November 2015

SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland), the national Awarding Authority for all higher and further education student grants, will be the feature talk at NUI Galway’s Autumn Postgraduate Open Day on Wednesday, 11 November, from 12 - 4pm in the Bailey Allen Hall, Áras na Mac Léinn. The SUSI talk, which will take place at 12.45pm and again at 1.45pm, will provide students with an opportunity to gain information on the funding opportunities and application process available to them. The Open Day will showcase over 400 of NUI Galway’s full-time and part-time postgraduate programmes, including taught and research masters, and doctoral research options. The Open Day will focus on the benefits of doing a postgraduate programme and the practicalities of making an application. With over 3,500 postgraduate students currently attending NUI Galway, over 70 information stands will provide details on postgraduate opportunities at the University, with academic staff and current students on hand to answer questions about specific courses. Information on scholarships schemes such as the Hardiman Scholarship and the Taught Masters Scholarship, fees and other practical considerations will also be made available to prospective students on the day. Celine O’Donovan, Senior Marketing Officer at NUI Galway, comments: “A postgraduate qualification broadens your skills-set, defines your areas of expertise, increases your specialist knowledge, and can improve your job prospects. Over 91% of NUI Galway graduates are currently employed or are in further study within six months of graduating, which is higher than the HEA national average for postgraduates.” Throughout the day postgraduate students will have the option of attending talks on funding opportunities and applications available to them, career prospects and progression, and there will also be information on how to apply for a postgraduate course. Irish graduates are ranked first in Europe in terms of how employers rank graduates, and postgraduate study boosts employability. The number of postgraduates in employment has grown consistently in recent years and NUI Galway’s well-established links with industry allows them to take the first step in building their career. NUI Galway offers a wide range of fourth level courses, developing programmes based on its traditional academic strengths of Arts, Social Sciences, Celtic Studies, Commerce, Medicine, Nursing, Health Science, Law, Engineering, Informatics and Science. These areas have been augmented with innovative research centres in areas as diverse as Biomedical Science and Engineering, International Human Rights, Digital Media and Film Studies, and Regenerative Medicine. New courses being introduced for 2016 include an MSc in Biomedical Genomics and a part-time MSc in Medical Technology and Regulatory Affairs. To view NUI Galway’s new and unique postgraduate programmes and to book your place at the Open Day visit www.nuigalway.ie/postgraduate-open-day  or simply call in on the day. To apply for an NUI Galway postgraduate course visit www.pac.ie/nuigalway. -Ends-

BBC Science programme presenter, Professor Iain Stewart will deliver a Geology public lecture at NUI Galway on Monday, 9 November. The lecture, ‘Between a Rock and a Hard Place: communicating geology to society’, is a collaboration between Galway Earth and Ocean Sciences Student Society, Galway Geological Association and NUI Galway’s Earth and Ocean Sciences. Professor Iain Stewart is Professor of Geoscience Communication with the University of Plymouth and has worked on several science programmes for the BBC, including the BAFTA nominated ‘Earth: The Power of the Planet’. His research interests are in the broad area of Earth hazards and natural disasters, particularly in terms of investigating past major earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions in the Mediterranean region. Geoscientific knowledge and understanding lies at the heart of many of the most critical societal issues that faces us in the 21st century. The pressing human challenges of natural disaster reduction, energy supply and security, and mineral and water resource management, rest on geological foundations. And yet, outside of the academic and industrial geoscience community there is a limited appreciation of Earth Science, especially among policy makers and the wider public. It is for that reason that professional geologists are increasingly encouraged to communication more broadly what they do and what they know. This talk will use a decade of experiences in popularising geoscience to explore ways in which geologists can make our subject connect better with the public, and in doing so develop more effective strategies for meaningful public engagement. Dr Alessandra Costanzo, of NUI Galway’s Geofluid Research Group and Earth and Ocean Science said: “Professor Stewart is world renowned for his ability to communicate the fundamental principles of geological science to a wide audience of both technical earth scientists as well as the lay audience. It is indeed an honour to welcome such a high profile communicator to NUI Galway.” The lecture will take place in the Colm O’hEocha Theatre, Arts Millennium Building at on Monday, 9 November at 7pm. Places are limited and places can be reserved at www.eventbrite.ie. -Ends-

Mr Tomi Reichental, a survivor of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, will give a talk about his experience of the Holocaust in the Seminar Room of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway on Sunday, 8 November at 1pm. Tomi Reichental was born in 1935 in Piestany Slovakia. In 1944 at age nine, he was captured by the Gestapo in Bratislava and deported to Bergen Belsen concentration camp with his mother, grandmother, brother, aunt and cousin. They were taken to detention camp Sered in Slovakia where the elusive Nazi War Criminal Alois Brunner had the power of life or death. When he was liberated in April 1945, he discovered that 35 members of his extended family were murdered. His grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins all died in the Holocaust. Recounting the sights and smells at the concentration camp Tomi Reichental said: “Typhoid and diphtheria were the biggest killers, but people were dying of starvation and cold in their hundreds. First the bodies were removed and burned, but later they were just piling up in front of our barracks, there were piles of decomposing bodies. The soldiers who liberated Belsen in April 1945 said they could smell the stench for 2 miles before they reached the camp. In the camp I could not play like a normal child, we didn’t laugh and we didn’t cry. If you stepped out of line, you could be beaten up even beaten to death. I saw it all with my own eyes.” Professor Ray Murphy from the Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway, said: “Tomi is one of the last surviving witnesses to the Holocaust. As such, he feels compelled to speak out so that the victims are not forgotten and we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. For most of his life Tomi did not speak of the atrocities he bore witness to, but in recent years he has become an advocate for tolerance and compassion. His story is a story of the past. It is also a story for our times. The Holocaust reminds us of the dangers of racism and intolerance, providing lessons from the past that are relevant today. One of the lessons we must learn is to respect difference and reject all forms of racism and discrimination.” Reichental has lived in Dublin since 1959. In 2004, for the first time in 60 years, Reichental broke his silence and began to speak about his experiences during the Holocaust. Thousands of students in schools all over Ireland have heard his story, and an RTÉ documentary film called I Was a Boy in Belsen was based on Tomi’s life. The film was directed by the Emmy award winning producer Gerry Gregg and retraces the events that swept away the Jewish presence in Central Europe from the point of view of a boy who couldn’t understand why. To mark his 80th birthday on the 26 June 2015, the Board of Trustees of HETI (Holocaust Education Trust of Ireland) established a scholarship in Reichental’s name. It will be awarded annually in perpetuity to a deserving candidate to enable her or his participation in one of the Holocaust education programs. The scholarship is in recognition of Reichental’s immense contribution that he has made to Holocaust awareness and education over the years. The talk at NUI Galway will be followed by a Q&A session and Reichental will sign copies of his book I Was a Boy in Belsen. Admission is free but early arrival is advised. -Ends-

Enactus, an international, not-for-profit organisation, provides a platform for third-level students to create community development projects Four students from NUI Galway recently attended the Enactus World Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa. Orlagh Reynolds, Billy Delaney, Aaron Molloy and Leanne Burke travelled as part of a group of 40 Irish students representing Team Ireland at the Enactus World Cup 2015 in October. Enactus is an international, not-for-profit organisation which provides a platform for third-level students to create community development projects, while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders of the future. A total of 5,000 students, from 36 countries, gathered at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg for the three-day international conference which saw some of the world’s brightest, innovative and entrepreneurial students present their social enterprises to some of the world’s leading business figures with the hope of being crowned the Enactus World Champion. This year's World Cup winners were the UK, with their incredible projects focused on Education, Equality and Empowerment. One highlight of the World Cup was the opportunity that all students had to attend interactive, collaborative sessions with business leaders from many leading companies such as KPMG, Coca-Cola and Unilever focused on various global social issues. Billy Delaney, one of the NUI Galway students who travelled to the World Cup, said: “I attended KPMG's session on Sustainable Development. It provided students with a platform to discuss and investigate the Sustainable Development Goals. In a group with students across the world we brainstormed and delivered solutions. This approach educated me on a global level and allowed me to see the bigger picture.” Another highlight of the World Cup was the chance to experience the beauty and culture of South Africa, as well as the culture of all other teams. Commenting on the trip student Aaron Molloy said: “The Enactus World Cup is one of those enlightening, experiences that you will never forget. The ‘rainbow nation’ truly offered all the international guests the warmest of welcomes.” For more information on Enactus NUI Galway email enactus@socs.nuigalway.ie or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NuiGalwayEnactus/. -Ends-

Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Primary Care, Social Care and Mental Health, Kathleen Lynch T.D., today (Tuesday, 3 November) launched a series of video clips of NUI Galway students discussing mental health issues. Organised by NUI Galway’s Student Counselling Service with financial support from the University’s Students Project Fund, the five short video clips show students talking directly to camera about their experiences of mental health difficulties and how they overcame their problems with help from the counselling service. The initiative sets out to get students to openly discuss their difficulties with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, procrastination and perfectionism, in a bid to reduce the stigma about these issues and also to increase awareness of the help available on campus. Last year 1,187 students attended the University’s Student Counselling Service with the biggest presenting issue being anxiety, which in the past two years has overtaken depression as the number one student issue. The Counselling Service hopes that by showing students willing to participate in the project, it will lead the way in de-stigmatising mental health and motivate other students to seek help to overcome their difficulties. Speaking at the launch Minister Lynch said: “21st century technology has obviously enhanced many aspects of our daily lives, and this process will inevitably continue. However, we all must be conscious that societal change does not impact negatively on our core human needs, by contributing to isolation or increased mental health pressures generally. In developing solutions to address emerging change, I very much welcome the new Student Counselling Service initiative being launched in NUI Galway today. This will ensure that no student has to face mental health issues on their own, and the initiative being rolled out today may prove beneficial for other colleges.” Chloe Lappin, a student who has taken up the challenge to speak openly about these topics, discloses: “Each time I am given the opportunity to speak openly about my mental health challenges, my confidence increases with respect to my ability to talk openly about an issue I once kept hidden for many years. I hope my video appearance highlights the fact that if you choose to seek support, and make a commitment to addressing your challenges, change can occur and there are plenty of people around you to help make those changes possible.” Jimmy Mc Govern, Students’ Union Welfare Officer in NUI Galway, responds: “I applaud this attitude and in my opinion any issue that affects your wellness or prevents your student experience from reaching its full potential is an issue you should address.” Bea Gavin, Head of NUI Galway’s Student Counselling Service, also asserts: “These videos convey a powerful message of hope for students, which is that whatever challenges they face, they can be overcome. The students who took part demonstrated a deep commitment not only to caring for their own mental health, but they have also used their experiences to help others. They are role models with whom students can both identify with and be inspired by.” For advice on mental health issues or to view the videos please visit www.nuigalway.ie/counsellors/ or email counselling@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

The MSc Degree in Medical Physics at NUI Galway, in conjunction with the Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering (MPBE) at Galway University Hospitals, was recently awarded accreditation from the North American Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP). This is the first medical physics programme in Europe to receive this accreditation and only the second outside North America. The first year students enrolled on the MSc in Medical Physics in 2002 and over 130 students have graduated since. Of these graduates, over 70% are currently employed as medical physicists in the healthcare environment in Ireland, UK and beyond. Commenting on this accreditation, Wil van der Putten, Adjunct Professor of Medical Physics, NUI Galway and Head of MPBE at Galway University Hospital, said: “Accreditation by CAMPEP is an important validation of the quality of this course. The Galway MSc is a unique collaboration between University and Hospital staff. The ability of the students to learn and conduct projects in the clinical environment accounts for the success of our graduates in finding employment. It is a tribute to both the staff in the Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering and University staff in the Schools of Anatomy, Physiology, Medicine, Engineering and Physics. I would also like to pay tribute to colleagues in other hospitals who have accommodated our students for their dissertation work.” -Ends-

NUI Galway’s Executive MBA recently hosted a Masterclass event entitled Achieving Success in Inter-Cultural Global Management, presented by Mike Hughes, Executive Vice-President, Strategic Customers and Segments with Schneider Electric. Mike reflected on his career journey since joining Schneider Electric, a global specialist in Energy Management and Automation, in 2000. Mike has held numerous business leadership positions across the globe and is currently responsible for the strategic accounts and segments of the company. Speaking at the event Mike said: “I currently work with large global customers and come up with solutions on how they can improve their energy consumption and thereby increase their overall operations efficiently. To be successful in this global business, it is important to understand the culture that I’m working in.” Mike delivered a presentation on the interpay of Corportate Culture, Geographic Culture and Global Culture with corporate structures and operations. In the engaging Q&A which followed, discussion centred on how organisations operate in a global corporate environment and the importance of understanding different perspectives within diverse management structures. Speaking after the event, Dr Tom Acton, Head of School of Business and Economics at NUI Galway, said: “Mike is the latest in our Masterclass series of globally-leading speakers, and continues our aim of bringing best-in-class presentations to our MBA students. Mike gave fabulous insights into the energy industry, global business processes, and the importance of culture for international business. It was a great evening and, as intended, provided the audience with a set of valuable takeaways focused on success generation in international markets.” ENDS

NUI Galway online treatment programme for chronic pain sufferers extended due to the number of inquiries received in recent weeks A recent online treatment programme, set up by expert psychologists and physiotherapists, aimed at helping those who suffer from chronic pain, has been extended due to the number of inquiries received in recent weeks. The Centre for Pain Research at NUI Galway, with the support of the Health Research Board, is currently recruiting people with chronic pain (pain which has lasted for three months or more). The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) trial will provide eight online sessions to people in the comfort of their own home. At the moment, such supports are mainly available through specialised hospital-based pain management teams. Chronic pain affects up to 35% of the Irish population and is increasingly recognised as a disease in its own right. Chronic pain is sometimes associated with psychological effects, which may include anxiety and changes in mood, as well as forgetfulness, and difficulties in focusing attention, planning tasks and making decisions. The ACT trial is based on emerging clinical science that demonstrates the usefulness of managing chronic pain through mindfulness and psychological wellbeing. The study is open to people all over Ireland and will take place over the coming months. GPs and physiotherapists around the country are being encouraged to refer suitable people with pain to the study. The free online sessions in the ACT programme will focus on values and goals that are individual to each person in the trial. Participants will be provided with instructions on a range of activity-pacing techniques to encourage more consistent levels of activity from day-to-day. In addition, mindfulness techniques and cognitive behavioural therapy will help identify both negative thinking patterns and the development of effective challenges. Dr Christopher Dwyer, coordinator of the study at the Centre for Pain Research at NUI Galway, says: “We know that psychological therapies provided to people with chronic pain are beneficial, particularly for people at risk of long term disability. However, this type of service is often only accessible via specialised hospital-based pain management teams. In this trial, we will offer this type of service to people all over the country and at any stage of injury.” People who take part in the ACT trial will not need to attend any clinic or the university at any stage. All materials are tailored for those wishing to learn effective ways of managing their chronic pain. Participants can access physiotherapy and all medical services as usual while involved in the trial. Study supervisor Dr Brian McGuire said: “This is a promising new online pain management programme and we are hopeful it will be of benefit to people with chronic pain.” To find out if you are eligible, visit http://centreforpainresearch.com/actstudy.html and complete the online survey. For further information contact Dr Christopher Dwyer at the Centre for Pain Research, NUI Galway or email painresearch@nuigalway.ie, or see the website http://www.nuigalway.ie/centre-for-pain-research/. Alternatively, phone 091 495391. GP’s or physiotherapists who are interested in referring suitable patients to the trial can also use these contact details. -Ends-

