Monday, 28 May 2007

The International Criminal Court and Minority Rights are the focus of two high-profile summer schools to be held at the Irish Centre for Human Rights (ICHR), NUI Galway in June. The International Criminal Court (ICC), which is arguably one of the most important international institutions formed since the establishment of the United Nations, is aimed at combating impunity for atrocities. A host of key international experts in criminal law, including Judge Sang-Hyun Song, a judge in the Appeals Division of the ICC, will address the International Criminal Court Summer School at the ICHR, Earls' Island from 11 to 16 June 2007. Other prominent speakers include Judge Kimberley Prost, Ad Litem Judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia; and Professor Michael Scharf, who served as counsel to the US government during the investigation into the 1988 Lockerbie terrorist attack on flight PAN AM 103. Professor William Schabas, Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights will also address the school. "This is the eighth year of the summer school on the International Criminal Court. It has established itself as one of the premier intensive courses on the subject offered anywhere in the world," said Prof. Schabas. Following on from the ICC event, the annual Minority Rights, Indigenous People and Human Rights Law Summer School will take place from 17 to 22 June 2007. Key speakers include Professor Patrick Thornberry, Professor of International Law at Keele University, UK, and member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; and Mr Michael Flaherty, University of Nottingham, who was the first Irish member of the UN Human Rights Committee. The course provides participants with an overview of the legal, political and philosophical issues associated with international human rights law and its relationship to minority rights and the rights of indigenous peoples. The School will also draw on speakers representing the most important international organizations working in this field including the UN Committees on Human Rights, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Labour Organisation and the Organisation for Security & Co-operation in Europe. "If you want to understand how successful a human rights regime in any given country is, you could do worse than examine the extent to which minorities in that country are protected. This is as true in Sudan as in Ireland," said Professor Joshua Castellino, Transitional Justice Institute, University of Ulster, who founded the school during his time as lecturer at the Irish Centre for Human Rights. "This course has a strong reputation for being able to address the issues underlying the startling headlines of global affairs. A range of world class experts have been able to provide insights into the schisms in different societies that lead to conflict and the ensuing human misery associated with it. The great mix of nationalities, professions and perspectives of the speakers has always made this course a must-attend for those interested in global affairs and human rights." For further information and full programme details for both events see www.nuigalway.ie/human_rights/summer_schools.html and www.minority-rights.org ENDS

Monday, 21 May 2007

The Health Research Board (HRB) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) have announced that they will jointly fund the establishment of a Clinical Research Facility in Galway. The aim of the HRB/HSE Clinical Research Facility (CRF) is to provide the infrastructure – the physical space, facilities and the experts - needed to support patient-focused research studies. The investment by the HSE and the HRB will be of the order of €20m over five years. When fully operational, the Clinical Research Facility will employ a staff of 20. The research programme to be carried out at the facility will be through a partnership between NUI Galway researchers and clinician scientists from University Hospital Galway. The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD, who met recently with the lead researchers and funders, said that this investment is a major boost for clinical research and patient care in the West of Ireland. 'I have committed over €50m in capital funding through the Health Research Board over a five-year period to support key research programmes and infrastructure. This HRB/HSE Clinical Research Facility will provide a world-class environment for patient-focused research with real benefits for patients. It will enable clinicians, the health care industry and other key partners to test innovative therapies, technologies and products and increase the speed at which scientific discoveries and innovations can be translated into better patient care. It will also build on the major investment by this Government in basic research facilities at NUI Galway in recent years,' said Mary Harney. The new facility will concentrate on patient-focused research and will make a real contribution to postgraduate research and training of health professionals. Medical doctors and nurses will work with other scientists to improve our understanding of a variety of diseases and to develop new tests and treatments to help tackle these diseases. The Centre will provide patients with the latest advances in areas such as regenerative medicine, cancer, obstetrics and gynaecology, diabetes and inflammatory diseases. Importantly, support will also be provided for studies carried out in general practice settings through analysis of samples taken, provision of statistical support and co-ordination of studies. This will include research on the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes. 'Our guiding philosophy is to stimulate, engage and support health care professionals from diverse areas of expertise to undertake high quality research. The facility will be built as an annex to the existing University Hospital Galway and it is anticipated that it will be completed in 2009. The facility will contain specially designed rooms for gene and cell therapy. When it opens, it will complete the infrastructure present in Galway to allow clinical studies to be undertaken in areas such as heart, joint and spinal cord repair, ensuring an integrated bench to bedside approach,' said Professor Tim O'Brien, Consultant Endocrinologist at Galway University Hospital, Head of the Department of Medicine at NUI Galway and Director of the Regenerative Medicine Institute, a SFI-funded Centre for Science Engineering and Technology. 'The CRF will have a special focus on education of health care professionals in clinical research with plans to establish new programmes such as MSc in Clinical Research and Biostatistics and PhD programmes for clinicians', said Professor Larry Egan, Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and a co-applicant on the proposal. 'The development of Clinical Research Facilities here in Ireland is an indication of international excellence in clinical research,' said Dr Ruth Barrington. 'This is one of the most significant developments in Irish health research during my term of office,' said Dr Ruth Barrington, Chief Executive. 'The HRB have a strong track record working in partnership with Universities and Hospitals to support high quality research. We are delighted to engage with the HSE to support this landmark development in Galway,' she concluded. Alan Moran, Hospitals Network Manager, HSE West, said; 'Putting the CRF in the heart of the Hospital will allow staff to contribute to shaping the latest advances in healthcare science, and to bring the benefits of those advances to patients as early as possible. The HSE is pleased to support the energy and imagination of the many individuals from the hospital and the university who conceived this project and who worked so effectively together to make it a reality'. The CRF will be jointly governed by NUI Galway and the HSE, an example of the close ties which exist between the University and health sector in Galway. It will also connect with the new HRB / Wellcome Trust CRF at St James's Hospital Dublin and emerging facilities at Dublin teaching hospitals through the establishment of the Irish Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (ICRIN). The HRB and HSE have also funded ICRIN to help ensure a greater number of patients can benefit from clinical research in the most cost effective manner. Ends

Monday, 21 May 2007

NUI Galway Industrial Engineering student Eoin Morrissey has presented a copy of a database system to Galway Fire and Rescue Service, which he developed to assist fire fighters record and monitor the maintenance of life-critical breathing apparatus equipment. While manual recording systems were already in place to monitor the maintenance of Breathing Apparatus at fire stations throughout Galway city and county, the new software database will identify in advance when sets and compressed air cylinders are due their annual maintenance, and when individual set parts are due to be replaced. Eoin, who completed his final year exams recently, developed the database as part of his final year project, which accounts for one fifth of his degree. The Clarinbridge student approached his final year project with helping people as his main objective. He is involved in numerous community voluntary activities, the most recent of which has taken him to West Africa, where along with 20 other NUI Galway students, he is currently helping families in Ghana to build their own homes, as part of a Habitat for Humanity/NUI Galway joint initiative. Presenting a copy of the software database to Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer Paul Duffy of Galway Fire and Rescue Service, Eoin said it had been "hugely gratifying to know that this project will help protect fire fighters who provide such a valuable service to the community". Praising the technology employed by Eoin, Mr Duffy said "We are delighted with the standard of the project and we look forward to the benefits of implementing the database. This technology will make our existing system more efficient and allow the Fire Service to free up valuable resources for other projects". Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh paid tribute to Eoin, who he said was a shining example of the growing number of NUI Galway students who are engaging with the community through a culture of active citizenship positively promoted by the University's Community Knowledge Initiative. "NUI Galway is widely recognised as a student- centred University with an environment where students' interests are stimulated. I am delighted to acknowledge Eoin's contribution to the Fire and Rescue Service and his voluntary work in Ghana," said Dr Ó'Muircheartaigh. Meanwhile, Eoin hopes to pursue a career in the Fire Service following his graduation later this year, where a Degree in Engineering is currently a requirement for senior level positions. ENDS

