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Monday, 23 October 2006
NUI Galway Honours John Cunningham and Dónall Ó Luanaigh
23 October 2006: NUI Galway will confer Honorary MA degrees this week on John Cunningham, editor of the Connacht Tribune, and Dónall Ó Luanaigh, former Keeper of Collections at the National Library of Ireland. The ceremonies will take place Monday 23 October and Tuesday 24 October 2006, in conjunction with the Autumn Conferring Ceremonies which will see the graduation of over 4,750 students. John Cunningham will be recognised for his contribution to civic society through regional and national journalism and for his role as a lecturer of journalism. Since joining the Connacht Tribune as a reporter in the sixties, and as Editor since 1984, John Cunningham has been a consistent and steady presence in Irish journalism. He has also contributed to broadcast journalism as a commentator on RTE current affairs programmes. For the last 18 years, John has been a lecturer on the MA in Journalism programme at the University, recently adding a module on Government and Politics. According to Bernadette O'Sullivan, Department of Journalism, NUI Galway, "There aren't many who can compete with John Cunningham, and his particular brand of journalism teaching excellence. John is a passionate and gifted media practitioner. He is also a passionate and gifted teacher. Few have that dual talent: the talent for doing the job, and in equal measure, the talent for teaching the profession of journalism." Dónall Ó Luanaigh will be honoured for his immense contribution to research and scholarship in his role as Keeper of Collections at the National Library of Ireland (NLI). Born and educated in Galway, where he graduated with a Masters in French, Dónall went on to join the staff of the NLI in 1968, until his retirement this year, following 43 years of service. He was the acknowledged expert on the library's collections, and will be particularly remembered for his work on the 'Union list of current periodicals and serials in Irish libraries', and his editorial work on the three-volume 'Supplement to Manuscript Sources for the History of Irish Civilization', published in 1979. Marie Reddan, Librarian, James Hardiman Library, NUI Galway said, "Dónall has a particular interest in Franco-Irish relations and has published widely on the topic. His attachment to his native city has never waned and he has contributed many articles of Galway interest, in Galway Roots and other publications. He has always been supportive and generous to the James Hardiman Library with his time and specialist knowledge of archives and special collections." - ends -
Monday, 23 October 2006
NUI Galway Bequeathed Unique Property for Community Use
Cartographers and publishers, Tim and Máiréad Robinson, have bequeathed their house on the sea wall at Roundstone, Co. Galway, to the National University of Ireland, Galway. According to Tim's new book Connemara: Listening to the Wind (Penguin, Ireland 2006) the Robinsons wish the house to be used "as a small conference venue, as accommodation for writers, thinkers and researchers on sabbatical or residencies … When we tell anyone of this plan, the response is always, "How generous!" - but as we will not be here to make any sacrifice in the matter, generosity does not come into it. However, this exchange serves to remind us that neither will be here to share in the delight and fun of other people's discovery of the place; and so we have begun to anticipate that future by opening up the house to such events … We feel relieved of the burden of ownership, as if we were now just the temporary caretakers of the house, and we revel in the freshening wind of futurity blowing through it, wafting away the spiderwebs of anxiety." The Robinsons continue to reside in the house, Folding Landscapes. At the same time the house will become a venue for the University to engage with the local community and to share the resources and knowledge of the institution's many visitors, academics and practitioners. The Robinsons have a long-standing relationship with NUI Galway. Tim received an Honorary Degree in 1997 from the University. Best know for his book Stones of Aran, he has published a range of maps, essays and books on the western region. 'We are honoured and grateful for the thoughtfulness of the Robinsons. The University will put every effort into creating at Folding Landscapes new connections with the cultural life of the region, while also contributing to the social and economic fabric of the village. Our shared plan is to exchange reflections and informed judgements about what is important in knowledge at this time", said Professor Kevin Barry, Dean of Arts at NUI Galway. NUI Galway has launched a Colloquium Series under the title Unfolding Ideas. The series provides a forum for scholars, educators, and artists to engage in a series of public talks, group discussion and workshops, to be held at the Robinson home and in Roundstone's Community Hall. At the launch, Tim Robinson read from his latest publication Connemara: Listening to the Wind. Unfolding Ideas will be an annual series of events. The events in the house Folding Landscapes are by invitation. The events in the Community Hall are open to the public. - ends - The programme is organised by the Faculty of Arts and Galway University Foundation. For further information contact Aileen Shaw 091-493879 or Aileen.Shaw@nuigalway.ie
Wednesday, 18 October 2006
Senior Management at NUI Galway go 'Back-to-the-Floor'
18th October 2006: Library staff, mail-room personnel, gardeners and administrators at NUI Galway received a boost in numbers today (Wednesday) when nine senior managers went 'Back-to-the-Floor' for an initiative aimed at increasing mutual understanding between staff at all levels in the rapidly expanding university. Each of the nine senior managers, including President of NUI Galway, Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, assumed the role of a front-line administrative or service worker at the University, taking on the full range of their tasks for the day and working alongside their colleagues to gain an insight into the issues facing them on a daily basis. NUI Galway is one of the largest employers in Galway city, employing over 1,800 people. In the last five years, staff numbers have risen by almost 40%, to support the growing number of students and education programmes. NUI Galway management is intent on ensuring the lines of communication between management and staff remain open and that the University's inclusive and cohesive atmosphere is retained. Having sorted post in the mailroom and answered student queries at the Students Union front desk, Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, was very enthusiastic about the initiative, "This was a great opportunity for me to really appreciate the fantastic work carried out at ground level in this University. It allowed me to have a real feel for the issues confronting staff and students daily on the front line. It's very important to ensure the lines of communication stay open between all levels at our university and it's part of our culture to promote openness and inclusion, building a positive working environment for our staff, resulting in a better learning environment for our students." The 'Back-to-the-Floor' initiative was originally the brainchild of a staff member at NUI Galway, submitted through the University's staff suggestion scheme, and employees were asked to vote on positions for senior management, contributing €2 per ballot to charitable causes. - ends - Note to Editors: Roles undertaken by NUI Galway senior managers on Back to the Floor Day: 1. Dr. Iggy Ó Muircheartaigh, President: University Mail Centre and Students Union 2. Prof. Jim Browne, Deputy President and Registrar: Admissions Office Reception Desk 3. Ms Mary Dooley, Bursar: Accounts Payable Office 4. Dr Séamus Mac Mathúna, Rúnaí: Exams Office Reception desk 5. Mary O'Riordan, Vice-President for Student Services & Human Resources: Students Services Information Desk 6. Marie Reddan, James Hardiman Librarian: Library stewarding 7. Mr. John Gibney, Director of Physical Resources: Gardening and Grounds 8. Dr. Kieran Loftus, Director of Computer Services: User Support 9. Chris McNairney: Director of Human Resources: HR Reception Desk
Wednesday, 18 October 2006
Secondary School Students Challenged to Mathematics Contest
18 October 2006: Tomorrow, (Thursday), nearly 7,000 students in 200 secondary schools across the country are taking up a maths challenge from NUI Galway. The inaugural PRoblem-solving for Irish Second level Mathematicians (PRISM) contest is the brainchild of NUI Galway mathematicians Dr. James Cruickshank and Dr. Rachel Quinlan, and aims to encourage students to take an interest in problem-solving from an early age. Each participating school will hold separate hour-long contests for pre-Junior Certificate and post-Junior Certificate students. The contests will feature a series of twenty problems, in multiple-choice format, to challenge the problem-solving dexterity of participants. Marking of answer sheets will be carried out at NUI Galway and other universities. "We are amazed by the huge interest in and positive response to the contest, commented Dr. James Cruickshank of NUI Galway's Maths Department. "One of the key skills in mathematics is the ability to solve problems. It is also one of the most enjoyable aspects of mathematics - anyone who enjoys a sudoku, or who has solved Rubik's cube can attest to the satisfaction of solving a hard mathematical problem. Mathematical contests, such as PRISM, are a good way to introduce young people to the challenges and rewards of solving interesting mathematical puzzles and problems. We hope that at least some of the PRISM contestants will be inspired by the contest to further develop their problem solving skills". Another aim of the contest is to identify interested and talented students who might enjoy and benefit from participating in a mathematical enrichment programme at NUI Galway, NUI Maynooth, UCC, UCD or UL. Successful participation in one of these programmes will entail regular attendance at lectures and problem-solving sessions at one of these centres, as well as extensive independent practice at problem solving, supported by correspondence with mentors. Participants in the enrichment programmes usually expect to compete in the Irish Mathematical Olympiad, which takes place in May 2007. "There has been much talk lately of declining standards in second level mathematics. Amid this negativity, it is often forgotten that there are still many excellent teachers and talented students who are interested in mathematics. These people deserve recognition and encouragement from their colleagues in third level institutions. We hope that initiatives like PRISM will help us to develop links with our post primary counterparts, so that students can be encouraged to develop their mathematical skills outside the school curriculum", commented Dr. Rachel Quinlan, NUI Galway's Maths Department. PRISM is being co-organised by Dr Mark Dukes, School of Mathematical Sciences, UCD, Gordon Lessells, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, UL and Dr Richard Watson, Department of Mathematics, NUI Maynooth. A list of participating schools can be found on http://www.maths.nuigalway.ie/PRISM/ - ends -
Tuesday, 17 October 2006
Graduate Recruitment Fair Features Best of Business
Over 75 national and multinational companies will feature at NUI Galway's Graduate Recruitment Fair, which takes place in Áras na Mac Léinn/Student Centre from 12.00pm to 4.00pm, on Tuesday 31 October 2006. The annual event is an ideal opportunity for current students, graduates and post-graduates to meet prospective employers and find out what's on offer in the job market. Organisations from across a wide range of sectors will attend, including Accenture, IBM, Intel, Kerry Group, KPMG, Medtronic, Quinn Group, SAP, Johnson & Johnson, The Marine Institute, Kingspan, Engineers Ireland, Pfizer, Ulster Bank, Masterfoods and Hewlett Packard. The Public Appointments Service, which recruits for all government departments will also be in attendance and interested in meeting graduates from all disciplines. The Graduate Recruitment Fair is very timely for those who intend getting a foothold on the career ladder as this year it follows one week after some 4,000 students will graduate from NUI Galway. A special service provided at the Fair is a 'CV Clinic', where the NUI Galway Careers Service will review CVs and provide advice and recommendations on how this key document may be improved. Peter Keane of NUI Galway Careers Office, advises those wishing to attend to bring their CVs and take advantage of the opportunity of having so many prospective employers present in the one place, ready to recruit staff. He comments, "Every year, this event goes from strength to strength. The prospective employers will be recruiting for scientists, engineers, administrators, business analysts, language specialists – the list goes on. NUI Galway graduates have an excellent reputation for being highly motivated, used to working in project groups and often with valuable work experience, having participated in our Professional Employment Programme (PEP). It is not surprising that there is almost 100% employment among our graduates every year." The event is co-ordinated by the Careers Service at NUI Galway in association with the Bank of Ireland. Tom Forde, Manager, Bank of Ireland, University Branch, said that he was pleased to continue the bank's involvement in this important and successful event. Individuals and companies interested in participating should contact the Careers Service Coordinator, Deirdre Sheridan, on 091 493 169 or by e-mail at careers@nuigalway.ie.
