In the News..

University of Galway has officially launched its new Institute for Creativity, a major strategic initiative that aims to harness culture and creativity on Ireland’s western seaboard. The new Institute will forge next-generation collaborations between art and science, and research, policy, and industry - working across all disciplines in the University from life science to business and law, from engineering to the natural sciences. As AI reshapes the way we interact with all sectors of society, the Institute for Creativity celebrates the University’s legacy as an important partner in the creative ecosystem regionally and nationally and puts artistic intelligence to the fore in developing alternative solutions to the world’s most complex problems. The new Institute will support and enhance research already underway in the University while driving new projects at the intersection of creativity and technology that are rooted in arts-based practice. Key areas of focus for the Institute for Creativity Lead research in the role of art and culture in fostering and driving sustainable development in rural and remote areas, alongside working with Galway’s globally renowned creative sector. Rethink and revalue the important relationship between art and culture, and health and wellbeing. Conduct experimental research to promote cultural and linguistic diversity as a competitive advantage for Ireland and Europe.  The Institute for Creativity will also be home to University of Galway’s popular 'Arts in Action' programme, which welcomes students and staff, and visitors from outside the university to engage with a broad and varied programme of artistic events. The formal launch took place as part of the 2026 International Forum on Artistic Research, the largest-ever conference on practice-based artistic research, bringing together more than 300 international practitioners, scholars, researchers and policymakers at University of Galway from June 23-26. The Forum is part of The Society for Artistic Research (SAR), a network that promotes and disseminates artistic research practices and findings across disciplines and contexts.  President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn said: “I am delighted to officially launch our new Institute for Creativity as part of this important conference on practice-based artistic research. Galway’s vibrant creative sector is globally connected - empowered by contemporary creative practice and innovative technologies. Our university is at the heart of this activity, exploring the links between creativity, teaching, research, and the wider world, while being rooted in the local community to create spaces where ideas can thrive. “Creativity, Culture and Society, Transformative Data and AI, and Innovation for Health are three key pillars in our strategic plan, Of Galway, For the World. These pillars reflect and support the vision of the Institute for Creativity. We will work together to ensure the extraordinary talent, creativity and opportunity we have here will continue to enable close collaboration on research and student engagement in the creative arts.” Professor Florian Schneider, Director of the Institute for Creativity said: “The future of innovation lies at the intersection of creativity and technology. But Creativity is not just for the creative arts: the Institute will research creativity as a general condition that reshapes the manifold relationships across all faculties of knowledge. “Unlocking this creative potential is particularly urgent for Galway and for the West of Ireland as a creative hub, and equally significant at national and European levels.” Professor Rebecca Braun, Executive Dean, College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, said: “The College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies is delighted to be home to the new Institute for Creativity, supported by its thriving research community. An arts degree provides a solid foundation for creativity in many areas of life well beyond the creative arts yet arts and culture, heritage and creativity can play a key role in facilitating and driving new collaborations by bringing people together that would not otherwise meet. “In a world rocked by social and political unrest, and a digital revolution, we need cross-disciplinary, collaborative research that cuts across sectors, generations and disciplines. The Institute for Creativity will be a beacon for collaborative research and innovation, and societal impact at local, national and international levels for the University of Galway.” Ends

