Friday, 10 July 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) Olympic silver medallist and former double World Cross Country Champion, John Treacy, today (Friday, 10 July) officially launched NUI Galway's B.E. in Sports & Exercise Engineering. The degree programme, which incorporates significant elements of Anatomy, Physiology, and Mechanical Engineering with a major in Electronic Engineering, puts particular emphasis on ambulatory monitoring of human performance, movement assessment, and systems and devices for the assessment of sport and exercise. Speaking at the launch, John Tracey, who is now CEO of the Irish Sports Council, said: "This whole area is hugely important. I see tremendous potential in this combination of engineering and sports science. In elite sports we deal with tenths and hundredths of seconds. Winning often comes down to a technical edge so having professionals trained in Ireland in this area will be of great benefit". The first cohort of students taking this focused interdisciplinary programme have just finished first year and are destined to graduate with a unique skillset for a growing industry according to NUI Galway's Professor Gearóid Ó Laighin. Professor Ó Laighin is Head of Electrical & Electronic Engineering and Course Director: "Professional sport is a worldwide multi-billion euro industry and plays a central role in most western societies. Today technology is used on a regular basis to improve sports performance in elite athletes. The Sports & Exercise Engineering programme at NUI Galway will provide graduates with the skills and expertise to design systems and devices for the evaluation and execution of sport performance across a broad range of sports". Professor Ó Laighin sees the Exercise Engineering component of the programme becoming increasingly important. Exercise Engineering is expected to play an important role in the management of two major healthcare crises for the Western World, obesity and ageing populations. "There are numerous health benefits associated with physical activity, including a reduced risk of premature mortality and reduced risks of coronary heart disease. Regular participation in physical activity also appears to reduce depression and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance ability to perform daily tasks throughout the life span. Exercise Engineers will design systems and devices to promote increased adherence to exercise". The programme in Sports & Exercise Engineering is offered by the College of Engineering & Informatics in collaboration with the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences at NUI Galway. As part of their studies, Sports & Exercise Engineering students use the facilities in the newly opened Sports Centre at NUI Galway. A new high-spec Engineering Building will add to facilities on campus by 2011. NUI Galway is also offering two additional new Engineering degrees, which will have the first student intake in September. These are B.E. degrees in Energy Systems Engineering, and Engineering Innovation – Electronic. Click here to download a copy of the course booklet. Ardmholadh ag an Lúthchleasaí Oilimpeach John Treacy do Chéim Spóirt agus Innealtóireachta OÉ Gaillimh (View in English) Sheol John Treacy, fear a bhain bonn airgid sna Cluichí Oilimpeacha agus iar-Churadh Reathaíochta Trastíre an Domhain faoi dhó, sheol sé Baitsiléir Innealtóireachta (B.E.) Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh in Innealtóireacht Spóirt & Aclaíochta inniu (Dé hAoine, 10 Iúil). Cuirtear béim ar leith sa chlár céime, ina nasctar gnéithe tábhachtacha den Anatamaíocht, den Fhiseolaíocht agus den Innealtóireacht Mheicniúil le mórchéim san Innealtóireacht Leictreonach, ar mhonatóireacht shiúlach ar iompraíocht an duine, ar mheasúnú gluaiseachta, agus ar chórais agus ar fhearais a dhéanfadh measúnú ar spórt agus ar aclaíocht. Ag labhairt dó ag an seoladh, bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag John Treacy, Príomhfheidhmeannach Chomhairle Spóirt na hÉireann: "Is réimse iontach tábhachtach é seo. Creidim go mbeidh deiseanna den scoth ar fáil don mheascán seo idir an innealtóireacht agus an eolaíocht spóirt. Sna spóirt éilíte bímid ag plé leis an deichiú cuid de shoicind nó leis an gcéadú cuid de shoicind. Is minic a bhíonn an bua ag brath ar eolas níos fearr a bheith ag an lúthchleasaí ar an teicneolaíocht agus dá bhrí sin is buntáiste mór é go mbeidh oiliúint á cur ar lúthchleasaithe gairmiúla sa réimse seo." Tá an chéad bhaicle mac léinn a thug faoin dianchlár ildisciplíneach seo díreach i ndiaidh an chéad bhliain a chríochnú agus bainfidh siad céim amach ina mbeidh sraith sainscileanna sealbhaithe acu atá dírithe ar thionscal atá i mbéal fáis, a dúirt an tOllamh Gearóid Ó Laighin ó OÉ Gaillimh. Is é an tOllamh Ó Laighin Ceann na hInnealtóireachta Leictrí agus Leictreonaí agus is é Stiúrthóir an Chúrsa é: "Is tionscal domhanda an spórt gairmiúil ar fiú na billiúin euro é agus tá ról lárnach aige i bhformhór phobail iarthar an domhain. Baintear úsáid go rialta as an teicneolaíocht sa lá atá inniu ann chun cumas lúthchleasaithe éilíte a fheabhsú. Cinnteoidh an clár Innealtóireachta Spóirt & Aclaíochta go mbeidh na scileanna agus an saineolas ag na céimithe le córais agus feistí a dhearadh chun cumas spóirt a mheas agus cur leis an gcumas sin i gcineálacha éagsúla spóirt." Ceapann an Ollamh Ó Laighin go bhfuil níos mó agus níos mó tábhachta le gné Innealtóireachta Aclaíochta an chláir. Meastar go mbeidh ról tábhachtach ag Innealtóireacht Aclaíochta i mbainistiú dhá mhór-ghéarchéim sláinte sa Domhan Thiar, róraimhre agus daonra atá ag dul in aois. "Tá go leor buntáistí sláinte ag baint le gníomhaíocht fhisiciúil, an baol báis róluath agus an baol báis ó ghalar croí a laghdú ina measc. Is cosúil go laghdaíonn gníomhaíocht fhisiciúil rialta an galar dubhach agus imní, go gcuireann sí aoibh níos fearr ar dhaoine, agus go gcuireann sí le cumas daoine tascanna laethúla a dhéanamh i rith a saoil. Déanfaidh Innealtóirí Aclaíochta córais agus feistí a dhearadh a chuirfidh leis an tóir atá ar aclaíocht." Is é an Coláiste Innealtóireachta agus Ionformaitice atá ag cur an chúrsa in Innealtóireacht Spóirt & Aclaíochta ar fáil, i gcomhar le Coláiste an Leighis, an Altranais & na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte in OÉ Gaillimh. Mar chuid dá gcuid staidéir, úsáideoidh na mic léinn Innealtóireachta Spóirt & Aclaíochta na háiseanna san Ionad Spóirt nua a osclaíodh le gairid in OÉ Gaillimh. Beidh Foirgneamh Innealtóireachta den scoth á chur leis na háiseanna atá ar fáil ar an gcampas faoi 2011. Tá OÉ Gaillimh ag cur dhá chéim bhreise nua san Innealtóireacht ar fáil, a mbeifear ag glacadh leis na chéad mhic léinn orthu i mí Mheán Fómhair. Céim B.E. in Innealtóireacht Córas Fuinnimh, agus B.E. i Nuálaíocht Innealtóireachta – Leictreonach atá i gceist. -Crioch-

Tuesday, 7 July 2009

NUI Galway has been announced among the recipients of the Research Grants Programme by the Centre for Ageing Research and Development (CARDI). The CARDI programme aims to promote north-south research partnerships that bring together different subject areas to look at issues affecting older people in new ways. The research will involve older people themselves and the findings will be designed to improve policies and services for them. The Irish Centre for Social Gerontology at NUI Galway, with Queen's University Belfast, the School of Geography at NUI Galway, Rural Community Network and FORUM will establish a cross-border research network to explore healthy ageing in rural communities. The network, entitled Healthy Ageing in Rural Communities (HARC), will draw on interdisciplinary expertise in the areas of gerontology, economics, spatial planning, rural geography, social care and public health. Professor Bob Stout, Queen's University Belfast, Co-chair of the grants panel, said: "CARDI's wish is to get all the partners together and stimulate research that will bring benefits to the daily lives of older people". The Healthy Ageing in Rural Communities research network will commence in September 2009 and will run to the following year. Speaking about the grant award, Kieran Walsh, Research Officer at the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, NUI Galway, said: "Although there is an over representation of older people in rural areas throughout Ireland, research into rural ageing has been limited to small-scale studies with a total absence of any cross-border coordination. HARC will allow us to share existing knowledge, identify key research questions for future study, and ultimately increase the capacity for rural ageing research in the fields of ageing and rurality across Ireland". HARC is a part of a broader research programme on rural ageing at the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology. Focussing on the economics of ageing, technology and ageing, and rural ageing, the multidisciplinary research centre has been awarded more than €5 million in funding since its establishment in 2006. -ends-

Friday, 3 July 2009

"Investment in innovation is your lifeblood, so it should be cut only as a last resort. The evidence from past recessions is that many highly successful innovations came when the recession was at its worst. Necessity is the mother of invention". This was the message from international thought leader on international management and strategy, Professor Julian Birkinshaw, who spoke at the recent InterTradeIreland Innovation conference hosted by the Centre of Innovation and Structural Change (CISC) at NUI Galway. Professor Birkinshaw is co-founder and research director of the Management Lab (M-Lab), a non-profit organisation based in California working to accelerate management innovation, and Professor of Strategic and International Management at London Business School. During a presentation called 'Innovating your Management Model: Developing New and Better Ways of Working', Professor Birkinshaw argued that the current economic crisis was a failure of management. He said the current model of management is flawed through an over emphasis on the role of leader and not the managers within firms. New ideas are emerging about how management is changing and he commented that "to survive and prosper firms need to innovate their current management models to sustain their competitive momentum". The 164 delegates at the conference heard that innovation is not limited to introducing new technologies but that companies should also focus on business and management model innovation. These forms of innovation, he argued, have the highest impact on competitiveness particularly as they are difficult to imitate since they are specific and unique to individual companies. Summing up his three basic rules to approaching innovation in the current climate, Professor Birkinshaw said: "First, innovation applies to how you work as well as to the products you make, and new or better ways of working can actually save you money. Second, make more use of partners as a source of new ideas. Third, become more experimental about what you do – see what works, learn from your mistakes and only scale up when you are confident of success". InterTradeIreland Strategy & Policy Director Aidan Gough said: "This conference explored the challenge of delivering innovation for the smart economy. Innovation is more important than ever in the current climate and can make the difference between mere survival and growth. Professor Birkinshaw provided insights into how embedding innovation into the overall management process can drive success". Professor Birkinshaw's lectures at NUI Galway were part of the InterTradeIreland All-Island Innovation Programme. The Programme, a partnership between InterTradeIreland, NUI Galway, University College Dublin and Queens University Belfast, aims to promote and encourage innovation across the island of Ireland. The All-Island Innovation Programme is complemented by a Community of Researchers working on innovation across the island. -ends-

Monday, 31 August 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) The EU Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, Meglena Kuneva, visited Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge's (NUI Galway) Centre in An Cheathrú Rua on Friday, 28 August. "This is the first such visit by an EU Commissioner to a university centre in the Gaeltacht", said Treasa Uí Lorcáin, Administrator of NUI Galway's Centre in An Cheathrú Rua, "and is a great honour for us to host a visitor as distinguished as Commissioner Kuneva. It reiterates again the deep interest at the highest levels of the European Union in the pioneering work undertaken by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in the fields of Interpreting and Translation Studies, especially in light of the employment opportunities now available to graduates of our courses in the European institutions." Commissioner Kuneva visited the facilities in place in the Centre for students and staff, and paid particular attention to the specialist equipment and facilities for the M.A. san Ateangaireacht Chomhdhála (M.A. in Conference Interpreting) and Ard-Dioplóma i Léann an Aistriúcháin (Higher Diploma in Translation Studies) programmes – the leading programmes in these fields in Ireland. New intakes of students will commence their studies in these two programmes in mid-September. Applications for places on the programmes will be accepted until Monday, 7, September. Further information available at www.acadamh.ie/cursai Cuairt Stairiúil ag an gCoimisinéir Eorpach Kuneva ar Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, an Cheathrú Rua (View in English) Thug Meglena Kuneva, Coimisinéir an Aontais Eorpaigh ar Ghnóthaí Tomhaltais, cuairt ar Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh ar an gCeathrú Rua, Dé hAoine, 28 Lúnasa. "Is é seo an chéad uair a thug Coimisinéir de chuid an Aontais Eorpaigh cuairt ar ionad ollscoile sa Ghaeltacht," a dúirt Treasa Uí Lorcáin, Riarthóir Ionad an Acadaimh ar an gCeathrú Rua, "agus is mór an onóir don Acadamh agus don Ollscoil go bhfuil oifigeach chomh sinsearach leis an gCoimisinéir Kuneva ag tabhairt cuairte orainn. Léiríonn sé arís an spéis dháiríre, ag an leibhéal is airde san Aontas Eorpach, san obair cheannródaíoch atá ar bun ag an Acadamh anseo ó thaobh cúrsaí léinn san Aistriúchán agus san Ateangaireacht a chur ar fáil atá dírithe ar na deiseanna maithe fostaíochta sa Ghaeilge a bhíonn á dtairiscint san Aontas Eorpach anois". Thug an Coimisinéir Kuneva cuairt ar áiseanna éagsúla an Ionaid ar an gCeathrú Rua, agus bhí aird ar leith aici ar na háiseanna speisialtóireachta atá ag an Acadamh don M.A. san Ateangaireacht Chomhdhála agus don Ard-Dioplóma i Léann an Aistriúcháin – cláir léinn cheannródaíocha i réimsí na hAteangaireachta agus an Aistriúcháin sa tír seo. Beidh tús á chur i lár na míosa seo chugainn le babhta nua den M.A. san Ateangaireacht Chomhdhála agus den Ard-Dioplóma i Léann an Aistriúcháin. Glacfar le hiarratais le haghaidh na gcúrsaí sin go dtí an 7 Meán Fómhair 2009. Tuilleadh eolais: www.acadamh.ie/cursai -Críoch-

