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New Horizons
08 December 2025
34  MINS

University of Galway space scientists explain just how it feels to discover a new planet in 2025

Dr Christian Ginski, Lecturer Above the Bar, University of Galway, Chloe Lawlor, PhD Student, Physics (Astrophysics), University of Galway

It’s not every day that researchers discover a new planet, but that’s exactly what happened to researchers at the Centre for Astronomy. Using the latest iterations of the world’s largest telescopes, they were able to study a dust disk, allowing them to eventually discover the planet lurking within. Through collaboration with other universities, the hard work of many student researchers … and maybe a sprinkling of magic dust? … a new planet was found, to the amazement of the scientific community, the media, and even the then President of Ireland.      To discuss this groundbreaking discovery, the Content Unit sat down with University of Galway’s Dr Christian Ginski and PhD student Chloe Lawlor to uncover how their cutting-edge space research is rewriting what we know about the formation of planets.  

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New Horizons
08 December 2025
18  MINS

Michael D. Higgins: A legacy reflected through University of Galway

Prof Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, Professor Emeritus in History and former Dean of Arts and Vice-President of University of Galway

As Michael D. Higgins concludes his term as Uachtarán na hÉireann, the moment invites a warm and thoughtful look back at the extraordinary public life of one of University of Galway’s most distinguished alumni. Few are better placed to offer such reflection than Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, Higgins’s lifelong friend and colleague, who provides a rare and personal glimpse into the man behind the office and the depth of his enduring connection to the University. Through public achievement and private loyalty, Higgins’s long association with University of Galway emerges as a defining thread in a remarkable life of service, intellect, and moral commitment.  

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New Horizons
08 December 2025
26  MINS

In conversation with Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway

Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway

Professor David Burn is President of University of Galway. He became the 14th President of Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway in September 2025.     Professor Burn previously served as Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University since 2017, where he led transformative change initiatives to restructure faculty, accelerate research performance, advance equality, diversity and inclusion, and drive internationalisation. Until July 2025, David was also Professor of Movement Disorders Neurology and Honorary Consultant Neurologist for Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust.  

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08 December 2025
15  MINS

Designing for Impact, Leading with Purpose

Prof Martin O’Halloran, Established Professor in Medical Electronics, University of Galway; Executive Director of BioInnovate, Rush Bartlett, Co-founder and CEO of Sluice AI

Rush Bartlett recently visited Ireland, as a guest contributor to the BioInnovate Strategic Innovation for Senior Executives training run in partnership with Irish Medtech Skillnet. Rush is a Stanford Biodesign alumnus, a five-time founder with more than 100 patents and 7000-plus innovators trained, and he is one of the leading figures in the global MedTech innovation community. He currently leads Sluice AI, a platform that helps organisations scale the Biodesign process. Rush brings an insider’s view of how leading global MedTech companies are using needs-driven innovation to deliver meaningful health impact.     

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25 November 2025
23  MINS

Research Explained: Mighty and Mysterious Microbes

Dr Merve Zeden, Research Ireland Pathway Fellow, Honorary Research Lecturer, University of Galway

This article explores the journey of Dr Merve Zeden, Research Ireland Pathway Fellow and Honorary Research Lecturer at University of Galway, from her time in London to setting up the Research Staff Network, and how she’s continued to thrive as a scientist and researcher here in Galway.

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15 September 2025
8  MINS

Chasing Knowledge at Age 81, the Quest for Lifelong Learning: Irish Studies at University of Galway

Dr Robert Emmet Morris, Boston, USA | Alumnus, Irish Studies Online (Diploma)

Irish Studies Online (Diploma) is an interdisciplinary introduction to Irish Studies, developed by the Centre for Irish Studies, University of Galway. The two-year part-time diploma course offers an excellent opportunity for those interested in Ireland, especially those without access to traditional programmes of study in this area. The purpose of the diploma is to provide a basic introduction to Irish life and culture through the disciplines of Archaeology, History, literature in English and in Irish (presented in translation), Political Science and Sociology, traditional Irish music and dance. Dr Robert Emmet Morris is a 2024 graduate of this course, and here he speaks about his background, experience, and passion for his studies.

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22 August 2025
15  MINS

Back To School: Reporting on Ireland’s Generational Trends (1998-2022)

Professor Colette Kelly, Professor of Health Promotion, University of Galway, and co-leader for the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) group, Professor Saoirse Nic Gabhainn, Professor of Health Promotion, University of Galway, and co-leader for the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) group

As summer winds down, parents, guardians, and educators prepare for primary and secondary schools to reopen. This makes for a particularly timely moment to review the recently published research by the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Ireland team, which highlights health and social behaviours of children and young people. The HBSC study is a cross-national research effort that monitors health behaviours, health outcomes, and social environments of school-age children. The study is carried out every four years in countries across Europe, Canada, and Central Asia in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe. The HBSC Ireland team is based at the Health Promotion Research Centre here at University of Galway.

