November

University of Galway has welcomed 19 research students to campus as part of the 2025 Hardiman PhD Scholarship. The new scholars have come from 11 different countries to take part in the scheme and the opportunity to pursue a structured doctorate at the University on topics aligned to our research pillars of Innovation for health; Creativity, culture & society; Sustainable & resilient environments: earth & ocean; and Transformative data & AI. Applications for the 2026 round of Hardiman PhD Scholarships will open on Monday December 1st, 2025, and will remain open until Friday February 6th, 2026 at 5pm. For more information or to apply for a Hardiman PhD Scholarship visit: www.universityofgalway.ie/hardiman-scholarships Professor Dónal Leech, Dean of Graduate Studies at University of Galway, said: “I welcome our excellent Hardiman Research scholar recipients to the University. The 19 scholars were selected from a large pool of applicants seeking to develop their research skills and independence through our renowned structured PhD programmes across our four research pillars, to deliver distinctive research impact. The scholarship is a recognition of excellence for the awardees and provides fee and stipend support over four years for the researchers to generate new knowledge that improves our world.” The Hardiman PhD Scholarships are open across all four Colleges at University of Galway. The 2025 Hardiman PhD scholars and their subject areas include: College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies Makalay Sonda, Sierra Leone - Analysing the gendered impacts of online violence against women in politics with case studies of Ireland and Sierra Leone. Nicole O'Byrne, America - Embodied New Mythology for Climate Activism: Deep Ecology and Ritual Performance in Contemporary theatre in Ireland. In the field of Drama and Theatre Studies. Maitiú Mac Cárthaigh, Ireland - Good Queers? The Sexual Politics of Irish Rural Futures – a research-led creative practice. Allison Fairfield Hart, Canada - Research on the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of an online course for parents to address food selectivity in their children. Daniel Gallen, Ireland - An oral history of Irish LGBTQ+ emigration to New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Philip Keegan, Ireland - The Interplay of Policy, Media, and Public Opinion on Migrants and Migration in Ireland. Cara Coffey, Ireland - Adapting the Preschool Life Skills Programme: Enhancing Inclusion in Early Childhood Education in Ireland. College of Business, Public Policy and Law Pratik Purswani, India - Studying disruptive climate protests under international human rights law. Abass Kargbo, Sierra Leone - The Long-Term Effects of Additional Schooling in the Developing World. Eden Mulugeta, Ethiopia - Digital memorials and their role in intergenerational memory, transitional justice, and peacebuilding in post-conflict African societies. Amil Jafarguliyev, Azerbaijan - Remedying Barriers to Entry Posed by Lock-in Effects in Digital Markets Through Mandated Interoperability and Data Portability under European Union Law. College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Patricia Harte, Ireland - Evaluating the impact of a community-based mental health promotion initiative, Act Belong Commit, on the mental wellbeing of participants. Lara Ressin, Germany - The influence of brain architecture on functional connectivity and how this relationship relates to cognition and bipolar disorder. Emily Cronin, Ireland - Investigating the role of damp hospital environments as persistent reservoirs for antimicrobial resistant bacteria that can colonise and infect patients. Aiden Vassilian, France - Engineering of CAR-T cells to hijack tumour immunosuppression, enhancing persistence, and improving outcomes in colorectal and ovarian cancers. College of Science and Engineering Abdul Mateen Khan, Pakistan - Sustainable construction through digitalization and BIM integration, focusing on energy efficiency, lifecycle optimization, and productivity in modern building practices. Brandon Collier, America - Characterising the adaptive traits of globally invasive widow spider species. Nikita Gondalia, India - Investigating the novel genes and pathways controlling haploid induction in plants, opening innovative strategies to enhance global crop breeding efficiency. George Aryee, Ghana - Predicting Peripheral Artery Disease outcomes using Electrocardiogram, lifestyle and clinical factors.  Ends

Spiorad Medical leads on breakthrough cardiovascular medical device to simplify procedures and improve patient recovery A consortium led by University of Galway medtech startup Spiorad Medical has secured a €1.7million euro investment through the Government’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF). Spiorad Medical aims to develop a next-generation vascular closure device to simplify cardiovascular procedures while improving outcomes and recovery for patients. The device is designed to stop bleeding quickly and safely during structural cardiovascular procedures such as TAVI or EVAR that use larger tubes or access devices. The successful consortium is a partnership involving Spiorad Medical, University of Galway and Dolmen Design and Innovation Ltd, combining breakthrough medtech and the University’s research expertise with Dolmen’s leading product design capabilities. Judi O’Malley, Co-founder and CEO of Spiorad Medical, said: “With this DTIF