Monday, 31 August 2009

NUI Galway, in partnership with the Institute of Occupational Medicine in Edinburgh and the University of Aberdeen, are looking to recruit 50 homes in Galway and 50 in Scotland to participate in a study to measure the levels of indoor air pollutions in homes. The Indoor Air Pollution and Health (IAPAH) project, which will run until December 2010, is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, and will focus on homes which use solid fuels for heating or cooking, or homes which have a resident smoker. The information collected in this project will be used to estimate how air pollution in homes affects our health. This is one of the first studies in Ireland and Scotland to look at air pollutants in domestic dwellings. Over the last few decades there have been many advances in the design and construction of domestic dwellings. As a result, the amount of air movement in today's buildings is estimated to be 10 times lower than it was 30 years ago. Activities in the home such as cooking, heating and smoking, along with reduced air exchange can result in indoor air pollutants reaching levels greater than those found outdoors. According to Dr Marie Coggins of the School of Physics at NUI Galway and co-ordinator of the project: "The average European spends 90% of their time indoors so the quality of the air we breathe plays a significant role in our health and well-being. Indoor air pollution has been identified as one of the key factors related to the development of respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and allergies. This project will allow us gather information which will help us improve our understanding of this important area". For details on how to participate in the study or for more information on air pollution please visit www.nuigalway.ie/iapah. -ends-

Monday, 24 August 2009

The creation of an extensive database of illustrated travel accounts about Ireland, from the 16th-19th century, is underway at NUI Galway. The 'Ireland Illustrated' project will provide an online collection of images showing how Ireland was portrayed in centuries gone by to travellers around the world. NUI Galway's Professor Jane Conroy is one of the team heading up the project: "Travel accounts played a major role in shaping mental images in early modern and modern Europe. Particularly when images came to support the text, the suggested representation might become even truer than reality. These ancient texts and the images they contain preserved an important part of history that needs to be discovered. Bringing this part of our heritage together through the Ireland Illustrated project, we will have a resource of interest and value to all". Large numbers of images and other documents will be scanned and catalogued, including those housed in libraries and museums around the country. Researchers at NUI Galway are asking anyone with books containing images about travelling to Ireland from 1500-1900 to contact them so that copies might be included. The searchable database of travel images will be available for academic use, and for the wider public. Due for completion in 2012, the Ireland Illustrated project will give international audiences access to rare books and give Irish people a way to connect with their visual heritage. Through an interactive searchable map, visitors will also be able to search for images of their own town or county. Professor Conroy, who is also Humanities Secretary with the Royal Irish Academy, adds: "In a way, travel accounts were the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide of their day, often containing drawings or sketches of the scenery and people. Quite scarce in the 1600s, accounts from that century portrayed a wild land, with quite an uncivilised population. From the late 1700s on, manor houses, estates and towns attracted more attention and a different image of Ireland began to filter through". Experts from the world of travel literature, digital humanities and libraries from across Europe gathered at NUI Galway recently to discuss the project. A similar database has been created by the University of Paris-Sorbonne containing travel accounts on France from the same period. The project Texts, Transmission and Cultural Exchange is taking place at NUI Galway Moore Institute for Humanities and is part of an interdisciplinary PhD research programme involving NUI Galway, TCD and UCC, and is funded by PRTLI4 and the Andrew Mellon Foundation. -ends-

Wednesday, 19 August 2009

Co-ordinators of the Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Practice (DMP) at NUI Galway have issued their annual call to businesses that might benefit from hosting a recently qualified marketing graduate. Since 1981, NUI Galway has been successfully placing marketing graduates with companies around Ireland through the DMP. To participate in the postgraduate diploma, students must have completed a business degree during which they specialised in marketing. To date, over 800 organisations have acted as hosts on the programme and each year over 90% of graduates have been retained by their companies on completion of the diploma. According to the DMP Programme Director, NUI Galway's Ann Walsh, "The ongoing interest by companies is fuelled by the quality of our students, many of whom speak two or more languages. All DMP students go through a rigorous application procedure to secure a place on the programme". Through the DMP, marketing graduates spend 32 weeks of the 35-week programme with their host company who provide a minimum weekly rate of payment. The placement is preceded by an intensive Induction Programme at the Cairnes School of Business & Economics at NUI Galway where graduates learn the practical skills necessary to become effective in the workplace. Graduates also attend training workshops throughout the programme to enhance their practical marketing skills. "Everything from effective presentation skills to effective online marketing strategies is covered in the workshops and all assignments undertaken by the graduates relate specifically to their host companies," explains Ann Walsh. NUI Galway works closely with the host business. Assistance is given in compiling a detailed job specification and a shortlist of candidates for interview is provided that best matches the company's needs. On-going advice and assistance is also available to both companies and graduates in the form of regular visits, review sessions, telephone and e-mail support. For further information contact Ann Walsh on 091 492546. -ends-

Tuesday, 18 August 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) NUI Galway has seen a significant increase in demand for its programmes across all colleges, as CAO points were released this week. Contrary to national trends which saw demand for construction courses fall, Project and Construction Management at NUI Galway was up 20 points. At 445 points, NUI Galway's new degree, Energy Systems Engineering, was the highest in terms of points for any engineering course at the University. Another new degree, Engineering Innovation – Electronic also attracted a lot of interest as did the University's Sports and Exercise Engineering degree with 415 points. Soaring Engineering applications reflect favourably on the carefully thought-out new programmes in Energy Systems Engineering, designed in response to a growing demand for professional engineers to work in the energy sector as well as Engineering Innovation, which aims to create a new type of engineer with skills in innovation and entrepreneurship essential to delivering the Smart Economy . Other newer courses also saw points increase, such as Podiatry, which rose from 390 to 420, and Arts (Mathematics and Education) which was up from 325 to 375. In other disciplines, Arts degrees remained in strong demand, with BA Connect Programmes proving popular again this year. NUI Galway's Irish language degree Na Dána (Gaeilge agus Léann an Aistrúcháin) rose a dramatic 200 points, one of the largest jumps for any course in the country. Commerce (International) with languages including French, German, Spanish and Italian all saw an increase in points. Courses linked to accounting and economics also rose in points, with Business Information Systems up 40 points to 340, while Financial Maths and Economics saw an increase from 385 to 400. In the area of professional healthcare, General Nursing and Psychiatric Nursing also rose significantly. Science also performed well, with points up in Physics, Marine Science, Biotechnology and Biomedical Science. The University sees rising demand for courses as a direct result of its response to integrating national priorities into the institutional agenda. Being responsive to the changing needs of the employment market is also a key focus at NUI Galway. Cúrsaí Foirgníochta OÉ Gaillimh ag Seasamh an Fhóid (View in English) Tháinig méadú mór ar an éileamh atá ar chláir léinn choláistí uile OÉ Gaillimh, mar a léiríonn pointí an CAO a foilsíodh an tseachtain seo. Cuireadh 20 pointe breise le céim OÉ Gaillimh i mBainistíocht Tionscadail agus Foirgníochta, glanmhalairt na treochta náisiúnta inar laghdaigh an t-éileamh ar chúrsaí foirgníochta. Ba é cúrsa céime nua OÉ Gaillimh, an chéim Innealtóireachta Córas Fuinnimh, an cúrsa ab airde pointí de chúrsaí innealtóireachta uile na hOllscoile; 445 pointe a theastaigh le háit a fháil ar an gcúrsa sin. Bhí go leor spéise chomh maith i gcéim nua eile, Nuálaíocht Innealtóireachta – Leictreonach, agus i gcéim Innealtóireachta Spóirt agus Aclaíochta na hOllscoile a raibh 415 pointe á éileamh dó. Tháinig méadú mór ar líon na n-iarratas Innealtóireachta. Is dea-thuar é an t-éileamh ar chúrsaí nua a raibh an-dua caite leo, amhail an chéim in Innealtóireacht Córas Fuinnimh, a cuireadh ar fáil le freastal ar an méadú ar an éileamh atá ar innealtóirí gairmiúla a d'oibreodh in earnáil an fhuinnimh, agus an chéim i Nuálaíocht Innealtóireachta, a bhfuil sé de chuspóir aici innealtóirí de chineál eile ar fad a chur ar fáil a mbeidh scileanna nuálaíochta agus fiontraíochta acu, scileanna atá riachtanach chun an 'Geilleagar Glic' a chothú. Bhí ardú ar phointí cúrsaí nua eile chomh maith, an Chosliacht, mar shampla, ar ardaigh na pointí ó 390 go 420, agus an chéim sna Dána (Matamaitic agus Oideachas) a d'ardaigh ó 325 go 375. Sna disciplíní eile, bhí an-éileamh ar chéimeanna sna Dána, mar is gnáth, agus bhí an-tóir ar na Cláir BA Connect arís i mbliana. Ceann de na cúrsaí is mó ar ardaigh na pointí dó sa tír ba ea an chéim sna Dána (Gaeilge agus Léann an Aistriúcháin) in OÉ Gaillimh; léim shuntasach de 200 pointe a bhí i gceist. D'ardaigh pointí na gcéimeanna sa Tráchtáil (Idirnáisiúnta) le teangacha amhail an Fhraincis, an Ghearmáinis, an Spáinnis agus an Iodáilis. D'ardaigh na pointí na gcúrsaí cuntasaíochta agus eacnamaíochta chomh maith; cuireadh 40 pointe leis an gcéim i gCórais Faisnéise Gnó (340 pointe), mar shampla, agus d'ardaigh an chéim i Matamaitic an Airgeadais agus Eacnamaíocht ó 385 go 400 pointe. I réimse an chúraim sláinte ghairmiúil, bhí ardú mór ar na pointí san Altranas Ginearálta agus san Altranas Síciatrach chomh maith. D éirigh go maith le cúrsaí eolaíochta freisin agus d ardaigh na marcanna san Fhisic, sa Mhuireolaíocht, sa Bhiteicneolaíocht agus san Eolaíocht Bhithleighis. Measann an Ollscoil go bhfuil méadú ag teacht ar an éileamh atá ar na cúrsaí sin de bhrí gur chuir an institiúid béim ar thosaíochtaí náisiúnta ina clár oibre. Cuirtear an-bhéim in OÉ Gaillimh chomh maith ar fhreastal ar riachtanais luaineacha mhargadh na fostaíochta. -Críoch-

Monday, 17 August 2009

NUI Galway has applauded the outstanding performance of one of its heroic graduates Olive Loughnane (BComm 1996) as she took the silver medal position yesterday in the 20k walk at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin. President of NUI Galway, Dr James J. Browne, commented: "We, at NUI Galway, are delighted for Olive and extend our congratulations for her perseverance and continued dedication to her training which has finally paid off with a silver medal at the World Championships". Olive Loughnane, originally from Loughrea, Co. Galway, represented NUI Galway Athletics Club from 1993 to 1995 and was selected for a Sports Award in 1996. Yesterday Olive finished 49 seconds behind defending champion and Olympic gold medallist Olga Kaniskina of Russia in a season's best of 1hr 28mins 58secs, just over a minute outside her personal best at last year's Olympic Games in Beijing. In her third Olympic Games in Beijing, Olive finished the 20k walk in seventh place (of 48 competitors) in a personal best time of 1hr 27mins 45secs, over a minute inside the Olympic record. Speaking after the race Olive said: "We didn t know what was going to happen before the race but I felt very comfortable at the start. I knew I was stronger than last year and this result was a combination of great tactics and technical support. I focused on the process, not the medal. Everything helped me a lot, good physio, good doctors, psychological training and of course my family back in Ireland that is supporting me. I promised my little daughter Eimear I was going to bring her a medal so she will be very happy. We all believed that everything was possible". Tony Regan, Head of Sport at NUI Galway, added: "Olive's achievement is one of the most deserved in Irish sport. It is a triumph of hard work, dedication and perseverance that has seen Olive deliver on the potential she showed in her early years at NUI Galway. She is a wonderful role model for all sportspeople and we are delighted to congratulate her on this remarkable success". -Ends-