Monday, 16 October 2006
Symposium on 'Ageing and Values' at NUI Galway
16 October 2006: An international conference at NUI Galway is to examine the meanings people attach to their lives as they grow older, including religious and spiritual values, and the ways in which society values – or fails to value - people as they age. The conference 'Values and Norms in Ageing', 20-22 October, has been organised by Dr. Ricca Edmondson, of the Department of Political Science and Sociology at NUI Galway, and Hans-Joachim von Kondratowitz at the German Centre for Gerontology in Berlin. The conference will also address the question of wisdom, which was traditionally expected of older people in times gone by. Reviving and appreciating the idea of wisdom, which provides the individual with a set of critical and constructive skills based on experience, could help transform the role of older people in society – encouraging society to take seriously what people learn from life and to put it to good use. Speakers will also discuss the differing welfare-state provisions across Europe and how they might reflect prejudices about the contributions older people make to society. Director of the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology at NUI Galway, Professor Eamon O'Shea, commented, "A crucial aspect of our lives which is often neglected is the part played by values. Huge demographic changes are ahead, in Ireland we can expect one in four people will be over the age of 65 by 2050, compared to the current figure of around one in ten. With such a growing proportion of older people, we urgently need to know more about the values they have and how we can use the wisdom of older people to transform economic, social and cultural life". Main speakers and topics of 'Values and Norms in Ageing' include: Prof. Peter Coleman, University of Southampton, UK Faithful unto death? Late-life questions about religious belief Prof. Michele Dillon from the University of New Hampshire; US Religion, spirituality and positive ageing Prof. Haim Hazan, University of Tel Aviv, Israel Beyond Dialogue - Entering the Fourth Space in Old Age Prof. Monika Wohlrab-Sahr, University of Leipzig, Germany Atheist convictions or keeping things open ? The event is the 36th international symposium of the European Behavioural and Social Science Research Section of the IAG (International Association of Gerontology), which is being held in co-operation with the Research Network on Ageing in Europe of the ESA (European Sociological Association) and the Galway Wisdom Project. -ends-
Monday, 16 October 2006
NUI Galway to host Alumni Professionals Conference
NUI Galway will be this year's venue for the bi-annual Alumni Officers Network of Ireland (AONI) Conference. Alumni professionals from Ireland and Northern Ireland's universities and third-level colleges will attend this two-day event on October 19-20. The conference will focus on a wide range of issues facing Ireland's alumni functions in the context of an increasing focus on alumni support and partnership in educational institutions. The event is being hosted by the Alumni Office at NUI Galway, where Director, JB Terrins, commented, "The strategic importance of fostering relationships and contact between alumni and their alma mater, is well practiced in North America, and is being increasingly recognised in Ireland, and indeed across Europe. This growth in awareness is welcomed by the sector here and brings with it challenges in terms of benchmarking, measuring performance and further professionalising of operations. This conference has been a feature of the sector's annual calendar for some years and continues to provide knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities for alumni practitioners". The NUI Galway Alumni Office creates and maintains a vital connection with the University's 60,000 graduates worldwide. Working in conjunction with the Alumni Association, the office keeps graduates informed of University developments, helping to sustain that vital link with their alma mater. The Alumni Office maintains alumni records, manages alumni events and produces the alumni publications Cois Coiribe, the Alumni Newsletter, the Cumann Caoga Bliain Souvenir Journal and a monthly e-Newsletter, Alumni Links. The Alumni Office is always interested in hearing from graduates and welcomes their ideas and comments. For further information visit http://www.nuigalway.ie/alumni. - ends -
Friday, 13 October 2006
NUI Galway Pioneers Third-Level Education in Connemara
………..supporting sustainable knowledge-based Gaeltacht economies……………. 13 October 2006: Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs today (Friday), at the official opening of the newly refurbished NUI Galway's centre in An Cheathrú Rua, commended NUI Galway's commitment to addressing the demand for highly-skilled, Irish speaking professionals through its educational programmes. The University has developed a network of Gaeltacht-based centres which are run by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway's national institute pioneering third-level education through the Irish language. NUI Galway's commitment and focus on the development and provision of third level courses in Gaeltacht areas will contribute in a positive manner to the social, economic, cultural and linguistic life of these regions. The University's centres provide programmes from undergraduate to postgraduate levels in areas such as; applied language skills, translation studies, information technology, communication studies, teaching methodology, drama studies and language planning. In addition, NUI Galway now offers Ireland's first B.A. in Communications, as Gaeilge, at its centre in An Cheathrú Rua, Co. Galway. These innovative and flexible programmes help nurture enterprise initiatives as well as promoting businesses which are related to the Gaeltacht regions' uniqueness in knowledge intensive fields such as eco- and cultural tourism, music, arts, education and multimedia. Increased demand for highly qualified professionals working through Irish has been triggered by official status being granted by the EU to the Irish language. The implementation of the Irish Language Act has also increased the use of Irish in government institutions which in turn creates a demand for professional translators and interpreters. NUI Galway is demonstrating leadership in ensuring that there is a constant supply of highly skilled graduates in translation, interpretation and applied language skills to meet this demand. Minister Ó Cuív stated, "There is a requirement for highly-skilled graduates who are competent to work through Irish in a range of disciplines. I congratulate NUI Galway for implementing innovative Irish-medium programmes and research activities in Gaeltacht centres, in partnership with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Údarás na Gaeltachta, which boasts the latest educational technology and facilities. This is working towards the Government's strategic aim of developing a sustainable knowledge-based economy". Over 170 undergraduate and post-graduate students throughout the country have come to study in An Cheathrú Rua this academic year. An Cheathrú Rua is one of Ireland's strongest Gaeltacht areas with over 85% of its population speaking Irish daily, which in addition attracts hundreds of students to the centre annually to attend short term and specialised Irish courses and classes. The 2,500 square metre centre combines facilities at Áras Mháirtín Uí Chadhain and the former Coláiste Columba. This centre generates more than €5 million annually to the local economy and supports the University's strategic community outreach initiatives. Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President of NUI Galway, said, "Our outreach centres around the country are part of the University's policy of bringing education to the community. Essential to this vision is the development of a third level education model that can be emulated by other minority language communities as a vehicle for their sustainable development". The President thanked Minister Ó Cuív and his Department for the support in the form of current and capital finance given to An tAcadamh for the development of an Irish language University in Gaeltacht centres. He also thanked Údarás na Gaeltachta for the help they have given An tAcadamh and its students in the Gaeltacht over the years. It is obvious that the education being delivered in the Gaeltacht centres is an integral part of the Gaeltacht's infrastructure. An Cheathrú Rua outreach campus is part of a network of Gaeltacht centres, including Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal and Carna, Co. Galway. Plans are underway for the establishment of a fourth centre in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh, Co. Kerry. -ends-
Friday, 13 October 2006
Cuireann OÉ Gaillimh tús leis an Oideachas Tríú Leibhéal i gConamara
………..ag tacú le geilleagar eolasbhunaithe inmharthana na Gaeltachta……………. 13 Deireadh Fómhair 2006: Rinne Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., An tAire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta, OÉ Gaillimh a mholadh go hard as tabhairt faoin éileamh ar Ghaeilgeoirí gairmiúla oilte a sholáthar trína cláir oideachais, ag oscailt oifigiúil ionad nua OÉ Gaillimh ar an gCeathrú Rua. Tá líonra d'ionaid Ghaeltachta curtha le chéile ag an Ollscoil agus iad rite ag Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, institiúid náisiúnta cheannródaíoch OÉ Gaillimh atá tiomanta d'oideachas tríú leibhéal a chur ar fáil trí Ghaeilge. Cuirfidh tiomantas agus béim OÉ Gaillimh ar chúrsaí tríú leibhéal a fhorbairt agus a chur ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht go mór leis an saol sóisialta, eacnamaíoch, cultúrtha agus teanga sna réigiúin seo. Cuireann ionaid na hOllscoile cláir fochéime agus iarchéime ar fáil i réimsí cosúil leo seo a leanas; scileanna teanga feidhmí, léann an aistriúcháin, an teicneolaíocht faisnéise, staidéar na cumarsáide, modheolaíocht teagaisc, staidéar na drámaíochta agus pleanáil teanga. Chomh maith leis sin, tá OÉ Gaillimh ag cur an chéad B.A. sa Chumarsáid, as Gaeilge, ar fáil san ionad ar an gCeathrú Rua, Co. na Gaillimhe. Cuireann na cláir nuálacha sholúbtha seo tionscnaimh fiontraíochta chun cinn chomh maith le gnónna a bhaineann le huathúlacht na Gaeltachta i réimsí dianeolais cosúil le héiceathurasóireacht agus turasóireacht chultúir, ceol, ealaíon, oideachas agus na hilmheáin. Tá éileamh anois ar dhaoine gairmiúla ag oibriú trí Ghaeilge mar gheall ar an stádas oifigiúil a thug an tAontas Eorpach don Ghaeilge. Le cur i bhfeidhm Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla tá méadú tagtha ar úsáid na Gaeilge in institiúidí rialtais agus ciallaíonn sé sin go bhfuil éileamh ar aistritheoirí agus ar theangairí gairmiúla. Tá OÉ Gaillimh ag léiriú ceannaireachta trína chinntiú go bhfuil soláthar seasta céimithe oilte san aistriúchán, sa teangaireacht agus sna scileanna teanga feidhmí chun an t-éileamh seo a shásamh. Dúirt an tAire Ó Cuív, "Tá gá le céimithe oilte atá in ann oibriú trí Ghaeilge i réimsí éagsúla. Comhghairdeas le hOllscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh as cláir nuálacha agus gníomhaíochtaí taighde trí mheán na Gaeilge a chur chun cinn in ionaid Ghaeltachta, i gcomhar leis an Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta agus Údarás na Gaeltachta, ina bhfuil na háiseanna agus an teicneolaíocht oideachais is fearr amuigh. Tá sé seo ag teacht le haidhm straitéiseach an Rialtais maidir le geilleagar eolasbhunaithe inmharthana a fhorbairt". I mbliana, tá breis agus 170 fochéimí agus iarchéimí ó cheann ceann na tíre tagtha le staidéar ar an gCeathrú Rua. Tá an Cheathrú Rua ar cheann de na ceantair Ghaeltachta is láidre ó thaobh na Gaeilge de. Labhraíonn os cionn 85% de mhuintir na háite an Ghaeilge ar bhonn laethúil, rud a mheallann na céadta scoláire chuig an ionad le dianchúrsaí gearra agus ranganna Gaeilge a dhéanamh gach bliain. Tá 2,500 méadar cearnach san ionad ina iomláine agus teacht ar áiseanna in Áras Mháirtín Uí Chadhain agus san áit ina mbíodh Coláiste Cholumba. Cuireann an tIonad seo breis agus €5 mhilliún gach bliain isteach sa gheilleagar áitiúil agus tacaíonn sé le tionscnaimh for-rochtana straitéiseacha na hOllscoile. Dúirt an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, "Tá na hionaid for-rochtana ar fud na tíre ina gcuid lárnach de pholasaí na hOllscoile oideachas a thabhairt chomh fada leis an bpobal. Tá forbairt ar mhúnla oideachais tríú leibhéal ríthábhachtach don fhís seo, múnla ar féidir le pobail eile a labhraíonn mionteanga aithris a dhéanamh air mar uirlis dá bhforbairt inmharthana féin. Ghlac an tUachtarán buíochas ó chroí leis an Aire Ó Cuív agus lena Roinn as an tacaíocht in airgead caipitil agus reatha atá tugtha don Acadamh ar mhaithe le forbairt na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in Ionaid Ghaeltachta. Ghlac sé buíochas chomh maith le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta as an gcúnamh atá faighte ag an Acadamh agus ag mic léinn an Acadaimh sa Ghaeltacht ón Údarás in imeacht na mblianta. Is léir go dtuigtear go soiléir anois gur cuid lárnach de bhonneagar na Gaeltachta an t-oideachas atáthar a sholáthar sna hIonaid Ghaeltachta. Is cuid de líonra ionad Gaeltachta an campas for-rochtana ar an gCeathrú Rua, lena n-áirítear Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Dhún na nGall agus Carna, Co. na Gaillimhe. Tá pleananna á gcur i dtoll a chéile don cheathrú ionad i mBaile an Fheirtéaraigh, Co. Chiarraí. - críoch -
