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FOCUSED INNOVATION AT NUI GALWAY
research matters
08
INTERVIEW WITH Pól Ó Dochartaigh
visicort’s new €6M corneal transplant project
HEALTH BEHAVIOUR OF SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN SURVEY
Microwave Imaging Technology Development
ISSUE 08 summer 2014
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NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS 08
NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS
02
ISSUE 08 1
SUMMER 2014
Welcome from the Vice From Contents
Editorial Board President for Research The Interview with
02
Pól Ó Dochartaigh
Editor
Editor
John Holden
demonstrated through the spectrum of Newly appointed Registrar and
Deputy Editor articles presented in this issue. Deputy President of NUI Galway
Natalie Walsh
Each issue of Research Matters will Welcome to the all-new Research
focus on showcasing research highlights Matters. Issue 8 includes not just
14
a new look for the publication but
Editorial Board underpinned by our research agenda.
also the inclusion of additional
REMEDI Visicort
Throughout the pages of this issue we
Eithne O’ Connell
have focused on the key interactions multimedia material accessible New €6 million EU project tackling
Sarah Knight
that academia has with industry and how through the online PDF version. corneal transplantation failure
Sharon Coyle
our research is translating in terms of
Declan Devane This time round our focus turns
economic and societal impact.
Ekaterina Yahyaouikrivenko to industry and academia. NUI The Health Behaviour of
15
Alexander Rahm
Angela Sice
Welcome to a new era of Research Research at NUI Galway is exciting, Galway has numerous links with School-Aged Children
Publications at NUI Galway. The ambitious and engaging. We look forward organisations and enterprises,
Dagmar Stengel Exploring the social determinants
focus of Research Matters is to share to sharing our research journey with you. both large and small, through
of health
highlights of our research excellence the Ignite Technology Transfer
and experiences with you. NUI Galway Office, as well as programmes
is a thriving research driven University like BioInnovate Ireland, and the
28
with highly relevant and impactful many other individual projects
Microwave Imaging
research priorities and themes, Lokesh Joshi and research areas being driven
Vice President for Research by enthusiastic researchers and Technology Development
academics across campus. NUI Galway at the forefront
Guest Letter
Industry and academia share
many common goals and one Also In This Issue...
frequently provides inspiration
Leading research with EVolving Open Software
“The skills gap can be closed by increased
and focus to the other. That is
what we hope to look at here.
Systems (EVOSS) Research Group 04
emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Industry-academia collaboration with
Engineering & Mathematics) education.
We thank the President of the
Galway Chamber of Commerce,
FBM Ltd’s Smart Battery Analyser 09
Further, it can ensure that creativity,
Frank Greene, for being our
entrepreneurship and innovation skills are
nurtured and embedded in enterprise for
first Guest Letter writer. In
addition, we are also excited by
Fulbright Scholarships 13
value-added products and services. It is the inclusion of a fascinating A busy year and growing recognition for the
crucial that we have enough qualified STEM interview with newly appointed Irish Centre for Social Gerontology (ICSG) 22
graduates entering the work force to meet Registrar and Deputy President
Collaboration through research with UNESCO Child and Family
“The emphasis on aligning third level
the demands of our growing technology-
based and biomedical firms – an important
Pól Ó Docharthaigh. Those who
would like to see more of that Research Centre (CFRC) 24
education and training with the skills needs interview can do so through the
industry cluster for the West.
Neanderthal Man
29
of employers is crucial and can only be online version where we have
achieved when both third level institutions from Galway
“We believe Galway Chamber of Commerce, added additional video footage.
and employers, particularly SMEs, work
industry and NUI Galway enjoy a unique
closely together. As we look to the future This is just the beginning of a
partnership which can help bring educators,
such collaboration is necessary to ensure new, more open approach to
entrepreneurs and business leaders closer
the Greater Galway area’s continued Research Matters and we hope Regular Features...
recovery and growth as an entrepreneurial together and give Galway the competitive
that its reach will extend well
edge in delivering a highly educated and RESEARCH PROFILES 07
and knowledge hub for the whole country. beyond the NUI Galway campus
Cover Image Research in Focus 10
International evidence suggests that skilled workforce.” into the future. As always, enjoy.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock Research BYTES 16
improvements in intermediate and higher-
end skills can increase GDP by up to one Frank Greene John Holden Research PUBLICATIONS 20
DESIGN
percent through improved productivity. President, Galway Chamber of Commerce Editor Research Intersection 26
PROVIZ Ltd.
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NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS 08 NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS 08
2 3
OPINIONS
& PERSPECTIVES
The appointment of Pól Ó Dochartaigh as the new Registrar and
Deputy President signifies a welcome return to greater balance
between the Arts and Sciences, writes John Holden.
A
Any Arts, Humanities Cardiff, Ó Dochartaigh went onto do a Modern Languages until his appointment
or Social Science PhD in German Literature at Nottingham in Galway. He was elected a Member of
researchers out there University, a Postgraduate Certificate in the Royal Irish Academy in 2010.
might be forgiven for University Teaching at the University of
wanting to stick their Ulster (UU) and a BA in Irish Language and
heads in the sand in the Literature, also at UU. The Importance of
current economic and political climate. Multi-Lingualism Pól Ó Dochartaigh, newly-appointed Registrar and Deputy President, NUI Galway.
Science, Technology, Engineering and “My PhD was the first study of
With degrees in German and Irish Ó
Maths (STEM) are the country’s pets right representations of Jews in East German
Dochartaigh is a language enthusiast, to Not everything that is “To paraphrase Einstein: ‘Not everything to look at how we cultivate that. The
now as government focuses much of its fiction during the Communist era,” he
put it lightly. “During my time as Chair of countable counts, and not that is countable counts, and not traditional academic way has been to
attention (and resources) on the premise says. “It showed how monolithic politics
the Committee for Modern Languages everything that counts is countable.’ leave academics to sort out their own
that a STEM-based knowledge economy could give way to greater diversity in everything that counts is
at the Royal Irish Academy [2004-2008], This country has a tremendous cultural career themselves. But I think we have
will be the foundation of economic culture, specifically on the subject of the countable
I tried to inform policy around modern heritage that is of interest worldwide. to actively cultivate success and mentor
recovery. legacy of Nazism and the Holocaust.”
languages, something I’m passionate While no one would dispute that being Some of our writers are on curricula all youngsters. Give them pointers to help
In all, Ó Dochartaigh spent six years about,” he says. bi- or multi-lingual is a tremendous develop their own research profile so they
They may well be, but as newly appointed over the world, their writings educating
NUI Galway Registrar and Deputy in Germany in the 1980s and 1990s. advantage in work and life generally, know the best journals to target and the
“The Anglophone World needs to move students as they develop as individuals.
