In the News..

Five researchers at University of Galway have been awarded funding from Research Ireland in a special investment in projects aligned with national priorities. As part of the Research Ireland Pathway programme, the five projects will, investigate climate misinformation in Ireland; analyse gender balance in Irish opera productions; determine the response of microbial communities to environmental change; re-define interpretations of obscure medieval texts; and study the seismic vibrations of highly magnetised neutron stars. The funding, covering a four-year period, will support the researchers to further establish their careers and allow for a postgraduate student to each project. The Pathway programme is a national investment announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless T.D., with more than €3.2m awarded to University of Galway.   The awardees are:  Dr Brenda McNally, an Assistant Professor in communication and global media, and a Fulbright Ireland scholar in the University’s College of Arts Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. Her research project - Tackling Climate Misinformation in Ireland: An Evidence Base and Novel Resources for Journalists and Communications Professionals - will investigate the evolving forms of misinformation in Irish climate policy debates and examine how they are reproduced in news media. The findings will be used to co-create resources to tackle the crisis of climate misinformation with stakeholders. According to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, rampant misinformation is delaying climate action. This is because it confuses the public about the need for urgent action and weakens democratic debate about the necessary responses. Therefore, improving communication about climate policy is urgently required. However, climate misinformation is fast changing making it difficult for journalists and communication professionals to identify and easy to reproduce. The project is co-funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and Met Éireann. Dr Ciaran Arthur, a postdoctoral researcher in the Classics Department in the University’s College of Arts Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. His research project - Connect 4: Uncovering Knowledge Exchange within the Early Medieval Insular World through Linguistic Idiosyncrasies in Obscure Letters, Words, Phrases, and Texts – seeks to re-define interpretations of obscure texts that exist between British and Irish communities in the medieval period, exposing commonalities between different cultures, and how they interconnect. This is based on many texts from early medieval Irish and British manuscripts containing ancient and foreign languages, strange words, exotic alphabets, and cryptic signs. Its digital repository will provide a thematic, multidisciplinary tool to cross-compare, critically analyse, and attempt to solve meanings in these mysterious texts. Dr Anna Trego, a postdoctoral researcher from the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences in the University’s College of Science and Engineering. Her research project - Modelling Metabolic Stress Response of Whole Microbial Communities to Environmental Cues – will determine and model the response of microbial communities to environmental change, including changing climates. This project will study how whole communities of bacteria, viruses and fungi interact and respond to a wide range of environmental stresses at the genetic level. It will combine a unique incubation with cutting edge strategies and community modelling to identify patterns and gradients in community stress response. This set-up will provide a high-throughput means of testing stress-response in whole microbial communities from the whole-community level, down to the level of individual metabolic pathways and even genes.   Dr Michael Lydon, a postdoctoral researcher in the University’s College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. His research project - Knowing the Score: An Analysis of the Gender Balance of Opera Productions on the Island of Ireland (2000-25) – will quantify the extent to which imbalances exist in Irish opera and qualify the socio-cultural, political and economic factors that have supported inequality. The study will assess the gender balance of the key creative and leadership roles for Irish opera productions from 2000-2025. The outputs of this research will include a series of ready-to-implement research-informed equality initiatives and stimulate sustainable and systemic changes in Irish opera that will enrich creativity and culture. Dr Oliver Roberts, a researcher in the University’s College of Science and Engineering. His research project - Good Vibrations – Studying the Seismic Vibrations of Highly Magnetized Neutron Stars (AstroMagnets) - will develop infrastructure with NASA and European Space Agency missions and global radio networks to better understand the connection between fast radio bursts and magnetar flares/bursts in space, through timing analysis of their “starquakes”, as well as monitoring active galactic magnetars, and testing new hardware and methods required to observe magnetars from space. Magnetars are the smouldering remnants of an explosion of a star 10 times greater 10x more massive than our Sun. Magnetars produce episodic bursts, intermediate flares and rarely, giant flares. Professor Lokesh Joshi, Interim Vice-President for Research and Innovation, University of Galway, said: “Congratulations to our five successful researchers awarded this highly competitive