Tuesday, 10 October 2006
'Litríocht agus Cultúr' Conference at NUI Galway Dedicated to Máirtín Ó Cadhain
(English version below) Reachtálfar Comhdháil: Litríocht agus Cultúr na Gaeilge in Áras na Gaeilge, OÉ, Gaillimh, Dé hAoine agus Dé Sathairn seo chugainn, 13-14 Deireadh Fómhair. Tá comhdháil na bliana seo tiomanta do Mháirtín Ó Cadhain agus beidh na haoichainteorí ag díriú ar ghnéithe éagsúla dá shaol agus dá shaothar: Alan Titley (iriseoireacht an Chadhnaigh), Brian Ó Conchubhair (úrscéalta an Chadhnaigh) agus Joe Steve Ó Neachtain (rútaí an Chadhnaigh). Ina theannta sin beidh cúigear den 19 cainteoir eile ag plé leis an gCadhnach, ms, Nollaig Ó Gadhra ag trácht ar an gCadhnach agus Óglaigh na hÉireann, agus Pádraigín Ní Cheallaigh ag caint ar an gCadhnach mar ollamh ollscoile. Seolfaidh Seán Ó Cadhain Cré na Cille, dlúthdhioscaí an leagain dhrámatúil le Johnny Chóil Mhaidhc Ó Coisdealbha (RTÉ, Raidió na Gaeltachta agus Cló Iar-Chonnachta) ar a sé a chlog Dé hAoine, agus léireoidh Aisteoirí Bulfin An Eochair, leagan drámatúil de ghearrscéal cáiliúil an Chadhnaigh, i dTéatar Chearbhalláin ar a hocht oíche Dé Sathairn. Ina theannta sin bronnfaidh Joe Steve Ó Neachtain cóip de bhunscríbhinn Baile an Droichid ar Mharie Reddan, Leabharlannai na hOllscoile, tar éis a léachta féin tráthnóna Dé Sathairn. Osclóidh an Dr Caitriona Clear, Leas-Déan Dhámh na nDán, an chomhdháil tráthnóna Dé hAoine ag 3.15. Tuilleadh faisnéise ó Rúnaí Scoil na Gaeilge: fiona.depaor@oegaillimh.ie ----------------------------------------------------------- A conference entitled Litríocht agus Cultúr na Gaeilge (Irish Language Literature and Culture) will be held in Áras na Gaeilge, NUI Galway on Friday and Saturday, 13-14th of October. This year's conference is dedicated to Máirtín Ó Cadhain and the guest speakers will focus on different aspects of his life and work: Alan Titley (Ó Cadhain's journalism), Brian Ó Conchubhair (Ó Cadhain's novels) and Joe Steve Ó Neachtain (Ó Cadhain's background). Five of the other nineteen speakers will also discuss Ó Cadhain, e.g., Nollaig Ó Gadhra will speak of Ó Cadhain and the IRA, and Pádraigín Ní Cheallaigh will talk about Ó Cadhain as a university professor. Seán Ó Cadhain will launch Cré na Cille, CD recordings of Johnny Chóil Mhaidhc Ó Coisdealbha's dramatisation of the novel (RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and Cló Iar-Chonnachta) at six o'clock on Friday, and Aisteoirí Bulfin will be on stage with their version of An Eochair, a dramatised version of Ó Cadhain's well-known short story, in Téatar Chearbhalláin, Áras na Gaeilge, at eight o'clock on Saturday night. Joe Steve Ó Neachtain will present Marie Reddan, the University Librarian, with a copy of Baile an Droichid's original manuscript, after his own lecture on Saturday afternoon. Dr Caitríona Clear, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Arts, will launch the conference on Friday afternoon at 3.15pm. Further information from the Scoil na Gaeilge secretary: fiona.depaor@oegaillimh.ie - ends -
Monday, 9 October 2006
NUI Galway to Host Biodiversity Workshop
NUI Galway will host a workshop entitled, 'Building a Biodiverse Galway: Practical, Social, and Environmental Considerations', on Wednesday 18 October, from 9am – 1pm. Five experts will discuss the planning and building aspects, and the human and environmental importance, of sustainable living and maintaining biodiversity in Galway City. The morning promises to be lively and informative, admission is free and open to all, but participants need to register in advance by emailing sarah.knight@nuigalway.ie. The event will take place at the Environmental Change Institute (ECI), The Orbsen Building, NUI Galway. Sarah Knight, Communications and Outreach Officer, ECI, NUI Galway commented: "Galway is growing rapidly, but we must ask whether we are creating a city we will want to live in. Recent years have seen a rapid rate of change from rural to urban land use in Galway city, but at the expense of our natural landscape. The social and environmental benefits of preserving some of the amazing biodiversity in Galway city are often overshadowed in the push to build to meet population demand". 'Building a Biodiverse Galway: Practical, Social, and Environmental Considerations'will feature the following speakers and topics: 'The social consequences of not considering a whole system approach to waste management', with Dr. Niamh Clune, Social Entrepreneur. 'How planners can incorporate natural landscapes', with Hendrik W. van der Kamp, Town Planner & President of the Irish Planning Institute. 'Building a green home in Ireland: design and materials', with Doug Johnson, Advocate of Alternative and Sustainable Technologies. 'Construction activities and their impact on the environment and communities', with Gerry Carty, Director, RPS Consulting Engineers, Galway. 'Community-derived green mapping in Galway city', with Dr. Frances Fahy, Department of Geography, NUI Galway. For members of Engineers Ireland, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for participation in this workshop are available. The workshop takes place during the annual Biodiversity Week for Galway City, 'Go Wild in the City!', which has been initiated to further the awareness of the wealth of biodiversity in the city, by the Habitats Sub-Group of the Galway City Development Board's Natural Environment and Waterways Mechanism. As well as the general promotion of public awareness of environmental issues in the city, the second main objective of this week is to provide a platform for informative interactions between city council staff, planners, developers, environmental researchers and campaigners, and interested members of the public, on the subjects of sustainable development and biodiversity in the city. - ends -
Monday, 2 October 2006
Plans Unveiled for Ulster-Connacht Medical School
Plans for a medical school shared between the University of Ulster s Magee campus and NUI Galway were recently unveiled at a conference in Sligo. Academics, politicians and medical experts from the north and west of the island of Ireland came together to back a proposal that would put the Ulster-Connacht region on Ireland s medical education map. The proposal draws on the strengths of both institutions to create a compelling proposition that will open up new opportunities in cross-border healthcare service provision, medical research and economic development, as well as medical education itself. The initiative will also addresses the problem of attracting GPs to the region, as research has shown that graduates are more likely to seek employment in the area where they were educated. As part of the proposal, NUI Galway and the University of Ulster will each provide a four-year programme for graduate entrants, with an additional five-year option available at NUI Galway. While the final three years of each programme will be interchangeable, the UU programme will have more emphasis on Primary Care. Hospitals and primary care centres involved will include, in the North - Derry, Omagh, Enniskillen, and Coleraine, and in the South - Ballinasloe, Mayo, Sligo, Letterkenny and Roscommon. The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at NUI Galway will adopt a mentoring role for the School at UU s Magee campus, providing academic expertise in programme development, sharing courses and, where appropriate, clinical teachers, and also developing the student assessment process in order to achieve the highest standards. Common, jointly developed, distance learning packages will be used to deliver curricular content at affiliated sites. This will be facilitated by the University of Ulster s world-leading strength in web-based distance learning. Clinical placements in affiliated hospitals and practices, and special study modules will be shared, and interchangeable, giving students experience of two health care systems, and facilitating inter-professional learning opportunities. According to Professor Gerry Loftus, Dean of Medicine and Health Sciences, NUI Galway, "Our science, technology and research capabilities have developed and expanded over the past number of years and in building this partnership with Ulster University, we are adding to the facilities available at NUI Galway and strengthening our position as a world-class university. The Government's Fottrell Report, specifically addressed medical education and underlined the need to provide further opportunities for medical education both at undergraduate and graduate entry level. Working together, the medical experts and institutions in this Ulster-Connacht region have the potential to create a significant critical mass which will open up many new educational and research opportunities for students." Professor Loftus went on to say that NUI Galway are working towards a total intake of 160 undergraduate and graduate entry medical students at NUI Galway in the coming years. With closer ties and the support of the local hospitals in the Ulster/Connacht region, clinical placements for such numbers of students could be achieved. Professor Bernie Hannigan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Ulster, said: "The north-west region of the island of Ireland presents many challenges to the delivery of high quality medical services. One solution is to ensure a supply of well-educated doctors who have received their training in the region, and so developed a connection with the area. "Together, the University of Ulster and NUI Galway are proposing a model of a joint medical school to do just that. All students in the Ulster-Connacht Medical School would experience the same excellent foundation in medical sciences, and undergo training in the hospitals and primary care centres on both sides of the Border." "This is a single, highly creative, cost-effective solution to problems that affect people identically, whether in Northern Ireland or in the Republic." Professor Hannigan added that the university partners to the project are working closely with project supporters and are hoping soon to get the green light to proceed to more detailed planning stages. Their current conviction is that the many benefits it would bring to the community must make the project a high priority for future spending plans. - ends -
Monday, 2 October 2006
Expert Speaks on Spinal Cord Repair at NUI Galway