President, Pól Ó Dochartaigh, suggests, Interestingly, he spent the first two languages are categorised within the best international collaborators to work
away from this idea that because We have to put that at the centre
such a policy emphasis creates a years in West Germany, then two in East Arts & Humanities, which do not receive with. This can happen if our senior people
everybody supposedly speaks English of what we do, too. So STEM could
discourse hierarchy that subordinates the Germany and the final two years in the the same amount of attention as other actively mentor the next generation.”
we don’t need to bother about other become STEAM – Science, Technology,
Arts & Humanities. united Berlin.
languages. We absolutely do need to This practice is increasingly the norm
Ach a Mhalairt says the Belfast native, In 1994, he got a job in UU as a lecturer bother. If you don’t understand other elsewhere and it has forced people to
who believes Ireland’s rich cultural and in German where he resided for the last languages, you can never fully understand The Anglophone World needs to move away from think about how to up their game.
other cultures. It broadens the mind.”
artistic heritage provides a wealth 20 years. this idea that because everybody supposedly speaks “Secondly, it is no longer acceptable
of benefits that extend far beyond Being from Belfast, he has tried to develop
simple distractions from more “serious” Over his two-decade tenure, he was an understanding of difference. English we don’t need to bother about other languages. for researchers to only publish in local
key to a number of innovations at the We absolutely do need to bother. or national journals. For some niche
matters. Originally a German Literature
institution. He was part of the team There’s an economic dimension to his subjects this may be entirely appropriate,
BA graduate from University College
that introduced Film Studies to the argument too. “English is now spoken by but for those which it is not, we should
Opinions & Perspectives: Pól Ó Dochartaigh
Opinions & Perspectives: Pól Ó Dochartaigh
university, was central to the creation more non-native speakers than native,” disciplines, namely STEM subjects. Ó be encouraging researchers to think big.
Engineering, Arts and Maths. It’s the
WATCH CLIP of the Humanities Research Institute he says. “So now and into the future it Dochartaigh would question the wisdom It’s not good enough for our ambition to
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
(and became its founding director), will increasingly become redefined by of this approach. be one of the best universities in Ireland.
that give science and business a context
and in 2008 was appointed Dean of the non-native speakers. But these non- We have to think globally if we want to
in civilisation.”
Faculty of Arts, during which time he led a native speakers are also comfortable “Every country has to recognise that be competitive in terms of unlocking
successful bid for the establishment of a with other languages. the strongest economies have a strong Does he have plans to make changes while European research grants but also
Confucius Institute at UU in 2011. production side, and that’s predominantly in Galway? “Change is coming, regardless having a global reputation for strong
“Language at the executive level may be the realm of STEM subjects,” he says. “No scholarship. It’s not all about money.
of my appointment,” he says. “Some of it
Alongside his lectureship he also English but if a company wants to break one is denying the absolute necessity It’s also about reputation, international
will be imposed from outside, but I believe
held a senior administrative post in into a market where English is not the to foster innovation in these areas. My engagement and attracting and keeping
there is an appetite for change inside too.
Click to watch the video of Research student admissions and organised ten mother tongue, you still need people concern with the STEM agenda, however, the best staff.”
Matters Editor, John Holden interview conferences over a ten-year period. He who can understand the local language is that it has created a discourse which “I believe we need to address two things.
NUI Galway’s New Registrar and Deputy
President Pól Ó Dochartaigh or visit:
served on the UK’s RAE Panel for German and customs. So many of the top jobs suggests the arts are somehow an Firstly, we have tremendous young By John Holden
http://youtu.be/3ez2YtTTu30 in 2008 and the REF 2014 Panel for will go to multi-linguists.” indulgence. They aren’t. talent coming through and we need Editor, Research Matters
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4 evaluate
NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS SUMMER 2014
collaborate
NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS 08
5
Delivering Leading WATCH CLIP
Research in Evolving
Open Software Systems Click to watch this informative video
develop
from the EVOSS team or visit:
http://youtu.be/KFpYzBWiHe8
The EVolving Open Software Systems (EVOSS) research group is at
the forefront of software management. With over €4 million worth
A
of funding from Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, THE
Irish Research Council, THE EU and industry this dynamic group offer development teams to large portfolios is
As organisations face
unparalleled expertise to academia, industry and policy makers. increasing global a challenge faced by many organisations.
competition, rapidly
Such portfolios contain numerous
developing technologies
implement
projects with each one comprising
and dwindling resources,
multiple teams. Dr Orla O’Dwyer and
being able to implement
doctoral researcher Roger Sweetman are
world-class
dynamic practices and processes
developing evidence-based mechanisms
becomes increasingly vital. EVOSS at
to assist with the deployment of
NUI Galway work at the cutting edge
effective agile project management
of software creation and management,
techniques to large complex portfolios. Dr
giving unique insights into how software
Lorraine Morgan and doctoral researcher
management
can benefit organisations and policy
Eoin Cullina are devising ways in which
makers, whilst setting the research
crowd sourcing can be best adapted,
agenda for academia.
practices Research conducted by the team
applied and validated in environments
traditionally unsuited to its use.
helps organisations evaluate existing
practices and provides best practice
solutions, which immediately create Research-Led Teaching
organisational efficiencies. It focuses on EVOSS take an integrated approach
two key overarching themes: - (i) evolving to teaching and research. The team
software that examines contemporary contribute directly to a number of
(agile and lean) software management, undergraduate and postgraduate
portfolio management and decision programmes and modules within the
making and (ii) open innovation practices School of Business & Economics. The MSc
leading-edge and frameworks, which include research
on software ecosystems, crowd sourcing,
in Cloud Computing, introduced in 2012,
is a specific example of a programme
software cloud technologies and design thinking.