Public talk explores one of Galway’s most outstanding treasures, the ‘Liber A’ manuscript, which is preserved in the James Hardiman Library at NUI Galway NUI Galway and the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society will co-host a talk about Galway’s famous ‘Liber A’ manuscript, one of Galway’s most outstanding treasures, which holds records of Galway’s Town Council dating from 1603 to 1653 when it was a very wealthy town. In this public talk, Dr Bríd McGrath from the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society will explore the membership of Galway's town council and the men who controlled and managed the city in the first half of the 17th century. She will investigate the members, how many of them came from Galway's famous tribes, how they dealt with the pressure to appoint protestant mayors and bailiffs, and what we know about these men, their wealth and role within and outside the city. Dr McGrath will also discuss recently discovered letters from the famous Galway lawyer, Patrick Darcy now held in the Huntington Library, California. The ‘Liber A’ manuscript, based in the James Hardiman Library at NUI Galway, preserves Galway Corporation records from 1485. Few towns have records as old as this. It features stunning decorations commissioned by the corporation every year from 1613 onwards and evidence of Galway’s wealth and culture in the early 17th century. No other Irish town is known to have similar decorations in its records. Dr Bríd McGrath said: “Galway's ‘Liber A’ is a truly unique manuscript and one of the town’s most precious treasures. While working on it, I was able to discover how Galway was managed by its wealthy, cultivated merchant elite in this period and the key role played by Galway men in Irish political life, in parliament and the Confederation of Kilkenny.” Dr McGrath is a Research Associate in the School of Social Work and Social Policy in Trinity College Dublin and this talk is based on research undertaken as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Moore Institute in NUI Galway and at the Huntington Library, California. The public talk is sponsored by the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society and will take place at the Harbour Hotel, Dock Road, Galway, on Monday, 9 November at 8pm. All are welcome and admission is free. ‘Liber A’ is available online and features beautiful pen and ink drawings at: http://archives.library.nuigalway.ie/LiberA/html/LiberA.html  -Ends-

Journal publishes results of Irish and European research study related to drug discovery for metastatic cancer Researchers from the School of Chemistry and School of Natural Sciences at NUI Galway, and Warsaw University of Life Sciences have worked together on a study that could help in the development of a new therapy for metastatic cancer. Their work was published today (6 November 2015), in Chemistry A European Journal, and features as the front cover article. Metastatic cancer occurs when tumour cells migrate or metastasise from a primary tumour to other sites leading to secondary tumours, and this is the main cause of death from cancer. Synthesis is used by chemists to build compounds or materials for wide ranging applications. This study has involved NUI Galway researchers working out synthesis pathways to new analogues of migrastatin as potential blockers of metastasis or tumour cell migration. The researchers showed that some of the new compounds, such as MGSTA-6, exhibited the ability to block tumour cell migration in the laboratory. Professor Paul Murphy, Head of the School of Chemistry at NUI Galway, and his team collaborated with Corrado Santocanale, Professor of Molecular Medicine from the School of Natural Sciences at NUI Galway. Professor Santocanale’s core research is related to cancer therapeutics and an assay for this research was established in his laboratory. Professor Magdalena Krol and her team from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences also contributed to the research through a biological study of the compounds prepared. The latter collaboration came about as a result of a COST Networking Action, StemChem, where both Professor Murphy and Professor Krol are members. Professor Paul Murphy said: “The research demonstrates the value of Synthetic Chemistry, which can be used to produce compounds not made by Nature and which instead are inspired by Nature. This provides valuable new compounds for drug discovery projects. The research shows the importance of chemists working together with cancer biologists to investigate properties of newly generated products.” The first author of the article, Dr Daniele Lo Re, a researcher with Professor Murphy’s team at NUI Galway, explains, “One of the compounds synthesised, MGSTA-6, showed evidence that it has a low risk of displaying adverse side effects.” The research to isolate migrastatin, a structurally complex natural product, first occurred in the early 2000’s in Japan, and this initially highlighted the potential of this natural product as a blocker of metastasis. Subsequently research from the Samuel Danishefsky Laboratory at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York led to the finding that simpler migrastatin analogues could inhibit tumour metastasis in the laboratory. This research study was funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), the European Regional Development Fund, Poland’s National Science Centre, the People Programme (Marie Curie Actions) of the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme and COST (a European framework supporting trans-national cooperation among researchers, engineers and scholars across Europe). To view the paper visit: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/chem.201502861  -Ends-

Lack of ability to stop and reflect is contributing to rise in mental health issues in society, and the World Health Organisation’s predictions indicate that by 2030, depression will be the leading cause of disease burden globally NUI Galway will host two mindfulness-based events this November following the very successful Mindful Way Conference hosted on campus on the 9-10 October 2015. These events are the next steps towards integrating mindfulness into the University’s culture. NUI Galway will host the first in its Mindful Way Lecture Series starting with, ‘Mindful Responses to the Stresses of Student Life’. The lecture will feature guest speaker, Dr Julieta Galante from the University of Cambridge on Wednesday, 18 November at 5.45pm in the University’s Institute for Lifecourse and Society Building. The event is open to researchers, students, student counsellors and advisors, healthcare professionals, mindfulness practitioners, and anyone with an interest in mindfulness. Dr Galante will share details of a research project she is currently leading at the University of Cambridge. The research is offering over 500 students an eight-week mindfulness training course with a view to measuring its effectiveness in managing stress amongst students, particularly at exam time, as well as investigating if it helps in other factors such as sleep and wellbeing. The project will also explore whether the mindfulness training affects students’ use of mental health treatment and support services. Tibetan Buddhist Monk, Gelong Thubten, based at the Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery in Dumfriesshire in Scotland, and one of the very popular expert speakers at the conference, will return to NUI Galway to deliver a day of introductory classes on mindfulness, as part of the University’s ‘Mindful Way Initiative’. The classes are open to all University staff and students and will take place on Wednesday, 11 November in the Aula Maxima (Lower) at NUI Galway. NUI Galway’s Mindful Way Conference shared the evidence-based impact of mindfulness on students and staff performance, well-being and culture. The University is now focusing on the benefits of integrating mindfulness within the University setting to continue to serve the 21st century needs in delivering its core principles: teaching, research and contribution to society through innovation and entrepreneurship, and understanding the role mindfulness can play in providing a more enriching experience for students and staff. Professor Lokesh Joshi, Vice-President for Research at NUI Galway, said: “NUI Galway is starting on this journey to adopt a mindfulness culture. The University recently hosted a conference of mindfulness experts, leaders in society and entrepreneurs, along with students, staff and university leaders, to discuss the importance of mindfulness in higher educational institutions. The conference represented our first steps towards understanding the role mindfulness can play in providing a more enriching experience for staff and students. There was such an enthusiastic response that we now want to build on that momentum to see what can be achieved collectively through a more mindful approach.” Professor Joshi continued, “There was tremendous interest at the conference and a sincere willingness to take steps towards becoming a Mindful University from both an individual level and the institutional level. We are keen to connect the well-being of our university community with mindfulness, to enhance the performance of individuals, their various units and ultimately the University. We want to ensure that mindfulness is brought into the University with the solid backing of scientific evidence.” Dr Pat Morgan, Vice President for the Student Experience at NUI Galway, said: “Both of these mindfulness-based events will show students how important it is to take time out from their busy lives and their digital devices, and learn about the benefits to their wellbeing by focusing on the present moment.” To register for the Mindful Way lecture with Dr Julieta Galante visit: www.nuigalway.ie/mindfulway  The introductory classes on mindfulness with Gelong Thubten are free of charge and available to University staff and students on a drop-in basis, no pre-registration required. -Ends-

Move will strengthen educational and research capabilities as well as enhance international exposure Minster for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan T.D., will today (Monday, 9 November) mark the official incorporation of Shannon College of Hotel Management into NUI Galway. The merger, as detailed in the HEA’s 2013 report to the Minister for Education and Skills on system reconfiguration, is the first of its kind in Ireland. As one of the world’s most prestigious hotel management colleges, Shannon College will also officially become the first such college dedicated to hotel management in an Irish university. The vision for the merger is to sustain and develop educational excellence in the in both institutions institutions, and through greater integration ensure that resources are put to best use to meet the challenges of research, education and learning in the student-centred higher education landscape. Minister for Education and Skills Jan O’Sullivan said. “Shannon College of Hotel Management’s international standing and track-record of success is almost unrivalled for a college of its size, with its alumni as leaders in the hospitality industry globally. The incorporation into NUI Galway illustrates the benefits of greater cohesion across the third level sector nationally and in providing a greater return from available resources and I congratulate both on this and wish them every success going forward.” As part of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law at NUI Galway, all academic and administrative systems have been aligned across what has become the same institution on two locations. Shannon College of Hotel Management programmes have been aligned with existing NUI Galway programmes and it is intended that further courses both taught and research, particularly at postgraduate level will be offered. The institutions will also work together on promoting their courses and research internationally. The integration will mean that, for the first time an Irish university will have a school devoted to the tourism sector. This is appropriate given the importance and scale of the tourism sector both nationally and particularly in the West of Ireland. Already NUI Galway and Shannon College have, together, secured research funding from Fáilte Ireland to examine the economic impact of the Wild Atlantic Way. In 2014, Shannon College of Hotel Management welcomed 42% of all students entering Level 8 hotel, tourism and hospitality programmes in Ireland. The College maintains a remarkable record of 100% graduate employment, including some leading figures in the industry across the globe at the Jumeriah Group, Dubai; Waldorf Astoria, New York; Trump Towers, Chicago; The Dorchester and The Ritz, London; and The Shelbourne, Dublin. NUI Galway President, Dr Jim Browne said, “This is a very positive moment for all concerned. NUI Galway has developed a very close relationship with Shannon College over the years and its integration into NUI Galway will be seamless and respect the rich heritage and international reputation of this great institution. Shannon College of Hotel Management is recognised as one of the leading hotel management colleges in the world and has an unrivalled record of achieving 100% graduate employment, with many graduates going straight to some of the top hotels in the world. This move will deliver mutual benefits from an educational and research perspective to the College and University and will deepen our relationship with the Shannon region.” The internationally renowned college was the brainchild of the father figure of Shannon Airport, Dr. Brendan O’Regan. It was established in 1951, next to the airport, to ensure a ready supply of world-class hoteliers was available for the emerging hotel industry as it seized on the tourism opportunity triggered by the growth then of transatlantic and other international services into Shannon. The finalisation of the move to NUI Galway cements a 20-year relationship between the two institutions. Most notably, Shannon College has offered for many years a BComm degree specialising in hotel management in collaboration with NUI Galway, whereby students undertake the first three years of study in Shannon before transferring to NUI Galway for the final academic year of study. Before the recent amalgamation with NUI Galway, Shannon College was a Recognised College of the National University of Ireland (NUI), making it the only institution in Ireland offering degrees in hotel management awarded by the NUI. Phillip Smyth added “The amalgamation is an important milestone for the staff, alumni and all our partners who have developed Shannon College as a centre of excellence. Having a university campus located at Shannon International Airport presents many opportunities for new educational and research projects to be developed in the region.” Having flourished over the last 64 years under the auspices of Shannon Airport, the amalgamation now firmly places Shannon College in the mainstream university. The incorporation will significantly enhance the student experience with access to a suite of university services and resources that were not possible to offer as a small institution. The new status will also give Shannon College a new platform to expand its range of programmes and improve its research capabilities. The global standing of NUI Galway will also boost Shannon College’s already strong international presence by improving access and exposure in new overseas markets. Congratulating the College on its transition to NUI Galway, Shannon Group Chairperson, Rose Hynes said the College had not alone delivered on Dr O’Regan’s hopes for it but went way beyond them. “It’s no exaggeration to say that the Shannon College of Hotel Management has from its very foundation been a world leader when it comes to training hoteliers and hotel managers. The very fact that some of the world’s leading hotels travel to Shannon each year to recruit students from the college speaks volumes about its success. It has been a brilliant bearer of the Shannon name throughout those years and we are delighted that the College will remain on the airport campus. This transition also deepens our relationship with the Galway region.”   http://www.shannoncollege.com/ Ends   Déanann an tAire Oideachais ceiliúradh ar Choláiste Ósta na Sionna as a bheith ina pháirt de OÉ Gaillimh; an chéad chónascadh dá leithéid in Éirinn   Láidreoidh an t-aistriú cumais oideachais agus taighde agus cuirfidh sé go mór le poiblíocht idirnáisiúnta   Inniu (Dé Luain, 9 Samhain), déanann an tAire Oideachais agus Scileanna, Jan O’Sullivan T.D., ceiliúradh ar ionchorprú oifigiúil Choláiste Ósta na Sionna isteach in OÉ Gaillimh. Déantar cur síos ar an gcónascadh seo i dtuairisc 2013 an HEA go dtí an tAire Oideachais agus Scileanna maidir le hathchumrú córas, agus tá sé ar an gcéad chónascadh dá leithéid in Éirinn.  Tá Coláiste na Sionna ar cheann de na coláistí bainistíochta óstáin is iomráití ar domhan, agus tá sé anois ar an gcéad choláiste dá leithéid a bheidh tiomanta do bhainistíocht óstáin in ollscoil Éireannach. Is í an fhís atá taobh thiar den chónascadh sárchaighdeán oideachais a chothú agus a fhorbairt sa dá institiúid, agus a chinntiú, trí chomhtháthú níos fearr, go mbaintear an leas is fearr as acmhainní chun freastal ar dhúshláin taighde, oideachais agus foghlama i suíomh ardoideachais mac léinn-lárnach. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag an Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna, Jan O’Sullivan:  “Is deacair seasamh agus cáil Choláiste Ósta na Sionna do choláiste dá mhéid a shárú, agus a chuid alumni ina gceannródaithe i dtionscal an fháilteachais ar fud an domhain. Léiríonn an t-ionchorprú isteach in OÉ Gaillimh na buntáistí a bhaineann le comhtháthú níos mó ar fud na hearnála tríú leibhéal go náisiúnta agus le tairbhe níos mó a bhaint as na hacmhainní atá ar fáil agus tréaslaím leis an dá dhream ar an ócáid seo agus guím gach rath orthu sna blianta amach romhainn.” Mar chuid de Choláiste an Ghnó, an Bheartais Phoiblí agus an Dlí in OÉ Gaillimh, tá ailíniú déanta ar gach córas acadúil agus riaracháin chun freastal ar an institiúid chéanna in dhá ionad ar leith. Tá cláir Choláiste Ósta na Sionna ailínithe le cláir reatha OÉ Gaillimh agus táthar ag súil go dtairgfear tuilleadh cúrsaí acadúla agus taighde, go háirithe ag leibhéal iarchéime. Oibreoidh na hinstitiúidí as lámha a chéile chomh maith chun a gcuid cúrsaí agus taighde a chur chun cinn go hidirnáisiúnta.   Den chéad uair riamh, mar thoradh ar an gcónascadh, beidh scoil atá dírithe go hiomlán ar an earnáil turasóireachta mar chuid d’ollscoil Éireannach. Tá sé seo ábhartha nuair a smaoinítear ar thábhacht agus ar scála na hearnála turasóireachta go náisiúnta agus go háirithe in Iarthar na hÉireann. Tá maoiniú taighde faighte cheana féin ag OÉ Gaillimh agus ag Coláiste na Sionna ón eagraíocht Fáilte Éireann chun scrúdú a dhéanamh ar thionchar eacnamaíoch Shlí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin. Sa bhliain 2014, is chuig Coláiste Ósta na Sionna a chuaigh 42% de gach mac léinn a thosaigh ar chláir óstáin, turasóireachta agus fáilteachais ag leibhéal 8 in Éirinn.  Tá cáil thar na bearta ar an gColáiste maidir le fostaíocht céimithe 100%, lena n-áirítear daoine mór le rá sa tionscal ar fud an domhain sa Jumeriah Group, Dubai; Waldorf Astoria, Nua-Eabhrac; Trump Towers, Chicago; an Dorchester agus an Ritz, Londain; agus an Shelbourne, Baile Átha Cliath. Dúirt Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Jim Browne, “Is tráth thar a bheith dearfach é seo do gach duine atá i gceist.  Tá caidreamh an-dlúth forbartha ag OÉ Gaillimh le Coláiste na Sionna thar na blianta agus déanfar an cónascadh le OÉ Gaillimh gan stró ar bith agus tabharfar ómós d’oidhreacht shaibhir agus do cháil idirnáisiúnta na hinstitiúide seo.  Tá Coláiste Ósta na Sionna aitheanta ar cheann de na coláistí bainistíochta óstáin is fearr ar domhan agus tá cáil gan sárú ar an gcoláiste maidir le fostaíocht céimithe 100% a bhaint amach, agus téann go leor de na céimithe díreach ar aghaidh go dtí cuid de na hóstáin is fearr ar domhan.  Beidh sochair ag baint leis an mbeart seo ó pheirspictíocht oideachais agus taighde don Choláiste agus don Ollscoil agus daingneoidh sé an caidreamh atá againn cheana féin le réigiún na Sionainne.” Ba é an Dr Brendan O’Regan, fear a raibh an-bhaint aige le hAerfort na Sionainne le blianta fada, a bhunaigh an coláiste a bhfuil cáil dhomhanda air. Bunaíodh an coláiste sa bhliain 1951, in aice an aerfoirt, le cinntiú go raibh lucht óstáin den scoth ar fáil do thionscal na n-óstán a bhí ag dul i méid agus gur thapaigh siad na deiseanna turasóireachta a bhí ag teacht chun cinn de thoradh fhorbairt na seirbhísí trasatlantacha agus seirbhísí idirnáisiúnta eile isteach go dtí an tSionainn. Is comóradh é an t-ionchorpú le OÉ Gaillimh ar chaidreamh 20 bliain idir an dá institiúid. Le roinnt mhaith blianta tá céim B Comm a dhíríonn ar bhainistíocht óstáin curtha ar fáil ag Coláiste na Sionna i gcomhar le OÉ Gaillimh, áit a dtugann mic léinn faoi na chéad trí bliana staidéar sa tSionainn agus ansin déanann siad an bhliain deiridh staidéar acadúil in OÉ Gaillimh. Sula ndearnadh ionchorpú ar Choláiste na Sionna le OÉ Gaillimh, ba Choláiste Aitheanta de chuid Ollscoil na hÉireann (OÉ) a bhí ann, agus é ar an t-aon institiúid in Éirinn a bhí ag tairiscint céimeanna sa bhainistíocht óstáin bronnta ag OÉ. Dúirt Phillip Smyth “Is cor cinniúnach é seo don fhoireann, don alumni agus dár gcuid comhpháirtithe ar fad a bhfuil Coláiste na Sionna forbartha acu mar lárionad barr feabhais. Is iomaí buntáiste a bhaineann le campas ollscoile a bheith lonnaithe in Aerfort Idirnáisiúnta na Sionainne maidir le tionscadail nua oideachais agus taighde is féidir a fhorbairt sa réigiún.” Bhí rath ar Choláiste na Sionna le 64 bliain anuas faoi scáth Aerfort na Sionainne, agus leis an aistriú seo beidh sé ina chuid d’ollscoil phríomhshrutha. Cuirfidh an t-ionchorprú go mór le heispéireas na mac léinn mar go mbeidh teacht acu anois ar réimse seirbhísí agus acmhainní ollscoile nárbh fhéidir a chur ar fáil mar institiúid bheag. Tabharfaidh an stádas nua ardán nua do Choláiste na Sionna chun a réimse clár a leathnú agus a chumais taighde a fheabhsú. Cuirfidh seasamh domhanda OÉ Gaillimh borradh chomh maith faoi láithreacht idirnáisiúnta Choláiste na Sionna, atá láidir cheana féin, trí rochtain agus poiblíocht a fheabhsú i margaí nua thar lear.   Thréaslaigh Rose Hynes, Cathaoirleach Ghrúpa na Sionainne leis an gColáiste ar an aistriú isteach le OÉ Gaillimh agus dúirt sí nach amháin go raibh mianta an Dr O’Regan curtha i gcrích ach go raibh i bhfad níos mó ná sin déanta. “Ní háibhéil ar bith é a rá go bhfuil Coláiste Ósta na Sionna ó thráth a bhunaithe ina cheannaire domhanda ó thaobh oiliúint a chur ar óstánaithe agus ar bhainisteoirí óstáin.  Is cruthúnas ann féin an chaoi a dtagann cuid de na hóstáin is fearr ar domhan go dtí an tSionainn gach bliain ag earcú mac léinn ón gcoláiste chomh rathúil is atá sé.  Is mór an onóir é d’ainm na Sionainne sna blianta atá caite agus táimid thar a bheith ríméadach go bhfanfaidh an Coláiste ar champas an aerfoirt.  Láidríonn an t-aistriú seo ár gcaidreamh le réigiún na Gaillimhe chomh maith.” Críoch  