Anthony Windebank, an expert in spinal cord regeneration and Professor of Neurology at the prestigious Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, will give a free public lecture in Galway on research into spinal cord injury repair on 10th October. Windebank leads a research alliance which brings together expertise from the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at NUI Galway, and the Mayo Clinic. During the lecture, Professor Windebank, who came to REMEDI last year on a Science Foundation Ireland Walton Fellowship, will outline the collaborative research which combines adult stem cell expertise at REMEDI with a novel tissue engineering breakthrough pioneered at the Mayo Clinic. "Think of the injury as a break in an electrical circuit – the big challenge for us is to get the circuit reconnected," Professor Windebank said. "The scaffold acts as the bridge for the stem cells to make the reconnection." The research is already showing encouraging results in spinal cord injury repair according to Windebank. "We have had some success in terms of the peripheral nervous system and the next step is the spinal cord. I would be hopeful that a person who sustained a spinal injury this year, through, say, a sporting injury, could expect that within seven-to-ten years, we will have made progress." Possibly the most well known advocate for research in spinal cord injury, and in particular, stem cell research, was Christopher Reeve. In the years following his injury, he did much to promote research on spinal cord injury and the Reeve-Irvine center at UC Irvine, California was established in his name. Two members of the REMEDI team have already spent time at the Reeve-Irvine Center to conduct research in the area. During his lecture, Professor Windebank will explore spinal cord injury in detail, from how and why it happens, to the consequences for victims and the hopes now being raised by cutting-edge research. He will discuss the various approaches worldwide in stem cell research, why false hopes must not be promoted by the scientific community and why, spinal cord injury victims and their relatives may have legitimate reason to believe that treatments may be closer than ever. Although he warns that caution is necessary when discussing possible cures for such a life-shattering injury, Professor Windebank believes that within the coming decade, the difficulties associated with spinal cord repair may be solved. The lecture will take place on Tuesday October 10th at 7.30 pm in the Westwood House Hotel, Newcastle road, Galway. Admission is free and members of the public are invited to attend. Information from www.remedi.ie or by phoning 091-495198 - end -
Wednesday, 29 November 2006
Tugann OÉ Gaillimh aitheantas do Lorna MacMahon ag Searmanas Bronnta Céimeanna a
28 Samhain 2006: Bhronn Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh céim Mháistreachta sna Dána (honoris causa) ar Lorna MacMahon inniu. Gairneoir agus gníomhaire pobail as Gaillimh í Lorna, a bhfuil aithne ag go leor de mhuintir na Gaillimhe uirthi. Bronnadh an chéim uirthi le linn shearmanas Bronnta Céimeanna an Gheimhridh OÉ Gaillimh, searmanas ar bronnadh céimeanna agus dioplómaí ar os cionn 650 mac léinn as na Dámha éagsúla. Tá os cionn 35 bliain caite ag Lorna MacMahon ag dearadh gairdíní, a gairdín féin Ard Carraig san áireamh, gairdín a bhfuil duaiseanna bronnta air. Bhíodh Ard Carraig oscailte don phobal gach uile bhliain. Chomh maith leis sin, chaith Lorna blianta fada ag obair mar theiripeoir gairneoireachta san Aonad Síciatrachta in Ospidéal na hOllscoile, Gaillimh. Bhí sí ar dhuine de bhunaitheoirí Craobh na Gaillimhe de Mental Handicap Ireland, agus bhí sí ina Cathaoirleach agus Stiúrthóir ar an Galway Mental Health Association Ltd. Seo a leanas a bhí le rá ag an Dr Gerry Beggan, Léachtóir le hOideachas in OÉ Gaillimh tráth, le linn dó a bheith ag labhairt ag an searmanas: "Is cinnte go bhfuil an chéim seo tuillte go maith ag Lorna mar gheall ar an méid oibre atá déanta aici ar mhaithe le heolaíocht gairneoireachta a chur chun cinn agus chomh tiománta agus a bhí sí d obair charthanachta". Bhí trí shearmanas ar siúl i rith an lae agus bronnadh céimeanna ar chéimithe ó Dhámh na nDán, Dámh na Tráchtála, Dámh na hEolaíochta, Dámh na hInnealtóireachta, Dámh an Leighis agus na nEolaíochtaí Sláinte agus Dámh an Dlí. Seo a leanas a bhí le rá ag Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, le linn dó a bheith ag labhairt ag na searmanais: "Is é atá mar aidhm ag OÉ Gaillimh feabhas a bhaint amach sa teagasc, taighde den scoth a chur chun cinn, a bheith tiomanta do agus baint a bheith againn leis an gceantar mórthimpeall ar an Ollscoil, tacú le hoideachas tríú leibhéal trí mheán na Gaeilge, agus thar ní ar bith eile, a chinntiú go bhfuil baint ag na mic léinn leis na gníomhaíochtaí ar fad atá ar siúl san Ollscoil. " Bronnadh céimeanna ar mhic léinn ó chúrsaí nua den chéad uair ag an searmanas freisin, cúrsaí cosúil le Céim Onórach Baitsiléara Eolaíochta Altranais; Máistreacht Eolaíochta (Córais Bhogearraí agus Faisnéise) (Cianfhoghlaim) i gcomhar le hOllscoil Regis, Denver SAM; agus Máistir Dlí sa Dlí Poiblí. - críoch -
Wednesday, 29 November 2006
NUI Galway Honours Lorna MacMahon during Winter Conferrings
28 November 2006: NUI Galway President Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh conferred the award of a Master of Arts (honoris causa) on well-known Galway horticulturalist and community activist Lorna MacMahon today. The award took place as NUI Galway hosted its Winter Conferring ceremony with over 650 students from across the faculties receiving their degrees and diplomas. For more than 35 years Lorna MacMahon has been involved in garden design, including her own award-winning garden 'Ardcarrig', which was open annually to the public. Lorna has also spent many years working as a horticultural therapist in the Psychiatric Unit of University College Hospital Galway. She was a founder member of the Galway Branch of Mental Handicap Ireland, and has been the Chairperson and Director of Galway Mental Health Association Ltd. Dr. Gerry Beggan, a former Lecturer in Education at NUI Galway, speaking at her conferring, said: "For her dedicated promotion of horticultural science and for her unselfish and untiring commitment to a very worthy charitable cause, it is most appropriate that Lorna should be the recipient of this award." Three ceremonies took place during the day with graduates from the faculties of Arts, Commerce, Science, Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, and Law, receiving their scrolls. Speaking at the conferrings, NUI Galway President Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, said; "NUI Galway aims for excellence in teaching, the promotion of world-class research, commitment to and engagement with our region, support for third level education through Irish, and above all ensuring the University places the student at the centre of all its activities." Some students at the conferring ceremony were the first to graduate from certain new courses, such as Honours Degree of Bachelor of Nursing Science; Master of Science (Software and Information Systems) (Distance) in association with Regis University, Denver USA; and Master of Laws in Public Law. -ends-
Wednesday, 29 November 2006
NUI Galway Book Takes Pulse of the Ocean
29 November 2006: On 05 December, the first Irish book to catalogue a particular species of microscopic plant, known as phytoplankton, will be launched by The Martin Ryan Institute, NUI Galway. Microscopic phytoplankton are essential to maintaining life in the oceans, producing over 99% of organic matter in the seas, and this new book focuses on one of the more conspicuous types, Ceratium. The authors claim that cataloging, researching and monitoring numbers of such micro-organisms is like "taking the pulse" of the oceans and will act as a first warning system for changes to ocean currents brought on by climate change. 'The Dinoflagellate Genus Ceratium in Irish Shelf Seas', by Dr. Robin Raine, NUI Galway, and Dr. Georgina McDermott, Environmental Protection Agency, will be launched by Mícheál Ó Cinnéide of the Irish Marine Institute on Tuesday, at 4.30pm, in the Martin Ryan Institute. The book summarises research carried out over the past seven years on the distribution in Irish Shelf Seas of phytoplankton. This is highly relevant as the changes in ocean circulation which have been forecast if global warming continues to increase would first be observed in changes in the composition of the plankton. For example, the distribution of the more exotic, tropical species which are found around the southwest of Ireland, where warm oceanic waters from the south bathe the Irish coastline, would change with a shift in the pattern of ocean currents. According to Dr. Robin Raine, "A changing climate will modify ocean circulation and hence the distribution of phytoplankton. Cataloging the distribution of phytoplankton around Ireland is like taking the pulse of the oceans. As long as the different species remain in constant numbers in specific areas, this means that the ocean currents are not yet changing. We must remain alert however; any change in the numbers of these organisms could mean that we are but a few years away from more cataclysmic climate changes". The book profiles an individual marine phytoplankton, the dinoflagellate genus Ceratium, and provides guidance on the identification and distribution of 22 species of this conspicuous genus. It contains useful figures and photographs which will be of interest to students and academics working in this area. -ends-
Wednesday, 29 November 2006
Mairéad Ní Nuadháin ainmnithe do Ghradam Alumni ag OÉ Gaillimh
28 Samhain 2006: Tá Mairéad Ní Nuadháin, Eagarthóir um Choimisiúnú, Cláir Ghaeilge, Oideachasúla agus Ilchultúir, RTÉ, ainmnithe do Dhuais Hewlett Packard don Ghaeilge, mar chuid de Ghradaim bhliantúla Alumni Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. I bhfómhar 2000, ceapadh Mairéad ina heagarthóir um choimisiúnú ar chláir Ghaeilge agus oideachasúla agus ilchultúir, RTÉ. Roimhe sin, bhunaigh sí Léargas agus bhí sí ina léiritheoir sraithe ar an tsraith faisnéise Gaeilge sin, a ainmníodh in 2000 do Dhuais IFTA (Irish Film and Television Academy) sa chatagóir 'Gnéchlár is Fearr'. Tá cláir shiamsaíochta agus cláir faisnéise eile léirithe aici chomh maith. Mar chuid dá cúram cláir a sholáthar gach bliain do TG4, tá sraitheanna ar nós "An Tuath Nua," "Bean an Tí," "Bia 's Bóthar," "Ardán" agus go leor clár eile curtha ar fáil aici. Chomh maith le cláir RTÉ do TG4 a bhainistiú, lena n-áirítear cúrsaí reatha, cláir spóirt, cláir irise agus cláir do leanaí, bhí baint aici freisin, le cláir ilchultúir agus oideachais le gairid, mar shampla "Turas Teanga," "Families in Trouble," "Mono", "Scannal", "Who's Afraid of Islam?" agus "No Place Like Home." Is as Bealach an Doirín, Co. Ros Comáin í ó thús agus bhí cónaí uirthi tar éis na hollscoile i nGaillimh, áit a raibh sí ina comhalta de lucht bunaithe an Druid Theatre agus ina haisteoir leis an Taibhdhearc. Nuair a bhí sí in OÉ Gaillimh (Coláiste na hOllscoile, Gaillimh ag an am), bhí sí ar dhuine de na chéad reachtairí mná ar an gCumann Liteartha agus Díospóireachta (Lit and Deb). Is i mBaile Átha Cliath atá sí bunaithe anois ach choinnigh sí an ceangal a bhí aici leis na healaíona i nGaillimh, trína ballraíocht ar Bhord Macnas, agus tá sí ina ball freisin de Bhord Feidhmiúcháin an Celtic Film and Television Company. Na Buaiteoirí eile atá ann i mbliana: Duais AIB don Litríocht, don Chumarsáid agus do na hEalaíona: Seán O'Rourke, Iriseoir agus Craoltóir le RTÉ; Duais Bhanc na hÉireann don Ghnó agus don Tráchtáil: Irial Finan: Uachtarán ar Coca Cola, Infheistíochtaí Buidéalaithe; Duais Hewlett Packard don Ghaeilge: Mairéad Ní Nuadháin, Eagarthóir um Choimisiúnú, Cláir Ghaeilge, Oideachasúla agus Ilchultúr, RTÉ; Duais Medtronic don Chúram Sláinte agus an Eolaíocht Mhíochaine: An tOllamh Patrick Gullane, Ardotairinealaraingeolaí (Máinlia Cinn agus Muiníl), Ollscoil Toronto; Duais OÉ Gaillimh don Dlí, an tSeirbhís Phoiblí agus an Rialtas: Brian O'Donnell, Duine de bhunaitheoirí Aturnaetha Brian O'Donnell & Partners; Duais Seavite don Eolaíocht Dúlra: An Dr Reg Shaw, Stiúrthóir Bainistíochta ar Champas BioPharma Wyeth i mBaile Átha Cliath; agus Duais TBD don Innealtóireacht, an Teicneolaíocht Faisnéise agus an Mhatamaitic: Patrick & Thomas Coffey, Stiúrthóirí Coffey Group. Le linn don Ollamh Gerard Hurley, An Leas-Uachtarán um Thionscnaimh Straitéiseacha agus Gnóthaí Seachtracha, OÉ Gaillimh, na gradaim seo a fhógairt dúirt sé: "Gach uile bhliain, tugann OÉ Gaillimh aitheantas do alumni a bhfuil ag éirí go breá leo in earnálacha éagsúla den saol poiblí agus gairmiúil as éachtaí suntasacha a bhaint amach agus cur leis an tsochaí. Tugann na céimithe iontacha seo dea-shampla do na mic léinn atá ag freastal ar an ollscoil seo faoi láthair agus ambasadóirí den scoth atá iontu dá alma mater." Ba sa bhliain 2000 a seoladh na gradaim seo, faoi scáth an Alumni ag OÉ Gaillimh. Déanann na gradaim bhliantúla ceiliúradh ar luach an oideachais atá ar fáil ó OÉ Gaillimh agus aithníonn na gradaim foirfeacht phearsanta ag breis is 60,000 céimí ar fud an domhain. San áireamh ar liosta Iarbhuaiteoirí na nGradam tá an tUasal Mícheal D. Ó hUiginn T.D.; Pádraig Ó Céidigh, Aer Arann; Maria Mahon, Irishjobs.ie; agus Declan Kelly, Financial Dynamics. Bronnfar na gradaim ag an ochtú mórfhéasta bliantúil, Dé Sathairn, 3 Márta 2007 in Ostán an Radisson SAS, Gaillimh. -críoch- Tuilleadh eolais: Michelle Ní Chróinín, Oifigeach Preasa, OÉ Gaillimh, Fón: 091 493361, michelle.nichroinin@nuigalway.ie nó JB Terrins Uasal, Stiúrthóir Alumni, 091 495411, jb.terrinsnuigalway.ie Nóta: Tá liosta iomlán de bhuaiteoirí na nGradam Alumni go dtí seo le fáil ag: http://www.nuigalway.ie/alumni/program_alumni_award.html
