ISSUE 4 • AUTUMN 2019

www.itsligo.ie FREE CUA awarded €2m Towards Technological €6.6m investment under University Project Ireland 2040 for Extension to IT Sligo Campus AbbVie Announce 3 Year Partnership with Sligo Science Festival

Proposed plans for new €18.6m Extension at IT Sligo.

impact on the sector’s ability to approved in principle for funding cater for significant increases in will significantly advance the enrolments over the coming decade. objectives of Project Ireland 2040, We are planning and investing for including in underpinning the talent President of IT Sligo Dr Brendan McCormack and Chairman Niall the future and with that we are pipeline that is essential to Ireland’s Donnellan with Minister Mary Mitchell O’Conner TD, on a recent visit driving choice and increasing growth as an economy and society, to the development of Block K&L at IT Sligo which received a further options for students around the and in supporting regional 13.6m funding earlier this year. country. objectives. The buildings Student Induction “Ambition is at the heart of these themselves will be highly he Minister for Education the Minister of State for Higher plans. These projects and new innovative and sustainable, future- 2019 and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. Education Mary Mitchell O’Connor buildings will have an important proofed to support the most and the Minister of State for T.D for their announcement today. regional and national impact but up-to-date approaches to teaching THigher Education Mary Mitchell This announcement is a huge boost they will also enhance the and learning, and designed to O’Connor T.D. announced almost to the region and local economy. competitiveness of Ireland’s higher facilitate the multi-disciplinary €6.6 million is to be invested by the The funding will facilitate a education system on the engagement that is so critical to Government in major building significant upgrade of the last international stage.” tackling the challenges of today and extension at IT Sligo Campus. remaining section of the old “The projects that have been of the future.” As part of ongoing investment in campus building which has been the sector through Project Ireland there since the 1970’s. A large 2040, the funding has been section of this block houses our Sligo Design Graduate Makes top approved in principle to help online educational facilities and support additional new places for with the upgrade and extension of 4 in the World students at IT Sligo in line with the this building will enable us to Institutes ambitious plans to further develop and enhance our An IT Sligo graduate has increase student numbers to 10,000 research and online courses which been identified as one of Over 1000 at IT Sligo by 2022 as laid out in its Strategic has seen dramatic growth in recent the top graduate Open Day Plan. The announcement years. I would like to congratulate designers in the world. significantly boosts the Institutes all our colleagues for their support Paul Roper, a native of plans to become a Technological in this application as this is a Sligo, was recognised for University in partnership with reflection of the high esteem this his radical design skills GMIT and LYIT next year. institute is held within the by the Global The project will include a Government and the HEA. undergraduate Awards. complete rebuild of J Block with an The Institute will be celebrating After a rigorous and investment of €18.58 million, its 50th anniversary next year and lengthy judging process turning the single floor 1970’s this development will help us to led by over 400 expert building into a modern four storey deliver the highest level of academics worldwide, complex that will enhance the education as we head towards Paul made first place in modern state-of-the-art campus Technological University status in Ireland and Europe and is which has seen significant 2020.” top 4 in the world in his development over recent years. Minister McHugh said the award category! President of IT Sligo, Dr Brendan of such significant levels of funding Speaking about the McCormack welcomed the would significantly enhance the award Paul said he was announcement today: capacity of the sector in advancing honoured: “IT Sligo would like to sincerely Ireland’s national and regional Continued on Page 4 thank the Minister for Education ambitions. and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. and “This will have a major positive 2 IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 3 Connacht Ulster Alliance Presidents Welcome €2 Million Towards Technological University Status Funding will assist work of IT Sligo, GMIT and Letterkenny IT in achieving TU status he Presidents of Connacht- Mitchell O’Connor in the coming with stipulated timelines and with confidence towards achieving transformational process across the Ulster Alliance (CUA) at IT weeks and will use the opportunity milestones. TU designation with our CUA CUA. This year’s increased funding Sligo, GMIT and to demonstrate our commitment to IT Sligo’s TU Project Manager, partners ' will allow us to build on the TLetterkenny IT, welcome the realise a TU for our region. ” Ann Higgins, said: 'This The announcement was also significant investment in allocation of €2 million funding The allocated funding will be announcement comes at a time welcomed by CUA Project development that has been made by announced by Minister for used to target research initiatives in when IT Sligo has made significant Manager Perry Share: all of the CUA partners since the Education Joe McHugh TD and the addition to supporting the CUA progress in achieving the TU “The HEA funding has been very TU process started a number of Minister of State for Higher Project Office. To-date the CUA has metrics and continues to advance important in supporting the years ago.” Education, Mary Mitchell received close to €6M and this O’Connor TD, towards the year’s allocation is an increase on development of a Technological the €1.8M received last year. University in the West and North- A further €500,000 was allocated West region. to Letterkenny IT as part of the This is part of a €14m fund CUA’s commitment to deepening allocated under the Higher links with the University of Ulster Education Authority 2019 call for and North West College post Brexit. submissions for higher education Minister McHugh added: “I will landscape restructuring, be bringing the leadership of LYIT, consolidation and collaborative GMIT and IT Sligo together to see projects. how we can further support their In a joint statement by the ambitions as the Connacht Ulster Presidents of the three Institutes that Alliance towards creating a constitute the CUA said: technological university a reality. I “We very much welcome this am also pleased to see the ongoing announcement by our Minister efforts to strengthen cross-border today. Collectively we continue to higher and further education and make significant progress towards training links in the North West.” achieving the criteria necessary to Minister Mitchell O’Connor be designated as a TU and aim to explained, “The emergence of the submit an application in the course Technological University sector is of the 2020/21 academic year. A the single most important governance, management and development in the higher organisation framework for the new education landscape of recent years TU is in place, numerous and a very significant element of collaborative projects are the national research agenda.” progressing across the alliance and The funding allocations will be we are in the process of establishing disbursed by the Higher Education a union consultative forum that will Authority subject to requisite An important development in the CUA process has been the development of the CUA/TUI Industrial Relations assist with staff consultation and conditionality on a case by case Forum. Pictured are members of the forum at the inaugural meeting in IT Sligo on 16 October 2019 with the three communication across each of our project basis and will be subject to presidents of the CUA, Paul Hannigan (LYIT), Dr Brendan McCormack (IT Sligo) and Dr Michael Hannon eight campuses. We look forward to ongoing monitoring, reporting and (GMIT). meeting Ministers McHugh and evaluation by the Authority in line Minister Launches Fourth Insurance Apprentice Programme at IT Sligo Minister of State for Higher Institute and LIA, was launched in Speaking at the IT Sligo Student Education Mary Mitchell O’Connor 2016 and has already enrolled over Induction Day, Minister Mary T.D. officially launched the fourth 300 apprentices across Ireland. Mitchell O’Connor welcomed the year of the Insurance Practitioner Today, an additional 72 apprentices new recruits to the programme: Apprenticeship Programme at IT are being enrolled and the first cohort “I’m delighted to be here to Sligo today. This honours degree of students will graduate with an welcome the 2019 students of the programmes aimed at preparing honours degree programme in Insurance Practitioner insurance professionals