In the News..

The Access Centre at University of Galway is inviting prospective students, parents, guidance counsellors, educators, and community organisations to attend its upcoming Access Programmes Information Evening. The event takes place on Wednesday May 6th at 6pm in the Human Biology Building, University of Galway. Designed for school leavers and mature students who may not have previously considered university, the Access programmes support individuals from low-income backgrounds, those living with long-term disabilities and anyone feels that higher education may be beyond their reach. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the Access and Foundation programmes, learn about the wide range of academic and personal supports available, and hear first-hand from past students who have successfully progressed to university. Through modules such as the Professional Engagement Module (PEM), students benefit from practical workplace experience, with partner organisations including Grant Thornton, Medtronic and the University’s School of Education for those interested in teaching, with participants supported throughout by mentors. Staff from the Access Centre will be available throughout the event to answer questions in an informal and welcoming setting.             Dr Mary Surlis, Senior Academic Manager for Access Programmes at the University, said: “Our Access Programmes are about opening doors and creating opportunities. We work with people who may have faced barriers to education and support them not only academically, but also in building the confidence and self-belief needed to succeed. This information evening is a chance for anyone considering a return to education to explore what’s possible in a supportive and encouraging environment.”             Niamh Burke, former student now working with Medtronic and recently returned as a mentor on the programme, said: “This year felt like a full-circle moment for me. After completing the Access Programme, I went on to study Commerce and a master’s degree, and through my work, I recently returned as a mentor supporting students on the Professional Engagement Module. I would strongly encourage anyone considering university, regardless of their background or circumstances, to get in touch with the Access Centre.” The event forms part of the University’s ongoing commitment to widening participation and ensuring higher education is accessible to all, regardless of background or life circumstances. Further information, including programme details, application forms, and registration is available at: universityofgalway.ie/access/entryroutes/accessandfoundationprogrammes/ Ends

Researchers have found evidence that a therapeutic strategy which makes the brain work more efficiently to learn and recall memories may in fact help to target compromised brain activity in Alzheimer’s disease. The study led by University of Galway focused on nerve cells which routinely limit or restrict activity and messages being sent by the brain, rather than the more conventional approach of therapy for nerve cells which stimulate activity. Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder with clinical symptoms including diminished memory and cognitive function. It is the most prevalent cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are among the top 10 causes of death globally. The study was published in the journal Neuropharmacology and be read here. Professor Andrea Kwakowsky, Associate Professor of Pharmacology and lead researcher at the School of Medicine, University of Galway, said: “Given the ever-increasing burden of Alzheimer’s disease, the urgent need for the identification of novel targets for the development of disease-modifying therapy is clear.” The research team noted how the accumulation of Amyloid beta - protein fragment aggregates known as plaque – are a primary hallmark and suspected cause of Alzheimer’s disease. The Amyloid beta disrupts normal brain signalling and causes burn out and ultimately the death of nerve cells as it leads to the firing or over-activation of the nerve cells in the brain. This symptom of the disease is then compounded by activity in the inhibitory nerve cells, which routinely limit or restrict activity and messages, as they overcompensate for the stimulatory impact in the brain that the disease is having. The scientists highlighted that symptomatic relief from Alzheimer’s provided by these therapies which target the stimulatory nerve cells is only marginal, and the progression or underlying causes of the disease are not addressed. Professor Andrea Kwakowsky said: “Our research is looking at the possibility of a therapy which helps to restore a balance in the brain after nerve cells have reacted to Alzheimer’s. “We know, for sure, that the amino acid, GABA, is involved in many important physiological functions of the brain, including being the primary inhibiting factor for nerve cells. However, in Alzheimer’s disease, this control that it helps to exert in the brain is compromised, contributing to cognitive decline and memory impairment. “Science and medicine has shown that an increase in extracellular GABA can be triggered by the protein Amyloid beta, leading to over-activation of a specific population of GABA receptors in Alzheimer’s disease. “Our research is significant in that it demonstrates that if we block this GABA receptor activity in nerve cells we can reverse Alzheimer-like effects caused by Amyloid beta and improve cognitive performance.” The research was funded by the University of Galway Hardiman Research Scholarship, Alzheimer’s New Zealand, Freemasons New Zealand, Alzheimer’s New Zealand Charitable Trust, Aotearoa Foundation, Brain Research New Zealand, Health Research Council of New Zealand, Centre for Brain Research, the University of Auckland and the University of Otago. The team’s research is expanding on a hypothesis that has emerged in recent years, which shifts the focus of therapeutic treatment to the inhibitory side of signalling imbalance in nerve cells, suggesting that targeting the brain’s vulnerability to overstimulation-induced damage can ultimately reduce the impact and death of nerve cells. Ends

Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, T.D. has today officially launched a research report showcasing the success of CodePlus, a computing education outreach programme for girls.  The aim of CodePlus is to encourage female students in post-primary schools, especially from areas of socio-economic disadvantage, to learn more about computer science so that they can make informed decisions about pursuing studies at third level.  The CodePlus programme involves coding workshops, techtalks with female role models and site visits to industry partners.  The report shows 23,000 female post-primary students have taken part in CodePlus, with 6,450 engaged in activities and learning in 2024/25 alone.  The launch was hosted by Genesys and University of Galway, marking the programme’s success, and the vital support provided by industry partners.  Launching the report, Galway based Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, said: "CodePlus is opening doors for young women across the country, showing them that a future in computer science is not only possible, but within reach. The findings published today speak for themselves. More than 23,000 students have taken part in CodePlus to date, with more than 6,400 engaging in the last academic year alone. That is a powerful indicator of both demand and impact. “Programmes like CodePlus are essential if we are serious about increasing participation in STEM and building a more diverse, inclusive workforce for the future. This is about giving young women the confidence, the skills, and the visibility they need to make informed choices about their education and careers."  Professor Cornelia Connolly, University of Galway, said: “Our research presents a longitudinal study, showing the benefits of this outreach computing programme. Helping students and teachers cultivate powerful computing skills is one of the most important ways to ensure computing and digital technologies, such as AI, expands opportunity to everyone in society. We are showing Computer Science is not just a subject in school – we are showing young, educated, eager female students that there is a path for them to a career of their choice in this field.”  Key points from CodePlus report, available on https://www.codeplusireland.ie/: 3,982 female students have taken part in coding workshops as part of the initiative, including more than 700 in 2024/25 alone. 18,018 career talks given to female students by female role models. More than 1,300 female students went on company visits to learn about opportunities for a career in the sector. Female students reported improved attitudes toward technology and greater awareness of Computer Science careers, with many citing the CodePlus programme as influential in shaping their decisions about future study. The all-girl environment and female role models are important, fostering a sense of belonging and providing a supportive learning experience. Workshops were the most valuable feature - enjoyable, supportive and confidence-boosting, while learning in teams/groupwork/collaboration enhanced learning and social development. Students reported improvements in communication, presentation and creativity skills and valuable, broader transferable skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, interpersonal and leadership skills. Data from the CodePlus initiative reveals a gap between initial interest and actual uptake of Computer Science courses at third level: while more than 30% expressed intent to pursue Computer Science immediately after participation, only 17% ultimately applied for Computer Science-related courses two years later. CodePlus helped participants make informed decisions on whether or not to pursue a computing career. Analysis suggests CodePlus is effective in sparking interest but sustained engagement and broader structural factors - such as curriculum exposure, societal perceptions and career guidance - play a critical role in long-term decision-making.   CodePlus began in Trinity College Dublin in 2015. In 2020, with support from Lero, the Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland Centre for Software and funding under the Discover programme, the initiative expanded at University of Galway and University of Limerick. It aligns with policy developments happening through the Department of Education, including the new primary curriculum and Senior Cycle review.  Dr Rachel Iredale, Head of Public Engagement for Research Ireland, said: "Research Ireland is pleased to have supported the CodePlus programme and this important longitudinal evaluation, which provides clear evidence of how early and inclusive engagement can broaden participation in computer science. CodePlus has helped to ensure that more young women can see a place for themselves in computer science and the wider STEM ecosystem."  Joe Smyth, Senior Vice President of R&D and Digital at Genesys, said: “Genesys is delighted to support the CodePlus programme and its goals of creating a more inclusive workforce in the critical areas of STEM, especially computer science. As Genesys builds out its workforce in the West of Ireland, we want to ensure that everyone has opportunities to participate in the global tech industry.”  CodePlus is supported by philanthropy and industry, including Google.org, Fidelity Investments, Bank of America, and Huawei.  Ends