Impact & Opinions | Tionchar & Tuairimí

Articles

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03 October 2024
17  MINS

Day in the Life – Dr Ciara Smyth

Dr Ciara Smyth, Assistant Professor, College of Business, Public Policy and Law, School of Law and Irish Centre for Human Rights

Cois Coiribe‘s ‘Day in the Life’ series showcases the diverse workings of our research and teaching life at University of Galway. We aim to spotlight researchers, academics, and students, sharing their experiences, challenges, and exciting discoveries!

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20 September 2024
14  MINS

Day in the Life – Dr Pierangelo Rosati

Dr Pierangelo Rosati, Associate Professor in Digital Business & Society, University of Galway

Cois Coiribe‘s ‘Day in the Life’ series showcases the diverse workings of our research and teaching life at University of Galway. We aim to spotlight researchers, academics, and students, sharing their experiences, challenges, and exciting discoveries!

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Global Impact
21 August 2024
29  MINS

Distracted Driving: A Deadly Risk on the Road

Prof Martin Glavin, Professor of Electronic & Computer Engineering, Co-Director of the Connaught Automotive Research (CAR) Group, University of Galway

In the wake of rising road fatalities across Ireland, Cois Coiribe had the opportunity to connect with Prof Martin Glavin, Professor of Electronic and Computer Engineering at the University of Galway. With poor driving going beyond factors like speeding, drug- and drink-driving, Prof Glavin shares his research and thoughts on the impact of distracted behaviour while behind the wheel. The topic was covered in his recent co-hosted special about Irish road safety featured on RTÉ Prime Time. Highlighting his activities as co-director of the University’s Connaught Automotive Research (CAR) Group, Prof Glavin investigates the all-important question: where does driver attention wander while on the road?

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Global Impact
12 August 2024
11  MINS

From a Galway Lecture Hall to a Malawi Grocery Stall

Prisca Lawrence Chipao, Co-founder of Empower, Malawi

Alumni of the Irish Centre for Human Rights  at the University of Galway Prisca Lawrence Chipao is co-founder of Empower, Malawi, an initiative that aims to empower Malawian women starting out in business. As in many patriarchal societies, Women in Malawi face many barriers. Chipao tells the story of Melifa Kulemera, who survived an abusive marriage to become financially independent with the help of Empower. The story illustrates the transformative power of targeted support initiatives and is also a fantastic example of how University of Galway is contributing concrete positive effects for individuals in distressed circumstances far across the planet.

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Global Impact
06 August 2024
15  MINS

Island inspiration: Irish communities lead the way in restoring people’s sense of agency in the energy transition

Prof Frances Fahy, Professor of Geography, Geography, University of Galway, Dr Benjamin Schmid, Post Doctoral Researcher, Geography, University of Galway, Dr Michael Lydon, Communications and Impact Officer, Geography, University of Galway

Many people engage in some form of energy citizenship, sometimes unknown to themselves. Communities on the Aran Islands are enthusiastically embracing the concept of energy citizenship through a civil society organisation that brings together the residents of the three islands with the aim of becoming self-sufficient in clean, locally owned energy from sun and wind, as well as helping to build the local economy of the islands. Their vision can pave the way for local economies globally.

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Global Impact
31 July 2024
11  MINS

Global Connections, Local Engagement: Galway to Miami and Back Again

Dr Josephine Igoe

Known respectively as the gateway to Latin America and the European Union, Miami and Ireland have historically thrived on global partnerships and the exchange of industry insights across borders. Here, Cois Coiribe follows the trajectory of a burgeoning partnership between University of Galway’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics and Miami’s FIU College of Business, following an interwoven thread of successful projects and student exchanges.

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Global Impact
29 July 2024
11  MINS

Determined Action Is Needed to Protect Human Rights in Conflict Zones

Dr Andrew Forde, Adjunct Lecturer at the Irish Centre for Human Rights and Commissioner on the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.,

With breaches of humanitarian law in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan now documented in real-time, the public are placing inter-governmental human rights organisations under intense scrutiny. Here, Dr Andrew Forde explores the agency and authority of such organisations in protecting human rights in areas of conflict.   “ [a]ll human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaimed that “ [a]ll human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. These rights are often described as being universal, in other words, applicable to everyone, everywhere, without distinction. Yet, every day we see armed conflicts contradicting this principle despite it being codified in international law, including in regional instruments such as the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

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Global Impact
25 July 2024
15  MINS

Mary Robinson: Trailblazer for Global Justice and Human Rights

Professor Siobhán Mullally MRIA

It is not too strong to say that Mary Robinson’s life and achievements have been truly exceptional. From her early days as a pioneering barrister, to the Presidency of Ireland, the role of UN Commissioner for Human Rights, and her current role as Chair of the Elders, she has wholeheartedly given her energy to fighting injustice in all its forms, and pursuing peace and equality. In the face of often fierce opposition, she pushed through barriers and upended certainties, always speaking out for those whose voices were not being heard. Here, Professor Siobhan Mullally explores the life and times of a remarkable Mayo woman.

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Global Impact
23 July 2024
15  MINS

Treasuring Irish–US links in the climate of America first

Larry Donnelly, University of Galway lecturer, Writer and American Attorney

Larry Donnelly, an American attorney, University of Galway lecturer and writer, has a foot in both the Irish and US camps, so to speak. Here he offers his views on the complex electoral process that is the US Presidential election, and the “unknowns” that could derail either candidate. Donnelly argues that despite their critical differences, most Americans agree on one point – America first. For Ireland, given our critical and treasured connections with the US, this means being aware of, and not naïve about, what is occurring across the Atlantic. 

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Global Impact
22 July 2024
26  MINS

The Future Legacy of (Irish) Theatre: Introducing Nouf Rafea, the Inaugural Siobhán McKenna Award Winner

The legacy of the wonderful Siobhán McKenna, actor and University of Galway alumnus, lives on in many ways, not least in the recent theatre award created by her family in her honour. Its first recipient, multitalented Nouf Rafea, speaks openly about her journey to date, her affinity with languages, and her fellow feeling with Siobhán McKenna as a theatremaker, linguist and activist.

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Global Impact
28 June 2024
10  MINS

A Look at the Centre Working to Help Europe’s Businesses Scale Up

Professor Esther Tippmann, Co-Founder and Co-Director, the Centre for Entrepreneurial Growth and Scaling (CEGS), University of Galway , Professor Jonathan Levie, Co-Founder and Co-Director, the Centre for Entrepreneurial Growth and Scaling (CEGS), University of Galway 

As the only UKI-based partner of the European Scale-up Institute, the Centre for Entrepreneurial Growth & Scaling (CEGS) is tackling Europe’s business scale-up gap through evidence-backed research, outreach, and coaching services.   What are the defining factors of a successful scale-up today, and how can we move the needle in accelerating scaling across Ireland and Europe? CEGS Co-Directors, Professors Esther Tippmann and Jonathan Levie share their thoughts in this new edition of Cois Coiribe.   

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Global Impact
27 June 2024
19  MINS

How horses inspired one scientist’s big invention

Dr Abigail Martin, Co-Founder and Director, ImmuONE; Alumna, University of Galway

In this piece Cois Coiribe talks to aluma Dr Abigail Martin, CEO and Co-Founder and Director of biotechnology company ImmuONE. Abigail’s love of horses made her interested in how science could help to make animals’ lives better, as well as curious about what we can learn about human health from animal studies. Her company manufactures her innovative product – a human in vitro lung – which has significantly affected how companies test their products, in particular, improving human safety and reducing animal testing. Explore Abigail’s journey below.

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Global Impact
26 June 2024
12  MINS

University of Galway Leading the Effort to Tackle Toxic Rhetoric Against Migrants

Tom Felle, Associate Professor in Journalism and Media at the University of Galway

Tom Felle, Associate Professor in Journalism and Media at the University of Galway, has spent three years leading the development of an UN-funded global media literacy programme to respond to the growing threats posed by disinformation targeting refugees and migrants. Here, he writes that the Global Media Migration Academy chimes well with the University’s core value of openness and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

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Global Impact
26 June 2024
12  MINS

From Ethiopia to Galway: Pursuing justice across the world

Bethlehem Solomon, LLM (General) Student, University of Galway

What are the chances that the paths of two student activists from Ethiopia would cross thousands of kilometres from home? Serendipity has been at work here in the University to bring together two law students, Bethlehem Solomon and Kidist Abebe, both natives of Ethiopia. Now they have joined forces in pursuit of justice and a more equitable world. Their experiences have convinced them of the need for collaboration to achieve these aims and led to them combining their expertise to build on what each has already achieved.      

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Global Impact
23 June 2024
18  MINS

Thriving or Surviving? A Global Research Alliance Pushing for Reform in Hospitality Work

Dr Deirdre Curran, Lecturer in Management, University of Galway

Research by J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at University of Galway has found that although workers in the hospitality industry are often passionate about their work, the industry is experiencing a chronic labour shortage. Poor conditions and lack of prospects are some of the key reasons. Now a new global alliance aims to tackle conditions in hospitality through educating policy makers and industry leaders about what is needed to ensure “decent work”, and Ireland is positioned to be a leader in the field.

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Global Impact
20 June 2024
19  MINS

New Media Technology Threatens Democracy – but the Humanities Can Provide a Counterbalance

Dr Kelly Fincham, Director, BA Global Media, School of English and Creative Arts, University of Galway

When social media first appeared, many embraced it as a great equaliser, but it soon became apparent that the technology, far from being neutral, contained and even magnified the biases of its creators, particularly as regards gender bias and misogyny. The 2014 Gamergate scandal was a missed signal that much technology preferred engagement over ethics. The current controversy around the Scarlett Johansson soundalike AI chatbot perfectly illustrates how AI can amplify existing gender bias. As AI spreads rapidly, we must be clear that we are not simply dealing with technology but with a complex instrument that can shape society – and that critical thinking and the humanities can provide a vital counterbalance.

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Global Impact
06 June 2024
10  MINS

Regional Business Summit 2024: Responsible Business, at Scale

J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at the University of Galway, in partnership with itag, Galway Chamber and Data 2 Sustain, convened 300+ business leaders and policymakers to the University of Galway’s Regional Business Summit (RBS) 2024. This pivotal event served as a platform for discussions on the pressing global challenges confronting businesses in our contemporary landscape.

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Global Impact
20 May 2024
13  MINS

Overview of Mary Robinson’s Archive

Niamh Ní Charra, Archivist , University of Galway

The 21st of May 2024 marks the 80th birthday of one of Ireland’s most influential, celebrated, and hard-working citizens, former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson. The University of Galway is proud to house her archive, and while work to catalogue it continues, we mark this significant milestone with an overview of the archive’s contents and an update on progress. University of Galway is also a partner of The Mary Robinson Centre in the former President’s home town of Ballina, Co. Mayo, and together we are honouring her life and legacy by engaging scholars of all ages in the major themes of her archive.  

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SDG Champion
18 April 2024
15  MINS

The Learning Commons: A Library, Reimagined

Monica Crump

Monica Crump, Interim University Librarian explores this radically different library of the future, supporting collaboration, creativity and new forms of teaching, learning and engagement.

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SDG Champion
11 January 2024
< 1  MINS

Sustainability at a glance…

Sustainability achievements at the University of Galway, at a glance.

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SDG Champion
19 December 2023
7  MINS

Focal ón Uachtarán

President, Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh

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SDG Champion
19 December 2023
17  MINS

A Better World Through Better Business

Dr Johanna Clancy

In a 1970 essay for The New York Times, Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman stated that “The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase Its Profits.” Fast-forward over 50 years, business is confronted with major socioeconomic, environmental and geopolitical disruptions, challenged as never before to adapt, be relevant and contribute solutions to the world’s pressing issues (AACSB Pathways) – as well as making profits.

