In the News..

Analysis shows living reef ecosystem host previously unknown biomolecules with potential for future medicine and biotechnology      An international consortium of scientists has uncovered new insights into coral ecosystems, revealing that different coral species host their own distinct communities of microbes.    The research, which involved a team at University of Galway, shows that coral reefs harbour diverse microbes and produce chemicals with promising potential for future application in medicine and biotechnology.    The full study is published in Nature and can be read here.     Coral reefs are often called the rainforests of the sea, supporting a third of all marine macroscopic organisms and operating as marine biodiversity hotspots with a wide range of ecosystem services such as ecotourism and nutrient cycling.     The scientific research has revealed that their true diversity lies in their microbiome - invisible to the naked eye.     With support from the Tara Pacific consortium, the international research team analysed microbiome samples collected from 99 different coral reefs across 32 islands throughout the Pacific Ocean. They reconstructed the genomes of 645 microbial species - more than 99% of which had never previously been genomically characterised. These microbes are highly specialised partners of their coral hosts, functioning as prolific producers of bioactive compounds.     The study revealed that these coral-associated bacteria contain a greater variety of biosynthetic gene clusters - the blueprints for natural products - than has so far been documented in the world’s ocean.     Dr Maggie Reddy, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, said: “When we compared our findings with microbes found on other reef species, it became clear how little we still know. Of more than 4,000 microbial species identified, only 10% have any genetic information available, and fewer than 1% of the species found only in the Tara Pacific samples have been studied at all. This shows a major gap in our understanding and underlines the need for much more biodiversity surveys, especially in under-studied regions.”    The research highlights a critical, often overlooked dimension of conservation: when coral reefs die, we don't just lose the corals, sponges, seaweeds and fish; we lose a vast "molecular library" linked to the microbial life.     And it noted that biochemical characterisation of previously unknown enzymes and compounds suggests an immense, untapped potential for biotechnology and medicine.     Professor Olivier Thomas, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, said: “The biosynthetic potential of reef-building coral microbiomes rivalled or surpassed that of traditional natural product sources like sponges. Among the biosynthetically rich bacteria in the reef microbiome, we identified previously unknown microorganisms (e.g. Acidobacteriota) living with corals that produce new enzymes with exciting potential biotechnology uses.     “The research is a clear call to action to protect our coral reefs – not just because of their value as a unique ecosystem – but to preserve the unique chemical diversity poised to enable future scientific breakthroughs.”    The study involved researchers from the Marine Biodiversity Lab at the Ryan Institute at University of Galway, led by Dr Maggie Reddy and Professor Olivier Thomas, who are part of the Tara Pacific consortium, an international consortium of marine scientists addressing the challenges our oceans face due to climate change. They worked alongside scientists in  ETH Zurich.    Dr Reddy and Professor Thomas will join an international team of scientists on the upcoming Tara Coral expedition this June in Papua New Guinea, funded by the Tara Foundation and associated public and private partners. During the voyage, they will collect additional marine samples from the region and investigate the factors that enable certain reef-building corals to be more resilient in the face of climate change.    The coral microbiome is a complex community of bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses, and algae that live on and within coral tissues, acting as a crucial, functional unit known as the holobiont.     The microbiome samples studied in this research, published in Nature, were collected during the Tara Pacific expedition in 2016-2018. This work has mapped the microbial landscape of reef-building corals at an unprecedented scale in an ocean which is home to 40% of the world’s coral reefs.     For more information about the Tara Foundation and the Tara Coral expedition to the Coral Triangle in 2026-2027 visit: https://fondationtaraocean.org/en/expedition/tara-coral/    Ends

University of Galway’s Shannon College of Hotel Management has celebrated the achievements of its 2026 graduating class – marking 75 years of world-class hospitality education.  Since its founding in 1951, almost 3,000 students have graduated from Shannon College, progressing into leadership roles across global hospitality and business sectors.   A special celebration is planned for later this year to mark the 75th anniversary of Shannon College of Hotel Management.   Graduates were recognised during the conferring ceremony with a range of scholarships, prizes and industry-sponsored awards, reflecting academic excellence and talent. A total of 27 prizes and scholarships to the value of over €30,000 were presented, including the distinguished Banfi Scholarship, the Guinness Storehouse Scholarship and the Shannon College of Hotel Management Alumni Prize.  A unique part of the Shannon College experience is the Class Patron Programme, which pairs each class with a senior hospitality leader for mentorship and career guidance.    The 2026 Class Patron is Shannon College graduate John Burke, owner and Chief Executive Officer of Armada in Spanish Point and co-owner of Fiddle + Bow collection, in Doolin. Named Clare Person of the Year in 2018, he is recognised for his leadership in sustainable business and advocacy for regional development and youth mental health. He became the first Clare man to summit Mount Everest in 2017, raising funds for youth wellness charity Elevate.       Delivering the keynote address at the Graduation Ball in Dromoland Castle, following the on-campus ceremony, Mr Burke said: “You are stepping into a journey full of opportunity. Every experience along the way – the learning, the effort and even the challenges – shapes you to grow, thrive and create a career full of meaning and success.”    Shannon College’s graduate employment record is supported by strong industry partnerships and an international network of work placement opportunities. This year’s class completed final placements in leading hotels and hospitality organisations in Los Angeles, London, Ireland, Australia, France, Canada, United Arab Emirates, and the Seychelles.    Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway said: “Shannon College of Hotel Management continues to stand as a springboard for leadership and talent within Ireland’s hospitality sector and far beyond. Today, we proudly celebrate the hard work, professionalism and ambition of the Class of 2026, supported throughout their journey by our dedicated faculty and industry partners. Our graduates step out today ready to make their mark, and I wish each of them every success as they begin the next chapter of their careers.”  Adrian Sylver, Head of Shannon College of Hotel Management, said: “The John Burke Class that graduated today reflects the ambition, professionalism and global outlook that define Shannon College of Hotel Management. The graduates have demonstrated not only academic excellence but a deep commitment to leadership and service within our industry. As they join the worldwide network of Shannon alumni, they step into a community that opens doors across continents and cultures – a powerful reminder that their careers will extend far beyond any single destination. We are immensely proud of their achievements and confident that they will shape the future of hospitality on a truly global stage.”  Professor Alma McCarthy, Executive Dean of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law, said: “The Class of 2026 has shown exceptional commitment during their time at Shannon College of Hotel Management. Their ability to learn, adapt and support one another has prepared this group to contribute meaningfully to the hospitality sector both nationally and internationally. I am confident they will carry forward the values of openness, excellence and belonging, and I look forward to seeing all that they will achieve.”    Ends   