EVOSS offer unparalleled expertise in
a broad spectrum of research areas
which draws heavily from research led
by Dr Tom Acton and doctoral researcher
Trevor Clohessy. This programme was
recently shortlisted in three categories
related to software management
in the GradIreland Graduate Recruitment
research
and implementation. For example,
EVOSS: Delivering Leading Research
EVOSS: Delivering Leading Research
Awards 2014.
the tangible value of agile and lean
practices in organisations has not been
quantified to date. Dr Kieran Conboy, PI Industry Engagement
and research group leader along with and Impact
Ken Power, doctoral researcher and
Lean and Agile Consultant at CISCO, are Underpinning the work of EVOSS is the
addressing this by developing a metric- ability to combine research expertise
evidence-based
based assessment of the true agility with applied industry experiences, which
and leanness of organisations. Further, maximises impact on research, policy
scaling agile project management and practice. A core activity of the group
principles from small co-located software is researcher-industry knowledge
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NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS 08
6 PROFILES meet the people
behind the research
including gender and ethnicity, industry
sector and location diversity. In addition
Dr Mark Bruzzi
to collaborating and shaping the funding Programme Director BioInnovate Ireland
structures of Irish funding agencies, such
as the Irish Research Council, Enterprise
Ireland and SFI, the team will collaborate
with the Open Innovation Group at the
University of California, Berkeley.
Cross Cutting Research
‘Information Systems’ is still a relatively
young field with research examining
the application of technology and its
impact across a broad spectrum of
social and business values. This means
that rich collaborations are possible
I
within medicine, science, engineering
as well as mainstream management.
Leveraging the success of an SFI Award
I finished my PhD studies in I joined their BioDesign programme for Affiliates Programme, which will lead
in 2011 - the first such award to a
Mechanical Engineering here six months. This programme was already to more fluid connectivity between
Business School in Ireland - Dr Conboy
at NUI Galway – specifically ten years in existence at that point, Silicon Valley and Ireland. We recently
commented that: “Traditionally, SFI and focused on developing early stage
on the mechanical behaviour
grants have almost exclusively been organised the first European meeting
of metal alloys - in 2000, medical technologies through embedding
awarded to researchers within Science for programmes of this kind where we
and started lecturing in the engineers, medical doctors, and business
and Engineering. The recognition by hosted 18 universities from 11 different
Top: Research Team (L-R): Eoin Cullina, Dr Kieran Conboy (PI), Dr Lorraine Morgan, Dr Orla University immediately after that. Much of people within the hospital environment
O’Dwyer, Roger Sweetman, Dr Tom Acton, Dr Sharon Coyle, Brendan O’Malley (Lero), Trevor SFI of the strategic importance of my early research activities were centred who could then identify unmet clinical countries who participate. These
Clohessy. Absent: Dr Niamh O’Riordan, Dr Eoin Whelan, Dr Garry Lohan, Ken Power. our research demonstrates the value around the medical device industry, which needs and develop solutions. included: Northwestern University
Bottom: Representatives from IBM, Lumension, Ericsson, Aró, Fidelity, CSGI, SourceDogg
and NUI Galway. of business research.” The team is obviously strong here in Galway. Illinois, John Hopkins University
hopes to diversify their expertise by During my time in Stanford, I
Maryland, Imperial College London,
working in collaboration with other Then I did some work with a medical simultaneously helped launch the
exchanges which take place every the optimisation of data presentation Karolinska Instituet Sweden, Stanford
disciplines and areas where value can device start-up called Brivant Medical. BioInnovate programme here in August
three months. The aim of these is to for effective decision-making. Detailed, University California, and Biocat
be added. As funding agencies look That company started to grow and an 2011, lead by Dr Pat Morgan, and working
share experiences, participate in hands- tailored feedback has been provided opportunity for me to leave the University with a team that included Sandra Ganly, Institute Barcelona, etc.
increasingly towards collaborative
on activities, and work together towards to industry participants in the study to and join that team on a full-time basis Dr Faisal Sharif, Dr Fabio Quondametteo
funding programmes with tangible
creating practical and immediately show how they can improve decision- In terms of my own career, I get more
commercialisation outputs, EvoSS is arose so I took it. We specialised in the and Dr Kathryn Cormican.
applicable solutions to real industry making. This has resulted in better quality development and manufacture of cardio excited by the growth and possibilities of
uniquely positioned given their size,
problems. decisions and greater efficiencies during vascular guide wires. This company grew It was clear to us that there was a need BioInnovate each year I’m involved. The
scale and complimentary skillsets
the decision-making process. to over 60 people in the subsequent years. here for something similar to BioDesign. programme gives me the opportunity to
This engagement provides evidence- to work together in meaningful
This was all in the context of economic
based insight on key issues in software collaboration with University partners, help create real impact by translating
In 2005, I decided to return to NUI doom and gloom but the University were
implementation and management, industry and funding agencies. technologies that meet medical needs,
EVOSS – Informing Funding Galway but continue doing research quick to commit to a programme and
which enables EVOSS to create tangible and which provide economic value as well
Strategies and Structures EVOSS is part of the Lero national projects with the likes of Brivant fund its initial development phase. In
research outcomes that are immediately as more traditional academic metrics.