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SDG Champion
18 December 2023
18  MINS

“Water is at the centre of the climate crisis.”

Rory Moses McKeown, WHO

As a fundamental human need affecting a range of SDGs, access to clean and safe drinking-water is essential to a sustainable future. Rory Moses McKeown, University of Galway alum and Senior Technical Consultant at WHO, shares his views on the challenges to water safety and access in a climate crisis, and the emerging role of water in global conflicts.

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SDG Champion
18 December 2023
16  MINS

Students for Climate Action: Cameron Noah Keighron

Cameron Noah Keighron

“Climate action can seem overwhelming; with all the media, reports and statistics, you might feel like you don’t know where to start.” University of Galway student Cameron Noah Keighron has joined 35 other students from 18 countries across the globe, to pave the way for a new generation of climate action. Through the Tallories Network, a cooperation for social responsibility in Higher Education, the group have devised a ten-year action plan to drive civic engagement and influence policy around education and meaningful research on the gendered impacts of climate change.

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SDG Champion
18 December 2023
12  MINS

In Conversation: Oliver Wall, Chief of Staff at Bank of Ireland

Oliver Wall

In University of Galway’s Literary & Debating Society, Oliver Wall first practiced the leadership skills that would stand to him throughout a rich career in politics and corporate affairs. A former adviser in the Department of an Taoiseach during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU Council, Oliver Wall is now Chief of Staff and Head of Corporate Affairs at Bank of Ireland. We caught up with Oliver to learn more about the impact of his work at Bank of Ireland, from wellbeing at work to greenhouse gasses and more.

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SDG Champion
18 December 2023
19  MINS

Alumni Spotlight: Sam  Murphy-Kerry, Accenture

Sam Murphy-Kerry

University of Galway graduate and business strategy leader, Sam Murphy-Kerry is the North America Director at the Sustainability Studio at Accenture Song, the tech-powered creative group of Accenture. Accenture Song’s Sustainability Studio is dedicated to making sustainability relevant and actionable for everyone. As the business world increasingly faces pressing calls for sustainable action, creativity and strategy have never been more important. Here, Sam explains to Cois Coiribe why sustainability and growth, by definition, “ought to go hand in hand.”

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SDG Champion
18 December 2023
24  MINS

“Ragged Desolation of Men and Things”?

Breandán Mac Suibhne, Laura Kelly, Niall Whelehan

In an essay published in July 2023 in the catalogue for Christina McBride’s Críocha an Chroí / Heartland exhibition in An Gailearaí, Gaoth Dobhair, historians Breandán Mac Suibhne of the University of Galway and Laura Kelly and Niall Whelehan of the University of Stratheclyde respond to her images of the rock-strewn landscape of north-west Donegal.

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SDG Champion
18 December 2023
7  MINS

Ó Chois Fharraige go COP28

Dr John Caulfield

Céard atá le rá ag an nglúin óg in Éirinn faoin athrú aeráide? D’oibrigh foireann Ollscoil na Gaillimhe in éineacht le dhá mheánscoil Ghaeltachta i nGaillimh chun dóchas agus imní a ndaltaí a roinnt leis an domhan mór. 

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18 December 2023
19  MINS

Flóra na Gaeltachta: saibhreas na bithéagsúlachta mar áis foghlama

An Dr Seathrún Ó Tuairisg

Tugann Seathrún Ó Tuairisg léargas ar phlandaí coitianta agus neamhchoitianta atá le feiceáil i gceantar Chois Fharraige i gConamara, Co. na Gaillimhe. Tugann an obair seo spléach ar a thábhachtaí atá an bhithéagsúlacht don timpeallacht agus don tsochaí – ábhar atá thar a bheith tráthúil anois agus muid in éigeandáil aeráide agus i ngéarchéim bhithéagsúlachta. Is réimse é seo a luíonn isteach go mór le straitéis Ollscoil na Gaillimhe i leith na spriocanna forbartha inbhuanaithe (SDG) – Sprioc 15, Beathra Talún, go háirithe. 

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SDG Champion
18 December 2023
11  MINS

Críocha an Chroí—An Artist’s Return to the Heartland

Christina McBride

A residency in the University of Galway’s Gaoth Dobhair Centre in 2022–23 allowed Glasgow visual artist Christina McBride to explore the natural and built environment of her mother’s homeplace in nearby Bun an Inbhir in a series of analogue photographs developed using local fauna and peatland materials. McBride’s residency in Donegal and the resulting exhibition, Críocha an Chroí / Heartland—was made possible by a partnership involving the University, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Ealaín na Gaeltachta and the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny. In autumn 2023, a second exhibition, Thall Udaí / Over By, focusing on the people of the place, was mounted in Sean-Scoil Bhun an Inbhir and a third is planned for Glasgow in 2024.

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SDG Champion
18 December 2023
14  MINS

The Secrets to our Future, preserved in Climate Archives: A 32-Day Research Expedition

Dr Audrey Morley

Observing marine sediments in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic Seas, Dr Audrey Morley looks to the past to further understand the future of climate change. Here, the University of Galway lecturer reveals to Cois Coiribe how she prepared for a 32–day-long journey across the Arctic aboard the RV Celtic Explorer, and what Research Project SiTrAc’s findings tells us about climate change’s tipping points.

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SDG Champion
18 December 2023
25  MINS

Smart Sustainability at the World’s Largest Sports Air Dome

John Prenty, Kurt Reinhardt, Cathal Cregg

As 2023 SGD Champion, the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome is a beacon of sustainable innovation for Ireland. In this SDG Champion Edition, Cois Coiribe asks the team about its partnership with University of Galway, its dynamic Green Clubs programme and the complexities of managing the world’s largest sports air dome – a versatile indoor facility, accessible to clubs and visitors throughout the region and beyond.

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SDG Champion
15 December 2023
18  MINS

Imagine a Futuristic, Sustainable City between Galway and Dublin

Prof Padraic Kenna

We like to mix the global and the local in Galway. We talk a lot about climate, justice, land and housing, which is why the Sustainable Development Goals mean so much to us. Our greatest task now is to envisage the carbon-free, sustainable and inclusive communities of the future. ‘THE LINE’ offers a glimpse into what these could look like. 

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SDG Champion
15 December 2023
18  MINS

The Student Pantry: A Solution to Food Waste

Adam Mullins, Meadhbh McNutt

Astrophysics student, Adam Mullins is the founder of The Student Pantry, a student-led solution to food waste and insecurity based in the University of Galway. When 22 year-old Adam isn’t in the lab studying, he is out collecting 1000kg of wasted food items from Galway’s supermarkets to provide free, healthy meals for a growing student population. Here, Meadhbh McNutt sits down with Adam to discuss the importance of removing the barriers to sustainability and food security, and his future plans for The Student Pantry.   

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SDG Champion
15 December 2023
23  MINS

Shaping MedTech’s Future: Gerry Kilcommins, Medtronic

Gerry Kilcommins

Medtronic’s Vice President of Global Platform Manufacturing & Medtronic Ireland Country Director, Gerry Kilcommins sits down with Cois Coiribe to discuss corporate responsibility in healthcare and sustainability, and the significance of the Medtronic–University of Galway partnership in cementing Galway’s place at the epicenter of one of top world MedTech hubs.

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SDG Champion
15 December 2023
33  MINS

Dr Martin Walsh OBE: Understanding Viruses at the Molecular Level

Dr Martin Walsh OBE

University of Galway alum, Dr Martin Walsh OBE has spent 30+ years studying the structure of biological molecules. In his work at Diamond Light Source, Oxfordshire, Dr Walsh uses X-ray crystallography to image a range of biological macromolecules from proteins and nucleic acids to viruses at the molecular level. The technique relies on generating crystals of the macromolecules which are then illuminated with X-rays to determine their atomic structures. At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the skills of Dr Walsh and his team were diverted towards early drug discovery in the race to address the worldwide health crisis. Now in 2023, he has been named an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to Science during COVID-19.

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SDG Champion
14 December 2023
16  MINS

Sustainable Galway, for a Sustainable World

Prof Pól Ó Dochartaigh, Deputy President and Registrar

Sustainability is crucial for universities to fulfil their role as responsible institutes for the public good. Deputy President and Registrar, University of Galway, Prof. Pól Ó Dochartaigh, reflects on our achievements and learnings thus far, as we embark on a transformative journey towards a sustainable Galway, for a sustainable world.

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SDG Champion
17 November 2023
17  MINS

Aligning our Research with Sustainable Development Goals

Prof James Livesey

In today’s hyper developed and interconnected world, we see isolated actions give rise to global repercussions like never before. As a framework for addressing global issues, the UN Sustainable Development Goals are a call to action for universities to consider the wider impact of their research. Here VP for Research & Innovation, Prof James Livesey explains how the SDGs have inspired a new approach to research strategy and prioritisation.

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SDG Champion
17 November 2023
14  MINS

In Conversation: Dorothy Creaven, Rent the Runway

Dorothy Creaven

Since its 2009 launch, Rent the Runway has made headlines as a sustainable alternative to fast fashion, and more recently as the first female-founded company with a female CEO, COO and CFO to go public. Rent the Runway’s e-commerce service allows users to rent clothes from 800+ designers, disrupting a trillion-dollar fashion sector. At its European HQ in the heart of Galway City, University of Galway alum Dorothy Creaven is transforming the company’s digital infrastructure as VP and Managing Director. We sat down with Dorothy to discuss the impact of her work in building a sustainable future for fashion.

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SDG Champion
07 November 2023
13  MINS

The Real-World Effects of Cyberbullying

Dr Mairéad Foody

Easy access to virtual social space has seen young people face dangers of cyberbullying, sextortion and online victimisation. Many primary schools have taken steps to ban smartphones on school grounds, following the launch of government guidelines on restrictions of smartphone use among young people. According to Assistant Professor of Psychology, Dr Mairéad Foody, research is key in informing quality prevention and intervention among schools, parents and guardians.

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SDG Champion
06 November 2023
22  MINS

Cultural Values in a Sustainable Future

Prof Lillis Ó Laoire

We may not associate SDGs with culture, but the UN’s 2030 Agenda acknowledges the need to safeguard the world’s diverse cultural heritages, and the role of culture in fostering a collective sense of responsibility and belonging. Award-winning writer and singer, Prof Lillis Ó Laoire asks: how can we steward our cultural heritages to realign them with sustainable futures?

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SDG Champion
04 October 2023
14  MINS

Food Systems are Failing SDG Efforts: What are the Trade-offs?

Dr Anne Mullen

“The goals and targets of the SDGs don’t always synergise – there are many trade-offs – and fixation on individual SDGs is a hurdle for progress.” According to Dr Anne Mullen of the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and the Ryan Institute, sustainable food systems are a key entry-point to accelerate progress across multiple SDGs. University of Galway is uniquely placed to understand and act on food systems – and our designation as SDG Champion gives us an even greater voice and responsibility to do so.

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SDG Champion
25 September 2023
13  MINS

In Conversation: Ibec CEO, Danny McCoy

Danny McCoy

True prosperity calls for a balance between public and private sector, argues Danny McCoy, University of Galway alum and CEO of Ibec (Irish Business & Employers Confederation). With a varied career as an executive, senior economist and lecturer, this University of Galway alum has developed a strong perspective on the makings of a sustainable economy. Here, Danny sits down with Cois Coiribe to share his views on education, sustainability, globalisation and more.