for the world November. This programme has Apprenticeship Programme at IT of work, delivered by IT Sligo in been deemed a huge success by the Sligo this morning. This programme partnership with the Insurance Insurance Industry. has been an overwhelming success for the Insurance Industry and proves the apprentice model can be tailored to any industry with the backing of external partners. I want to congratulate the Insurance Institute and all the Insurance companies who have taken part in the programme over the past three years. IT Sligo is at the forefront of distance learning in Ireland and with their expertise they have proven a degree level education is achievable as you “Earn The Bachelor of Arts in Insurance leavers, graduates and career & Learn”. In November we will see Practice was the first professionally changers to gain employment to one the first graduates of this programme validated level 8 programme in of Ireland’s largest and most diverse which is a testament to its success. I Higher Education using the ‘model, sectors while achieving an honours would also encourage more women and has been designed and degree. to take the apprentice group and I’m developed in close collaboration with Further information about this delighted to see so many women on the Insurance Industry. programme is available at this programme” The apprenticeship allows school www.earnandlearn.ie 4 IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 IT Sligo Students mark World Mental Health Week Sligo Design Graduate To mark World Mental Week (7th – 101th Campaign where student discussed the little doesn’t just stop after this week let’s keep of October) students of IT Sligo took part in things they do to help with their mental connecting with ourselves, connecting with Makes top 4 the Lifting the Silence Campaign health in addition to physical activity services and lifting the silence on mental Continued from front page spearheaded by IT Sligo Students’ Union sessions on the Main Concourse. During the health. #LiftingTheSilence Welfare Officer Tara Ní Raghallaigh and week a large number of students During Mental Health Week we were “This is a great honour to receive such a assisted by Healthy Campus coordinator participated in the 5000 steps to wellness delighted to support local charity prestigious global award and to be considered Yvonne Rouche. walk to create the link between physical “NorthwestSTOP” and their ODDSOCKS one of the top designers in the world is just The aim of the Lifting the Silence activity and positive mental health. campaign. We raised €244.50 on the day for incredible. Designing and inventing new Campaign was to lift the silence around IT Sligo Welfare Officer, Tara Ní this very worthy cause. We ran a 5000 steps products is a very challenging process but one I mental health by “Connecting” with Raghallaigh said; We all need to come to Wellness walk and everyone who really enjoy. But has meant 18 hour days over yourself and taking time to assess your own together and work together to provide clocked up over 5000 steps on the day or the past few years and working as a long mental health, by “Reaching Out” and people with the voice and opportunity to joined us on our walk were entered into a distance lorry driver over weekends to make speak to others be it friends, family or a know that they can reach out and speak up. draw for a Fitbit. The lucky winner was ends meet.” colleague and finally by “Linking Up” with Too many people’s lives have been lost and Helen Mc Morrow who clocked up an Out of over 3,400 submissions, Paul has been services here in the Institute as well locally as a welfare officer I will continue to lobby impressive 12,253 steps on the day. selected as one of the highest performing and nationally. the government for more investments into entrants in the category of Design for the 2019 A variety of activities where ran in the the Mental Health Services in this Country Useful Numbers: programme. This is an outstanding achievement college during the week such as Connect but to keep spreading the message to EAP IT Sligo – 1800201346 for some of the world's brightest students, who Cafés where students and staff could come people that it is okay not to be okay and YourMentalHealth 24/7 Freephone are leading the way in top-class undergraduate and meet and chat and share a free coffee, then they can lift the silence on their mental 1800742444 research all across the world. Many of his Odd Socks Day where we encourage health. Smaritans – 116123 product designs are based on people with people to wear odd socks and raise money Mental Health is such an important topic MABS – 0761072000 disabilities including hidden ones. Paul was for North West Stop, Little Things that we all should be talking about. I hope it North West STOP - 1850211877 diagnosed with dyslexia a few years back and had to compete with PhD and Master’s research students in the global design competition; “I never had a problem with ideas and design but needed support in how to explain my research through writing. IT Sligo were very supportive throughout my studies there and had every possible learning assistance I needed to get my degree.” This award now puts the graduate in the top 0.03% designers in the country and is continuing to develop new ideas and is currently working on a financial software system for project management of large constructions. This is one of many awards the design student has received during his time at IT Sligo. Earlier this year Paul was recognised by the Institute of Designers Ireland (IDI) for his IT Sligo Students’ Union Sleep Out for Focus Ireland, redesign of the humble clothes peg. Commenting on the design award Paul’s lecturer in Creative Design at IT Sligo, Nevil Shine A Light Night Walsh said; ‘This is a fantastic achievement for On October 16th IT Sligo Students’ Union has changed their perception of what it is barriers to higher education, to ensure Paul as he was up against some of the leading as well as 6 students from IT Sligo, 2 like to spend every night on the streets. accommodation is affordable for all. I design graduates in the world. Paul has won a Students’ Union Officers from St. There are so many factors which can have already lobbied Deputy Tony few awards before on a national level and is a Angela’s College, Sligo and a member of impact ones sleep, such as passersby, McLoughlin on some of these issues and great ambassador for the Institute.” the USI (Union of Students in Ireland) lighting, a toilet facility and the weather. will continue to lobby all Sligo-Leitrim Paul will graduate with a Degree in Creative Executive Team slept out to raise The group were lucky that it was mild and TD’s to ensure a level playing field for all Design in November from IT Sligo. He has awareness to the housing and everyone commented on how it would be members of society. already gained a degree in Quantity Surveying homelessness crisis which we is currently if it was to be raining or snowing. I would like to thank Monica from from the Institute and is currently working for facing in Ireland in aid of Focus Ireland, a IT Sligo SU would like to thank Focus Ireland for all her hard work and Roadbridge as a Quantity Surveyor on the N4 housing and homelessness charity. everyone who came out and attended the helping to make the event a success, as road outside Sligo. The event was ran with the aid of a event. The SU will be running a bucket well as the team in the SU especially Tara Shane Harte, Commercial Manager for former IT Sligo student Monica collection, in the near future and thank (Welfare Officer) and Jason (Education Roadbridge praised their employees award; McElhinney to raise much needed funds anyone who has already donated to the Officer). We also want to pay thanks for “We always encourage our employees to for the charity as currently in Sligo there worthy cause. the support from St. Angela’s SU, my challenge themselves and participate in are 31 adults in emergency Laura Muldoon the Students’ Union counterpart Joe Redehan and competitions. We are delighted Paul has done accommodation as well as 442 President says: Shauna(Entertainments Officer) and just that and has been recognised on a global households on the social housing waiting The Sleep Out was an extremely Marie Lyons from USI for coming out level.” list (Focus Ireland,2019). There have been successful event, we raised people’s with us and attending the event. The graduate of Creative Design at IT Sligo increases in purpose built student awareness of homelessness but we also has been previously recognised for his accommodation in Galway and Dublin at challenged our perceptions of motorised tail hitch at the Enterprise Ireland 18% and 24% respectively only in the last homelessness while also raising money. Young Entrepreneur awards. year and a half. Since then Students’ The stereotypical view of what homeless Unions have rose their concerns through people has changed. We hear of students USI who have continuously fought to see in Galway sleeping in cars, students