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30 July 2025
10  MINS

Three Slides, Three Minutes, One Stage: University of Galway’s Threesis Puts Research in the Spotlight

Office of the Vice-President for Research and Innovation, University of Galway

This Cois Coiribe article discusses University of Galway’s annual Threesis competition, which has become a standout event on campus. In a fast-paced format, it captures the very essence of the University’s research mission: Our Purpose, People, and Place. At its heart is a strong focus on people; on nurturing talent, building confidence, and encouraging creativity.  

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23 July 2025
23  MINS

Culture and Creativity: Perspective from the Edge

Dr Patrick Collins, Co-Director of UrbanLab Galway, Lecturer of Economic Geography, University of Galway

In this article, Cois Coiribe connects with Dr Patrick Collins, Lecturer in Economic Geography at the University of Galway, an Editor for the Irish Journal of Arts Management and Cultural Policy (New Voices), and, alongside Prof Ulf Strohmayer, is Co-Director of UrbanLab Galway. Currently, he is also a Visiting Scholar at University of Cambridge. Here he discusses the innovative, multi-country IN SITU project alongside Galway’s creative communities. 

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16 July 2025
39  MINS

10 Years of CUSP: The Power of Partnership in Building a Sustainable Future

Dr Richard Manton, Director of Sustainability, University of Galway, Michelle O’Dowd Lohan, Community and University Sustainability Officer, University of Galway

Cois Coiribe catches up with Dr Richard Manton, Director of Sustainability and Michelle O’Dowd Lohan, Sustainability Officer to mark 10 years of Community and University Sustainability Partnership (CUSP) at University of Galway. A story of progress, partnerships, belief, and a shared willingness to drive change, the journey highlights friendships formed, the innovations sparked, and the collective impact made in shaping a more sustainable University campus and community. 

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07 July 2025
19  MINS

The Gaeltacht on Screen: A Discussion About Irish Arts, Film, and Television with Darach Ó Tuairisg, EMBA Student

Darach Ó Tuairisg, Student | CEO & Co-Founder at Fíbín Media

Is é Darach Ó Tuairisg Stiúrthóir agus bunaitheoir Fíbín. Is fiontraí den chéad scoth é Darach atá tar éis an comhlacht Fíbín a mhúnlú agus a fhorbairt. Tá Fíbín anois ar cheann de na príomhchomhlachtaí neamhspleácha léiriúcháin in Éirinn. Tá Darach i gcroílár na mean, agus é tumtha i ngach gné de chursaí teilifíse, drámaíochta, dubála agus foilsitheoireachta. Thosaigh sé amach ag aisteoireacht ar an teilifís agus ar an stáitse agus lean sé ar aghaidh chun drámaí a léiriú ar stáitse ar bhonn náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta. Darach Ó Tuairisg is CEO and co-founder of Fíbín Media. An accomplished entrepreneur, brand-builder, and trusted children’s creative content advocate, Darach has grown Fíbín into one of Ireland’s leading independent live-action production companies in children’s TV. He has worked at the intersection of television, theatre, dubbing, and publishing. Darach began his career as a stage and screen actor and went on to produce many of the company’s theatre productions, which have been staged both nationally and internationally. Over its 20 years history, he has since produced hundreds of hours of TV content.  Excerpt from: Fíbín Media | Darach Ó Tuairisg

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In Focus
23 June 2025
21  MINS

What Is Just Transition? Combining Expertise For the Global Public Good

Dr Una Murray, Programme Director MA in International Development Practice, University of Galway

It is well known that the negative impacts of climate change are not evenly shared and that impoverished rural communities are in greater danger from its effects. Researching ways to combat harm brought about by climate change is the cornerstone of Dr Una Murray’s work, particularly the use of social safety nets to alleviate damage. In this article, she explains how her research work across the globe has led her to the concept of the Just Transition, concerned with ensuring fairness in climate actions. Her vision is for a Just Transition cluster at University of Galway, engaging multiple disciplines in working toward the global public good and social justice.

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In Focus
19 June 2025
6  MINS

Spotlight On: Dr Maggie Reddy

Dr Maggie Reddy, Lecturer, School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, University of Galway

Seaweeds and Seaforests: Exploring the DNA of Marine Biodiversity   Complementing Cois Coiribe’s Spring Edition focus on Earth, Ocean, and Natural Sciences, this spotlight feature on Dr Maggie Reddy explores her unique research and motivations. Read on to find out more about both her academic insight and her vision for the years to come.