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SDG Champion
24 August 2023
< 1  MINS

2023 in Sports

2023 has been a memorable year for sport at University of Galway. Cois Coiribe takes a look back at our most treasured moments.

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Resilient Innovation
25 July 2023
13  MINS

Straitéis na Gaeilge: An Scéal is Deireanaí

Seoladh an chéad straitéis don Ghaeilge san Ollscoil beagnach dhá bhliain ó shin, ar an 16 Iúil 2021 agus tá toradh na hoibre atá déanta ag gach uile dhuine a raibh lámh acu i bhforbairt agus i bhfeidhmiú na Straitéise go dtí seo le haithint ar fud an champais agus dul chun cinn suntasach déanta.

articles
21 July 2023
11  MINS

Bold Nostalgia: Enda Burke at GIAF

Meadhbh McNutt

Galway International Arts Festival welcomes Enda Burke’s Far Away & Close to Home to Outset Gallery this year in a unique showcase of the Galway artist’s bold visual language. Recently awarded the International BarTur Photo Prize, Burke’s work has been published in various media from The Guardian to Rolling Stone Magazine. Here, University of Galway Editorial Manager, Meadhbh McNutt contextualises this multidisciplinary body of work in a short creative essay.

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Resilient Innovation
06 July 2023
20  MINS

Teaching Students to Think Critically about Digital Storytelling

Deborah Miranda Roldán

The advent of Artificial Intelligence has transformed the landscape of media, presenting society with enormous challenges as well as opportunities. In this era of rapid technological advancements, the cultivation of accountability and critical thinking skills within these disciplines is of paramount importance. The challenge for universities will be how best to prepare graduates to navigate the complexities of the digital age. 

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Resilient Innovation
06 July 2023
10  MINS

Spotlight On: Alum, Deepak Kumar Jain, NetApp

Deepak Kumar Jain

Deepak Kumar Jain is senior manager of software engineering at data company, NetApp. An alum of University of Galway, Deepak has vast experience in software development, leading multi-million product releases from start to end, in countries including France, Germany, India and Ireland. Here, Deepak shares his thoughts on emerging technologies to watch out for, and the West of Ireland’s unique appeal as a region for education and innovation.

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Resilient Innovation
29 June 2023
9  MINS

Foreword from the President

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of University of Galway 

Fáilte go Cois Coiribe. Tá sé lán go béal arís i mbliana le luachanna na hollscoile s’againne, luachanna atá go smior inár gcomhluadar.  I am particularly pleased that, once more, Cois Coiribe is replete with our values as a university community, as a university for the public good.

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Resilient Innovation
28 June 2023
12  MINS

Spotlight On: Cormac Mac Donncha, Vice President, Thermo King EMEA

Many of us know Thermo King as an established leader in transport refrigeration, but fewer have heard of the manufacturing giant’s plans to reduce customer carbon emissions by one billion metric tonnes, by 2030. Here, Vice President (EMEA) and University of Galway alum, Cormac Mac Donncha discusses Thermo King’s plans to become a carbon-neutral global enterprise. 

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Resilient Innovation
28 June 2023
20  MINS

Propelling Innovation: University of Galway Spinouts

Today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape requires constant innovation. Founded in 2006, University of Galway’s Innovation Office is a hub for entrepreneurs, startups and established companies alike to propel their ventures to new heights in a supported environment.

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Resilient Innovation
26 June 2023
8  MINS

Regional Business Summit: Engaging People and Leading on Sustainability

In partnership with ITAG and Galway Chamber, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics’ Regional Business Summit: Engaging People and Leading on Sustainability was a highly anticipated event at University of Galway, drawing over 150 business leaders, policymakers and sustainability advocates from regional industries and sectors. The summit, held on 31 March 2023, aimed to foster dialogue, collaboration and innovation to address pressing environmental and social challenges while promoting sustainable economic growth in the West of Ireland.

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Resilient Innovation
26 June 2023
18  MINS

Insight: Disruptors in Ireland’s Research Landscape

Professor Edward Curry , Professor Paul Buitelaar

While semantics may seem a niche area, these technologies are embedded in data processing across sectors. Prof Edward Curry and Prof Paul Buitelaar from the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, reflect on the impact of University of Galway’s 20 years of research, from the Obama Administration and the von der Leyen Commission to the creation of jobs across Europe.

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Resilient Innovation
23 June 2023
9  MINS

50 Years of Excellence: MBA Anniversary Marks a Milestone in Business Education

2023 marks a significant occasion for J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

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Resilient Innovation
22 June 2023
19  MINS

An Mheitheal Rothar: Pioneering a New Model for the Circular Economy

Dr Sinéad Mitchell, Lecturer, Sustainability and Strategy, College of Business, Public Policy and Law; , Catherine  Coote, Co-Founder,  An Mheitheal Rothar,

Today’s economy, defined by in-built obsolescence, relies on the extraction of over 90% virgin materials from the earth. Pioneering a new model for the ‘social startup’ based at University of Galway, An Mheitheal Rothar (AMR) is determined to show us that a circular economy is possible in the West of Ireland. Lecturer in Sustainability and Strategy, Dr Sinéad Mitchell and AMR cofounder, Catherine Coote tells us exactly what makes this unique model a success.  

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Resilient Innovation
22 June 2023
17  MINS

Putting a Cost on Climate Stress: AI Can Help

Dr Aaron Golden

The cost of climate stress to food production is monumental, and attempting to calculate that cost is a complex, data-driven task. 2023 ENLIGHT Impact Award Winner and PI of the TAPAS project, Dr Aaron Golden is harnessing the potential of AI deep learning to detect fluctuations in biomass production linked to climate change visible from space. This innovative technology identifies not only the cost of such climate stress, but identifies those regions most in need of intervention. 

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Resilient Innovation
22 June 2023
16  MINS

The Nine-to-Five is Dead: What’s Next?

Assistant Professor Maeve O’Sullivan

Which ‘genius day’ do you take off as part of your four-day week? Does your co-bot take milk in their coffee? Fancy a ‘match-making’ session for remote workers in your company retreat? These are questions workers and workplace leaders face in the new world of work. Predictions about the future world of work range from organisational inertia to a complete robotic takeover. Assistant Professor Maeve O’Sullivan, Lecturer in Human Resource Management and Decent Work, unpacks some of the issues to be tackled as we contemplate this uncertain future.

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Resilient Innovation
22 June 2023
18  MINS

Connecting Globally to Innovate Locally: Med Tech in Galway and Costa Rica

Dr Majella Giblin

“Costa Rica is where Galway was about 20 years ago in Med Tech.” What have 20 years of innovation in Galway taught us about building a dynamic cluster? Dr Majella Giblin looks to challenges in Costa Rica’s budding Med Tech sector to understand the deciding factors in a successful entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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Resilient Innovation
22 June 2023
17  MINS

Lua Health: How Algorithms Can Help Detect Mental Health Issues at Work

Mihael Arcan, Fionn Delahunty

With support from the University of Galway, Lua Health is working to overcome the stigma around mental health in the workplace. Using machine-learning algorithms – this research-led start-up interprets how we speak and write at work to detect early signs of poor mental wellbeing – combining expertise in both natural language processing and clinical psychology.

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Resilient Innovation
22 June 2023
20  MINS

Jack O’Meara: Developing New RNA Therapies to Treat Liver Disease 

Jack O'Meara

University of Galway alum, Jack O’Meara is the co–founder and CEO of Ochre Bio, the cutting-edge startup that is developing new RNA therapies to treat liver disease. In 2023, O’Meara was named one of Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30’ star entrepreneurs in Science & Healthcare for breakthroughs in genomics empowering scientists to swap unreliable animal testing for studies on discarded human donor livers. 

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Resilient Innovation
22 June 2023
14  MINS

Seven Years of the Galway City Innovation District and the PorterShed

Prof John Breslin

Synopsis:  A recent report from KPMG found that between 2021 and 2016, PorterShed had created 835 sustainable jobs across the value chain and contributed over €6 million to national economic output. Following the opening of PorterShed a Dó at the end of 2022, cofounder and University of Galway professor, John Breslin explains why more and more innovation-driven companies in Galway are clustering and thriving together. 

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Resilient Innovation
22 June 2023
19  MINS

GEOFIT: More than a Hole in the Ground

Luis Miguel Blanes Restoy

What started as a hole in the ground on the University of Galway campus grounds is now a living field-scale laboratory for geothermal technology. Beyond heating the campus swimming pool, GEOFIT’s ground-source heat pump infrastructure will act as a pilot for other European countries, influencing policy and propelling Ireland’s decarbonisation journey forward as a whole.

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Resilient Innovation
22 June 2023
18  MINS

Meet Prof Peter Doran, Director of University of Galway’s New Institute for Clinical Trials

Prof Peter Doran is leading a team of experts in building an innovative, patient-centred Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway. Here, Peter reflects on how personal experiences of loss have instilled in him a greater sense of purpose towards improving the health of the nation.

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15 March 2023
23  MINS

Cell EXPLORERS: Who Gets To Be a Scientist?

Meadhbh McNutt, Dr Sarah Carroll, Dr Kristin Anderson

Based in University of Galway’s School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Cell EXPLORERS is a public engagement programme that aims to address science-related misconceptions held by some young people and provide positive experiences with hands-on science.

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Creative Galway
09 February 2023
15  MINS

What Makes Us Empathetic?

Bernadine Brady, Conn Holohan

While there is evidence to suggest that empathy is on the decline in society, using varied methodologies, researchers at University of Galway are exploring new ways to counter these trends. Dr Bernadine Brady was Principal Investigator in a recent study at the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre (UCFRC) assessing the attitudes of 700 12–16-year-olds in Ireland on empathy, social values and civic behaviour. In Immersive Empathy, Principal Investigator Dr Conn Holohan and his colleagues are investigating empathy through a different lens, empowering clients of Galway Simon to tell their life stories and reflections on homelessness through oral history and virtual reality.

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Creative Galway
27 January 2023
24  MINS

How Do We Value Creativity After AI?

Professor John McHale

However troubling to today’s creatives, the rapid development of AI has generated a high demand for a new kind of skillset, one that is arguably creative in its own right. What do these changes in the skills economy mean for educators and institutions? Economist Prof John McHale reports on recent research unpacking the value of creative skills after AI, and the role of star recruitment in catalysing these creative skills in institutions. Finally, McHale looks at the question mark lingering over the value of the creative economy, through the lens of cost-benefit analysis.

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Creative Galway
13 January 2023
12  MINS

Innovation: “It Takes a Village”

W. Bernard Carlson

Contrary to the familiar image of the solitary inventor, Prof W. Bernard Carlson makes it clear that innovators never work alone. Drawing on pivotal examples in engineering and design, from the Buick automobile to the glass-ceramic wedding gift, Carlson presents innovation as a collective undertaking—a shaping of the path through which a product finds meaning.

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Creative Galway
11 January 2023
11  MINS

Making a Cultural Galway

Dr. Patrick Collins

Creativity as an aspirational goal has found its way into policy and popular discourse in recent years. It is a goal that, according to Patrick Collins – University of Galway Lecturer and author of the upcoming Galway: Making a Capital of Culture – requires a historical, cultural and geographical context. While Galway boasts a rich creative economy, here Patrick asks: does it have the capacity to support young creatives to make new types of culture in the future? Feature image: Artist: Galway Community Circus. Performance/event: LifeLine. Photographer: Emilija Jefremova.