More than 100 NUI Galway students, academics and researchers will participate in the annual Galway Science and Technology Festival from the 9-22 November, which also coincides with Science Week 2015. The NUI Galway community will celebrate all things Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and has put together an exciting programme of events to promote the awareness and engagement of STEM topics, many of them representing strategic research areas in the University. Scientists, engineers and clinicians from NUI Galway are offering both primary and post-primary school roadshows and on-campus events as part of the Festival. Primary school events include the much sought after Cell Explorers workshop, Fantastic DNA, where children will prepare DNA from bananas, and Little Cells will provide an introduction to cells for the youngest students. New events this year include Exploring Under the Microscope, an introduction to microscopy for primary school students, and Inside the Brain will teach students about the brains chemical messengers by using play dough. New show, Understanding the World Around Us: Brain Perception and Cell Communication will focus on perception, memory, and how brain cells communicate. The Energy in Our Food: Fuel for Life introduces students to the concept that food is a fuel for the body. The ever popular Kitchen Chemistry: The Amazing world of Chemical Wonders will allow students to become familiar with basic scientific concepts and learn how to reproduce many activities at home. Secondary school workshops will include post-primary level adapted versions of some of the events already mentioned as well as Engineering for the Human Body from The Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), which explores how doctors, scientists and engineers are working together to design the next generation of 'smart' medical devices. Visitors to the outdoor classroom at Terryland Forest Park will comprise of a series of hands-on nature activities, ranging from grassland ecology workshops, usage of digital sensor technologies, mammal detective trails, local habitats, conservation and biodiversity to wildflower plantings. Other on-campus events will include tours of the Geology, Marine Biology and Computer Museums. On Sunday, 22 November, NUI Galway will welcome visitors to its campus for the final day Exhibition, which is the highlight of the Galway Science and Technology Festival. Up to 20,000 visitors are expected to participate in many scientific activities and attend free shows in venues throughout the University. Visitors will be able to meet NUI Galway staff and students in the main Exhibition area of the Bailey Allen Hall. In particular, visitors will be able to view the GEEC (Galway Energy Efficient Car) and talk to the team of engineering students who brought it from the concept stage to successful competition in the Shell Eco-Marathon in Rotterdam this year. In addition, many interactive shows, presentations and workshops will be available to young and old of all ages and interests. Hands on workshops will include the Human Brain exhibition offered by the NUI Galway Neuroscience Centre as well as the School of Medicine’s Hi-tech Hospital Ward. Scientists from the School of Chemistry will offer the Kitchen Chemistry interactive show. The Cell EXPLORERS outreach programme from the School of Natural Sciences will give visitors a chance to build a DNA double helix and prepare Fantastic DNA to take home. In the brand new Little Cells workshop, the youngest children can play visual and tactile games to discover the human body and some of the cells that it is composed of. This year, Cell EXPLORERS is partnering with the Under the Microscope outreach programme from the discipline of Anatomy to present an interactive session introducing young children to microscopes and their use to discover the world around us. The SNS Next Top Model Organism 2015 will give the public a chance to mmeet with scientists, discover the model organisms they study and choose this year's next top model! Researchers from CÚRAM will run the Engineering for the Human Body workshop to introduce different types of biomaterials, explore how they are made and how they can be used in the human body. NUI Galway physicists will present the PhotonicSplash event which demonstrates the power of light, as part of the EU-wide GoPhoton! Project, which celebrates the importance of UNESCO International Year of Light 2015. The Exhibition day will see the ReelLIFE Science video champions crowned, with the winning videos of this national competition on display during special screenings in the ReelLIFE SCIENCE Cinema. NUI Galway will also launch its participation in the international FameLab competition on the day. Professor Dónal Leech, Dean of the College of Science at NUI Galway said: “NUI Galway research, on how to 'Design Your Future' across science, technology, engineering and mathematics, will be presented during the two week festival to students, teachers, parents and the public. Our research-led teaching, delivered by some of the world’s most influential scientific minds inspires students, staff and industry to deepen our knowledge-base, and generate new technologies. This festival is a key event to foster engagement with science and research, for NUI Galway and the nation. The NUI Galway campus is looking forward to hosting once again the final day Exhibition of the festival.” The Festival Exhibition shows at NUI Galway will run from 10am-6pm on Sunday, 22 of November. Free tickets to the shows and workshops will be released on Saturday, 14 November at 11am on the Eventbrite website: www.galwayscience.eventbrite.ie, while 30% of the entry tickets will be available to book on the day. No booking is required to access the main Exhibition area located in the Bailey Allen Hall at NUI Galway. -Ends-

Winning schools from Dublin, Galway and Kerry make a Big Bang with their videos about Space and Light at NUI Galway’s ReelLIFE SCIENCE 2015 Competition Canadian Astronaut, Commander Chris Hadfield, has helped discover the best new science videos made by Irish primary and secondary school students, just in time for Science Week 2015. The winners of the €3000 NUI Galway video competition, ReelLIFE SCIENCE, were announced today (9 November 2015) as, Scoil Aonghusa Senior, Tallaght, Dublin 24, at primary school level, and Solas O’Halloran and Matt Tyrkiel from Causeway Comprehensive School, Co Kerry at secondary school level. Supported by the Science Foundation Ireland Discover programme and the Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM) at NUI Galway, ReelLIFE SCIENCE challenged Irish primary and secondary schools to make short videos, which would entertain and educate people, on a range of scientific topics. The challenge was met by more than 1,200 students and teachers in 77 schools around Ireland, producing over 120 science videos in both English and Irish. Speaking about the competition, Commander Hadfield said: “Discovery and creativity, turned loose by imagination. A great project that I am proud to be a part of.” Joining Commander Hadfield on the judging panel were Trinity College Dublin Professor of Molecular Evolution, Aoife McLysaght and BT Young Scientist and Technologists of the Year 2015, Ian O'Sullivan and Eimear Murphy from Coláiste Treasa, Kanturk, Co Cork. Primary School Winners The judges selected ‘Scoil Aonghusa Rocket Launch’, produced by 4th class students of Scoil Aonghusa Senior, Tallaght, under the direction of their teacher Jennie Smith, as the best primary school video, and deserving winners of the €1000 first prize. The video, a news report live from Tallaght’s first manned rocket launch, was described by Commander Hadfield as “fun” and “well-acted”, while Professor McLysaght praised the “humour interspersed with the science,” remarking that, “This video is great fun and I think the pupils had fun making it too!” An animated, bilingual video called ‘Ag Dearadh an Todhchaí’, described as “very enjoyable” and “charming” by the judges, examined the Science Week 2015 theme ‘Design Your Future’ predicting the future for medicine, space travel and even teleportation. Claiming the €300 second prize, the video was made by 4th and 5th class students in Gaelscoil Riabhach, Baile Locha Riach, Co na Gaillimhe. In third place, winning €200, were the 5th and 6th classes from Sooey NS, Co Sligo, with ‘Ninja Nematodes’, introducing us to some of the creatures living in our soil, a “complicated topic explained very well through a brilliant production.” Also shortlisted were 2nd class students from Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna, Baile Átha Cliath 9, with their video about gravity, ‘Imtharraingt’; and an original musical number ‘Water is Cool for School: Hydration for Concentration’ written and performed by 4th class students in Scoil Éinde Boys NS, Galway. Secondary School Winners The 2015 secondary school competition saw Causeway Comprehensive School, from Causeway, Co Kerry, improve on last year’s third place finish by claiming the Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM ) sponsored first prize of €1000, with a video entitled ‘The Mystery of Light’. The filmmakers, 5th year students Solas O’Halloran and Matt Tyrkiel, were hailed as “engaging hosts” by Commander Hadfield, while he described their video as being “cool, well explained” and “dramatically filmed.” In second place, a “well-narrated” animation with “excellent drawing” from Transition Year student Anna Deprisse, entitled ‘Marie Curie: Heroine of Science’ impressed the judges, winning €300 for Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny. A “humorous look at the properties of light” by 5th year students Eoghan Donoghue and Sean Paul Fenlon, earned Killina Presentation Secondary School, Tullamore, Co Offaly the third prize of €200. Also shortlisted were two videos tackling the topic of evolution: ‘From Shrew to You’ by Transition Year students from Coláiste Muire, Ennis, Co Clare; and ‘Evolution – What Happens Next?’ a “very cool claymation" produced by 5th year students from De La Salle College, Waterford. ReelLIFE SCIENCE is organised by Dr Enda O’Connell and a team of science communication enthusiasts, in collaboration with the Cell EXPLORERS outreach programme from NUI Galway’s School of Natural Sciences. The competition has been running since 2013, and previous year’s videos have tens of thousands of views in over 100 countries, and have featured on RTE2’s News2Day and TG4’s Cúla4 programmes. Dr O’Connell congratulated all of the participants, saying: “We were hugely impressed with the standard of this year’s entries. The hours of hard work and passion for science displayed by the students were apparent in the videos, making it a very difficult decision for the judges. Well done to everyone who took part!” All the videos can be viewed at www.reellifescience.com and will be shown to the general public as part of the 18th Galway Science and Technology Festival Exhibition, held in NUI Galway on Sunday, 22 November. The videos are also on display at Galway City Museum and the Galway Film Centre during Science Week 2015. -Ends-

Secondary school students interested in studying at NUI Galway are invited to an information evening in Athlone on Thursday, 19 November. Parents and guardians are also particularly welcome to the event which runs from 7pm to 9pm in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. The evening will begin with short talks about NUI Galway and some of the 60 courses it offers. Afterwards, current students and NUI Galway staff will be on hand at information stands to answer any individual questions in relation to courses offered by the University and about practical issues like accommodation, fees and scholarships, and the wide range of support services available to our students. The ever-increasing popularity of NUI Galway is in-part due to a suite of innovative programmes, developed in response to the changing needs of the employment market. Unique programmes include a suite of Arts degree programmes including Drama, Creative Writing and Human Rights, an Energy Systems Engineering degree which is taught in the University’s new Engineering Building, Ireland’s largest School of Engineering, a Maths and Education degree aimed at training Maths teachers, and a Marine Science degree. Visitors to the information evening will also get information on NUI Galway’s newest degree programmes, a Bachelor of Commerce (Global Experience), Bachelor in Children’s Studies and the new Bachelor of Arts (Joint Honours). Celine O’Donovan, Senior Marketing Officer at NUI Galway, said: “NUI Galway has a great deal to offer. Our own students tell us our lecturers are inspirational and challenge them to achieve their full potential. The student experience in Galway is second to none, and we want to bring a taste of that to County Westmeath, while also providing all the practical information on accommodation, CAO points, fees, scholarships and courses. With so many courses on offer, this event in Athlone is a perfect opportunity for prospective students to meet current students and lecturers to see what degree might be the right fit for them.” To find out more about the information evening in Athlone, contact NUI Galway's Schools Liaison Officer, Johanna Walsh on 086 7851730 or johanna.walsh@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