Tuesday, 28 November 2006
NUI Galway announces Lady Gregory Fellowship Winners
28 November 2006: The winners of the 2006 Lady Gregory Research Fellowships at NUI Galway have been announced. They are Siobhán McDermott, Stephanie Egan, and Nora De Buitléir. All are doctoral students within the Faculty of Arts. The Lady Gregory Fellowships are enabled by philanthropic support and the Faculty of Arts at NUI Galway. Six Fellowships have been awarded since the establishment of these prestigious awards in 2005. Under the Lady Gregory Fellowship scheme, each student receives €20,000 per year over a period of three years. Recipients of the award include students of Archaeology, Old Irish, German, Geography and Political Science & Sociology. Over the coming years additional fellowships will be offered to a total value of €540,000 by 2009. Among the new winners, Siobhán McDermott, from Tyrone will study 'The Archaeology of Truagh, Co Monaghan'. Stephanie Egan from Castlerea, Co. Roscommon will study 'The Geographies of War and International Relations' and Nora De Buitléir from Killiney, Co. Dublin, will study 'The Theatre of the Frontier Region of Northern Italy and Southern Austria, the Sudtirol/Alto Adige'. Announcing the winners, Professor Kevin Barry, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, spoke of the value of research in the Humanities, in Languages, and in Social Sciences. Quoting recent international studies he supported the view that the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences "Lead the way in promoting understanding of the nation's history and other cultures, religions and societies, thereby helping to sustain national identity, multicultural tolerance and interaction. Furthermore, they enable the expansion of strategically important sectors of the economy, in particular the creative and cultural industries, which include heritage, galleries, museums, theatres, cinema, publishing, and other key elements of a knowledge society open to the larger world of ideas and innovation". NUI Galway will continue to support research within the humanities, languages and social sciences. High achieving graduates of any university and nationality are eligible to apply for funding under the Lady Gregory awards. ENDS Further Information contact Karen Walsh, Arts Faculty Office Tel: 091- 493958
Monday, 27 November 2006
NUI Galway to Honour Outstanding Alumni
27 November 2006: From amongst the ranks of its illustrious graduates, NUI Galway annually awards individuals who as a result of their outstanding contribution to Irish and international life have, in a very special way, honoured their former alma mater. Reflecting the Annual Alumni Awards Programme's aim to award those who have gone on to become leaders in their profession or who have excelled in their pursuits at national and international level, this year the Programme has chosen to award: AIB Award for Literature, Communication and the Arts: Seán O'Rourke, RTÉ journalist and broadcaster; Bank of Ireland Award for Business & Commerce: Irial Finan, President of Coca Cola, Bottling Investments; Duais Hewlett Packard don Ghaeilge: Mairéad Ní Nuadháin, RTÉ Commissioning Editor for Irish language and Education Programming; Medtronic Award for Healthcare and Medical Science: Professor Patrick Gullane, Otolaryngologist (Head and Neck Surgeon)-in Chief, University of Toronto; NUI Galway Award for Law, Public Service & Government: Brian O'Donnell, Founding partner of Brian O'Donnell & Partners; Seavite Award for Natural Science: Dr. Reg Shaw, MD of Wyeth's Dublin BioPharma Campus; and TBD Award for Engineering, IT and Mathematics: Patrick & Thomas Coffey, Directors of the Coffey Group. Announcing the awardees, Professor Gerard Hurley, Vice-President for Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs, NUI Galway, said: "Each year, NUI Galway recognises outstanding alumni across many diverse spheres of public and professional life for their exceptional achievements and contribution to society. These outstanding graduates serve as an inspiration for our current students and are excellent ambassadors for their alma mater." Launched in 2000, under the aegis of the NUI Galway Alumni Association, the annual awards celebrate the life-long value of an NUI Galway education and recognise individual excellence among the more than 60,000 graduates worldwide. Former recipients include Mr. Michael D. Higgins T.D.; Pádraig Ó Céidigh, MD Aer Arann; Maria Mahon, CEO Irishjobs.ie; and Declan Kelly, CEO Financial Dynamics. The awards will be presented to the distinguished alumni at the University's annual Gala Banquet, which will take place in Galway's Radisson SAS Hotel on Saturday, 3rd March 2007. -ends- For further information please contact: Michelle Ní Chróinín/Ruth Hynes, Press Office, NUI Galway, Tel: 091 493361, michelle.nichroinin@nuigalway.ie or Mr JB Terrins, Director of Alumni Relations, 091 495411, jb.terrins@nuigalway.ie Note to editors: For a full list of former Alumni Award Winners visit http://www.nuigalway.ie/alumni/program_alumni_award.html Seán O'Rourke, AIB Award for Literature, Communication and the Arts, graduated with a BA in 1977. He is one of Ireland's leading broadcasters and a stalwart of current affairs programming. After University, he joined the Irish Press Group, as a sports reporter, feature writer and political correspondent. Since 1989, he has been a programme presenter-editor with RTÉ, working on This Week, Morning Ireland, Today Tonight, Prime Time and Family Matters. He has been presenter of the News at One on Radio Once since 1994. Mr O'Rourke also presents The Week in Politics on RTÉ. Irial Finan, Bank of Ireland Award for Business & Commerce, graduated with a BComm in 1977. In his current role as President, Bottling Investments, he is responsible for all Coca Cola Company bottling operations and equity investments worldwide. From 2000 to 2003, Mr Finan served as CEO of Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company SA, during which he managed the merger integration of Coca Cola Beverages plc and Hellenic Bottling SA and led the combined company in 26 countries. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Management Accountants, sits on the Board of Directors of Eircom Group plc., and is a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee for Alltracel Pharmaceuticals. Mairéad Ní Nuadháin, Duais Hewlett Packard don Ghaeilge, graduated with a BA in 1974. I bhfómhar 2000, ceapadh Mairéad ina heagarthóir um choimisiúnú ar chláir Ghaeilge agus oideachasúla RTÉ. Roimhe sin, bhunaigh sí Léargas agus bhí sí ina léiritheoir sraithe ar an tsraith faisnéise Ghaeilge sin, a ainmníodh do Dhuaiseanna IFTA (Irish Film and Television Academy) 2000 sa chatagóir 'Gnéchlár is Fearr'. Tá cláir shiamsaíochta agus cláir faisnéise eile léirithe aici chomh maith. Chomh maith le cláir RTÉ do TG4 a bhainistiú, lena n-áirítear cúrsaí reatha, cláir spóirt, cláir irise agus cláir do leanaí, bhí baint aici, freisin, le cláir ilchultúir agus oideachais le gairid, mar shampla Turas Teanga, Scannal agus Health Squad. Chuir sí tús leis an gcéad sraith ilchultúir de chuid RTÉ, is é sin Mono, atá ar an aer anois le trí shéasúr agus a bhfuil ag éirí thar barr leis. Professor Patrick Gullane, Medtronic Award for Healthcare and Medical Science, graudated with a BSc in 1970, and embarked on a career in otolaryngology - head and neck surgery. In 1989 he was appointed as Otolaryngologist-in-Chief at the University Health Network in Toronto. In 1997 he was appointed as Wharton Chair in Head and Neck Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital, and in 2002 as Professor and Chair to the Department of Otolaryngology, University of Toronto. Dr Gullane is recognised globally as a leader in the field of head and neck surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Diplomat of the American Board of Otolaryngology and he has served as the President of the American Head and Neck Society and the President of the North American Skull Base Society, and is the current Vice-President of the Triological Society. Brian O'Donnell, NUI Galway Award for Law, Public Service & Government graduated from NUI Galway in 1974 with a BA and subsequently in 1976 with an LLB. He practiced with one of Ireland's most prestigious law firms, William Fry, where he served as managing partner from 1996 – 1999. In 1999, he set up his own practice, O'Donnell & Partners, specialising in mergers and acquisitions. During the course of his career Mr. O'Donnell has acted for Irish Life plc in its privatisation and the Doyle Hotels in their acquisition by Jurys plc. He has also acted in a number of pro bono cases, including the famous Blaise Gallagher case where a quadriplegic boy received the then largest damages ever achieved in Ireland. He is one of only a handful of Irish lawyers included in the International Who's Who of mergers and acquisitions and has been named in Global Counsel 3000 as Ireland's leading corporate and commercial lawyer. Dr. Reg Shaw, Seavite Award for Natural Science, graduated with a BSc in 1971 and subsequently with a PhD in 1974. He is currently Managing Director of the Wyeth BioPharma Campus in Dublin. Wyeth BioPharma Campus is one of the largest integrated biopharmaceutical facilities in the world. It was officially opened in Dublin in September 2005. The facility produces Wyeth's best known drugs – Enbrel, a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, and Prevenar, a vaccine for preventing pneumococcal disease in infants. The product cycle - from cell culturing in a test tube through to bulk manufacturing, packaging and distribution – is, unusually for the industry, carried out on site. This model employed by the Campus is considered a frontier-type investment. Dr Shaw is heading the project to extend the product manufacturing cycle from basic product development right through to the finished product. Patrick & Thomas Coffey, TBD Award for Engineering, IT and Mathematics, graduated in 1967 and 1969 respectively with BEngs. The Coffee Group, established by Patrick and joined by Thomas in 1974, is today one of the leading service providers in the building, civil and environmental engineering industry in Ireland and the greater London area contracted with such recognisable projects as the Galway Eastern Approach Road and the renovation of the Royal Albert Hall, London. The Coffee Group has been a stalwart supporter of NUI Galway graduates, and is well known as a nurturing ground for the University's engineering professionals and entrepreneurs. It employs students on placement, more than any other company since the initiation of the Civil Engineering placement programme, and sponsors graduate students in Civil Engineering at NUI Galway.