Monday, 17 August 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) NUI Galway is hosting its tenth annual series of information evenings around the country for students starting their studies at the University in September 2009. Parents are also invited to the information evenings or 'Student Send-Offs'. The 'Student Send-Offs' will take place at 7pm in the following venues: Westmeath, Monday, 24 August: Radisson SAS Hotel, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Dublin, Tuesday, 25 August: The President's Hall, The Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7. Donegal, Wednesday, 26 August: Pier One, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal. Mayo, Thursday, 27 August: Days Hotel, Lannagh Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Sligo, Monday, 31 August: Sligo Southern Hotel, Strandhill Road, Sligo Town. Galway, Tuesday, 1 September: Lecture Theatre MY243, Áras Moyola, NUI Galway. Galway, Wednesday, 2 September: Lecture Theatre MY243, Áras Moyola, NUI Galway. Clare, Thursday, 3 September: Temple Gate Hotel, The Square, Ennis, Co. Clare. Throughout the evenings, NUI Galway Lecturers, Alumni Association Board Members, Student Services staff and Students' Union representatives will be on hand to advise students and answer any questions relating to university life. The topics covered will include Accommodation, Finance and the Students' Assistance Fund, Safety, Careers, Counselling, Clubs, Societies and the Students' Union. JB Terrins, Director of Alumni Relations at NUI Galway, said: "This is an ideal opportunity for both parents and students to get first-hand advice on finding one's way around campus during those first days of term. Students can find out about the University's support services and the benefits of becoming involved in the many Clubs and Societies". Some 3,000 new students will join NUI Galway in September, with First Year registration commencing on Monday, 14 September. For further information on the information evenings please contact Eimear Doran on 086 8585168 or email studentsendoff@nuigalway.ie. Oícheanta Eolais ag OÉ Gaillimh do Mhic Léinn Nua ar Fud na hÉireann (View in English) Den deichiú bliain as a chéile, beidh oícheanta eolais ar siúl ag OÉ Gaillimh ar fud na tíre do mhic léinn a thosóidh san Ollscoil i mí Mheán Fómhair 2009. Tá cuireadh ag tuismitheoirí freastal ar an oíche eolais chomh maith. Beidh na hoícheanta eolais ar siúl ag 7pm ar na dátaí agus sna hionaid seo a leanas: An Iarmhí, Dé Luain, 24 Lúnasa: Óstán Radisson SAS, Baile Átha Luain, Co. na hIarmhí. Baile Átha Cliath, Dé Máirt, 25 Lúnasa: Halla an Uachtaráin, Dlí-Chumann na hÉireann, Plás Blackhall, Baile Átha Cliath 7. Dún na nGall, Dé Céadaoin, 26 Lúnasa: Pier One, Baile Dhún na nGall, Co. Dhún na nGall. Maigh Eo, Déardaoin, 27 Lúnasa: Óstán Days, Caisleán an Bharraigh, Co. Mhaigh Eo. Sligeach, Dé Luain, 31 Lúnasa: Óstán Sligo Southern, Bóthar an Leathrois, Baile Shligigh. Gaillimh, Dé Máirt, 1 Meán Fómhair: Téatar MY243, Áras Mhaighe Seola, OÉ Gaillimh.  Gaillimh, Dé Céadaoin, 2 Meán Fómhair: Téatar MY243, Áras Mhaighe Seola, OÉ Gaillimh.  An Clár, Déardaoin, 3 Meán Fómhair: Óstán Temple Gate, An Chearnóg, Inis, Co. an Chláir. Beidh léachtóirí, comhaltaí an Chumainn Alumni, comhaltaí foirne Sheirbhísí do Mhic Léinn agus ionadaithe Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn i láthair ag na hoícheanta eolais chun comhairle a chur ar mhic léinn agus aon cheist a bheadh acu maidir le saol na hOllscoile a fhreagairt. Beidh eolas ar fáil maidir le Lóistín, Airgead agus an Ciste Cúnaimh do Mhic Léinn, Sábháilteacht, Gairmeacha, Comhairleoireacht, Clubanna, Cumainn agus Comhaltas na Mac Léinn. Dúirt JB Terrins, Stiúrthóir, Caidrimh Alumni, OÉ Gaillimh: "Is iontach an deis é seo do thuismitheoirí agus do mhic léinn gach cineál eolais a fháil a chuideoidh leo na chéad chúpla lá sin agus iad ag iarraidh a mbealach a dhéanamh ar an gcampas. Gheobhaidh mic léinn eolas maidir le seirbhísí tacaíochta na hOllscoile agus na buntáistí a bhaineann leis na Clubanna agus na Cumainn atá san Ollscoil". Tiocfaidh 3,000 mac léinn nua chuig OÉ Gaillimh i mí Mheán Fómhair. Tosóidh clárú mhic léinn na Chéad Bhliana Dé Luain, an 14 Meán Fómhair. Tá eolas breise maidir leis na hoícheanta eolais le fáil ó Eimear Doran ar 0868585168 nó ríomhphost studentsendoff@nuigalway.ie. -Críoch-

Tuesday, 11 August 2009

NUI Galway will host Ireland's largest surgical conference, the 34th Sir Peter Freyer Memorial Lecture & Surgical Symposium, from 4-5 September 2009. Dr Patrick Gullane, Wharton Chair in Head and Neck Surgery at Toronto's Princess Margaret Hospital, will deliver the Memorial Lecture at 5pm on the first day of the conference. The annual event provides a platform for healthcare professionals to present their research and clinical work and allows for the merging of both scientific and clinical information. It is named in memory of the Galway-born surgeon, Sir Peter Freyer, who performed the first successful surgical operation to remove an enlarged prostate in 1900. Commenting on the upcoming lecture, Professor of Surgery at NUI Galway, Michael Kerin, said: "We are honoured to have Dr Gullane here this year to deliver the Memorial lecture. Although his reputation is international, we know him as an Irishman and a graduate of our own institution here at Galway. Dr Gullane has since embarked on a career in otolaryngology - head and neck surgery - and is recognised globally as a leader in his field. As he also acts as Professor and Chair to the Department of Otolaryngology in the University of Toronto, we look forward to his practical, theoretical and research-led insights". On the second day of the Surgical Symposium, Saturday, 5 September, Professor Arnold Hill will present the State of the Art Lecture entitled 'Breast Cancer and the Cancer Strategy - Past, Present and Future'. Arnold Hill is Professor and Chairman of Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Beaumont Hospital. His research interests focus on resistance to current therapies in the treatment of breast cancer. The Sir Peter Freyer Memorial Lecture & Surgical Symposium is hosted by NUI Galway's Professor Michael Kerin and Mr Oliver McAnena. For further information on event, please contact Grace Clarke at 091 524390 or grace.clarke@nuigalway.ie. -ends-

Monday, 10 August 2009

The College of Engineering and Informatics at NUI Galway is to embark on a new educational strategy which will enhance the learning experience for students, and will ensure that graduates will be to the forefront as Ireland continues to develop into a knowledge economy. The introduction of new advanced teaching methods will see an increased usage of computing and laptop technologies in the upcoming academic year across all programmes in the College. The College in conjunction with PC manufacturer Lenovo have identified a specific high performance laptop which is preloaded with specialised engineering and informatics software that is essential for the students. The College has also negotiated a discounted purchase price for students at 40% below the normal retail price. This initiative is unique in Ireland and will be rolled out to students for the first time at the start of the coming academic year, in September 2009. Dr David O Sullivan at the College of Engineering and Informatics, NUI Galway, said: "We are very excited about this new initiative. Our students will have round-the-clock access to all of our information tools and resources. The new laptop scheme will significantly enhance the educational experience of students on programmes in Engineering and Informatics. The availability of a high spec machine with several specialised software packages at a reduced cost will allow the students carry out assignments and projects in any location at any time. It will also facilitate more relevant interactive teaching in the lecture hall". When students purchase a Lenovo ThinkPad W500 laptop they will have access to on-campus repair services, next working-day consulting facilities, warranty and a four year accidental damage insurance to protect their investment. Students can either choose to buy a laptop outright or, for a more affordable option, lease a laptop directly from the manufacturers. Globally, Lenovo has invested in similar initiatives across 500 universities. Some of the leading universities in the United States have adopted the initiative such as St John s University and Rensselear Polytechnic Institute, New York and Wake Forest University in North Carolina. Niamh Minnock, Education Account Manager, Lenovo Ireland, says: "NUI Galway will be the first university to engage in this type of initiative with Lenovo in Ireland, and signifies Lenovo's commitment to Ireland and Irish third-level education. It is available exclusively to NUI Galway and if successful we plan to roll out to universities throughout the country". The College of Engineering and Informatics offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of learning in a number of branches of engineering and informatics. Three additions to its programmes include Bachelors of Engineering in Energy, Sports and Exercise Engineering and Engineering Innovation – Electronic. New postgraduate programmes include the Master of Applied Science in Enterprise Systems. -Ends-

Friday, 7 August 2009

Men with angina are twice as likely to have a heart attack and almost three times as likely to suffer a heart disease-related death than women with the same condition, finds a study published in the British Medical Journal today. Led by Dr Brian Buckley of NUI Galway, the study is the first to link primary and secondary care data with mortality records to assess the risks of angina among men and women. In the United Kingdom, angina is common and is often the first manifestation of ischaemic heart disease. Recent estimates suggest that 4.8% of men and 3.4% of women aged over 16 in England have the condition, while in Scotland angina is reported to occur in 6.6% of men and 5.6% of women. It is therefore important for both patients and their clinicians to understand the risks following a diagnosis of angina. Researchers based in Scotland and Ireland identified 1,785 patients (average age 62 years) from 40 primary care practices in Scotland who were newly diagnosed with angina between January 1998 and December 2001. According to Dr Buckley, who is a Cochrane Fellow and researcher in Primary Care at NUI Galway and an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen, "Angina must be taken seriously. This research really shows how important it is for people with angina to change their lifestyle and take their tablets. This message is so important and is today reinforced by the fact that the British Medical Journal – one of the top medical journals in the world – published this research". The study showed that a number of characteristics, including being male, age, smoking and obesity, in people with a first diagnosis of angina are strongly associated with subsequent risk of a number of cardiac outcomes. These results suggest that appropriate control of risk factors and optimal use of preventative medical treatments should be aggressively pursued in patients with angina, the authors conclude. Underlying conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, were recorded and cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking and obesity, were also assessed. The postcode of each patient was also used to assign a deprivation status. Participants were tracked for five years. Being male, older and a smoker was associated with an increased risk of having a heart attack, while being male, older, obese and a smoker were each associated with an increased risk of death from heart disease or any other cause. The likelihood of having a procedure to open up blocked arteries, known as angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), was also higher in men than in women. But, interestingly, neither procedure was associated with significantly improved survival. Dr Buckley added: "At a time when many people are naturally concerned about data protection, people may be interested to know that at no time were the researchers able to identify any of the patients involved - the information they worked with was entirely anonymous. This study illustrates the great value of using such anonymous clinical datasets to answer important research questions, in a rigorous way which protects patient confidentiality". -ends-