The Institute is dedicated to supporting applied research that informs policy development and practice to make a positive difference to people’s lives The Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton T.D. will officially launch the Institute for Lifecourse and Society today (11 November 2015) at NUI Galway. The Institute is dedicated to supporting applied research that informs policy development and practice to make a positive difference to people’s lives. The Institute for Lifecourse and Society represents an €9m investment comprising significant philanthropic contributions from The Atlantic Philanthropies and Galway University Foundation in a rare example of an interdisciplinary research hub designed to examine and reimagine important social issues, especially for vulnerable populations. Speaking at the opening of the Institute for Lifecourse and Society at NUI Galway, An Tánaiste Joan Burton T.D. said: “The goal of the Institute is to achieve international excellence in social policy and practice development through the pursuit of interdisciplinary research in the social sciences. This will be done by creatively integrating the rich and diverse intellectual resources from within the University and beyond. I believe the Institute will become both a pioneering research institute for the applied social sciences and a flagship of the University. I look forward to reading the Institute’s work in the coming years – and to that work helping to guide and shape national policy.” The Institute, under the directorship of Professor Pat Dolan, provides a newly designated research institute for the applied social sciences at NUI Galway, the largest of its kind in Europe. It supports applied research that informs policy development and practice, and brings together existing work in relation to targeted populations – such as children and families, persons with disabilities and older persons – into one domain of research, teaching and policy. Amongst its members are nationally and internationally recognised authorities from the fields of children and families, and disabled and older persons and the Institute has already a strong record in influencing domestic, regional and international policy and practice affecting these populations. President of NUI Galway, Dr Jim Browne said: “Today is a milestone in the development of the social sciences at NUI Galway. With the establishment of this Institute our university marks a concerted commitment to the application of knowledge in the social sciences in order to share knowledge and create positive social change. The real benefit of the Institute for Lifecourse and Society is to future generations of citizens who will benefit from new approaches on how to improve lives of families, young people, older persons and those who live with disabilities. The knowledge generated by those working in this Institute will help to shape advocacy, policy and interventions to improve the lives of so many citizens – right across the lifecourse.” President Browne added: “The support of our philanthropic partners has been absolutely vital to this project. I would like to thank The Atlantic Philanthropies and Galway University Foundation most sincerely for their vision and their investment in this research facility.” Professor Pat Dolan, Director of the Institute, said: “Essentially the focus of the Institute is to bring together researchers and communities to develop new blueprints for social change, practice and policy. The ‘lifecourse’ side of things is a relatively new approach aimed at zooming out from the silos of academic disciplines and stages of life to look for solutions, patterns and strategies that provide for people and societies over the course of a life and over generations. Few such research institutes in this field aim for this kind of deep and far-reaching impact.” To mark the official opening of the Institute, a keynote address will be given by Professor Robert J. Chaskin University of Chicago and Chair of the International Advisory Board at the Institute entitled “Social Policy and Community Action for Children, Youth, and Families”. In the course of the lecture Professor Chaskin will identify and evidence an innovative model for community led research which makes services and professionals more relevant in how and what they do with and for families that experience serious adversity. The lecture will take place in the main auditorium in the ILAS building at 2.30pm, Wednesday 11th November, 2015. Attendance is free and open to the public but reservation is necessary so please email ILAS@nuigalway.ie http://www.nuigalway.ie/ilas/  ENDS An Tánaiste le hInstitiúid Nua Cúrsa Saoil agus Sochaí a sheoladh in OÉ Gaillimh Tacaíonn an Institiúid le taighde feidhmeach a chuidíonn le polasaithe a fhorbairt agus a chleachtadh chun tionchar dearfach a imirt ar shaol na ndaoine Seolfaidh an Tánaiste agus an tAire Coimirce Sóisialaí Joan Burton T.D. an Institiúid Cúrsa Saoil agus Sochaí inniu (11 Samhain 2015) in OÉ Gaillimh. Tacaíonn an Institiúid le taighde feidhmeach a chuidíonn le polasaithe a fhorbairt agus a chleachtadh chun tionchar dearfach a imirt ar shaol na ndaoine. Is infheistíocht €9m a rinneadh san Institiúid Cúrsa Saoil agus Sochaí. Tháinig cuid mhaith den infheistíocht ó The Atlantic Philanthropies agus ó Fhondúireacht na hOllscoile a tháinig le chéile chun ceisteanna móra sóisialta a scrúdú, go mór mór i gcás dreamanna leochaileacha. Ag labhairt ag oscailte na hInstitiúide Cúrsa Saoil agus Sochaí in OÉ Gaillimh, dúirt an Tánaiste Joan Burton T.D.: “Is é sprioc na hInstitiúide ardchaighdeán idirnáisiúnta a bhaint amach i bhforbairt polasaí agus cleachtas sóisialta trí thaighde idirdhisciplíneach a dhéanamh sna heolaíochtaí sóisialta. Déanfar é seo trí na hacmhainní saibhre agus éagsúla intleachtúla a chomhtháthú go cruthaitheach san Ollscoil agus taobh amuigh de. Creidim go mbeidh an Institiúid seo ina ceannródaí maidir le taighde sna heolaíochtaí sóisialta feidhmeacha agus ina ceann feadhna san Ollscoil. Táim ag súil go mór le saothar na hInstitiúide a léamh sna blianta seo romhainn – agus don obair a chuidíonn le polasaí náisiúnta a threorú agus a chruthú.” Tá an Institiúid faoi stiúir an Ollaimh Pat Dolan agus is institiúid taighde nua í atá nua-ainmnithe do na heolaíochtaí sóisialta feidhmeacha in OÉ Gaillimh, an institiúid is mó den chineál seo san Eoraip. Tacaíonn sí le taighde feidhmeach a chuidíonn le polasaithe a fhorbairt agus a chleachtadh agus tugann sí an obair reatha maidir le dreamanna spriocdhírithe le chéile – cosúil le gasúir agus teaghlaigh, daoine faoi mhíchumas agus daoine níos sine – isteach i raon taighde, teagaisc agus polasaí amháin. I measc na mball tá údaráis aitheanta náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta as réimsí na leanaí agus na dteaghlach, na ndaoine faoi mhíchumas agus na ndaoine níos sine agus tá dea-cháil ar an Institiúid cheana féin as tionchar a imirt ar pholasaí agus ar chleachtas áitiúil, réigiúnach agus idirnáisiúnta a bhaineann leis na dreamanna seo. Dúirt Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Jim Browne: “Is buaicphointe i bhforbairt na n-eolaíochtaí sóisialta in OÉ Gaillimh atá sa lá inniu.  Le bunú na hInstitiúide seo, léiríonn an Ollscoil an mian atá againn eolas a úsáid sna heolaíochtaí sóisialta chun eolas a roinnt agus athruithe dearfacha sóisialta a dhéanamh. Is iad na glúine atá le teacht a bhainfidh an leas is mó as cur chuigí nua na hInstitiúide Cúrsa Saoil agus Sochaí maidir leis an saol a fheabhsú do theaghlaigh, do dhaoine óga, do dhaoine níos sine agus dóibh siúd atá faoi mhíchumas.  Cuideoidh an t-eolas a bhaileoidh siad siúd atá ag obair san Institiúid seo le tacaíocht, polasaí agus idirghabháil a fhorbairt a fheabhsóidh an saol do lear mór daoine – ar feadh chúrsa an tsaoil.” Anuas ar an méid sin, dúirt an tUachtarán Browne: “Bhí tacaíocht na gcomhpháirtithe daonchairdis riachtanach don togra seo.  Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghlacadh le The Atlantic Philanthropies agus le Fondúireacht na hOllscoile as a bhfís agus a n-infheistíocht sa tsaoráid taighde seo.” Dúirt an tOllamh Pat Dolan, Stiúrthóir na hInstitiúide: “Tá an bhéim ag an Institiúid ar thaighdeoirí agus pobail a thabhairt le chéile chun pleananna nua a fhorbairt d'athruithe, cleachtas agus polasaí sóisialta. Is cur chuige réasúnta nua an ‘cúrsa saoil’ atá ag iarraidh imeacht ó réimse na ndisciplíní acadúla agus céimeanna saoil le breathnú ar réitigh, patrúin agus straitéisí a bhaineann le daoine agus le cumainn i gcúrsa saoil agus in imeacht glúine. Is beag institiúid taighde sa réimse seo a éilíonn an cineál seo tionchair.” Chun oscailt oifigiúil na hInstitiúide a cheiliúradh, tabharfaidh an tOllamh Robert J. Chaskin as Ollscoil Chicago agus Cathaoirleach ar an mBord Comhairleach Idirnáisiúnta san Institiúid léacht dar teideal “Social Policy and Community Action for Children, Youth, and Families”. Sa léacht seo, tabharfaidh an tOllamh Chaskin léargas ar mhúnla nuálach do thaighde pobal-bhunaithe a chiallaíonn go mbíonn seirbhísí agus lucht gairme níos ábhartha sa mhéid a dhéanann siad do theaghlaigh atá i ngátar.  Beidh an léacht ar siúl sa phríomh-halla san fhoirgneamh ILAS ag 2.30pm, Dé Céadaoin, an 11 Samhain 2015. Tá sé saor in aisce freastal ar an léacht agus oscailte don phobal ach ní mór áit a chur in áirithe mar sin seol ríomhphost chuig ILAS@nuigalway.ie CRÍOCH

Programme of events catering for young and old as part of Science Week and the Galway Science and Technology Festival Thursday, 12 November 2015: The School of Physics at NUI Galway will host a series of outreach events to coincide with Science Week 2015 and the 18th Galway Science and Technology Festival this November. Events will commence with Galway's own PhotonicSplash, an open lighting event at NUI Galway’s iconic Quadrangle on the evenings of Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 of November, marking the UNESCO International Year of Light 2015 and showcasing the importance of Photonics in our lives. Photonics encompasses all of the different ways scientists and engineers can manipulate, control and harness the power of light. NUI Galway’s Tissue Optics and Microcirculation Imaging (TOMI) research group as a partner of the GoPhoton! initiative, have developed photonic apps for android smartphones and tablets which include a heart rate monitor and embarrassment detector. These and some other fun apps intended for children, schools and the general public will demonstrate how the technology in these fantastic devices would not be possible without Photonics. There will be lots of equipment, toolkits and demos provided within an informal educational framework, which will allow students to learn so much about Photonics. PhotonicSplash will also feature hands-on experiments, educational videos, training, demos, posters and artworks indoors on the Concourse in front of the Dillon Theatre at NUI Galway on Sunday, 22 November. Suitable for all ages and families, the events will highlight the importance of Photonics and ignite the interest of children, students and adults alike. The demos will be run by TOMI members who will represent the NUI Galway International Society of Optics and Photonics (SPIE) Chapter. Two PhotonicSplash events called ‘LIGHTtalks’ will take place on Friday, 20 November from 11am-12pm in the old Moore Institute Seminar Room in the Arts Science Building at NUI Galway. Both talks will be preceded by promotional photonics productions that have been produced in conjunction with LIGHT2015. A talk about ‘Careers in Photonics’ will be given by Professor David Sampson and aimed at 2nd and 3rd level students, industry, entrepreneurs and the public providing information about a career in Photonics. Resident researcher and Compact Imaging Head of Application Development Ireland, Dr Paul McNamara will give the second talk entitled ‘Photonics and Industry’ aimed at industry, entrepreneurs and the public, explaining how industry and Photonics are linked and how Photonics is crucial to every aspect of technology in modern everyday life. As part of the final day Exhibition of the Galway Science and Technology Festival on Sunday, 22 November, young people, families and adults of all ages can experience the amazing Laser Harp show by Britain’s Got Talent 2012 Semi Finalist, Greig Stewart from 11am-4pm in the Dillon Theatre in the Arts Concourse Building at NUI Galway. The PhotonicSplash promises to put Photonics at the forefront of everyone minds at this year’s Festival with fun for all ages and interests. Professor Martin Leahy, School of Physics at NUI Galway, said: “Next week's PhotonicSplash events represent a major part of NUI Galway's contribution to the UNESCO International Year of Light 2015. We have an exciting array of events lined up and we do hope that many of you can join us on campus during the week.” For bookings email Sean O’Gorman at NUI Galway on s.ogorman2@nuigalway.ie and to learn more about PhotonicSplash and apps visit www.gophoton.eu, TOMI research group. -Ends-

The Letters of 1916, in collaboration with NUI Galway, is bringing its ‘Letters of 1916: A Year in the Life’ event to The James Hardiman Library’s Digital Archives and the Moore Institute at NUI Galway on Monday, 16 November. Visitors are welcome to drop-in at any stage during the event from 2pm-6pm. Professor Susan Schreibman of Digital Humanities at Maynooth University and Letters of 1916 is inviting the people of Galway to take part in this public event where original letters from 1916 will be uploaded to the internet and made available as part of a new national digital archive. Members of the public are invited to bring family letters along to digitise and to participate in uploading rare materials collected, and to learn how the process works. Letters of 1916 is Ireland’s first public humanities project. It is creating a crowdsourced digital collection of letters written between 1 November 1915 and 31 October 1916. To date the project has collected over 2,300 letters from over 20 institutions and 40 private collections. These letters cover a variety of topics ranging from the Easter Rising to art, culture, family life and the Great War. Professor Daniel Carey, Director of the Moore Institute at NUI Galway, said: “Through these letters the project is bringing to life the written words, the last words, the unspoken words and the forgotten words. It is creating an online collection for the public, created by the public, which is adding a new perspective to life in this period, a confidential glimpse into early 20th century Ireland and the politics of the era.” The ‘Letters of 1916: A Year in the Life’ series of events is bringing digital humanities to the general public and into secondary schools in locations around Ireland. During the event, run in conjunction with Science Foundation Ireland, visitors will transcribe and add letters from archives around the country to the Letters of 1916 collection and by doing so, will gain insight into what life was like a century ago. The Letters of 1916 project team will provide a hands-on workshop from the Nursing and Midwifery PC suite of the James Hardiman Library at NUI Galway. This will be followed by refreshments in room G010 of the James Hardiman Research building and a series of short talks by Professor Susan Schreibman, and Dr Sarah­Anne Buckley, Dr Conor McNamara and Thérèse McIntyre from NUI Galway, based on letters from Galway, illuminating both everyday life as well as how individuals dealt with momentous events of the period. For further information on Letters of 1916 visit: http://dh.tcd.ie/letters1916/ -Ends-

