Research in the School of Natural Sciences (SNS)

The mission of the School of Natural Sciences (SNS) is to significantly advance teaching,  research,  science  and  technology  for  the  betterment  of  humanity nationally  and  internationally  through  excellence  in  scientific  training,  and  both fundamental and applied research in the natural sciences and associated disciplines. 

The School of Natural Sciences is one of the largest Schools within University of Galway which meets the learning needs of ~15% of all students in University of Galway. In total, over 130 staff members, about 1600 undergraduate students and 130 postgraduate students (MSc & PhD) are currently part of the School of Natural Sciences. The SNS is one of the highest research-­‐performing  entities within the University of Galway. For instance: 

  • The  School  of  Natural  Sciences  constitutes  7%  of  the  university’s  research staff, while delivering 20% of the overall university’s research expenditure. 
  • Publications  per  Academic  FTE  in  the  School  of  Natural  Sciences  are  three times the university average. (Link to SNS Publications)
  • Citations  within  the  School  of  Natural  Sciences  are  3  times  the  university average
  • PhD supervision rates within the School of Natural Sciences are 1.5 times the university average.  

The School of Natural Sciences raises approximately €10 million per year in annual competitive research income from funding sources such as Science Foundation Ireland, European Union, Irish Research Council, Wellcome Trust, Enterprise Ireland and a range of other national and international funding sources. 

Research Clusters and Centres

Algal BioSciences

Algal BioSciences

Researching algae, seaweed (macroalgae & microalgae) and aquatic organisms

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Atmospheric & Environmental Physics

Atmospheric & Environmental Physics

Aerosols and gaseous species in the marine coastal environment

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Biodiversity and Bioresources

Biodiversity and Bioresources

The distribution of species, habitats and ecosystems the materials, products and services provided by natural resources.

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Centre for Astronomy

Centre for Astronomy

Research interests in ‌Astronomy, Astronomical Instrumentation and Computational Astrophysics;

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Energy Research Centre (ERC)

Energy Research Centre (ERC)

Development of sustainable energy sources.

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Marine and BioGeosciences Research

Marine and BioGeosciences Research

Marine and terrestrial geophysics, geochemistry and biogeochemistry.

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Photonics and Imaging

Photonics and Imaging

Applied Optics and Imaging Science, Laser microfabrication and device development, Tissue Optics and Microcirculation Imaging, Medical Imaging & Modelling.

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