Research Ireland funding that will further establish their research careers. This funding will also lead to the retention of postgraduate students to provide additional support to these diverse research projects and deliver meaningful societal impacts. Funding awards like this strengthen the University’s ongoing mission of being a teaching and research-led institution.” Minister Lawless said: “This investment, through Research Ireland’s Pathway programme, will support emerging researchers in their journey from postdoctoral work towards establishing themselves as independent investigators. The projects receiving funding span a broad range of disciplines, ensuring a broad impact on scientific discovery and societal progress. By aligning with Ireland’s national research priorities, these projects will help drive advancements in key sectors such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, history and education.” Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO, Research Ireland, said: “Our Pathway programme equips promising researchers with the resources needed to reach the next level and help drive impactful discoveries. These projects will contribute valuable insights into pressing global and national issues including public health policy, digital well-being, technological advancements, healthcare and more.” Ends

University of Galway student awarded CLS prize in new Biotechnology with Irish pathway Student Seán Casey has been awarded the CLS prize for Best Overall Academic Performance in the Irish language stream in the Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology at University of Galway. From Carna, Co Galway, Seán Casey earned First Class Honours in his first-year exams and was recognised for his outstanding results across a range of subjects including biology, biotechnology skills, chemistry, data science, employability for biotechnologists and Gaeilge don Bhith-theicneolaíocht. The award is sponsored by Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS), which was founded in Ros Muc, Co Galway and actively supports the use of the Irish language in science education. University of Galway’s BSc in Biotechnology has been a core programme in the biosciences for more than 30 years, with established streams for students with French and German. In 2024 an Irish language pathway was introduced in response to several factors: increased student demand, alignment with the University's strategic commitment to promoting Irish in STEM education, increasing employment opportunities in Gaeltacht-based bioscience companies and government policy aimed at expanding the number of public sector employees who are proficient in Irish. Seán Casey said: “As a native Irish speaker, it meant a lot to me to be able to use Irish as part of my Biotech studies. I’m really delighted and proud to receive this award. It’s great to see more opportunities for students to use Irish in science. I want to thank all my lecturers, especially my Irish lecturer Caroline Ní Nia for making the Irish sessions fun and engaging. Thanks also to CLS for the prize and plaque, and for supporting this new language pathway.” Dr Stephen Rea, Programme director for the BSc in Biotechnology in the University’s College of Science and Engineering, said: ““I am very proud to introduce Irish as a third language option in Biotechnology. Having a language with a science degree provides our graduates with an opportunity to enter an even wider variety of science-based careers. I would like to thank my colleagues in Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge for their enthusiastic engagement with this initiative and also CLS for their support and for sponsoring this prize. And finally, a big congratulations to Seán for winning this prize.” Caroline Ní Fhlatharta, Irish Language Officer at University of Galway, said: “University of Galway takes pride in our role in leading higher education and research in the Irish language and we are committed to expanding opportunities for students from across the country to engage with the Irish language. This new language pathway in the Biotechnology programme, supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta, enables STEM students to maintain and develop their Irish language skills, and to further enhance their employment opportunities.” The BSc in Biotechnology combines a strong foundation in bioscience with practical experience through employability training, business modules and placement with industry partners in Ireland or in research laboratories across Europe. A unique feature of the programme is its biotech-orientated language training, which is integrated alongside other subjects during years 1-3. Last year, an Irish language pathway was created in parallel to the existing French and German pathways which will provide students with broader options. The Biotechnology programme has had a long-standing relationship with CLS - Ireland’s leading provider of sampling, analysis and laboratory analysts to the pharmaceutical, medical device, food and environmental sectors. Many students have completed six-month placements at CLS, and several graduates have gone on to secure employment with the company. An advocate for the use of the Irish language in education, CLS sponsors the annual academic prize of €500 for students enrolled in the Irish language stream of the BSc in Biotechnology. CLS chief executive Evelyn O'Toole said: “We are honoured to present this Academic Excellence Award to Seán Casey for his outstanding performance. Being founded in Connemara and rooted in the Gaeltacht is a proud part of the identity of CLS, as is our commitment to supporting the Irish language in science and education. This award celebrates not just academic achievement, but also the importance of preserving our language and culture within modern scientific fields. Seán’s work sets a wonderful example, and we’re proud to support students who share our values and our vision for the future.” For more information on the BSc in Biotechnology programme (CAO code GY304) visit https://www.universityofgalway.ie/courses/. Ends

