Impact & Opinions | Tionchar & Tuairimí

Research & Innovation

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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
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
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
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
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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01 August 2023

Cois Coiribe: Our Research, in Brief

Looking for insights informed by data and research? Cois Coiribe is University of Galway’s platform for research and opinion from our global academic and alumni community – bringing clarity to tomorrow’s challenges.

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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
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
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
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
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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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
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
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
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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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
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
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.

podcasts
13 December 2022

Creative Galway Podcast: Ikenna Anyabuike

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, as well as the ‘Axis Assemble 2022’ with Axis Ballymun. He also performs as part of an ensemble for the play ‘The Kinds of Sex You Might Have in College’ with Active* Consent.

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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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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
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
17 June 2022

Experience the Most Biodiverse Campus in Ireland by Sound

Home to a mixture of important habitats, the University of Galway campus has been recognised as the most biodiverse university campus in Ireland. Nuala Ní Chonghaile joins Caitriona Carlin from University of Galway’s Ryan Institute and School of Natural Sciences, on a walk through the University of Galway Biodiversity Trail.

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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
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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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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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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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.

videos
20 December 2021

NUI Galway Global Challenges

NUI Galway Global Challenges is a targeted research initiative to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues. The programme will offer support to multi-disciplinary teams as they begin to pursue genuinely novel research and innovation and engage with others around the world. For more information on the NUI Galway Global Challenges click here.

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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.

articles
17 December 2021
8  MINS

Editor’s Note

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

articles
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
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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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
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
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

podcasts
07 July 2021

Leading Minds: In conversation with Jonathan McCrea, Prof. William Wijns, Prof. Patrick Serruys and Prof. David Wood

Listen to Leading Minds: Expert Voices from the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences at NUI Galway on Spotify. Prof, William Wijns, Prof. Patrick Serruys and Prof. David Wood discuss everything from cardiovascular intervention, prevention and rehabilitation in Episode 1 of this new podcast series from the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences at NUI Galway, hosted by Jonathan McCrea.

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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
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.

articles
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).

articles
15 December 2020
6  MINS

NUI Galway’s Research – Covid-19 Response

Prof Lokesh Joshi,

articles
15 December 2020
14  MINS

A University for the Future – Serving the Public Good

Prof Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh

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