This edition is dedicated to the theme of ‘Change Makers’. Having spent my first year as President getting to know this university, I can think of no more fitting description of what happens here. University of Galway is anchored in the West of Ireland, intertwined with its communities, culture, and people. This rich heritage forms the launchpad for our graduates, researchers, and partners, who go out into the world to drive meaningful, lasting change. This University serves as a catalyst for societal change, a driver of regional ambition, and a force for good whose reach extends far beyond the West of Ireland.

To be an authentic change maker is to understand that how we learn to think matters far more than what we learn to do. The features in these pages speak powerfully to the purpose of this University and the impact of our alumni community in shaping a better future. University of Galway’s new €34.3m ARC Hub for HealthTech, led by alumnus Professor Garry Duffy, is a compelling example of transformative change in action, accelerating MedTech innovation from the West of Ireland onto the global stage. Equally inspiring is the story of Ward & Burke Construction Ltd founders Padraig Burke, Michael Ward, and Robert Ward, whose journey from engineering lectures on our campus to delivering highly complex infrastructure projects across Ireland, the UK, and North America reflects the enduring value of intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and strong engineering fundamentals. Their support for the Ward & Burke Centre for Infrastructure Research and Innovation (CIRI) will ensure that our University continues to pioneer practical, cutting-edge solutions for an ever-changing world, a wonderful example of alumni giving back to the place that helped shape their success.

True change also demands that we confront the questions affecting our society. In this edition, Professor Caroline McGregor, Director of our Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS), reflects on the Institute’s work enabling equity, rights, and justice. By exploring interconnected themes like life transitions, human flourishing, and intergenerational relations, our researchers ask: who gets a voice, who is left behind, and how can we drive meaningful change in policy and practice?

This commitment to societal wellbeing is mirrored in our evolving regional healthcare landscape. We are exceptionally proud to welcome back alumnus Professor Robert Scully as Ireland’s first Established Professor of Rural and Remote Medicine. His return to the West of Ireland is a full-circle journey that will transform island medicine and regional healthcare through innovative educational programmes. Similarly, Professor Tony Hall traces the historic roots of the Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI), which held its inaugural ‘First Meeting of Scholars’ right here on campus in April 1976. That this association has returned to its place of origin to mark a half-century of driving vital educational research is a source of tremendous pride for us.

At the heart of our regional ecosystem is a thriving intersection of creative practice, technology, and community engagement. Here, our new Institute for Creativity and its Centre for Creative Technologies are challenging the notion that creativity is merely a leisure pursuit. In a world shaped by rapid technological change and AI-driven automation, creative thinking is essential to navigating uncertainty. From rapid prototyping in our design labs to immersive art practice in the Burren, our researchers are demonstrating how creativity can support sustainability, strengthen creative industries, and enrich health and wellbeing.

Galway’s identity as a cultural capital is inseparable from the University, a relationship that continues to shape our creativity and international reputation. In this issue, we explore this rich legacy through those leading the way. Alumnus John Crumlish, CEO of the Galway International Arts Festival, perfectly embodies this spirit, reflecting on how his journey went from student life on our campus to helming one of Europe’s flagship cultural events. Our exceptional alumni network also drives the success of Baboró, Branar, and Druid Theatre, together demonstrating the power of cultural participation from an early age. Through our academies with for example Druid Theatre and the Galway International Arts Festival, we continue to nurture world-class creative talent on campus.

Looking to the future of this cultural legacy, Professor Rebecca Braun, Dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, outlines how we are refining our flagship Bachelor of Arts programme to ensure the arts and humanities continue equipping society to confront complex technological challenges with critical thinking and empathy.

Mar ollscoil atá suite ar thairseach na Gaeltachta, tá sé mar phríomhaidhm dár straitéis oideachas trí Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Mar a léiríonn an Coimisinéir Teanga, Séamas Ó Concheanainn, san eagrán seo, tá ár suíomh agus ár gceannaireacht ríthábhachtach don teanga. Trí Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, agus ár gcampais Ghaeltachta, cuirimid eispéireas foghlama tumoideachais den scoth ar fáil.

I am delighted to congratulate our staff and alumni on their newly published books across the academic year of 2025 to 2026. Meeting alumni at events in Ireland and around the world this year, I have been continually struck by the creativity and impact our University generates globally.

These stories remind us that change makers do not simply observe history, they help shape it. I invite you to have a look through this edition of Cois Coiribe and celebrate the impact of our global alumni community.

Is mise le meas,

President Prof David Burn