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University of Galway IdeasLab Stanford University Innovation Fellowship
December 4, 2023
University of Galway IdeasLab students have joined with students from across 67 educational institutes in 15 countries to become University Innovation Fellows. The University Innovation Fellows (UIF) program empowers students to become agents of change at their universities.
Fellows work to ensure that all students gain the attitudes, skills and knowledge required to navigate a complex world and build the future. These student leaders from schools around the globe create opportunities to help their peers build the creative confidence, agency, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to address global challenges. Fellows create student innovation spaces, start entrepreneurship organizations, facilitate experiential workshops, work with the university community to develop new courses, and much more.
| – Mia Shanley-Brookes, BSc Medicinal Chemistry, 2024 |
| – Sophie Spellissy, Computer Science and Information Technology, 2025 |
| – Ciaran Cox, Biomedical Engineering, 2028 |
The inaugural fellows in University of Galway are Mia Shanley Brookes (Medicinal Chemistry, 2024), Sophie Spellissy (Computer Science and Information Technology, 2025) and Ciaran Cox (Biomedical Engineering, 2028). Mia, Sophie and Ciaran are working as advocates for lasting institutional change with university leaders, lending the much-needed student voice to the conversations about the future of higher education and entrepreneurship.
The students participated in a 6-week training experience during which they learned to analyse their campus ecosystems and identify opportunities for change related to innovation, entrepreneurship, design thinking, and creativity. They worked to understand the needs of peers on the University campus and apply this new knowledge and perspective to design new educational opportunities for their peers. In early 2024 the student team will prototype a new programme that focuses on shadowing start-ups and early stage companies to better understand how firms work and what types of roles students may wish to undertake once they are finished university and moving onto their next chapter.
The Fellows programme is run by Stanford University’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (d. School). With the addition of the new Fellows, the programme has trained more than 3,100 students since its creation. Leticia Britos Cavagnaro, Co-Director of the University Innovation Fellows programme ‘Fellows Mia, Sophie and Ciaran have developed new ways to help students at the University of Galway enhance their innovation skills, connect their learning with real-world applications, and gain access to essential resources. We’re so proud of the hard work they’ve done already, and we’re excited to see the impact they continue to have’.
Dr Natalie Walsh a Faculty Innovation Fellow with Stanford University’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (d.school) and the Director of Entrepreneurial Development in the University of Galway stated that ‘We are delighted to join the University Innovation Fellowship community and support our students to design new experiences that support all students to develop the skills and mindsets necessary to navigate these uncertain times and to shape the future they want to see. The partnership aligns with our values of excellence and sustainability, and we are excited to launch a new programme designed and delivered by Mia, Ciaran and Sophie in early 2024’.
University of Galway is the only Irish University who have taken part in the UIF programme. A core theme of the programme supports responsible futuring and the team look forward to travelling to the University of Twente in 2024 to build skills and expertise and connect in person with the UIF community of over 2,000 faculty and students from across the globe.
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University of Galway unveils President’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship to foster student excellence
December 4, 2023
University of Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh has launched the newly introduced President’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship that recognises and celebrates the achievements of University of Galway students in the realms of entrepreneurship and innovation.
It was officially launched as he formally opened the IdeasLab Space on campus, marking the institution’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among its student body. IdeasLab is University of Galway’s student innovation hub. It is an open collaborative space designed to enable students to explore ideas and personalise their entrepreneurial and innovative skillset to succeed in the complex world beyond university.
The award features three tiers of achievement, namely Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Students who complete one IdeasLab programme during their degree are eligible for the Bronze tier, while those who successfully complete two programmes earn the Silver tier. The highest honour, the Gold tier, is reserved for students who undertake more than two programmes or complete the IdeasLab’s summer incubator programme ‘Start100’.
The President’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship has been designed to acknowledge the pivotal role that student-driven innovation and entrepreneurship play in shaping Ireland’s future. By providing a structured framework for the development of these skills, the University aims to enhance the overall student experience and prepare its graduates for industry.