NUI Galway Award 30 New Sports Scholarships NUI Galway Vice President for the Student Experience, Dr Pat Morgan, recently presented 30 outstanding athletes with NUI Galway Student Sports Scholarships. The ceremony commenced with a special address by Irish and Connacht Rugby player, Robbie Henshaw, who is also an NUI Galway student. Fresh from his return from Ireland’s recent Rugby World Cup campaign, Robbie spoke to the scholarship students and parents about his recent experiences and the demands of world class sport. Kathy Hynes, Acting Head of Sport, who manages the scholarship scheme was delighted to welcome Henshaw back to NUI Galway: “It is important for our students to have role models such as Robbie who is competing at the highest level but continue to maintain their academic pathway. Robbie is an athlete who embodies all that is positive in sporting excellence and academic achievement. It is very rewarding to support athletes from a range of sports in their academic and athletic endeavour to achieve in both areas the best they can be.” This year’s ceremony saw the Performance Points Sports Scholarship awarded to eight outstanding athletes. The scheme provides 40 additional points to those earned in the Leaving Certificate for elite athletes, for academic courses over 350 entry points. This year’s scholarship recipients represent some of the finest young talent in Irish sport today including Naomi Carroll, Irish International Hockey player who has 69 caps. Jamie Fallon, track and cross country athlete who has already three appearances in an Irish vest, Jamie will be competing mid-November for a place in the Irish U20 for the European Cross country team in France. Ladies soccer continues to grow in strength with Aoife Walsh, Performance point’s recipient and youngest player to represent Galway Women’s Football Club (WFC) season 2013-2014 and former FAI senior cup winner. Shauna Fox, WFC team member and Louise Creaven current goalkeeper for Castlebar WFC all received awards. Conor Melody and Kevin Horgan, Galway United team players conclude the soccer awards. The NUI Galway Basketball club will host the prestigious Intervarsity competition in April 2016. As winners of this elite competition in 2015 of the men's A tournament and the women completing the double in the B tournament the University hopes 2015 will be an equally successful year. Patrick Lyons and Joseph Tummon are both scholarship recipients 2015 and NUI Galway varsity players. Sporting success continues with Ronan O’Sullivan, former scholarship recipient and Patrick Lyons being selected for the “Hibernia” select team for International competition. NUI Galway continues to grow its success in Rowing, with 2014-2015 winning the Men’s Intermediate 4 of Ireland for NUI Galway. The squad included Daniel Buckley and Jack Bennett both recipients of this year’s scholarship. The squad also included Aidan Kinneen and Kevin Neville. Recipient, Katie McEneff was a member of both the club and intermediate crews that took national titles at this season’s championship, with the Intermediate 4 setting a new national record time. And Ailbhe Ní Ghríofa who in 2014 was part of the successful women’s club eight and four. Rugby scholarships were presented to Roy Stanley, Connacht U20’s, Mark Dolan, Ireland schools and U20’s, John Moloney Ireland U19’s and Shannen Lane, a member of the Irish 7’s Development squad. Swim Ireland Connacht Performance centre based on the NUI Galway campus has continued to attract high performance athletes. The wider reach of this partnership supports the University strategic direction of community engagement. David Dowling and Alannah Leonard were both recipients of the Performance point’s scholarship. Scholarships in individual sports such as Golf were awarded to Cathal Nolan, a Commerce and Accountancy student from Barna in Galway. Cathal is a member of the prestigious Galway Golf Club playing off par 1. Gaelic Games within NUI Galway continues to attract high profile players and future talent including All-Star hurling nominees Conor Whelan and Padraic Mannion. Kerry Hurler Darragh Shanahan, Sligo footballer Kevin McDonnell, Roscommon footballer David Murray and Mayo’s Adam Gallagher; Ladies Gaelic Footballer, Emer Gallagher from Donegal and Camogie All-Star nominee in 2015 Chloe Morey from Clare, all secured scholarships on the night. Speaking at the award ceremony, Vice-President for the Student Experience, Dr Pat Morgan, said: “I would like to congratulate the recipients of this year’s awards and remind them of the honour of representing the University and we hope they will aspire to even greater successes such as those achieved by the recent scholarship holders in Hurling, Camogie, Rowing, Rugby and Swimming who have reached the pinnacle of their sports.” NUI Galway Performance Points awardees: • Gaelic Football: Adam Gallagher from Claremorris, Co. Mayo • Hurling: Darragh Shanahan from Lixnaw, Co. Kerry • Rugby: Shannen Lane from Drumolga Wood, Co. Cavan • Rugby: John Moloney from Shortcastle, Co. Cork • Ladies Soccer: Aoife Walsh from Clybaun Road, Galway City • Ladies Soccer: Louise Creaven from Galway City • Swimming: Alannah Leonard from Devenish, Enniskillen • Swimming: David Dowling from Oranmore, Co. Galway NUI Galway Sports Scholarships awardees: • Athletics: Maebh Brannigan from Circular Road, Galway • Athletics: Jamie Fallon, from Craughwell. Co. Galway • Basketball: Patrick Lyons from Moycullen, Co. Galway • Basketball: Joseph Tummon from Circular Road, Galway • Hurling: Conor Whelan from Kinvara, Co. Galway • Hurling: Padraic Mannion, from Ahascargh, Co. Galway • Gaelic Football: Kevin Mc Donnell from Castleconner, Sligo • Gaelic Football: David Murray from Ballydangan, Co. Roscommon • Camogie: Chloe Morey from Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare • Golf: Cathal Nolan from Knocknacarra, Galway • Rowing: Jack Bennett from Renmore Galway • Rowing: Dan Buckley from Blackrock, Co. Dublin • Rowing: Ailbhe Ní Ghríofa from Salthill, Galway • Rowing: Katie McEneff from St Raphaels Manor, Co. Kildare • Rugby: Roy Stanley from Thurles, Co. Tipperary • Rugby: Mark Dolan from Athlone, Co. Westmeath • Soccer: Shauna Fox from Headford Road, Galway • Soccer: Kevin Horgan from Clybaun Road, Galway • Soccer: Conor Melody from Doughiska, Galway • Gaelic Football: Emer Gallagher from Churchill, Donegal • Hockey: Naomi Carroll from Cratloe, Co Galway • Hockey: Alice Meagher from Knocknacarra, Galway City -Ends-

NUI Galway events and exhibitions at TULCA explores issues of climate change and our place in the changing landscape The annual festival of visual arts, TULCA, runs this year from November the 13 to 29 November and is curated by Mary Cremin. NUI Galway plays host to a number of events and many staff members from NUI Galway are taking part in the festival. This year’s festival, entitled Seachange, explores issues of climate change and our place in a changing landscape. Through a combination of the real and the imaginary, the exhibiting artists create a collective call for a sea change, literally, in our current climate policies. Accompanying the visual art exhibitions and film screenings is a series of talks and discussions entitled ‘Hy-Brasil Dialogues’. These talks will be held in the Aula Maxima at NUI Galway on Saturday 14 and Saturday 28 November, running from 12pm to 5pm. Geographers, geologists, marine researchers, architects, linguists and artists will explore the complexity of our current environment, both locally and globally and from the perspective of geological time, present-time and future projections. Among the contributors to the ‘Hy-Brasil Dialogues’ are NUI Galway staff members, geologist Dr Alessandra Costanzo, Director of the Geofluids Research Laboratory, geographers Dr Alexandra Revez, Post-Doctoral Researcher with the 3-Cities Project and Dr Eugene Farrell, Lecturer in Geography and writer and sean nós singer Dr Lillis O’Laoire, Senior Lecturer in Irish at NUI Galway. Dr Lillis O’Laoire also features in ‘Island Sessions: Stories and Songs of Sea and Shore’, a lunchtime event of live performances, being held in the TULCA Festival Gallery at the Connacht Tribune Print Works in Market Street, from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday, 15 November. Folk tales, legends and songscapes of the West coast of Ireland, encompassing magic, transformations, love, loss and pride of place, will be performed by Lillis and local storyteller, Seosamh Ó Guairim. The James Mitchell Geology Museum in the University is a focal point for this year’s TULCA. The fossils and the specimens exhibited in the museum speak of a geological time that is beyond our comprehension. Artist Barbara Knezevic’s piece, Conglomerations, Constellations, draws on the geological samples from the museum and one of her artworks will be situated within the museum itself. Full details of the talks are available at: www.tulcafestival.com/festival-2015/events-talks/ Talks are free but booking is essential as places are limited. Information about all the TULCA exhibitions, screenings and events is available at: www.tulcafestival.com/festival-2015/ -Ends-

Secondary school students interested in studying at NUI Galway are invited to an information evening in Naas on Thursday, 19 November. Parents and guardians are also particularly welcome to the event which runs from 7pm to 9pm in the Osprey Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare. The evening will begin with short talks about NUI Galway and some of the 60 courses it offers. Afterwards, current students and NUI Galway staff will be on hand at information stands to answer any individual questions in relation to courses offered by the University and about practical issues like accommodation, fees and scholarships, and the wide range of support services available to our students. The ever-increasing popularity of NUI Galway is in-part due to a suite of innovative programmes, developed in response to the changing needs of the employment market. Unique programmes include a suite of Arts degree programmes including Drama, Creative Writing and Human Rights, an Energy Systems Engineering degree which is taught in the University’s new Engineering Building, Ireland’s largest School of Engineering, a Maths and Education degree aimed at training Maths teachers, and a Marine Science degree. Visitors to the information evening will also get information on NUI Galway’s newest degree programmes, a Bachelor of Commerce (Global Experience), Bachelor in Children’s Studies and the new Bachelor of Arts (Joint Honours). Celine O’Donovan, Senior Marketing Officer at NUI Galway, said: “NUI Galway has a great deal to offer. Our own students tell us our lecturers are inspirational and challenge them to achieve their full potential. The student experience in Galway is second to none, and we want to bring a taste of that to County Kildare, while also providing all the practical information on accommodation, CAO points, fees, scholarships and courses. With so many courses on offer, this event in Naas is a perfect opportunity for prospective students to meet current students and lecturers to see what degree might be the right fit for them.” To find out more about the information evening in Naas, contact NUI Galway's Schools Liaison Officer, Siobhan Dorman on 086 0421591 or siobhan.dorman@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

The commencement of the Companies Act 2014 earlier this year (June 2015) has had new and far reaching consequences for company directors, lawyers and accountants. Chairman of the Company Law Review Group, and the driving force behind the 2014 Act, Dr Thomas Courtney, will deliver a lecture in the School of Law at NUI Galway on Tuesday evening, 24 November at 6pm. Dr Courtney, an NUI Galway graduate, has had a distinguished career to date as partner in Arthur Cox Solicitors, where he is Head of Compliance and Governance Practice. He will deliver a lecture on the Companies Act 2014 - what it means for existing companies, directors’ duties and compliance provisions. Head of the School of Law at NUI Galway, Professor Donncha O’Connell, said: “We are delighted to welcome back one of our most distinguished graduates, Dr Tom Courtney, to deliver this lecture which is timely because of the recent commencement of the Companies Act. It also coincides with the introduction of the new four-year Bachelor of Corporate Law Degree, which will be available from September 2016. This event will be of interest to the wider legal and business communities in Galway, as well as to existing students and staff at NUI Galway Law School.” Dr Courtney’s talk will be held in the O’Flaherty Lecture Theatre on the Main Concourse of the Arts/ Science building. The event is free but places are limited, so if you are interested in attending please e-mail Nicola Gavin at the Law School at Nicola.Gavin@nuigalway.ie or call 091 492389. CPD certificates will be available for members of the legal profession. ENDS

At a ceremony on 10 November in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Chancellor of the National University of Ireland Dr Maurice Manning presented fellowships, scholarships and other valued at in excess of €850,000 to graduates and students of NUI. NUI honoured scholars of distinction at every stage of their academic studies, from undergraduates to senior scholars well established in their fields of expertise. Over 30 students and graduates of NUI Galway were awarded prizes. NUI Galway graduates received a number of awards, including an outstanding Five Travelling Studentships – one in the Humanities and four in the Sciences. The Dr Mary Thornton Scholarship in Education was shared by two winners, both connected to NUI Galway. These awards will support post-graduate and doctoral research in a variety of subjects, from human rights in Uganda to bioprosthetic heart valves. NUI Galway graduate Dr Ciaran O'Neill was awarded a Special Commendation in connection with the Publication Prize in Irish History 2015, for his new work Catholics of Consequence: Transnational Education, Social Mobility and the Irish Catholic Elite, 1850 – 1900 (Oxford University Press, 2014). NUI Galway undergraduates were equally successful. Students received the Mansion House Fund Scholarship in Irish History, the Mansion House Fund Prize in Irish, two medals in the Dr H H Stewart Literary Scholarship competitions, and twenty-one medals in the Dr H H Stewart Medical Scholarship competitions, including nine first prizes. President Jim Browne, said on the success of NUI Galway students and graduates: “This clearly highlights the high calibre of students studying on NUI Galway programmes and follows previous successes in these annual awards. I congratulate the Awardees on their achievements and encourage them in the future endeavours. In commending the Award recipients, I’d also like to pay tribute to their teachers for their work in supporting these students and in helping them to achieve such high standards.” Speaking at the event, Dr Manning congratulated the award recipients, commending their scholarly distinction and ‘outstanding academic achievement’. He highlighted the importance of promoting scholars and scholarship as a core aim of NUI, and stated that the University is ‘very pleased to be able to offer this level of support for academic achievement and through its awards to provide opportunities for able students to engage in further studies’. Details on NUI Awards to be offered in 2016 will be available from January at www.nui.ie/awards   ENDS

NUI Galway study includes 71 physicians, 30 general practitioners and 3,500 patients in Ireland who were randomly assigned to one of three groups with the goal of changing prescribing behaviour for urinary tract infections An initiative to improve the prescribing of antibiotics for urinary tract infections resulted in better-quality prescribing of first line antibiotics, although the number of prescriptions also increased, according to new research carried out by NUI Galway and Oxford University. The study was published today (16 November 2015) in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). The study entitled ‘Supporting the Improvement and Management of Prescribing for UTIs (SIMPle)’, first began in 2011 when NUI Galway researchers found that a variety of antibiotics were prescribed by general practitioners for urinary tract infections (UTI’s). As the spread of antibiotic resistance continues, the researchers set out to improve antibiotic prescribing for urinary tract infections in general practice and designed a cluster randomised intervention. The study involved 71 physicians, 30 general practitioners and 3,500 patients in Ireland (Galway city and county, and Roscommon). Overall, a 20% absolute increase in prescribing of antibiotics according to guidelines was observed in the intervention groups. However, general practitioners also increased overall prescribing of antibiotics for urinary tract infection. Dr Akke Vellinga, Epidemiologist in the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science at NUI Galway, and co-author of the study, said: “The increase in overall prescribing of antibiotics for urinary tract infection was unexpected, and it was not possible to conclude whether this was clinically appropriate or an unwanted consequence. The SIMPle study improved the quality of antibiotic prescribing through the use of audit reports and reminders. In a next step, the quantity of antibiotic prescribing for urinary tract infection will be addressed.” The World Health Organisation (WHO) has deemed antibiotic resistance an immediate threat to world health. Overuse and overprescribing of antibiotics are major contributors to antibiotic-resistant diseases. Urinary tract infections are one of the most common illnesses for which antibiotics are prescribed. Efforts to curb overuse must involve patients, physicians and other health care workers, pharmaceutical companies and policy makers. Dr Vellinga added, “The improved quality of prescribing must be put into the context of its unintended effect, an increase in actual antibiotic prescriptions. Research has shown that the nature of complex systems, such as general practices, where many interrelated factors influence antibiotic prescribing, makes it difficult to predict the results of interventions.” Patients whose doctors participated in one of the intervention groups were twice as likely to receive a prescription for a first line antibiotic, with nitrofurantoin the preferred option. The authors suggest that if the increase in antibiotic prescribing is the result of an increase in nitrofurantoin, the potential harm may be muted as there is little evidence of acquired resistance to nitrofurantoin. They call for further study to determine if increased prescribing is clinically appropriate or an unintended result of behavioural change. To view the SIMPle research video visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buyeYTt1uQs  To view the CMAJ research visit: http://www.cmaj.ca/content/early/2015/11/16/cmaj.150601 For the authors Commentary visit: http://www.cmaj.ca/content/early/2015/11/16/cmaj.151103  -Ends-

NUI Galway held a half-day seminar that considered a number of key legal and policy issues on policing and accountability in Ireland. Organised under the auspices of the LLM in Public Law, School of Law, NUI Galway, the seminar, ‘Policing, Accountability and the State’ took place on Friday, 13th of November 2015. The conference examined the role of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, police reform in light of the occupational culture of An Garda Síochána and policing under the Irish constitution. ‘Policing, Accountability and the State’ brought together leading commentators from the judiciary, academia and legal practice including: NUI Galway’s Tom O’Malley BL, Judge Mary Ellen Ring who was recently appointed as Chairperson of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission and Dr Vicky Conway from the School of Law and Government at Dublin City University. -ENDS-

