiting students from around the world take our modules each semester. We offer about 20 different modules over the course of the academic year to our visiting students. These range from foundational introductory courses to specialised final year electives. Therefore there is the opportunity for our visiting students to experience the full breadth and richness of psychological science during their time with us.

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