award, we can accelerate the development of advanced cardiovascular procedures and deliver better outcomes for patients. Our ambition as a consortium is to help transform vascular closure technology, delivering greater access, ease of use and improved solutions to the interventionalist’s challenge - resulting in better clinical outcomes and faster recovery for patients.” Professor Lokesh Joshi, Vice President for Research and Innovation at University of Galway, said: “Congratulations to Judi O’Malley, the Spiorad team, the University of Galway, and Dolmen Design and Innovation for this fantastic achievement under the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund. This is another great example of a University of Galway startup delivering real impact for patients and clinicians.” Spiorad Medical is an Enterprise Ireland HPSU client company based at University of Galway’s Business Innovation Centre. University of Galway research and innovation has led to 21 new spin-outs being created and 195 new inventions since 2020. University of Galway is also part of 35 consortia which have successfully applied to the Government’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund. University of Galway’s Galway’s Business Innovation Centre is supported under the KT Boost Programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-2027. Ends  

Documentary explores how clinical trials are transforming diabetes care through collaboration with patients  Imperfect Days, a new Science on Screen documentary highlighting how clinical trials are transforming healthcare for people living with diabetes, will premiere at The Pálás Cinema, Galway City, on Sunday afternoon, December 7th.  Directed by David Qualter and produced by Laura Qualter of Prospect Films, Imperfect Days brings audiences into the lives of Carmel McDonagh, Tony Marshall and Faye Burke, who share their personal experiences of managing diabetes and participating in clinical trials.  The film also features leading researchers and clinicians from University of Galway, Galway University Hospitals and the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, including Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway; Professor Seamus Sreenan; Professor Matt Griffin; and Dr Christine Newman, who are at the forefront of clinical trial research and innovation in Ireland and are seeing firsthand its transformative effects.  The 25-minute documentary was produced with funding from a Health Research Board grant to the Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network, under the umbrella of Science on Screen, - a partnership between CÚRAM, the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices at University of Galway and Ardán, the Galway-based film and television agency.  Filmed in Dublin and Galway, Imperfect Days explores – with both sensitivity and humour – the day-to-day realities of living with diabetes. The film also shines a light on how clinical trials and public and patient involvement (PPI) are driving progress in diabetes research and care. Through pioneering trials in areas including gestational diabetes, cardiovascular disease and related chronic conditions, the Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network is advancing research that is conducted not only for patients but with them, through meaningful PPI collaboration. David Qualter, Director, Prospect Films said: “This film is really about partnership - between researchers, clinicians, and the people who live with diabetes every day, We wanted to show how collaboration and clinical research are not abstract ideas, but real forces that are changing lives across Ireland. It was great to work with Ardán and CÚRAM on this project and an honour to be tasked with creating the 10th documentary of the fantastic Science on Screen scheme.”  Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director, Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network and Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, said: “Clinical trials are the bridge between scientific discovery and real-world impact. Through the Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network, we’re ensuring that research in Ireland reflects the priorities and lived experiences of people living with diabetes. Imperfect Days highlights just how vital that partnership has become.”  Professor Abhay Pandit, founding Director of CÚRAM, said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with the Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network for this latest film. This is the 10th film produced through our Science on Screen programme, and it is another powerful and engaging example of scientific storytelling that we hope will reach a wide audience. Congratulations to the filmmakers and participants on an excellent production.”  Alan Duggan, Ardán Chief Executive, said: "For more than ten years, the collaboration between Ardán and CÚRAM through Science on Screen has played a huge part in Ardán’s goal to create opportunities for emerging filmmakers. The documentaries created not only highlighted the groundbreaking research taking place at CÚRAM, but also reminds us that behind every illness or diagnosis there is a human story to be told. Science on Screen not only makes STEM subjects more accessible to the media audience but also provides valuable insights into the extraordinary work that is shaping the future of medicine." Ends