Monday, 21 May 2007

D'fhógair an Bord Taighde Sláinte (HRB) agus Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte (HSE) go maoineoidh siad bunú Áis Taighde Chliniciúil i nGaillimh. Is é atá mar aidhm le hÁis Taighde Chliniciúil (CRF) HRB/HSE an t-infreastruchtúr riachtanach - spás, áiseanna agus na saineolaithe - a chur ar fáil d fhonn tacú le hobair taighde atá dírithe ar othair. Infheisteoidh HSE agus HRB suim €20 milliún thar thréimhse cúig bliana. Beidh 20 comhalta foirne fostaithe san Áis Taighde Chliniciúil nuair a bheidh sí ag feidhmiú mar is ceart. Is éard a bheidh sa chlár taighde comhpháirtíocht idir taighdeoirí ó OÉ Gaillimh agus eolaithe cliniceora ó Ospidéal na hOllscoile, Gaillimh. Dúirt an tAire Sláinte agus Leanaí, Mary Harney TD, a chas leis na príomhthaighdeoirí agus an príomhdhream atá ag soláthar maoiniúcháin le déanaí, go gcuirfidh an infheistíocht seo go mór le taighde cliniciúil agus cúram othar in Iarthar na hÉireann. 'Tá os cionn €50 milliún curtha ar fáil agam i maoiniú caipitil tríd an mBord Taighde Sláinte le cúig bliana anuas ar mhaithe le tacú le príomhchláir taighde agus an t-infreastruchtúr taighde. Áis den scoth a bheidh in Áis Taighde Chliniciúil HRB/HSE do thaighde atá dírithe ar othair; taighde a rachaidh chun tairbhe othar. Cinnteoidh an áis seo go mbeidh ar chumas cliniceoirí agus príomhpháirtithe eile teiripí, teicneolaíocht agus táirgí nuálacha a thástáil agus luas a chur faoin méid ama a thógann sé fionnachtana agus nuálaíochtaí eolaíocha a úsáid ar mhaithe le cúram níos fearr a sholáthar d'othair. Lena chois sin, cuirfidh sé leis an infheistíocht mhór atá déanta ag an Rialtas seo in áiseanna bunúsacha taighde in OÉ Gaillimh le blianta beaga anuas,' dar le Mary Harney. Taighde atá dírithe ar othair a bheidh ar siúl san áis seo agus cabhróidh sé go mór le taighde iarchéime agus agus oiliúint gairmithe sláinte. Beidh dochtúirí agus altraí ag obair le heolaithe eile d fhonn cur leis an tuiscint atá againn ar ghalair éagsúla, mar aon le tástálacha agus cóir nua leighis a fhorbairt leis na galair seo a leigheas. Cinnteofar, trí bhunú an Ionaid seo, go mbeidh fáil ag othair ar an gcóir leighis is nuaí cosúil le leigheas athghiniúnach, chomh maith le cóir leighis i réimsí eile cosúil le hailse, cnáimhseachas agus gínéiceolaíocht, diaibéiteas agus galair athlastacha. Chomh tábhachtach céanna, tacófar le staidéar sa chleachtadh ginearálta trí shamplaí tógtha a anailísiú, tacaíocht staitistiúil a sholáthar agus staidéar a chomhordú. Ina measc seo, déanfar taighde ar bhainistiú galar ainsealach cosúil le diaibéiteas. 'Is é atá mar aidhm againn gairmithe sa chúram sláinte a spreagadh, deis a thabhairt dóibh a bheith páirteach mar aon le tacú le gairmithe ó réimsí éagsúla saineolais tabhairt faoi thaighde ar ardchaighdeán. Tógfar an áis in aice le hOspidéal na hOllscoile, Gaillimh agus meastar go mbeidh an foirgneamh tógtha in 2009. Beidh seomraí ar leith do ghéinteiripe agus teiripe gascheall san áis freisin. Deir an tOllamh Tim O Brien, Inchríneolaí Comhairleach in Ospidéal na hOllscoile, Gaillimh, Ceann an Leighis in OÉ Gaillimh agus Stiúrthóir Institiúid an Leighis Athghiniúnaigh - Ionad Eolaíochta, Innealtóireachta agus Teicneolaíochta arna mhaoiniú ag Fondúireacht Eolaíochta Éireann, go gcuirfidh an tIonad nua leis an infreastruchtúr i nGaillimh ionas gur féidir tabhairt faoi staidéar cliniciúil ar an gcroí, na hailt agus deisiú chorda an dromlaigh, mar aon le cur chuige comhtháite i leith chúram na n-othar. 'Leagfaidh an CRF béim faoi leith ar oideachas gairmithe cúraim shláinte sa taighde cliniciúil agus tá sé beartaithe tús a chur le cláir nua cosúil le M.Sc. i dTaighde Cliniciúil agus Bithstaidreamh agus cláir Ph.D. do chliniceoirí,' a deir an tOllamh Larry Egan, Ceann Roinn na Cógaseolaíochta agus Teiripice agus comhiarratasóir sa togra áirithe seo. Deir an Dr Ruth Barrington, 'go dtugann forbairt Áiseanna sa Taighde Cliniciúil in Éirinn léargas ar bharrfeabhas i dtaighde cliniciúil.' Chomh maith leis sin, deir an Dr Ruth Barrington, Príomhfheidhmeannach, 'go bhfuil sé seo ar cheann de na forbairtí is suntasaí i dtaighde sláinte in Éirinn le linn a téarma féin in oifig'. 'Tá HRB ag obair i gcomhpháirt le hOllscoileanna agus Ospidéil le fada an lá chun tacú le taighde ar ardchaighdeán. Ina theannta sin, dúirt sí gur 'cúis áthais dúinn a bheith ag obair leis an HSE chun tacú leis an bhforbairt mhór seo i nGaillimh.' Dúirt Alan Moran, Bainisteoir Líonra na nOspidéal, Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte, Réigiún an Iarthair, 'Trí CRF a lonnú san Ospidéal go mbeidh cead ag comhaltaí foirne cur leis an dul chun cinn san eolaíocht cúraim shláinte, agus go mbainfidh na hothair tairbhe as an dul chun cinn seo chomh luath agus is féidir. Cúis áthais don HSE tacú le fuinneamh agus samhlaíocht na ndaoine atá ag obair san ospidéal agus san ollscoil; daoine a chur tús leis an tionscadal seo agus a d'oibrigh le chéile go héifeachtach chun é a chur i bhfeidhm'. Beidh OÉ Gaillimh agus HSE freagrach as CRF. Is dea-shampla é seo den dlúthnasc atá idir an Ollscoil agus an earnáil sláinte i nGaillimh. Cruthófar nasc leis an HRB nua / CRF Wellcome Trust ag Ospidéal San Séamas, Baile Átha Cliath agus áiseanna nua in ospidéil teagaisc i mBaile Átha Cliath trí Líonra Infreastruchtúir um Thaighde Cliniciúil na hÉireann (ICRIN) a bhunú. Tá maoiniú curtha ar fáil ag HRB agus HSE do ICRIN d'fhonn a chinntiú gur féidir le níos mó othar tairbhe a bhaint as taighde cliniciúil sa bhealach is costéifeachtaí agus is féidir. Críoch

Monday, 21 May 2007

A conference to celebrate Africa Day and International Peace-Keepers day, entitled Conference on Africa and Peacekeepers: Positive Impact? will take place at the National University of Ireland, Galway on Saturday, 26 May, 2007. Organised by the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the University in conjunction with Amnesty International, and supported by Irish Aid, Department of Foreign Affairs; the conference will address the impact of peace-keepers in general and Irish peace-keepers in particular in Africa. "With Ireland's tradition of United Nations peace-keeping, it's involvement in the mission in Liberia coming to an end and the world's attention focusing on the dire situation in Dafur this conference is timely," said Dr Ray Murphy, Senior Lecturer in Law at the Irish Centre for Human Rights. "This event offers a rare opportunity for practitioners, activists, non-governmental organisations, the African community in Ireland, governmental departments and the academic community to discuss policy in relation to Africa and peace-keeping in particular." A wide range of international experts will address the event including Dr Noel Kinsella, Speaker of the Canadian Senate, international human rights advocate and academic. Other key speakers include representatives from Trócaire, the Irish Defence Forces, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Irish Aid and the Liberian Refugee Community. The conference will also hear from a representative of the Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Centre, a research centre based in Ghana, West Africa that looks at the causes and subsequent management of conflict and the promotion of peace. A major focus of the event will be the Irish mission in Liberia and the current situation in Darfur. The Conference on Africa and Peace-keepers: Positive Impact conference takes place in the Fottrell Theatre, Arts Millennium Building, from 11.00am to 4.30pm. This free conference is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. For further information or to obtain full programme details log on to www.nuigalway.ie/human_rights/ or www.amnesty.ie ENDS

Monday, 21 May 2007

Among six outstanding individuals from the worlds of business, philanthropy, justice, music and the arts announced as the 2007 recipients of honorary doctorates by National University of Ireland, Galway will be Ireland's best-selling solo artist Enya. Enya, who originally comes from the Donegal Gaeltacht of Gaoth Dobhair, a former member of the family group Clannad, now ranks alongside the most successful female artists in the world. Her musical compositions have won her many accolades. Four-time Grammy award winner, Enya and her production/writing team were nominated for a Golden Globe and an Oscar for their work on The Lord of the Rings. Enya has won six World Music Awards and the coveted American Golden Plate Award. Also being honoured is businessman and philanthropist Bill Walsh, a long-time supporter and director of The American Ireland Fund and recipient of its Distinguished Leadership Award in 1997. International business leader and chair of Reuters, Niall Fitzgerald KBE, will receive an honorary doctorate alongside Chief Justice Pius Langa, the first African Chief Justice of South Africa. The world of the arts will be represented by honorary graduands Nicholas Carolan, who established the Irish Traditional Music Archive and Dr Jane O Leary, composer, musician, founding member of Aosdána and founder and current chair of Music for Galway. Commenting on the announcement of this year's graduands, Dr. Iognáid ó Muircheartaigh, President of NUI Galway said, "While this University has had many outstanding honorary graduates in its history, those being honoured this year form a particularly distinguished group. Their contributions in many spheres – business, the arts, music, philanthropy, justice – have been outstanding, and NUI Galway is very pleased to be in a position to recognise these exceptional individuals." Recipients of this year's honorary degrees will be conferred during a special ceremony at the University on Friday, 29 June 2007. The honorary conferring will take place in the presence of the Chancellor of the National University of Ireland and former Taoiseach, Dr. Garret Fitzgerald ENDS