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Creative Galway
10 January 2023
14  MINS

Earth Writings: A Toolkit for The Climate Crisis

Dr Nessa Cronin

What makes the knowledge systems of the arts and humanities uniquely valuable in addressing our current planetary predicament? Lecturer Dr Nessa Cronin brings together artists, academics, scientists and community activists to explore this key question. Together with her collaborators, she has created a creative toolkit in Earth Writings—a critical and inquisitive lens through which to navigate the climate emergency—the impact of which is now reaching classrooms across numerous disciplines.

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Creative Galway
15 December 2022
24  MINS

In Conversation: Ikenna Anyabuike

Meadhbh McNutt

University of Galway student, Ikenna Anyabuike, is an actor, writer, assistant dramaturg and one half of the musical duo, ARMCANDY. Ikenna was awarded the ‘Baptiste Programme’ with Smock Alley in 2022, the ‘Axis Assemble 2022’ with Axis Ballymun and the ‘Irish Seed Grant’ by the Irish Hospice Foundation for an upcoming collaboration with visual artist Maclaine Black (2023). He also performs as part of an ensemble for the play ‘The Kinds of Sex You Might Have in College’ with Active* Consent. A graduate of Drama and Theatre Studies, Ikenna is continuing his studies in 2023 with a postgraduate programme in Creative Arts Management at University of Galway. We sat down with the artist to talk through his creative process and his thoughts on education.

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Creative Galway
15 December 2022
15  MINS

Laughing to Learn

Dr. Jessamyn Fairfield

Why might a Lecturer in Physics at University of Galway go about training hundreds of academics to perform comedy around their research? According to Bright Club Ireland founder Dr Jessamyn Fairfield, comedy is a creative process, a remixing of stories with the aim of flipping one’s perspective and piercing through the tension of a watchful audience. With the toolkit of improv comedy in hand, Jessamyn is building confidence, connection and innovative learning methods among a variety of academic fields.

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Creative Galway
15 December 2022
12  MINS

Telling the Story of Sexual Consent in Ireland

Dr Charlotte McIvor

We need to change national conversations around sexual consent; creativity makes that possible, says Dr Charlotte McIvor.

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Creative Galway
15 December 2022
16  MINS

In Conversation: Stephen Dooley

Meadhbh McNutt

Spotify is the world’s largest music streaming platform, serving 456 million users with access to songs and podcasts from artists across the globe.   Alum Stephen Dooley is both an independent musician and an Engineering Manager at Spotify. He recently played at Éalú Le Grá Festival as one half of London-based house duo, Delac. We sat down to ask Stephen about his thoughts on making music, studying at University of Galway and the influence of Spotify on the music industry today.   Image: Original photograph by Alex Waespi (alexandrawaespi.com), design by Unthink.

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Creative Galway
15 December 2022
14  MINS

Science Needs Storytelling

Lindsay Deely and Claire Riordan

Communication is key, according to Lindsay Deely and Claire Riordan, in reaping the rewards of scientific research. At its best, science communication connects complex concepts with the human condition—bringing the stories behind the research to light. This human-centred approach to science is the driving force behind Science on Screen, a partnership between CÚRAM, the SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices at University of Galway, and the creative platform, Ardán.

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15 December 2022
22  MINS

Spinout Success  

Ours is a thriving region, renowned for its culture, creativity, technology and innovation. Our research-driven university is at the heart of this distinctive region and the efforts of the Innovation Office underpins our impact and innovation ecosystem.

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15 December 2022
23  MINS

Honouring Galway’s Changemakers  

University of Galway recently announced the recipients of Honorary Degrees at the 2022 Winter Conferring ceremonies – Margaretta D’Arcy, Lelia Doolan, Dr Jerry Cowley and Ronan Scully.    

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15 December 2022
14  MINS

A Sustainable Future for University of Galway 

Sustainability has been gathering momentum as a core value at our university for a number of years now. Most recently, sustainability was enshrined in our University of Galway Strategic Plan 2020-2025 as one of four key values. Alongside and linked to – respect, openness and excellence – sustainability is now at the heart of everything we do.

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15 December 2022
10  MINS

Straitéis na Gaeilge 2021–2025 

, , ,

In 2019, i ndiaidh don Uachtarán an bhainistíocht shinsearach a athstruchtúrú, aistríodh an fhreagracht as an nGaeilge ó Oifig an Rúnaí go hOifig an Uachtaráin Ionaid agus Meabhránaí arb é, tar éis an Uachtaráin agus mar ionadaí dó, an ball is sinsearaí den fhoireann bainistíochta é. I bhfianaise na n-athruithe sin a thug ardú stádais don Ghaeilge i struchtúr bainistíochta na hOllscoile, bhí sé tábhachtach athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar na socruithe rialachais sin atá i bhfeidhm don Ghaeilge san Ollscoil agus, chuige sin, thug an tUachtarán Ionaid agus Meabhránaí faoi Straitéis don Ghaeilge a fhorbairt i gcomhar leis an gCoiste Straitéiseach don Ghaeilge.  

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15 December 2022
6  MINS

College of Arts Graduate Focus: Aoife Geraghty

Aoife Geraghty

As part of our focus on University of Galway College of Arts, we chat to Aoife Geraghty, Brand PR & Corporate Communications team at Irish Distillers who undertook a Bachelor of Arts (English Language and Literature), 2018.

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15 December 2022
6  MINS

Spotlight on: Dr Odharna Ní Dhomhnalláin, Specialist Registrar

Dr Odharna Ní Dhomhnalláin, a native of Ennistymon, Co Clare, was the inaugural recipient of the McGinty Scholarship for Female Physicians. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, Odharna obtained a Medical Degree and an MSc in Biomedical Sciences, followed by an internship in University Hospital Limerick, as part of the inaugural cohort of Academic Track Interns. She subsequently undertook her Basic Specialist Training in Medicine in Galway University Hospital (GUH), and spent two years working as a medical registrar in the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) in GUH while completing the MBA. 

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15 December 2022
8  MINS

In Conversation: Derek Stewart, Honorary Professor at University of Galway

A former teacher from Ayr, Scotland, Derek Stewart was treated successfully for cancer of the larynx in 1995, and subsequently became involved in numerous aspects of patient involvement. Derek has made significant contributions to Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) in research in the UK, holding many important roles over the years. He was awarded an OBE in 2006 for his services to health, and in particular to cancer care.

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15 December 2022
14  MINS

Our Future: The College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies

Rebecca Braun

As part of our focus on University of Galway College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies Executive Dean Rebecca Braun discusses the college’s ambition to inspire transformation through its ‘Looking Out to the World with Ambition’ strategy. 

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15 December 2022
9  MINS

Our Future: The College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences 

Professor Martin O'Donnell

As part of our focus on University of Galway College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Executive Dean Professor Martin O’Donnell discusses the FutureCare strategy, which focuses on the development of new educational healthcare programmes and a new research institute. 

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15 December 2022
10  MINS

Our Future: The College of Science and Engineering 

Professor Walter K. Gear

As part of our focus on University of Galway College of Science & Engineering, Executive Dean Walter Gear discusses the exciting plans afoot for the college. 

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15 December 2022
20  MINS

Celebrating Excellence in our Alumni Community: Alumni Awards 2022

The Alumni Awards recognise individual excellence and achievements among our graduates, celebrating those who have demonstrated impact in their fields on a local, national and international level. 

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15 December 2022
25  MINS

Dr Helen Maher, Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, University of Galway   

Bríd Seoige

Whose identity, experience and knowledge matters and how are we accountable for including diverse perspectives and characteristics? These are questions that Dr Helen Maher, Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), addresses on a daily basis at University of Galway. We sat down with Helen to reflect on our progress to date, the steps still to take and the vital difference that EDI makes to a university community.

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15 December 2022
12  MINS

Spotlight on: Anna Rafferty, Johnson & Johnson 

“Authenticity, self-awareness and resilience …the key to successful leadership, lies not only in knowledge, but in how we encourage and mentor our teams to successfully navigate the  workplace,” says Anna Rafferty, Director of Strategy at Johnson & Johnson.

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15 December 2022
13  MINS

Spotlight On: Hannah Douglas, OWUSS Scholar

Marine Science graduate Hannah Douglas is half way through a year-long experience of a lifetime – a whirlwind trip around the world to visit and experience up-close some of most remarkable sea life in existence as a 2022 European Our World-Underwater Scholarship Recipient.

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14 December 2022
40  MINS

A Year of Change 

Bríd Seoige

Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh became the 13th president of Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway in January 2018. In December 2019 / January 2020, he launched the University’s Strategic Plan 2020–2025, ‘Shared Vision, Shaped by Values’, at the outset of what was to become a challenging period for third-level education, shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now approaching a halfway point in our value-based strategy, Ciarán reflects on our achievements and learnings thus far, exploring what it means for the University to be rooted in Galway, while always reaching outwards towards the horizon.

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13 December 2022
9  MINS

Investing in our Students  

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13 December 2022
9  MINS

Spotlight on: Corina Cunningham, Lawyer, Vice President, Macquarie Group 

With a passion for law, Corina’s journey has taken her to some of the top financial and legal organisations in the world. Now a lawyer for Macquarie Group, Corina highlights the richness that working internationally affords to graduates.

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13 December 2022
20  MINS

In Conversation: Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, MRIA, Deputy President and Registrar, University of Galway 

Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh

“We have one of the highest participation rates in the world in third-level education, but we are a long way off being one of the highest investors in that education. For the sake of this country and its young people we need to stop trying to do this on the cheap,”  says Deputy President and Registrar of University of Galway, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh.

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13 December 2022
9  MINS

Our Future: The College of Business, Public Policy and Law    

Prof Geraint Howells

Prof Geraint Howells, Executive Dean of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law   discusses the college’s ambitious plans for the years ahead.

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13 December 2022
10  MINS

Spotlight on: Arts Student, Katelyn Hayes

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Creative Galway
12 December 2022
14  MINS

Imagining the Creative University

Professor Rebecca Braun

Waning confidence in progress narratives and declining imaginative capacity, among other factors, have led us to what national policy advisor and professor, Geoff Mulgan calls “a deficit of social imagination”. At the heart of this crisis, as articulated by Professor Rebecca Braun, is the need to imagine alternative ways of being on a collective scale, through the circulation of knowledge. If universities, as knowledge communities, are to play a major role in this quest, how might the creative university of the future operate?

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06 December 2022
12  MINS

Spotlight on: Aoibhín Sheedy, Bioengineer

Founder of University of Galway’s WiSTEM (Women in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) Society, Aoibhín Sheedy’s passion for creating change in society through her research and outreach work is having a very real impact. Currently undertaking a PhD on developing an immunotherapy for ovarian cancer, Bioengineer Aoibhín talks to Cois Coiribe about her passion for celebrating women in STEM and how her mentors influenced her career.    

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05 December 2022
18  MINS

In Conversation: Brendan Smith

‘The campus of my youth shaped me greatly and made me what I am today.’

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21 July 2022
16  MINS

Finally, Ireland’s First Hydrogen Valley

Dr Rory Monaghan

Ireland’s offshore renewable electricity resource is at least five times greater than its demand. With green hydrogen, we can indirectly use that electricity to power our trucks, buses, factories, data centres, planes and ships, explains Dr Rory Monaghan, one of the partners responsible for Ireland’s first Hydrogen Valley – GH2. 