Satellite-based Earth observation provides a unique and powerful tool in tracking climate adaptation, an international study involving University of Galway researchers has shown. A team at the University’s Ryan Institute is helping to pioneer new methods of combining data recorded from space with artificial intelligence to measure actions that help communities, ecosystems and infrastructure adjust to current and future climate impacts in the global agrifood sector. The science behind it allows assessments of even the most remote agricultural regions in the world, where ground measurements are sparse or too challenging. The findings feature in a European Space Agency (ESA)–led study, published this week in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science to coincide with COP30. The researchers mapped the potential for Earth observation in supporting different targets in the framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), a key action under the Paris Agreement from 2015, which aims to enhance resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate impacts. Their analysis found that many of the most critical changes to climate, known as Essential Climate Variables (ECVs), can be directly used to understand and support climate adaptation action. Focusing on four key sectors – agriculture, biodiversity, extreme events and health – the study reveals how space-based data offers something no other monitoring system can provide: truly global coverage with objective and repeatable measurements spanning up to 60 years. Professor Aaron Golden, research team leader at the University’s Ryan Institute and co-author of the study, said: “The analysis highlights the vital and unique role satellites play in supporting the Paris Agreement’s Global Goal on Adaptation. The knowledge capability of consistent, long-term observations offers policymakers tools to measure progress and identify regions at risk.” The research team highlighted concrete applications of earth observation science across four key themes: Agriculture: satellites monitor water productivity, irrigation efficiency, and crop migration patterns. Biodiversity conservation: platforms like Global Mangrove Watch and Global Forest Watch provide crucial geospatial information on ecosystem extent and changes. Extreme events: satellites characterise flood extent, drought anomalies and urban heat islands at scales impossible with ground-based stations alone. Health sector: Earth observation data on land surface temperature and air quality inform heat exposure assessments and disease outbreak forecasting. Dr Sarah Connors, Climate Applications Scientist at ESA, the study's lead author said: "Earth observation data should be considered as an integral part of the Global Goal on Adaptation indicators. Our research demonstrates that satellite data can inform adaptation tracking across many sectors, but it must be integrated into the indicator framework from the outset – as experience with the Sustainable Development Goals shows, it’s much harder to introduce later."             Professor Frances Fahy, Director of the University of Galway's Ryan Institute, said: "This research exemplifies the world-class, impact-driven research emerging from the Ryan Institute and our growing Geospatial Centre. By using satellite Earth observation data to better understand and track global climate adaptation, Professor Golden’s work reinforces the vital role that cutting-edge interdisciplinary research plays in addressing the climate crisis and shaping international climate policy." Professor Golden added: "I am delighted the impact our research in quantifying climate adaptation in food production using AI and earth observation data has had in providing a direct means of linking facts on the ground, anywhere on the planet, to the Paris Agreement's Global Goal on Adaptation indicators." The full study, published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, is available at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41612-025-01251-1. Ends

University of Galway’s ReelLIFE SCIENCE awards for schools and youth groups in 10 counties From AI to allergies and dopamine to the deep sea, short science videos made by young Irish filmmakers have been celebrated at the 13th Annual ReelLIFE SCIENCE Awards in University of Galway. The event took place on Sunday November 9th as part of Science Week 2025 and the 27th Galway Science and Technology Festival. More than 200 short science films were entered into the competition created by 1,800 young science enthusiasts in 86 schools and youth groups taking part across the island of Ireland. Winning videos were selected by a panel of guest judges including science communicators Mark Langtry – The Science Guy; Amy Hassett, University College Dublin; and the 2025 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition winners, Ciara, Saoirse and Laoise Murphy, from Presentation Secondary School, Tralee, Co Kerry. ReelLIFE SCIENCE Winners – Primary 1st Prize – Twenty-three talented sixth class students from Gaelscoil Riabhach in Loughrea, Co Galway, along with their teacher Brian Ó Meacháin, won the €1,000 first prize for their animated video ‘An Fharraige Dhomhain’ exploring The Deep Sea.Runners-up – Inspired by an episode of Fr. Ted, teacher Thomas Egan and sixth class students from Sooey National School in Sligo explained the workings of the eye in their humorous video ‘Small or Far Away?’ Finishing third, and led by teacher Tommy Buckley, fifth class students from Killorglin National School in Kerry made a science music video entitled ‘Why do Cats Always Land on their Feet’, while teacher Clíodhna O’Donnell and 28 sixth class students from Abbey Primary School in Boyle, Co. Roscommon came fourth for their study of levers and pulleys, ‘Machine Made Possible’. ReelLIFE SCIENCE Winners – Post-primary 1st Prize – Seven first and second year students from Coláiste Ghobnait on Inis Oírr, Co na Gaillimhe, won the €1,000 first prize under the guidance of science teacher Rebecca Ní Chríocháin, for their video ‘Céard is cúis le ailléirgí?’ explaining the causes of allergies through Irish. Runners-up – Sixth year students Shaun Irimpan and Gabriel McCrystal from Coláiste Na Mí, Navan, Co. Meath, highlighted the negative impacts of artificial intelligence in their video ‘What Happens When Everyone Uses AI?’ The third-place prize went to Transition Year students Evanna Moneley, Jasmine Zhang and Asia Aru from Alexandra College in Dublin for their video ‘Everything we need to know about Dopamine’, while fourth prize was awarded to Saipresha Paraneetharan, Alannah McCarthy, Zara Jaiby and Lily Hutton from Tullow Community School in Carlow for their science music video ‘Why do we Hiccup?, ReelLIFE SCIENCE Winners – Youth Organisation 1st Prize – A group of 12 young people from Athlone, Co Westmeath who took part in My Life Online workshops facilitated by Midlands Science and Foróige and supported by the Rethink Ireland TikTok Digital Future Fund, won the €1,000 youth group first prize for their video ‘Why is the Sky Blue’.    Runners-up – Brogan O’Donnell from Trident Swim Club in Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim came second for his underwater video exploring ‘The Science of Swimming’. Eddie Sweeney and Brooklyn Conroy from Ballybane Foróige in Galway were third for their science experiments video ‘My life as…a Scientist’, while six young people from Ballyphehane and Greenmount Foróige group in Cork finished fourth for their video ‘The Science of Coke and Mentos’.   Special Category Awards     Carrigallen National School, Leitrim Agricultural Science Award Bunclody Community College, Wexford Best Acting Award Mount Anville Secondary School, Dublin Best Animation Award Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca, Mayo Físeán Gaeilge is fearr Royal School Cavan How Things Work Award Ennis National School, Clare Junior Scientists Award Presentation Primary Listowel, Kerry Teamwork Award  All of the winning videos can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/ReelLifeScience.  The ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme challenges young people in schools and youth groups across the island of Ireland to engage with science and technology while developing their communication and digital skills, by producing short educational videos for the public.  Since being launched in 2013 by Dr Enda O’Connell and a team of scientists from University of Galway’s College of Science and Engineering, this challenge has been met by more than 30,000 young people, supported by teachers and staff in 825 schools and youth groups.  Dr O’Connell said: “Every year, we’re amazed by the imagination, creativity and curiosity shown by young people across Ireland. Through ReelLIFE SCIENCE, they bring science to life in ways that are funny, thought-provoking and inspiring, making it accessible to everyone. We’re incredibly proud of all the students, teachers and youth leaders who took part this year. A big congratulations to every one of them for sharing their passion for science with the world.”  ReelLIFE SCIENCE is supported by the Research Ireland Discover Programme, University of Galway’s College of Science and Engineering, the CÚRAM - the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices at University of Galway, the Cell EXPLORERS programme and Foróige. Ends    

Two University of Galway academics have been named among the world's most cited researchers. Professor Henry Curran and Professor Ines Thiele have once again joined the prestigious Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers 2025 list. They are among almost 7,000 researchers from more than 1,300 institutions who have demonstrated significant influence in their fields of research through the publication of multiple highly cited papers over the last 11 years. Professor Lokesh Joshi, Vice President for Research and Innovation, University of Galway, said: “I warmly congratulate our academics – Professors Henry Curran and Ines Thiele - who have once again joined the world’s most highly cited researchers list from Clarivate. To be part of this prestigious global group highlights the quality and impact of their work in developing novel solutions in engineering and healthcare. It also demonstrates the strong commitment to research excellence at University of Galway.” Professor Henry Curran, listed in the Engineering category, is Director of the Combustion Chemistry Centre at the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, College of Science and Engineering and of the Energy Research Centre in the Ryan Institute at University of Galway. His research looks at the study of the chemistry of how fuels burn in combustors to increase efficiency and reduce emissions for a cleaner world. This is Professor Curran’s 11th year being named a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher. Professor Ines Thiele, listed in the Cross-Field category, is Professor