“We believe that students who develop innovative thinking and entrepreneurial skills play a crucial role in enriching their communities, advancing knowledge, and building a good society,” said Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh. “The President’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship reflects our commitment to cultivating our students’ capacities to become agents and architects of positive change and aligns with our values and our commitment to investing in the social, economic and intellectual development of our communities, nationally and internationally.”
The formal opening of the IdeasLab Space symbolises the University’s dedication to creating an environment that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and transformative ideas. This space is a vibrant hub where students can bring their innovative concepts to life, collaborate with like-minded peers, and receive mentorship from industry experts.
Natalie Walsh, Director of Entrepreneurial Development stated that ‘Today is a milestone moment for innovation in our university as we formally launch our student innovation space IdeasLab and our new President’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The space and new awards programme demonstrate our commitment to empowering students as catalysts for positive change and equip them with the skills and competences to succeed in their futures’. For more information go to www.universityofgalway.ie/ideaslab.
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Global reach of local event honoured at Fáilte Ireland Awards
November 27, 2023
Wexford native FRESH Street conference brought 21 countries to Inis Oírr Galway
Fáilte Ireland celebrated the outstanding contributions of 104 conference ambassadors, including renowned academics and industry leaders, at an award ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel.
Wexford native and ISACS (Irish Street Art, Circus and Spectacle Network) Director Lucy Medlycott was there to receive the Fáilte Ireland CARA award for bringing a conference, FRESH Street 2019, to Galway and for its contribution to the region’s economic impact. The event took place from 22 – 24th May 2019 in Galway City and Inis Oírr and brought together over 280 delegates from 21 different countries and from 4 different continents. Making it a local event on a global level which examined the incredible power of making artistic work for public spaces.
“ISACS are beyond thrilled to receive this award out of the blue for the wonderful FRESH Street event which we held in partnership with Circostrada and Galway 2020 back in May 2019. ‘It feels particularly special to get this kind of recognition for an event whose significance was slightly eclipsed by the ensuing pandemic. We are super grateful for the acknowledgment of the value of these art forms in our cultural landscape by Minister Martin and Failte Ireland and especially the Meet in Galway team,” said Lucy Medlycott Director of ISACS network.
“Every year we bring professional international programmers, festivals, and arts managers to Ireland to meet with the ISACS membership. This year alone we hosted over 15 arts professionals with the support of Culture Ireland. And next year we have some exciting plans once more for the international development of this most democratic of art forms. ISACS will in fact be hosting Circostrada – the European Network for Contemporary Circus and Outdoor Arts – in Ireland once again, during summer of 2024, with their DIVE programme. Details will be released soon.”
FRESH Street brought over 260 delegates attended from 21 different countries, across 4 continents. In advance of the seminar, a 2-day private meeting was hosted by the Arts Council of Ireland for policymakers across the world. Over 12 policymakers arrived from the UK, Belgium, Ireland, Sweden, Latvia and France to share and discuss topics of mutual interest. The Circostrada Network facilitated this, and it was highly influential in mapping out means to establish data and to grow knowledge of this rapidly developing art form across the territory.
The ambassadors were acknowledged for their expertise, industry knowledge and unwavering commitment to successfully hosting an international conference in Ireland between 2018 and 2022. Collectively these conferences have contributed €125 million to the Irish economy and have made a positive impact on our nation.
Fáilte Ireland’s Conference Ambassador Programme was developed to support individuals who want to host an international conference in Ireland. The programme provides assistance and financial support at every stage of the event, from the initial bidding, through to the marketing and promotion of the event. Ambassadors are sector leaders or influencers in their field and since the programme was established in 2009, Fáilte Ireland has supported almost 3,000 ambassadors in their bids to host conferences and events worth more than €2 billion.
To find out more check out www.isacs.ie.
The Gallery Café to host New York Artist exhibition
Experimental artist Kristy Verenga has opened her Who Am I? exhibition which combines media to explore the question at The Gallery Café in Gort. Kristy uses painting and sculpture to build the world that she calls home, these abstract and symbolic narratives are an expression of her daily experience.
