Impact & Opinions | Tionchar & Tuairimí

In Focus

In this 2025 Summer Edition of Cois Coiribe, University of Galway's dedicated platform for research, innovation, and insights, we take a closer look at the impact the Ryan Institute has on the world of climate, marine, and environmental analysis and the Irish Centre for Human Rights has in the realm of justice, resilience, and law. We connect with researchers of all stages and chat with some alumni who have had profound influence in their field of expertise. Please read on to get a glimpse of the impressive work taking place locally and around the globe!

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In Focus
23 May 2025
15  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
22 May 2025
4  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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In Focus
14 May 2025

In Conversation With Tom O’Malley: Law, Justice & a Life in the Courts (Part 1)

Mr Tom O'Malley, Retired Lecturer of Law at University of Galway, Senior Counsel, and Member of the Inner Bar of Ireland

In this two-part Cois Coiribe podcast, Dr Ciara Smyth, University of Galway and barrister and co-host of the Fifth Court podcast, Peter Leonard speak with Tom O’Malley—retired law lecturer from University of Galway, Senior Counsel, and member of the Inner Bar of Ireland. They explore his distinguished career, covering courtroom stories, legal reform, and his global perspective on justice.

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In Focus
22 May 2025
2  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
23 May 2025
17  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
38  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
19 May 2025

In Conversation With Tom O’Malley: Law, Justice & a Life in the Courts (Part 2)

Mr Tom O'Malley, Retired Lecturer of Law at University of Galway, Senior Counsel, and Member of the Inner Bar of Ireland

In this two-part Cois Coiribe podcast, Dr Ciara Smyth, University of Galway and barrister and co-host of the Fifth Court podcast, Peter Leonard speak with Tom O’Malley—retired law lecturer from University of Galway, Senior Counsel, and member of the Inner Bar of Ireland. They explore his distinguished career, covering courtroom stories, legal reform, and his global perspective on justice.

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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 Commisioner, 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
28 May 2025
15  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
22 May 2025
17  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
02 June 2025
19  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
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
04 June 2025
20  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
05 June 2025
20  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
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
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
23 May 2025
7  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 June 2025
26  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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