of Systems Biomedicine and principal investigator of the Molecular Systems Physiology group at University of Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Professor Thiele has been pioneering the development of digital metabolic twins for humans and human associated microbes. Her team uses these digital twins to develop innovative approaches to accelerate the diagnosis of inherited metabolic diseases and to enable the prediction of personalised treatment strategies. This is Professor Thiele’s third year being named a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher. David Pendlebury, Head of Research Analysis at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate said: “The Highly Cited Researchers list identifies and celebrates exceptional individual researchers at University of Galway who demonstrate significant and broad influence in their fields. They exemplify excellence in their research as well as integrity in their publication and citation practices. These researchers continue to shape the future of science, technology and academia globally and deliver innovation that drives societal progress.” The full 2025 Highly Cited Researchers list can be viewed here: https://clarivate.com/highly-cited-researchers/ Ends

University of Galway has marked the 50th anniversary of Druid with a special symposium, a new book being launched and an exhibition of materials from the Druid archive. Druid at 50: People, Place & Performance featured a mix of free public talks and discussions exploring Druid’s journey over the past five decades – from its roots in Galway to its status as one of Ireland’s leading theatre companies – and its vision for the future. University of Galway and Druid announced a 10-year strategic partnership in 2022, expanding academic links, student engagement, local and global events and the creative sector in the west. The University is the theatre company’s exclusive academic partner, with Druid offering internship opportunities and working to strengthen and enhance the success of University Creative Arts programmes. The Druid archive is also part of the University of Galway Library’s collections, offering students and researchers the opportunity to explore the company’s rich history. The anniversary symposium was organised by the Department of Drama and Theatre Studies, led by Druid Lecturer, Dr Máiréad Ní Chróinín. The programme included a keynote conversation with Druid Artistic Director Garry Hynes and Set and Costume Designer Francis O’Connor, as well as artist and academic panels. A new exhibition from the Druid archive, which is hosted by the University of Galway Library, has been produced, looking back over 50 years of the company. The exhibition was officially opened by Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, along with Maureen Kennelly, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Druid and alumna of the University. It will run at the University of Galway Library through to February 2026. A display of Druid model boxes featured in the foyer of the O’Donoghue Centre as part of the anniversary symposium. The event also celebrated the publication of a new book, Druid Theatre 1975–2025: New Irish Plays, edited by Dr Barry Houlihan, Professor Patrick Lonergan and Dr Máiréad Ní Chróinín. The 50th anniversary anthology collects six significant plays produced by Druid, including works by M.J. Molloy, Geraldine Aron, Tom Murphy, Vincent Woods, Martin McDonagh and Nancy Harris. Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said: “Druid’s story is inseparable from that of Galway itself. It is a story of creativity, collaboration and world-class ambition rooted in the West of Ireland. As we celebrate 50 years of Druid, we also celebrate the spirit of innovation and community that has shaped both the theatre company and our University. Our partnership with Druid reflects our shared commitment to supporting the next generation of artists and cultural leaders. It is a privilege for University of Galway to honour Druid’s remarkable legacy and to look ahead to the next fifty years of inspiring performance and creativity." Monica Crump, University Librarian, said: “The Druid Archive offers a unique insight into the creative processes and cultural impact of one of Ireland’s most celebrated theatre companies. We are proud to make these materials available for research, learning and inspiration as we celebrate fifty years of Druid’s contribution to Irish and international theatre and to preserve them for future generations.” Garry Hynes, Druid’s Artistic Director added: “It is a great honour for Druid to be welcomed back to University of Galway for this symposium marking our 50th anniversary. In 1975, I co-founded Druid with two fellow university graduates, Marie Mullen and the late Mick Lally. 50 years later, this symposium offers us a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what Druid has achieved in its first five decades and consider where we will go in our next five decades. On behalf of all the Druids, I wish to extend our gratitude to the President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn, to the faculty members at the Department of Drama and Theatre Studies, the staff of University of Galway Library, and the wider academic community for making this symposium possible.” Dr Máiréad Ní Chróinín, Druid Lecturer and organiser of the event, said: “We’re thrilled to bring together artists, academics, students, and audiences to share in the energy, creativity, and ambition that Druid have cultivated for half a century. It’s about honouring the company’s roots while also looking forward with excitement to the next fifty years of storytelling, collaboration, and imagination.” The anniversary celebration event also coincides with a showcase of the Jerome Hynes One-Act Play Award 2025, The Swallowed Men, a student led production that was also the proud recipient of the “Druid 50th Anniversary Award”. The showing is part of University of Galway’s Arts in Action programme. Ends