Thursday, 6 August 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) NUI Galway will offer a total of 68 undergraduate and postgraduate university places to the unemployed under a new initiative announced by the Minister for Education, Batt O'Keeffe T.D.. As part of a Government plan to retrain those who have recently become unemployed, the University is delighted to announce the provision of places on the following postgraduate courses for the academic year starting September 2009: Postgraduate Diploma in Enterprise Management Postgraduate Diploma in International Business Masters in Business Information Systems Masters in Accounting Postgraduate Diploma in Technology Commercialisation A nominal fee of €350 will be charged for Diploma programmes and €500 for Masters programmes with all other tuition and registration fees waived for successful applications under this scheme. The announcement follows last weeks allocation by Minister O'Keeffe of free places on part-time undergraduate programmes across the country which include 25 free places on the modular BSc in Science and Technology Studies and linked programmes in the area of Medical Device Science and Environmental Sustainability at NUI Galway. The programmes approved at NUI Galway under this scheme respond to the ongoing up-skilling and re-training needs of specific sectors of the regional economy, namely business, medical devices, services and ICT, while also building upon the University's research and teaching strengths in these areas. Seamus O'Grady, Director of Adult & Continuing Education at NUI Galway, said: "While addressing key future skills needs, the approved programmes also provide students with an opportunity to update and improve their skills and redirect their careers". "The programmes aim to provide essential technical, management and entrepreneurial skills for students, but will also develop students' professional development skills of critical thinking, communication, and decision-making – essential for employees in industry and core to the success of Ireland's future economic growth," added O'Grady. Eligible applicants, as set out by the Higher Education Authority, include those in receipt of unemployment benefit or allowance for six months or more as of 04 September 2009, or those who have been awarded Statutory Redundancy from their most recent job. Those interested in the undergraduate or postgraduate courses should attend one of three information sessions to be held in the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway on Tuesday, 18 August, Thursday 20 August and Wednesday 26 August between 4 and 6pm. Course lecturers and career advisers will be available at each session to advise on course choice. The closing date for postgraduate applications is Thursday, 27 August, 2009. Interested applicants can visit the Adult Education website on http://www.nuigalway.ie/adulteducation/freeplaces for contact details regarding programme co-ordinators, course content and delivery dates. Áiteanna ar fáil in OÉ Gaillimh do dhaoine dífhostaithe mar chuid de Scéim an Rialtais chun Obair a Mhúscailt (View in English) Cuirfidh OÉ Gaillimh 68 áit fochéime agus iarchéime ar fáil san Ollscoil do dhaoine dífhostaithe faoi thionscnamh nua a d'fhógair an tAire Oideachais, Batt O'Keeffe T.D. Mar chuid de phlean an Rialtais athoiliúint a chur orthu siúd a chaill a bpost le gairid, tá an-áthas ar an Ollscoil áiteanna a fhógairt ar na cúrsaí iarchéime seo a leanas don bhliain nua acadúil a thosóidh i Meán Fómhair 2009: Dioplóma Iarchéime i mBainistíocht Fiontair Dioplóma Iarchéime i nGnó Idirnáisiúnta Máistreacht i gCórais Faisnéise Gnó Máistreacht i gCuntasaíocht Dioplóma Iarchéime i dTráchtálú Teicneolaíochta Gearrfar táille €350 ar Dhioplómaí agus €500 ar Mháistreachtaí ach ní ghearrfar aon táille eile teagaisc ná clárúcháin orthu siúd a gheobhaidh áit faoin scéim seo. D'fhógair an tAire O'Keeffe áiteanna saor in aisce ar chláir fochéime pháirtaimseartha ar fud na tíre an tseachtain seo caite. Beidh 25 áit díobh sin ar an BSc modúlach i Staidéar Eolaíochta agus Teicneolaíochta agus nascfaidh sé cláir sna réimsí Eolaíocht na bhFeistí Leighis agus Inmharthanacht Comhshaoil in OÉ Gaillimh le chéile. Léiríonn na cláir atá ceadaithe in OÉ Gaillimh faoin scéim seo an gá atá le scileanna nua agus athoiliúint in earnálacha áirithe de gheilleagar an réigiúin, go háirithe gnó, seirbhísí, feistí leighis agus ICT, agus, ag an am céanna, cuirfear le láidreachtaí taighde agus teagaisc na hOllscoile sna réimsí céanna. Dúirt Seamus O'Grady, Stiúrthóir an Oideachais Aosaigh & Leanúnaigh in OÉ Gaillimh: "Agus scileanna tábhachtacha don todhchaí á soláthar, gheobhaidh na mic léinn an deis a scileanna a fheabhsú agus a ngairmeacha a thabhairt i dtreo nua ar na cláir seo." "Is é aidhm na gclár, scileanna riachtanacha teicniúla, bainistíochta agus fiontraíochta a thabhairt do mhic léinn, agus, ag an am céanna, scileanna forbartha gairmiúla na mac léinn a fhorbairt i smaointeoireacht chriticiúil, cumarsáid, agus cinnteoireacht – scileanna atá riachtanach d'fhostaithe sa tionscal agus atá riachtanach d'fhorás eacnamaíoch na tíre amach anseo," a dúirt O'Grady. Is iad na hiarratasóirí atá incháilithe don scéim seo, de réir an Údaráis um Ard-Oideachas, iad siúd atá ag fáil sochar nó liúntas dífhostaithe le sé mhí nó níos faide faoin 4 Meán Fómhair 2009, nó iad siúd a fuair iomarcaíocht reachtúil óna bpost deiridh. Ba chóir dóibh siúd, ar mian leo tabhairt faoi chúrsa fochéime nó iarchéime, freastal ar cheann de na trí sheisiún eolais a bheidh ar siúl san Aula Maxima, OÉ Gaillimh Dé Máirt, an 18 Lúnasa, Déardaoin, an 20 Lúnasa agus Dé Céadaoin, an 26 Lúnasa idir 4 agus 6pm. Beidh léachtóirí na gcúrsaí agus comhairleoirí gairme i láthair ag na seisiúin chun comhairle a chur orthu maidir leis na cúrsaí. Is é an spriocdháta do na hiarratais iarchéime Déardaoin, an 27 Lúnasa 2009. Féadfaidh iarratasóirí breathnú ar láithreán gréasáin an Oideachais Aosaigh – www.nuigalway.ie/adulteducation/freeplaces – chun sonraí teagmhála a fháil do chomhordaitheoirí na gclár, chun ábhar na gcúrsaí agus spriocdhátaí a fheiceáil. -Críoch-

Wednesday, 5 August 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) With just one week to go to the Leaving Cert results, the College of Engineering and Informatics at NUI Galway has announced details of its annual Special Entrance Maths Examination. The exam, which will take place on Wednesday, 19 August, is aimed at students who achieve the points for undergraduate Engineering Degree courses at NUI Galway but do not have the maths requirement. For more than 20 years, NUI Galway has provided this special entrance exam to help applicants who did not achieve the required grade C3 or better in Higher Level Mathematics. Those who took Lower Level Maths in the Leaving Cert may also apply for the exam. Students who pass this examination will be deemed to have satisfied the maths requirement and providing they have the necessary points, will receive an additional CAO offer at Round 2. This year, in a new initiative, NUI Galway will hold an intensive preparatory course for applicants intending to sit the exam. The free course will run from Thursday, 13 August to Tuesday, 18 August. As well as preparing students for the special examination, lecturers will demonstrate the significant relevance of mathematics across the engineering programmes and will highlight the applicability of mathematics to some illustrative engineering examples. Professor Padraic O'Donoghue, Dean of Engineering and Informatics at NUI Galway, says: "Mathematics is central to the teaching of Engineering. Every year we have prospective students who have an aptitude for maths, but on the day of the Leaving Cert did not have a good exam. These are the students we are targeting with our Special Entrance Maths Examination, to provide a second chance for them to prove their capabilities in this important subject". NUI Galway has seen soaring demand for its Engineering programmes, in particular for new courses such as Energy Systems Engineering, which is designed in response to a growing demand for professional engineers to work in the energy sector. There is also demand for Engineering Innovation, which aims to create a new type of electronic engineer with skills in innovation and entrepreneurship essential to delivering the Smart Economy . "Ireland's 'Smart Economy' will require graduates of a very high calibre. This exam, allows quality students who have scored well on points a second chance. Over the years we have seen some high-calibre students study here with us, graduate and go to have very successful careers because this special exam provided that opportunity. This exam is in keeping with NUI Galway s policy of providing additional entry opportunities to students", added Professor Padraic O'Donoghue. Applications for the Special Maths Examination will be accepted at the admissions office reception desk up to 9am the morning of exam. Those interested in the revision maths course and the examination should visit http://www.nuigalway.ie/engineering/specialmaths.html Tugann Scrúdú Speisialta Matamaitice in OÉ Gaillimh an Dara Seans do Mhic Léinn na hArdteistiméireachta (View in English) Beidh torthaí na hArdteistiméireachta amuigh faoi cheann seachtaine, agus tá Coláiste na hInnealtóireachta agus na hIonformaitice in OÉ Gaillimh i ndiaidh an Scrúdú Speisialta Iontrála Matamaitice a fhógairt arís i mbliana. Beidh an scrúdú ar siúl Dé Céadaoin, an 19 Lúnasa, agus tá sé dírithe ar mhic léinn a fhaigheann na pointí chun cúrsa céime san Innealtóireacht a dhéanamh in OÉ Gaillimh ach nach bhfuil an riachtanas matamaitice acu. Le breis agus scór bliain anuas, tá an scrúdú speisialta iontrála seo á reáchtáil ag OÉ Gaillimh chun cabhrú le hiarratasóirí nach bhfuil grád C3 nó níos airde bainte amach acu sa pháipéar Ardleibhéil Matamaitice. Féadfaidh siad siúd a rinne an páipéar Gnáthleibhéil Matamaitice san Ardteistiméireacht an scrúdú a dhéanamh chomh maith. Má fhaigheann mac léinn pas sa scrúdú seo beidh an riachtanas matamaitice sásaithe aige/aici agus gheobhaidh sé/sí tairiscint eile ón CAO i mBabhta 2 má bhíonn na pointí riachtanacha aige/aici. I mbliana, den chéad uair, beidh dianchúrsa ullmhúcháin ar siúl in OÉ Gaillimh dóibh siúd ar mian leo an scrúdú a dhéanamh. Beidh an cúrsa saor in aisce ar siúl idir Déardaoin, an 13 Lúnasa agus Dé Máirt, an 18 Lúnasa. Chomh maith le mic léinn a ullmhú don scrúdú speisialta, léireoidh léachtóirí an tábhacht a bhaineann le matamaitic i gcláir innealtóireachta agus an úsáid is féidir a bhaint as matamaitic i samplaí innealtóireachta. Dúirt an tOllamh Padraic O'Donoghue, Déan na hInnealtóireachta agus na hIonformaitice in OÉ Gaillimh: "Tá Matamaitic lárnach i dteagasc na hInnealtóireachta. Gach bliain, ní éiríonn chomh maith sin ar an lá le mic léinn Ardteistiméireachta, cé go bhfuil luí acu leis an matamaitic. Táimid ag díriú ar na mic léinn sin leis an Scrúdú Speisialta Iontrála Matamaitice, chun an dara seans a thabhairt dóibh a gcumas a léiriú san ábhar tábhachtach seo". Tá éileamh as cuimse ar chláir Innealtóireachta OÉ Gaillimh, go háirithe ar chúrsaí nua cosúil le hInnealtóireacht Córas Fuinnimh, a cuireadh ar fáil le freastal ar an méadú ar an éileamh atá ar innealtóirí gairmiúla le hoibriú in earnáil an fhuinnimh. Tá éileamh chomh maith ar Nuálaíocht Innealtóireachta, cúrsa a chuirfidh cineál nua innealtóirí leictreonacha ar fáil a mbeidh scileanna nuálaíochta agus fiontraíochta acu, scileanna atá riachtanach chun an 'Geilleagar Glic' a chothú. "Teastóidh céimithe den scoth chun Geilleagar Glic na hÉireann a bhaint amach. Tugann an scrúdú seo an dara seans do mhic léinn den scoth a bhfuil na pointí faighte acu. In imeacht na mblianta bhí mic léinn ar ardchaighdeán linn, agus d'éirigh leo poist mhaithe a bhaint amach de bhrí gur thug an scrúdú speisialta seo an deis sin dóibh. Tagann an scrúdú seo le polasaí OÉ Gaillimh deiseanna breise a thabhairt do mhic léinn áit a fháil ar chúrsaí" a dúirt an tOllamh Padraic O'Donoghue. Glacfar le hiarratais ar an Scrúdú Speisialta Matamaitice san Oifig Iontrála go dtí 9am maidin an scrúdaithe. Tá eolas breise maidir leis an dianchúrsa matamaitice le fáil ar http://www.nuigalway.ie/engineering/specialmaths.html -Crioch-