in that rent caps of 4% to be brought in on Cork waiting for the colleges to close late purpose built student accommodation in at night to then sleep under a bridge and BE PART OF rent pressure zones, which was passed once the college opens again in the into legislation only this summer. morning going in to have a shower. How IT SLIGO NEWS Students Union officers have valiantly long will it be before we hear of students fought for better quality and affordable in Sligo becoming homeless due to the If you would like to be part of IT accommodation for students for years and ever increasing costs of higher education, now they are looking at fighting for better accommodation, placement, cost of Sligo News please contact our accommodation across the board. living? Students’ are being priced out of Communications Manager, All who attended the event said that it education and this level of stress and lack IT Sligo Students, Members of IT Sligo was a worthwhile experience; it made of security has to be impacting on their and St. Angela’s SU and Monica Aidan Haughey at them thankful to have a roof over their mental health. IT Sligo SU will continue McElhinney (Focus Ireland) before the [email protected] heads and a comfortable place to sleep. It to lobby the government on breaking the sleep out. IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 5 Mabel Makes it on TV Passing of Shane Banks “In search of a better and safer life, I IT Sligo would like to moved to Ireland in 2013 and came to acknowledge the passing of Sligo. I joined the Sligo Gospel choir and our dear colleague, Shane the Sligo Cathedral choir and SABONA Banks, who sadly passed community productions. This helped me away suddenly on the 24th of integrate into the community and meet new June. Shane was highly people. We started a food community group respected by colleagues and for asylum seekers in Sligo called Global students and was an Kitchen.” enthusiastic and dedicated In 2016 Mabel started studying Business lecturer in the Faculty of in Office Administration at IT Sligo where Engineering and Design. IT Sligo staff and she met Maureen Henry, a Performing Arts students would like to extend sincere sympathies to student. She sang “Zero to Hero” to his close friends and colleagues and especially his Maureen who encouraged her to record the family, his wife Ciara and his young children; song. Maureen then introduced the singer to Kate, James and Ellie. He will be sadly missed by fellow student Michael Bonner, a us all here at IT Sligo. We will be holding a videographer. special ceremony in the near future to fully Mabel soon had a group of students from acknowledge Shane’s tragic passing at such a the IT, willing to help out; “I went to the young age. A book of condolences is housed in the studio, recorded the song and featured office of Department of Engineering & Design. Maureen on it. We contacted other student from different departments and in the IT Sligo dance society and after listening to the song they all wanted to be part of this German Week Tackles journey.” Mabel’s talents don’t end with just singing. The business student will also Climate Change T Sligo student and international single based on her experienced which was appear in a feature length film to be released Dr Connie Nell, anthropologist, founder member of musician, Mabel Chah appeared on the launched in The Model, Sligo to a capacity next year and has also appeared on stage. Sligo Environmental Network and German Native Ray D’Arcy Show on RTE television crowd. Mabel’s newly released single Keep an eye out for this rising star. Speaker was the guest speaker and facilitator of the recently with the Sligo Gospel Choir. After “Zero to Hero” charts her experience from a Mabel’s single is part of a five song EP Climate Action Forum for German Learners and I available online: her performance the student of Human refugee to an active member in the European Studies students at IT Sligo. Dr Nell used Resources in the Faculty of Business and community. YouTube: the UN Sustainable Goals to ask potent and Social Care, was interviewed about her Speaking to IT Sligo News, Mabel said: www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3RDsl-vyHE relevant questions about Climate Action and how extraordinary journey from Cameroon to “The song Zero to Hero is a self-acclaiming Bandcamp: might our actions and behaviours be challenged Sligo, including her time spent in Direct song that asks for the chance to take a zero mabelchah.bandcamp.com/releases and changed. Provision which she described as “lonely circumstance and turn it into a Hero Breaking Tunes and depressing”. Mabel has released a situation. www.breakingtunes.com/mabelchah AbbVie Announce 3 year Partnership with Sligo Science Festival manufacturing facilities in Sligo will be joined by award-winning physicist and engineer, Phil Smyth. Phil is an experimenter, showman, writer and presenter with Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ. Phil and the AbbVie team will deliver a number of exciting, interactive and fast-paced science focused IT Sligo React Against shows throughout the day. Columba McGarvey, Site Director, Excessive Alcohol AbbVie Ballytivnan, said they were Consumption delighted to announce their long-term support for the Science Festival; “We are delighted to be continuing our support of Sligo Science Festival for the next three years. AbbVie aims to develop partnerships that contribute to the promotion of science education in our local communities and this commitment may help to identify and Pictured at the announcement of the partnership between Sligo Science Festival and inspire our future scientists and engineers.” AbbVie were (from L-R): Darren Egan, Site Director, AbbVie Manorhamilton Head of Faculty of Science at IT Sligo, Dr Jerry Bird welcomed the partnership Road; Oil Melia, IT Sligo Festival Co-ordinator; Anju Jayakumar, Laboratory Ana- The students and staff of IT Sligo were recognised with AbbVie; lyst, AbbVie, Manorhamilton Road; Columba McGarvey, Site Director, AbbVie nationally at a recent award ceremony in Dublin for “The Institute of Technology, Sligo Ballytivnan; Dr Jerry Bird, Head of Faculty of Science, IT Sligo. their efforts to reduce harm experienced by students welcomes the announcement of AbbVie’s from excess use of alcohol. At the inaugural long-term commitment as Industrial Partner AbbVie has announced they will be the Sligo Science Festival 2019 will run from presentation ceremony for the REACT to our Science Week event. AbbVie and IT industry partner for the Sligo Science November 10 – 17th including the Annual (Responding to Excessive Consumption of Alcohol Sligo have worked closely together for Festival for the next three years in Sligo Science Fair on Sunday 10th in Third Level) awards in Dublin City University, some time and we are delighted they have partnership with Institute of Technology November at IT Sligo. This year theme is The Minister of State for Education Ms Mary come on board to help promote science to a Sligo. “Climate Science, Transforming the Planet” Mitchell O’Connor congratulated the 10 broader audience. Sligo Science Festival, is a week-long and will explore how we can better institutions involved in this ground-breaking The Sligo event is organised by the programme of activities and events held understand climate change through initiative. School of Science at IT Sligo with events each November, which aims to make workshops, events, demonstrations and IT Sligo’s Student Health Nurse, Caroline taking place at various locations and venues science more interesting and accessible to talks. Kennedy-Crawford on receiving the award said; across the county over the seven days. The children and adults alike. The partnership AbbVie will also be holding a very Myself and the team leading the REACT project at events are free and open to the public. with AbbVie has allowed IT Sligo’s special family event as part of the Science IT Sligo are delighted to have achieved the th For information on the upcoming Science Science Festival to become even more Fair on the 10 of November at IT Sligo’s category of Excellence, which is the highest award Festival, please visit exciting with extra events added to the Hume Hall titled “Bringing the magic of obtainable in the React Project.” calendar! STEM to life”. Employees from AbbVie’s www.itsligo.ie/scienceweek 6 IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 Monday 11th of November From Hare to There explores the movements of the Native Irish Hare looks back at how the species SLIGO Sligo Science Festival is back and SCIENCEthis year it’s all about Climate and how Science FESTIVAL is transforming reached Ireland and how ancient people moved the planet. The event will run from November 10th – 17th and is packed with talks, performances mountain hares outside its natural habitat. and demonstrations that will entertain and inform all age groups. Alexandria Jamieson is a PhD researcher from Oxford University who last year explained how cats arrived in Ireland.