Monday, 27 November 2006
eNeighbourhoods at NUI Galway
The positive impact of the Internet on communities and individuals will be the focus of a free public seminar from 9.30am-1.30pm on 28 November entitled eNeighbourhoods - Putting Communities onto the World Wide Web. Organised by NUI Galway's Digital Enterprise Research Institute, the event will be held at the IDA Business Park, Lower Dangan, and will look at how people can now use the Internet to view and talk to each other across continents at a fraction of the cost of a telephone call, create their own online communities and access affordable technologies. According to Brendan Smith, Community/Education Outreach Officer, DERI, "In the nineteen nineties, it was the mobile telephone that spawned a massive leap in connecting people. Today the Internet gives individuals with limited physical/geographical mobility a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded people. It can reconnect families and friends, with people using webcams and Internet phones to see and hear their loved ones in real time. Also, the Internet can also give a forum and even an identity to communities, parishes – community groups of every kind". Topics covered by the seminar, which will be opened by Lord Mayor of Galway City, Councillor Niall O Brolcháin, will include: Putting your Parish & Community onto an Online Encyclopaedia Online Community Newsletters Internet Technologies aimed at Increasing Citizens' Involvement - in the decision making process of local and national government Green Mapping of Galway City Setting up & Maintaining a Free Easy-to-manage Website for Community Groups Writing & Publishing a Novel Online Based out of NUI Galway, DERI is one of the world's leading research establishments involved in developing the next generation of the World Wide Web known as the 'Semantic Web'. Through its outreach programmes, it seeks to increase awareness of the practical benefits that the World Wide Web can offer to communities. Internet courses for a myriad of groupings include active retirement associations, business organisations, schools, parents, university students, residents and disability groups have been provided over the years. This free seminar will bring experts together to demonstrate what is on offer to the ordinary members of society. For bookings please contact Brendan Smith, DERI, NUI Galway on 087 2935106 or email Brendan.smith@deri.org -ends-
Monday, 20 November 2006
Parents are Special Focus of NUI Galway Open Day
20 November 2006: NUI Galway will welcome secondary school students, parents and teachers from all over Ireland to its Open Day on Thursday, 30 November, 9am – 3pm. This year there is a special emphasis on providing information for parents, who play a crucial role in helping students choose what to study at third-level. Mary Coyle, Schools Liaison Officer, commented, "Completing the CAO form can be a stressful time for young people as they try to choose from the options available. Support from their parents plays an important part in helping them understand their choices and make the best decisions. On Open Day we hope to provide the information needed to make the decision-making process easier for everyone involved". Throughout the day there will be introductory lectures from across the faculties of Arts, Law, Commerce, Science, Celtic Studies, Medicine & Health Sciences, and Engineering. Over 70 exhibition stands, with academic staff and students on hand, will give an overview of campus life with information on everything from individual courses, to accommodation, to careers advice. The Open Day will also incorporate campus tours and laboratory demonstrations as well as information on extracurricular activities such as sports and societies. The University has a strong and justified reputation as a student-centred organisation and emphasises a commitment to the holistic development of each student. According to Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President, NUI Galway, "Going to University is one of the most exciting experiences of a lifetime, providing a unique opportunity to study, in depth, subjects that are really of interest. We help our students acquire knowledge and skills which are highly valued by employers and to make new and lasting friendships". The close proximity of the University to Galway City, one of the fastest developing cities in Europe and a thriving, bustling centre of culture and commerce, provides students with ready access to all facilities a modern city offers. Students of NUI Galway not only enjoy the social and cultural life of a dynamic energetic city, but also one of Europe's most beautiful and unspoiled hinterlands including the Connemara Gaeltacht, its rich cultural and artistic traditions, the Burren and the Aran Islands. For further information contact Mary Coyle on 091 492814, email mary.coyle@nuigalway.ie or visit www.nuigalway.ie. -ends-
Monday, 20 November 2006
NUI Galway Launches DVD on Máirtín Ó Cadhain
20 November 2006: NUI Galway has launched a limited edition DVD, Claíocha Arda, which describes the life and work of Máirtín Ó Cadhain, one of the most prominent Irish language writers of the twentieth century. The limited edition DVD gives an insight into Máirtín Ó Cadhain's vision and life and is part of the centenary celebrations of his birth. The DVD which is subtitled in English has been issued by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway's national institute pioneering third-level education through the Irish language. Claíocha Arda roughly translates as 'fortification', which is a metaphor for the challenges Ó Cadhain faced in his lifetime. While television footage of Máirtín Ó Cadhain is in short supply, this DVD is a collection of the best of RTÉ's archive. Ó Cadhain himself talks about his youth, school life, republicanism, starting to write, literature, and what he believed was the root of all storytelling - love. "Silim gan an grá nach féidir scéalaíocht a dhéanamh/Without love there is no storytelling", Máirtín once said. Peadar Mac an Iomaire, Director of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, comments, "Máirtín Ó Cadhain was a pioneer of Irish-language modernism and his literary legacy is a national treasure. Claíocha Arda allows us an insight into the inspirations behind Máirtín's writings in his own words. This film is an inspiration to the young and the not so young when they see the loyalty and devotion of this man to his own community. Academics, historians, writers and students are just some of the audiences who will enjoy this DVD, which is certain to become a collector's item." The DVD contains an extract from Ó Cadhain's novel Cré na Cille and describes the inspiration for its characters. Ó Cadhain spoke Russian and was interested in the major Russian writers such as Dostoevsky, Chekhov and Maxim Gorki. Reflecting this, music by Shostakovich, Rachmaninov and Stravinsky is used on the DVD to add atmosphere to the black and white footage. The limited edition DVD is available for sale by contacting Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge on 091 492428 or caitriona.nichoirbhin@oegaillimh.ie -ends- Notes to editors: For more information, please contact Bríd Seoige: Tel. 00 353 91 495 302, Email: brid.seoige@oegaillimh.ie
Monday, 20 November 2006
Next Generation Web Critical to Knowledge Economy Success
…world's largest Semantic Web project goes from strength to strength at NUI Galway... 20 November 2006: Key next generation technologies for the Internet are being developed at the Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI), NUI Galway, which will be the backbone of Ireland's knowledge economy. Professor Manfred Hauswirth, Vice Director of DERI, states that, "The success and growth of the knowledge economy in this country will be linked to our ability to easily create, share and retrieve information and data across organisations. To make this process efficient it has to be mechanised, which can only be achieved through self description of data and processes, namely by adding semantics into them." Using semantics, (tagging data to allow computers understand its meaning) DERI is developing technologies enabling people, organisations and systems to better collaborate and interoperate. The work being carried out by over eighty researchers, the biggest project of its kind in the world, will also involve other aspects of the digital society spanning from the public sector, e.g., health or governmental administration, to the personal domain, e.g., community portals which support novel ways for people to share information and interact. Professor Hauswirth was speaking in advance of Research Day at DERI on 23 November, which will see leading academics and industry experts convene at NUI Galway to receive an update on the technologies being developed by the institute and discuss the future of informatics in Ireland. Chaired by DERI's Directors Prof. Stefan Decker and Prof. Manfred Hauswirth, the day will offer a forum for researchers and practitioners coming from a wide variety of areas to discuss common interests, share and exchange expertise and establish new connections inside Irish academic institutions as well as with industry. According to Professor Hauswirth, "The mission of DERI is to establish semantics as the core pillar of modern computer engineering. We are three years into this huge and exciting project and are on the cusp of tagging the entire web, which will lead us into the next generation of the Internet and computing. We have over eighty of the best researchers in the world, from 16 different countries, working in Galway to drive this project forward in tandem with the rise of the knowledge economy." The DERI Research Day will be held in DERI Galway, IDA Business Park, Lower Dangan, Galway and attendance is by invitation only. Presentations will be made on topics including Web Services eXecution Environment; Semantic Web Search Engine; Information Centric Access in the case of SIOC; and Large Scale Sensor Networks. -ends-
Monday, 20 November 2006
Is ar thuismitheoirí a bheas Lá Oscailte OÉ Gaillimh dírithe
Cuirfidh OÉ Gaillimh fáilte roimh dhaltaí meánscoile, tuismitheoirí agus múinteoirí ó cheann ceann na tíre go dtí a Lá Oscailte Déardaoin, an 30 Samhain 9r.n. – 3i.n. I mbliana, cuirfear béim ar eolas a thabhairt do thuismitheoirí faoin ról tábhachtach a bhíonn acu cabhrú le daltaí rogha a dhéanamh faoina n-ábhar staidéir don tríú leibhéal. Dúirt Mary Coyle, An tOifigeach um Idirchaidreamh le Scoileanna, "Bíonn sé an-deacair ar dhaoine óga an fhoirm CAO a chomhlánú mar gheall ar an rogha atá ann. Cabhraíonn a dtuismitheoirí leo an rogha is fearr a dhéanamh. Ar an Lá Oscailte tá súil againn an t-eolas a chur ar fáil a chabhróidh le gach duine páirteach an cinneadh is fearr a dhéanamh." I rith an lae, beidh réamhléachtaí ó na Dámha seo, na Dána, Dlí, Tráchtáil, Eolaíocht, Léann Ceilteach, Leigheas & Eolaíochtaí Sláinte agus Innealtóireacht. Beidh 70 seastáin ann ar an lá agus comhaltaí foirne acadúla agus mic léinn ar fáil chun léargas a thabhairt ar shaol an champais idir cúrsaí, lóistín agus gairmchomhairle. Beidh turais den champas ar fáil ar an Lá Oscailte chomh maith le taispeántais saotharlainne agus eolas faoi ghníomhaíochtaí seach-churaclaim cosúil le spórt agus cumainn. Tá clú agus cáil ar an Ollscoil mar eagraíocht a thugann tús áite don mhac léinn agus bíonn béim láidir ar fhorbairt iomlánaíoch gach mac léinn. Dúirt an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, "Tá sé ar cheann de na heispéiris is fearr sa saol dul ar an Ollscoil, agus beidh an deis agat mionstaidéar a dhéanamh ar ábhair a thaitníonn leat. Tugaimid cabhair do na mic léinn eolas agus scileanna a fháil a theastaíonn ó fhostóirí agus cuireann siad aithne ar dhaoine nua, aithne a mhaireann go brách". Tá Cathair na Gaillimhe ar cheann de na cathracha is tapúla fás san Eoraip agus tá sí ina hionad rafar, spleodrach cultúir agus tráchtála; de bharr go bhfuil an Ollscoil chomh gar sin don Chathair, ní bhíonn deacracht ag mic léinn teacht ar na saoráidí go léir a bhíonn ar fáil i mbaile mór nua-aimseartha. Bíonn sult le baint ag mic léinn OÉ Gaillimh as an saol sóisialta agus cultúir atá sa chathair fhuinniúil bhríomhar seo, ach lena chois sin bíonn siad in ann taitneamh a bhaint as ceann de na cúlchríocha is áille agus is glaine san Eoraip, lena n-áirítear Gaeltacht Chonamara, traidisiúin shaibhre chultúir agus ealaíon, Boirinn agus Oileáin Árann. Chun eolas breise a fháil déan teagmháil le Mary Coyle ar 091 492814 nó mary.coyle@nuigalway.ie. É sin nó cliceáil ar www.nuigalway.ie. - críoch -