Monday, 21 May 2007

Tá sé fógartha go bhfaighidh seisear den scoth ó shaol an ghnó, an daonchairdis, an cheartais, an cheoil agus na n-ealaíon céimeanna dochtúireachta oinigh ó Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh in 2007 agus beidh sáramhránaí na hÉireann – Enya – ina measc. Tá Enya, ó Ghaoth Dobhair i nGaeltacht Dhún na nGall ó dhúchas, agus a bhí sa bhanna Clannad lena teaghlach tráth, i measc na n-amhránaithe ban is cáiliúla ar domhan anois. Is iomaí gradam atá bainte amach ag an gceol a scríobhann sí. Tá ceithre Grammy buaite ag Enya agus ainmníodh í féin agus a foireann léirithe/scríbhneoireachta do Golden Globe agus do Oscar as a saothar ar The Lord of the Rings. Tá sé cinn de Ghradaim Cheoil an Domhain buaite ag Enya chomh maith leis an American Golden Plate Award. Beidh céim oinigh á bronnadh chomh maith ar an bhfear gnó agus an daonchara Bill Walsh, fear atá ag tacú le fada leis an American Ireland Fund chomh maith lena bheith ina stiúrthóir air agus fuair sé an Gradam Ceannaireachta uathu i 1997. Gheobhaidh an fear gnó idirnáisiúnta agus cathaoirleach Reuters, Niall Fitzgerald KBE, céim dhochtúireachta oinigh chomh maith leis an Ard-Bhreitheamh Pius Langa, an chéad Ard-Bhreitheamh Afracach san Afraic Theas. Ó shaol na n-ealaíon, bronnfar céim oinigh ar Nicholas Carolan, a bhunaigh Cartlann Cheol Traidisiúnta na hÉireann agus an Dr Jane O Leary, cumadóir, ceoltóir, duine de lucht bunaithe Aosdána agus bunaitheoir agus cathaoirleach Music for Galway. Ag labhairt dó agus céimithe oinigh na bliana seo fógartha, dúirt an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, "Cé go bhfuil go leor céimithe oinigh bronnta ag OÉ Gaillimh thar na mblianta, is grúpa ar leith iad siúd a bhfuil céim oinigh á fáil acu i mbliana. Tá neart déanta acu sna réimsí éagsúla lena mbaineann siad – gnó, na healaíona, ceol, daonchairdeas agus ceartas agus tá an-áthas ar an Ollscoil a bheith in ann aitheantas a thabhairt do na daoine iontacha seo." Beidh searmanas speisialta ann Dé hAoine, an 29 Meitheamh 2007 chun na céimeanna oinigh a bhronnadh i mbliana. I láthair ag an searmanas beidh Seansailéir Ollscoil na hÉireann agus an tIar-Thaoiseach, an Dr Garret Fitzgerald. CRÍOCH

Tuesday, 15 May 2007

Graduates of NUI Galway/UCG over the past 50 years are invited to a Reunion Weekend, from Friday 8 – Sunday 10 June 2007, where they can renew lost friendships and discover the many changes to their alma mater in recent years. This year's event invites the Classes of 1957, 1967, 1977, 1982 and 1997 to attend events on campus to celebrate their time at and association with the University. Alumni who graduated 50 years ago will commence celebrations on Friday, 8 June with a welcome luncheon on campus hosted by Mr JB Terrins, Director of Alumni Relations. NUI Galway President Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh will then welcome the graduates into the 50 Year Club by presenting with commemorative scrolls acknowledging their status as Cumann Caoga Bliain graduates. The day is topped off with a reception and celebration dinner in the Galway Bay Hotel. The 'Through the Years' Reunion BBQ will be held on Saturday, 9 June at 7.00pm where classes celebrating their 50th, 40th, 30th, 25th, and 10th reunions will come together for an informal evening held on campus in the Students' Union Bar and Áras na MacLéinn. The weekend concludes for the Class of 1957 with a remembrance service in the University Chapel at 12.00pm on Sunday, 10 June, followed by a farewell lunch in the Aula Maxima. "The highlight of NUI Galway's calendar of events on campus is our annual programme of Class Reunions for those who graduated ten, twenty-five, thirty, forty and fifty years before. Reunions are particularly special and enjoyable as graduates get a rare chance to revisit old haunts and renew friendships with classmates and mentors from their days at UCG." says Mr Terrins. "As well as the many graduates returning to campus from within Ireland and the UK, this year we are also welcoming graduates back from such far-flung destinations as Africa and the U.S. People realise this opportunity very seldom comes around in a lifetime and they know a very warm welcome from familiar faces will be waiting for them." All those interested in attending the weekend's event should contact the NUI Galway Alumni Office on 091 493750 or email alumni@nuigalway.ie ENDS

Monday, 14 May 2007

Challenges impeding the field of gene and stem cell therapy will be addressed at the inaugural conference of the Irish Society for Gene and Cell Therapy (ISGCT) at NUI Galway on Friday, 18 May 2007. Initiated by the directors of the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at NUI Galway, Professor Timothy O'Brien and Professor Frank Barry, the ISGCT was established to advance gene and cell therapy research in Ireland. The aim of the society is to promote advances in gene and cell therapy research for the development of novel therapies to relieve pain and suffering. "What is significant about this conference is the bringing together of leading scientists and clinicians to speed up progress in gene and cell therapy towards clinical trials," said Prof. O' Brien, who leads the gene therapy research programme at REMEDI, and is Professor and Chair of Medicine at NUI Galway. "Stem cell and gene therapy have enormous potential for the treatment of many incurable diseases including heart disease, arthritis and neurological disorders such as spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's. This new society will interact with regulatory agencies to translate advances in this research area into clinical treatment options for patients, with patient safety as the primary motive," he added. Among the keynote speakers at the conference include; Dr Robert Montgomery, Senior Investigator, Blood Research Institute, Blood Centre of Wisconsin, USA; Prof George Dickson, Director of Research & Chair of Molecular Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of London; Dr Aideen Sullivan, Dept of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College Cork; Dr Jane Farrar, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin and Dr Gabor Rubanyi, Chief Scientific Officer, Cardium Therapeutics Inc., a medical technology company based in San Diego, California. REMEDI is the leading centre in Ireland conducting stem cell research and one of a limited number of centres in Europe combining the technologies of stem cell and gene therapy to regenerate and repair tissue. The ISGCT inaugural conference is being hosted by REMEDI and includes presentations from some of the most talented and innovative investigators working in the field. END

Monday, 14 May 2007

Pictured at the statue of Estonian writer Eduard Wilde on William Street in Galway City is NUI Galway student Ann Browne from Lifford, Co. Donegal and Marie Conlon, Ballinode, Co. Sligo. The students are preparing to travel to Estonia as part of a team of student volunteers to work with a rural development project. Twenty NUI Galway students will travel to Tarfu County, Estonia on Sunday, May 21, 2007 to volunteer with a rural community development scheme. For two weeks, the students will work alongside volunteers from the local area to renovate a community centre, build playgrounds and create forest trails. This is the second consecutive year students from NUI Galway will volunteer in Estonia. The project is part of the President's Award which encourages young people between the ages of 15 and 25 years to set themselves a challenge. Training and support for the Estonia trip is being provided by NUI Galway's volunteering programme ALIVE. As part of the preparation and support structure, sessions are under way on team building, communication and health & safety. Lorraine Tansey, Volunteer Co-ordinator for NUI Galway's ALIVE programme, who is also volunteering for the Estonia project, commented, "ALIVE is all about creating an ethos of volunteering in local communities at home and abroad. Increasing numbers of students are using their summer holidays to volunteer. The trip to Estonia is just one of many examples". She continued, "We are prepared for some hard physical labour. The accommodation will involve bunking down in the community hall in our sleeping bags. Nonetheless, there is huge excitement and anticipation among the Irish team. We know along with the hard work will come the opportunity to get to know the local community in Estonia. We will also have a huge sense of satisfaction at the end of the two weeks." NUI Galway students interested in volunteering in Ireland or abroad can contact the ALIVE programme at studentvolunteering@nuigalway.ie. For more information about the President's award, visit www.p-award.net. ENDS

Monday, 14 May 2007

Nicholas Canny, Professor of History and Academic Director of the Moore Institute at NUI Galway has been elected to the prestigious American Philosophical Society, becoming only the third Irish member of this generation to become a member of this, the oldest learned society in North America. Professor Canny, who is also the University's current Vice President for Research, was accorded this honour in recognition of his achievements as an original and innovative historian and of his advocacy of the importance of scholarship in the Humanities to the University and to Citizenship. His election, among the maximum of eight international members chosen in 2007, sees him join Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney and Thomas Mitchell, former provost of Trinity College Dublin, as fellow members of the Society. NUI Galway President Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, in extending his congratulations to Prof. Canny, said that this was "indeed a signal honour, recognising, as it does an outstanding scholar, whose contribution to research in the humanities is immense. On behalf of the University, I would like to pay tribute to Prof. Canny, an esteemed and long-standing member of NUI Galway s faculty, as he receives this prestigious honour from his peers." The American Philosophical Society was founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743 and since then has promoted useful knowledge in all branches of Science, the Arts, Social Science and the Humanities. Thomas Jefferson was one of its first Presidents, and that position is currently held by Baruch S. Blumberg, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1976. The Society currently has an enrolment of 804 resident and 156 foreign members, of whom close to 100 are Nobel Prize winners. The Society supports research through a program of grants, publishes scholarly books and journals and maintains a library singularly rich in material in the history of science and technology. ENDS

Monday, 14 May 2007

NUI Galway will hold an Information Evening for Adult Learners on Tuesday, 22 May 2007 where prospective students can find out all they need to know about part-time undergraduate and post-graduate study opportunities commencing in September 2007. The event will be held from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Áras na Mac Léinn where course co-ordinators will outline the specific details and requirements on a range of part-time programmes, on a one-to-one basis. NUI Galway's Strategic Plan for Adult Education pledges to increase access for non-traditional students and to expand distance learning and educational outreach. Among the courses offered at Certificate, Diploma, Degree and Masters level include; Diplomas in French, Italian, German, Spanish and Irish BA in Training and Education BA in Family and Community Studies BSc. in Science and Technology Studies MSc in Software and Information Systems MSc in Technology Management Seamus O'Grady, Director of Adult & Continuing Education at the University says: "The profile of Adult & Continuing Education has changed greatly at NUI Galway over the past 10 years. The BA in Family and Community Studies is an example of such new programme developments. It is designed to enable participants to further develop and enhance their understanding, knowledge and skills relevant to Family and Community work practice and policy in Ireland or abroad." The BSc in Science and Technology Studies is a unique programme that offers a combination of traditional subjects to give students a thorough grounding in the theoretical foundations of Science and Engineering along with specialist modules so that students can focus on areas that are relevant to their careers. "The programme can also be completed on a modular basis to enable students study at a pace that suits them", explains course co-ordinator Niamh Nolan. "So, if you work or aim to work in manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals or medical devices this is the programme for you." The innovative on-line MSc in Software and Information Systems is a tailor-made programme to advance and update a participant's knowledge of software and database design and development, developed in collaboration with Regis University, Denver, USA. The programme combines theory and practice, providing hands-on experience of software development methodologies and the application of information systems in industry. The Masters in Technology Management, offered by the Atlantic University Alliance (AUA), a collaborative agreement between University College Cork, University of Limerick and NUI Galway is equally enticing for those working in R&D or new product development or for candidates who perform a range of roles in one of Ireland's SMEs. Nuala McGuinn, Adult Education Development Officer, NUI Galway urges anyone considering part-time study to come along to the Information Evening as a first step to enhancing career prospects. "Any software is only as good as its next update and you can apply the same principle to your career. The closing date for application for many of our courses is earlier than you think and in some cases it's as early as June, so now is the time for students to do their research." For further details on all programmes visit the Adult Education website on: www.nuigalway.ie/adulteducation. ENDS