Tuesday, 4 August 2009

The latest book by Professor Bill Schabas, Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway, addresses the 'crime of crimes' - genocide. Genocide in International Law: The Crime of Crimes, 2nd edition (Cambridge University Press, 2009) consists of a major revision of the first edition, which was published by Professor Schabas in 2000. The new book reviews the very important case law on genocide since 2000, the substantial academic contributions and the political developments, such as recognition of the doctrine of the responsibility to protect. The book was launched at NUI Galway recently by Professor David Scheffer, who served as the first United States Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues during President Bill Clinton's second term in office. Professor Sheffer said of the book: "Future generations of lawyers will accord the name Schabas the same high honour we accord all those titans of our legal curriculum, scholars who educate not only us mere mortals, but also the judges who rely on their insights and wisdom to decide hard cases". Professor Schabas has participated in numerous international human rights missions on behalf of non-governmental organisations such as Amnesty International and the International Federation of Human Rights, to Rwanda, Burundi, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Cambodia and Guyana. In 2002, the President of Sierra Leone appointed him to the country s Truth and Reconciliation Commission upon the recommendation of Mary Robinson, the then United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. In his preface to the new book, Professor Schabas writes: "There has probably been more legal development concerning the crime of genocide in the eight years since the first edition of this book was completed than in the five preceding decades". He adds: "Crowning this fertile period, in February 2007 the International Court of Justice issued its major ruling on the subject, a long-awaited conclusion to a case filed by Bosnia and Herzegovina against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1993". Professor Schabas teaches at the Irish Centre for Human Rights, NUI Galway, which has become internationally recognised in the field of human rights teaching, research and advocacy. This has enabled the institution to attract high quality students to its acclaimed MA programmes and doctoral research. Reflecting the growing interest in this field, the University has also now developed a Bachelor of Arts with Human Rights. -ends-

Tuesday, 4 August 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) Preliminary figures from the annual first destination survey of NUI Galway's 2008 Graduates' Survey indicates that nearly 91% of the University's graduates entered employment or further study on completion of their degree. The data contained in the preliminary report is an annual survey of almost 4,000 graduates on NUI Galway full-time programmes. The survey is conducted nine months after graduation and gives an invaluable insight into employment opportunities and further study trends. The survey found that the proportion of primary degree graduates seeking employment is 3.7%. The numbers of primary degree graduates entering further study is, as expected, up on last year, to nearly 51%. John Hannon, Head of the Career Development Centre in NUI Galway, commented: "At a time when national unemployment figures approach 12%, we are delighted to see that NUI Galway graduates have particularly high standing among employers. Graduates are our future leaders and their energy, skills, knowledge and contribution to enterprise and innovation will help bring us back on the road to economic recovery". Mr Hannon added: "NUI Galway statistics are very positive when compared to the national average. However, we cannot forget how challenging the current economic climate is for graduates who are looking for employment. Students who take postgraduate diplomas, masters and PhDs not only enhance their learning; they gain additional evidence of transferable skills that improve employability such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication and leadership". The University is particularly proactive in supporting those looking to improve their employability. NUI Galway will offer a total of 68 free university places to the unemployed under a new initiative announced by the Minister for Education, Batt O'Keeffe T.D. as part of a Government plan to help improve the work-place skills of the unemployed and assist them with returning to work. Os cionn 90% de Chéimithe OÉ Gaillimh i bhFostaíocht (View in English) De réir shuirbhé bliantúil OÉ Gaillimh ar Chéimithe na bliana 2008 tá beagnach 91% de chéimithe na hOllscoile i bhfostaíocht nó i mbun breis-staidéir i ndiaidh a gcéime. Tháinig na réamhfhigiúirí seo ó shuirbhé bliantúil ar bheagnach 4,000 céimí ar chláir lánaimseartha in OÉ Gaillimh. Rinneadh an suirbhé naoi mí i ndiaidh bhronnadh na gcéimeanna agus tugann sé léargas ar dheiseanna fostaíochta agus staidéar breise. De réir an tsuirbhé, níl ach 3.7% de chéimithe ag lorg fostaíochta. Tá líon na gcéimithe atá i mbun breis-staidéir méadaithe ó anuraidh, mar a bheifí ag súil leis, go beagnach 51%. Dúirt John Hannon, Ceann Ionad Forbartha Gairmeacha OÉ Gaillimh: "Agus líon na ndaoine dífhostaithe ag beagnach 12%, tá an-áthas orainn go bhfuil tóir ag fostóirí ar chéimithe OÉ Gaillimh, agus gan ach aon trian den ráta náisiúnta dífhostaithe againn anseo. Is iad na céimithe a bheidh i gceannas amach anseo agus is é a gcuid fuinnimh, scileanna, eolais, fiontraíochta agus nuálaíochta a chinnteoidh go dtiocfaidh geilleagar na tíre chuici féin". Dúirt Hannon: "Tá staitisticí OÉ Gaillimh an-dearfach i gcomparáid leis an gcuid eile den tír. Mar sin féin, ní féidir linn dearmad a dhéanamh ar chomh dúshlánach atá rudaí anois do chéimithe atá ag lorg fostaíochta. Ní hamháin go gcuireann iarchéimeanna, dioplómaí, máistreachtaí agus dochtúireachtaí le foghlaim an mhic léinn, ach foghlaimíonn siad scileanna inaistrithe, cosúil le fadhbréiteach, obair foirne, cumarsáid agus ceannaireacht, a chuireann le hinfhostaitheacht". Tá an Ollscoil ag tacú go gníomhach leo siúd ar mian leo a bheith níos infhostaithe. Cuirfidh OÉ Gaillimh 68 áit san iomlán saor in aisce ar fáil do dhaoine dífhostaithe faoi thionscnamh nua a d'fhógair an tAire Oideachais, Batt O'Keeffe T.D., mar chuid de phlean an Rialtais scileanna na ndaoine dífhostaithe a fheabhsú agus cabhrú leo filleadh ar an obair. -Críoch-

Wednesday, 30 September 2009

NUI Galway is undertaking a research project to establish the extent of the infestation in Connemara of the alien plant species Gunnera tinctoria or 'giant rhubarb' as it is commonly known. The project is investigating the best methods of controlling the growth or eradicating the plant completely and is calling on local people to report sightings of infestation. Previously 'giant rhubarb' was seen as a structurally beautiful plant however, in recent years this botanical wonder has been growing out of control. A native of Chile, it can grow up to two metres tall and as it multiplies can dominate entire landscapes. Because of its size it overshadows native flora and poses a serious threat to the rich biodiversity of Connemara. Gunnera tinctoria spreads so rapidly and extensively as each plant produces up to 250,000 seeds which are dispersed by birds. It also spreads by underground rhizomes and just a small fragment of the root can sprout a whole new plant. Dumping of garden waste and movement of soil from infested sites are thought to be the main means of spreading the plant. Gunnera tinctoria thrives in the damp acid soils found in parts of Connemara and Achill Island. It also favours disturbed ground and is common at roadsides, building sites, quarries and can even be found in National Parks. Maria Corcoran, who is undertaking the study with the Applied Ecology Unit at NUI Galway, said: "This plant is actually not related to rhubarb. However, it seems to relish the terrain, climate and soil of Connemara. The cost of treating and removing infestations can be substantial, therefore it is important that its occurrence is recorded and every effort is made to control it. If the spread of Gunnera tinctoria is not checked, the damage it will cause to the biodiversity of the region will be irreversible". The project is being run by NUI Galway in association with the biodiversity project 'People and Nature'. If anyone has any information as to areas where the plant might be growing, or for more information on the project, please contact Maria Corcoran at galwaygiantrhubarb@gmail.com or 086 1683089, or contact the 'People and Nature' Project Manager, Elaine O'Riordan in the Applied Ecology Unit, Centre for Environmental Science at NUI Galway, at 091 493863 or elaine.oriordan@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

Friday, 25 September 2009

Up to 300 Jobs to be Generated by Construction Project (Leagan Gaeilge) The Taoiseach Brian Cowen T.D. visits NUI Galway today (Friday, 25 September) for a sod turning ceremony marking the construction of a new €40 million Engineering Building. The construction project will employ up to 300 people and is due for completion by September 2011. BAM Building Ltd. has been signed as the main contractor for what will be one of the largest construction projects west of the Shannon and on completion will be the largest Engineering Building in the country. Speaking at NUI Galway, An Taoiseach said: "The new Engineering Building will be financed through a combination of exchequer funding and resources realised by NUI Galway, including philanthropy. The new building will bring benefits to Galway City and its surrounds by creating jobs for the next two years. Longer term it will enable NUI Galway to continue to produce excellent engineering graduates supporting the Smart Economy in areas such as innovation and renewable energy technologies". NUI Galway has recently seen soaring engineering programme applications which reflect favourably on carefully thought-out new programmes. These include Energy Systems Engineering, designed in response to a growing demand for professional engineers to work in the energy sector. Another new course is Engineering Innovation, which aims to create a new type of electronic engineer with skills in innovation and entrepreneurship essential to delivering the Smart Economy. The 14,200 square metre Engineering Building will accommodate the College of Engineering and Informatics, housing 110 staff and approximately 1100 students. It will include green-building initiatives, and with its exposed construction design will itself be utilised as a teaching tool for the students. High-tech renewable energy systems, environmentally friendly heat generation using carbon-neutral biomass, rainwater recycling, ground source heat pump, and low-embodied energy construction materials wherever possible will underpin the building's green credentials and provide working examples for engineering students to study. President of NUI Galway, Dr James J. Browne, said: "This new Engineering Building reflects our commitment to providing students with the highest quality learning experience in engineering education. NUI Galway enjoys a strong reputation in engineering, evidenced by this year's increase in undergraduate engineering entry to over 250 students – a 25% increase on the previous year. This approach to education at NUI Galway is based on the University's key research strengths and our strong linkage with industrial partners. We offer a range of innovative programmes - from Biomedical to Energy Engineering – which highlight the University's commitment to the national and regional needs of the SMART economy". Designed by award-winning architects RMJM (Scotland) in partnership with Taylor Architects of Castlebar, Co. Mayo the building will be the largest constructed in one development on the NUI Galway city campus and will be situated to the north of the Quincentennial Bridge. Cuireann an Taoiseach Tús Oifigiúil le Tógáil an Fhoirgnimh Innealtóireachta Ghlais Nua in OÉ Gaillimh (View in English) Tabharfaidh an Taoiseach Brian Cowen T.D. cuairt ar OÉ Gaillimh inniu (Dé hAoine, 25 Meán Fómhair) ag searmanas leis an gcéad fhód a thiontú don Fhoirgneamh Innealtóireachta nua €40 milliún. Fostófar suas le 300 duine ar an tionscadal tógála seo atá le críochnú faoi mhí Meán Fómhair 2011. Is iad BAM Building Ltd. an príomhchonraitheoir ar an tionscadal tógála seo atá ar cheann de na tionscadail tógála is mó atá ar bun siar ón tSionainn agus nuair a bheidh an foirgneamh tógtha beidh sé ar cheann de na Foirgnimh Innealtóireachta is mó sa tír. Ag labhairt dó in OÉ Gaillimh, bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Taoiseach: "Déanfar maoiniú ar an bhFoirgneamh Innealtóireachta nua trí mheascán de mhaoiniú ón státchiste agus ó acmhainní de chuid OÉ Gaillimh, acmhainní daonchairdis san áireamh. Bainfidh Cathair na Gaillimhe agus an ceantar máguaird tairbhe as an bhfoirgneamh nua trí na poist a chruthófar as seo go ceann dhá bhliain. Go fadtéarmach cuirfidh sé ar chumas OÉ Gaillimh scothchéimithe Innealtóireachta a chur ar fáil a thacóidh leis an nGeilleagar Glic i réimsí amhail nuálaíocht agus teicneolaíochtaí fuinnimh in-athnuaite." Tháinig méadú suntasach ar na hiarratais ar chlár Innealtóireachta OÉ Gaillimh le gairid, agus is maith an oidhe sin ar chláir nua ar caitheadh an-dua leo. Ar na cláir sin tá an clár Innealtóireachta Córas Fuinnimh, a bhfuil faoi freagairt don fhás san éileamh ar innealtóirí gairmiúla in earnáil an fhuinnimh. Is cúrsa nua eile an cúrsa Nuálaíochta Innealtóireachta a chuirfidh cineál nua innealtóirí leictreonacha ar fáil a mbeidh scileanna nuálaíochta agus fiontraíochta acu, scileanna atá riachtanach chun an 'Geilleagar Glic' a chothú. Beidh Coláiste na hInnealtóireachta agus na hIonformaitice lonnaithe san Fhoirgneamh Innealtóireachta 14,200 méadar cearnach, ina mbeidh 110 comhalta foirne agus timpeall 1100 mac léinn. Beidh tionscnaimh 'ghlasa' á n-úsáid agus an foirgneamh seo á thógáil, agus leis an dearadh tógála oscailte a bheidh air úsáidfear é mar uirlis teagaisc do mhic léinn amach anseo. Beidh dintiúirí glasa an fhoirgnimh bunaithe ar chórais fuinnimh in-athnuaite ardteicneolaíochta, giniúint teasa nach ndéanann dochar don timpeallacht trí bhithmhais atá neodrach ó thaobh carbóin de, athchúrsáil uisce fearthainne, caidéal teasa ón talamh, agus ábhair thógála lagfhuinnimh agus beidh mic léinn innealtóireachta in ann staidéar a dhéanamh ar na córais sin mar shamplaí gníomhacha. Dúirt an Dr James Browne, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh: "Is léiriú an Foirgneamh Innealtóireachta nua seo ar ár ndílseacht i leith scoth-thaithí foghlama ó thaobh oideachais innealtóireachta de a chur ar fáil do mhic léinn. Tá dea-cháil ar OÉ Gaillimh as an innealtóireacht, mar a léiríonn an méadú go breis agus 250 mac léinn a tháinig ar líon na bhfochéimithe innealtóireachta i mbliana – méadú 25% ar an mbliain roimhe sin. Tá an cur chuige seo i leith an oideachais Innealtóireachta in OÉ Gaillimh bunaithe ar phríomhláidreachtaí na hOllscoile agus ar an nasc láidir atá againn le comhpháirtithe sa tionscal. Cuirimid réimse clár nuálaíoch innealtóireachta ar fáil – ón Innealtóireacht Bhithleighis chuig an Innealtóireacht Fuinnimh – rud a léiríonn a dhílse atá an Ollscoil do riachtanais náisiúnta agus réigiúnacha an gheilleagair ghlic. Is iad na hailtirí clúiteacha RMJM (Albain) i gcomhar le Taylor Architects, Caisleán an Bharraigh, Co. Mhaigh Eo a dhear an foirgneamh seo – an foirgneamh is mó a thógfar mar chuid d'aon iarraidh amháin ar champas na hOllscoile i nGaillimh. Is ó thuaidh de Dhroichead na gCúig Chéad a bheidh an foirgneamh suite. -críoch-