The Threesis 2015 final has taken place and the winners announced include Sports Aerodynamics student Paul Mannion who took first prize for his presentation on the GEEC – Galway’s Energy Efficient Car. Threesis is focused on taking students and staff out of their comfort zones to present their research to a general audience using only three slides over three minutes to three judges. The focus is on impact; how research at NUI Galway impacts upon our daily lives, those of our family and our broader community. The competitors had come through a series of heats already held on campus, to take on the final challenge at a public event in An Taibhdhearc. The winners were judged on how well they conveyed and communicated their subject to a sell-out audience. Paul Mannion’s presentation was on the ‘GEEC 2.0 - Galway Energy Efficient Car Design and Development’ which is currently in construction phase and aims to improve fuel efficiency through improved aerodynamic design. A postgraduate research student from New Inn, Co Galway, Paul is studying sports aerodynamics at NUI Galway. He is a member of the GEEC 1.0 team, a car designed and built by NUI Galway engineering students, which competed in the Shell Eco Marathon in Rotterdam in May of this year and is currently Ireland’s most fuel efficient vehicle. Second prize went to Juhi Samal a third year PhD student at CÚRAM, the Centre for Research in Medical Devices at NUI Galway with her presentation ‘Biomaterial pills for Parkinson’s’. Originally from Odisha in India, Juhi moved to Galway in 2013, when she was awarded the Hardiman Fellowship. Her PhD focuses on developing solutions for neurodegenerative disease. In particular, her research is investigating delivery of neurotrophic factors to the brain, to modify neuronal dysfunctions in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease (PD). Juhi was also recently awarded first prize at the 27th European Society for Biomaterials (ESB) Conference held in Krackow, Poland for this same research. Liam Lachs, a final year Marine Science student from Killarney, Co. Kerry, took the third prize with his presentation ‘How does cold wet Ireland have colourful coral reefs?’ Liam began a project last summer assessing the distribution of vulnerable deep sea coral ecosystems at the continental margin West of Ireland. This work involved a three-week coral survey on the RV Celtic Explorer and has developed into a final year project. With a great appreciation of the environment and oceans from years of surfing around the Irish west coasts and living near the sea, Liam is assured that coral ecosystems are worth a global conservation effort. Liam is interested in furthering the understanding of the forces behind coral distribution and their responses to climate change. Isma Liza Mohd Isa, won the audience prize for her presentation ‘Biomaterials Approach for Treating Back Pain’. Isma, originally from northern Malaysia is a third year student, is also based at CÚRAM, the Centre for Research in Medical Devices. A mother of two children, Isma is focusing her research on the development of a biomaterial implant to relieve back pain caused by intervertebral disc damage. Her aim is to construct a therapeutically implantable device that can reduce inflammation and pain, as well as promote disc repair. Research areas represented at the Threesis 2015 final included science, engineering, information technology, humanities, social sciences and medicine, with topics ranging from novel tests for early detection of breast cancer to blue ecosystem services. The three judges; Professor Lokesh Joshi, Vice-President for Research at NUI Galway, Dr Miriam Haughton, Lecturer in Drama and Theatre Studies at NUI Galway and Mr Declan Courell, Registrar at St Angela’s College in Sligo had the responsibility of choosing the overall winners of the night. Jonathan McCrea was Master of Ceremonies for the event. Jonathan is a multi-award-winning TV and radio broadcaster, who presents The Science Squad on RTÉ, The Lie on TV3 and Futureproof on Newstalk 106-108fm. Professor Lokesh Joshi, Vice-President for Research at NUI Galway, said: “I am incredibly proud of our research community. This event highlights some of the fantastic research we have across our campuses in NUI Galway and in St Angela’s College Sligo. A clear indicator of our success as a University is how relevant our research is to our community and how it positively impacts upon society. Our final event showcased this exquisitely; both from the perspective of our excellent presenters to the engagement and encouragement of our audience.” Other finalists at the event included; Mihael Arcan (Insight, NUI Galway), Mimi Xiao (Economics, NUI Galway), Claudia Kinmonth (Moore Institute, NUI Galway), Declan O'Loughlin (Engineering, NUI Galway), Aoife Murray (Mc Keown Library, St Angela's College Sligo), Daniel Norton (J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, NUI Galway), Cliona Hensey (French, NUI Galway), Hannah Durand (School of Psychology, NUI Galway) and Maria Gallo (Office of the President, St Angela’s College Sligo). For further information on the event visit http://www.nuigalway.ie/threesis/ -Ends-

A view of Galway through the lens of its world-leading Med Tech industry, campaigns for cultural acknowledgement and urban innovation NUI Galway is delighted to announce it will host the Galway element of the Global Irish Economic Forum. NUI Galway will host a Regional Session, including a public forum, entitled ‘Gaillimh Nua’ on Thursday, 19 November ahead of the Dublin Castle events this weekend. The Global Irish Economic Forum is organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The programme includes the regional event to be held in Galway, which will bring together members of the Global Irish Network, SMEs in the West region, Galway City and County Councils and the academic community. The Global Irish Economic Forum Galway Regional morning session (closed) will this year showcase MedTech activities in research and translational science in NUI Galway and the broader region with members of the Global Irish Network in order to share expertise and explore collaborative opportunities. The session will facilitate Global Irish Network Members along with IDA and Enterprise Ireland client companies in a two-way conversation to identify current challenges within the MedTech sector, and explore potential solutions to these through the lens of the cross-sectoral expertise of the Global Irish Network members. This will be led by Prof Lokesh Joshi, NUI Galway’s Vice President for Research and medtech entrepreneur, John O’Dea, Crospon. Members of the Network who will participate in the public forum, moderated by NUI Galway graduate Eimear Ní Chonaola, Journalist and TG4/RTÉ broadcaster, include Gerard J. Barry, Director, Debarra Innovations Ltd. Founder, Fintrax Group; Gearóid Faherty, Eurand N.V.; Kevin Conboy, President Irish Chamber of Atlanta; Catherine Toolan, Managing Director, Aramark International; Brian Barry, Chairman, Tirna Partners; and William McLaughlin, Founder, Irish American Business Chamber and Network Inc. and others. The ‘Gaillimh Nua’ Roundtable discussion will this year engage with local initiatives in the areas of Gastronomy, Culture, Innovation, Smart City, Marine and The Emigration Experience. Leading local representatives in each of these emerging and growing areas will address the Forum. Public Forum Speakers: Gastronomy: Cathal O’Donoghue, Teagasc and Alan Farrell, Galway County Council, on Galway’s bid for European Region of Gastronomy 2018. Culture: Gary McMahon, Galway City Council, and Eithne Verling, Galway Museum, on the Galway city and county culture strategy. Innovation: John Breslin, Galway City Innovation District, on the development of Galway’s Portershed initiative, a centralised hub for start-up development and networking. Smart City: Liam Hanrahan, Galway City Council and Niall Ó Brolcháin, Insight Institute, NUI Galway on the Open and Agile Smart city initiative. Marine: Dr Peter Heffernan, Chief Executive of Galway’s Marine Institute, an international leader in marine research and innovation. The Emigration Experience: Laura Colleran and Clare Doyle (Ireland Reaching Out/Ireland XO) who work to build relationships between Ireland’s diaspora and their home counties. Places are limited and those wishing to attend the public forum are required to register in advance at www.conference.ie The forum will be in the Aula Maxima (Lower), Quadrangle Building, NUI Galway. The event begins at 2.00pm. The event will be streamed live online at www.nuigalway.ie /forum ENDS

An international group of scientists led by Professor David McHugh from UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, with contributions from an SFI research group at NUI Galway, have determined that a now-extinct species of giant wild cattle known as the aurochs crossbred with the ancestors of modern day cattle in Britain and Ireland thousands of years ago. Published in the leading journal Genome Biology, the scientists used whole-genome sequencing data generated from a 6,750-year-old British aurochs bone discovered in a cave in Derbyshire, England. Standing over six feet tall to the shoulder and weighing more than a ton, aurochs were giant wild cattle that roamed the plains of Europe for thousands of years. The last recorded aurochs died in Poland in 1627. Researchers Dr Mark Donoghue and PhD student Martin Braud, in the NUI Galway SFI research group of Professor Charles Spillane, contributed to the bioinformatic analysis of the genome data and are all co-authors on the Genome Biology study. Professor Charles Spillane said: “My research team’s contribution focused on identification of the 700 non-coding microRNA genes in the aurochsen genome to identify variants of these microRNA genes associated with the transition from the wild aurochsen form to the domesticated cattle form we are familiar with today. Until recently it was considered that protein-encoding genes were predominantly responsible for how multi-cellular organisms (such as humans or cattle) are built from a single embryo cell. However, genes which encode for small RNA molecules (not proteins) have emerged over the past decade as an important class of genes that can switch off and on biochemical pathways. Such microRNA genes can be considered as analogous to the conductor in an orchestra, where a miRNA gene can act as the “conductor” of a genetic symphony played out by switching on and off many other genes.” The distinct genetic differences between the British aurochs and the original cattle of the Near East known as the Fertile Crescent, allowed the researchers to detect the ancient crossbreeding between British aurochs and the early domestic cattle of Britain. As a result, the researchers conclude that the gene flow from wild aurochs in Britain has significantly shaped the genetic composition of certain breeds of modern British and Irish cattle, in contrast to breeds from mainland Europe. This information will be particularly valuable for the genome-assisted cattle breeding programmes that underpin dairy and beef cattle breeding in Ireland and other countries. Ancient heritage or landrace cattle breeds, such as Scottish Highland cattle and Irish Kerry cattle, were found to be most closely related to the British aurochs, a finding that has significant implications for genetic conservation programmes. It has found that the breeding of wild aurochs with domestic cattle in Britain may have been an important factor in the evolution of these livestock, perhaps through the introduction of desirable traits that helped early domestic cattle to adapt to new environments, such as those encountered in Britain. The aurochs genome sequence also provides an important comparative reference for a more complete understanding of the genetics underlying important behavioural, production (including milk yield) and health traits in domestic cattle. High-resolution whole-genome sequence data from 81 animals was directly compared to the aurochs genome sequence to identify key genes that differentiate domestic cattle from their wild counterparts. A parallel approach, using genetic marker data from 1,225 cattle, provided a broader picture of the genomic changes that have shaped the evolution of modern breeds. The research was part-funded by Science Foundation Ireland and represented an international effort with research contributions from collaborators in UCD, TCD, NUI Galway and IdentiGEN in Ireland, and from international collaborators from the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Recombinetics, Inc., and the Beijing Genome Institute (BGI). To view the Genome Biology paper visit: http://www.genomebiology.com/2015/16/1/234 -Ends-

Collaboration Celebrates The Life And Work of Mary O’Malley And The Work of W.B Yeats in Northern Ireland In a unique collaboration, two students from the Centre for Drama and Theatre Studies at NUI Galway, and two drama students from the Lyric Theatre, Belfast will work together to present a new piece of writing based on the extensive archive of Mary O’Malley and the Lyric Theatre, which is held at the James Hardiman Library at the University. The initiative is part of the Arts in Action programme at NUI Galway where Martin Kenny and Beau Holland are current students. Both Galway students along with Luke Bannon and Sarah Blair from Lyric Theatre, will work together with NUI graduate Caroline Lynch, Writer, Actress, and Theatre Director at Lyric Theatre Belfast. By exploring the Lyric Theatre archive at the James Hardiman Library, Archivist Barry Houlihan has discovered the story of Mary O’Malley’s journey and the history of Yeats’ work in Northern Ireland, which will reach new audiences in this the 150th anniversary of the birth of W.B. Yeats. The Lyric Theatre archive is a detailed record of the growth and development of the theatre and its founding director, Mary O’Malley. This event will mine and explore that archive, share new material and present a live event that will draw the audience into the Yeats-inspired Belfast and world of Mary O’Malley and the birth of a new theatre across a time of immense social, political and artistic change. Patrick Lonergan, Professor of Drama and Theatre Studies at NUI Galway, said: “NUI Galway is one of the world’s leading centres for the study of Irish theatre archives, and it is wonderful to see the Lyric collection inspiring a new play. This Arts in Action event is a fine example of NUI Galway’s commitment to allowing its students to put their learning into practice, and this cross-border project is the first in what we hope will be many future collaborations with colleagues and students in Northern Ireland." This year will see Northern Ireland students benefiting from a revised CAO points scheme which will make it easier for school leavers to gain entry to NUI Galway. The new scheme will award students with increased CAO points, based on their top three A Levels and may result in a boost in the numbers of Northern Ireland students studying at NUI Galway. In support of Career Teachers and Careers Advisors in Northern Ireland, NUI Galway are the primary sponsors of the upcoming NISCA Conference, which is taking place in La Mon Hotel & Country Club in Belfast on Thursday 26th November. ENDS

NUI Galway welcomes the decision of the Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Joe McHugh TD, to sanction a grant of €2.7 million for Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge. This support will assist the provision of academic and educational programmes in the University’s Centres in the Gaeltacht. A yearly allocation of €900,000 will be sanctioned by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht during the period 2015-2018 in addition to specific support for University education through Irish from the Higher Education Authority. NUI Galway operates three centres in the Gaeltacht, located in Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal and in Carna and An Cheathrú Rua in Co. Galway. Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge provides undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Applied Irish, Translation Studies, Communications and Information Technology in the Gaeltacht Centres and on the University’s campus in Galway. The University’s strategic objectives for the Irish language between now and 2018 include: • The provision of first class language acquisition programmes to ensure that advanced language competence is recognised as a graduate attribute for NUI Galway students. • The introduction of a structured Gaeltacht Semester and Student Placement programme by 2016 to assist NUI Galway students to acquire and use the Irish language as part of their degrees. • Becoming the primary national centre for Language Immersion Programmes for Student Teachers through the full utilisation of the University’s Centres in the Gaeltacht. The Registrar and Deputy President of NUI Galway, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, welcomed the funding decision: “I warmly welcome the decision of Minister of State, Joe Mc Hugh. We want to ensure that NUI Galway graduates have excellent Irish language competence and this support shall provide a level of planning certainty as we implement the University’s Irish language strategy between now and 2018.” CEO of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Dónall Ó Braonáin, also welcomed the funding: “This is significant and important support for the University, especially as we begin to offer the Gaeltacht Semester Programme which will be available across all of our Gaeltacht Centres in time. The Gaeltacht Placement Programmes for Student Teachers have clearly demonstrated the academic advantage of immersion language programmes in the Gaeltacht.” For further information on Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge visit: http://www.nuigalway.ie/acadamh/ ENDS   FÁILTÍONN OÉ GAILLIMH ROIMH THACAÍOCHT DON OLLSCOLAÍOCHT GHAEILGE Cuireann Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, fáilte roimh chinneadh Aire Stáit na Gaeltachta, Joe McHugh TD, soláthar €2.7 milliún a chur ar fáil d’Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge. Bainfidh an soláthar seo le gníomhaíochtaí oideachais agus léinn a reáchtáil in Ionaid OÉ Gaillimh sa Ghaeltacht. Íocfar allúntas bliantúil de €900,000 ón Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta leis an Ollscoil le linn na tréimhse 2015-2018 de bhreis ar shaintacaíocht don Ollscolaíocht Ghaeilge ón Údarás um Ardoideachas. Tá trí Ionad ag an Ollscoil sa Ghaeltacht agus iad lonnaithe i nGaoth Dobhair, Contae Dhún na nGall agus i gCarna agus ar an gCeathrú Rua i gContae na Gaillimhe. Cuireann Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge cúrsaí léinn fochéime agus iarchéime sa Ghaeilge Fheidhmeach, i Léann an Aistriúcháin agus na hAteangaireachta, sa Chumarsáid agus sa Teicneolaíocht Faisnéise ar fáil sna hIonaid Ghaeltachta agus ar champas na hOllscoile i nGaillimh. I measc na gcuspóirí straitéiseacha atá ag OÉ Gaillimh don Ghaeilge idir seo agus 2018, tá: • Cláir sealbhaithe teanga barr feabhais a chur ar fáil le go mbeidh inniúlacht den scoth sa Ghaeilge ina príomhthréith ag céimithe OÉ Gaillimh; • Clár struchtúrtha do sheimeastar Gaeltachta agus do shocrúchan oibre a chur ar fáil faoin mbliain 2016 le go mbeadh deiseanna sealbhaithe agus úsáide teanga ag mic léinn OÉ Gaillimh; • Leas a bhaint as Ionaid na hOllscoile sa Ghaeltacht le go mbeidh OÉ Gaillimh ar an bpríomhionad do Thumchláir Theanga in Oideachas Tosaigh Múinteoirí go náisiúnta. D’fháiltigh Meabhránaí agus Uachtarán Ionaid na hOllscoile, an tOllamh Pól Ó Dochartaigh roimh an gcinneadh maoinithe: “Fáiltím go mór roimh chinneadh an Aire Stáit, Joe Mc Hugh. Is mian linn go mbeidh céimithe Gaeilge den scoth ag OÉ Gaillimh agus bhéarfaidh an tacaíocht seo cinnteacht phleanála dúinn agus feidhm á tabhairt againn do Straitéis na hOllscoile don Ghaeilge as seo go 2018.” Dúirt Príomhfheidhmeannach Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Dónall Ó Braonáin: “Tacaíocht shuntasach, thábhachtach í seo don Ollscoil, go mór mór agus tús á chur againn le Seimeastar Gaeltachta a bheidh á thairiscint sna hIonaid Ghaeltachta ar fad in imeacht aimsire. Léiríonn na Tréimhsí Foghlama Gaeltachta d’Ábhar Oidí cén buntáiste acadúil a bhaineann le tumchláir sealbhaithe teanga sa Ghaeltacht.” CRÍOCH

