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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.