software research centre, the Enterprise Medical and others. At this time, much addition, Enterprise Ireland gave pilot
applicable to organisational settings. The Dr Kieran Conboy and Dr Lorraine Morgan of my research focused on process funding to fellows that would undertake
Profiles: Dr Mark Bruzzi, Bioinnovate Ireland
team work with SMEs - such as Lumension, Agility Cluster within the Whitaker
were recently awarded an Irish Research I’m very happy with our progress. After
Institute for Innovation and Societal development for medical technologies the programme, and medical technology
SourceDogg and Information Mosaic, along three years, we’ve had seven new
Council grant to evaluate the impact of but soon led into product development. provider, Medtronic, also supported us
Change, and the JE Cairnes School of
EVOSS: Delivering Leading Research
with multi-national industry partners like
national funding agencies and identify from the start. technologies developed, and created
Cisco, HP and Intel - to deliver solutions Business & Economics. The research team
and validate new and improved funding Because of this existing collaborative several external linkages, including the
to varying software agility issues. For consists of five academics, five doctoral
mechanisms and strategies. This award is activity within the University, I was Now in our third year we’ve expanded to
example, in Cisco Ken Power has applied and three post-doctoral researchers. recent $16 million agreement between
one of three grants bestowed nationally frequently approached by medical three teams and have groups in University
modern lean approaches and metrics with Enterprise Ireland and the Mayo Clinic
and is part of a long-term SFI strategy to doctors who had ideas for novel medical College Cork (UCC), University of Limerick
teams from around the world, uncovering For further information you can contact: in Rochester, Minnesota, which we are
improve funding structures. The project technologies but realised there was a gap (UL) and here in Galway. [See Galway
inefficiencies and improving overall team sharon.coyle@nuigalway.ie
for engineers to interact with clinicians. team’s profiles on following page] facilitating.
and organisational effectiveness. Further, in will identify ways that national agencies Orla.odwyer@nuigalway.ie
an effort to help industry partners improve can optimise the inputs, processes, www.twitter.com/EVOSwSs By JOHN HOLDEN
In 2011 the chance to do a sabbatical Since then Stanford have invited us to
decision-making, research conducted by Dr outputs and outcomes of crowd sourcing evoss.lero.ie at Stanford University came up and so be formally affiliated under their Global Editor, Research Matters
Sharon Coyle and Dr Garry Lohan examines efforts and maximise participation www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=
the use of decision quality indicators and of individuals and firms with themes 7499533&trk=anet_ug_hm
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NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS 08
8
PROFILES
FBM Ltd.
Electronic Design Expertise
T
FBM Ltd is based in NUI Galway’s Business Short-Term Investigative License
Innovation Centre, centrally located on the
During the lifetime of the Innovation Voucher, the TTO work
The Galway BioInnovate Team
thriving third level campus. The company offers
with FBM on a fixed term license which gives them access
a range of services related to the electronic
and permission to use the IP which had been developed
side of product development. This could be
www.bioinnovate.ie anything from a short investigation to define a specification,
by Prof Hurley’s team. The purpose of this agreement was
simply to allow the company to examine the practicalities of
the design of a prototype for “proof of concept,” or a complete
developing a device which could be used to implement the
design to production readiness.
IP. The project was a success and they have now developed
Clients range from very early start-ups to large multinationals a platform on which further product development and
in various sectors: basically anyone who needs electronic customisation can take place.
Eoin Bambury Dr Kyle Halligan Ms Michelle Tsai design expertise.
Eoin has over 12 years experience in Kyle has experience in both frontline Michelle graduated from UC Berkeley with
R&D roles of medical device new product and clinical medicine, bench to a degree in Bioengineering, and pursued Full Commercialisation License
development. Having graduated from bedside clinical research, and product a Masters Degree in Bioengineering at
Dublin City University in 2000 with development. He graduated in 2003 Stanford University. Michelle has always The Smart Battery Analyser Leading on from the success of the investigative phase of
the project, NUI Galway and FBM have agreed terms and put
a BEng in Mechatronics engineering from the University of Connecticut (CT, been passionate about healthcare and
in place a comprehensive license to commercialise the IP. This
he joined Caradyne Ltd in Galway as USA) with a BSc in both Molecular Cell really enjoys working on engineering
systems engineer, working on design Biology & Physiology and Neurobiology. He design projects. Her goal is to get more will result in the spinning out of a new company (Pulse Battery
and development of non-invasive worked as a Chemist in the Research and involved in medical technology and help Management) dedicated to the development of a range of
continuous positive airway pressure Development lab of Spartech Polycast (CT, design/develop new technology that products to be brought to the market.
(CPAP) respiratory equipment. In 2004 he USA) which included original patentable will help improve the health of people
The FBM Smart Battery Analyser evaluates the State Of
was awarded an MSc in Bioengineering ideas and medically implantable plastics. around the world.
Health (SOH) of a battery in less than a minute. SOH testing is
from the University of Limerick having
the only true measure of a battery’s worth.
completed his studies on a part-time He furthered his science background with
basis. He transferred to Respironics Inc an MSc in 2006 in Cellular and Molecular Mr Moshe Zilversmit
Built on patented technology which was developed from
California, USA after Respironics acquired Biology from the University of New Haven Moshe has been developing medical
years of intensive research carried out at NUI Galway, the
Caradyne in 2004. At Respironics, he (CT, USA). He continued the work of his devices for eight years. He was one
FBM Smart Battery Analyser is the result of a true symbiosis
worked as senior engineer in the R&D novel research proposal at Yale Medical of the founding members of Chest FBM was successfully awarded an Innovation Voucher from between NUI Galway and private enterprise.
team developing non-invasive multi- Center (CT, USA) in the Breast Cancer Innovations where he led the company Enterprise Ireland and engaged with NUI Galway’s Ignite
therapy respiratory equipment. In 2006 Research Unit. His lab work included in the development of thoracic surgical Technology Transfer Office (TTO) in relation to the inspection of This has been a very successful collaboration all round and
he returned to Ireland to join Crospon Ltd identifying genetic biomarkers of disease devices for the treatment of lung a block of IP that had been developed by Prof Ger Hurley and his FBM and NUI Galway look forward to continued research
working as principal engineer in the R&D in preserved samples previously thought cancer and emphysema. Prior to Chest team at the Dept of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The and development together. The company is delighted to be
group on gastro-intestinal hollow organ to be unusable. Innovations he held R&D positions at collaboration with Prof Hurley and his team, made possible by housed in the NUI Galway Business Innovation Centre availing
functional imaging and transdermal academic and early stage medical device the use of the Innovation Voucher, meant that FBM were able to of the super business supports offered by Ignite TTO.