Using oil paint on a wax ground and sometimes a texture like sand which also lets the drawing remain visible as part of the dynamic whole, she makes her own paper clay for the sculpture, which process emerged as a pandemic palliative. The images in her work are both playful and expressive of this interior dialogue.
Kristy Verenga studied modern dance and music and this feeling of movement is present in her work. She lived in Manhattan for 15 years where she had a fashion business, art gallery and taught yoga.
In 1999, she moved to Barcelona and had a studio in Tecla Sala, a gallery and work space for artists. In 2005, she received a residency grant with solo exhibit at the Roscommon Arts Centre which prompted the move to Ireland. She received a travel bursary (The Irish cow vs. the Indian sacred cow) which took her to Sanskriti Kendra in New Delhi, India. She now lives and works in Kinvara.
The exhibition will run until 7th of January 2024 and all pieces are available to buy in house. Pop in or check out www.thegallerycafegort.com.
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Because the night belongs to us…Nostalgia of the 90s lives on
November 6, 2023
Jezahel ignites the spirit of the night
After captivating audiences with its debut performance at The Blue Note in Galway’s Westend on Culture Night 2023, Jezahel will make its way to Galway’s Town Hall Theatre in December, promising a night of humour, nostalgia, and an intoxicating blend of class As craic!
This production, written by Malachy Duggan and directed by Emily Ahern is not your average theatrical experience; it is a wild ride through the past, mixing laughter, memories, and the energy of a bygone era.
Can a group of aging ravers defy the odds and stay up past their bedtime one more night to save the day? With a B-movie concept 30 years in the making, it is a play that would have the legendary Roger Corman spinning in his grave – that is, if he were already six feet under.
This feature-length play delves deep into 90s nostalgia and masterfully fits a square peg into the circle of life, exploring the journey of a group of kids from the 90s who have grown old, left without a roadmap for their lives. And the youth of today? They find themselves in a similar predicament, with all the nightclubs gone. Jezahel is a celebration of culture that comes alive after the sun sets, an experience that bridges the generational gap and ignites the spirit of the night.
Jezahel prompts the audience to reflect on the importance of preserving spaces for cultural expression, social interaction, and the party. The play highlights the need for fostering vibrant and diverse nightlife options in Ireland.
“Jezahel is a theatrical spectacle that transcends generations, a must-see for anyone looking to rekindle their youth, share a laugh, or simply experience the electric energy of the 90s once more,” smiled Malachy.
Tickets for Jezahel are priced at €16 and are available www.tht.ie or www.jezahel.com. The performance is happening on Thursday 7th December at 8pm.
The 27th Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is officially underway, here is a look at some of the magic captured by Anita Murphy at Universe and I See you Like This
Throughout the festival, families and children will have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of performances, from theatre and dance to music and visual arts, all thoughtfully curated to engage, entertain, and educate. Baboró 2023 invites everyone to embark on an adventure into the world of creativity, where there are no boundaries to imagination
Blue Teapot Searching for New Actors
Blue Teapot Theatre Company has launched a search for new actors aged 18 and over to join its full-time theatre ensemble. The award-winning Galway theatre company is looking to expand its talent pool by inviting aspiring actors with an intellectual disability to audition for a permanent place within the resident company of artists. This positive development is part of an overall expansion, aligned to the company’s Strategic Arts Plan (2023-2027).
Speaking about the search, Artistic Director Petal Pilley commented, “This autumn, a rare opportunity has arisen to join our coveted, professional ensemble. We will be holding open auditions for a small number of places, casting the net wide in search of brilliant talent. Previous acting experience is not necessary; many actors come to their careers as diamonds in the rough looking for an opportunity to shine. The successful candidates will join our vibrant, experienced cohort of actors to develop and perform theatre on Ireland’s main stages and beyond”.
Company actor Kieran Coppinger agreed, saying, “Be yourself, be proud of the fact you have a disability. When you’re on that stage, it’s a whole different world”.