Gradam CLS le bronnadh ar mhac léinn as Gaillimh ar chosán nua Bith-theicneolaíochta le Gaeilge Bronnadh Ghradam CLS um Barrfheabhas Acadúil ar chosán nua teanga (an Ghaeilge) ar an BSc sa Bhith-theicneolaíocht ar Sheán Casey. Bhain Seán, ar as Carna, Co. na Gaillimhe dó, céad onóracha amach i scrúduithe na chéad  bhliana agus aithníodh é as a chuid torthaí i réimse leathan ábhar – an bhitheolaíocht, scileanna bith-theicneolaíochta, an cheimic, eolaíocht sonraí, infhostaitheacht do bhith-theicneolaithe agus an Ghaeilge don Bhith-theicneolaíocht. Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS), ar bunaíodh i Ros Muc é, agus a thacaíonn le húsáid na Gaeilge san oideachas eolaíochta, a rinne urraíocht ar an ngradam. Is croí-chúrsa é an BSc sa Bhith-theicneolaíocht sna heolaíochta bitheacha in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe le tríocha bliain anuas, agus sruthanna seanbhunaithe ann le Fraincis agus le Gearmáinis. In 2024, cuireadh tús le cosán Gaeilge mar fhreagairt ar éileamh méadaithe, le hailíniú le tiomantas straitéiseach na hOllscoile tacú leis an nGaeilge san Oideachas ETIM, le cur le deiseanna fostaíochta i gcomhlachtaí eolaíochta bithí agus le tacú le polasaithe rialtais a dhíríonn ar chur le líon na bhfostaithe san earnáil phoiblí a bhfuil líofacht Gaeilge acu.             Dúirt Seán faoi duais: “Mar chainteoir dúchais Gaeilge, bhí sé tábhachtach dom a bheith in ann an Ghaeilge a úsáid ar mo chúrsa Bith-theicneolaíochta. Tá an-áthas agus bród orm an gradam seo a fháil. Tá sé iontach tuilleadh deiseanna do mhic léinn an Ghaeilge a úsáid san eolaíocht a fheiceáil.  Gabhaim buíochas le mo chuid léachtóirí ar fad, mo léachtóir Gaeilge, Caroline Ní Nia go háirithe, a rinne na seisiúin Ghaeilge spraíúil agus tarraingteach. Buíochas freisin le CLS as an duais, agus as tacaíocht a thabhairt don chosán teanga nua seo.” Dúirt an Dr Stephen Rea, Stiúrthóir Cláir, an BSc sa Bhith-theicneolaíocht i gColáiste Eolaíochta agus Innealtóireachta Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Tá an-bhród orm an Ghaeilge a chur leis na roghanna teanga ar an gcúrsa Bith-theicneolaíochta. Tugann céimeanna eolaíochta a bhfuil gné teanga iontu deis bhreise dár gcuid céimithe gairmeacha in earnálacha nua a bhaint amach. Gabhaim buíochas le comhleacaithe in Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge as a rannpháirteachas sa togra agus le CLS as a dtacaíocht agus as an urraíocht. Agus ar deireadh, comhghairdeas mór le Seán a bhain an gradam seo.” Dúirt Caroline Ní Fhlatharta, an tOifigeach Gaeilge in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Tá Ollscoil na Gaillimhe bródúil as ár ról an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn san oideachas agus sa taighde, agus táimid tiomanta do leathnú na ndeiseanna do mhic léinn ó áiteanna éagsúla ar fud na tíre an Ghaeilge a úsáid. Cuidíonn an cosán nua teanga seo sa Bhith-theicneolaíocht le mic léinn ETIM a gcuid scileanna Gaeilge a bhuanú agus a fhorbairt, agus cur lena ndeiseanna fostaíochta.” Tá curaclam comhtháite ag an BSc sa Bhith-theicneolaíocht ina gceanglaítear bonn láidir san eolaíocht bhitheach leis an taithí phraiticiúil tríd an oiliúint infhostaitheachta, modúil ghnó, agus socrúcháin oibre le páirtnéirí sa tionscal in Éirinn nó i saotharlanna taighde ar fud na hEorpa. Gné uathúil den chlár is ea na modúil teanga, a bhfuil béim ar an mbith-theicneolaíocht iontu, atá ar fáil in éineacht leis na hábhair eile ó bhliain 1-3. Anuraidh, cuireadh tús le cosán Gaeilge a ritheann comhthreomhar leis na cosáin Fraincise agus Gearmáinise atá ann cheana féin, le roghanna breise a thabhairt do mhic léinn. Tá nasc le fada ag an gclár BSc sa Bhith-theicneolaíocht le CLS, príomhsholáthróir samplála, anailíse, agus anailísithe saotharlainne in earnálacha cógaisíochta, feistí leighis, bia agus timpeallachta na hÉireann. Rinne go leor mac léinn socrúcháin oibre sé mhí in CLS, agus d’éirigh le roinnt céimithe poist a aimsiú sa chomhlacht.   Ag teacht lena dtiomantas don Ghaeilge i gcúrsaí oideachais, tá CLS le hurraíocht a dhéanamh ar an ngradam acadúil bliantúil seo a bhfuil luach €500 air, don mhac léinn is fearr sa shruth Gaeilge ar an BSc sa Bhith-theicneolaíocht. Dúirt POF CLS Evelyn O'Toole: “Is cúis áthais dúinn an Gradam um Feabhas Acadúil seo a bhronnadh ar Sheán Casey as feabhas a chuid torthaí. De bharr gur bunaíodh CLS i gConamara agus go bhfuil sé fréamhaithe sa Ghaeltacht, tá an Ghaeltacht agus an teanga buanaithe inár bhféiniúlacht, mar atá ár dtiomantas tacú leis an nGaeilge san eolaíocht agus san oideachas. Is ceiliúradh é an gradam seo, ní ar ghnóchtáil acadúil amháin, ach ar an tábhacht a bhaineann le cosaint ár dteanga agus ár gcultúir i réimsí nua-aimseartha eolaíochta. Is eiseamláir é obair Sheáin anseo, agus táimid an-sásta tacú le mic léinn a bhfuil na luachanna céanna acu is atá againn agus an fhís chéanna don todhchaí.” Le tuilleadh eolais a fháil ar an BSc sa Bhith-theicneolaiocht (GY304 an cód CAO), féach: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/courses/. Críoch