Sligo Science Fair at IT Sligo Tuesday 12th of November Sunday 10th November, 12.00 - 5.00pm Archaeological Walk amily event explaining science in a facilities in Sligo will be joined by award- IT Sligo Archaeology Lecturer Sam Moore, is an fun way. The Annual Science Fair at winning physicist and an engineer, Phil expert on Carrowkeel. This year he will bring a IT Sligo will include a wide range of Smyth. Phil is an experimenter, showman, group for an archaeological walk of the Neolithic performances, interactive displays and writer and presenter with Ireland’s national passage tomb. To book your space contact F [email protected] demonstrations for all the family to enjoy. broadcaster RTÉ. Phil and the AbbVie team Experiments, Discovery and lots of fun will deliver a number of exciting, interactive guaranteed for both children and adults. and fast-paced sciencefocused shows The Green Aware Sligo Film Afternoon AbbVie are Bringing the magic of STEM throughout the day. This is an event that IT Sligo, Hume Hall to life at the Sligo Science Fair in Hume parents and kids will not want to miss! Screening at 12.30-1.15, 1.30-2.15pm Hall, IT Sligo. Come along to IT Sligo for a great day out and 2.30-3.15pm Employees from AbbVie’s manufacturing for all the family. Public Event (All Ages) How can you become Green Aware? How can you positively affect the environment? Come along to Wednesday 13th November the Green Aware Sligo Film Afternoon and see Wonderstruck Rocket Show Aurivo Lecture Theatre what people all across County Sligo are doing to IT Sligo, Hume Hall Public Event (All Ages) become Green Aware. 1pm & 2.30pm, Schools Invitation Event ‘Green Your Life’ will give individuals an 6.30pm, Public Event (All Ages) opportunity to learn about ecological Sligo Climate Wisdom The Wonderstruck Rocket Show is crammed methods and how to become more eco and 6.00pm – 7.00pm, IT Sligo, Hume Hall with physics and chemistry and laced with a green in their everyday lives. Public Event (All Ages) liberal dose of history. We are pretty sure Email [email protected] for prehistory. We now know older ancestries Sligo Environmental Network is a voluntary that this is one of the most spectacular shows more information. were replaced during two largescale community group which aims to engage people in you’re going to see. It includes a full-size migrations at the beginning of the Neolithic Sligo to take climate action and encourage change working Rocket Car, gun powder, the A Brief History of Nearly Everyone (in and the Copper Age. This talk will introduce on governmental levels. For Sligo incredibly messy Krispie Rocket, a working Ireland): these three populations of Irelanders – their Climate Wisdom jet engine, the Wonderstruck Bed of Doom, How Ancient Genomes are Revolutionizing origins, their societies, their appearance and we have talked to more gunpowder, some very loud explosions our Understanding of the Past with Lara their contribution to the modern Irish people in their and a 3 metre fireball. Cassidy population. 60s, 70s and 80s 7.00pm, IT Sligo, Room A0004 and recorded the Green Your Life Ancient DNA has uncovered three ASPIRE with ABBOTT conversations. 10am - 3pm, IT Sligo Campus genetically distinct populations who 6.00pm - 8.30pm, IT Sligo, Today’s readings 1.00pm - 2.00pm, IT Sligo, occupied Ireland at different points in its Aurivo Lecture Theatre Public Event are materials (suitable to age 12 plus) taken verbatim ASPIRE with ABBOTT is a bespoke event from the that brings parents, teachers and students participants’ together to learn & discover more about the memories and career opportunities that exist within STEM stories. disciplines. On the night, attendees will hear from guest Climate Science – Transforming our speakers, Abbott employees and patients Planet with Dr. Cara Augustenborg whose lives have been impacted by 7.30pm, Aurivo, IT Sligo innovative healthcare technologies. Public Event (All Ages) If you are interested about learning how you, Professor Frances Lucy, Head of Environmental your child or your students can build a Science at IT Sligo hosts Dr. Cara Augustenborg. pathway to third level STEM education and Dr. Augustenborg is an environmental scientist by the amazing impact that career can have on training and a media pundit by passion. Image people lives, then this is an event not to be Magazine named her as one of 18 women to watch missed! Register today on Eventbrite by in 2018. Cara is currently co-host of the Down To searching “Aspire with Abbott Sligo”. Earth slot with Ivan Yates on Newstalk FM. *Limited Spaces, Online Registration only Cara will share her experiences and in depth event. knowledge on our environment and how climate change is affecting and transforming our planet. Thursday 14th November Overview of Forensic Autopsy Pathology with Saturday 16th November Dr. Paul Hartel, MD The Role of Climate in Neanderthal Saturday 16th November 8.00pm, IT Sligo, Room A0005 Social and Cultural Evolution with Vampire Science with Dr. Kathryn Harkup An engaging talk by Dr. Paul Hartel. Dr. Hartel is Rory Connolly 7.30pm Court number 1 Consultant Histopathologist at Sligo University 7.00pm, IT Sligo, Room A0004 Sligo Courthouse, Teeling Street, Sligo, Hospital and Medical Director of Clinical Using research focused on the application of Public Event (Age 12+) Laboratory Medicine with Grafton City and microscopic and molecular methods to explore the Not for the nervous! Sistersville General Hospitals in West Virginia, role of climate in Neanderthal social and cultural Ever wondered if there is more to Dracula than a USA. evolution. pale complexion and difficulties shaving? Science Communicator, Chemist and Vampirologist, Dr. Kathryn Harkup will guide you through a spooky Friday 15th November tour of the history of vampires. The Secret Life of Crows with Ricky Whelan 8.00pm, IT Sligo, Room A0005 Public Event (All Ages) For more information on all events visit: Ricky Whelan of BirdWatch Ireland will present a talk that has been a big hit with audiences across the www.itsligo.ie/scienceweek country. The talk covers a variety of areas from the appearance, folklore, ecology and intelligence of the [email protected] crow species we find here in Ireland. IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 7 FEEL ThE WEST - TrAVEL GUIDE By David Keane Drumcliffe Monastery and Tea house SEEK ADVENTUrE! ive miles north of Sligo and situated on the edge of Benbulbin Mountain lies the quaint village of Drumcliffe. In the 6th Century, Drumcliffe was developed into a monastic Fsettlement by St. Colmcille, one of the patron saints of Ireland. This monastery was evidently used prominently in the North West for almost 1000 years, with the last recorded monks to inhabit the monastery lived in the early 1500’s. The round tower and the remaining remnants of old monastic life in Ireland including the High Crosses that still exist on-site give a key insight into ancient and medieval Irish life. Drumcliffe, as well as being a key site in Irish religious history, is also the burial place of renowned Irish poet W.B.Yeats. For When you’re in Sligo, the one thing that every those culture seekers wishing to find out more about Irish history, visitor, student and resident should do is step Drumcliffe is accessible by bus from Sligo Bus Station, many outside their comfort zone and SEEK buses heading north with stop in Drumcliffe. For further ADVENTURE! information on