Beidh Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ag tabhairt faoi thionscnamh náisiúnta a spreagfaidh daoine le spéis a chur in ábhair Eolaíochta, Teicneolaíochta, Innealtóireachta agus Matamaitice (ETIM), ar a dtugtar STEM go hidirnáisiúnta, trí Ghaeilge, agus a chothóidh deiseanna nua do phobail, scoileanna agus daoine gairmiúla. Bhronn Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland €268,000 tríd an gClár Discover ar an tionscadal STEM as Gaeilge a mhairfidh ar feadh dhá bhliain.  Tá an maoiniú á chur ar fáil le clár náisiúnta cumarsáide eolaíochta, imeachtaí poiblí agus tionscnamh oideachais a eagrú trí Ghaeilge, a chuirfidh le feiceálacht STEM agus a neartóidh conairí oideachais agus gairmeacha STEM do lucht labhartha na Gaeilge ar fud na tíre.  Beidh na tionscnaimh á n-eagrú thar thréimhse dhá bhliain, agus beidh pobail na Gaeilge, daoine gairmiúla i réimse STEM, agus foghlaimeoirí ar fud na tíre páirteach iontu. Seo a leanas cuid de na príomhthionscadail: Clár faisnéise a thabharfaidh léargas ar thaighde agus nuálaíocht STEM ar fud na hÉireann, léirithe i gcomhar le togra Science on Screen de chuid CÚRAM agus Ardán. Ceardlanna rannpháirtíochta digití agus litearthachta sonraí chun muinín a chothú i ndaoine le topaicí STEM a phlé agus a mhíniú i nGaeilge Leathnú ar scéim na dTimirí STEM as Gaeilge, ag nascadh taighdeoirí agus daoine gairmiúla le scoileanna agus pobail Imeachtaí STEM ar leith i gceantair Ghaeltachta Oícheanta Ólaíochta a eagrú in áiteanna nua ar fud na tíre Oiliúint speisialaithe a chuirfeadh leis an acmhainn go fadtéarmach i measc daoine gairmiúla atá ag obair i réimse STEM as Gaeilge Comórtas náisiúnta STEM do dhaltaí scoile  Tá sé mar aidhm ag na tionscnaimh seo ar fad le chéile an Ghaeilge a normalú i ndioscúrsa na heolaíochta agus cur le líon na ndaoine a bhíonn páirteach i STEM i bpobail ar fud na tíre.  Bhí an méid seo le rá ag an Ollamh Becky Whay, Uachtarán Ionaid agus Meabhránaí Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Tá Ollscoil na Gaillimhe bródúil as an stádas dátheangach atá aici, agus táimid ar bís faoin tionscadal seo. Cuirimid romhainn tacú leis an nGaeilge i ngach disciplín. Tá deis ar leith ag an Ollscoil seo, a bhfuil Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge agus campais Ghaeltachta ina gcuid di, le naisc a chothú leis na comhlachtaí bithleighis, fuinnimh in-athnuaite, srl. sa Ghaeltacht. Trí chumhacht a thabhairt do mhic léinn, do chomhaltaí foirne agus do phobail dul i ngleic leis an eolaíocht trí mheán na Gaeilge, táimid ag cuidiú le conairí foghlama, nuálaíochta agus rannpháirtíochta an phobail a neartú ar fud na tíre.”   Bhí an méid seo a leanas le rá ag Ceannaire an Tionscadail, an Dr Fintan Hegarty ó Scoil na nEolaíochtaí Matamaitice agus Staitistice san Ollscoil: “Is teanga bheo í an Ghaeilge, agus tá sé tábhachtach go n-úsáidfimid í chun plé a dhéanamh ní hamháin ar ár n-oidhreacht, ach ar na ceisteanna a mbeidh tionchar acu ar a bhfuil i ndán dúinn amach anseo chomh maith. Baineann STEM linn ar fad – ní gá ach smaoineamh ar an dul chun cinn i ngnóthaí leighis le linn na paindéime agus ar a bhfuil á fhorbairt maidir leis an intleacht shaorga, mar shampla. Is é an aidhm atá againn spásanna a chruthú inar féidir linn díospóireacht shuimiúil, bunaithe ar eolas, a bheith againn faoi STEM, agus dearmad a dhéanamh gur trí Ghaeilge atáimid á phlé.”   Críoch