University of Galway and EY unveil new executive training  Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless T.D. has today launched a new cybersecurity executive education programme at University of Galway.   Cybersecurity for Managers is a new cyber awareness initiative developed and delivered by the University’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics in collaboration with EY, with the first intake in early 2026.    The programme is designed for people in leadership roles with no specific background in cyber or IT security and is focused on managers, team leaders, project managers and members of staff with managerial responsibility.   Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless T.D. said: “Cyber threats are becoming more complex all the time, and it’s crucial that our leaders have the tools they need to stay ahead of the risks. This new programme is a strong example of how industry and education can work together to build the expertise required to strengthen our systems and support the people who rely on them. I’m really pleased to see this kind of practical, forward-thinking collaboration between the University of Galway and EY, and I look forward to the impact it will have across the healthcare sector and beyond.”  Professor Becky Whay, Deputy President & Registrar of University of Galway, said: “Our University is deeply committed to driving collaboration with industry leaders such as EY which enable our academics to build impactful education. The cybersecurity education programme is a great symbol of this, and through it we are equipping managers with the tools they need to support their organisations in an increasingly digital world, and the opportunities and challenges that go with that.”  Professor Alma McCarthy, Dean of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law at University of Galway, said: "In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cyber security is more critical than ever. It is essential that management teams across all sectors are equipped with the knowledge and skills to address cyber challenges. University of Galway’s co-development of the cyber executive education programme with EY reflects our commitment to empowering leaders with practical, cutting-edge expertise for the future."   Puneet Kukreja, Technology Consulting Partner and Head of Cyber at EY Ireland, said: “Cybersecurity is now a national priority, central to resilience, trust, and economic stability and EY Ireland is proud to support the launch of the Cybersecurity for Managers programme at University of Galway.  EY’s Cyber Leaders Index published just last week shows that while 83% of organisations have strengthened their cyber defences in the past six months, only 39% provide regular training, and 48% rank AI and data security as a top priority even as 44% say funding remains constrained. Closing these gaps through education and awareness is key, and EY is helping build the leadership and skills to thrive securely in the AI era.” The cybersecurity programme will initially focus on the healthcare sector before being expanded to other sectors. It examines core concepts of cyber awareness including risk; understanding relevant threats, attack strategies and vulnerabilities; identity and access management; governance, policy, legislation and standards; human behaviours in cyber; metrics; cyber incident response and resilience.   The course marks the first stage in a new strategy led by the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at University of Galway to develop a broader suite of Executive Education programmes. The second strand will be on Artificial Intelligence for SMEs, which is also due to come on stream in 2026.    The initiative builds upon the experiences of the academics and researchers associated with the MSc Cybersecurity Risk Management postgraduate degree and the MBA programme at the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics.   The development of the University’s executive education programme in cyberawareness was also supported in the Oireachtas by Senator Gerard Craughwell.   Ends 