Monday, 14 May 2007

The Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI) at NUI Galway will play a significant role in the Semantic Technologies Conference in San Jose, from 20 – 24 May 2007. DERI will provide several technology presentations to a mostly industrial audience at the conference which will focus on industry-ready semantic technology solutions. "DERI Galway's leading role in semantic solutions is confirmed again - not only in Europe, but also in the Silicon Valley. Our innovative solutions continue to generate considerable industrial interest," says Prof. Stefan Decker, director of DERI. The presentations by DERI include work by researcher Eyal Oren, who will speak about this work on ActiveRDF, which bridges the gap between the new data formats of the Semantic Web and the mainstream approach of object-oriented programming. ActiveRDF, an open-source innovation from DERI which has triggered world-wide interest, allows existing developers to use Semantic Web data within their familiar tools and development approaches. In particular, ActiveRDF integrates the popular Web development framework Ruby on Rails and "puts the Semantic Web on Rails." Mr Oren will also present DERI s ongoing work on Semantic Business Process Integration which improves business-to-business integration, a multi-billion dollar market. Sebastian Kruk, who specialises in e-learning research, will present a semantic digital library, JeromeDL, which can turn a humble reader of digital content into a knowledge contributor, knowledge that can be used by other users, not only of this particular digital library. He will explain why systems like JeromeDL, which adapt semantic web and social networking technologies to knowledge organization systems in digital libraries domain, are the corner stones of the future Internet. Mr Kruk will also present how JeromeDL can support future solutions in e-learning, web archiving and e-government. The DERI team will also present other technologies at the conference where they will show how knowledge can be shared and filtered using Semantic Web 2.0 technologies; how to develop ontologies in a collaborative way using MarcOnt Portal; as well as explaining the role semantics play in digital content repositories. DERI is currently the largest applied research organisation in the world developing the next generation of internet technology - the Semantic Web. Founded in 2003 with CSET (Centre for Science and Engineering Technology) funding from Science Foundation Ireland, it has since grown to over 100 people and has acquired significant additional research funding from sources such as the European Union Framework Programmes, Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland. Science Foundation Ireland s investment in DERI represents one of its largest investments in the software area, signalling the importance of the Semantic Web. SFI is greatly encouraged by the world class results such as this being produced by the DERI researchers. END

Thursday, 10 May 2007

Ag searmanas speisialta san Ollscoil, bronnadh Cartlann Mhíchíl Chíosóig, cartlann ina bhfuil ábhar oifigiúil agus pearsanta a bhaineann le bunaitheoir CLG, Mícheál Cíosóg agus a theaghlach, ar Leabharlann Shéamais Uí Argadáin, OÉ Gaillimh. B'iarleabharlannaí de chuid OÉ Gaillimh, Patricia O'Connell nach maireann, neacht chéile le Mícheál Cíosóg, a thug an chartlann don Leabharlann. I measc na n-ábhar: Leabhar oifigiúil Chlub Iománaíochta Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath, ó bunaíodh é i 1883 – sonraí faoi bhallraíocht, miontuairiscí agus cuntais an chlub nua, a raibh Cíosóg ina Leas-Uachtarán air, agus socruithe do chluichí iománaíochta i bPáirc an Fhionnuisce ag tús 1883; Cuntas Mhíchíl Chíosóig ar a chuairt ar Chontae an Chláir, Meitheamh 1902; litir chuig a chlann mhac sa tréimhse chéanna; leabhar urnaithe a thug sé dá bhean Margaret i 1880; nótaí faoina ghinealas, agus nóta dá chlann ina measc; grianghraif de Mhícheál, Margaret agus a gclann. Labhair an Leabharlannaí Marie Reddan faoi thábhacht na cartlainne. "Cuirfidh Cartlann Chíosóig go mór le stóras OÉ Gaillimh maidir le hathbheochan chultúr na hÉireann ag deireadh an naoú céad déag. Is bailiúchán den scoth é seo agus cuirfidh sé go mór leis an ábhar atá againn ó Bhailiúchán Stiofáin Bhairéid (an chéad Chisteoir ar Chonradh na Gaeilge) agus bailiúchán de pháipéir nuachta na hOllscoile ó dheireadh an naoú céad déag, ina bhfuil The Celtic Times." Rugadh Mícheál Cíosóg (1847 – 1906) sa Charn taobh thoir de Bhoirinn. Mhúin sé i gCora Finne, Loch Cútra, Coláiste Cholmáin, Iúr Cinn Trá, Coláiste na Carraige Duibhe agus i scoileanna eile i mBaile Átha Cliath, i gCill Chainnigh agus i gCill Dara, sular bhunaigh sé a scoil féin. I 1884, bhunaigh sé Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, chun iománaíocht agus peil Ghaelach a athbheochan agus chun an lúthchleasaíocht a fhorbairt. Bhí baint ag an gCíosógach le gluaiseacht athbheochana na Gaeilge freisin, agus scríobh sé go rialta do thréimhseacháin éagsúla. Bhunaigh sé The Celtic Times, páipéar seachtainiúil faoi chluichí dúchasacha agus faoi chultúr na hÉireann. Seachas an tairbhe a bheadh ann do thaighdeoirí maidir le heolas faoi fhórsaí cultúrtha sa tréimhse sin agus, go háirithe, imeachtaí roimh bhunú CLG i 1884, tugann cartlann Mhíchíl Chíosóig léargas níos fearr dúinn ar phearsantacht Chíosóig, an fear príobháideach teaghlaigh. Níl ábhar mar seo ó pheann Chíosóig féin le fáil in aon áit eile, ach in OÉ Gaillimh, agus bronnta orainn ag a theaghlach féin. Tá an Ollscoil fíorbhuíoch as an gcartlann seo a bhronn Patricia O'Connell ar Leabharlann Shéamais Uí Argadáin, áit ar chaith sí riar maith dá saol. Bhí trí leabhar scríofa ag Patricia féin faoi Choláistí Éireannacha ar an Mór-Roinn. Faraor, bhásaigh Patricia i mí na Nollag 2006. CRÍOCH

Wednesday, 9 May 2007

The Cusack Archive, containing unique official and personal material relating to the founder of the GAA, Michael Cusack and his family, has been presented to the James Hardiman Library, NUI Galway at a special reception at the University. The archive was donated by a former librarian at NUI Galway, the late Patricia O'Connell, who was a niece-in-law of Michael Cusack. Material includes: the official Minute-book of the Dublin Hurling Club, from its foundation in 1883 - giving membership, minutes and accounts for the fledgling club, of which Cusack was Vice-President, and also arrangements for hurling matches in the Phoenix Park in early 1883; Michael Cusack's diary of his visit to Clare in June 1902; a letter to his sons on the same occasion; a prayer book presented by him to his wife Margaret in 1880; notes tracing his ancestry, including a note from him for his children; photographs of Michael, Margaret and their children. Librarian Marie Reddan highlighted the significance of the donation. "The Cusack Archive adds substantially to NUI Galway's holdings on the revival of Irish culture in the later nineteenth century. It is a unique collection and complements existing material from the Stiophán Bairéad Collection (the first Treasurer of the Gaelic League) and the University's newspaper holdings from the later nineteenth century, which include The Celtic Times." Michael Cusack (1847 – 1906) was born in the parish of Carron on the eastern fringe of the Burren. As a teacher, he taught in Corofin, Lough Cútra, St Colman's College, Newry, Blackrock College and other schools in Dublin, Kilkenny and Kildare, before founding his own academy. In 1884 he founded the GAA, aiming to revive hurling and Gaelic football and to develop athletics. Cusack was also involved in the Irish language revival movement, and was a regular contributor to various periodicals, as well as founding The Celtic Times, a weekly newspaper devoted to 'native games' and Irish culture. Aside from its value for researchers into the cultural forces at work in that seminal period and in particular the events leading up to the foundation of the GAA in 1884, the Michael Cusack Archive affords an unparalleled insight into the personality of Cusack, the private family man. It is furthermore unique in constituting the only known surviving material in Cusack's own hand, donated to NUI Galway directly from his family. The University is deeply appreciative of this generous and valuable donation from Patricia O'Connell to the James Hardiman Library to which she devoted so much of her life. Unfortunately, Patricia herself, who was a distinguished author of three books on the Irish Colleges on the Continent, passed away in December 2006. ENDS