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In Focus
17 June 2025
8  MINS

Spotlight On: Dr Christina Tadiri

Dr Christina Tadiri, Lecturer, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway

A Host of Questions on the Biodiversity–Disease Relationship Complementing Cois Coiribe’s Spring Edition focus on Earth, Ocean, and Natural Sciences, this spotlight feature on Dr Christina P. Tadiri explores her unique research and motivations. Read on to find out more about both her academic insight and her vision for the years to come.

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In Focus
05 June 2025
18  MINS

All Together Now: Working Collaboratively For Climate Action Success

Tiarnan McCusker, Community Climate Action Officer, Galway City Council

Winning Hearts and Minds on Climate Action In this article we hear the thoughts of Tiarnan McCusker, the Community Climate Action Officer for Galway City. Tiarnan shares his thinking on young people’s passion for sustainability and nature, the exciting community projects the Council is funding, and the first-of-its-kind 2024 Galway climate festival. He tells us about benefitting from the expertise of University of Galway academics, and how we need all sectors of Galway to work together for successful climate action.

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In Focus
04 June 2025
16  MINS

The SH2AMROCK Project – A Galway Solution to a Global Problem

Dr Rory Monaghan, Professor in Energy Systems Engineering, Head of Mechanical Engineering, University of Galway

From diesel to electric or somewhere in between, vehicles of all types ply our roads and motorways day and night. In our busy modern work culture, transport is an important day-to-day issue for everyone, with much improved public transport likely to be the solution. In this Cois Coiribe feature, Professor Rory Monaghan of the Energy Research Centre, Ryan Institute and School of Engineering examines the promise of hydrogen – one of the newest developments in sustainable energy. He explains his work toward bringing that promise to fruition through creation of a ‘Hydrogen Valley’, and how Ireland, with its enormous renewable energy resources, is ideally positioned to lead in this area. 

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In Focus
03 June 2025
19  MINS

From Connemara to New South Wales: A Chat with Consul General Rosie Keane

Rosie Keane, Consul General of Ireland in Sydney | Alumna

In this article, Cois Coiribe explores University of Galway alumna Rosie Keane’s journey from student to Consul General of Ireland in Australia’s New South Wales. In the latest Australian census, nearly 10% of Australians identify as having Irish heritage. Irish links to Australia remain strong and seen, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to spotlight Keane’s background and impressive career as we get a glimpse into what it means to represent Ireland and Irish citizens abroad.

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In Focus
02 June 2025
18  MINS

Into the Deep: Searching the Ocean For Climate Solutions

Isuri Weerasinghe, PhD Researcher, Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Galway

Cois Coiribe is delighted to highlight the journey of Isuri Weerasinghe, a current PhD Student with the Ryan Institute at University of Galway. She holds an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in Marine Environment and Resources, which she regards as changing her whole life trajectory, prompting her move from Sri Lanka. To this day, her experiences continue to inspire her enthusiasm for this area of study. In this article, she explains where her inspiration comes from and her persistent passion for Ocean Sciences. 

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In Focus
28 May 2025
14  MINS

Defining the Future of Agri-Food: Methane Mitigation Strategies For Ruminants

Dr Sinéad M. Waters, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Ryan Institute, University of Galway

In the advent of global climate change and ever-present population growth, food security is something at the top of people’s minds. To ensure that the populace is well fed, our agricultural practices need to align with demand. As the population grows, the demand for livestock productivity increases, which leads to higher, methane emissions which is a by-product of animals’ digestive processes. This means one issue cannot be addressed without tackling the other. In this Cois Coiribe article, Dr Sinéad Waters walks us through what potential and promising solutions look like for a more secure agri-food future.  

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In Focus
23 May 2025
15  MINS

All Boats Rising: An Introduction to the Ryan Institute

Prof Frances Fahy, Director of the Ryan Institute, University of Galway

Cois Coiribe is delighted to share the thoughts of our Director of the Ryan Institute, Prof Frances Fahy. Embark on a journey of discovery, ambition, and expertise, and explore the evolving odyssey that is University of Galway’s transformative Ryan Institute. 

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In Focus
23 May 2025
3  MINS

In Focus: The Irish Centre for Human Rights Blog

Dr Pearce Clancy Lecturer, ICHR, University of Galway | Co-Editor of the ICHR Blog, Dr Joel Hanisek Research Fellow, ICHR, University of Galway | Co-Editor of the ICHR Blog

The Irish Centre for Human Rights Blog offers timely analysis and commentary on critical global human rights issues, serving as a vital platform for insightful debate and reflections. 