Youth Academy, the University of Galway’s flagship outreach programme for high ability pupils in primary and post-primary school, has renewed its partnership with Merit Medical. Merit Medical is a leading multi-national medical device company with significant operations in Galway, employing almost 1,000 people. Over the next five years, the University’s partnership with Merit Medical will enable further development of the Youth Academy programme, opening doors for young learners from diverse backgrounds, inspiring them through innovative activities and providing insights into future careers. Since its launch in 2012 with 64 participants, Youth Academy has grown to welcome more than 8,000 young people and their families to the University of Galway campus, providing opportunities for them to explore their passions, develop new skills and experience university life with like-minded peers. Youth Academy provides high-level, Saturday classes run over six weeks in the Spring and Autumn. Summer camps in science, engineering, computer science and arts are also delivered to primary and secondary school pupils by University of Galway researchers and educators who are committed to fostering a friendly, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.             Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said: “University of Galway is very proud of our collaborations with industry to grow and support the pipeline of future students and talent in the region. We are delighted to announce the continuation and strengthening of our partnership with Merit Medical, marking a significant philanthropic investment in the University’s Youth Academy. This renewed commitment will empower and enhance the programme that Merit Medical has supported since its inception, fuelling its growth and impact for young learners across the region.” Since 2019, Merit Medical has supported the expansion of the Youth Academy programme to include post-primary students for the first time, reach more students in the Galway region and beyond, and has supported full scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, broadening participation and equity of access.           Mark Butler, Executive Vice President, European Operations, Merit Medical, said: “We're delighted to renew Merit Medical's partnership with the Youth Academy and the University of Galway - a cornerstone of our local community and a place where young people can discover their potential. At Merit Medical we believe that investing in youth is investing in the future. By working together, we're helping to build confidence, opportunity, and connection - strengthening the community we're proud to be part of." A recent study of the long-term impact of Youth Academy participation revealed that it has a very positive influence on chosen Leaving Cert subjects and is a motivation to study at third level. The study identified that 87% of parents reported that participation had opened their child’s mind to new areas of study and possible careers. In addition, two thirds reported a positive or highly positive impact for female pupils in challenging gender stereotypes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. Read more about Youth Academy here: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/youthacademy/ Ends

University of Galway’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics has been announced as EY Luxembourg’s first higher education partner in Ireland and the UK. The partnership strengthens a relationship that has supported student development for more than two decades. The expanded link between the University and EY Luxembourg will offer students access to world-class expertise thanks to a suite of collaborative initiatives, including an annual summer school in alternative investments; direct mentorship from EY Luxembourg professionals; as well as employability activities and work placements opportunities. The partnership will also include guest lectures embedded in Management Accounting – reaching more than 550 undergraduate students. The partnership was officially launched with a visit by alumnus Robert White, Partner – Market Leader – EY Luxembourg; Europe West Wealth and Asset Management Assurance Leader on a visit to the campus. Speaking at the launch, Robert White said: “EY Luxembourg has had the tremendous pleasure of collaborating with University of Galway for more than 20 years now. This relationship has provided our firm with a proud line of inquisitive, mature and resilient graduates that have made a real difference in our business and for the clients we serve. “University of Galway’s commitment to industry collaboration, feedback and continuous improvement are attributes we value in our relationship. These reflective qualities are also evident in the graduates we have had the pleasure to welcome to EY. We are proud to formalise our partnership with University of Galway and look forward to many more years of collaboration and success.” During his visit to the campus, Mr White delivered guest lectures and met students interested in pursuing a work placement or graduate opportunities organised by the University’s Career Development Centre through their Employer in Residence programme. Mr White was the first University of Galway student to undertake a placement with EY Luxembourg 20 years ago. Professor Alma McCarthy, Executive Dean of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law, said of the partnership: “We are delighted to officially launch this partnership with EY.  It is a very valuable learning experience for students ensuring the curriculum is future-focused and they are industry-ready on graduation. The partnership builds on many years of successful collaboration between EY Luxembourg and University of Galway’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics.” Professor Karena Yan, Dean of J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, added: “This partnership brings world-class professional insight to Galway and opens international opportunities for our students in Luxembourg and beyond. By combining mentoring, guest teaching and meaningful work placements, we’re preparing graduates to lead responsibly in the financial services sector and to deliver impact for business and society.” Ends