Thursday, 24 September 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) Ireland's older population are being cared for in large numbers by one of the most marginalised groups within the labour force, migrant workers. That is according to a report by NUI Galway's Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, being launched today (25 September) by the Minister for Older People and Health Promotion, Áine Brady T.D.. The Role of Migrant Care Workers in Ageing Societies research report examines the role of registered nurses and care assistants from other countries in caring for older people in Ireland. This group now account for one in three of the Irish older adult care workforce, which is twice the proportion of foreign carers in the general health care sector. Written by Dr Kieran Walsh and Professor Eamon O'Shea from the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology at NUI Galway, the research confirms the important and highly valued role of migrant workers in the care of older people, both in home and long-stay residential care settings. However, the report also highlights a number of issues associated with migrant care provision for older people in Ireland. These include communication, language proficiency, cultural understanding, education and training, discrimination and inadequate regulation. Dr Walsh highlights that: "These issues are intensified by the lack of funding and priority given to older adult care and, in particular, by the absence of support for migrant carers, employers and older people to cope with the cultural shift in the care workforce". The report calls for increased support structures in the areas of regulation, education, training, orientation and integration. According to Professor O'Shea: "It is impossible to separate the fate of migrant care workers from that of older people. There is an irony here that not only are migrant workers marginalised, but they care for older adults in Ireland who are themselves often marginalised in terms of resource allocation. This can only serve to undermine the integration of foreign carers even further. The migrant workforce is not receiving sufficient levels of support to negotiate current and future challenges in the older adult health and social care sector". Professor O'Shea added: "What we need, sooner rather than later, is a prioritisation of the older adult health and social care sector. Our older population require greater person-centred care that acknowledges the role and potential of migrant carers to deliver such care". The challenges that typically face migrant workers in becoming integrated into the health and social care labour market are exacerbated by the low priority given to older adult care in Ireland. The report suggests that failure to appropriately integrate migrant workers into the sector, and to address the key issues of resource allocation and funding in the sector, could ultimately impact on the quality of care available to older people in this country. Dr Walsh explains the role of migrant workers within the care sector: "Both employers and older people recognise the contribution that foreign nurses and care assistants are making to the care of older people. Nevertheless, if issues internal to older adult care are not addressed then retaining this valuable group of workers will become increasingly difficult". The report presents a set of recommendations across policy, practice and regulatory domains to help address the challenges and to capitalise on the opportunities that a multicultural care giving environment brings. In an international element to the research, researchers from the University of Oxford, Georgetown University and the University of Ottawa are investigating the same topic for the UK, US and Canada respectively. An international comparative report detailing some of the differences and commonalities across the four countries will be published later this year. For further information please contact icsg@nuigalway.ie or 091-495461. Léiríonn Tuarascáil Náisiúnta Ról na gCúramóirí Imirceacha ag Déanamh Cúraim do Dhaoine Scothaosta (View in English) Is ceann de na grúpaí is imeallaithe sa lucht saothair – na hoibrithe imirceacha – is mó atá ag tabhairt aire do dhaoine scothaosta in Éirinn. Tháinig an t-eolas seo ó thuarascáil Ionad Sheaneolaíocht Shóisialta na hÉireann, OÉ Gaillimh a sheolfaidh an tAire do Dhaoine Scothaosta agus Cothú Sláinte, Áine Brady T.D. inniu (25 Meán Fómhair). Scrúdaíonn an tuarascáil taighde The Role of Migrant Care Workers in Ageing Societies ról na n-altraí cláraithe agus na gcúntóirí cúraim a thagann ó thíortha eile chun cúram a dhéanamh do dhaoine scothaosta in Éirinn. Is ionann na daoine seo agus aon trian de na cúramóirí atá ag daoine scothaosta in Éirinn anois, agus dhá oiread líon na gcúramóirí eachtrannacha in earnáil an chúraim ghinearálta sláinte. Chuir an Dr Kieran Walsh agus an tOllamh Eamon O'Shea ó Ionad Sheaneolaíocht Shóisialta na hÉireann in OÉ Gaillimh an tuarascáil le chéile. Dearbhaíonn an tuarascáil an ról tábhachtach atá ag oibrithe imirceacha i gcúram do dhaoine scothaosta, sa bhaile agus in ionaid chúraim fhadtréimhseacha – ról a bhfuil ardmheas air. Mar sin féin, léirítear sa tuarascáil go mbíonn roinnt fadhbanna le cúram ó oibrithe imirceacha do dhaoine scothaosta in Éirinn. I measc na bhfadhbanna áirítear cumarsáid, cumas teanga, tuiscint chultúrtha, oideachas agus oiliúint, idirdhealú agus rialáil mhí-oiriúnach. Dúirt an Dr Walsh: "Ní chuidíonn easpa maoinithe agus tosaíochta do chúram scothaosta leis na fadhbanna seo, go háirithe agus an easpa tacaíochta a fhaigheann cúramóirí imirceacha, fostóirí agus daoine scothaosta chun déileáil leis an athrú cultúrtha atá tagtha ar an lucht cúraim". Éilíonn an tuarascáil struchtúr tacaíochta níos fearr maidir le rialáil, oideachas, oiliúint, eolas agus lánpháirtiú. Dar leis an Ollamh O'Shea: "Is í an chinniúint chéanna atá ag cúramóirí imirceacha agus daoine scothaosta beagnach. Ní hamháin go bhfuil oibrithe imirceacha imeallaithe, ach tugann siad cúram do dhaoine scothaosta in Éirinn atá imeallaithe chomh maith ó thaobh acmhainní a fháil. Ní bhíonn de thoradh air seo ach nach ndéantar cúramóirí imirceacha a lánpháirtiú ar chor ar bith. Níl dóthain tacaíochta á fáil ag oibrithe imirceacha chun déileáil leis na dúshláin atá agus a bheidh san earnáil cúram sláinte agus sóisialta do dhaoine scothaosta. Caithfear tosaíocht a thabhairt don earnáil cúram sláinte agus sóisialta do dhaoine scothaosta. Teastaíonn cúram dírithe ar an duine ó dhaoine scothaosta agus tá an cumas ag cúramóirí imirceacha an cúram sin a chur ar fáil". Ní chuidíonn an easpa tosaíochta a fhaigheann cúram do dhaoine scothaosta in Éirinn leis na dúshláin a bhíonn le sárú ag oibrithe imirceacha agus iad ag iarraidh lánpháirtiú sa chúram sláinte agus sóisialta. Is léir ón tuarascáil mura ndéantar oibrithe imirceacha a lánpháirtiú mar is ceart san earnáil, agus mura réitítear ceist an mhaoinithe agus na n-acmhainní san earnáil, d'fhéadfadh sé cur isteach ar chaighdeán an chúraim a fhaigheann daoine scothaosta sa tír seo. Mhínigh an Dr Walsh ról na n-oibrithe imirceacha san earnáil: "Tuigeann fostóirí agus daoine scothaosta araon an obair a dhéanann altraí eachtrannacha agus cúntóirí cúraim do dhaoine scothaosta in Éirinn. Mar sin féin, mura réitítear na fadhbanna a bhaineann le cúram do dhaoine scothaosta beidh sé i bhfad níos deacra na hoibrithe luachmhara seo a choinneáil". Tá moltaí déanta sa tuarascáil maidir le polasaí, cleachtas agus rialáil chun déileáil leis na dúshláin agus tairbhe a bhaint as na deiseanna a chuireann timpeallacht ilchultúrtha cúraim ar fáil. Agus thar lear, tá scrúdú á dhéanamh ag taighdeoirí ó Ollscoileanna Oxford, Georgetown agus Ottawa ar an ábhar céanna don Ríocht Aontaithe, do na Stáit Aontaithe agus do Cheanada. Foilseofar tuarascáil idirnáisiúnta chomparáideach níos deireanaí i mbliana ina mbeidh cur síos ar na difríochtaí agus na cosúlachtaí idir na ceithre thír. Tá eolas breise le fáil ar icsg@nuigalway.ie nó 091-495461. -críoch-

Thursday, 24 September 2009

Denis O Brien, Chairman of Digicel Group and founder of Communicorp Group, which owns and manages a portfolio of media and broadcasting-related companies in Ireland and seven other European countries, will be the keynote speaker at NUI Galway on Friday, 2 October at the NUI Galway - Connacht Tribune Centenary Conference 'Journalism in the Future: The Changes and Challenges'. Mr O'Brien is one of Ireland's leading entrepreneurs with extensive investments across several sectors including international telecoms, radio, media, property, aircraft leasing, golf and other leisure interests. Great interest is expected in his keynote address on Media -The Future in light of O'Brien's views on the media sector in recent times. Other speakers at the conference include Roy Greenslade, Professor of Journalism at City University London and a media commentator since 1992, most notably for The Guardian. He also writes a column for the London Evening Standard. He has been a journalist for 41 years and has worked for many of Britain's national newspapers. Speaker Pat Loughrey is Director of BBC Nations and Regions, with overall responsibility for the BBC s television, radio and online programmes and services in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the 12 English Regions. Since the Donegal native took on this role in 2000, he has presided over an era of unprecedented growth for the BBC outside London, including a £50m annual increase in expanded local output in all parts of the UK and the introduction of the BBC s first Open Centres and digital buses. Mr Loughrey is also currently a visiting Professor of Journalism at the University of Ulster. Professor John Horgan, the Press Council of Ireland's inaugural Press Ombudsman will also speak at the event as will journalist and author Niall O'Dowd. Founder of IrishCentral.com as well as of Irish America Magazine and the Irish Voice Newspaper in New York, Niall O'Dowd is also an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University Journalism School. President of NUI Galway, Dr James J. Browne, commented: "This is a very interesting and turbulent time in the newspaper and print media industry globally, so this conference is especially timely. The insights of the distinguished panellists and keynote speaker will be of considerable interest to the business and media interests nationally". NUI Galway offers a popular Masters in Journalism and over the years graduates and students of the programme have been winners of various national awards for young journalists. President Browne added: "To mark the 100th anniversary of The Connacht Tribune newspaper and to celebrate the partnership between NUI Galway and The Connacht Tribune in journalism education it is fitting that the University host this event. We in NUI Galway value our relationship with the newspaper. Many of our students and graduates have gone on to work at The Connacht Tribune, forging important journalistic careers. Award-winning journalism graduates from this University like Harry McGee and Conor Pope have cut their teeth at The Connacht Tribune, many highly respected journalists began their careers with the Tribune". Dave O'Connell, Group Editor of the The Connacht Tribune expressed his delight with the University hosting such a prestigious event: "We at The Connacht Tribune are delighted to be involved with NUI Galway, there's great synergy between the two institutions and we are particularly grateful that the University see fit to honour us in our centenary year". Full programme and registration details are available for viewing at www.conference.ie. Places are limited and are on a first come first served basis. -Ends-

