In the News..

A postgraduate researcher exploring disabled women’s sexual rights has won the top prize and the Audience Choice Award at University of Galway’s Threesis 2026, showcasing the very best in research communication. Grace Barnes earned first place ahead of 10 fellow finalists at the Threesis Grand Finale, a research communication competition challenging postgraduate researchers to present their work in just three minutes, using three slides. The finalists showcased research topics ranging from cancer biology, neuroscience and medical innovation to air quality, education and social justice, highlighting both the diversity and real-world impact of research underway at the University. Aengus Parsons, Acting Vice-President for Research and Innovation at University of Galway, said: “Threesis continues to be a standout event in our academic calendar, showcasing the exceptional talent of our postgraduate researchers. The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and engagingly in just three minutes is no small feat, and this year’s finalists demonstrated remarkable skill, creativity and insight. My congratulations to the winners and finalists, and to all those who took part.” Originally from Devon in England, Grace Barnes is a PhD researcher at the University’s Centre for Disability Law and Policy, under the supervision of Professor Eilionóir Flynn and Hardiman Scholar funded by Research Ireland. Her Threesis presentation focused on disabled women’s sexuality within the European Court of Human Rights and how this shapes access to sexual rights and identity. Drawing on analysis of case judgments and engagement with disabled women, she explained how legal frameworks can shape both rights and self-identity. Her presentation combined compelling storytelling with sharp insight and resonated strongly with both the judges and audience members, securing both first place and the Audience Choice Award. Second place went to Adam Collison, a PhD researcher from Dromineer, Co Tipperary. A physics graduate of the University, he is now based in the School of Natural Sciences, where he aims to help shape retrofit practices that deliver both lower carbon emissions and healthier spaces for building occupants. Third place went to Sienna Stucke, a Pharmacology PhD student, originally from Minnesota in the US, whose research explores the therapeutic potential of parasitic worms, known as helminths, in treating neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. The judges for this year’s competition, which attracted 65 entries, were Kevin Murray, 2025 Threesis winner, Audrey Bleach, Senior Culture and Operations Leader at Cisco, and Professor Dónal Leech, Dean of Graduate Studies at University of Galway. Ends

Study reveals strong worker commitment alongside ongoing concerns over pay, conditions and wellbeing   A new survey of hospitality workers in Ireland has found strong levels of pride and commitment, but breaches of employment rights and high levels of stress, burnout, and poor workplace conditions across the sector. The findings are based on 736 responses collected from hospitality workers in Ireland in 2025 – the largest independent study of its kind to date. The research was led by University of Galway and forms part of a wider global project examining hospitality working conditions across multiple countries. Despite positive attitudes towards work and strong confidence in skills, the survey reports continued breaches of basic employment rights among some workers, including pay below the minimum wage, unpaid hours and missing employment documentation. The data suggests a persistent gap between the demands of the industry and the supports available to workers, reflecting long-standing issues affecting retention, wellbeing and performance. Dr Deirdre Curran, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at University of Galway, led the research: “These results will be of direct interest to policymakers, employer representative bodies, trade unions, employers, students and teachers of hospitality and employment relations, and those working in hospitality. “Our intention is to provoke evidence-based discussions leading to positive change for all. We have a responsibility to the people who shared their experiences with us, to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are placed at the centre of discussions on the future of the sector.” Key findings include: Despite Ireland’s suite of employment legislation, results show that some hospitality workers continue to lack basic employment rights: 6% of respondents stated they were paid below the minimum wage 11% claimed that they were not paid for every hour worked  22% had not received a written statement of the terms of their employment  13% did not receive regular detailed pay slips Respondents reported high levels of engagement with their work, alongside significant wellbeing challenges. 96% agreed/strongly agreed that they ‘care about being useful and productive’ 91% agreed/strongly agreed that they had ‘the skills to do their job with confidence’ 73% agreed that they ‘enjoy their work environment’  72% felt they were ‘treated with dignity and respect by their managers’ (less so by customers) 64% agreed/strongly agreed that they felt ‘emotionally drained’ by their work 71% stated that they felt ‘used up’ at the end of their workday 53% had witnessed bullying or harassment 38% said they had experienced bullying or harassment The report also examines the types of behaviour reported, along with who is most likely to be responsible and how incidents are handled in the workplace. The report covers the full range of working conditions in hospitality, including the demands placed on both employees and employers, as well as factors that attract workers to the sector and those that contribute to turnover. While the findings are indicative rather than representative, they provide a strong evidence base and the report includes recommendations aimed at addressing systemic issues and supporting more sustainable working conditions for both employees and employers. The research team was led by Dr Deirdre Curran at University of Galway’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, and includes Dr Maeve O’Sullivan, Dr Áine Ní Léime and Olaiwola Ogunpaimo, University of Galway; Anastasia Kulichyova, Queen’s University Belfast; and Kevin Ward, Technological University of the Shannon. The project is part of the Global Hospitality Research Alliance, which examines working conditions in hospitality sectors across the Global North and Global South. The full report is available at https://researchrepository.universityofgalway.ie/server/api/core/bitstreams/391e4cb7-1d0f-4f63-8200-930df80fc579/content   Ends

