Monday, 17 November 2025

‘Imperfect Days’ – New Science on Screen film to premiere

Documentary explores how clinical trials are transforming diabetes care through collaboration with patients  Imperfect Days, a new Science on Screen documentary highlighting how clinical trials are transforming healthcare for people living with diabetes, will premiere at The Pálás Cinema, Galway City, on Sunday afternoon, December 7th.  Directed by David Qualter and produced by Laura Qualter of Prospect Films, Imperfect Days brings audiences into the lives of Carmel McDonagh, Tony Marshall and Faye Burke, who share their personal experiences of managing diabetes and participating in clinical trials.  The film also features leading researchers and clinicians from University of Galway, Galway University Hospitals and the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, including Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway; Professor Seamus Sreenan; Professor Matt Griffin; and Dr Christine Newman, who are at the forefront of clinical trial research and innovation in Ireland and are seeing firsthand its transformative effects.  The 25-minute documentary was produced with funding from a Health Research Board grant to the Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network, under the umbrella of Science on Screen, - a partnership between CÚRAM, the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices at University of Galway and Ardán, the Galway-based film and television agency.  Filmed in Dublin and Galway, Imperfect Days explores – with both sensitivity and humour – the day-to-day realities of living with diabetes. The film also shines a light on how clinical trials and public and patient involvement (PPI) are driving progress in diabetes research and care. Through pioneering trials in areas including gestational diabetes, cardiovascular disease and related chronic conditions, the Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network is advancing research that is conducted not only for patients but with them, through meaningful PPI collaboration. David Qualter, Director, Prospect Films said: “This film is really about partnership - between researchers, clinicians, and the people who live with diabetes every day, We wanted to show how collaboration and clinical research are not abstract ideas, but real forces that are changing lives across Ireland. It was great to work with Ardán and CÚRAM on this project and an honour to be tasked with creating the 10th documentary of the fantastic Science on Screen scheme.”  Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director, Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network and Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, said: “Clinical trials are the bridge between scientific discovery and real-world impact. Through the Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network, we’re ensuring that research in Ireland reflects the priorities and lived experiences of people living with diabetes. Imperfect Days highlights just how vital that partnership has become.”  Professor Abhay Pandit, founding Director of CÚRAM, said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with the Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network for this latest film. This is the 10th film produced through our Science on Screen programme, and it is another powerful and engaging example of scientific storytelling that we hope will reach a wide audience. Congratulations to the filmmakers and participants on an excellent production.”  Alan Duggan, Ardán Chief Executive, said: "For more than ten years, the collaboration between Ardán and CÚRAM through Science on Screen has played a huge part in Ardán’s goal to create opportunities for emerging filmmakers. The documentaries created not only highlighted the groundbreaking research taking place at CÚRAM, but also reminds us that behind every illness or diagnosis there is a human story to be told. Science on Screen not only makes STEM subjects more accessible to the media audience but also provides valuable insights into the extraordinary work that is shaping the future of medicine." Ends

Friday, 16 December 2022

All eligible University of Galway full time and part time hourly payscales have been updated in line with the provisions of Building Momentum - A New Public Service Agreement 2021-22. Specifically the following increases have been implemented: - With effect from  02nd February 2022, payscales received a 3% increase - With effect from 01st October 2022- payscales received a further 1% increase or €500, whichever is greater  We are still awaiting sanction for the implementation of FEMPI restoration wef 1st July 2022 (save for a limited number of pay scales). Therefore there are no changes to those grades\pensions for now. See paragraph 1.3 in the above link for more details. Further advice will be issued for these grades in due course.

Monday, 24 April 2023

We have been asked to bring to your attention the fact that Secondment Expression of Interest Notices has been issued for the Public Service Transformation Division of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.  Expressions of interest are invited from across all sectors of the Public Service, including higher education, and across a number of grades.  Notices are available directly at the following link, and DPENDR and DFHERIS would very much appreciate your support in circulating to your staff.   The closing date for applications is 2nd May, and we understand the notices issued on Friday 14th April.