Drumcliffe, contact the local Tourist office on Hiking, Biking, Surfing and Paddle Boarding are all O’Connell Street, Sligo or check bus times on buseireann.ie incredible activities to in Sligo, given the natural surroundings and landscapes. NorthWest Adventure Tours is a company that offers incredible experiences with hiking, trail Atlantic Sheepdogs walking, paddle boarding and many other activities A truly unique and Irish experience to be like kayaking and surfing. had in the North West of Ireland, Atlantic For anyone wishing to get out there and experience Sheepdogs, situated in the Streedagh area, nature and adventure, check out North West is a world-class, highly reviewed Adventure Tours on Facebook or at experience that is unmissable! Atlantic northwestadventuretours.ie Sheepdogs allows their visitors to come and experience Sheepdogs in their natural environment and show just how hard they work on farms and rural areas in Ireland. ACT NATUrAL Located in North Sligo, near Streedagh W.B.Yeats had a particular interest and love for Beach, Atlantic Sheepdogs offers County Sligo and Leitrim. In his poems he picturesque scenery while you watch the references Lough Gill, Drumcliffe and in his poem dogs at work, as well as being within “The Stolen Child” he references Glencar Waterfall. proximity to Sligo Town and the Atlantic Situated near Glencar Lake, Glencar Waterfall is a Ocean. real natural beauty of the North West. Surrounded For more information, be sure to check by an incredible wooded walk, it is suggested to be their Facebook Page! most beautiful on a rainy day, to take in the magnificent water spectacle. Take time to walk or cycle to the Waterfall to take Strandhill Peoples Market in the surrounding natural sites! The Strandhill People’s Market takes place You will also find home baked goods, fair offers live music and entertainment to make in the unique venue of Hangar 1 at Sligo trade coffee, freshly pressed juices, cheeses, it a day out for everyone! Airport in Strandhill, just a few short herbs & spices, teas, and fresh meat and For more information on the market, hit minutes stroll from the beachfront, vegetables. up StrandhillPeoplesMarket.ie accessible by the town service buses located As well as the incredible selection of just outside the IT Sligo Canteen! savoury, comes the delicious offer of treats Every Sunday from 11am to 4pm the and sweets! From baked goods to ice- market opens its doors selling a dynamic cream, Strandhill Peoples Market is a great selection of crafts, foods and textiles. place to fill your belly! Strandhill Peoples Market offers a platform The lively market also provides an to creators and innovators in the Sligo opportunity for many craft makers and Region and give a place for emerging and artists to showcase their talents and skills DID YOU KNOW? upcoming businesses. with stalls varying from jewellery, ceramics, Three Spanish Naval Ships wrecked off the coast of The market is a fusion of speciality food prints, to knitwear, handmade soaps, and Sligo during a failed invasion of England in the with stalls specialising in European and essential oils/creams. 15th Century. The wreckages were discovered in Asian cuisine. Sundays at the Strandhill Peoples Market 1985 and have made for the Spanish Armada to be recognized and have an association started in the village of Grange! Travel Tips: FLIPSIDE Find out about the Spanish Armada and its Flipside is a contemporary spacious burger restaurant that wreckage off the coast of Sligo at the Old Court 1) Shop Around: When searching for your next trip, don’t be afraid to plays great music and offers a good time for all, day and House in Grange Village! shop around and find good offers! Price comparison websites offer night. The burgers are seriously tasty, the cold beer satisfies, lots of options i.e Skyscanner, Momondo and the sides & shakes are deliciously addictive. Winner of Best Gourmet Specialist Connaught 2019 in the 2) Best Day Prices: Stats show that the best days to book flights are FrESh ON ThE SCENE National Burger Awards, Flipside was created in 2018 by between Tuesday and Thursday! Its when airlines push remaining two local men Paul Brennan and David Dunne who share a Spilt Milk Festival tickets! Be on the look out! love for burgers and beer. Located in the heart of Sligo, Spilt Milk is a new three day festival of music, film Flipside offers a wide variety of delicious foods and appeals and art which will take place in Sligo for the first to many with their fresh ingredients and quality service. time in 2019 from 22nd-24th November. The LOCAL LINK To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Flipside, the festival will bring national and international artists With so many great activities to do in Sligo, ever wonder “How do I get restaurant is throwing a celebration for what they call “one to perform and exhibit in intimate venues across there?”. Local Link provides rural bus services, connecting rural and hell of a year”! There will be music and food throughout Sligo Town alongside emerging local artists. urban Ireland. Local Link Sligo picks up right outside IT Sligo and the event and all proceeds spent of their craft beers will be Acts include Grave Goods, BB84 and GULPT. For provides links to locations like Grange and Rathcormack! For more donated to their chosen charity, Focus Ireland! It’s a more info, check out SPILTMILKFESTIVAL.com information, check out LocalLink.ie for your local services! celebration not to be missed! 8 IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 Virtual Graduation for Careers Fair 2019 Canadian Student IT Sligo welcomed in excess of 100 companies to campus on Thursday 10th October 2019 to participate in the annual Careers Fair. A number of local, national and international organisations from a diverse range of industry sectors made the trip to IT Sligo to recruit for graduate programmes, internships, full time and seasonal jobs. For the first time visitors were able to use the IT Sligo ‘online’ careers service to engage in pre-event research. Information about the exhibiting organisations and details of current vacancies were made available on this platform. For post event IT Sligo held its first virtual on-line conferring research register/login via: ceremony in September to Fleming College https://itsligo.jobteaser.com and search Faculty member Charlie McGee who graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Hon) Degree from IT Sligo. President of IT Sligo, Dr. Brendan McCormack conferred the Bachelor of Business ‘Careers Fair Exhibitor’ in the company (Hon) degree virtually and Dr. Tom Phillips, field to find out more about the Fleming Vice-President - Academic, presented it organisations who visited IT Sligo on the to Charlie McGee with our International Manger, 10th October. Patrick Lynch, representing IT Sligo at the Recruiters staffed CV Clinics in the Canadian college. The virtual Graduation was library for the duration of the event, presented over Video Conference. providing expert advice to those who availed of this service. A number of exhibitor talks took place. Talks ranged from ‘Living and Working in Japan’ - JET to ‘Jameson Graduate Ambassador Programme’ – Irish Distillers to ‘Full-Time & Seasonal Recruitment’ – Hotel Westport & Westport House Estate. Ocean FM hosted an outside broadcast between 11am-2pm providing an opportunity for IT Sligo staff to promote their courses to the wider public.