Tuesday, 8 May 2007

Tá ag éirí go hiontach leis na mic léinn a d'fhreastail ar an Dioplóma i Scileanna Teilifíse in Ionad na hOllscoile i nGaoth Dobhair le 4 bliana anuas. Le déanaí, bhuaigh an clár Siúlach Scéalach, a léirigh mic léinn an chúrsa agus mic léinn an Ard-Dioplóma i gCumarsáid Fheidhmeach, (An Cheathrú Rua), an léiriúchán teilifíse i nGaeilge is fearr ag comórtas SMEDIA i mBaile Átha Cliath. Taifeadadh an clár faisnéise i nGaeltacht Ghaoth Dobhair ag tús na bliana. Tá an cúrsa seo ag tosú arís i mí Mheán Fómhair i gcomhpháirtíocht le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta agus tá an tIonad i nGaoth Dobhair ag glacadh le hiarratais anois. Ní bheidh táillí le híoc chun freastal ar an chúrsa seo agus íocfar liúntas cothabhála leis na rannpháirtithe. Tá iarmhic léinn ó chúrsa Ghaoth Dobhair ag obair le comhlachtaí teilifíse ar fud na tíre agus tá ag éirí go geal leo. Tagann mic léinn as gach cearn den tír le freastal ar an chúrsa seo agus baineann siad sult agus tairbhe as. Duine acu sin, Séamus Ó Súilleabháin as Cúil Aodha i gCo. Chorcaí: "Bhain mé an-sult as an gcúrsa agus as an am a chaith mé i nGaoth Dobhair. Chuaigh an bhliain thart róghasta". Tá Séamus ag obair mar eagarthóir le Nemeton anois thíos i bPort Láirge agus tá dúil bhreá aige ann. Dúirt sé freisin: "Tá suim mhór agam i spórt agus is minic a bhím ag déanamh eagarthóireachta ar chláracha peile. Mar sin de, ní bhíonn deacracht ar bith agam ag éirí ar maidin le dul ag obair" Duine eile a rinne an cúrsa ná Fiona Ní Chléirigh as Gaoth Dobhair. Mar chuid den chúrsa, chuaigh Fiona amach ar thaithí oibre le Telegael, comhlacht leiriúcháin, An Spidéal, Co. na Gaillimhe, agus anois tá post lánaimseartha aici leo i mBéal Feirste. "Tá dúil bhreá agam sa phost. Ós rud é go raibh trealamh den scoth againn ar an chúrsa bhí mé ábalta teacht isteach ar an dóigh a n-oibríonn achan rud san ionad oibre. Tá mé breá ábalta tabhairt faoi eagarthóireacht, grafaicí agus meascadh fuaime anois." Rinne Louise Ní hAnachaí as Baile Átha Cliath an cúrsa anuraidh agus dúirt sí: "Chuidigh an cúrsa liom áit a fháil sa 4ú bliain den chúrsa céime sa chumarsáid in Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Thamhlacht. Ní raibh le déanamh agam ach bliain amháin agus fuair mé Céad Onóracha sa chéim i mbliana." Chun bróisiúr a fháil, cuir glaoch ar an Ionad ag (074) 9531919. Críoch

Thursday, 3 May 2007

Sr Avril O'Regan, Chaplaincy NUI Galway, accepts a cheque for €3,000 from the NUI Galway Alumni Association Board toward the Ghana Project, which has raised over €65,000 to fund a team of 21 students who will travel to Ghana next week. The students will spend two weeks in the western African country helping local people build their own homes. They will work and live on the construction site with the homeowners' families during their stay. The trip is organised by the NUI Galway Chaplaincy, part of the University's Student Services, in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity Ghana, which has already built over 4,000 homes in Ghana. Also pictured are Mr Peter Mannion, Students' Union Education Officer, NUI Galway; Catherine Hickey-O Maolain, Vice Chair of the NUI Galway Alumni Association Board and Ailíse McMahon, from Bray, County Wicklow, a fourth year Arts student and member of the Ghana Project. The mission of NUI Galway Alumni Association Board is to nurture an active and mutually beneficial relationship between NUI Galway and all its graduates throughout the world. ENDS

Thursday, 3 May 2007

Secondary school students from Athenry and Spiddal are to battle it out in this year's final of the REMEDI schools debate competition at NUI Galway on Wednesday, 9 May 2007. The motion for this year's final is: The current situation whereby most Irish hospitals do not facilitate cord blood collection is unacceptable. Arguing in favour of the motion will be Jack Rawlings and Catherine O'Keefe, Transition Year students at Presentation Secondary School, Athenry. Arguing against the motion will be fifth year students Ciara Ní Ghabhain and John Gerard O'Gnímh, representing Coláiste Chroí Mhuire, An Spidéal. Prizes include a Galway Crystal trophy for the winning school, while the successful students will be presented with iPods. The runners up will also receive a Galway Crystal trophy for their school and personal prizes of iPOD shuffles. Professor Frank Barry, Scientific Director of REMEDI, and one of the world's leading experts in stem cell research, will chair the judging panel. A total of eight schools across the city and county participated in this year's competition, which is part of the Galway Region Outreach (GRO) programme. GRO is an innovative outreach programme aimed at secondary schools in the region facilitated jointly by REMEDI and the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Sciences (NCBES) at NUI Galway. It promotes science, engineering and technology to students and encourages them to consider a career in these fields. The aim of the competition is to stimulate discussion among young people on the ethical and societal issues raised by developments in biomedical sciences. ENDS

Thursday, 3 May 2007

Glacfaidh daltaí meánscoile ó Bhaile Átha an Rí agus An Spidéal páirt i gcraobhchomórtas díospóireachta scoileanna REMEDI in OÉ Gaillimh, Dé Céadaoin, 9 Bealtaine 2007. Is é rún na díospóireachta i mbliana: The current situation whereby most Irish hospitals do not facilitate cord blood collection is unacceptable. Beidh Jack Rawlings and Catherine O'Keefe, Daltaí Idirbhliana ó Choláiste na Toirbhirte, Baile Átha an Rí, ag argóint ar son an rúin. Beidh Ciara Ní Ghabhain agus John Gerard O'Gnímh, daltaí ón gcúigiú bliain i gColáiste Chroí Mhuire, An Spidéal, ag argóint i gcoinne an rúin. I measc na nduaiseanna atá ann don scoil a bhuann tá trófaí Galway Crystal, agus bronnfar iPod an duine ar na daltaí a n-éiríonn leo. Is é an tOllamh Frank Barry, Stiúrthóir REMEDI, agus ceann de mhór-eolaithe an domhain ar thaighde gascheall, a bheidh ina chathaoirleach ar phainéal na moltóirí. Ghlac ocht scoil as ar fud chathair agus chontae na Gaillimhe páirt sa chomórtas seo i mbliana. Is cuid de chlár For-Rochtana Réigiún na Gaillimhe (GRO) an comórtas seo. Clár nuálach for-rochtana é GRO atá dírithe ar mheánscoileanna sa réigiún le páirtíocht ó REMEDI i gcomhar leis an Ionad Náisiúnta um Eolaíocht Innealtóireachta Bithmhíochaine (NCBES) in OÉ Gaillimh. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an GRO eolaíocht, innealtóireacht agus teicneolaíocht a chur chun cinn i measc daltaí agus iad a spreagadh le tabhairt faoi ghairm bheatha sna réimsí seo. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an gcomórtas díospóireacht faoi na ceisteanna eiticiúla agus na ceisteanna i measc na sochaí a bhaineann le forbairtí sna heolaíochtaí bithmhíochaine a spreagadh i measc daoine óga. CRÍOCH

Tuesday, 1 May 2007

NUI Galway PhD student Sandra Galvin from the Department of Bacteriology will bring the topical issue of water quality to the annual Science Speak competition in the RDS on Thursday, 3 May, 2007 where she will compete with students from the six other Irish Universities to claim the coveted national title. Compered by RTE's Pat Kenny, the contest rates the speakers' ability to communicate their research to a non-scientific audience. The judging panel, which includes Irish Times Science Editor Dick Ahlstrom, Peter Brabazon of Discover Science and Engineering, and RTE broadcasters John Creedon, Éanna Ní Lamhna and Kathriona Devereux, will determine the winner as the person best able to communicate their area of research and how it can affect peoples' everyday lives. Sandra's presentation, 'Water water everywhere - is it safe to drink?' is especially topical given the current national debate about water quality arising from the problems with water quality in the Galway region. It is based on her PhD research project which examines how to detect antibiotic resistant bacteria in water and in sewage and asks what is the significance of this issue for human health. The work is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. Sandra's work involves analysing various water bodies around Ireland including hospital effluent, outflow from a wastewater treatment plant, source water, drinking water, sea water, river water and lake water. "The effect the environment has on our health is of increasing concern worldwide," says Sandra. "Given the current climate of water quality issues in Ireland, this research further highlights the importance of increased monitoring and assessment of our water supplies." Originally from Askeaton, in County Limerick, Sandra holds a BSc in Microbiology from UCC. Now in her second year of a PhD at the Department of Bacteriology, NUI Galway, she is one of a team of researchers involved in the 'Enhancing Human Health Through Improved Water Quality' project, led by the Environmental Change Institute at NUI Galway. Science Speak is an annual competition organised by the seven Irish Universities; NUI Galway, University of Limerick, University College Cork, University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University and NUI Maynooth. Each finalist, a postgraduate student, qualified for the national final through individual competitions in their respective university. Science Speak is a joint initiative organised by the Irish Times and the RDS in association with the Irish Universities Promoting Science. The event is sponsored by Wyeth Biotech and the Discover Science & Engineering Programme. ENDS

