In the News..

University of Galway has announced a first-year science student from Co Galway as the recipient of the inaugural Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS) Excellence Scholarship for Science.   Mia McHugh from Milltown, Co Galway is studying for a Bachelor of Science, a flexible degree which enables students to explore a broad range of scientific disciplines before specialising in their chosen area.   The CLS Excellence Scholarship for Science aims to remove barriers to, and through, higher education by supporting high-achieving and promising full-time undergraduate students to study Science at University of Galway.   Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS) is a leading Irish provider of laboratory testing and analytical services, sponsors the scholarship. With accredited facilities in Galway City, Ros Muc and Dublin, CLS provides services to the pharmaceutical, medical device, food and environmental sectors, with expertise spanning microbiological and analytical testing, regulatory consultancy, quality system support and specialist training.               Mia McHugh, the inaugural recipient of the CLS Excellence Scholarship, said: “I have always had a deep love for science and always knew that that was where my future lay. I would like to sincerely thank CLS for awarding me the Excellence Scholarship. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and it will make a real difference in supporting my education.”               Dr Ann Ryan, Director of Strategic Development, College of Science and Engineering at University of Galway, said: “We are truly delighted to announce Mia as the recipient of the inaugural CLS Excellence Scholarship for Science. Mia’s passion for science, her determination, zest for learning and future ambitions for a career in STEM were all evident from her application. We are extremely grateful to CLS for establishing this Excellence Scholarship, which recognises excellence and will support highly-talented students to achieve their potential.”   Evelyn O’Toole, CEO of Complete Laboratory Solutions, said: “Supporting emerging scientific talent is an investment in our industry’s future and in the communities we serve. CLS is proud to sponsor the Bachelor of Science Scholarship, helping to empower the next generation of scientific leaders. By investing in aspiring science students, CLS is fostering innovation, advancing skills development, and creating meaningful career pathways within Ireland’s growing life sciences sector. The partnership with University of Galway reflects a shared commitment to academic excellence, research, and strong industry collaboration.”   Ends

A new international study led by University of Galway suggests that having higher levels of vitamin D in middle age is associated with lower levels of tau protein in the brain, which is a sign of dementia, years later. The study does not prove that vitamin D levels lower the level of tau in the brain or the risk of dementia; it only shows an association.  The findings have been published today in Neurology Open Access, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Study findings Higher vitamin D levels are associated with lower levels of the Alzheimer’s biomarker, tau protein in the brain, years later. Higher vitamin D levels may protect against dementia. The study does not prove cause and effect; it only shows an association. The results need to be confirmed with additional studies. The study was led by Professor Emer McGrath and Dr Martin Mulligan, from the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway and Galway University Hospital. It was carried out in collaboration with Boston University, the Framingham Heart Study and University of Texas San Antonia. Senior author, Professor Emer McGrath, Associate Professor in Medicine, University of Galway and Consultant Neurologist, Galway University Hospital, said: “This study demonstrates an association between higher vitamin D in mid-life and a lower burden of abnormal tau protein in the brain, a marker of Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin D in mid-life could be an important factor to protect future brain health. While previous research has linked low vitamin D in adults over 70 with an increased risk of dementia, this study is among the first to look at younger adults at mid-life, around the average age of 39. Low vitamin D in mid-life may be an important target to reduce the risk of early signs of preclinical dementia in the brain. “However, while these findings are very interesting, they only demonstrate an association between vitamin D and early signs of dementia in the brain. Further studies, for example a clinical trial, will be required to determine if vitamin D supplements could prevent dementia." Lead author, Dr Martin Mulligan, PhD researcher at University of Galway, said: "We found that higher vitamin D levels were associated with lower tau deposition in regions of the brain that are known to be affected earliest in Alzheimer's disease. These results suggest that higher vitamin D levels in midlife may offer protection against developing these tau deposits in the brain and that low vitamin D levels could potentially be a risk factor that could be modified and treated to reduce the risk of dementia. However, these results need to be further tested with additional studies.” The study involved nearly 800 people with an average age of 39 who did not have dementia. All participants had the level of vitamin D in their blood measured at the start of the study. They had brain scans an average of 16 years later that measured levels of tau and amyloid beta proteins in the brain, which are both biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. A high level of vitamin D was defined as greater than 30 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) and a low level was less than that number. A total of 34% of participants had low levels of vitamin D and 5% were taking vitamin D supplements. The results took into account other factors that could affect tau levels, such as age, sex and symptoms of depression. The results showed that higher vitamin D levels are associated with lower levels of the Alzheimer’s biomarker tau protein years later. Dr Mulligan added: “These results are promising as they suggest an association between higher Vitamin D levels in early middle age and lower tau burden on average 16 years later. Mid-life is a time where risk factor modification can have a greater impact.” A limitation of the study is that the blood level of vitamin D was measured only once. Professor McGrath added: “The findings do support the need for clinical trials to determine if Vitamin D supplementation in younger adults could delay or help prevent the onset of dementia." The Framingham Heart Study is the longest running longitudinal cohort study worldwide. It started in 1948 with the recruitment of 5,200 adults from the town of Framingham in Massachusetts, Boston, with approximately 15% of the participants of Irish ancestry. The study was supported by the National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Irish Research Council and Health Research Board of Ireland. The full study can be read here. Ends

University of Galway’s Shannon College of Hotel Management has announced a new partnership with The Address Collective, a family-run hospitality group with seven hotels across Ireland and the UK.  At the centre of the partnership is The Address Collective Excellence Scholarship, which will support full-time undergraduate students who qualify for SUSI funding and are studying hospitality, business or related disciplines.  The scholarship reflects a shared commitment between Shannon College and The Address Collective to support students pursuing careers in hospitality by providing financial assistance and opportunities to connect with the industry.  The Address Collective employs a number of Shannon graduates across its hotels, including The Address Connolly, The Address Cork, The Address Glasgow, The Address Sligo and The Address Citywest, as well as two upcoming properties, The Address Capel and The Address Wren. The partnership aims to build on this relationship and support student career opportunities in the hospitality sector.  The Address Collective provides training, mentoring and development opportunities for staff, with many employees progressing from entry-level roles to supervisory and management positions. The group is also actively engaged in community partnerships and charitable initiatives across the areas where it operates.  Cathal McGettigan, Director at The Address Collective, said: “At The Address Collective, we are passionate about supporting the future of the hospitality industry. Shannon College has a long-standing reputation for producing exceptional graduates who bring professionalism, creativity and leadership into the sector. We are proud to partner with the college to launch The Address Collective Excellence Scholarship, helping talented students access the education and opportunities they need to build successful careers in hospitality. As Shannon Alumni ourselves, Michaela and I are delighted to be here today. Many Shannon graduates are already valued members of our team across our hotels, and we look forward to welcoming many more in the years ahead.”   Adrian Sylver, Head of Shannon College of Hotel Management, said: “We are delighted to launch this annual scholarship in partnership with The Address Collective, and it is particularly special to mark this with Cathal McGettigan and Michaela Hegarty, both graduates of Shannon College of Hotel Management. At Shannon we take great pride in seeing our alumni go on to make such a strong impact in the hospitality industry and to support future students through this generous initiative. This partnership speaks to the enduring strength of the Shannon community and the importance of giving back.”              Professor Alma McCarthy, Executive Dean of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law at University of Galway, said: “This partnership with The Address Collective strengthens the career pathways available to students at Shannon College of Hotel Management. Students will have the chance to gain experience with an Irish family run hotel group that operates across Ireland and the UK, supporting their transition from study into a sector that continues to grow and diversify.”    More information on The Address Collective Excellence Scholarship is available here.   Ends