IT Sligo Awarded Over €200,000 to Purchase Heat Pump Seminar Unique Industry Device Finola Howe, PEM Technology Gateway Manager said the equipment will help a range of companies, nationally both from a manufacturing and product development perspective in their research; “We are delighted to have received this funding, our role in the PEM Technology Gateway is to provide solutions to manufacturing industry problems and this equipment will enable us to provide a unique service to the Irish Heavy Industry IT Sligo Contract Research Unit (CRU) are sector, we look forward to supporting a delighted to be working with Tipperary Energy broad range of companies by providing Agency to bring their 1-day heat pump training this new service nationally.” seminar to Sligo. The course will take place on The Technology Gateway Network Friday, November 22nd in IT Sligo. The course is Programme funds interactions between CPD accredited and costs €195; places are limited. local and national industry and the The Climate Action Plan has set an ambitious target Institutes of Technology and aims to of installing 600,000 Heat Pumps (400,000 in increase the levels of interaction between existing buildings) as part of meeting our 2030 the IoTs and industry in Ireland. targets. The intended outcomes of the The seminar aims to enhance the knowledge base Programme include; more companies of the engineering sector in Ireland with respect to The PEM Technology Gateway at IT Sligo have been forced to outsource to the US. engaging in R&D, pilot manufacturing heat pumps in homes and commercial buildings. was recently successful in attaining capital The high capacity universal tensile capability for new product/process Engineers in Ireland have had to change their equipment funding from Enterprise Ireland testing machine will be capable of development, enhanced technology method and type of specifications and designs for to purchase a new high capacity universal performing tensile and compression validation and testing capabilities, testbed heating systems from predominately high carbon tensile testing machine which will hugely testing, as well as shear, flexure, peel, tear, generation and enhanced training potential heating systems to low carbon heating systems. benefit Irish Industries. cyclic and bend tests. The addition of this for key industry staff on emerging There are a large number of different types of heat The device will enable companies to test equipment to the PEM Gateway provides a technologies. The €6million fund will pump heating systems available with a myriad of the strength of multiple materials. unique service offering to enable Ireland’s assist in buying capital that relates to new emitters and controls that require more knowledge Currently there is no commercial testing heavy industry in specialist areas, such as: technologies such as augmented and virtual that heretofore in appliance selection and design as facility in Ireland that offers tensile testing • Construction equipment reality. part of an integrated design of renovations and low services in the 400-600kN range and • Heavy equipment For more information about the testing energy buildings. For more information and to book several companies that previously came to • Automotive & Aerospace device visit www.pemcentre.ie or email your place see www.tippenergy.ie/events/ the PEM Gateway requiring this service • Agricultural machinery [email protected]. IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 9 IT Sligo Open Day Over 1000 students from across the region visited IT Sligo Open Day on Thursday the 17th of October to discover what their options are and where it can lead them. “Discover Your Options” is a new approach to Open Day’s to give secondary school students a chance to explore careers and experience life on campus. Included in the informative packed event, students had the opportunity to speak with lecturers one-to-one and take part in interactive workshops and demonstration in the Institutes hi-tech laboratories and workshops. The event was also an opportunity for students to explore the campus, meet the Students Union and ask advice on grants, fees and scholarships. The next open day will take place on Tuesday the 14th of January 2020.