Tuesday, 22 September 2009

Data protection and DNA is the theme for the 2009 Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) Annual Science Essay Competition. Now in its fifth year, the competition, which is co-sponsored by REMEDI and the NUI Galway College of Science, is open to all students in the senior cycle of secondary schools in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The closing date for submissions is Friday, 30 October, 2009. Entries should be no longer than 1000 words exploring the theme 'Are people's DNA sequences their business and nobody else's?'. Winner and runner-up prizes include a laptop, video iPod, crystal trophies and science equipment bursaries for the students' school. For competition rules and entry forms please visit www.remedi.ie/education. REMEDI's Annual Science Essay Competition was launched in 2005 to stimulate discussion among students on the ethical and societal implications of advances in biomedical research. The aim is to generate interest in science among second-level students and encourage more to go on to study science at third-level. REMEDI is an SFI-funded research institute at the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science located at NUI Galway. Professor Frank Barry, Scientific Director of REMEDI and Director of the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, said: "This competition is a worthwhile outreach initiative which exemplifies the successful promotion of science by NUI Galway. It also fits with the Irish government's 'Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation' approach to developing an economy fuelled by research and development. Effective science communication, as demonstrated in this essay competition, has a vital role in building relationships between young people, schools and the scientific community". Last year's competition generated a great deal of interest in science and bioethical issues among students with over 120 entries from 16 counties. The winner was Daniel O'Reilly from Castleblayney College, Co. Monaghan, with Bobby Tang of The Royal Belfast Academical Institution taking the runner-up prize. -ends-

Friday, 18 September 2009

(Leagan Gaeilge) NUI Galway has been named 'University of the Year 2009' in the Sunday Times University Guide, securing the prestigious accolade for a second time. Outperforming 21 other third-level institutions, NUI Galway's strong record in graduate employability, research commercialisation, and this year's 11% increase in CAO applications were among the reasons for the Award. NUI Galway won the inaugural University of the Year in 2002, and this year was noted as the number one university mover in The Sunday Times annual league table to 4th position. The award is not only based on league table position but on an assessment under 22 criteria on the university's role on a local, national and international level. NUI Galway has produced six spin-out companies in the first half of 2009 and 27 patents, while research income increased by a third last year, despite the economic downturn. The University was lauded for its industry collaboration, specifically in the area of medical device technologies for which the Galway region has an international reputation. The University's research in biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine is an integral support to the local medical device industry cluster. Many of the newer courses at NUI Galway, which added to the rise in first-choice applications, have been designed to be responsive to the changing needs of the employment market and meet the needs of Ireland's Smart Economy. New courses in Energy Systems Engineering will support the renewable energy market; Electronic Engineering Innovation will deliver business-savvy entrepreneurial graduates; while the range of new BA Connect degrees reflect areas of research growth in the Humanities. Alastair McCall, Editor of The Sunday Times University Guide 2010, said: "NUI Galway is the epitome of what third level education should be about. It provides a first-rate student experience with modern cutting-edge facilities. Its graduates are sought after throughout Ireland and beyond, and the NUI Galway name is synonymous with high quality. "The university is a key driver of the local economy in the west of Ireland and its commercial exports and spin-offs span the globe. It has forged a reputation in digital enterprise and the medical device industry that allows NUI Galway to punch way beyond its weight. Even the president of the United States is benefitting from innovations made in Galway. Making NUI Galway our Irish University of the Year was one of the easier decisions to make". Speaking about the announcement, President of NUI Galway, Dr James J. Browne, said: "It is very gratifying to be recognised as University of the Year. NUI Galway has been rapidly developing world-class facilities on our 250-acre riverside campus, through a €320 million building programme. Our new Sports Centre and swimming pool opened last year; a state-of-the-art concert hall and conference facility opened this month, and construction has just begun on a new €40 million Engineering Building". Dr Browne continued: "The University offers our students world-class teaching and encourages active engagement with the learning experience through opportunities such as volunteering, work placement, international exchange programmes, sports clubs and vibrant student societies. Our focus on student engagement contributes to our leading retention rate among universities and strong employment figures for our graduates". He added: "On a national level, our institutional agenda engages with the needs of the economy and the government's strategy for the Smart Economy. Our strong record of industry collaboration and world-class research in fields such as biomedicine, renewable energy, and internet technologies feed into and support the national agenda and economy". In terms of research, The Sunday Times also noted the internet technology deployed by the Obama Administration's Recovery.gov website to bring an unprecedented level of transparency to the US Government, which was developed at NUI Galway's Digital Enterprise Research Institute. With over 16,000 currently registered at the University, NUI Galway will welcome prospective undergraduate students and their families to the campus from 2-3 October, during its Autumn Open Days. To view The Sunday Times article please click here. Gradam Ollscoil na Bliana ag OÉ Gaillimh den Dara hUair (View in English) Ainmníodh OÉ Gaillimh mar 'Ollscoil na Bliana 2009' in The Sunday Times University Guide, an dara huair di an gradam measúil seo a thuilleadh. D éirigh le OÉ Gaillimh, thar 21 institiúid tríú leibhéal eile, an gradam seo a bhaint amach agus ar na cúiseanna ar éirigh léi an Gradam a bhaint bhí tóir a bhíonn ag fostóirí ar chéimithe ó OÉ Gaillimh, tráchtálú taighde, agus an méadú 11% ar líon na n-iarratas CAO i mbliana. Bhuaigh OÉ Gaillimh an chéad ghradam Ollscoil na Bliana in 2002, agus i mbliana d éirigh léi a bheith ar an ollscoil is airde a léim ar thábla sraithe bliantúil The Sunday Times nuair a bhain sí an ceathrú háit amach. Ní amháin go bhfuil an gradam bunaithe ar an áit a fhaigheann an ollscoil ar an tábla sraithe ach bíonn sé bunaithe chomh maith ar mheasúnú de réir 22 critéar ar ról na hollscoile ar leibhéal áitiúil, náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta. Tá sé fhochomhlacht bunaithe ag OÉ Gaillimh agus tá 27 paitinn cláraithe aici sa chéad leath de 2009, agus mhéadaigh an t-ioncam taighde inti d'aon trian anuraidh, ainneoin lag trá an gheilleagair. Moladh an Ollscoil as a comhpháirtíochtaí tionscail, i réimse na dteicneolaíochtaí feistí leighis go háirithe, réimse a bhfuil cáil idirnáisiúnta ar Ghaillimh as. Is taca lárnach do ghrúpa tionscail áitiúil na bhfeistí leighis an taighde atá ar bun ag an Ollscoil in innealtóireacht bhithleighis agus sa leigheas athghiniúnach. Go leor de na cúrsaí nua in OÉ Gaillimh a chuir leis an méadú ar iarratais chéadrogha, leagadh amach iad ag freagairt do riachtanais mhargadh na fostaíochta atá ag athrú agus tá siad ag teacht le riachtanais Gheilleagar Glic na hÉireann. Tacóidh cúrsaí nua in Innealtóireacht Córas Fuinnimh le margadh an fhuinnimh in-athnuaite; cuirfidh an cúrsa nua i Nuálaíocht Innealtóireachta – Leictreonach céimithe fiontraíochta a bheidh ina saineolaithe gnó ar fáil; agus léiríonn an rogha nua céimeanna BA Connect an fás atá ar réimsí taighde sna Daonnachtaí. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Alastair McCall, eagarthóir The Sunday Times University Guide 2010: "Is sampla den scoth OÉ Gaillimh ar an rud is oideachas tríú leibhéal ann. Cuireann sí taithí den scoth ar fáil don mhac léinn mar aon le háiseanna ceannródaíocha nua-aimseartha. Tá tóir ar a cuid céimithe ar fud na hÉireann agus thar lear, agus samhlaítear ardchaighdeán leis an ainm OÉ Gaillimh. "Tá an-tionchar ag an ollscoil ar an ngeilleagar in iarthar na hÉireann agus tá a cuid onnmhairí tráchtála agus a fochomhlachtaí le fáil ar fud na cruinne. Tá cáil bainte amach aici di féin san fhiontraíocht dhigiteach agus sa tionscal feistí leighis, réimse a bhfuil OÉ Gaillimh ar thús cadhnaíochta ann. Tá uachtarán Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá, fiú, ag baint tairbhe as earraí nuálaíocha a dhéantar i nGaillimh. Bhí sé ar cheann de na cinntí ab éasca againn OÉ Gaillimh a ainmniú mar Ollscoil Éireannach na Bliana." Ag labhairt dó faoin ainmniúchán, dúirt Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr James J. Browne: "Is cúis mhór áthais dúinn gur tugadh aitheantas dúinn mar Ollscoil na Bliana. Tá OÉ Gaillimh ag forbairt áiseanna den chéad scoth go tapa ar ár gcampas 250 acra ar bhruach na habhann, trí chlár tógála €320 milliún. D'oscail an tIonad Spóirt agus an linn snámha nua anuraidh; d'oscail halla ceolchoirme agus áis comhdhála den chéad scoth an mhí seo, agus táthar díreach tar éis tosú ar Fhoirgneamh Innealtóireachta €40 milliún." Lean an Dr Browne air: "Cuireann an Ollscoil teagasc den scoth ar fáil dár mic léinn agus spreagann sí iad le bheith rannpháirteach go gníomhach sa taithí foghlama trí dheiseanna amhail obair dheonach, socrúchán oibre, cláir mhalartaithe idirnáisiúnta, clubanna spóirt agus cumainn bhríomhara mac léinn. Cuidíonn an bhéim a leagaimid ar rannpháirtíocht na mac léinn linn líon ard mac léinn a choinneáil thar ollscoileanna eile agus cuireann sin leis na figiúirí arda fostaíochta i measc ár gcéimithe." Chomh maith leis sin, dúirt sé: "Ar leibhéal náisiúnta, téann ár gclár oibre institiúideach i ngleic le riachtanais an gheilleagair agus le straitéis an rialtais maidir leis an nGeilleagar Glic. Cuireann an obair atá curtha i gcrích againn maidir le comhoibriú tionscail agus taighde den scoth i réimsí amhail bithleigheas, fuinneamh in-athnuaite, agus teicneolaíochtaí gréasáin leis an gclár oibre náisiúnta agus le geilleagar na tíre." Ó thaobh taighde de, luaigh The Sunday Times chomh maith an teicneolaíocht idirlín a forbraíodh in Institiúid Taighde na Fiontraíochta Digití in OÉ Gaillimh agus atá á húsáid ag láithreán gréasáin Lucht Riaracháin Obama, recovery.gov, chun go mbeadh Rialtas SAM níos trédhearcaí ná mar a bhí riamh. Tá breis agus 16,000 mac léinn cláraithe in OÉ Gaillimh, agus fáilteoidh an Ollscoil roimh dhaltaí ar spéis leo céim a dhéanamh san ollscoil agus roimh a dteaghlaigh chuig an gcampas, ar na Laethanta Oscailte, an 2 agus an 3 Deireadh Fómhair. -Críoch-

Friday, 18 September 2009

NUI Galway is to host the western launch of the new online education tool, EuroCreator. The EU project will be launched with a Roadshow at the School of Education Building on campus on Thursday, 24 September, at 7.30pm. EuroCreator is a new website and online repository that enables students and teachers from 27 European countries to share and download educational media and digital learning resources. This innovative new initiative is being supported by the European Commission as part of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009. Speaking about the project, Dr Tony Hall, Lecturer and Vice-Dean for Learning and Assessment, College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, NUI Galway, said: "EuroCreator is an innovative new development in educational technology that will enable educators and learners from across the EU to share their educational media and digital resources safely in a moderated environment. The project will help to promote collaboration and creativity in Irish and European education; and recognition by the European Commissioner for Education is an added incentive to educators and learners to utilise this new educational resource". The projects that students and teachers upload to EuroCreator will be assessed by educational experts, such as Brendan Smith from the Digital Enterprise Research Institute at NUI Galway. When the students and teachers upload media they will receive a certificate from Ján Figel', the EU Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Multilingualism. According to Jim Lenaghan, Chief Technology Officer, School of Education at NUI Galway: "EuroCreator is further testament to how NUI Galway is using innovative Information Communications Technology (ICT) to enhance the educational experience of learners across sectors: primary, secondary and third-level. The EuroCreator launch and Roadshow promises to be an exciting showcase of how ICT can be used innovatively and creatively in education". Educators, students and teachers interested to attend the EuroCreator Launch and Roadshow at the School of Education, NUI Galway, please contact NUIGalway@eurocreator.com -Ends-