Tuesday, 1 May 2007

Internet researchers at the Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI) at NUI Galway have made a major technological breakthrough in the Semantic Web, a machine readable version of the web which enables more efficient internet searching. Current internet technology means that users must filter search results and decide what is relevant. The Semantic Web enables the computer to filter information and also powers the intelligent transfer, sharing and negotiation of information between computer systems. The Semantic Web Search Engine developed at DERI is able to answer queries with more than 7 billion RDF statements in fractions of a second - the largest number reported so far anywhere in the world. An RDF statement is the entity that makes the Semantic Web semantic. Possible application areas include Social Network Applications and Analysis, eHealth applications, Web Search, location based services, and financial searches. "The importance of this breakthrough can not be overestimated" says Professor Stefan Decker, Director of DERI. "These results enable us to create web search engines that really deliver answers instead of links. The technology also allows us to combine information from the Web, for example the engine can list all partnerships of a company even if there is no single web page that lists all of them." Andreas Harth and Aidan Hogan, key researchers on the Semantic Web Search Engine project, have been working on the project for about three years. "I am excited about the prospects ahead," says Mr Harth. "We are currently working on realising inferencing - making the web truly intelligent - and we have results already." DERI is currently the largest applied research organisation in the world developing the next generation of internet technology – the Semantic Web. DERI was founded in 2003 with CSET (Centre for Science and Engineering Technology) funding from Science Foundation Ireland. It has since grown to over 100 people and has acquired significant additional research funding from sources such as the European Union Framework Programmes, Enterprise Ireland and SFI. ENDS

Tuesday, 1 May 2007

The trend towards increasing outflows of people as well as the more evident inflows from other countries should be welcomed as part of Ireland's changing pattern of migration, according to a former Dean of Commerce at NUI Galway, Professor Roy Green, who will deliver the 30th Annual Countess Markievicz Memorial lecture on Tuesday, 8 May 2007. The 'Building the Innovative Capability of Organisations' lecture, organised by the Irish Association for Industrial Relations (IAIR), with the support of Medtronic and GMIT, will take place at Áras Moyola, NUI Galway from 6.30 – 7.30pm. Prof. Green is Dean of the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, one of Australia's leading business schools. Prof. Green argues that, like Australia, Ireland too must adopt a positive view of the trend for graduates to look for work abroad as well as at home, as many of these graduates are likely to return with enhanced skills and experience. Prof. Green, who was responsible for establishing the Centre for Innovation & Structural Change and J E Cairnes Graduate School of Business & Public Policy during his six years at NUI Galway, believes Countess Markievicz herself was one of the first examples of a migrant who contributed massively to the Irish nation. "The first phase of immigration comprised Irish expatriates from the less than halcyon days of the 1980s, who were forced to leave by the economic circumstances of the time and only now have the opportunity to return to senior positions in universities, public agencies and international firms, as well as professional s and skilled workers from a wide range of other countries, especially the new member states of the EU, who also want to contribute to the Irish economic transformation and build a new life here for themselves and their families," says Prof. Green. "With only a slight stretch of the imagination, you might say that London-born Constance Markievicz was an early prototype for this group, as were James Connolly, who was Scottish and New York native Eamon de Valera. "Unlike Joyce Beckett Shaw and the Massachusetts Kennedy clan, whose life and work were conducted abroad, the new generation will be gone one day but back the next, as a sophisticated, Blackberry wielding, Armani and Prada-clad globalised community, which according to AT Kearney's Globalisation Index, belongs to one of the most globalised economies in the world." Professor Green concludes that business schools have a major part to play in "preparing the next generation of leaders in our societies, through their management of organisations in both the public and private sectors, and that leadership in the future will no longer be about 'command and control', but releasing people's talent and creativity, more often than not in cross-functional, problem-solving teams, collaborative networks and 'communities of knowledge'". The lecture is free and open to the public. Further information is available from Dr Noel Harvey, Chairman of the IAIR on 091 742127 or Nuala Donohue, Department of Management, NUI Galway on 091 493771. The Irish Association for Industrial Relations was established in 1972 in response to a growing need to develop and exchange knowledge on industrial relations at the national level, providing a forum for discussion and research. Membership is drawn from management, trade unions, academics, students and others interested in industrial relations and related topics. ENDS

Saturday, 30 June 2007

Pictured at the Honorary Conferring on Friday 29 June, 2007(L to R): Chief Justice Pius Langa; Enya; Bill Walsh; Niall FitzGerald, KBE; Dr Jane O Leary and Nicholas Carolan Honorary Doctorates conferred on Bill Walsh, Jane O'Leary, Chief Justice Pius Langa, Nicholas Carolan, Niall Fitzgerald, KBE and Eithne Ní Bhraonáin (Enya) Six outstanding individuals from the worlds of business, philanthropy, justice, music and the arts were conferred with honorary degrees from National University of Ireland, Galway on Friday 29 June, 2007. The conferring marks remarkable achievements and distinctive contributions both nationally and internationally by individuals who have excelled in their fields. The ceremony follows last week's honorary conferring of world renowned folklorist Tom Munnelly. Commenting, Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President of NUI Galway said, "It is a great pleasure to welcome such a distinguished group of graduands to NUI Galway to bestow on them the highest honour that the university can confer. This year with the worlds of the arts, justice, business and philanthropy represented by graduands from South Africa, Ireland, Britain and the United States, I believe that we have a wonderfully eclectic, diverse and particularly talented group of honorees." Bill Walsh (Degree of Doctor of Laws) is the Founder and Chairman of Sequoia Associates, a private investment firm, established in 1982. He is married and has six children. A quiet, steadfast philanthropist, Walsh is a long-time member of the American Ireland Fund and received its Distinguished Leadership Award in 1997. Walsh, his wife, and six children together endowed The William D. Walsh Family Library at Fordham University, and dedicated the Lumbard Classroom in Hauser Hall at Harvard Law School. In addition, Walsh established the Lumbard Fellowship to fund summer interns from Harvard Law School and Columbia and Fordham Law Schools to work in the U.S. Attorney's Office. Jane O'Leary (Degree of Doctor of Music) was born in Hartford, Connecticut, Jane has been resident in Ireland since 1972. A founding member of Aosdána, Jane has composed over 70 works, which have been widely performed and broadcast. In 1976 Jane established the contemporary music ensemble Concorde to promote and perform new music on a regular basis. She lives in Galway where she is a founder and current chairperson of Music for Galway, founded in 1981. Jane has served on the Board of the National Concert Hall, the Arts Council, and the Cultural Relations Committee of the Department of Foreign Affairs. She was chair of the Contemporary Music Centre during a period of significant development for the centre. She has been Composer in Residence at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and currently teaches composition at DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama. Chief Justice Pius Langa (Degree of Doctor of Laws) is an inspirational jurist who is the first African Chief Justice of South Africa. He rose from humble beginnings as a worker in a shirt factory, to a court interpreter and messenger; subsequently a prosecutor and magistrate and a Judge of the Constitutional Court. Chief Justice Langa has always been involved in attempts to improve the quality of life of his fellow South Africans. He continues to assist civic organisations, townships residents association and youth and recreational groups. In an extremely competitive profession, his rise from humble beginnings in apartheid in South Africa to the Chief Justice of a free South Africa is truly remarkable and bears testimony to a courageous and indefatigable personality. Nicholas Carolan (Degree of Doctor of Literature) has achieved a national feat in the last twenty years in the establishment of the Irish Traditional Music Archive. It holds and preserves there the largest multi-media collection in existence of Irish traditional music materials: over 28,000 sound recordings, 18,000 books and serials, 10,000 images, and a mass of other materials. It also holds the largest body of information about the music, organised on unique computer catalogues: over half a million content items in all. He is best known to the public for his long-running archival television series, Come West along the Road on RTÉ and Siar an Bóthar on TG4, and for his extensive public lecturing. He has also published a profusion of books and scholarly articles on the subject of Irish traditional music. This year 2007 will be the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Archive, an appropriate time to honour Nicholas Carolan s service to the nation. Niall FitzGerald, KBE (Degree of Doctor of Laws) became the Chairman of Reuters in October 2004, having spent over thirty years with Unilever in a variety of commercial and financial jobs in several countries. During his Unilever career, he worked and lived in Ireland, the Netherlands, South Africa, the USA and the UK. Niall FitzGerald joined the Board of Reuters as a non-executive director in 2003 and became Chairman in 2004. Niall FitzGerald was awarded an honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire in 2002, and holds a number of Honorary Doctorates from American, British and Irish universities. Eithne Ní Bhraonáin-Enya (Degree of Doctor of Music) was born in Gaoth Dobhair and educated in Milford, County Donegal, Enya was born into a musical family. In 1980 she was asked to join the family group Clannad at the request of Nicky Ryan, Clannad's Manager at that time. After leaving Clannad in 1982 she commenced her musical collaboration with the producer and lyricist team of Nicky and Roma Ryan. Enya has become Ireland's best-selling solo artist in the history of the State and ranks alongside the most successful female artists in the world. She was the world s biggest selling female artist of 2001 and 2002. To date Enya has sold over seventy million albums worldwide. The honorary conferring will take place in the presence of the Chancellor of the National University of Ireland and former Taoiseach, Dr. Garret FitzGerald ENDS