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Sustainability
21 July 2022
23  MINS

In Conversation With: Paul Fahy, Artistic Director, Galway International Arts Festival

Thousands of festival goers descend on Galway City for two weeks each year in July, for the Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF). The value that GIAF brings to the city and its surroundings is indisputable – attracting world-class acts to the West of Ireland, putting Galway on the global cultural map and increasing footfall to local businesses. While sustainability has always been a goal for the festival (out of necessity as much as ethics), this year marks an important leap in its sustainability journey.

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Sustainability
20 July 2022
14  MINS

Mighty Microbes – Making Irish Agriculture More Sustainable

Prof Vincent O'Flaherty, Dr Anna Trego

As the world’s population grows, we face the challenge of producing more food while also reducing our impact on the environment. How do we increase production, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and manage waste, all at once?    

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20 July 2022
4  MINS

Connecting with Community for Sustainable Education 

Jamie Goggins, Magdalena Hajdukiewicz

Community-engaged learning with a focus on sustainability is central to the curriculum at NUI Galway’s Civil Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering and Project & Construction Management degrees. Prof Jamie Goggins and Dr Magdalena Hajdukiewicz discuss the impact on both society and the students who partake. 

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Sustainability
06 July 2022
5  MINS

University of Galway’s Sustainability Journey

Michelle O'Dowd Lohan, Sustainability Officer, University of Galway

In 2022, University of Galway was identified as Ireland’s number one university for Sustainable Development by the Time Higher Education’s Impact Rankings. Below, Sustainability Officer Michelle O’Dowd Lohan recounts the University’s sustainability journey thus far, and its goals for the future.

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Sustainability
05 July 2022
14  MINS

Tackling Energy Consumption – We Have More Power than We Think

Prof Frances Fahy, Professor Frances Fahy

A recent study led by Prof Frances Fahy and Dr Gary Goggins shows evidence that people can significantly reduce energy use when given the tools to challenge their everyday practices. If implemented at societal level, these savings could play a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonising the economy.

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Sustainability
01 July 2022
15  MINS

Transforming Waste into Energy

Prof Piet N. L. Lens

Imagine an economy in which domestic and industry waste can be used to create energy. In NUI Galway’s Ryan Institute, Prof Piet Lens and his team of microbiologists are investigating just that; using microbes to discover new ways to convert organic and inorganic waste into bioenergy.

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Sustainability
28 June 2022
15  MINS

Empowering Youth to Create Change

Elaine Nevin

ECO-UNESCO is an environmental education and youth organisation aimed at channeling the creativity of our youth into positive environmental change. NUI Galway Alum, Elaine Nevin, is ECO-UNESCO’s National Director. Here, she talks about her own journey into environmentalism and how young people today are demanding change.

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27 June 2022
10  MINS

Sustainability – A Student’s Perspective

Malena Thren In Conversation with, Tiffany Greenwaldt-Simon 

Since arriving at NUI Galway to study Environmental Science, Malena Thren has been determined to enact change.

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Sustainability
23 June 2022
16  MINS

The Power of ‘Enough’ – From efficiency to sufficiency

Prof Frances Fahy

What is the maximum level of consumption you need in order to live a good life? While lacking the cool factor of ‘clean’ tech, questions like this one around habit and social expectations are just as crucial in encouraging a mass shift towards sustainability. Through extensive research and case studies, Prof Frances Fahy has learned that less is certainly more in the fight against the climate crisis.

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Sustainability
21 June 2022
24  MINS

Global Sea Levels are Rising – Here’s what we can do

Dr Eugene Farrell, Lecturer & Researcher, Geography, NUI Galway

Despite predictions that large parts of Ireland’s coast will be submerged underwater by 2050, Ireland is still decades away from realising the potential of nature-based solutions. Here, geographer Dr Eugene Farrell explains how we can help face the challenges of climate change by restoring key coastal ecosystems.

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Sustainability
15 June 2022
12  MINS

‘Imperfect’ sustainability is still sustainability

Sophie O’Byrne in Conversation with Tiffany Greenwaldt-Simon

Medical Student Sophie O’Byrne, winner of the 2021 Student Sustainability Leadership Award, discusses her take on sustainability and the changes she’d like to see in the healthcare industry.

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15 June 2022
5  MINS

Professor Derek O’Keeffe demonstrates cardiovascular health at Bloom

Apart of the Bloom festival, NUIG professor Derek O’Keeffe was giving the opportunity to demonstrate the cardiovascular system and dangers to poor health.

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Sustainability
15 June 2022
13  MINS

‘Sustainability is a smart business strategy’

Joanne Sheahan

Joanne Sheahan, Senior Executive for Climate Action & Sustainability with Enterprise Ireland talks about sustainability and business in Ireland.

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Sustainability
08 June 2022
17  MINS

Beyond GDP – The value of marine ecosystem services

Prof Stephen Hynes

According to the most recent climate change report from the United Nations, sea level rise, ocean heat and acidification are massively impacting the ability of our oceans to deliver many of the critical ecosystem services that we depend on, yet take for granted. Governments and policy makers have generally failed to recognise the value of these marine ecosystem services in national income accounts and project appraisals; that situation is now changing.

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Sustainability
02 June 2022
7  MINS

ROPES: Biodiversity

Claire Hennessy

Published annually by students of the MA in Literature and Publishing at NUI Galway, ROPES Literary Journal  has firmly established itself as part of the flourishing literary scene in Ireland. Biodiversity by award-winning writer Claire Hennessy, provokes readers to consider ourselves and our futures in relation to our threatened and fragile environments. Originally published in Issue 30, and launched at the 2022 Cúirt International Festival of Literature.

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Sustainability
26 May 2022
15  MINS

From the Ground Up – Irish peatlands communities reducing CO2 emissions

Professor Christine Domegan

As the world strives to reduce carbon emissions, peatlands have been dubbed the new “black gold,” storing over three times the carbon of all the forests in the world. As part of the EU LIFE Peatlands and People project, people who once dug out drains to dry up bogs for peat harvesting are now blocking those very drains as part of a large-scale rewetting process. What drives a cultural shift like this? According to Professor of Social Marketing Christine Domegan, we must match urgent calls to action with positive models for change and mutual community support.

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Sustainability
19 May 2022
25  MINS

Measuring Pollution in the Cleanest Air in Europe

Liz Coleman

Thanks to its unique location, research at Mace Head shows the extent to which the most remote areas in the world are affected by pollution. Observing the rise of Greenhouse Gases, Liz Coleman and her fellow scientists find it increasingly important to communicate their findings to the public. In collaboration with artists Paula McCloskey and Sam Vardy, and science engagement & education expert, Mairéad Hurley, Stories of the Air/Spéirscéalta aims to do just that – driving collective action through storytelling.

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Sustainability
18 May 2022
30  MINS

Taking Risks on Life on this Planet

Tom McDermott, Dr Denis O’Hora

More than ever, we understand the causes of climate change and the likely consequences of inaction. So, what stops us from reducing carbon emissions in a meaningful way? Lecturer in Economics of Climate Change & Development, Tom McDermott and Behavioural Scientist, Dr Denis O’Hora investigate why we, as a society, have been unable to make greater progress in tackling this existential challenge.

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17 May 2022
7  MINS

ROPES: The Apiarist

R.J. Breathnach

Published annually by students of the MA in Literature and Publishing at NUI Galway, ROPES Literary Journal  has firmly established itself as part of the flourishing literary scene in Ireland. R. J. Breathnach’s poem, The Apiarist provoke readers to consider ourselves and our futures in relation to our threatened and fragile environments. Originally published in Issue 30, and launched at the 2022 Cúirt International Festival of Literature.

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Sustainability
13 May 2022
13  MINS

In Conversation: Dr Matt Kennedy, Arup

Dr Matt Kennedy, A. Director of Carbon, Climate & Sustainability, Arup

Design engineering firm, Arup count buildings such as the Sydney Opera House and the Centre Pompidou among their innovative projects. As Associate Director of Carbon and Climate Change, Dr Matt Kennedy leads climate change services for Arup in infrastructure, buildings and cities. Across his 20 years of sustainability leadership spanning government, industry and academia, the NUI Galway alumnus has seen major changes in the way we think about climate change.

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06 May 2022
15  MINS

How Domestic Violence Fuels Wider Conflict

Dr Nata Duvvury

Research shows that strong links exist between domestic violence and manifestations of public violence, from crime to war and terrorism. According to global women’s studies director, Dr Nata Duvvury, to neglect the problem of domestic violence is to neglect the wider conditions for violence across society.

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05 May 2022
6  MINS

Meet Cara…a new approach to engagement

Cara, NUI Galway’s pilot digital assistant, helps the university to serve and encourage its students through every step of their university experience.   John Clancy, a 1996 graduate of Commerce, Law and Human Resources at NUI Galway and founder and CEO of Chatspace, the Galway-based AI start-up that developed Cara, talks about how AI can benefit the educational experience.   

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Sustainability
29 April 2022
14  MINS

Why NUI Galway is 5th in the World for Responsible Consumption

As NUI Galway is named the number one university in Ireland for Sustainable Development in Times Higher Education’s (THE) Impact Rankings 2022, and fifth in the world for Responsible Consumption and Production, we take a look at some of the projects leading the way in sustainability at the University. Throughout the summer, Cois Coiribe will highlight the groundbreaking work university experts, researchers & alumni are doing to fight climate change  

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29 April 2022
19  MINS

Truth and Testimony: Ireland’s Carceral Institutions

Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley

Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley, a foremost expert in the history of childhood in Ireland, argues that our national story remains incomplete until we recognise our institutional history. Calling for a survivor/person-centred approach, she reflects on the importance of testimony in piecing together an understanding of Ireland’s Carceral Institutions.

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29 April 2022
16  MINS

War Crimes and Ukraine: What are the implications?

Prof Raymond Murphy

As grim accounts surface of mass graves in Ukraine, many are asking: when will persecutions be made? Prof Raymond Murphy of the Irish Centre for Human Rights shares his insights into the legislation around war crimes, drawing attention to the selective nature of international justice and problems legislators face in holding those responsible for war crimes accountable.

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26 April 2022
8  MINS

Alumni Book Awards

NUI Galway has a rich literary history and many of our graduates from the MA in Writing have published books nationally and internationally and have successfully gone on to win or be short-listed for literary prizes.

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26 April 2022
12  MINS

Alumni Awards 2021 

NUI Galway Alumni in the worlds of the Arts, Sport, Public Service, Irish Language and Academia were among the distinguished recipients of the NUI Galway Alumni Awards 2021.  Image: Nicola Coughlan

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26 April 2022
9  MINS

If you can’t stand up, stand out

Isabel Keane

Isabel Keane, co-founder of Izzy Wheels, talks about her positive experience of studying at NUI Galway as a person with a disability.

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26 April 2022
12  MINS

Want a Seat at the Table? Then make your own Chair… 

Karen Conway, Director of Technology, Fidelity Investments, Ireland talks to Cois Coiribe about her career in technology, and co-designing the AI for Managers Post-Grad course.

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26 April 2022
12  MINS

Mike Stenson, Head of Innovation at Kingspan Group 

Originally from Curry, Co Sligo, Mike Stenson (BSc 1987), now Head of Innovation at Kingspan Group, the global leader in high-performance insulation and building envelopes, talks to Head of Journalism and Communication at NUI Galway, Tom Felle about tackling climate change, the importance of a STEM education and his guiding principles to leading a world-class team. 

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26 April 2022
8  MINS

NUI Galway News Recap 2021

A roundup of some of the top university stories from 2011

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26 April 2022
11  MINS

Recent Graduate Profile – Amanie Issa – LLM, 2021 

LLM graduate Amanie Issa shares her experience of moving from Bethlehem to Galway to study at NUI Galway in the middle of a pandemic.