Monday, 20 November 2006
Dr. Garret FitzGerald Warns of Ethical Wasteland in Ireland
20 November 2006 – Speaking at NUI Galway recently, Dr. Garret FitzGerald said Irish society "could eventually find that we had created an ethical wasteland – a society without human values, corroded by materialism, selfishness and also hedonism" unless "firm ethical foundations can be laid in our schools". His speech 'Civic Republicanism and Public Morality' was part of a keynote seminar series focusing on themes related to civic engagement and active citizenship, hosted by the University's Community Knowledge Initiative. Dr. FitzGerald, former Taoiseach and current Chancellor of the National University of Ireland, said, 'Irish society still retains some pre-modern elements which by the start of the 20th century had largely disappeared in the rest of Northern Europe. These include an almost tribalist form of localism, and a client list approach to politics, together with a weak commitment to the state and the payment of taxes democratically levied by the state. In other words, our state is still marked by a notable absence of what has become known as civic republicanism. He continued, "Unless firm ethical foundations can be laid in our schools for what I would describe as a new 'civic republicanism' – the prospect of improving, or even maintaining, the quality of Irish society as we move further in the 21st century seems pretty grim. Many – but clearly today not all – parents will no doubt assist such a process, in their own way, but the schools – both primary and secondary – hold the key to this project". The Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI) is a project at NUI Galway that promotes partnership with communities and endeavours to enhance social commitment within communities. Funded by philanthropic donations, the CKI hopes to reinvigorate the civic mission of higher education in Ireland, putting communities at the centre of debate. "We were delighted to have Dr. FitzGerald speak with us, as it was an educational and informative event for people of the Galway community," said Lorraine McIlrath, CKI Project Coordinator. The keynote series is being offered as a response to the increased alienation and declining social commitment that is common in today's communities, and will host a number of high profile people who are knowledgeable in these areas. KEYNOTE SEMINAR SERIES SCHEDULE: Dr. Garret Fitzgerald, Ret. Leader and Chancellor of the NUI, Tuesday, November 14th, 3.00pm - 4.00pm, Civic Republicanism and Public Morality Mr. Alan Kerins, Alan Kerins African Projects, Thursday, 25th January 2007, 3.00pm - 4.00pm, speaking on his work with the Cheshire House, volunteering and how important it is today. Mrs. Mary Davis, Chair of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship, Thursday, 22nd February 2007, 3.00pm - 4.00pm, speaking on her work with the Taskforce on Active Citizenship, the Special Olympics and active citizenship in Ireland today Mr. Alan Rusbridger, Editor of the Guardian, Friday, 9th March 2007, 3.00pm - 4.00pm, speaking on his work with the Guardian, as well as Journalism, New Media and Democracy Mr. Maurice Mullard, University of Hull, Reader in Social Policy, Thursday, 19th April 2007, 3.00pm -4.00pm, speaking on his work with the University of Hull, citizenship, social policy and the war on terror Ms. Caroline Casey, The Aisling Foundation, Thursday, 27th September 2007, 3.00pm - 4.00pm, speaking on her work with the Aisling Foundation and active citizenship, as well as the role that volunteering plays in community.
Monday, 20 November 2006
'A Brief History of Weather Forecasting' at NUI Galway
20 November 2006: Brendan McWilliams, author of the popular Irish Times column 'Weather Eye', will deliver a public lecture at NUI Galway at 7pm on 29 November, in the IT Building, room 125. The free public event, entitled 'From Elementary Curiosity to Chaos: A Brief History of Weather Forecasting', will take a fascinating look at the art and science of predicting weather through the years. McWilliams is a meteorologist, and for the past eighteen years he has written the daily Irish Times column, which is a fascinating and authoritative insight into our daily weather patterns. He is a former Deputy Director of Met Éireann and in the early 1990s served as Director of the Programme of Expert Studies on Climate Change on behalf of the Department of the Environment. According to McWilliams, "Our ancestors tried to predict weather changes by the appearance of the sky or by watching the behaviour of plants and animals. During the past 400 years our knowledge of the mechanics of the weather has progressed to the stage where accurate forecasts, based on the latest satellite technology, advanced computer models of the atmosphere and sophisticated communications networks, are taken more or less for granted. The current challenge for meteorology is to predict, not just tomorrow's weather, but the climatic evolution of our planet in the coming decades." The event is being hosted by NUI Galway's Environmental Change Institute (ECI), which leads research in areas such as Biodiversity, Climate Change, Marine Environment, Waste, Social and Economic Impact, Human Impact and Modelling Systems. Professor Gerard Jennings, Director of the ECI, commented, "This promises to be a fascinating and informational evening with one of Ireland's foremost experts on weather. In Ireland, discussing the weather is the perennial conversation piece and even more so now as people are noticing changing weather patterns and becoming more conscious of the human impact on our environment." For further information on the event, please contact Sarah Knight of NUI Galway's Environmental Change Institute on 086 3092663. - ends - Notes to editors Brendan Mc Williams is a meteorologist, and for the past 18 years he has written the daily Irish Times column 'Weather Eye'. He is a former Deputy Director of Met Éireann and in the early 1990s served as Director of the Programme of Expert Studies on Climate Change on behalf of the Department of the Environment. From 1998-2000 he was a Member of EU Fifth Framework Programme External Advisory Group on Global Change, Climate and Biodiversity, and has been, more recently, a Director and member of the Management Board of EUMETSAT, the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation in Darmstadt, Germany. He is an Honorary Life Member of both the Royal Dublin Society and the Irish Meteorological Society.
Tuesday, 14 November 2006
Scoláireachtaí Spóirt bronnta ar Lúthchleasaithe atá ina Mic Léinn in OÉ Gaillim
01 Samhain 2006:Tá Scoláireachtaí Spóirt, ar fiú breis is €90,000 iad, bronnta ar lúthchleasaithe OÉ Gaillimh ag Uachtarán na hOllscoile, an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, faoi Scéim Scoláireachtaí Spóirt na hOllscoile don bhliain seo. Is í seo an naoú bliain den scéim, a thugann tacaíocht do lúthchleasaithe a dhéanann éacht ina spórt féin agus atá ina mic léinn san Ollscoil. Cuidíonn an scéim scoláireachtaí agus sparánachtaí leis na mic léinn seo agus iad i mbun staidéir san ollscoil. Baineann buaiteoirí na bliana seo le réimse leathan spórt, lena n-áirítear Peil Ghaelach, Peil Ghaelach na mBan, Iománaíocht, Camógaíocht, Lúthchleasaíocht, Rámhaíocht, Badmantan, Cispheil, Galf, Sacar, Haca, Scuais agus Tonnmharcaíocht, agus is as réimse leathan áiteanna iad freisin. Tá ag éirí thar cionn leis an scéim le hocht mbliana anuas; d'imir go leor de na buaiteoirí ar son na hOllscoile i gcomórtais náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta agus d'éirigh go geal leo. Dúirt an Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, Uachtarán OÉ Gaillimh, go léiríonn an scéim tiomantas na hOllscoile do thacaíocht a thabhairt don fheabhas i gcúrsaí spóirt i measc a cuid mac léinn, agus é sin a éascú. "D'éirigh thar barr le Scéim na Scoláireachtaí Spóirt le hocht mbliana anuas agus tá an-chabhair tugtha aici do na lúthchleasaithe mic léinn a gcumas iomlán a chomhlíonadh. Léiríonn an tionscnamh seo tiomantas OÉ Gaillimh do chur chun cinn an spóirt, atá chomh tábhachtach sin ó thaobh saol sláintiúil a bheith ag na mic léinn", a dúirt sé. Tugadh €2,000 an duine arís i mbliana do dhá lúthchleasaí déag atá ar scoláireacht spóirt cheana féin agus atá fós san Ollscoil. Bronnadh scoláireacht (€2,000 an duine) ar naonúr mac léinn eile den chéad uair, agus tugadh €1,000 an duine do 47 eile, faoi scéim Spáranachtaí na hOllscoile. Chomh maith leis na gradaim sin, bronnfar gradaim eile ar mhic léinn a mbeidh eagraíochtaí spóirt ag déanamh urraíochta orthu: dhá scoláireacht i bpeil ghaelach urraithe ag Cadbury's mar chuid d'urraíocht ar 'Craobh fé21 Cadbury's', trí scoláireacht urraithe ag Galway United, agus gradam urraithe ag Sports Med West. Ar na mic léinn a bhuaigh Scoláireacht i mbliana tá Cian Nihill as Maigh Cuilinn (Cispheil), a d'imir 41 uair d'Éirinn agus a bhí ar an duine ba mhó a scoráil pointí d'Éirinn i gCraobhchomórtas na hEorpa faoi 16 agus faoi 18; Richard Macey as Sligeach (Dornálaíocht) a bhuaigh an Craobhchomórtas Sinsearach Trom-mheáchain Idir-Ollscoile agus Craobhchomórtas Trom-mheáchain Éadroim na Breataine agus na hÉireann in 2006; Fiachra Breathnach as Leitir Móir, Co. na Gaillimhe, atá ar phainéal sinsearach na Gaillimhe (Peil Ghaelach); agus David Mannion as Cnoc na Cathrach (Rámhaíocht) ar bhí ar fhoireann na hÉireann sna Home Internationals in 2005. Tugann na Scoláireachtaí Spóirt deis do mhic léinn páirt a ghlacadh ina spórt féin ag an leibhéal is airde amuigh, dar le Tony Regan, Oifigeach Spóirt agus Áineasa na hOllscoile: "Cuireann Scéim na Scoláireachtaí Spóirt go mór le héiteas spóirt OÉ Gaillimh. Cuidíonn na gradaim seo leis na mic léinn a bhuann iad leanúint ar aghaidh ag forbairt a gcuid scileanna agus buanna agus iad fós ar an Ollscoil", a dúirt sé. -CRÍOCH-
Tuesday, 14 November 2006
John Huston Centenary Conference at NUI Galway