drug delivery applications. Eoin has A UCD medical graduate, his companies where he was responsible avail of expertise, facilities and equipment as well as gaining an
contributed to the development of five undergraduate training took place for the development of innovative understanding of the technology. For more info go to:
electronic medical devices currently on in numerous US hospitals as a medical technologies in the urology, www.fbm.ie
Profiles: Galway Bioinnovate Team
the market and is a named author on six visiting medical student including anaesthesia, orthopaedic, gynaecology The IP relates specifically to the area of battery analysis. Prof
FBM Ltd. Smart Battery Analyser
Tel: +353 91 86 29 17
patent filings. In 2012 he was named Massachusetts General Hospital, and cardiovascular arenas. Hurley’s team have developed and successfully patented
info@fbm.ie
“Chartered Engineer of the Year” by Shriners Hospital for Children in a process whereby the state of health of a battery can be
Engineers Ireland. Boston, Thomas Jefferson University Upon returning from a trip to Tanzania determined very quickly. Up to now, to accurately measure Or you can contact Fiona Neary
in Philadelphia and the Yale-affiliated along with his passion to bring this figure relating to the battery’s actual performance ability NUI Galway Business Development Manager
Bridgeport Hospital in Connecticut. healthcare to those residing at the required the battery to be disconnected and put through Ignite Technology Transfer Office
He aims to utilize the BioInnovate bottom of the pyramid, Moshe cofounded a range of time-consuming tests – such as a complete Tel: +353 (0)91 492147
programme to develop exciting tools Evolving Technologies, which develops discharge/charge cycle. Fiona.neary@nuigalway.ie
to aid the clinical fields of Emergency, medical devices to meet the needs of
Medicine and beyond. He enjoys the patients and physicians practicing in
outdoors and travelling to new places. emerging markets.
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NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS 08 NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS 08
10 11
RESEARCH
IN FOCUS A CLOSER LOOK AT RESEARCH ACTIVITY
PARAGRAPH
ON ABOUT SECTION....
AND OFF CAMPUS
Minister for Education visits NUI Galway Cell EXPLORERS – a model for
sustainable public engagement
by third level institutions
Cell EXPLORERS is a science outreach programme based in
the School of Natural Sciences that promotes biological and
biomedical sciences. With its sister programme, Eco-EXPLORERS,
it is at the heart of the SNS EXPLORERS initiative.
Since its inception, Cell EXPLORERS has leveraged funds of
over €84,000 from national and international funding bodies,
recruited over 130 volunteer students and staff, visited 69
schools, hosted 12 workshops and has directly engaged 3,800
children, parents, teachers and the general public.
In the last year Cell EXPLORERS has received funding from
the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Discover Science and
Engineering Award, which allowed it to expand its activities and
to visit schools outside of Galway City, and from the Wellcome
Trust People Award, which permitted the pilot integration of
outreach projects into the undergraduate curriculum. Programme
Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn TD officially opened two director, Dr Muriel Grenon, was also honoured with the SFI
new buildings at NUI Galway on the 1st of May 2014; the ‘Outstanding Contribution to STEM’ award and Cell EXPLORERS
Hardiman Research Building for research in the humanities and represented Ireland Outreach at the 2014 Malta Science EXPO.
social sciences, and a new home for the University’s School of Cell EXPLORERS is working towards impacting science education
Psychology. With a combined investment of €23 million, the nationally by developing a Continuous Professional Development
new buildings offer world-class teaching, learning and research module in collaboration with the NUI Galway School of Education
facilities for staff, students and the public. The Hardiman Research and the Galway Education Centre.
Building will house NUI Galway’s unique collection of more than
350 literary, theatrical, political and historical archives from the The Cell EXPLORERS model represents a unique, sustainable
digitised Abbey Theatre Archive, the world’s largest digital theatre method of performing outreach activities, while simultaneously
archive, which has been in development since 2012. The €15 promoting NUI Galway research. A high demonstrator to pupil
million Hardiman Research Building project was partially funded ratio, interactive hands-on activities and a core of enthusiastic
under the Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions volunteer students underpin the success of the programme.
(PRTLI) and co-funded under the European Regional Development Integration of outreach into the curriculum contributes to
Fund. €10 million of funding was provided by the Dept of Jobs, sustainability by ensuring novel activities are created and by
Enterprise and Innovation through PTRLI Cycle 5 and the balance training the next generation of science communicators.
Top: 1st class students
from private sources through the Galway University Foundation. learn about the cells
The Cell EXPLORERS model can be piloted within the School in our bodies with Cell
EXPLORERS. Middle: Cell
TOP: NUI Galway Librarian John Cox shows Minister Ruairí Quinn of Natural Sciences and has the potential for growth within EXPLORERS volunteers
Research In Focus
Research In Focus
and NUI Galway President Dr Jim Browne some photographs the College of Science and the University at large, allowing are awarded their
of 19th century Connemara from the Arthur J Balfour Album, ALIVE certificates with
a volume in the James Hardiman Library’s special collections, NUI Galway to be at the forefront of science outreach both
programme director Dr
housed in the new Hardiman Research Building. The Balfour nationally and internationally. Muriel Grenon at centre.
Album of photographs was originally created in 1893-1895 by Bottom: Cell EXPLORERS
the Belfast photographer, Robert John Welch. activities include visits
LEFT: The ‘Performing Ireland 1904-2014’ exhibition currently on You can follow Cell EXPLORERS on Facebook: www.facebook. to science festivals,
show at NUI Galway. com/Cellexplorers, and Twitter: @cellexplorers open days, and schools.
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NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS 08 NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS 08
12 13
RESEARCH IN FOCUS
Youth Academy
In 2012, NUI Galway established the Youth Academy. Its goal
is to inspire entry to the university by introducing children and
their families to university life. The Youth Academy works with
high ability 4th, 5th and 6th class primary school students to
support their learning and academic development and works
in partnership with primary schools across the Western region.
Since 2012 almost 800 students have graduated from a range
of specially designed courses, in a variety of subjects, across
numerous disciplines. Courses range from “Idea Detectives:
Exploring the World with Philosophy” to “Map Adventures and the
World in 3D”. The Youth Academy runs for a seven-week period
on Saturday mornings from 10am-12.30pm. On the final day of
the Youth Academy a graduation ceremony takes place where
students receive certificates of participation, from the President
of NUI Galway, and their families and friends are invited on
campus to share in the celebrations.
