Made with FlowPaper - Flipbook Maker
In this edition... Regional Roots, Global Presence: Inside Galway’s New €34.3m HealthTech Powerhouse Prof Garry Duffy, School of Medicine, University of Galway Creative Galway: Aims and Ambitions of the New Research Institute for Creativity Prof Florian Schneider, Director, Institute for Creativity, University of Galway Institute for Lifecourse and Society: Enabling Equity Across the Lifecourse Prof Caroline McGregor, Director, Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS), University of Galway How Ward & Burke Are Helping Engineer a Future at University of Galway Galway University Foundation …and more. A magazine for alumni and friends of University of Galway CoisCoiribe SUMMER 26 I CHANGE MAKERS EDITIONCois Coiribe Impact. Summer 2026 Change Makers Edition The online publication for views and opinions from University of Galway’s top academics, researchers, and alumni. A window into the ground-breaking research and cutting-edge innovation driven by our University community. Explore our Change Makers edition today. #CoisCoiribe impact.universityofgalway.ieContents Foreword from The President 3 Prof David Burn, President, University of Galway Dates for you 2026 Diary 5 Institute for Lifecourse and Society: 6 Enabling Equity Across the Lifecourse Prof Caroline McGregor, Director of the Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS), University of Galway Into the West: An Interview with Prof Robert Scully, 14 Ireland’s First Established Professor of Rural and Remote Medicine Prof Robert Scully, School of Medicine, University of Galway Re-Purposing the Arts, Humanities, 20 and Social Sciences for Critical Change Prof Rebecca Braun, Executive Dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies, University of Galway It All Started in Galway: The Foundations of 24 the Educational Studies Association of Ireland Prof Tony Hall, School of Education, University of Galway Baboró, a Festival for Children: 30 Exceptional from Prelude to Curtain Call Aislinn Ó hEocha, Executive Artistic Director of Baboró International Arts Festival for Children Branar: Theatre for Children in Galway and Beyond34 Marc Mac Lochlainn, Artistic Director of Branar In Conversation with John Crumlish 38 John Crumlish, CEO of the Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) Transformative Theatre: 44 Druid and University of Galway Maureen Kennelly, CEO of Druid Creative Galway: Aims and Ambitions of 48 the New Research Institute for Creativity Prof Florian Schneider, Director of the Institute for Creativity, University of Galway University of Galway’s Centre 52 for Creative Technologies Prof Conn Holohan, Director of the Centre for Creative Technologies, University of Galway Regional Roots, Global Presence: Inside Galway’s 56 New €34.3m HealthTech Powerhouse Prof Garry Duffy, School of Medicine, University of Galway An Coimisinéir Teanga60 Séamas Ó Concheanainn (B.A. 1991) Séamas Ó Concheanainn, An Coimisinéir Teanga How Ward & Burke Are Helping Engineer 67 a Future at University of Galway Galway University Foundation The Reading List72 University of Galway’s Alumni Awards Gala 202676 A New MBA Alumni Chapter84 In the News86 Alumni Events88 University of Galway 1 Contents2 Contents Cois Coiribe Summer 26Foreword from the President Focal ón Uachtarán Professor David Burn, President, University of Galway Fáilte is fiche go dtí eagrán an tsamhraidh d’Iris Alumni Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, Cois Coiribe . This edition is dedicated to the theme of ‘Change Makers’. Having spent my first year as President getting to know this university, I can think of no more fitting description of what happens here. University of Galway is anchored in the West of Ireland, intertwined with its communities, culture, and people. This rich heritage forms the launchpad for our graduates, researchers, and partners, who go out into the world to drive meaningful, lasting change. Our University serves as a catalyst for societal change, a driver of regional ambition, and a force for good, its reach extending far beyond the West of Ireland. To be an authentic change maker is to understand that how we learn to think matters far more than what we learn to do . The features in these pages speak powerfully to the purpose of this University and the impact of our alumni community in shaping a better future. University of Galway’s new €34.3m ARC Hub for HealthTech, led by alumnus Professor Garry Duffy, is a compelling example of transformative change in action, accelerating MedTech innovation from the West of Ireland onto the global stage. Equally inspiring is the story of Ward & Burke Construction Ltd founders Padraig Burke, Michael Ward, and Robert Ward, whose journey from engineering lectures on our campus to delivering highly complex infrastructure projects across Ireland, the UK, and North America reflects the enduring value of intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and strong engineering fundamentals. Their support for the Ward & Burke Centre for Infrastructure Research and Innovation (CIRI) will ensure that our University continues to pioneer practical, cutting-edge solutions for an ever-changing world, a wonderful example of alumni giving back to the place that helped shape their success. True change also demands that we confront the questions affecting our society. In this edition, Professor Caroline McGregor, Director of our Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS), reflects on the Institute’s work enabling equity, rights, and justice. By exploring interconnected themes like life transitions, human flourishing, and intergenerational relations, our researchers ask: who gets a voice, who is left behind, and how can we drive meaningful change in policy and practice? This commitment to societal wellbeing is mirrored in our evolving regional healthcare landscape. We are exceptionally proud to welcome back alumnus Professor Robert Scully as Ireland’s first Established Professor of Rural and Remote Medicine. His return to the West of Ireland is a full-circle journey that will transform island medicine and regional healthcare through innovative educational programmes. Similarly, Professor Tony Hall traces the historic roots of the Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI), which held its inaugural ‘First Meeting of Scholars’ right here on campus in April 1976. That this association has returned to its place of origin to mark a half-century of driving vital educational research is a source of tremendous pride for us. At the heart of our regional ecosystem is a thriving intersection of creative practice, technology, and community engagement. Here, our new Institute