……..including FREE screenings of classic film at the Omniplex in association with the Irish Film Institute 14 November 2006: To mark 100 years since the birth of John Huston, the Huston School of Film and Digital Media at NUI Galway, will host a unique two day conference, from 23-24 November, to celebrate the life and work of the legendary director. As part of the centenary celebrations there will be a public screening of a brand new print of The Misfits, starring Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift, at 7pm on Wednesday 22 November at the Galway Omniplex. The last film Huston directed, The Dead, from the James Joyce short story and starring Donal McCann with Angelica Huston, will be shown at 9pm on Saturday, 25 November at the Galway Omniplex. Entry to both screenings is free of charge. Huston had strong connections with the west of Ireland, having made Craughwell, Co Galway his home for 18 years, where his fine Georgian manor house St Clerans still stands. In between hunting and fishing – he was joint master of the Galway Blazers - Huston continued his international film-making career and made significant contributions to the Irish film industry. Parts of Moby Dick (1956), Macintosh Man (1973) and the original Casino Royale (1967) were shot in Ireland and he chaired the committee which produced the Huston Report (1968), which marked an early attempt to establish an Irish film board. Tony Tracy, Huston School of Film & Digital Media, NUI Galway, commented, "Huston directed 41 films over 46 years and was much celebrated by his peers and associates, with 15 Oscar nominations. However, he has been under-represented in movie literature and criticism. This conference seeks to redress such neglect and provide a forum for as wide a consideration of his contribution to cinema as possible." Highlights of the conference will be panel discussions, film critiques and keynote speeches by Patrick McGilligan, contributing editor of American Film magazine, Luke Gibbons of Notre Dame University and by Joseph McBride of San Francisco State University. The Conference is sponsored by Coca-Cola Bottlers Ireland and is supported by the NUI Galway Millennium Fund. For more information contact Tony Tracy (091 512188) / tony.tracy@nuigalway.ie -ends- Notes to Editors A hugely versatile and charismatic figure in American film, Huston directed 41 films over 46 years - the first being the film noir classic The Maltese Falcon (1941), while his last was The Dead (1987), adapted from the James Joyce short story. Huston had a long and distinguished career as a writer, director and later as an actor, notably as the chillingly corrupt Noah Cross in Polanski's Chinatown (1974). He was nominated, in various capacities, 15 times for an Academy Award (Oscar), winning twice for his work as writer and director for The Treasure of Sierra Madre (1948). He has the distinction of being the only director to direct both his father and daughter to Oscar success: the first in Sierra Madre and Angelica in Prizzi's Honor (1985). He was recipient of an AFI Lifetime Achievement award in 1983.
Monday, 13 November 2006
Technology Transfer Offices in Irish Third-Level Institutions have yet to Achiev
– The Challenge in Establishing a Knowledge Based Economy – 13 November 2006: Recently established Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) in Irish Third-Level Institutions will not achieve their full potential unless adequate investment is made in fostering links between academic institutions and specific industries and the transfer of technology from campus to the company is strategically managed. In their new book, 'Strategic management of Technology Transfer: The new Challenge on Campus', NUI Galway academics James Cunningham and Brian Harney argue this approach is critical if the Irish government is to deliver a real return on its promised investment of €3.8 billion in a Knowledge Economy. Commercialisation programmes at universities need to be developed further to meet industry needs, ensuring that knowledge generated is translated into new products, processes and services. James Cunningham, Senior Lecturer in Management at NUI Galway, makes the following recommendations for the success of TTOs: Effective creation, exploitation and commercialisation of research from third level institutions to sustain economic momentum. Hard measures for performance metrics, with national and local targets to be put in place. Soft measures (cultural aspects) to be put in place to ensure that the hard measures performance metrics will be reached. The attraction to Ireland of the best PhD students in the world. The internationalisation of Irish research and researchers in worldwide centres of excellence. Researchers to become more commercially aware and actively seek market opportunities for their research with the support of well resourced Technology Transfer Offices. Cunningham and Harney have reviewed national and international best practice in this area and present a framework to guide the strategic management of technology transfer in the Irish Third-level context. They argue that with a planned investment of €3.8 billion, delivering on the return to Ireland Inc is what will mark the success of the Government's Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy. Technology Transfer Offices will play a crucial strategic role in this and Cunningham and Harney are the first to lay down specific guidelines on the role of TTOs and how they should be developed in order to ensure adequate return on this investment. NUI Galway established a dedicated Technology Transfer Office (TTO), directed by Dr Daniel O'Mahony, in 2005 who is responsible for the strategic management and commercialization of university developed intellectual property and technologies and in forging links with industries leading to collaborative projects and co-development of new technologies. The TTO has recruited Commercialization Executives or Technology Transfer professionals in biotech, in ICT/engineering and in Business Development, it has invested in IP management systems, reinforcing the university's investment in technology transfer and technology commercialization. The TTO has also received support from Enterprise Ireland (EI) in filling other posts for Technology Transfer Professionals under the EI €30 million support scheme to strengthen technology transfer offices in universities. It also manages both the Technology Transfer Initiative program (focused on developing industry collaborative projects) and the EDP program which supports entrepreneurs in the formation of High Potential Start-up companies. Since establishment of the TTO at NUI Galway there has been a substantial increase in filing of invention disclosure forms and in patent filing, along with a sizable increase in licensing, in the spin-out of university developed technologies into new companies and in other technology transfer / commercialization activities – key metrics for technology commercialization identified in the new book. In light of the success of the Celtic Tiger, Ireland is seen as a model for developing countries, particularly the recent new entrants to the EU. However the tendency to highlight Ireland as a benchmark for knowledge economies is premature – we still have a long way to go. "Strategic Management of Technology Transfer: The New Challenge on Campus" by James Cunningham and Brian Harney is available from Oak Tree Press at http://www.oaktreepress.com/. – ends – For further information, contact: Dr. James Cunningham, NUI Galway, Tel: 091 493472/087 2655970, email: james.cunningham@nuigalway.ie or Ruth Hynes, NUI Galway, Press Office, tel: 00 353 (0)91 493361 Note to Editors – About the Authors Dr James Cunningham is a lecturer in strategic management in the Department of Management, a research fellow for Centre for Innovation and Structural Change (CISC) and EMBA Programme Director at NUI Galway. Prior to joining NUI Galway he lectured in the Department of Business Administration, at University College Dublin and worked as a strategy consultant. His research interests encompass three areas namely, strategy practice, strategy and the environment and entrepreneurship and technology transfer. His research has been published in leading journals and strategy books. He is the co-author of Enterprise in Action, now in its second edition, and he has completed commissioned reports for Udáras na Gaeltachta, Forfás, ICSTI and the Centre for Innovation and Structural Change (CISC). In addition, James has made a number of guest presentations on the subject of strategy practice, technology transfer and entrepreneurship. He also held a visiting professorship at the Department of Management and Organisation at Penn State University, Mr. Brian Harney holds a first class honours BA degree from the University of Dublin, Trinity College and a first class honours MBS (Corporate Strategy and Human Resource Management) from the National University of Ireland, Galway. In 2004 he was a recipient of the Irish Institute of Management Sir Charles Harvey Medal as one of the most outstanding graduates of a postgraduate Business Degree in Ireland. Brian has published in leading HR journals including the Human Resource Management Journal and in Advances in Industrial and Labor Relations. Brian's other main research interests include Strategy as Practice, University Technology Transfer and the determinants of HRM. Brian lectures in strategy and HRM at NUI Galway, and is currently pursuing a PhD, funded by a CISC scholarship, at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge where he is also the recipient of a Cambridge European Trust Bursary and a Fellow of the Cambridge European Society.
Monday, 13 November 2006
Sports Scholarships Awarded to Student-Athletes at NUI Galway
13 November 2006: Sports Scholarships amounting to over € 90,000 have been presented by NUI Galway President, Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, to athletes who are the recipients of this year's NUI Galway's Sports Scholarships Scheme. This is the ninth year of the scheme, which supports athletes who excel in their respective sporting fields and are students of the University. The scholarship and bursary scheme assists these students financially through their time in University and this year's selection of athletes is representative of many sports, including Gaelic Games, Athletics, Rowing, Ladies Football, Badminton, Basketball, Camogie, Golf, Soccer, Hockey, Squash and Surfing, and also includes a wide geographical spread. The scheme has been a phenomenal success over the past eight years, with many recipients representing the University with distinction at national and international level. Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, President of NUI Galway, says the scheme shows the commitment of the University to supporting and facilitating sporting excellence in its students. "The Sports Scholarships Scheme has been a huge success over the years and has enabled top student athletes reach their full potential. This initiative illustrates NUI Galway's commitment to the promotion of sport which is so important in creating a balanced lifestyle for our students," he said. A total of twelve athletes, who are already on sports scholarships and are still studying at the University, have received € 2,000 again this year. A further nine students have received scholarships (worth € 2,000) for the first time, while an additional 47 students have benefited to the tune of € 1,000 each, under the University's Bursary scheme. In addition to these awards two students will receive Gaelic Football scholarships sponsored by Cadbury's as part of their sponsorship of the Cadbury U21 Football Championship; three scholarships sponsored by Galway United; and an award sponsored by Sports Med West. This year's Scholarship winners include Cian Nihill from Moycullen (Basketball), who has 41 International caps as well as being top scorer for U16 & U18 Irish teams at European Championships; Richard Macey from Sligo (Boxing), the 2006 Senior Intervarsity Champion at heavyweight as well as British and Irish Champion at light heavyweight; Fiachra Breathnach from Leitir Móir, Co. na Gaillimhe (Gaelic Football), a current Galway Senior panellist; and David Mannion, from Knocknacarra (Rowing), who represented Ireland in the Home Internationals in 2005. NUI Galway Sports & Recreation Officer, Tony Regan says the Sports Scholarship Scheme initiative encourages students to participate at the highest levels in sport. "The Sports Scholarship Scheme gives a tremendous boost to the sporting ethos of NUI Galway. These awards help the individual sports people continue to develop their sporting skills and talents at the University", he said. - ENDS -
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