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Research Matters

Harnessing the Power of People

 


While we may not often stop to think about it, across a wide array of disciplines, and in a host of different ways, the staff and students of NUI Galway are helping to shape the future. Be it the development of new, more sustainable sources of energy, rapid tests for disease diagnosis or working to change policies to benefit the disadvantaged and those with disabilities, research groups across campus are changing the face of science, medicine, social science, the environment and more. But how often are we able to see our work have an impact on our local community? The Galway 2040 Initiative represents an opportunity to see our research put in to action right here in Galway city and county. Still in its infancy, this movement is at its core about harnessing the power of people to bring real change for the benefit of the future of this city.

Discussing the challenging position that Ireland and thus Galway find itself in, Galway 2040 Initiative founders Rory O’Connor, former Managing Director of HP Galway, and Paul Shelly, former President of the Galway Chamber, felt that they could moan about it or they could do something about it, “and we’re of the do something about it school,” smiles O’Connor. “I believe very strongly in the power of community, I don’t believe that anyone really achieves anything on their own. But a community has to be willing to take responsibility for determining its own destiny.” And that is just what the Galway 2040 Initiative wishes to facilitate. An evolving concept, the initiative commenced in 2010 and launched with a large public event in November. “But that was just the beginning of the conversation,” explains Kevin Leyden, Honorary Research Professor of Social Science & Public Policy, CISC and a member of the 2040 steering committee. “We don’t have all of the answers; we just want to get the conversation started and to include as many voices as possible.”

A number of NUI Galway staff and researchers have already added their name to the list of volunteers, just as O’Connor hoped they would. “From the onset, we have looked to NUI Galway and GMIT as leaders within the community. We want 2040 to be an evolving concept, one that will grow over time as more people lend their expertise. Ideas will flow from conversations as debate fertilises ideas. “

Central to its aim is the initiation of a dialogue that will encourage citizens to look forward rather than back. As Leyden explains, “We want to set out a vision, directly influenced by the citizens of Galway city and county, of how they would like the city and region to be a generation from now. We want to get people thinking about possibilities for the future.” The 30 year horizon of the project is not just deliberate, but inherent to its philosophy. “This initiative needs to be led in a selfless way,” says O’Connor. “The community needs to think of the next generation. A 30 year time frame allows people to discuss possibilities that wouldn’t be achievable in the short term, to dream of real change. I think we’ll be surprised by how much we can achieve in just ten years if we don’t limit ourselves. It’s about shortening the odds to increase opportunities.”

The Initiative has so far evolved into a series of pillars to cover sectors from Education to Marine and Energy, Galway Dockland Development to Agri-food Protection, Culture to Tourism. Prof. Terry Smith, VP for Research, is leading the Research pillar. “Our vision for 2040, in Research, is to harness and mobilise the inherent creativity and inventiveness of our people living and working in the community; to enhance our community, environment, health and well-being; and to promote Galway as an attractive place to live and work.” As future events are held and people step forward to voice their ideas or proposals, further pillars will be added.
So how can one get involved? “We want 2040 to be an organic, free flowing and indigenous movement. We aren’t facing in to this with all of the big decisions already made; this is not a pre-packaged plan,” says Leyden.” The key is to engage as many voices as possible, to really listen to the ideas and concerns of this community and to learn from one another.” To that end, an event is being organised for NUI Galway staff and students to learn more about the initiative. It will be held on campus in the coming months.

Involvement in 2040 brings with it an opportunity to extend the reach of our research out to the community with the potential of having a meaningful impact on Galway. “We hope that colleagues at NUI Galway will help us by using their knowledge to affect change, to recognise the potential impact of their research and act upon it,” says Leyden.  The Galway 2040 Initiative provides an opportunity to be engaged; participation means a chance to provide direction to the movement. As O’Connor puts it, “it’s a chance to throw a stone in the pond and get the ripples out there.”

To learn more about to Galway 2040 Initiative and to get involved, visit their website at www.galway2040.ie.

Author: Lindsay Deely, Editor

Sidebar from Prof. Terry Smith, VP Research

The Galway 2040 initiative is a real chance for us all to work together to map our future and determine our own destiny as a city, region and a community.  If we don’t do it, who else will do it for us?   Through the vision, leadership and stubborn determination of Rory and Paul, a start has been made to create the conditions and environment for Galway to become a city and region for families, communities and enterprises to thrive and grow together.  But that’s all it is – a start.  To achieve the Galway 2040 vision, we need participation in and contributions from a wide range of members of the community, interest groups, and stakeholders.  The active participation of members of the NUI Galway community is very important given that we can provide leadership in a variety of areas, and use our expertise to improve our own community.  To help determine the future for Galway and for your families, I would strongly encourage you to learn more about the Galway 2040 initiative, and to find a way that you can contribute to this initiative.  The benefits to the local community will in turn benefit our university, as a better Galway is in all our best interests.  We can make a difference, but we need your help to do so.

 

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