for Creativity and its Centre for Creative Technologies are challenging the notion that creativity is merely a leisure pursuit. In a world shaped by rapid technological change and AI-driven automation, creative thinking is essential to navigating uncertainty. From rapid prototyping in our design labs to immersive art practice in the Burren, our researchers are demonstrating how creativity can support sustainability, strengthen creative industries, and enrich health and wellbeing. Galway’s identity as a cultural capital is inseparable from the University, a relationship that continues to shape our creativity and international reputation. In this issue, we explore this rich legacy through those leading the way. Alumnus John Crumlish, CEO of the Galway International Arts Festival, perfectly embodies this spirit, reflecting on how his journey went from student life on our campus to helming one of Europe’s flagship cultural events. Our exceptional alumni network also drives the success of Baboró, Branar, and Druid Theatre, together demonstrating the power of cultural participation from an early age. Through our academies with, for example, Druid Theatre and the Galway International Arts Festival, we continue to nurture world-class creative talent on campus. Looking to the future of this cultural legacy, Professor Rebecca Braun, Executive Dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies, outlines how we are refining our flagship Bachelor of Arts programme to ensure the arts and humanities continue equipping society to confront complex technological challenges with critical thinking and empathy. Mar ollscoil atá suite ar thairseach na Gaeltachta, tá sé mar phríomhaidhm dár straitéis oideachas trí Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Mar a léiríonn an Coimisinéir Teanga, Séamas Ó Concheanainn, san eagrán seo, tá ár suíomh agus ár gceannaireacht ríthábhachtach don teanga. Trí Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, agus ár gcampais Ghaeltachta, cuirimid eispéireas foghlama tumoideachais den scoth ar fáil. I am delighted to congratulate our staff and alumni on their newly published books across the academic year of 2025 to 2026. Meeting alumni at events in Ireland and around the world this year, I have been continually struck by the creativity and impact our University generates globally. These stories remind us that change makers do not simply observe history, they help shape it. I invite you to have a look through this edition of Cois Coiribe and celebrate the impact of our global alumni community. Le gach dea-mhéin, University of Galway 3Stay connected, wherever you are. Have you recently moved house or job? Stay connected and keep up to date with your University of Galway Alumni community. Update your contact details and receive the latest news and events from your alma mater. Update your details today at UniversityofGalway.ie/alumni-friends/ updateyourdetails/Dates for your 2026 Diary Wednesday 10 June 50th Anniversary Reunion The graduating class of 1976 are invited to a special 50th Anniversary Reunion celebration to commemorate their graduation on Wednesday 10 June. Details and Booking here. Saturday 25 July Galway Arts Festival BBQ and Bell X1 Concert Join us for our annual Galway Arts Festival BBQ in Sult College Bar and afterwards at the amazing Bell X1 in the Arts Festival Big Top. Details and Booking here. Saturday 29 August 20th and 25th Anniversary Reunion The graduating classes of 2001 and 2006 will celebrate their milestone anniversaries. Details and Booking here. Saturday 5 September 30th, 35th, 40th and 45th Anniversary Reunions The classes of 1981, 1986, 1991 and 1996 will come together to celebrate. Details and Booking here. Follow us @GalwayAlumni @UniversityofGalwayAlumni University of Galway Alumni University of Galway 5Institute for Lifecourse and Society: Enabling Equity Across the Lifecourse My role as Director of the Institute is to lead the implementation of our strategic objectives to enhance equity across the lifecourse. Prof Caroline McGregor, Director of the Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS), reflects on leading a University of Galway research institute and why understanding the core or arc of human lives, from birth to old age, has never mattered more. S ince becoming Director of the Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS) in September 2024, I’ve been continuously impressed by the breadth of work at the Institute and the passion our community of researchers holds for their subjects. While I had the pleasure of being part of one of the ILAS centres – the UCFRC – for over a decade, it wasn’t until I took on the role of Director that I have come to fully appreciate the scope, contribution, and potential of ILAS to provide added value to the sum of its constitute centres and units. At ILAS, the big questions are also the everyday ones: how do people navigate the turning points in their lives? What binds generations together? Who gets a voice in shaping the society we live in? Researchers here work across interconnected themes – life transitions and human flourishing; intergenerational relations, social health and wellbeing; and civic engagement and participation, with a shared conviction that good research should change not just what we know, but how we do. The work of ILAS stands out for its interdisciplinarity, its focus on engaged research, and its emphasis on pathways to impact. My role as Director of the Institute is to lead the implementation of our strategic ILAS: Leading with Research, Impact, and Purpose objectives to enhance equity across the lifecourse, focused on four main areas: •Research excellence to inform equity across the lifecourse •Impact-oriented community engagement and policy influence •Research-led innovation in teaching and learning •Leadership with regard to collaboration Our objectives align with our two constituent colleges – College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies (CASSCS) and College of Business, Public Policy and Law (CBPPL) – and our University Strategy. While potentially contributing to all four Research Pillars of the University, ILAS is especially aligned with Culture, Creativity and Society as well as Innovation and Health, with an emphasis on wellbeing. Our strategic objectives also reflect the mission of ILAS, proudly displayed as you come into the ILAS building: “To contribute scientific and practical awareness of human capacity and potential across the lifecourse, thereby impacting positively on knowledge, attitudes, policy and practice, internationally.” For more information, please join our mailing list. 6 Cois Coiribe Summer 26 ContentsUniversity of Galway 7Next >