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In Focus
23 May 2025
13  MINS

Watching the Atlantic: Ireland’s Climate Future and the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation

Dr Audrey Morley, Lecturer in Physical Geography, Ryan Institute (COREx) and iCRAG Researcher, University of Galway

Dr Audrey Morley is a leading voice in Irish climate science. Her internationally leading research on reconstructing past ocean climates, for which she has developed robust innovative climate proxies, was published in Nature Communications in winter 2024. In this article, Cois Coiribe explores Dr Morley’s research and insights into the implications of ocean currents and temperatures. Her work on the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a crucial part of the global effort to monitor and understand changes that could affect our climate in a major way. 

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In Focus
23 May 2025
34  MINS

The Irish Centre for Human Rights – A Beacon for Human Rights

Prof Siobhan Mullally, Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, University of Galway

Prof Siobhán Mullally is Established Professor of Human Rights Law and Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights (ICHR) at University of Galway. She also holds the role of UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children. Recognising inequality from a young age, she sought solutions through her research and work across the globe in contexts of conflict and injustice. As the Irish Centre for Human Rights celebrates its 25th birthday, Siobhán takes Cois Coiribe to the heart of the Centre, explaining the real-world impact that human rights researchers have against struggles for justice, in conflict settings, and in dark times. She takes us through her vision for the Centre, its legacy, and its future. 

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In Focus
22 May 2025
29  MINS

Media Regulation: Working Towards Online Safety, Cultural Inclusivity, and Independent Voices

Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner, Coimisiún na Meán | Alumnus

A journalist at heart: Upholding integrity, protecting Irish-language culture, and promoting inclusivity through media regulation   University of Galway alumnus Rónán Ó Domhnaill has been an unstoppable force in the Irish media landscape from his early days as a journalist with Nuacht, to nine years as An Coimisinéir Teanga, to his current role as Media Development Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán.  He gave Cois Coiribe an insight into his role in combatting mis/disinformation, the vital importance of independent journalism, and working with the European Commission in the area of online safety. He explains his positive view of how traditional and digital media can work together, and of the strong role regulation can play in protecting truth, restoring trust in media, and promoting cultural inclusivity. Read on for a fascinating journey through the worlds of media, regulation and Irish-language culture. 

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In Focus
22 May 2025
16  MINS

Dr Fidelma Donlon: Advocating For a More Just and Equal World

Dr Fidelma Donlon, Registrar of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers | Alumna

The Irish Centre for Human Rights has acted as a foundation for successful careers for law and policy professionals the world over. One such individual is Dr Fidelma Donlon, Registrar at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. In this Cois Coiribe article, we explore her time with the University, and her motivations to become involved in this area of practice. 

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In Focus
22 May 2025
< 1  MINS

In Focus: University of Galway Strategy | Straitéis 2025-30

University of Galway, Office of the President

University of Galway   Of Galway, for the world.  

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In Focus
22 May 2025
3  MINS

Foreword by Interim President Prof Peter McHugh / Focal ón Uachtarán Eatramhach Ollamh Peter McHugh

Interim President Prof Peter McHugh

Fáilte is fiche go dtí eagrán an tsamhraidh d’Iris Alumni Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, Cois Coiribe.

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People
20 May 2025
11  MINS

Student Voice: Peter O’Neill, 2024 Student Sustainability Leadership Award Recipient

Peter O'Neill, College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies (History) | Undergraduate Student

Peter O’Neill is a second-year history student from Ballymacward, Mountbellew, Co Galway. Peter has been involved in youth activism for four years, culminating in representing Ireland at the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum. In April 2024, University of Galway marked Earth Day by announcing the winners of the Student Sustainability Leadership Awards 2024, which students Molly Hickey and Peter O’Neill were recipient of. Cois Coiribe had the chance to catch up with Peter a year on from his award. Read on to hear what he had to say!

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23 April 2025
8  MINS

Navigating Tomorrow: Leadership, Cybersecurity, and AI in the Future of Work

J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics

How are businesses preparing for the tipping point of artificial intelligence? And how can leadership be reimagined amidst this technological shift? These were the animating questions of the University of Galway Business Summit 2025, held on Friday, 4 April. Drawing over 400 attendees, the high-impact event offered a critical lens on the rapidly evolving nature of work and enterprise. 

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28 February 2025
21  MINS

A Quarter-Century Milestone: 25 Years of Human Rights Programmes

Irish Centre for Human Rights at University of Galway

For 25 years, University of Galway has been a proponent of the crucial analysis and activism associated with human rights. As part of this effort, the University first established its position as a leader in human rights research in the year 2000. A quarter of a century later, Cois Coiribe is pleased to celebrate a great milestone of the lasting presence and impact of these programmes.

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