 Pilot spearheaded at University of Galway offers blueprint to position Ireland as a global hub for clinical research  University of Galway’s Institute for Clinical Trials has hosted a national clinical research innovation day to examine how Ireland can strengthen its capabilities in clinical trials and enhance its position as a global MedTech hub.  To coincide with the event, the Institute launched a White Paper on the Hypercare initiative – a pilot project which demonstrates a blueprint for dramatically faster regulatory approvals for clinical trials and significant improvements in efficiency.  Hypercare is designed to support and improve Ireland’s capability, predictability, and competitiveness in medical device clinical investigations. The White Paper outlines three different cases which achieved authorisation to go to clinical trial significantly faster than the standard average of 73 days – with one case going from end-to-end regulatory review in half the time.   President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn, said: “The work of the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway is a clear signal about the value of working together with a shared vision and towards a shared goal. The work of the team, our partners in the Health Service Executive, and industry has helped us to create this blueprint to position Ireland as a European and global leader in clinical trials.”  Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials, said: “The findings from the Hypercare initiative demonstrate that targeted coordination and early engagement can make Ireland a more predictable and attractive environment for clinical research. This has implications not only for innovation, but for regional development and the long-term growth of the sector.”  The national clinical research innovation day, hosted by the University’s Institute for Clinical Trials, was organised in collaboration with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), National Office for Research Ethics Committees (NREC), Data Protection Commission (DPC), Health Research Consent Declaration Committee (HRCDC), and the Health Service Executive (HSE). Representatives from regulatory bodies, healthcare services, academia, industry and patient groups attended.    The focus of the one-day event was on practical and regulatory aspects of conducting trials, including sessions on ethics, governance, and data protection.   It featured insights from real-world clinical trial studies, conducted through the Hypercare initiative. Contributions were made by InterVene, an international SME based in the US; Luminate Medical, a University of Galway spin-out; and Medtronic, which has a five-year €5million signature innovation partnership with University of Galway focuses on developing the MedTech ecosystem, STEM engagement and research.  Hypercare enabled the three companies to navigate the complexities of the pathway to authorisation for a clinical trial with different medical devices and investigation strategies.  Findings published in the White Paper include:   Increasing clinical research activity within hospitals contributes directly to the wider health system, supports job creation and skills development and enables earlier access to new and potentially life-enhancing treatment for patients.  The single point of contact created in the Hypercare initiative was a key driver of efficiency, removing administrative fragmentation and allowing their teams to focus on clinical execution rather than logistics.  The Health Protection Regulatory Authority reported that Hypercare significantly improved sponsor readiness and application quality and proactive early engagement helped streamline the process without compromising the rigor required for safety and performance.  Further scaling and investment in coordinated supports, could see Ireland significantly increase its share of global medical device clinical trials, strengthening both regional economies and national research infrastructure  Attracting and retaining clinical investigation activity can generate substantial regional economic benefits and further position Ireland as a globally competitive hub for MedTech innovation.  The White Paper can be read in full at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/instituteforclinicaltrials/ tbc   The national clinical research innovation day aimed to support knowledge-sharing and collaboration across the sector, with a particular focus on improving trial readiness, reducing barriers to innovation, and enabling earlier patient access to new treatments.  Professor Tom Melvin, Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, said: “The initiation of a clinical study relies on the coordinated contribution of multiple organisations. The Hypercare pilot demonstrates that complex clinical study pathways can be streamlined for medical technologies. This supports the translation of scientific discoveries into enhanced patient care. This also supports our health service, by providing earlier access to medical technologies designed to address unmet medical need.”  John Kilmartin, Adjunct Professor, Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, said: “I believe that this collaborative partnership stands as a model for academic–industry collaboration, advancing innovation while upholding the highest clinical and regulatory standards. Aligned with the mission of the Institute for Clinical Trials, this project drives excellence, inclusivity, and need-driven research to improve health outcomes for Irish patients. The Hypercare project aims to highlight positive changes in the delivery of clinical research in Ireland, attracting further interest and investment from MedTech stakeholders nationally and internationally." Professor Donal Reddan, Director of Research, HSE West and North-West Region, said: “The Hypercare initiative clearly demonstrates how a coordinated approach across regulators, ethics committees clinical site teams and the wider public health system can significantly accelerate the opening of clinical studies. By enabling early engagement, parallel processes and a single point of coordination, it is helping to reduce study start-up timelines without compromising regulatory standards, supporting faster access to innovative treatments for patients across the public health system.” Ends