Verus Metrology Partners – An I.T Sligo Success Story noticing a gap in metrology respected asset to the company, digit annual growth along with a services being provided at the time. Yvette is now the Group Strategy customer base of international Originally toolmakers by trade, and Finance Director. On the stature. They recently opened their both Andrew and Michael marketing team today are Tracey Research & Development facility graduated from I.T Sligo, before Flynn and Rachel Smith who are in Aughamore. furthering their expertise in their graduates of the School of Business Verus were also recently awarded respective fields of Moldflow and Social Sciences. Rachel is also Best in Technology at the 2019 Analysis, Injection Mould Tool currently a student of the MSc. In Sligo Business Awards, further Design & Manufacture and Fixture Marketing at the Institute. giving credit to their innovative Design, Manufacture & Assembly. From humble beginnings at the metrology fixturing solutions and Starting as a ‘Metrology Hot Innovation Centre at I.T Sligo, sub-contract metrology services. Desk’, Verus Metrology Partners Verus Metrology has since become The founders are keen to credit accredits the Innovation Centre as a company of global status. Now their success however, down to the the starting point in getting their with their Headquarters in expert team around them, twelve of idea off the ground. Providing Cleveragh in Sligo and a highly whom are I.T Sligo graduates in necessary guidance, encouragement efficient Metrology lab in Industrial Design, Toolmaking, and mentoring skills, the one-stop Nottingham U.K., their Biomedical Science, Engineering, Michael Nugent (COO), Yvette Haughey (Group Strategy & Finance facility for entrepreneurs gave the commitment has resulted in double Business and Marketing. Director), Tracey Flynn (Business Development Manager), Rachel Smith business the resources it needed to (Client Marketing Officer) and Andrew Hodson (CEO) bring the idea into reality. The Innovation Centre assisted Andrew Situated at one of Ireland’s leading independent metrology house and Michael in nurturing their start- third-level institutions, IT Sligo’s solely providing sub-contract up, offering practical advice on Innovation Centre has been an metrology. Now known as Verus sources of funding, training instrumental part of many Metrology Partners, the ground- opportunities, consultancy and entrepreneurial success stories. This breaking business idea is today a online learning. is exactly the case for world- thriving metrology solution, The start-up quickly began to leading turnkey metrology providing metrology services to accelerate during its development solutions provider - Verus many of the world's leading stage and soon more help was Metrology Partners. MedTech and Pharmaceutical needed. This brought about the Formally Verus Precision, the companies. employment of two specialist leading metrology expert company But who are the masterminds Product Design Engineers and an was born out of the discovery of a behind this revolutionary business expert Metrology Engineer. Yvette niche in the market for sub-contract offering? I.T Sligo graduates Haughey an I.T Sligo International metrology. Coming to fruition in Andrew Hodson and Michael Marketing & Languages graduate 2008, it culminated in the Nugent formulated the innovative became the Account Administrator establishment of the first-ever business idea together after also. An invaluable and well- 10 IT Sligo News Autumn 2019

CEF funded “eDelivery” Allergan Innovation Award Winner research project On May 1st 2018, the activities of project (Action Announced at IT Sligo 2017-EU-IA-0108) funded by the European Commission to upgrade the CEF eDelivery Prestigious award to further ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE RESEARCH infrastructure officially started. IT Sligo was the atricia Regan of the Faculty of pioneering researchers. Collaborating with a We are delighted that Patricia Regan has project coordinator and other consortium members Science at Institute of Technology prestigious institute, such as IT Sligo, is an been chosen as the recipient of this award were Pagero AB, Document Centric Solutions Sligo has been announced as the exciting initiative for all involved, and we which will allow her to further progress her (DCS) and Tubbercurry Software. winner of the Allergan Innovation Award. look forward to the positive results and research studies in Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of this action was to upgrade the existing P eDelivery solutions of Pagero and Document This prestigious award, with an Allergan experiences it will bring for students and The Allergan Innovation Award will sponsored bursary of €7,500 will go our industry.” enhance the research project by ensuring Centric Solutions (from the AS2 to AS4 profile) to towards furthering Patricia’s pioneering Speaking about the Award, Dr Jeremy attendance at key discipline meetings, comply with the requirements set in the eIDAS research into Alzheimer’s disease, entitled: Bird , Head of the Science Faculty at IT equipment and materials purchase, and Regulation and to promote the cross-border “Towards diagnostic and theranostic Sligo commented: “IT Sligo is deeply enhancing the ability to liaise with key exchange of electronic documents in Ireland and glycosylation biomarkers in Alzheimer’s appreciative of Allergan’s commitment to research groups”. Sweden. However, during the analysis phase, the disease”. This specialist scientific analysis supporting research in the region and IT If you are interested in research and project partners identified several technical issues will be carried out under the expert Sligo’s ambition to build research structures would like to study a Master’s at IT Sligo, with the AS4 open source implementations available supervision of Dr. Margaret Doherty, a towards a regional Technical University. please visit: https://www.itsligo.ie/masters/ on the market, such as the lack of interoperability of leading lecturer in Biomedical Science at IT the Oxalis Open Source with other systems, leading Sligo. to changes in the original plans. Through a multi-disciplinary approach to Following a detailed technical assessment, Pagero glycosylation analysis, which examines decided to switch to a Domibus implementation. unique cellular structures, the Allergan Document Centric Solution, instead, faced Innovation Award will allow for the challenges with the Microsoft.Net implementation, combination of several complementary since the AS4 libraries had been deprecated. techniques, to provide novel insights into By September 2019, both Pagero and Document understanding this debilitating neurological Centric Solutions successfully implemented the disorder. Recognised for playing a crucial CEF eDelivery specifications, supporting the four- role in normal brain development, further corner model and dynamic discovery functionality studies of glycosylation profiles such as this in their existing solutions. The electronic aims to provide pivotal diagnostic evidence documents exchanged were the Purchase Order and in the field of Alzheimer’s research. the Order Response. Speaking about the Allergan Innovation Award, Paul Coffey, Vice President and About CEF Westport Plant General Manager, Allergan The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) in Telecom Ireland, said: “We are delighted that the is a key EU instrument to facilitate cross-border Allergan Innovation Award Programme will interaction between public administrations, allow researchers, such as Patricia, to businesses and citizens, by deploying digital service further advance their studies in the field of infrastructures (DSIs) and broadband networks. Life and Health Sciences. For a company Supported projects will contribute to the creation of such as Allergan, scientific research and a European ecosystem of interoperable and innovation are essential to the future of our interconnected digital services that sustain the industry, so we hope that this Innovation Digital Single Market. Award will inspire the next generation of About Tubbercurry Software Ltd Tubbercurry Software is an SME software development company based in the Sligo. Ireland’s first online Higher Certificate in Property Services They combine 40+ years' experience with innovative technologies to provide successful and Facilities Management a Huge Success- An IT Sligo and software solutions to businesses in all sectors and locations. With employees embedded in European SCSI Collaboration standards development of eProcurement documents management profession. Students will Tubbercurry has significantly contributed with develop a keen understanding of the advancement in this area both nationally and at EU marketplace and a skillset that will enable level. them to influence and adapt to changes in in industry as they arise. Graduates will About Pagero also be able to ensure that the property and Pagero AB based in Sweden has over 20 offices facilities management profession remains throughout the world and is an existing PEPPOL proactive to the fast-paced changing Access Point Provider. Its stated aim is to assist environment in which it operates. companies to digitise, automate, capture and Trevor McSharry, Head of Department interpret data so that they can connect and engage of Civil Engineering and Construction with any business partner accurately and reliably from IT Sligo, added: ‘IT Sligo is delighted through a single connection to our cloud-based to work in partnership with the SCSI. As network. the national leader in online learning, feedback from our students is extremely About Document Centric Solutions (DCS) positive. Our delivery model allows full DCS is an Irish company with offices in the UK