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26 April 2022
47  MINS

Where an NUI Galway Degree can take you

articles
26 April 2022
24  MINS

Spin Out Success Stories 2021

Led from NUI Galway, BioInnovate Ireland is a national fellowship programme designed to facilitate innovation and entrepreneurship in the medical device sector in Ireland. Meet some of its 2021’s success stories.

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26 April 2022
19  MINS

Breaking down Barriers at NUI Galway 

Donors to NUI Galway Scholarship programmes join with the university to break down barriers to a university education, to recognise and celebrate excellence and to ensure that our university continues to be a diverse and vibrant community. Scholarships help shape the vision for NUI Galway supporting us to attract and retain the best and most deserving students.

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26 April 2022
17  MINS

Cybercrime – the ‘High Seas’ of the 21st Century? 

University of Galway graduate, Sean Morris, looks to the history of piracy on the high seas for pointers to the future of cybercrime.

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26 April 2022
4  MINS

Paul Dodd – From West to West 

Paul Dodd

A message from the incoming VP for Engagement at NUI Galway, Paul Dodd

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16 March 2022
17  MINS

Russia in Ukraine: How will it end?

Dr. Brendan Flynn

In a recent piece for The Irish Times, Fintan O’Toole urged the West to think carefully about an endgame for the Ukraine war. The response in the West has failed, according to O’Toole, in its prioritisation of “speed and immediate impact over long-term utility.” Can political science and Cold War history help us chart a concrete path towards an endgame?

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30 January 2022
14  MINS

Putin in Ukraine: Theatrical warfare at what cost?

Dr. Brendan Flynn

Ukraine – Russia, Putin’s theatrical warfare: Dr. Brendan Flynn examines the implications and the real cost of war, and how Putin has captured the world’s attention like never before.

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26 January 2022
23  MINS

A Humanitarian Catastrophe – on the Ground in Afghanistan 

Tom Felle

NUI Galway graduates are at the forefront of the humanitarian responses to some of the world’s most difficult global crises. From Defence Forces officers serving on dangerous posts in Lebanon, to Irish diplomats at the top table at the United Nations (UN) Security Council this year, the university’s global footprint in global peace and security is ever growing. Here, Tom Felle talks to two alumni of NUI Galway who are currently working in Afghanistan.

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AI & Human Creativity
13 January 2022
16  MINS

The Need for Shared Digital Infrastructure

Edward Curry

Put simply, ‘big data’ refers to datasets that are so large, varied, and fast, they are difficult or impossible to process using traditional methods. With access to such complex information, organisations can learn more about their customers and operations, and in turn, develop AI solutions that give them a competitive edge. Who has the scale and expertise to manage big data systems, and who gets left behind? Established Professor of Data Science, Edward Curry considers a more sustainable data ecosystem, in which the benefits of AI are evenly distributed.

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AI & Human Creativity
05 January 2022
16  MINS

To “Black Box” or not to “Black Box”?

Dr Anastasia Griva

Anastasia Griva poses a troubling question: Is inherently non-explainable ‘Black Box’ AI morally acceptable?

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AI & Human Creativity
05 January 2022
25  MINS

Midnight Mass

Mike McCormack

The work of novelist, short story writer and NUI Galway lecturer, Mike McCormack casts a unique light on technology. In 2016, McCormack’s Solar Bones – “a hymn to engineers” – won the Goldsmiths Prize, and the Irish Book Award Novel of the Year and Book of the Year. In ‘Midnight Mass’, the novelist responds to the Cois Coiribe winter theme of ‘AI and Human Creativity’ with a glimpse into the future – pretty or otherwise.

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AI & Human Creativity
23 December 2021
13  MINS

A Data Love Story

Margaux Smith, Meadhbh McNutt

What does your data shadow look like? How does it intersect with your relationships and everyday life? These are the questions raised by artists Margaux Smith and Meadhbh McNutt in A Data Love Story. Through visualisation and narration, Margaux and Meadhbh tell the story of a romantic relationship through the lens of linguistic data, based on texts shared between Meadhbh and her boyfriend, Eimhin across two fortnight periods.

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AI & Human Creativity
21 December 2021
17  MINS

The Unintended Consequences of People Analytics

Eoin Whelan

In recent years, we have seen various industries turn to data-driven ‘people analytics’ to gain a competitive edge in management and recruitment. Eoin Whelan encourages us to take note of the unintended consequences of these emerging technologies – reminding us that the metrics we form, form us in turn.

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21 December 2021
27  MINS

AI & Higher Education

Tom Felle

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, NUI Galway talks to Tom Felle, Associate Professor and Head, Discipline of Journalism and Communication, about the future of higher education and how new technologies and artificial intelligence will influence the direction of learning in the next 20 years.

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17 December 2021
14  MINS

Cybercrime: The ‘High Seas’ of the 21st Century?

Sean Morris

University of Galway graduate, Sean Morris, looks to the history of piracy on the high seas for pointers to the future of cybercrime.

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AI & Human Creativity
17 December 2021
27  MINS

Will AI Help or Hinder Human Empowerment?

Murray Scott|Bill Schmarzo

Murray Scott is joined by Bill Schmarzo – Data Management Innovation Customer Advocate, Dell Technologies, recognised industry thought leader in Business Intelligence and Honorary Professor in the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics at NUI Galway – in a discussion on the ethical issues surrounding AI and the importance of human creativity. Together, they identify what role NUI Galway can play in this Fourth Industrial Revolution. The following is an abridged version of the Cois Coiribe podcast episode.

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17 December 2021
9  MINS

AfterImage: Fusing Art and Science

“We’re all engaged in looking and I think looking is the foundation of both science and art.”

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AI & Human Creativity
17 December 2021
14  MINS

Adapting to a Changing Job Market

Anastasiya Sytnyk

With COVID-19 disrupting hospitality and retail industries where many young people find employment, students like Anastasiya Sytnyk have had to reconsider their employment options. After a year of working remotely in an IT sales role, Anastasiya shares her insights on adapting to a changing job market.

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17 December 2021
8  MINS

Editor’s Note

A note from the editorial team of the Cois Coiribe winter edition, ‘AI and Human Creativity’.

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AI & Human Creativity
16 December 2021
7  MINS

The Creative Spark – How Will Innovation be Affected by the Absence of a Watercooler?

Prof Esther Tippmann

Esther Tipmann reminds us of the critical role of human skills and competences; while technology platforms to support innovative work in an online or hybrid setting have improved, they are not yet able to replace the casual cognitive synergies and frictions that occur when being present in the same place.

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AI & Human Creativity
16 December 2021
15  MINS

Consumers and AI

Prof Geraint Howells

Geraint Howells shines a light on the complexity of old consumer protection paradigms in the new world of software, AI and data.  Encouragingly, he sees solutions, and points to the healthy approach to the regulation of AI by the EU.  

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AI & Human Creativity
16 December 2021
11  MINS

Digital Doctors: How AI Will Improve Your Health

Prof Derek O'Keeffe

The impact of Artificial Intelligence on health systems will be far reaching. Dr Derek O’Keeffe discusses the AI that is already making a difference at University College Hospital Galway (UCHG).

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AI & Human Creativity
16 December 2021
14  MINS

Meaisínaistriúchán Néarach – Deis agus Dúshlán i gComhthéacs Ollscoile

Eoin Ó Droighneáin

Tá úsáid teangacha sa réimse digiteach thar a bheith tábhachtach – teangacha nach mbeidh lánpháirteach sa réimse sin, tá an baol ann go rachaidh siad ar gcúl. The use of languages ​​in the digital realm is extremely important – languages not embracing the digital revolution are in danger of decline.

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16 December 2021
10  MINS

NUI Galway Leading the Way in Designing the Future of Education

In the months preceding COVID-19’s classification as a global pandemic, the Irish Government funded a number of large-scale, transformative projects in the higher education and university sector. The focus of these initiatives was to develop and deploy innovative educational approaches and technologies to change fundamentally how students experience their university education.

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AI & Human Creativity
16 December 2021
16  MINS

A Different View: Data Visualisation and Engaging Research

David Kelly

David Kelly explains how data visualisation techniques allow researchers to communicate complex data and ideas to researchers, policy makers and the wider public.

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AI & Human Creativity
16 December 2021
25  MINS

Anonn ’an Oileáin Úir … 

Prof Breandán Mac Suibhne, Historian of Modern Ireland and Director of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta

Tá bunachar ar líne á fhorbairt in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe le cuidiú le scoláirí agus lucht ginealachais taighde a dhéanamh ar imirce ó Éirinn go Méiriceá. Irish migration to North America will be illuminated by an online database currently under development at University of Galway.

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AI & Human Creativity
16 December 2021
13  MINS

Artificial Intelligence and the Learning Commons

Mr John Cox, University Librarian, Library, NUI Galway

John Cox explains the radically different library of the future, driven by AI and Robotics and supporting new forms of learning and engagement. He points out that ethical concerns surrounding AI will require that the human dimension be paramount, with Library staff playing a central role.

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16 December 2021
18  MINS

In Conversation with Digital Artist, Dr. EL Putnam

Dr. EL Putnam, lecturer in Digital Media, NUI Galway

Dr. EL Putnam is an internationally recognised digital artist and a lecturer in Digital Media at NUI Galway. EL’s practice discovers new ways of thinking about the relationship between the body and data; her artworks and performances have travelled to the United States, Europe and beyond. Recent experiments have seen the artist create generative animations using biometric data, such as heart rate and oxygen levels. In this interview, EL shares her thoughts on creativity, education and the materiality of technology.

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AI & Human Creativity
16 December 2021
15  MINS

Are We There Yet? Reflections on Artificial Intelligence in Autonomous Cars

Prof Edward Jones

Nothing raises questions around the mingling of human and technology quite like autonomous cars. With multiple levels of AI involved, at what point does human judgment intervene? Prof Edward Jones explores the challenges of this rapidly developing technology.

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AI & Human Creativity
16 December 2021
15  MINS

Automating Away What is Dangerous, Dirty, Dull and Difficult

Dr James McDermott, Lecturer, School of Computer Science, NUI Galway

Automation has rescued millions of people from jobs that are dangerous, dirty, or just plain drudge – and we’re just at the beginning of the AI revolution. Dr James McDermott ponders the critical issue of what we will do when machines do lots more of our work. 

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AI & Human Creativity
16 December 2021
9  MINS

AI Giving New Insights to Microbiologists

Kevin McDonnell

Kevin McDonnell’s Master’s thesis led to a collaboration between Computer Science and Microbiology with immense potential for re-evaluating previous studies and extending the techniques into new areas such as cancer detection.

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AI & Human Creativity
16 December 2021
15  MINS

Is it Time for the Leaving Certificate to Leave School? – Designing a Secondary Education System for Creativity and Innovation 

Dr Tony Hall

Dr Tony Hall argues that it is time to say ‘Slán’ to the Leaving Cert, and instead design an educational future that foregrounds and promotes creativity and innovation.

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AI & Human Creativity
16 December 2021
11  MINS

The Competitive Edge – How Analytics are Driving Success in Sport

Yvonne Comer

It comes down to one word: competition. For as long as sports have been played, teams and athletes are looking for a competitive edge. And it just so happens that today, and well into the future, data and analytics are going to be a source of a competitive edge for teams. – Ben Shields (The Sports Strategist)

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AI & Human Creativity
10 December 2021
16  MINS

The Future of Law: Automation or Augmentation?