Palestinian scholar, writer and entrepeneur to share her family's story through exhibition and keynote address University of Galway will host a four-day exhibition exploring daily life in Gaza through personal testimony, photography, video, letters and children's artwork. The exhibition centres on the experiences of Palestinian entrepreneur, writer and public speaker Shirene Yaseen, whose family remains in Gaza. The Lived Experience of Gaza runs from Wednesday July 1st to Saturday July 4th from 9am to 6pm in An Dánlann, the University of Galway Art Gallery in the Quadrangle. Shirene Yaseen will travel from her base in Doha, Qatar, to open the exhibition and deliver a special address in the Michael D Higgins Auditorium in the Quadrangle of the University on Friday July 3rd at 10am, sharing her family's experience of survival and displacement. The event will be followed by a peace panel exploring what institutional protection means for human dignity and what its absence costs. Through personal accounts and visual materials, the exhibition documents the realities of displacement, disrupted education, limited access to healthcare and the challenges facing families living amid the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis. It asks whether the silence since the ceasefire reflects the actual situation in Palestine, or whether the world has simply stopped paying attention. This event is part of the Thinking Beyond thought leadership series hosted by the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at University of Galway.  Admission is free and registration is available at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/sAU8mA6fsZ. Funding for the project was secured through the University of Galway Sustainability Engagement Fund. Shirene was five years old in 2000 when she first witnessed someone being killed. She has lived through more than seven wars since. Her story is not one that began in October 2023, it is the story of a lifetime. Since the most recent conflict began, Shirene’s family have been displaced nearly 20 times. They continue to live without functioning healthcare, schools, safety, and certainty of where they will sleep. Shirene left Gaza and cannot go back, and her family cannot leave. Shirene Yaseen said: "Gaza has become unliveable, but the world has moved on. I carry a deep helplessness because I left and they cannot. I want people to understand that this is not over. My family is fighting to survive every day, and they deserve to be seen." Sophie Sweeney, Lecturer at the University of Galway and organiser of the exhibition, said: “There is a world of difference between following a conflict in the news and hearing directly from someone living it. When I met Shirene, I knew this story had to come to Ireland. We have a long tradition of standing with displaced communities, and this felt like something our university and city should be part of.” Among the stories featured in the exhibition is that of Shirene's sister, who gave birth on a staircase in the dark without medical assistance. The destruction of schools has left Shirene's nieces and nephews without access to education, and her family no longer have a home to return to and have been forced to move repeatedly, carrying only what they can. Since the ceasefire, Gaza has largely fallen out of the headlines. Yet many of the institutions that people depend on for healthcare, education, safety and justice remain severely damaged or non-functioning.   Organisations, businesses, community groups and individuals interested in supporting the exhibition through sponsorship, promotion, volunteering or related activities are invited to contact Sophie Sweeney at sophie.sweeney@universityofgalway.ie For further information visit Thinking Beyond - Lived Experience of Gaza Ends

University of Galway has celebrated the achievements of 239 primary school pupils from six schools at its annual Uni4U end-of-year celebration. The Uni4U programme is outreach initiative led by the University's Access Centre that gives primary school pupils an introduction to university life and the opportunities that higher education can offer. Pupils from six schools in Galway city took part - Radharc na Mara, Scoil Bhríde, Scoil Chroí Íosa, Merlin Woods, Mercy Primary School and Scoil San Phroinsias. Over a six-week period, they visited the University campus one day each week to participate in workshops delivered by University staff and external partners. Activities included economics, engineering, chemistry, philosophy, law, zoology, palaeontology, computer coding, broadcasting with Flirt FM, art, careers and sport. The students also took part in campus tours and visits to the Computer Museum and the Mincéirs Archive in the University Library. This year marked the first participation in Uni4U by pupils from Scoil San Phroinsias in Tirellan Heights. Louise Duane, teacher at Scoil San Phroinsias, said: “The Uni4U programme has been extremely beneficial for our pupils. The engaging, hands-on activities provided valuable insights into a range of disciplines and gave the children a broader perspective on college life and future career opportunities." Speaking at the event, Professor Becky Whay, Interim Deputy President and Registrar, University of Galway, said: "Creating pathways to higher education begins long before a student submits a university application. Through Uni4U, University of Galway is helping young people to engage with higher education from an early age, building aspirations, confidence and a sense of belonging. “As a university with a strong civic mission, we work in partnership with schools and communities to broaden access to educational opportunity. Uni4U is a powerful example of that commitment in action." Throughout the programme, the pupils worked closely with Uni4U mentors, who are current University of Galway students involved with the Access Centre through disability support services, Access Programmes and the University's care-experienced support service. The celebration brought together pupils, parents, teachers, mentors and University staff. During the celebration, sixth-class pupils shared reflections on their experiences and what they learned during their time on campus. Each sixth-class pupil received a Uni4U certificate and hoodie in recognition of their achievements and participation. Dr Mary Surlis, Senior Academic Manager, for University of Galway’s Access Centre, said: "Over the past six weeks, pupils have embraced every opportunity to learn, explore and try something new. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and confidence have made the programme a pleasure to deliver. Uni4U is about helping young people feel that they belong in a university environment, and we hope the experience has inspired them to think positively about their future." For more than 25 years, Uni4U has formed part of University of Galway's commitment to widening participation in higher education. Through hands-on learning experiences and regular engagement with staff and students, the programme encourages young people to explore future education pathways and experience university life in a welcoming and supportive environment. Ends