For further information you can contact Geraldine Marley, the
Youth Academy Coordinator at: youthacademy@nuigalway.ie
or www.nuigalway.ie/youthacademy
NUI Galway Fulbright Awardees (back row l-r) Dr Emer Mulligan and Prof Fidelma Dunne. Front row (l-r) Dr Gavin Collins, Alena Yuryna Connolly, Julanne
Murphy and Colm Mac Fhionnghaile.
Fulbright Scholarships Galore!
A total of 40 new Irish Fulbright Awardees were announced this year at Dr Emer Mulligan is Head of the School of Business and
the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence. For over 50 years, The Fulbright Awards Economics at NUI Galway. As a Fulbright-CRH Scholar at the
have been given annually by the Irish and U.S. governments to provide Irish Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Dr Mulligan’s research
students, scholars, and professionals with the opportunity to study, lecture, activities will focus on taxation in practice in US multinational
and research at top universities and institutions throughout the United corporations and US tax policy and administration.
States. In 2014, a staggering six out of 40 were awarded to NUI Galway
academics and researchers: Julanne Murphy completed a Professional Diploma in Education
at NUI Galway in 2012 and is currently a secondary school
Dr Gavin Collins is a lecturer in microbiology and European Research Council teacher at Ardscoil Rís, Limerick. Julanne will be a Fulbright
Fellow at NUI Galway, and a British Science Association Media Fellow at The Foreign Language Teaching Assistant at the Catholic University
Irish Times. As a Fulbright Scholar at the University of California Berkeley, of America, Washington D.C.
Dr Collins will investigate microbial genomics in bioenergy production and
enhanced oil-recovery processes. Alena Yuryna Connolly is currently undertaking a PhD in
Information Systems Security at NUI Galway. While at the
Prof Fidelma Dunne is the Head of the School of Medicine at NUI Galway. University of California Berkeley, Alena will research socio-
Prof Dunne will research alongside Prof Mary D’Alton at Columbia University cultural measures that promote security-cautious behaviour of
Fulbright Scholarships
in New York. She will compare and contrast the screening and clinical employees in organisational settings.
Research In Focus
outcomes for women with Gestational Diabetes in both states to include a
cost benefit analysis.
Colm Mac Fhionnghaile is an MA candidate in Modern Irish at NUI Galway.
Colm will be a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant in the
Over 200 students are presented with certificates of participation from the President of NUI Galway at the graduation ceremony in February 2014.
University of Connecticut.
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NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS 08 NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS 08
14 15
C Corneal transplantation is the most common
transplant carried out worldwide with over 100,000
procedures each year. It is often the only treatment
available to restore sight to people who have lost
vision due to diseases of the cornea. Unfortunately,
due to immunological and other biological reasons, a large proportion
of corneal transplants fail.
VISICORT
NUI Galway to Lead New €6 million EU Project
Tackling Corneal Transplantation Failure From childhood to adolescence, exploring
the social determinants of health
Researchers at the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI)
The Health Behaviour
have come together with NUI Galway spin-out company Orbsen
Therapeutics, and the Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland (CCMI), to
lead a €6 million EU Framework Programme 7-funded project aimed
of School-aged Children
at better understanding the adverse immune responses to corneal
transplants. The researchers also aim to improve corneal transplant
outcomes using a stem cell therapy to modify the immune response in
(HBSC) Survey
high-risk corneal transplant recipients.
Known as “VISICORT” (Adverse Immune Responses and their
Prevention in Corneal Transplantation), the five-year project is being
A
jointly coordinated by Prof Matthew Griffin and Dr Thomas Ritter in
partnership with 11 other academic and industry-based partners
from France, Germany, Denmark and the UK.
A pioneering cross-national study on young perspectives strengthens the study and ensures that adolescent
Speaking at the launch of the project, Prof Griffin said, “It is people’s health and health behaviour is underway health is considered holistically.
extremely exciting to have the opportunity to collaborate with within the Health Promotion Research Centre
(HPRC) at NUI Galway. Drs Saoirse Nic Gabhainn, The HBSC Ireland team collect data from children and young
such an outstanding group of researchers from different parts of
Michal Molcho and Collette Kelly were successful people aged 9-18 years every four years. Internationally, data
Europe. Our common goal of further improving the results of corneal
in securing funding from the Dept of Health to collect and analyse is collected and compared for adolescents aged 11, 13 and 15
transplantation through a better understanding of the immune
data on health and health behaviours from representative years. These years mark a period of increased autonomy that can
response can only be achieved by combining the skills and resources
samples of school children in Ireland. influence how their health and health-related behaviours develop.
of all the partners.”
This research collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Data collected from children in schools this academic year
Dr Thomas Ritter added, “In recent years, our Immunology research
Europe is conducted every four years in 43 countries and regions
programme at REMEDI has focused at a basic level on understanding will be analysed, interpreted and disseminated widely, with
across Europe and North America. With child and adolescent
the immune response to transplanted tissues such as the cornea as consultation from the Dept of Health on what the data show for
health a key priority in Ireland and globally, the HPRC uses its
well as on the immune altering effects of stem cells. VISICORT now young people living in Ireland today. Cross-national comparisons
findings to inform policy and practice to improve the lives of
gives us the chance to apply this research to people with severe eye will also enable us to compare policies and practices in other
young people.
disease who can benefit from new tests and cellular therapies.” countries and how these may apply or inform our work in
Ireland. HBSC member countries and stakeholders at national
The Health Behaviour of School-aged Children (HBSC) Survey is
The Galway teams will be building on an existing model system which and international levels can also use our data to monitor young
not only about health behaviours such as tobacco and alcohol
shows that stem cells can have a positive effect on the immune people’s health, understand the social determinants of health,
use. Its remit is wide and aims to explore the social determinants
system during transplantation leading to an improvement in the overall and determine effective health-improvement interventions.