NUI Galway researchers work on European collaboration to support creative entrepreneurs through innovation and skills development A new survey of results presented at the recent launch of a creative momentum project at The Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim outlined that across Europe’s Northern Edge, 60% of creative entrepreneurs work on their own. A further 31% of enterprises employ fewer than five people. The survey also showed that just over half (53%) of creative entrepreneurs work from their own home, while 45% are members of some form of creative network or collective. The new three-year, €2 million transnational a creative momentum project, led by the Western Development Commission (WDC) with research support from NUI Galway, will be implemented by six organisations based in Mid-Sweden, North East Iceland, Northern Finland, South East of Northern Ireland and the West of Ireland. An overview of the five regions was given by representatives of the partners during the launch entitled ‘Connecting creativity across Europe’s Northern Edge’. In an effort to address the needs highlighted in the survey, the project aims to build networks to support creative entrepreneurs through innovation and skills development; provide opportunities to network and collaborate across the five partner countries; improve access to international markets; and carry out further research on the creative sector. The activities which a creative momentum project will implement over the next few years were also outlined at the launch ‘what is a creative momentum project’ by Pauline White from the Western Development Commission and supported by NUI Galway. a creative momentum project aims to connect and highlight the wealth of creativity across Europe’s Northern Edge. The depth and importance of the relationship between place and creativity was explored by speakers at the launch, including Roscommon-based author Brian Leyden and Sligo-based graphic designer Gary Reddin. Dr Patrick Collins who is leading the research element of the project from the Whitaker Institute at NUI Galway said: “We are interested in gauging the impact that Culture has on its place. This is a very exciting project that looks at peripheral regions in Europe’s northwest and questions how culture and creativity is affecting the region’s development. It is envisaged that this research will help make a cogent case for the creative and cultural sectors, identifying supports for their growth and more locally complements Galway’s bid for European Capital of Culture in 2020.” Many of the supports under a creative momentum project will be made available through the MyCreativeEdge.eu website. Launched in mid-2013 the site has already attracted 90,000 website visits and 570 creative enterprises have published their free online profile. The survey of creative enterprises found that 68% of respondents already made some sales outside of their home country and MyCreativeEdge will be further developed in the coming years to improve access to international markets. During the launch, the first call for applications for support under a creative momentum project was opened. Find out more about ‘Support to Exhibit at an International Trade Fair’ at www.mycreativeedge.eu  The project is co-funded by the EU Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme. ENDS

Over 1,450 students will graduate from across the five colleges at NUI Galway at the University's winter conferring ceremonies, which take place from Tuesday, 24 November to Thursday, 26 November. Speaking in advance of the ceremonies, President of NUI Galway, Dr Jim Browne, said: “On behalf of NUI Galway, I congratulate all our graduands and extend a warm welcome to their parents, families and friends. We are delighted to acknowledge their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success in the future.” In addition, degrees, higher diplomas, Masters and PhDs will be awarded to students graduating over the three days from the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences; College of Engineering and Informatics; College of Business, Public Policy and Law; College of Science; and the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. -Ends-   Bronnadh an Gheimhridh in OÉ Gaillimh Bronnfar céim ar bhreis is 1,450 mac léinn as cúig choláiste OÉ Gaillimh idir Dé Máirt, an 24 agus Déardaoin, an 26 Samhain, i searmanais bronnta céime an gheimhridh san Ollscoil. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Jim Browne, roimh thús na searmanais: “Thar ceann OÉ Gaillimh, déanaim comhghairdeas lenár gcéimithe ar fad agus tá fearadh na fáilte roimh a dtuismitheoirí, a dteaghlaigh agus a gcairde. Tá ríméad orainn aitheantas a thabhairt dá gcuid éachtaí agus guímid gach rath orthu san am atá le teacht.” Sa bhreis air sin, bronnfar céimeanna, ard-dioplómaí, Máistreachtaí agus PhDanna le linn na dtrí lá ar mhic léinn ó Choláiste an Leighis, an Altranais agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte; ó Choláiste na hInnealtóireachta agus na hIonformaitice; ó Choláiste an Ghnó, an Bheartais Phoiblí agus an Dlí; ó Choláiste na hEolaíochta; agus ó Choláiste na nDán, na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta agus an Léinn Cheiltigh. -Críoch-

Four students from St. Muredach’s College, Ballina, Co. Mayo, were honoured by NUI Galway at the recent Autumn Conferring ceremonies in Galway for their achievement in a global second-level schools engineering competition. Under the direction of their teacher, Ms Karen Cronin, Aaron Hannon, Robert Grimes, Paul Flynn and Enda Flanagan, competing as Team AIB Racing, took third place in the World Finals of F1 in Schools. The event involved teams from around the world competing in Singapore in head-to-head racing of 1/20th scale model Formula 1 cars they designed and built. The St. Muredach’s team, who earlier won the national championship and set a new Irish record, won third place in the world based on their engineering excellence, project management and presentation skills, and the performance of their car. In recognition of the team’s achievements the four transition-year students and St. Muredach’s principal, Leo Golden were presented with a special award by Dr Jim Browne, President of NUI Galway, at the recent conferring ceremony. On the same day, several members of NUI Galway’s ‘Geec’ team graduated with degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, and energy systems engineering. The Geec (Galway energy-efficient car) is the most energy-efficient car ever built in Ireland. In May 2015 it competed at Shell Eco-marathon Europe, completing the 16-km course with energy consumption equivalent to 8,000 miles per gallon. Design, construction and testing of the Geec formed a central part of the engineering education of the students involved. Team AIB Racing and the Geec collaborated in the run-up to the F1 in Schools finals. As well as securing third place overall, one of Team AIB Racing’s members, Aaron Hannon, was awarded a scholarship in the Ranstad Williams Engineering Academy. This is an initiative in which the Williams Formula 1 team mentors students throughout their engineering education. Dr Jim Browne, President of NUI Galway, commented: “We are delighted to recognise the tremendous international success which the St Muredach’s College students have achieved in the Formula 1 in Schools finals. Ireland’s future will depend on the talent and innovation of such students. NUI Galway was delighted to honour their achievements and that of their school by welcoming them to visit the University’s Engineering facilities and presenting them with an award at our College of Engineering and Informatics conferring ceremony. As talented, bright students I hope that they might choose to return to NUI Galway for their studies. We certainly look forward to the possibility of welcoming them back to campus.” -Ends-

Secondary school students interested in studying at NUI Galway are invited to an information evening in Letterkenny on Thursday, 3 December. Parents and guardians are also particularly welcome to the event which runs from 7pm to 9pm in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. The evening will begin with short talks about NUI Galway and some of the 60 courses it offers. Afterwards, current students and NUI Galway staff will be on hand at information stands to answer any individual questions in relation to courses offered by the University and about practical issues like accommodation, fees and scholarships, and the wide range of support services available to our students. The ever-increasing popularity of NUI Galway is in-part due to a suite of innovative programmes, developed in response to the changing needs of the employment market. Unique programmes include a suite of Arts degree programmes including Drama, Creative Writing and Human Rights, an Energy Systems Engineering degree which is taught in the University’s new Engineering Building, Ireland’s largest School of Engineering, a Maths and Education degree aimed at training Maths teachers, and a Marine Science degree. Visitors to the information evening will also get information on NUI Galway’s newest degree programmes, a Bachelor of Commerce (Global Experience), Bachelor in Children’s Studies and the new Bachelor of Arts (Joint Honours). Celine O’Donovan, Senior Marketing Officer at NUI Galway, said: “NUI Galway has a great deal to offer. Our own students tell us our lecturers are inspirational and challenge them to achieve their full potential. The student experience in Galway is second to none, and we want to bring a taste of that to County Donegal, while also providing all the practical information on accommodation, CAO points, fees, scholarships and courses. With so many courses on offer, this event in Letterkenny is a perfect opportunity for prospective students to meet current students and lecturers to see what degree might be the right fit for them.” To find out more about the information evening in Letterkenny, contact NUI Galway's Schools Liaison Officer, Gráinne Dunne on 087 244 0858 or grainne.dunne@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

The Centre for Irish Studies at NUI Galway will host an exclusive screening of a new documentary on the life and work of poet Máire Mhac an tSaoi by award-winning filmmaker Paula Kehoe in the Institute for Lifecourse and Society at NUI Galway on Wednesday, 2 December 2015. Deargdhúil: Anatomy of Passion explores the sensual imagination of a revolutionary poet and includes poems in which the conflicted legacy of political violence for the families of those involved is dramatised and interrogated. The poet’s father Seán MacEntee was in the GPO throughout the Rising and her mother Margaret Browne assisted Michael Collins’s assassination squad during the war of independence. The film premiered at the Cork Film Festival this month (13, November 2015), where it was shortlisted for the Audience Prize, and features the exquisite movement poetry of New York performance artist Maureen Fleming, the voice of Olwen Fouéré, and music by Colm Mac an Iomaire. The screening is the first of a number of public events, including a series of lectures that will take place in Galway City Library early next year. ‘Lectures in the Library/Léachtaí sa Leabharlann’ will explore the lives of individuals who were involved in the Irish revolution, including anarchist Captain Jack White, Peadar Kearney who wrote the ‘Soldier’s Song’ and Liam Gógan who coined the term ‘poblacht’, the first word in the proclamation of the Irish republic. The Centre’s programme of commemorative events will raise questions as to the contemporary relevance of the transformative ideas that led to the formation of the Irish state. The Galway screening of Deargdhúil: Anatomy of Passion will be followed by a questions and answers session with director Paula Kehoe who received the Radharc Award for best Irish documentary in 2014. The screening will take place in the main theatre at the Institute for Lifecourse and Society at NUI Galway on Newcastle Road beginning at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 2 December 2015. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend. For further details contact Samantha Williams on 091 492051 or irishstudies@nuigalway.ie or the Centre for Irish Studies Facebook page. ENDS

Consortium led by NUI Galway will develop the world’s first three-dimensional, cell-assembled prototype for human and equine patients suffering tendon injuries The Regenerative, Modular and Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), part of the Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), at NUI Galway, has secured almost €4 million for the development of an advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) for tendon repair and regeneration. The project will train 15 early stage researchers in the multidisciplinary field of ATMPs, enhancing European competiveness in this sector. Advanced therapy medicinal products are medicines for human use that are based on genes or cells. They offer ground breaking opportunities for the treatment of disease and injury. ATMPs can include tissue engineered medicines or a combination of one or more medical devices as an integral part of the medicine, for example, cells embedded in a biodegradable matrix or scaffold. The funding was awarded through the Horizon 2020 grant programme, under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Training Networks action. This is the fourth such project being carried out by CÚRAM associated researchers to be funded under this programme. The project, called Tendon Therapy Train, will exploit recent advancements in the process by which cells are grown in controlled conditions, to develop the world’s first three-dimensional, cell-assembled prototype for human and equine patients suffering tendon injuries. The Tendon Therapy Train consortium is led by NUI Galway and is further comprised of six academics, three clinicians and seven industry partners. Over 30 million human tendon-related procedures take place annually worldwide, with an estimated healthcare expenditure in excess of €145 billion per year. In addition, 46% of racehorses suffer from tendon-related injuries which impacts heavily on an industry which is valued at €100 billion in Europe and US$ 300 billion in the US. Current surgical interventions don’t always work effectively and can hinder normal tissue remodelling and function, which creates the need for new functional and clinically viable regeneration strategies. Dr Dimitrios Zeugolis, REMODEL director and consortium lead at NUI Galway, said: “The driving hypothesis of this research is that replacement, repair and restoration of impaired tissue function can be accomplished best by using the cells’ own ability to create highly sophisticated structures with a precision and efficiency still unmatched by human-made devices.” Further, Dr Zeugolis pointed out that, “The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks award will train a cohort of 15 researchers to doctoral level in the area of ATMPs which involves numerous disciplines, equipping them with transferable skills in each discipline that will further European-based knowledge, innovation, competitiveness and leadership in this field.” Speaking about the award, Professor Abhay Pandit, Director of CÚRAM, said: “Tendon Therapy Train is an indicative example of the clinically relevant, cutting-edge research and innovation conducted here at NUI Galway. We are delighted to have secured funding yet again for this highly competitive award.” CÚRAM is the National Centre for Research in Medical Devices, funded by Science Foundation Ireland, with the goal of radically improving health outcomes for patients with chronic illnesses.

NUI Galway’s School of Nursing and Midwifery in partnership with Cuidiú, the Irish Childbirth Trust, are hosting a free public screening of “MILK – Born Into This World” on Thursday, 3 December, at 7pm in Áras Moyola, NUI Galway. The director of the film, Noemí Weis will be available via Skype from Canada for a Q&A session after the screening. Through an intimate and artistic lens, MILK brings a universal perspective on the politics, commercialisation and controversies surrounding birth and infant feeding over the canvas of stunningly beautiful visuals and poignant voices from around the globe. Inspiring, informative, provocative and sensitive, MILK celebrates bringing a new life into this World with a strong call to action and reflection. See the film’s trailer at www.milkhood.com. Speaking ahead of the event, Tara Durkin of Cuidiú Galway said: “This special public screening of Milk, ahead of its general release in Europe, is an exciting chance for Galway’s mothers, fathers, healthcare professionals, students, friends, indeed anyone with an interest in how we birth and feed our babies, to get together to see a powerful new documentary – and discuss it with the director!”   This is the fourth event of the School of Nursing and Midwifery Public Lecture Series, an innovative community outreach initiative which has previously focussed on Suicide Prevention, Ebola Awareness and Elder Abuse. The series aims to share knowledge and expertise on health matters with our local communities. The event is open to the public and free of charge but tickets must be pre-booked at www.eventbrite.ie/e/milk-born-into-this-world-tickets-19448984436. If there are any future topics you would like covered in NUI Galway’s School of Nursing and Midwifery Public Lecture Series, please contact john.quinlivan@nuigalway.ie or mary.e.gannon@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-