Rónán Kennedy

What will the future of law look like in the Fourth Industrial Revolution? Rónán Kennedy delves into the likely changes we’ll see on the automation front, and calls for the addition of digital literacy to the current menu of legal skills.

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AI & Human Creativity
10 December 2021
10  MINS

The Responsibility of the Data Scientist in Natural Language Processing

Dr Paul Buitelaar

Natural Language Processing is no longer only about ever faster and more efficient data processing, but increasingly about selecting the right data and using it in a transparent and responsible way, says Paul Buitelaar.

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AI & Human Creativity
10 December 2021
13  MINS

Care with a Human(oid) Face – Working Ethically with Social Robots

Heike Felzmann

A shortage of care workers is driving reliance on AI in human care.  When a patient is vulnerable and empathy is called for – can a robot be the answer?

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AI & Human Creativity
10 December 2021
13  MINS

Trust and Technology Terrorism in Medicine – Psychology’s Influence on the Future of Digital Health

Dr Jane Walsh

The global medical robotics market is expected to reach $12.7 billion by 2025 from an estimated $5.9 billion in 2020. As the demand for health care services outweigh the availability of staff, social robots are filling the gap. How do we navigate healthcare in this new technology-driven world?  Dr Jane Walsh investigates – and argues that safe and effective digital transformation of healthcare requires a multidisciplinary approach with the patient at the centre of design.

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AI & Human Creativity
10 December 2021
9  MINS

Design Your Life

At a time when we are all dazzled (and perhaps blinded) by the promises of technology, a new programme at NUI Galway focuses on the one thing that really matters – a fulfilled, purposeful life.

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10 December 2021
14  MINS

Artificial Intelligence Demystified – What is it All About?

Prof. Michael Madden

Artificial Intelligence (AI) might appear to be a very new idea, as it has loomed large in public discourse in recent years. The history of AI is, however, almost as long as that of computer science generally – and it’s very far from over, says Prof. Michael Madden.

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Internationalisation
12 October 2021
25  MINS

‘We all Rise and Fall Together’ – Notre Dame’s Michael Pippenger on Internationalisation

Michael Pippenger is Vice President & Associate Provost for Internationalisation at University of Notre Dame. Here, he speaks about the value of internationalisation to the university, the surrounding community and the region, and tells us why a focus on internationalisation is a win-win.

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Internationalisation
04 October 2021
11  MINS

In Conversation With: Patricia Codyre

NUI Galway alumna Patricia Codyre works in Digital Health & Innovation at World Health Organisation (WHO). Here, she talks to Cois Coiribe about how her time at NUI Galway armed her with the skills to collaborate, communicate and identify creative solutions.

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Internationalisation
01 October 2021
11  MINS

Antimicrobial Resistance: A Global One-Health Challenge

Professor Dearbháile Morris, Dr Georgios Miliotis

Prof. Dearbháile Morris & Dr. Georgios Miliotis, School of Medicine at NUI Galway tackling the pressing threat of superbugs at the source with its Global One Health approach.

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Internationalisation
30 September 2021
17  MINS

In Conversation with: Kathryn O Shea

Kathryn O Shea, Director, Australia & New Zealand at IDA Ireland talks to Cois Coiribe about how the collaborative efforts between academia and industry championed by NUI Galway is a great way to continue to attract global talent…and her unforgettable experiences studying at NUI Galway.

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Internationalisation
27 September 2021
14  MINS

In Conversation With: Dr Anthony J. Windebank

Dr Anthony J. Windebank, professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic, discusses the importance of global collaborations within medical research, and the impact that internationalisation has had on his career.

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01 September 2021
14  MINS

Setting up a Health Partnership in Kenya

Dr Yvonne Finn

Dr Yvonne Finn speaks of her experience setting up a health partnership in Kenya

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Internationalisation
09 August 2021
15  MINS

ENLIGHT – In Conversation with: Professor Hiltraud Casper-Hehne

Professor Hiltraud Casper-Hehne,

Professor Hiltraud Casper-Hehne, the ENLIGHT academic lead from the University of Göttingen discusses ENLIGHT’s impact on its nine European universities and society as a whole.

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Internationalisation
04 August 2021
13  MINS

Virtual Humans as Personal Health Coaches

Dr Cyrille Thinnes, Prof Ines Thiele

Dr Cyrille Thinnes & Prof. Ines Thiele discuss how Digital Twins or avatars could be used to revolutionise health coaching through recent advances in digital health research.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
13  MINS

Why Galway needs a Global University in a Connected World

Professor Walter Gear

Prof Walter Gear tells us why Galway needs a global university in a Connected World. 

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29 July 2021
8  MINS

Welcome to the Summer Edition of Cois Coiribe

Professor Becky Whay

Prof Becky Whay, Vice-President: International at NUI Galway welcomes you to the Summer online edition of Cois Coiribe – where we ask what impact can internationalisation have on us as a university and the people associated with it and why should we be a Global University?    

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
12  MINS

How COVID-19 is Accelerating Key Trends Shaping the Global Economy

Prof Alan Ahearne

Prof Ahern describes how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated and intensified trends in the global economy that were already underway, and both challenges and opportunities it represents for policy makers and societies, as governments around the world seek to rebuild their economies.

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29 July 2021
5  MINS

Student Stories: Overcoming Hurdles to Study at NUI Galway

Lerena Hong Si Ying

Coming to live and study in Galway as the only international student on her course was made easier with the help of her college friends and staff.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
14  MINS

Partnerships are Key to a Global NUI Galway

Dr Andrew Flaus

Finding ways to nurture our unique yet elusive strength is an essential pillar of our internationalisation mission.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
12  MINS

The Value of Internationalisation

Prof. Geraint Howells

Professor Geraint Howells shares his passion for internationalisation by drawing on personal and professional experiences, and tells us why internationalisation is an important part of NUI Galway’s agenda.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
3  MINS

Our Students on Internationalisation

Students bring their voice to the conversation on internationalisation and what it means to seek new opportunities in a foreign land in the midst of a pandemic.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
5  MINS

Student Stories: Drawn to Ireland from South Africa

A South African medic shares her experience of internationalisation and connecting with Ireland through education.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
6  MINS

Student Stories: Diversity Brings a Sense of Home

A student from United Arab Emirates joins the conversation on internationalisation with a personal insight into the value of diversity.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
16  MINS

Social distancing: Through the lens of an International Academic

Mr Manigandan Chockalingam

Mr Manigandan Chockalingam, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, NUI Galway shares his experiences as international staff member of NUI Galway during a pandemic and need for connectivity

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
12  MINS

A Global Team Delivering an International Module on Cultural Awareness

Dr Yvonne Finn, Vice-Dean Internationalisation, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, NUI Galway

In support of embedding of internationalisation in the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, NUI Galway, Dr Finn describes how this new research module on cultural awareness, delivered by a global team,  will provide PhD research students with skills to critically appraise research and the research process in health and social sciences.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
11  MINS

How Computers Can Future-Proof Minority Languages

Dr. Theodorus Fransen & Dr. John McCrae explore how digital language tools can potentially resolve the underrepresentation of minority languages in terms of digital technology and the Web.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
7  MINS

Why Here? NUI Galway and the Emerging World of Research and Innovation

Professor James Livesey

Research and Innovation will be at the heart of how societies respond to the climate emergency, the digital transition, mediating inequality, the degradation of democracy, the threats to biodiversity and a host of other wicked problems

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
13  MINS

The Importance of International Collaborations and Academic Links

Professor Laoise McNamara

Professor Laoise McNamara shares her journey from NUI Galway to Notre Dame….and back: the secrets behind an enduring, successful and rewarding transatlantic Biomedical Engineering research collaboration

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
18  MINS

A Journey in Medicine: from Training to Regenerative Medicine

Dr. Finn Hawkins

Dr. Hawkins describes his journey from graduating with a degree in Medicine from NUI Galway to his training to regenerative medicine, COVID-19 and everything in between.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
6  MINS

Student Stories: A Transatlantic Route to Success

A Boston-based medic sheds light on the international value of his studies and his learning adapted to the pandemic.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
5  MINS

Student Stories: Getting Down to the Business of Learning

Despite all the turmoil and challenges of the last year, a business student points to a unique and positive learning experience amid the pandemic.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
5  MINS

Student Stories: ‘Feeling Lost is not Comfortable, but it is Okay’

Toronto native opens up on the challenges of internationalisation and striving to learn from the challenges of a foreign environment.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
5  MINS

Student Stories: Trading Bondi Beach for Salthill

Australian medical student opens up about chasing her dream and developing a new bond far away from a world famous beach.

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29 July 2021
6  MINS

Student Stories: Starting a New Life Amid a Pandemic

Aishwarya Suryakant Surve

NUI Galway MSc Exercise Physiology Student, Aishwarya Suryakant Surve discusses internationalisation and what it means to seek new opportunities in a foreign land in the midst of a pandemic.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
15  MINS

Are we Ready for Internationalisation?

Prof Michal Molcho

New to the Parish: Michal Molcho arrived at NUI Galway to do a post-doctoral fellowship I 2005. 17 years on, Professor Molcho is the Vice Dean for Internationalisation, leading the internationalisation strategy in the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies. Settling in Ireland was not straightforward, especially when it came to Galway’s temperate climate, Galway’s diverse set of local dialects, and much more…

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
12  MINS

The Languages of Internationalisation

Professor Rebecca Braun

Professor Rebecca Braun shares her experience of the languages of internationalisation, together with the linguistic preparation necessary for other languages and cultures in universities.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
18  MINS

In Conversation With: Professor Tim O’Brien

The Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences – a father of five, a dual US-Irish citizen and an endochrinologist – sat down with Cois Coiribe to share his views on internationalisation and how it influenced his career and how he values its place in the University.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
5  MINS

Student Stories: ‘I Have Never Felt as an Outsider’

Sarh Alamri

A Podiatric Medicine student from Saudi Arabia, Sarh Alamri’s fears over moving to Ireland to study were quickly allayed.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
5  MINS

Student Stories: Coming home

Moya McKeever

Occupational Therapy Student, Moya McKeever ponders on finding her land of opportunity across the Atlantic.

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Internationalisation
29 July 2021
5  MINS

Global Citizenship & NUI Galway

Two international NUI Galway students write home about their experiences of living and studying in Galway.

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28 July 2021
4  MINS

Artificial Intelligence Next Step for Medtech

Prof Derek O'Keeffe

Hundreds of patients are having their voices and coughs recorded as part of a global project using Artificial Intelligence to detect minute changes caused by Covid.

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28 July 2021
18  MINS

Foundations for the Future – Towards a More Sustainable World

Dr Nessa Cronin,, Prof John Morrissey

In planning for a more sustainable world, a key learning from the current crisis is that we must increasingly imagine the world in an interconnected global sense.

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27 July 2021
7  MINS

The Power of Positive Persuasion

Prof Molly Byrne

Professor Molly Byrne has ensured Ireland has been an international beacon for the use of behavioural science in the Covid-19 policy response.

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Internationalisation
26 July 2021
9  MINS

Business Schools Post-Covid: Why We Need a ‘Global’ Vision

Dr. Murray Scott

Dr Murray Scott, Lecturer in J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics at NUI Galway reveals how COVID-19 pandemic has emphasised the need of interconnectedness and a global approach to education to ensure the relevancy  of business schools.