Friday, 29 June 2007

Ag bronnadh na gCeimeanna Oinigh inniú ag OÉ Gaillimh (ó chlé): an tArd-Bhreitheamh Pius Langa; Enya; Bill Walsh; Niall FitzGerald, KBE; Dr Jane O Leary agus Nicholas Carolan Céimeanna Dochtúireachta bronnta ar Bill Walsh, Jane O'Leary, An tArd-Bhreitheamh Pius Langa, Nicholas Carolan, Niall Fitzgerald, KBE agus Eithne Ní Bhraonáin (Enya) Fuair seisear den scoth ó shaol an ghnó, an daonchairdis, an cheartais, an cheol agus na n-ealaíon céimeanna oinigh ó Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh inniu, Dé hAoine, an 29 Meitheamh 2007. Léiríonn an bronnadh na héachtaí agus an obair náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta atá bainte amach ag na daoine seo sna réimsí lena mbaineann siad. Bronnadh céim oinigh an tseachtain seo caite ar an mbéaloideasaí Tom Munnelly, a bhfuil cáil dhomhanda air. Dúirt an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, "Is mór an onóir dom fáilte a chur roimh an ngrúpa ar leith réamhchéimithe seo chuig OÉ Gaillimh agus an onóir is mó is féidir leis an Ollscoil a thabhairt dóibh á bronnadh orthu inniu. I mbliana agus réamhchéimithe ón Afraic Theas, as Éirinn, as an mBreatain agus as na Stáit Aontaithe ag déanamh ionadaíochta ar na healaíona, an ceartas, an gnó agus an daonchairdeas, is eicléictiúil, ilghnéitheach agus ildánach an grúpa céimithe atá againn." Is é Bill Walsh (Céim Dhochtúireachta sa Dlí) a bhunaigh agus atá mar Chathaoirleach ar Sequoia Associates, gnólacht príobháideach infheistíochta, a bunaíodh i 1982. Tá sé pósta agus tá seisear clainne air. Daonchara ciúin seasmhach é Walsh atá in bhall le blianta fada den American Ireland Fund agus a fuair an Gradam Ceannaireachta uathu i 1997. Mhaoinigh Walsh, a bhean chéile, agus a seisear clainne an William D. Walsh Family Library in Ollscoil Fordham, agus ba iad a thiomnaigh an Lumbard Classroom in Hauser Hall ag Scoil Dlí Harvard. Chomh maith leis sin, bhunaigh Walsh Ánracht Lumbard chun intéirnigh a mhaoiniú i rith an tsamhraidh ó Scoil Dlí Harvard agus as Scoileanna Dlí Columbia agus Fordham chun go mbeidís in ann oibriú in Oifig an Ard-Aighne sna Stáit Aontaithe. Rugadh Jane O'Leary (Céim Dhochtúireachta sa Cheol) in Hartford, Connecticut, agus tá sí ina cónaí in Éirinn ó 1972. Duine de lucht bunaithe Aosdána í Jane a bhfuil breis agus 70 saothar cumtha aici, saothar a sheinntear agus a chraoltar go mion minic. I 1976, bhunaigh Jane an ensemble comhaimseartha ceoil, Concorde, chun ceol nua a chur chun cinn agus a sheinm go rialta. Tá sí ina cónaí i nGaillimh áit ar bhunaigh sí Music for Galway i 1981 agus is í atá ina cathaoirleach air faoi láthair. Bhí Jane ar Bhord an Cheolárais Náisiúnta, na Comhairle Ealaíon, agus ar Choiste um Chaidreamh Cultúir na Roinne Gnóthaí Eachtracha. Bhí sí in Cathaoirleach ar an Contemporary Music Centre agus an t-ionad sin á fhorbairt go mór ag an am. Bhí sí ina Cumadóir Cónaitheach le hAcadamh Ríoga Cheol na hÉireann agus faoi láthair tá cumadóireacht á teagasc aici san Ardscoil Cheoil agus Drámaíochta in Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Bhaile Átha Cliath. Is dlí-eolaí den scoth an tArd-Bhreitheamh Pius Langa (Céim Dhochtúireachta sa Dlí). Ba é an chéad Ard-Bhreitheamh Afracach ar an Afraic Theas. Thosaigh sé ag obair i monarcha léinte ar dtús. Ansin fuair sé post mar theachtaire agus mar theangaire cúirte; ansin mar ionchúisitheoir. D'oibrigh sé ansin mar ghiúistís agus mar Bhreitheamh ar an gCúirt Bhunreachtúil. Tá a shaol caite ag an Ard-Bhreitheamh Langa ag iarraidh caighdeán maireachtála na ndaoine san Afraic Theas a fheabhsú. Cabhraíonn sé i gcónaí le heagraíochtaí saoránachta, cumann cónaitheoirí bailte agus grúpaí óige agus caitheamh aimsire. Is gairm fhíoriomaíoch í seo, agus léiríonn an dul chun cinn a rinne sé i gcinedheighilt san Afraic Theas go hArd-Bhreitheamh san Afraic Theas shaor, chomh misniúil agus chomh dosháraithe is atá an fear seo. Tá éacht náisiúnta bainte amach ag Nicholas Carolan (Céim Dhochtúireachta sa Litríocht) le scór bliain anuas le bunú Chartlann Cheol Traidisiúnta na hÉireann. Is ann atá an bailiúchán ilmheán is mó de cheol traidisiúnta na hÉireann: Breis is 28,000 fuaimthaifead, 18,000 leabhar agus sraitheanna, 10,000 íomhá, agus go leor ábhar eile. Is ann is mó atá eolas le fáil faoin gceol freisin – curtha in ord ar chatalóga áirithe ríomhaire: breis is leathmhilliún acu ar fad. Is fearr aithne air mar gheall ar an sraithchlár cartlainne atá ar RTÉ le fada, Come West along the Road agus Siar an Bóthar ar TG4, agus mar gheall ar a chuid léachtaí poiblí. Tá neart leabhar agus alt scolártha foilsithe aige faoi cheol traidisiúnta na hÉireann. Beidh sé 20 bliain i mbliana ó bunaíodh an Chartlann, am feiliúnach chun onóir a thabhairt do sheirbhís Nicholas Carolan don tír. Rinneadh Cathaoirleach ar Reuters de Niall FitzGerald, KBE (Céim Dhochtúireachta sa Dlí) i nDeireadh Fómhair 2004, tar éis tríocha bliain a bheith caite aige le Unilever i bpoist éagsúla tráchtála agus airgeadais i dtíortha éagsúla. Agus é ag obair le Unilever, bhí sé ina chónaí in Éirinn, san Ísiltír, san Afraic Theas, i Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá agus sa Ríocht Aontaithe. Rinneadh ball de Bhord Reuters de Niall FitzGerald mar stiúrthóir neamhfheidhmiúcháin in 2003 agus rinneadh Cathaoirleach de in 2004. Rinneadh Ceannasaí Oinigh Ridireachta d'Impireacht na Breataine as Niall FitzGerald in 2002, agus tá céimeanna oinigh Dochtúireachta faighte aige ó ollscoileanna i Meiriceá, sa Bhreatain agus in Éirinn. Rugadh Eithne Ní Bhraonáin-Enya (Céim Dhochtúireachta sa Cheol) i nGaoth Dobhair agus fuair sí a cuid oideachais i Milford, Contae Dhún na nGall. Bhí an teaghlach an-cheolmhar agus i 1980 d'iarr Nicky Ryan uirthi, Bainisteoir Chlannad ag an am, páirt a ghlacadh i gClannad – grúpa an teaghlaigh. I ndiaidh di Clannad a fhágáil i 1982 thosaigh sí ag ceol trí chomhoibriú leis an léiritheoir Nicky Ryan agus leis an liriceoir Roma Ryan. Is í Enya an t-amhránaí ban is mó éilimh sa tír seo agus tá sí ar dhuine de na hamhránaithe ban is cáiliúla ar domhan. Ba í an t-amhránaí ban ba mhó éilimh in 2001 agus 2002. Go dtí seo, tá breis is seachtó milliún albam díolta aici ar fud an domhain. I láthair ag an searmanas bronnta beidh Seansailéir Ollscoil na hÉireann agus an tIar-Thaoiseach, an Dr Garret FitzGerald. CRÍOCH

Tuesday, 26 June 2007

Access to Success: the Student Experience from Pre-entry to Employment (with particular focus on students from under-represented groups) The European Access Network (EAN) in collaboration with the Access Programme Office at NUI Galway is having its 16th EAN Annual Conference from 27 - 29 June 2007. The conference will look at the student experience throughout the student life cycle, with particular focus on students from under-represented groups. The NUI Galway Access Programme promotes initiatives that encourage greater participation in university amongst under-represented groups (under presentation can be for reason of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, nationality, low-socio economic status, vocational training, geographic location or earlier educational disadvantage). According to Imelda Byrne, Access Officer, "The numbers of students progressing from our target groups to higher education has increased over the past 10 years. This conference hopes to examine in particular factors that will affect, influence or shape the experience and future employment potentials; it will also consider the role of the career services as an interface for student – university – employer to facilitate a three way dialogue on employability. Increasingly, higher education institutions are recognising the need to stimulate university – industry links and are working with local communities in order to develop the knowledge based economy." Mr. Michael Kelly, Chair of the Higher Education Authority will deliver the opening address. Mr. Chris Coughlan, Adjunct Professor at the University and e-Business Services Manager, Hewlett Packard, Galway is a guest speaker and will discuss the Role of Career Guidance in Supporting Students' Personal and Professional development. Past conferences have been very successful and were attended by high level policy makers, academics, practitioners and researchers who came to share international examples of innovative strategies and good practices. The EAN and NUI Galway are confident that this year's event will be equally successful with over 200 delegates expected. Keynote speakers include: Bahram Bekhradnia, Director, Higher Education Policy Institute, UK Ibrahim Bokharouss, ECHO, the Netherlands Michael M Crow, President, Arizona State University, USA Margaret Dane, Chief Executive, AGCAS, UK Michel Feutrie, President, EUCEN, France Annika Persson Ponten, Ministry of Education, Sweden Jaana Puukka, Analyst, OECD The EAN is the only independent, non-profit making, European organisation – but with an active international membership – which promotes equity and access to education and training for disadvantaged and under-represented groups. Over the past 15 years the EAN has through research, publications and conferences, successfully informed and stimulated access policy, raised awareness to the social and equity dimensions of higher education, facilitated pedagogic development, and disseminated research findings and examples of good practice. ENDS