NUI Galway is delighted to announce the appointment of Mike Heskin as Director of Sport & Physical Activity. The newly established post underpins NUI Galway's commitment to further strengthening the sport reputation and ethos of the University. As Director for Sport & Physical Activity, Mr Heskin will play the lead role in the strategic management of sport and physical activity in the University and the development of the infrastructure necessary for all sports activity to ensure that NUI Galway will remain at the forefront nationally and internationally in sports excellence through elite and high performance. Specifically, Mr Heskin will ensure that the University will build on previous successes in attracting top athletes and sportspeople to campus as well as supporting and developing opportunities in the area of sports and physical activity across all faculties, he will also ensure the University's contribution to Ireland's playing fields and realise the University’s strategic aspirations in relation to sport, health and well being. Congratulating Mike Heskin on his appointment, the Vice President for Student Experience, Dr Pat Morgan said, "We are very pleased to announce that Mike Heskin will lead and develop our sports reputation. Mike is an established sports manager and brings a passion for sport, a breadth of achievements across various codes and a promise to invigorate our clubs, support our elite athletes and promote the health and wellbeing of all our students and staff. We welcome Mike and under his stewardship, we look forward to ensuring that our national strengths and achievements in sport will continue to grow and prosper." Mike Heskin has served as the CEO of Hockey Ireland for the past three years, where he had overall responsibility for all aspects of Hockey Ireland including their high performance programme. The progress within Hockey Ireland during this time has been matched with similar progress on the International front with all of Hockey Ireland’s teams from under 16 to senior level, both genders, now playing in the top tier of European hockey. Mike has been appointed as the Hockey Manager for the Rio Olympic Games 2016, a role he will now step away from on his appointment as Director of Sport & Physical Activity in NUI Galway. Mike had previously served as a member of the Board of Irish Hockey. Prior to his involvement in Hockey, Mike spent over twenty years involved in International Rowing, coaching and managing to World Championship level. In 2007, Mike was appointed rowing High Performance Manager and managed the team to the Beijing Olympics in 2008. He also served as a member of the Board of Rowing Ireland. Speaking of his appointment, Mike Heskin said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to play a leading role in the development of high-performance sport and physical activity within NUI Galway. I am especially looking forward to working with the University's sports professionals and clubs in developing a performance culture and environment which will enable our athletes and teams to perform at the highest level on both the international and national stage. In turn, with their support, we will develop an engaging, social and fun physical activity program for the enjoyment of the entire student body and staff. With the commitment and leadership shown by the University I am confident that NUI Galway will develop into one of the leading sporting and physical activity hubs on the island of Ireland and become a central player in Irish Sport.” Mike is married to Geraldine (Lupton) and has three children, Claire and Joseph who are both graduates of NUI Galway and Rachel who is a leaving cert student. ENDS Ceapann OÉ Gaillimh Stiúrthóir Nua Spóirt and Aclaíochta Tá an-áthas ar OÉ Gaillimh a fhógairt go bhfuil Mike Heskin ceaptha mar Stiúrthóir Spóirt agus Aclaíochta. Post úrnua é seo agus léiríonn sé tiomantas na hOllscoile cáil agus éiteas an spóirt a láidriú tuilleadh in OÉ Gaillimh. Mar Stiúrthóir Spóirt agus Aclaíochta, beidh ról ceannaireachta ag an Uasal Heskin i mbainistíocht straitéiseach an spóirt agus na haclaíochta san Ollscoil agus san infreastruchtúr riachtanach a fhorbairt do gach gníomhaíocht spóirt chun a chinntiú go bhfanfaidh OÉ Gaillimh ar thús cadhnaíochta go náisiúnta agus go hidirnáisiúnta i sárchaighdeán spóirt agus ardghníomhaíocht spóirt den scoth. Cinnteoidh an tUasal Heskin go háirithe go dtógfaidh an Ollscoil ar an méid a rinneadh roimhe seo ag mealladh na lúthchleasaithe agus lucht spóirt is fearr chuig an gcampas agus deiseanna a fhorbairt i réimse an spóirt agus na haclaíochta i ngach coláiste. Cinnteoidh sé chomh maith go mbeidh seasamh ag an Ollscoil ar pháirceanna imeartha na hÉireann agus go mbainfear amach mianta straitéiseacha na hOllscoile ó thaobh spóirt, sláinte agus folláine de. Ag tréaslú le Mike Heskin ar a cheapachán, dúirt an Leas-Uachtarán d'Eispéireas na Mac Léinn, an Dr Pat Morgan, "Tá ríméad orainn a fhógairt go mbeidh Mike Heskin i gceannas ar ár gcáil spóirt agus go bhforbróidh sé an cháil sin. Is bainisteoir spóirt cruthaithe é Mike agus tabharfaidh sé a phaisean don spórt, a chuid éachtaí i réimsí éagsúla agus a ghealltanas brí nua a chur sna clubanna, tacaíocht a thabhairt do na lúthchleasaithe is fearr agus sláinte agus folláine na mac léinn agus na gcomhaltaí foirne a chur chun cinn chuig an bpost seo. Cuirimid fáilte is fiche roimh Mike agus faoina stiúir, táimid ag súil ár láidreachtaí agus éachtaí náisiúnta spóirt a threisiú." Bhí Mike Heskin ina Phríomhfheidhmeannach ar Haca Éireann le trí bliana anuas, áit a raibh sé freagrach as gach gné den Chumann, an clár ardfheidhmíochta san áireamh.  Chomh maith leis an dul chun cinn a rinneadh ag an am i Haca Éireann tá dul chun cinn idirnáisiúnta déanta chomh maith agus foirne Haca Éireann ar fad ón bhfoireann faoi 16 go dtí an fhoireann sinsir, idir fhir agus mhná, ag imirt sa tsraith is airde haca san Eoraip.  Ceapadh Mike ina Bhainisteoir Haca do na Cluichí Oilimpeacha 2016 in Rio, ach fágfaidh sé an ról seo ina dhiaidh anois agus é ceaptha mar Stiúrthóir Spóirt & Aclaíochta in OÉ Gaillimh. Bhí Mike ar Bhord Haca Éireann roimhe seo. Sula raibh baint aige leis an Haca, chaith sé os cionn scór bliain leis an Rámhaíocht Idirnáisiúnta, i mbun cóitseála agus bainistíochta chomh fada le craobh an domhain fiú.  In 2007, ceapadh Mike ina Bhainisteoir Ardfheidhmíochta ar an rámhaíocht agus is é a bhí ina bhainisteoir ar an bhfoireann sna Cluichí Oilimpeacha i mBéising in 2008.  Bhí Mike ar Bhord Rámhaíocht Éireann chomh maith. Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Mike Heskin faoina cheapachán: “Tá áthas orm ról ceannaireachta a ghlacadh agus an deis a bheith agam spórt agus aclaíocht ardghníomhaíochta  a fhorbairt in OÉ Gaillimh.  Táim ar bís le bheith ag obair le gairmithe spóirt agus clubanna na hOllscoile chun cultúr agus timpeallacht ardghníomhaíochta a fhorbairt a thabharfaidh an deis dár lúthchleasaithe agus dár bhfoirne feidhmiú ag an leibhéal is airde go hidirnáisiúnta agus go náisiúnta. Dá thairbhe sin, agus lena dtacaíocht, beidh clár aclaíochta sóisialta agus spraíúil againn a mbainfidh an fhoireann agus na mic léinn ar fad sásamh as. Leis an tiomantas agus an cheannaireacht atá léirithe ag an Ollscoil táim muiníneach go mbeidh OÉ Gaillimh ar cheann de na hionaid spóirt agus aclaíochta is fearr ar oileán na hÉireann agus go mbeidh sí i lár an aonaid i spórt na hÉireann.” Tá Mike pósta le Geraldine (Lupton) agus tá triúr clainne orthu. Is céimithe de chuid OÉ Gaillimh iad beirt dá chlann, is iad sin Claire agus Joseph agus is dalta ardteistiméireachta í a iníon Rachel. CRÍOCH

• More than 90% of children reported that they were exposed to traditional, or offline, alcohol advertisements in the week prior to the study and more than half saw four or more alcohol advertisements per day • 77% of the children reported exposure to alcohol marketing online • 61% of children reported that they owned alcohol branded merchandise Alcohol Action Ireland, the national charity for alcohol-related issues, has said the introduction of legislation regulating alcohol marketing is a child protection issue. A study carried out by the Health Promotion Research Centre at NUI Galway, commissioned by Alcohol Action Ireland, found that Irish children are exposed to large volumes of alcohol marketing, which increases their likelihood of drinking alcohol and engaging in risky drinking behaviour. Dr Michal Molcho, of the Health Promotion Research Centre at NUI Galway, said their findings indicate that there is widespread exposure to alcohol marketing among children aged 13 and upward. “We found that almost all children reported seeing or hearing a traditional or off-line advertisement for alcohol drinks, while 77% were exposed to online marketing and 61% reported that they own alcohol-branded merchandise.” Dr Molcho said that increased exposure to alcohol marketing increased the chances of children to report drinking, binge drinking, and drunkenness. “These findings clearly indicate that the more intense the exposure, the greater the risk of drinking alcohol and engaging in risking drinking behaviours. Given that these findings echo previous studies, coupled with the vulnerability of young people to alcohol, there is a clear need for immediate action on alcohol marketing regulation.” Dr Patrick Kenny, School of Marketing, Dublin Institute of Technology, said the study provides a snapshot illustrating how little protection is currently afforded to Irish children from alcohol marketing. “The bottom line is that the current regulatory system does not protect children from exposure to alcohol marketing and this failure is associated with increased consumption. In a very real sense, these children are victims of society’s failure to protect them and creating an environment where children are free from alcohol marketing is a children’s rights issue that requires immediate attention.” Dr Kenny said that digital alcohol marketing, and in particular social media marketing, is now a central element of the marketing communications mix and needs to be regulated. “Digital marketing allows for more effective targeting of consumers and the interactive nature of this communication makes it arguably more effective than traditional passive advertising methods. It is worth noting that digital marketing operates largely below the radar of policy makers because they do not form part of the target audience, thus making digital marketing significantly harder to monitor or regulate.” Conor Cullen, Head of Communications and Advocacy, Alcohol Action Ireland, said it is vital that we legislate to regulate alcohol marketing, which sees Irish children continuously exposed to positive, risk-free images of alcohol and its use, which are far removed from the reality of the situation. “Alcohol use is a serious risk to children and young people’s health and wellbeing. Far from being a rite of passage, drinking alcohol may well serve to delay the development of vital coping skills, project young people into risky situations and lay the ground-work for future physical and mental health difficulties.” Mr Cullen said we need to protect children from alcohol marketing if we are serious about supporting them to make healthy choices now and in the future. “The forthcoming Public Health (Alcohol) Bill is an important first step in this regard and will finally move us away from the existing systems of self-regulation governing alcohol marketing. These systems have proved completely ineffective in terms of protecting children from exposure to alcohol marketing, which is such a powerful and sophisticated influence on their drinking behaviour and expectations.” To view the Alcohol Study visit:  http://alcoholireland.ie/media_releases/irish-children-are-exposed-to-large-volumes-of-alcohol-marketing-research-finds/ To view the Alcohol Study Brochure visit:  http://alcoholireland.ie/download/alcmarketingstudy.pdf ENDS

NUI Galway study is seeking participants aged 60-85 years to join an experimental study on the effects of listening to music Monday, 30 November, 2015: An ongoing ageing research project at NUI Galway is looking for additional participants to take part in the study. This study is part of a larger ongoing project at the University, which commenced in 2013, exploring the functions and effects of listening to music on the ageing brain with both younger and older adults. The project is now seeking participants aged 60-85 years to join an experimental study on the effects of listening to music. Participants will spend two hours in a lab carrying out a variety of verbal and numerical tasks while listening to music and having their brain waves measured by electroencephalography (EEG). Prior to the lab session participants will complete a questionnaire examining potential links between uses of music, personality and wellbeing. For example, are particular ways of listening to music more common among certain personality types, and do different uses of music have different consequences for a listener’s sense of wellbeing. Jenny Groarke, a musician and PhD student in the School of Psychology at NUI Galway, said: “We will examine whether listening to music improves emotional, social or cognitive functioning, which we hope can be used to benefit older adults in the future.” An important factor in the current research is the role of choice in music listening. Almost all previous studies on the effects of music have been carried out with adolescents or young adults, and most researchers have chosen classical music for participants to listen to. The researchers at NUI Galway have concluded the first part of this study with 18-30 year-olds and noted some interesting age differences in music choices. Ms Groarke added, “We are trying to recreate real world listening experiences in the lab by having participants listen to music of their own choosing. For a start, only one of our 40 student participants selected a classical piece of music, yet almost all older adults studied so far selected classical music.” Participants are asked to choose music for a couple of different scenarios, while socialising or working for example. Whatever the situation, it seems Ed Sheeran is a popular choice, with 25% of the young adults in the study choosing at least one of his hits. While younger people are tending to listen to their favourite music regardless of the situation, older people are demonstrating greater variety and sophistication when choosing music for different contexts. Diverse musical tastes may take time to mature, or this might reflect differences in how age groups are listening to music. The researchers observed that the majority of young people are listening to music on personal devices and streaming services. The amount of choice can be overwhelming, so a well-known, popular song becomes a safe bet. Older people on the other hand tended to have smaller, personal record collections or listen to the radio. Healthy older people may have the most to gain from music listening, yet are rarely included in research on its’ effects. The research team are hoping that another 200 adults over 60 will complete the questionnaire, and are seeking a further 25 people in this age category to visit the lab for their ‘Music and The Brain’ Study. Travel and expenses will be covered by the research team. Jenny Groarke, a native of Galway, was inspired to study the link between music and well-being in older adults by her late grandfather Jimmy Dooley, who sang in the Augustinian choir for more than 65 years and played the drums in the Galway Bay Jazz band in Busker Browne’s every Sunday. She has also set up a business, Sing-Bang Music Workshops, which brings music workshops to nursing homes to improve memory ability, happiness, and quality of life in elderly adults through group music making. The study will run until Christmas and those interested in participating must complete the questionnaire of adaptive music listening functions, and sign up for the experiment at www.sgiz.mobi/s3/AFML Alternatively, participants can request a paper version of the questionnaire by contacting Jenny Groarke on jenny.groarke@gmail.com and for more information on participating in the research visit www.adaptivefunctionsofmusic.com ENDS

Socio-economic marine research symposium focuses on achieving blue growth in the EU and marine policy, and the development of Ireland’s ocean wealth The Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit (SEMRU) at the Whitaker Institute and Focal Point Ireland at NUI Galway jointly organised the recent National Event of the Support Team for the Atlantic Action Plan, in association with the Annual Beaufort Socio-Economic Marine Research Symposium. The Atlantic Action Plan aims to revitalise the marine and maritime economy in the Atlantic Ocean area. It shows how the EU's Atlantic Member States, their regions and the European Commission can help create sustainable growth in coastal regions and drive forward the ‘blue economy’ while preserving the environmental and ecological stability of the Atlantic Ocean. With over 100 registered delegates, the day provided participants with an update on a wide range of topics related to the marine sector in Ireland and the Atlantic Area, as well as a forum for discussing funding opportunities available to Irish stakeholders. There was a special on-line address by Commissioner Karmenu Vella, the European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, as well as input from Iain Shepherd, DG MARE of the European Commission, the Marine Institute, Fáilte Ireland and the INTERREG programmes (an EU supported Structural Funds Programme which supports strategic cross-border and inter-regional co-operation in in the European Union). Delegates had the opportunity to listen to Irish and international researchers in the area of marine socio-economics and discuss on-going research, potential collaboration and future research needs. The event hosted two parallel sessions and showcased current socio-economic marine research and funding opportunities. Sessions focused on the INTERREG Atlantic Area and the Ireland Wales programme and facilitated the use of these programmes in implementing the Atlantic Action Plan. Presentations from both the national contact points of these programmes as well as input from stakeholders involved in these programmes created a lively discussion on the opportunities available, how people are looking to avail of these with the ultimate aim of generating potential project ideas to bring forward in the future. A number of project ideas were presented and discussed on a one-to-one basis in a dedicated networking session in the afternoon. The first session focused on Achieving Blue Growth in the EU: Case Study for Ireland, with an overview of the Atlantic Action Plan and discussion on Measuring the EU and Ireland’s Blue Economy. The second session focused on Marine Policy and the Development of Ireland’s Ocean Wealth: Opportunities and Challenges, with an overview of the Role of the Marine Institute in Marine Policy, Research and Innovation in Ireland and Business Opportunities Associated with the Wild Atlantic Way – Brand and Progress. Each session was followed by two parallel sessions on Implementing Priority 4 of the Atlantic Action Plan and opportunities of the INTERREG Atlantic Area, Ireland-Wales Programmes and Beaufort Socio-Economic Marine Research. For further information visit: www.nuigalway.ie/semru/ ENDS