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05 July 2021
3  MINS

New House

Eoin Rogers

Eoin Rogers is a poet and writer based in Dublin. He graduated from IADT with a degree in English, Media, and Cultural Studies in 2012. He writes about film, literature, comics, society and runs his own web-comic Necromancy Most Foul. Image Credit: RTÉ

articles
01 July 2021
7  MINS

The CORRIB Core Lab

The CORRIB Core Lab – NUI Galway’s cutting edge vision, where academia, industry and healthcare connect – is pioneering the next generation of treatment for heart patients in a centre of excellence for innovation, research, collaboration and education.

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15 June 2021
5  MINS

We thank our artists

Prof Patrick Lonergan, , ,

Irish fiction is currently experiencing a new golden age, one in which new writers are coming forward to ask urgent questions. For this Cois Coiribe issue, we wanted to celebrate the work of three of those writers, bringing previously unpublished stories by them to our readers.

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Equality
15 June 2021
10  MINS

Hidden Ireland: Migrant women’s right to rights

Prof Niamh Reilly

NUI Galway is part of a seven-country study looking at how inequality affects vulnerability to Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence and what strategies can be deployed to help migrant women improve their lives and live free from violence.

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04 June 2021
30  MINS

175 Years of Memorable Moments

2020 marked the 175th anniversary of the foundation of the National University of Ireland, Galway. Here, we take a look back at the major milestones that have occurred throughout the history of the university

articles
03 June 2021
3  MINS

And sing and louder sing after Cana Cludhmor

Nidhi Zak / Aria Eipe

Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe joins a host of Ireland’s most celebrated poets in our literature series for Cois Coiribe. Image Credit: Daniel O’Connor, RTE

articles
01 June 2021
2  MINS

Faoi Shamhain

oireann Ní Ghríofa

Doireann Ní Ghríofa joins a host of other exceptional Irish artists in our series of literature works with her poem ‘Faoi Samhain’. Image Credit: Al Higgins

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Equality
07 May 2021
15  MINS

Fighting the Headlines: Active* Consent is working to reduce experiences of sexual violence and harassment for young people

Dr Charlotte McIvor, Dr Pádraig MacNeela, Dr Siobhán O’Higgins

Leading academics tackling sexual harassment on campuses around the country by working with young people to reduce experiences of sexual violence and harassment for young people.

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Equality
29 April 2021
17  MINS

Pandemic exposes income inequalities in Irish society

Dr Deirdre Curran, Dr Lucy-Ann Buckley, Professor Kate Kenny, Dr Gary Goggins, Dr Áine Ní Léime

Leading academics in the Whitaker Institute set out to explore some of the glaring inequalities in the Irish labour market which Covid-19 has shone a spotlight on.

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Equality
29 April 2021
11  MINS

Equality for Travellers to overcome the odds

Owen Ward

Traveller and qualified teacher Owen Ward opens up about his own personal journey in pursuit of education and driving a new focus and dimension to the equality agenda in higher education.

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Equality
29 April 2021
10  MINS

Trans student leads the charge for change

Cameron Keighron

PhD student Cameron Keighron opens up about their own journey through issues of equality and bringing their experience to bear on the global Next Generational Leaders Programme.

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29 April 2021
4  MINS

Fáilte fial ó chois coiribe go Cois Coiribe

Prof Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh

NUI Galway President, Prof Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh welcomes you to the Spring online edition of Cois Coiribe – shining a light on the journey of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

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Equality
29 April 2021
9  MINS

Pandemic pushes universities to rethink excellence

Dr Su-Ming Khoo

With higher education rankings led by for-profit corporations and scientific publishing turning higher profit margins than Apple, Google or Amazon, universities should challenge how success is measured as they work for public good.

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Equality
29 April 2021
12  MINS

The concept of vulnerability in the quest for equality

Prof Niamh Reilly

Professor Niamh Reilly asks us to reconsider the starting point for dealing with the question of equality and associated issues in modern society.

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Equality
29 April 2021
14  MINS

Linguistic diversity in an inclusive world

Dr Anne O’Connor, , ,

Despite official records showing 13% of people in Ireland speak a language other than Irish or English at home, there is a striking absence of discussion on linguistic diversity and discrimination.

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Equality
29 April 2021
19  MINS

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion – Issues and perspectives

Dr Nata Duvvury

Exploring how the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda is pursued and progressed throws up many challenges, some of which cut to the core of how we limit what is up for debate and advancement.

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Equality
28 April 2021
14  MINS

Student reflections on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

MA Students Gender, Globalisation and Rights, 2020-2021, Dr Stacey Scriver,

Dr Stacey Scriver, Lecturer and Researcher in the Global Centre for Women’s Studies in NUI Galway, introduces the thoughts of Masters students who are studying issues around gender, globalisation and rights.

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Equality
28 April 2021
21  MINS

Two Birds, One Stone

Elaine Feeney

Elaine Feeney has published three collections of poetry including The Radio was Gospel and Rise. Feeney teachers at NUI Galway, where she is also Creative on the Tuam Oral History Project. In 2017 she wrote the multi award-winning drama piece for the Liz Roche Company, WRoNGHEADED. Her debut novel As You Were (Vintage) won the 2021 Kate O’ Brien Award and shortlisted for Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards, The Rathbone Folio Prize, Dalkey Literary Awards and was an Observer Best Debut of 2020.

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Equality
28 April 2021
22  MINS

Rupture

Tanya Farrelly

Tanya Farrelly is the author of three books: a short fiction collection When Black Dogs Sing (Arlen House), which was longlisted for the Edge Hill Short Story Prize and named winner of the Kate O’ Brien Award 2017, and two novels: The Girl Behind the Lens and When Your Eyes Close (Harper Collins). She holds a PhD in Creative and Critical Writing from Bangor University, Wales, and teaches at numerous institutions, including the Irish Writers Centre, Dublin, and the People’s College. She is the founder and director of Bray Literary Festival and is the current Writer-in-Residence at NUI Galway. Her second short story collection Nobody Needs to Know is forthcoming from Arlen House. 

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Equality
28 April 2021
22  MINS

Small Gods

Deirdre Sullivan

Deirdre Sullivan is a writer and teacher from Galway. She has written seven acclaimed books for young adults, including Savage Her Reply (Little Island, 2020),Perfectly Preventable Deaths (Hot Key 2019) and Tangleweed and Brine (Little Island 2017). She was the recipient of the CBI award in 2018 and the An Post Irish Book Award for YA in 2020. Her short fiction has previously appeared in Banshee and The Dublin Review and her first collection of short fiction for adults, I Want To Know That I Will Be Okay (Banshee Press, 2021) was released in May 2021.

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Equality
28 April 2021
12  MINS

A new equality for Ireland’s criminal justice system

Tom O'Malley, , ,

In July 2020, the Department of Justice published the report of a working group, chaired by Tom O’Malley, entitled Protections for Vulnerable Witnesses in the Investigation and Prosecution of Sexual Offences. Here the NUI Galway lecturer describes what led to him being appointed to the role.

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Equality
28 April 2021
12  MINS

Barriers to equality are barriers to knowledge

Dr Heike Schmidt-Felzmann, , ,

There is a deep need to ensure the inequality experienced by people across society is understood, otherwise the entire process of working for change and betterment is flawed.

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Equality
28 April 2021
11  MINS

Empathy the key to unlocking Covid-19 impact on teens

Prof Pat Dolan

NUI Galway’s Unesco Chair reveals how we can benefit from a deeper appreciation of how the pandemic has affected adolescents, and even speed up society-wide recovery.

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Equality
28 April 2021
16  MINS

Women whistleblowers – paying a greater price

Prof Kate Kenny|J.E. Cairnes

Many whistleblowers endure a fight to be believed but existing inequalities exacerbate the risks faced by those who speak out and hold the powerful to account, with women often left the most isolated.

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Equality
28 April 2021
14  MINS

Lawyers for others – working for social justice and real change

Prof Larry Donnelly, , ,

NUI Galway’s School of Law has been a pioneer of an innovative approach to training lawyers, ensuring they work on cases for public good and gain a deeper awareness of the marginalised in society.

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Equality
28 April 2021
17  MINS

Inclusion – a goal and a role for us all

Dr Shivaun Quinlivan

When we think of equality we think of fairness and ways to increase diversity, but stopping there is stopping short. As society strives for meaningful equality it is up to all of us to ensure that everyone feels included.

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Equality
28 April 2021
12  MINS

Data ethics – who cares?

Prof Mathieu D'Aquin

We know Artificial Intelligence and big data can impact on equality, diversity and inclusion, but we must face up to the reality that it’s now at a level which cannot be handled.

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Equality
28 April 2021
16  MINS

Loneliness and inclusion by MA in Public Advocacy & Activism students

Students in NUI Galway's MA in Public Advocacy & Activism, School of English and Creative Arts

Students in NUI Galway’s MA in Public Advocacy & Activism, School of English and Creative Arts offer some thoughts on their experiences of having come to Ireland to live and study.

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28 April 2021
14  MINS

In Conversation With: Research Associate Bianca Pereira

Bianca Pereira

Bianca Pereira sat down with Cois Coiribe to talk about the citizen science project Crowd4Access. The study is mapping footpaths in towns and cities where inaccessibility issues create challenges for wheelchair users, parents with young children, pedestrians with mobility issues, the visually impaired or blind, as well as the fit and healthy.  

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Equality
28 April 2021
14  MINS

In Conversation With: Professor Becky Whay

Prof Becky Whay, , ,

NUI Galway’s Vice President International sat down with Cois Coiribe to talk about Global Galway and the strategy for the University’s place in the world.

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Equality
28 April 2021
17  MINS

In Conversation With: Professor Anne Scott

Prof Anne Scott

NUI Galway’s Vice President for Equality, Diversity sat down with Cois Coiribe to talk about leading and promoting all aspects of equality and diversity throughout the University.

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Equality
28 April 2021
14  MINS

Migrants and minorities in higher education – battling embedded inequality

Dr Srinivasan Raghavendran

An academic’s personal reflection on the need to level the playing field for immigrant and minority ethnic staff and students in universities and a call for institutions to be the champion for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

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17 January 2021
15  MINS

The University as Space of Curiosity and Source of Ethics

Michael D Higgins

As someone who spent many years teaching political science and sociology in NUI Galway, I feel a close bond with the university, an affection that stays with me to this day as I recall so many wonderful years of teaching and research there, as well as the lifelong friendships forged.

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17 December 2020
16  MINS

Sustainability & Covid-19 – A Setback or the Cusp of Change?

NUI Galway’s Community and University Sustainability Partnership (CUSP)  is a multi-disciplinary, voluntary team of over 30 students and staff from across the campus and community, with the common aim of establishing the university as a leading institutional model for sustainability. CUSP has been at the heart of a vital pillar of the university’s strategy – a commitment to sustainability as one of four underpinning values for everything that the university does (alongside respect, openness and excellence).

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17 December 2020
13  MINS

Key Trends in Business & Innovation – The Covid-19 Effect

Prof Alma McCarthy

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17 December 2020
7  MINS

NUI Galway – A global leader in medtech and an asset for the Industry

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15 December 2020
10  MINS

Beir litir uaim go hÉirinn

An tOll Breandán Mac Suibhne

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15 December 2020
6  MINS

NUI Galway’s Research – Covid-19 Response

Prof Lokesh Joshi,

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15 December 2020
21  MINS

Infrastructure – for Public Good and Collaborative Creativity

John Concannon

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15 December 2020
14  MINS

From Plague to Covid – What History Teaches us about Pandemics

Prof Daniel Carey

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15 December 2020
16  MINS

NUI Galway – Strengthening Global Peace & Security

Tom Felle, Mícheál Tierney, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, Prof Siobhán Mullally

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15 December 2020
14  MINS

A University for the Future – Serving the Public Good

Prof Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh

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