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Innovate Together
12 December 2024
8  MINS

CÚRAM | Spotlight On: Dr Catalina Vallejo Giraldo

Dr Catalina Vallejo Giraldo, Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering, University of Galway

Complementing Cois Coiribe‘s article on Finding Ways to Live Well as We Age from Prof Abhay Pandit, Founding Director of CÚRAM, this spotlight feature on Dr Catalina Vallejo Giraldo explores her unique research and motivations. Read on to find out more about both her academic insight as well as her vision for the years to come.

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Innovate Together
12 December 2024
18  MINS

Professor Abhay Pandit, Founding Director of CÚRAM, on Finding Ways to Live Well as We Age

Professor Abhay Pandit, Established Professor of Biomaterials, University of Galway; Founding Director of CÚRAM

In this feature, Cois Coiribe is delighted to share the insights of Professor Abhay Pandit, Established Professor of Biomaterials at University of Galway and the Founding Director of CÚRAM, the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices. Prof Pandit discusses the programme and its significant impact, including its fostering of direct applications and development of breakthrough medical devices. He demystifies CÚRAM and its crucial contribution to MedTech in the West of Ireland and beyond. 

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Innovate Together
12 December 2024
31  MINS

Why Ireland Is a Standout Choice for Clinical Trials

Prof Fidelma Dunne, Professor in Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and Interim Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials, University of Galway

Ireland offers a centre for MedTech and healthcare innovation; why can’t it be a leader in clinical trials as well? Here, Cois Coiribe connects with Prof Fidelma Dunne, Professor in Medicine at the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway and Interim Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials. She offers insight into the state of healthcare and clinical trials, and she explores advancements in diabetes medicine and management. Read more below to get a glimpse into Prof Dunne’s vision for Ireland. 

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People
06 November 2024
15  MINS

Day in the Life – Dr Eve Daly

Dr Eve Daly, Lecturer, Earth and Ocean Science, College of Science and Engineering, School of Natural Sciences

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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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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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
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
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
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
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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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
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
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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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
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 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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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
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
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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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.

articles
15 December 2020
21  MINS

Infrastructure – for Public Good and Collaborative Creativity

John Concannon

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