Thursday, 17 September 2009

NUI Galway graduates from the class of 1969 are invited to attend a Reunion on Saturday, 3 October. The Reunion celebrations will begin with a reception at 3pm in the Aula Maxima, at the University, followed by a bus tour of the campus. The celebrations will continue with a drinks reception in the Galway Bay Hotel, followed by a Reunion Dinner with entertainment provided by Marc Roberts. JB Terrins, Director of Alumni Relations at NUI Galway, encourages alumni to come along: "Reunion is a wonderful opportunity for graduates to revisit NUI Galway and renew old acquaintances. Many alumni from the class of 1969 have already booked their places with many more graduates returning to Galway for this event. Our reunion attendees never regret making the effort and are always delighted to see old friends". The NUI Galway Alumni Association serves 70,000 graduates worldwide with an extensive range of programmes administered by the Alumni Office. These include national and international alumni groups, publications, reunions and alumni awards. For further details on any of these programmes please visit www.nuigalway.ie/alumni. For further information or to book a place at the reunion please contact Colm O'Dwyer in the Alumni Office on 091 493750 or email alumni@nuigalway.ie. -ends-

Wednesday, 16 September 2009

President McAleese was recently presented with a copy of the first academic book on the new UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The book was co-edited by Professor Oddny Arnardottir of Reykjavik University in Iceland and Professor Gerard Quinn of the Centre for Disability Law & Policy at NUI Galway. NUI Galway President Dr James J. Browne and the Chancellor of the National University of Ireland and President of the Human Rights Commission, Dr Maurice Manning, were also present at the event. Professor Quinn said he was most grateful to President McAleese who has shown so much interest in the lives of persons with disabilities here in Ireland and around the world. He commented: "The new book should provide guidance to persons with disabilities as well as to Governments about the rights and obligations contained in the new treaty. It contains many exceptional contributions from academics in Harvard Law School as well as from judges sitting on the European Court of Human Rights and the Danish High Court". Professor Arnardottir said she looked forward to future collaboration on international disability law projects with NUI Galway. She recently delivered a public lecture, hosted by the Centre for Disability Law & Policy at NUI Galway, on the concept of equality in the new convention. President Browne commented that the book was an example of the kind of work on lifecycle policy challenges in areas such as disability, ageing and children that NUI Galway will produce in the coming years. The new Convention is the first human rights treaty adopted by the United Nations in the 21st century. It seeks to secure the equal and effective enjoyment of human rights for the estimated 650 million persons with disabilities in the world. It does so by tailoring general human rights norms to their circumstances. It reflects and advances the shift away from welfare to rights in the context of disability. The Convention itself represents a mix between non-discrimination and other substantive human rights and gives practical effect to the idea that all human rights are indivisible and interdependent. The Centre for Disability Law & Policy was established at the NUI Galway School of Law in 2008. Its research agenda includes the modernisation of services for persons with disabilities in Ireland. It is networked internationally and produces a European Yearbook on Disability Law & Policy with Maastricht University (Netherlands). It is part of a Lifecycle Research Allaiance on campus. -ends-

Tuesday, 15 September 2009

"Today's investment establishing Systems Biology Ireland is clear evidence of the Government's ongoing commitment to further enhancing Ireland's scientific base to aid our economic recovery." the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Conor Lenihan T.D. said today (Tuesday, September 15th 2009). Minister Lenihan was announcing Government funding of €14.8million to be provided over the next 5 years for the establishment of the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) funded Systems Biology Ireland research centre, which is being led by University College Dublin and supported by researchers in NUI Galway. The Systems Biology SFI CSET will involve 69 highly skilled personnel working on the research programme including researchers at the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), the School of Medicine, and the School of Natural Sciences at NUI Galway. Professor Tim O'Brien, Director of REMEDI at NUI Galway commented: "The partnership between NUI Galway and UCD in systems biology with a focus on mesenchymal stem cells will facilitate REMEDI's translational goals in bringing novel regenerative therapies to the clinic". Systems Biology is a powerful new way to use the strength of computers and mathematics to understand biology. It seeks to unravel the complexities of cells through the use of models that predict biological behaviour. The research being undertaken will enable quicker and better treatments of a range of medical conditions, including various cancers, and should allow for better therapies to be delivered more effectively to patients. The new research centre is also being supported through the significant contribution of industry partners who include Ark Therapeutics, Hewlett Packard, Servier, Agilent Technologies, Siemens Ireland and Protagen AG. The Systems Biology SFI CSET will involve 69 highly skilled personnel working on the research programme. Making the announcement, Minister Lenihan added: "I am very excited by the potential economic and societal benefits likely to accrue to Ireland from the research being undertaken by the Systems Biology SFI CSET. It is one of the critical emerging areas in the Life Sciences worldwide. Ireland is now very well placed to become a world leader in this field given the very strong foundation we have here in the pharmaceutical and IT sectors. It should greatly assist the IDA to attract further high-end Foreign Direct investment and also allow Irish SMEs to grow. This centre, with its deep-rooted academic – industry partnership, encapsulates the essence of what our Smart Economy should and can be. " The Director of the new SFI CSET, Professor Kolch, outlined the potential of systems biology to speed up research and help target therapies to particular patient types by saying: "Systems biology takes a holistic view of the organism. It looks at the processes rather than the single components of a cell or a gene. Our research is unique in that we work with stem cells but the outcomes of our research will feed into a global effort to provide better therapies for cancer patients. Our work will help speed up the experimentation process, thereby reducing by years the time it takes to develop a new drug therapy." Welcoming the announcement of the new SFI CSET, Director General of Science Foundation Ireland, Professor Frank Gannon said: "As the pipeline for new therapeutic drugs becomes constricted it is recognised that a fresh approach to understanding disease is timely. The convergence of computer modelling and the study of the biological system brings new challenges and opportunities. This latest SFI CSET will add to the skill-base that is required for the pharmaceutical companies of the future in Ireland." Systems Biology Ireland is working with a range of industry partners to develop new technologies for biomedical research and will continue to develop the links with industry to harness the State s investment in the programme. "Life sciences customers will ultimately better understand the disease processes and will be able to develop new therapeutic treatments from the Systems Biology Ireland's research program," said David Medina, Executive Lead, Worldwide Life Sciences and Pharma Segment, HP. "As a result of HP and SBI s collaboration, vast amounts of data can now be affordably collected, stored, analyzed and applied from different sources on HP Extreme Data Storage technology." Dr. Laurent Perret, Président du Comité Scientifique du Groupe de Recherches Servier, Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, said "Servier Laboratories has had a long and productive association with Ireland, with two manufacturing plants and several research programmes in translational medicine. Systems Biology Ireland provides a further opportunity for Servier to engage in leading-edge research in Ireland and for us to work together to address unmet medical needs using an extraordinarily powerful technology". "Ark Therapeutics is strategically involved in this Irish Government-funded research programme as it believes it will bring about the generation of new biological therapeutics by moving science from the reductive process of the 20th century to a systems approach of the 21st", said John Martin, CSO of Ark Therapeutics. -Ends-

Tuesday, 15 September 2009

NUI Galway has announced details of Open Days to be held on Friday, 2 October and Saturday, 3 October. An important occasion for prospective students, Open Days provide an opportunity to talk to NUI Galway students and staff, explore the campus and find out more about courses of interest. Friday's Open Day, on 2 October, is aimed at school groups, although individuals are also very welcome to attend. Saturday's Open Day on 3 October, is for students thinking about university and their parents and families. With over 60 degree programmes on offer at NUI Galway, lecturers and Deans will be on hand at exhibition stands to answer questions on courses, CAO points and career paths. A talk specifically for parents at 11am on Saturday will give an overview of the career paths of NUI Galway graduates, as well as looking ahead to the job market of the future. Many of the newer courses at the University have been designed to be responsive to the changing needs of the employment market and meet the needs of the Smart Economy. NUI Galway recently saw a significant increase in demand for programmes across all colleges, with new courses in Energy Systems Engineering, Electronic Engineering Innovation, Maths and Education and the new BA Connect degrees proving very popular. The Open Days will feature a mix of taster sessions and short lectures to provide a feel for university life. Events will include hands-on science workshops, a virtual stock market demonstration, a mock criminal trial, and interactive sessions with IT systems and robotics. According to NUI Galway President, Dr James J. Browne, the Open Day is an opportunity to plan for the future: "Our University has a long-standing reputation and dedicated staff, many of whom are world leaders in their fields, committed to delivering the highest quality education and student experience. Our Open Days are the ideal opportunity to meet our lecturers and find out about courses which might be of interest. Research at this stage of the year takes the pressure off decision-making when filling out the CAO form in the New Year". During the Open Days, tours of the campus will allow prospective students to visit the new Sports Centre, home to 45 student sports clubs, and the newly refurbished Áras na Mac Léinn, the base for over 85 student societies. The tours will also take in, among other elements, accommodation and library facilities. For further details on the Open Day, visit http://www.nuigalway.ie/opendays/ -ends-

Friday, 11 September 2009

Atom, an innovative new internet tool from NUI Galway's Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI), is allowing parents easy access to information on activities, classes, camps, events, or services for their children. The technology has been licensed to the family listings website, www.mykidtstime.ie. A circle-based browser, Atom allows the user to quickly and intuitively browse different categories in a way which mirrors the brain's activity. The Atom browser is available in the 'look and book' service offered by www.mykidstime.ie and facilitates the way that parents interact with the listings data. The Atom Interface has two patented techniques for manipulating increased amounts of data and intuitively supports users through its easy-to-use functions. Originally created by DERI, the Atom browser was further developed and refined through research and development with Mykidstime, supported by the Enterprise Ireland innovation voucher scheme. Jill Holtz, co-founder of Mykidstime.ie, is pleased with the project's success: "With the help of DERI and with the support of Enterprise Ireland, we have been able to implement a really useful tool on our website which helps parents to find the information they are searching for even more quickly and easily. It is fun to use and the feedback so far from parents has been very positive: they like the tool and the way it improves their experience on the website. It is important to us to continue to innovate within our website but most importantly to improve the end user experience". John McGuire, Commercialisation Executive in the Technology Transfer Office in NUI Galway, commented: "This is pure technology transfer in action, from University to the market. It is also an example of a smaller entrepreneurial enterprise benefiting from research carried out at third-level institute. Hopefully this technology will be of use to many other organisations". -ends-

Friday, 11 September 2009

A series of illustrated talks in Boston and New York next week will celebrate the work of one of Ireland's most important writers, John McGahern. The events will be hosted by the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway), which is home to John McGahern's archive of papers and manuscripts. Selected documents from the archive will be showcased during the US events which are entitled 'John McGahern in America'. This is the first time extracts of the John McGahern archive have gone on tour outside of Ireland. Prior to his passing in 2006, NUI Galway acquired John McGahern's archive, which is a complete collection of his papers and writings, providing an unparalleled view into a unique literary life. This extensive resource, comprising thousands of pages, is enormously rich in content and consists of forty years of writings, personal papers, correspondence, novels, drama, and short stories. Also included are short stories that appeared in The New Yorker magazine between 1963 and 1984. Dr John Kenny, Lecturer in Creative Writing at NUI Galway, commented in advance of the tour: "As these lectures will elucidate, many of McGahern's most significant short stories and literary subjects found their early iterations in the pages of some of America's most notable literary magazines and journals – The New Yorker, The Atlantic Monthly and The Yale Review. Thus this lecture series is especially fitting as it travels to Boston and New York - cities which are home to the literary forums which fostered and supported the work of this unique artist". The reputation of John McGahern (1934–2006) as a consummate stylist and master of fiction extends throughout the English-speaking world. The setting of his work, comprising six novels, three collections of short stories, a play and a memoir - ranges from the rural west of Ireland to Dublin and abroad, but returns always to the inland fields, lakes and bogs of Connaught and the lives of the people rooted there. President of NUI Galway, Dr James J. Browne, explains the association the University values with John McGahern: "Our University is fortunate to have enjoyed a progressively deepening association with John McGahern over almost 50 years. This association started during the brief period of his initial undergraduate studies and continued again when he became a teacher on Creative Writing and Irish Studies programmes. In 1994 he became an honorary doctor of the University and Adjunct Professor of Irish Studies in 2001". Dr Browne adds: "By choosing NUI Galway in the West of Ireland as the home for his literary archive, McGahern has entrusted us with a special responsibility. We must endeavour to make this resource available, as appropriate, to literary scholarship and interested readers. The University intends to promote and build upon the unique treasury we have in the McGahern Archive to enhance teaching and research in creative writing and Irish Studies". NUI Galway attracts doctoral students and visiting academics from all over the world to conduct research in the area of Irish Studies. The extensive McGahern archive is a hugely significant attraction to many such international scholars, enhancing the University's reputation as a world-class centre of literary research and study. To support literary scholarship, NUI Galway plans to invest significantly in its Library resources to ensure that scholars have the best environment in which to conduct their teaching and research. A proposed $25 million Humanities Research Building will provide world class facilities for researchers and a state of the art repository for the University's significant archival holdings. The 'John McGahern in America' events are supported by the Galway University Foundation. In Boston, special guests will include the President of Boston Public Library, Amy Ryan, while in New York the American Irish Historical Society will co-host. -ends-