of health, with emphasis on family, friends, school and community
success of corneal transplantation. The final year of the project will
networks and how they may influence health and wellbeing. The
involve a clinical trial testing the usefulness of stem cells in corneal HBSC study dates back to 1982 when only a handful of countries For more info go to: www.nuigalway.ie/hbsc, www.hbsc.org
transplant, using cells manufactured at NUI Galway in the CCMI. were involved, with Ireland joining in 1994. Today, the research Colette.kelly@nuigalway.ie
collaboration across 43 regions brings together individuals with www.nuigalway.ie/hprc
HBSC Survey
By DR KIERAN RYAN
a wide range of expertise in areas such as clinical medicine,
VISICORT
www.remedi.ie
epidemiology, human biology, paediatrics, pedagogy, psychology, HPRC is a designated WHO (World Health Organisation)
Prof Matthew Griffin and Dr Thomas Ritter. Kieran.a.ryan@nuigalway.ie Collaborating Centre for Health Promotion Research
public health, public policy, and sociology. This diverse range of
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NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS 08 NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS 08
16 17
RESEARCH A round up of some of
BYTES the other big research
news at NUI Galway
Dr Conor O’Byrne travels to Umeå, Sweden, for cutting edge research School of Nursing & Midwifery research paper wins at
Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland
Located on the Baltic coast some 600km
(Lto R) Dr Dympna
north of Stockholm, and at a latitude of A paper published by the Pulmonary Casey, Prof
64 degrees North, the University of Umeå, Rehabilitation in Nurse-led Community Andrew W Murphy
and Prof Kathy
Sweden is one of the most northerly Environment (PRINCE) research team
Murphy.
universities in Europe. NUI Galway won the General Practice category
microbiologist Dr Conor O’Byrne recently at the Royal Academy of Medicine
worked in the lab of Prof Jörgen Johansson in Ireland (RAMI) Doctor Awards on
in the Dept of Molecular Biology, which 24th April 2014. The winning paper
is an exciting environment with a examined, “The effectiveness of a
strong reputation in Infectious Disease structured education pulmonary
Microbiology. Prof Johansson’s group rehabilitation programme for
focuses on understanding the molecular improving the health status of people
mechanisms that determine virulence with moderate and severe chronic attended the structured programme Kathy Murphy, Declan Devane, Adeline
gene expression in the bacterial food- obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were significantly better able to Cooney, Bernard McCarthy, Lorraine Mee,
borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. in primary care.” The study was funded manage their breathing difficulties than John Newell, Eamon O’ Shea, Carl Scarrott,
by the Health Research Board, and those who did not attend. Paddy Gillespie, Collette Kirwan and
While there O’Byrne worked with his consisted of a two-armed randomised Andrew W Murphy.
team to develop new approaches aimed Dr Conor O’Byrne visiting Lappland. cluster trial. In one arm (intervention The study was led by Prof Kathy Murphy
at understanding how this pathogen group), persons with COPD received and Dr Dympna Casey, from the School The winning paper is available from the
senses and protects itself from the harsh at NUI Galway - the Bacterial Stress to some exciting new results which a structured education pulmonary of Nursing & Midwifery NUI Galway, but following link:
conditions encountered when it enters Response Group - has been studying demonstrate a strong link between stress rehabilitation programme, while the also involved collaboration with other http://thorax.bmj.com/
the human host, something his own group for many years. This collaboration led sensing and virulence in this bacterium. other arm (control group) received usual researchers from NUI Galway, the HSE and content/early/2013/06/09/
care. The study found that people who the UK. The authors were Dympna Casey, thoraxjnl-2012-203103.long#aff-5
NUI Galway Pain Researchers Win Prize for
Best Research Paper Irish Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting at NUI Galway
For the second year running, Prof The first author of the winning paper An increased understanding of the The annual meeting of the Irish prominent national and international the 10 available prizes. Also of note
David Finn of NUI Galway has been was Dr Kieran Rea, a postdoctoral biological mechanisms involved in Association for Cancer Research (IACR) scientists. was that the former NUI Galway PhD
awarded the Royal Academy of researcher in Prof Finn’s laboratory. fear-induced analgesia is important was recently held in Galway. This is graduate, Tríona Ní Chonghaile, was
Medicine in Ireland’s (RAMI) Doctor RAMI’s Doctor Awards are presented from a fundamental physiological the primary scientific meeting for This year over 260 attendees were conferred with the prestigious EACR
each year to Irish or Irish-based perspective and may also advance cancer research in Ireland and attracts present and 148 submitted abstracts. Young Scientist Award (senior category).
Award for best paper published in an
researchers who are judged to have the search for new therapeutic
Research Bytes: News In Brief
Research Bytes: News In Brief
individuals from all disciplines including The best of those were selected to
indexed journal in 2013 in the Pain/
published the best research papers in approaches to the treatment of pain. Basic Science, Translational Science, give oral presentations and NUI Galway The contributions of new IACR council
Anaesthesia category. Prof Finn,
international, peer-reviewed journals. Oncology, Haematology and Surgery. came home with one of the major members, Prof Afshin Samali and Dr
Lecturer in Pharmacology, Co-Director
This research was funded by grants honours by winning the best oral poster Emer Bourke, to the organisation of the
of the Centre for Pain Research and The winning paper confirmed the from Science Foundation Ireland, the The goal of this meeting is to bring presentation. event must be recognised, as well as
Leader of the Galway Neuroscience key role of a brain region called Health Research Board and the Irish excellent international speakers to the the NUI Galway Foundation, the College
Centre, received the award at a the basolateral amygdala in the Research Council. country in order to give our scientists- All the posters were judged by the of Science, the School of Medicine and
ceremony held in the Royal College of suppression of pain behaviour by fear in-training the opportunity to hear IACR council members and NUI Galway the Research Office for supporting the
Surgeons in Dublin. (so-called fear-induced analgesia). from experts in cancer research and to came out well on top of all other Irish meeting and the participation of NUI
allow them to present their science to institutions by securing five out of Galway researchers.GO To Contents PAGE GO To Contents PAGE
NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS 08 NUI GALWAY RESEARCH MATTERS 08
18 19
RESEARCH BYTES News In Brief
COST Actions at the Whitaker Institute Happy Birthday! 20th Anniversary of the Ryan Institute’s
Irish Seaweed Research Group
COST is one of the longest-running meeting of the COST Action - People
European frameworks supporting Friendly Cities in a Data Rich World. Researchers at the Ryan Institute’s
cooperation among scientists and Irish Seaweed Research Group. Back
L-R: Maeve Edwards, Aimée Walls,
researchers across Europe. It is an Dr Gerard Turley is a member of the
Benoît Quéguineur, Svenja Heesch,
intergovernmental framework allowing management committee of the COST Néstor Robinson (visiting student;
Mexico). Front L-R: Jessica Ratcliff,
the coordination of nationally-funded Action - Local Public Sector Reforms: An
Alex Wan, Jyotsna Mishra, Anna Soler-
research on a European level. COST International Comparison. Vila, Anne-Sophie de Crane (visiting
student; France), Richard Walsh, Jazmin
enables breakthrough scientific Hernández-Kantún (recently appointed
Dr Srinivas Raghavendra recently hosted
developments leading to new concepts to the Smithsonian Institution in
a workshop on Data Visualisation Washington,DC).