For almost thirty years, Blue Teapot has worked consistently to radically transform theatre practices by telling stories through the lens of disability, paving the way for inclusive practices to become the norm. Artistic achievements in theatre include Sanctuary, Dancing At Lughnasa and last year’s production of Into the Dark Woods written by the company’s own Charlene Kelly in a co-production with The Abbey as well as twice nominated for an Irish Times Theatre Award.
Stage and screenwriter Christian O’Reillyadded, “This is a unique opportunity to join an extraordinary ensemble of brilliant actors and to develop artistically in an environment that is professional, supportive and fun”.
Interested candidates should apply to audition via email admin@blueteapot.ie or by calling 091 520 977 (Mon to Thurs 9am – 5pm). Deadline is 12pm Monday 13 November.
Auditions will be held late November and early December. For detailed information, visit www.blueteapot.ie/audition which includes accessibility controls for the visually impaired.
In a move to support local business in a sustainable way, Galway Food Tours’ program of championing local producers, makers and business owners this winter has seen people come together to enjoy the best of what Galway has to offer.
On November 22nd- The Less really is more when it comes to building the wardrobe of your dreams event will take place in Kindf_olk. The aim for this gettogether is to talk and think about creating a practical capsule wardrobe.
PR Consultant and Sustainable Slow Fashion Advocate Lisa Regan will choose staple pieces to take your wardrobe from Autumn to Winter from local sustainable fashion stores Kindf_olk, Aplomb, O’ Máille and Public Romance. Sharing with you all the tips and tricks on combining the staples with items you already have in your wardrobe to create comfortable chic outfits, while embracing your own style!
Of course, a beautiful outfit deserves a delicious glass of wine… so you will finish the evening out showcasing some of the finest low intervention wines. This will be led by Gosia Letoswka from ‘Side Hustle’ as she will take us on a grape journey to Mosel and will advise on how to pick the perfect wines for the upcoming festive season!
People can enjoy a glass of Pet Nat from Wild Wines or Kombucha from All about Kombucha, Sheridan’s Cheese platters and Delicious Treats from Lán Kitchen.
When: November 22nd 6.30pm-8.30pm in real life www.kindfolkgalway.ie Cost is €20pp from Eventbrite or check out Galway Food Tours across social media.
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Sustainable Development Goals, Partnership, people, planet, prosperity
September 26, 2023
I have been accepted onto Sustainable Development Goals, Partnership, people, planet, prosperity at ATU Galway City
The aim of the programme is to introduce the theory and application of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) with a particular focus on their application in the regional context.
The programme aims to encourage knowledge of and reflection on how the SDG framework can be applied in a local context to encourage the implementation of environmentally sustainable, living and working practices, that support a just transition to more equitable society.
Communication and action is where I find purpose. I lead communication efforts that promote sustainable development, preserve Galway’s Westend unique values, and foster an environment that respects and supports the residents and businesses that call the Westend home. As the area undergoes growth and development, there is a need to preserve its distinctive character, promote sustainable practices, and maintain a strong sense of community.
Through collaboration with local businesses, residents, community organizations, and local government bodies to gather insights and perspectives that inform
I am interested in the learnings from this course to further inform a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with Galway’s Westend’s commitment to sustainable development and community preservation.
Asking questions through art is a creative and different way of us seeing each other. Have you ever wondered how your child sees you? Well, the answer might lie within the ‘I See You Like This’ exhibition. With our ever-growing appetite to document our lives through photos and selfies, children are often the reluctant subjects of adults’ cameras – asked to smile, look natural and come in closer. In I See You Like This, Australian artist Jessica Wilson, flips the camera around giving the children control while their significant adults become their subjects.
Facilitated by Jessica in a private session the week before the festival begins, children will design and direct a creative photoshoot of their significant adult, captured by photographer Julia Dunin. The resulting portraits will create the exhibition. If you would like to be part of this exciting exhibition you can book an appointment for you and your 7 – 14 year old child with Jessica via baboro.ie. In the appointment Jessica will ask the child questions about how they see their adult’s personality and then design and direct their own photoshoot using unusual objects to express how they see their adult.