Tuesday, 26 June 2007

NUI Galway Biomedical Engineering student Michael Dunning has been named Siemens Innovative Engineer of the Year 2007 at a ceremony in Dublin. This prestigious award, now in its 9th year, is presented annually by Siemens and Engineers Ireland to a final year engineering student who has developed an innovative technology or product that is commercially viable. Michael, from Athlone, Co. Westmeath won the award for his final year research project, A Self-Expanding Nano-Fibrous Biodegradable Stent, which developed a stent to treat urethral strictures. Stents are small medical devices designed to be inserted into a vessel or passageway to keep it open. Professor Padraic O Donoghue, Dean of Engineering at NUI Galway, said: "I would like to congratulate Michael on his tremendous achievement in winning the prestigious Siemens Prize. This is the top award nationally for engineering graduates and there is always very keen competition for it. His success is further evidence of the high quality of the engineering programmes at NUI Galway and our strength within Biomedical Engineering. I also acknowledge the contributions of his lecturers and in particular those of his advisor, Professor Abhay Pandit." Michael received a specially commissioned trophy along with a cheque for €2,000. A further prize of €1,250 will be awarded should he decide to continue with post-graduate studies in engineering at an accredited University or Institute of Technology. Speaking after receiving the award, Michael said: "I am delighted to have won the prize, which is a wonderful accolade to have on my CV. There was some very strong competition in the final, including another student from my course, which is a great reflection on the department and is justified because of the great researchers and lecturers doing interesting and innovative research." The award is open to final year engineering students of Engineers Ireland accredited engineering degree courses from Universities and Institutes of Technology, north and south of the border. Each the year competition receives applications from 14 participating Universities and ITs who nominate two student projects each for the award. The Siemens Innovative Engineer of the Year Award encourages young engineering students to be innovative in their work and to think about the practical and commercial applications of their research. For further information on the award logon to: www.engineersireland.ie ENDS

Monday, 25 June 2007

The Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway will proudly host a special visit by Justice Pius Langa, Chief Justice of South Africa, who will deliver a seminar entitled: A Review of the Work of the South African Constitutional Court: the Retrospect and Prospect on Saturday, 30 June, 2007. Last year, South Africa celebrated the 10th anniversary of the signing of its constitution. Thus, the visit by Chief Justice Langa is both timely and opportune. The constitution, signed into law by the country's first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, at Sharpeville, on 10 December 1996, has been widely regarded as the most progressive in the world. The protection of human rights along with the promotion of equality, diversity and social justice are among the aspirations embodied in the constitution, which was negotiated in the acute awareness of the country's history of injustice and oppression. Pius Nkonzo Langa was appointed a Judge of the Constitutional Court of South Africa in October 1994 and became Deputy President of that Court in August 1997. He was appointed Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa in November 2001 and assumed the position of Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa on 1 June 2005. During Chief Justice Langa's early practice as an advocate of the Supreme Court of South Africa, political trials predominated, and his practice reflected the struggle against apartheid. His clientele included the underprivileged, civic bodies, trade unions and people charged under apartheid security legislation. He was also a founder member of the Release Mandela Committee (Natal) and served in the committees formed to accelerate and prepare for the release of political prisoners. Justice Langa has participated in numerous conferences abroad and delivered papers and lectures on a variety of law and human rights-related topics. He has participated in the work of constitutional review commissions in Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Tanzania. Langa assisted in the formation of and is the current chairman of the Southern African Judges Commission, a forum for Chief Justices of SADC and other jurisdictions in other Southern African jurisdictions. The Commission's focus is, among other things, the promotion and protection of the independence of the judiciary and the promotion and development of a culture of human rights in the Southern African region. According to Deputy Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, Dr Vinodh Jaichand, the visit by Chief Justice Langa is the highlight of a very full academic year a the Centre. "This will be an opportunity to hear first-hand how the Constitutional Court's internationally acclaimed decisions have affected the lives of the millions affected by the notorious practice of apartheid. In its landmark decisions on the legal protection of the right to health care and housing, for example, the South African Constitutional Court has clearly illustrated the vital role that courts can play in the protection of socio-economic rights." Justice Pius Langa is among six outstanding individuals from the worlds of business, philanthropy, justice, music and the arts to be conferred with honorary degrees from National University of Ireland, Galway on Friday 29 June, 2007. The seminar will commence at 10 am at the Irish Centre for Human Rights and all are welcome. ENDS

Monday, 25 June 2007

The Grainne Mhaol Club, in conjunction with NUI Galway Alumni Association, is pleased to invite all NUI Galway graduates to an afternoon & evening of rowing and entertainment at Henley Royal Regatta, (Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire) on Saturday, 7 July, 2007. The guest of honour will be Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President of NUI Galway. Henley Royal Regatta is undoubtedly the best known rowing regatta in the world and holds a unique place in the respect and affection of all oarsmen. Henley also offers a fantastic social occasion, and is a highlight of the English summer social circuit. NUI Galway has a legacy of participating in, and often winning, events at Henley. In 2003, the Rowing Club won the Visitor's Fours event at Henley Royal Regatta, beating both "Boat Race" crews from Oxford and Cambridge along the way, and repeated this by winning the same event in 2005. An earlier generation of oarsmen, competing as UCG Rowing Club tasted victory in the Thames Cup in 1987 and in the Britannia Challenge Cup in 1990. The 20th Anniversary of the club's first Henley win will be marked by the 1987 crew rowing over the course during the break in racing on Saturday at this year's event. In addition to the row-past by the 1987 crew, the present generation of NUI Galway athletes will also be racing on Saturday. The Club is planning to send two extremely strong and experienced crews to complete this year; and it is expected that at least one of them will still be in the competition at semi-final stage. "If you ever were to attend Henley this would be the year to do it" declared Eamonn Hegarty, Alumni Association Board member and event organiser. The Regatta Enclosure will be the venue for the NUI Galway graduate get-together at 2:00pm. After an afternoon at the regatta, alumni will be welcomed to a barbeque hosted by the Alumni Association Board at 8:00pm. Transport will be provided for guests from Henley Town Centre to the barbeque venue, ("The Maltsters Arms" in Rotherfield Greys), and afterwards, back to Henley in time for the last train to London. For further details of the regatta timetable, dress code, barbeque venue, etc., please visit www.grainnemhaol.com, or e-mail us at mailgrainnemhaol.com ENDS

Tuesday, 19 June 2007

World-renowned folklorist, Mr Tom Munnelly received the honorary degree of Doctor of Literature from NUI Galway in recognition of his lifetime of service to the collection and publication of folksong and folklore in Ireland. Mr Munnelly was honoured at the University's summer conferring ceremony on Tuesday, 19 June, 2007. Tom Munnelly is widely recognised as one of the world s foremost collectors of traditional Irish songs in the English language, with over 20,000 songs collected to date. A native of Dublin, Mr Munnelly is an archivist/collector with the Delargy Centre for Irish Folklore in UCD, and since moving to West Clare in 1978 he has collected over 4,000 Songs from local traditional singers. He has also recorded songs, music and folklore in most other counties in Ireland. Dr Pádraig Ó Héalaí, a former lecturer in Irish at NUI Galway said: "Tom Munnelly has made an immense contribution to the future of Irish folkore studies by producing an index of all the English-language oral poetry contained in vols 1 to 2000 of the National Folklore Archive's manuscripts, some 18,000 items in all, and by developing a classificatory system for this material based on internationally accepted models. "Formidable as Tom's feats as an archivist may be, his achievement as a collector of oral tradition is truly awesome. He has recorded well over 1,000 hours of song and lore and has been responsible for the most comprehensive collection of traditional songs in English ever compiled by any one individual in Ireland. It constitutes a very substantial enrichment of the National Folklore Collection and it significantly expands the database available to future scholars in this field." Mr Munnelly was a founder member of the Folk Music Society of Ireland/Cumannn Ceoil Tíre Éireann, has acted as Chair of the Irish Traditional Music Archive/Taisce Ceol Dúchais and of Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy and has served the Arts Council of Ireland in a number of different roles. His close association with these bodies and his founding role in other local historical and folk music societies, folklore schools and singing festivals highlight his contribution to Irish cultural life. The Conferral ceremony at NUI Galway will also include the posthumous award of the PhD degree to Mr John Mulqueen of Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo and a native of Kilrush, Co. Clare. John, a graduate of UCD and Iowa, was a former Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering, an employee of An Foras Talúntais and Teagasc and an international authority on soils, and died in 2006. The award will be accepted by his family. Almost 200 students from across the Faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering, Commerce, Science, Law and Arts will also receive their degrees and diplomas at the ceremony. ENDS

Monday, 18 June 2007

With only days remaining for Leaving Cert students to re-evaluate their CAO choices and submit their change of mind forms, NUI Galway would like to make students aware of some of the new courses in Engineering and Science being offered from September 2007. Students interested in pursuing a career in science can consider the new Physics with Medical Physics programme, listed as GY316 on the CAO form. The course is a response to the considerable demand for qualified medical physicists in Ireland, and will combine essential core physics modules with medical physics, chemistry, mathematical science, biology and anatomy. Graduates from the programme will be well qualified to proceed to professional medical physics training at Masters Degree level. There are also exciting career opportunities in the medical device and health care industry and in the health and safety sector. Prof. Tom Glynn, Head of the Physics Department, NUI Galway, said: "Graduates of this course will receive an education in physics, instrumentation, and computational techniques - with a strong emphasis on the medical applications. As well as pursuing a further career in medical physics, graduates will also have employment options in research, industry, teaching, energy and environment and in many other areas" Graduates from this programme can seek employment in the wide range of careers open to regular physics graduates but will also have a strong foundation in medical physics and will be well qualified to proceed to professional medical physics training at Masters Degree level. A Project and Construction Management degree, (GY410), will equip students with knowledge and an understanding of project management, particularly in the construction sector, is being offered as a four-year programme. The degree will enable students to embrace the challenges of modernisation, innovation and change in tomorrow's knowledge-based economy. Professor Padraic O'Donoghue, Dean of Engineering at NUI Galway said: "This new degree will equip students with a knowledge and understanding of project management, particularly in the construction sector, and enable them to embrace the challenges of modernisation, innovation and change in tomorrow's knowledge based economy." ENDS