and products and thereby contributes
and Analytics as part of the COST
to strengthening Europe’s research and
Action - Analysing the Dynamics of
innovation capacities.
PhD student wins Information and Knowledge Landscapes
- KNOWeSCAPE.
Researchers at the Whitaker Institute the Irish Seaweed Industry Organisation
CN Davies Award for Innovation and Societal Change are
The year 2014 marks not only the return
of the British Phycological Society (BPS) to (ISIO), then became the Irish Seaweed
applied research on these fascinating
organisms.
Drs James Cunningham and Garry Lohan
currently involved in four diverse COST NUI Galway for its 62nd Annual Meeting, Centre in 1998, and was rebranded as
Áine Broderick, PhD student in the are part of the COST Action – Expert Based at the Ryan Institute under the
(European Cooperation in Science and but also the 20th anniversary of the Irish the ISRG in 2010. As Ireland’s seaweed
School of Physics at NUI Galway, has Judgment Network: Bridging the Gap leadership of Prof Mark Johnson, the ISRG
Technology) Actions. Seaweed Research Group (ISRG), which and biotechnology sector is currently
recently won the CN Davies Award, Between Scientific Uncertainty and comprises five postdoctoral researchers,
a scholarship allocated annually is hosting the conference. This research worth over €20 million per year, industry-
Prof Kevin Leyden recently hosted a Evidence-Based Decision Making. four PhD and MSc students and continues
by the Aerosol Society to a PhD group was founded in 1994 by Prof appropriate research is more important
to host a number of visiting researchers,
student studying in a British or Irish Michael Guiry to promote the development than ever before. With around 570
interns and students from all over the
University. The Aerosol Society is of Ireland’s seaweed sector, including recorded species of red, green and brown
world.
a UK-based scientific organisation
that promotes the science of
BOC Postgraduate Award scientific research on Irish seaweeds. seaweeds, the coastlines of Ireland
harbour a high seaweed biodiversity, For further information on the group, visit:
airborne particles by organising The group first operated under the name, offering huge potential for basic and www.irishseaweed.com
conferences, educational training
and student awards. Áine competed
for the CN Davies Award, which
has a monetary value of €2000, by ‘Bug Run School Days’ - an ‘Antibiotic Awareness’ iPad App
writing an essay on the subject of
her PhD project, which was reviewed In May, the Discipline of General Practice Vellinga from the Discipline of General
by leading aerosol experts in the UK. at NUI Galway launched Bug Run, a free Practice, School of Medicine, and her team
Aine’s PhD research is supervised iPad app that combines a game and an have integrated prescribing guidelines
by Dr Miriam Byrne and Dr Marie educational video to educate children and with the generic software package a GP
Coggins in the School of Physics, adults on the issue of antibiotic resistance. uses on a daily basis when diagnosing
and is funded by the Environmental patients and prescribing medicines.
Protection Agency. The work is Funded by the Health Research Board
focused on assessing indoor air (HRB), the game teaches children between Bug Run recently received the 2014
quality in homes that are retrofitted 4-10 years about the importance of staying Crystal Clear MSD Health Literacy Award,
for improved energy efficiency. healthy and that taking antibiotics comes which recognises and rewards excellence
Eamonn Glynn (BOC), Mark Farrell, Shane Gough (BOC) and Peter Ó Conghaile. at a price. The accompanying short video in health literacy in the healthcare sector.
This is highly topical research:
Research Bytes: News In Brief
Research Bytes: News In Brief
developed for adults highlights the issue The research and concept for the app
the adverse effects of indoor air The BOC Award is supported by the BOC Postgraduate Award for his of antibiotic resistance and provides were led by Dr Vellinga, along with Prof
pollution on human respiratory BOC gases and recognises research work on: tailoring surfaces and supports suggestions on how to discuss this with Andrew Murphy and Post Doctorate
health are well documented, but achievements, in terms of published for enzyme electrodes with application their General Practitioner. Fellows, Sinead Duane, Sandra Galvin and
little is known about the influence work and impact as well as outreach, to biopower device development. Aoife Callan.
on indoor air pollution levels The development of Bug Run is part of The ‘BugRun School Days’ iPad app Team,
and contributions to the School and from the Discipline of General Practice,
of reduced building ventilation Likewise, congratulations to Mark a bigger research project, the SIMPle Bug Run is free and can be downloaded School of Medicine at NUI Galway,
University, of PhD candidates.
rates that are dictated by energy Farrell who was also awarded for his study: Supporting the Improvement and from the App store to any iPad: (clockwise from left) Post Doctorate
Management of Prescribing for urinary https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bug- Fellows Sinead Duane, Sandra Galvin and
conservation directives. Congratulations to Peter Ó Conghaile research into the anomerisation of Aoife Callan, and the project leader Dr
from the School of Chemistry for winning glycosidic linkages. tract infection. In this study, Dr Akke run-school-days/id860440510?mt=8 Akke Vellinga.You can also read