flexibility for people to upskill in their own and is an existing PEPPOL Access Point Provider to time and place, while maintaining work the Irish Department of Education and Skills and the and family life commitments without Irish Local Authority Sector. DCS is also providing unnecessary travel. We are committed to IT Sligo in formal collaboration with the A, B, C and D licenses. The response from a SAAS online Purchase To Pay solution to over the learners on these new programmes, Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland industry has been extremely positive with 50% of the Sector. DCS has over 3,000 users in 250 who will be supported by lecturers via our (SCSI) launched Ireland’s first online part over 50 learners from across the country schools in Ireland. In the UK, over 20 third level flexible online delivery, which will allow time Higher Certificate in Property registered for its first intake. institutions use the DCS-E-Purchasing and the for hands-on engagement in learning while Services and Facilities Management Barrie Cox, programme chair highlighted DCS-E-Payables to process purchase orders and remaining in the workplace. We are very recently. As a result of regulation in the that, ’the programme is designed for those invoices. pleased to be providing our expertise in property sector, this programme addresses working in the property and/or facility these areas to meet the needs of the a national skills deficit and enables management profession and was developed surveying industry.’ Further information on graduates apply to the Property Services to equip learners with knowledge of all this programme can be found at Regulatory Authority (PRSA) to be granted factors affecting the property and facilities https://www.itsligo.ie/courses/ IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 11 Vicky Matthew Inspires from Brussels to Sligo IT Sligo Disability Inclusion and Sports Club Disability shouldn’t stop people from being included and this is the very message Business with Sport student Vicky Matthew is spreading through a new clubs she has set up named “Disability Inclusion & Sports Club”. Founder of the club, Vicky said; “The club recognises that there are lots of students who have a disability that is invisible to the people around them even to their friends. Students attending do not have to declare their disability to their peers until they are comfortable to do so. Many students without disabilities can affect someone and how it can isolate them from taking part in social and sporting events. This club wants to change this and bring about changes to ensure this becomes the most inclusive 3rd level institute in Ireland.” If you would like to join this club please visit their Facebook page

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at IT Sligo

T Sligo student and disability activist unique opportunity to meet MEPs and Make Way Day Vicky Matthew has had a busy start of promote human rights issues, as well to Vicky spearheaded IT Sligo’s “Make term. In just a couple of months here at share experiences and ideas with Way Day”. This national awareness IIT Sligo, Vicky has already set up a colleagues from around Europe. campaign highlights how people can Disbility Inclusion and Sports Club and has Vicky met with all the Irish MEP’s to unintentionally cause major been guest speaker at national and discuss issues around rights for people with inconvenience and even jeopardise the European events. Vicky visited the disabilities. She also took the opportunity health and safety of people with European parliament in October as part of to speak with MEP’s from other countries disabilities through such careless actions the 2019 “Freedom Drive”. Freedom and took part in a demonstration for as parking up on a pavement or leaving Drive is one of the key campaigns of the disability rights on the streets of Brussels. your bin out on the street. Photos taken European Network on Independent Living Mairead McGuinness, MEP said: by participants were shared on social With the recent establishment of a (ENIL). It provides supporters of the “Vicky is a powerful advocate & long may media on the day with the hastag Governing Body Equality, Diversity and Independent Living Movement with the that continue!” #MakeWayDay. Inclusion (EDI) Committee, IT Sligo is stepping up its drive to better promote equality, diversity and inclusion across all of its activities. Over 100 Sign up to New TU Master’s Courses Chaired by Professor Jacqueline McCormack, Vice President for Online Development (and the Executive lead for EDI), the Committee will advise the Governing Body on its statutory obligations and best practice on EDI matters. The recently appointed EDI Manager, Tom Reilly, supported by John Gibsey (Clerical Officer), will lead the development of strategies, policies, procedures and programmes relating to EDI. One of the early priorities will be to develop a Gender Equality Action Plan to address the under-representation of women in senior levels within IT Sligo. To this end IT Sligo has signed up to the Athena SWAN Charter, a charter established to address gender equality in higher education. Staff from across the Institute have joined the Athena SWAN Self Assessment Team (SAT), Photo caption: Minister of State for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O’Connor T.D with from Left to right: Dr Michael Barrett, Head and they will identify any equality issues of Faculty of Business & Social Care, Niall Donnellan (Chairman IT Sligo.) Dr Lenaord Taylor, Dr Breda McTaggat (Head of Dept), through a process of analysing data and Valerie Mc Taggart and President of IT Sligo, Dr Brendan McCormack at the launch of the New Master’s course in Professional conducting a staff survey. Chaired by Jackie Leadership. O’Toole, Lecturer in Social Sciences, the SAT will develop a plan to address identified Over 100 people have registered on Masters strategic response to the demands from While IT Sligo has already been issues and prepare an application for an level courses designed to directly support public and private sectors and NGOs to producing graduates qualified up to Athena SWAN award next year. innovation in the workplace. These new upskill the workforce and to sustain and Doctoral level, this new initiative represents Much more will follow on this important Master’s level courses are designed to grow businesses regionally and nationally. a concerted drive to nearly treble the number programme of work, and anyone interested directly support innovation in the The suite of ten new Master’s of postgraduate students engaged mainly in in getting involved should contact Tom workplace, to boost the region’s economy programmes range in focus from research. It represents a critical milestone on Reilly ([email protected]) or Jackie and to build personal development and biopharmaceutical processing to the Institutes path to becoming part of a O’Toole (O'[email protected]) career opportunities. These courses are a professional leadership. Technological University in 2020. 12 IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 STUDENT INDUCTION 2019

Institute removes all plastic from Induction packs in drive towards Greener Campus Over 800 undergraduate students gathered help us deliver a greener campus.” at IT Sligo to start their first day of college. The President went on to tell students this is no longer merely an ‘environmentalists’ NO TO PLASTIC MERCHANDISE issue. Sustainability is now an issue that In the past the Institute, like most other third transcends most careers from finance to level colleges would hand out free pens, supply chain or production to marketing. rulers, re-useable bottles and cups. This sustainability and environmental issues is year IT Sligo put an end to handing out now an aspect of all business: plastic “freebies” during Induction and “Our driver in this is partly a moral instead will donate some of the budget used imperative to do the right thing. But we for merchandise towards environmental also have a moral commitment to our charities including; Amazon Conservation students, to prepare them in response to the Association, Vincent Wildlife Trust and demands of society for more responsible local charity HomeTree. and mindful consumers, employers and President of IT Sligo, Dr McCormack said leaders of the future.” Students can vote for the importance of the environment and a their chosen charity via an online poll and sustainable campus is an important issue the leading charities will be announced at a especially among students: later date. “We are currently working towards IT Sligo welcomed a further 2000 online achieving the Green Campus Flag for IT students over the next two days (Thursday Sligo. We are passionate about this & Friday) and is on target to reach 10,000 commitment and have just recently recruited students by 2022 by which time the Institute a sustainability officer for the campus to will become a Technological University. IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 13

The 'Salmon of Knowledge' at IT Sligo was draped in a cloak of plastic waste to highlight the need for action to mark the international day for Global Strike for Climate. First year Fine Art Students created the piece as part of the Digital Media Lens module. They were met by students and reps from the Students Union who then joined the official march in Sligo town. GreeN CAmpuS GreeN

Talking About Green Campus The Green Campus programme gives us a blueprint for envi- New Sustainability Officer @IT Sligo ronmental change but what we create is very much our own. What does it involve? host a Green Campus workshop in This is important as we build our Green Campus because IT To be a Green Campus we have to early November to capture some ideas Sligo is very unique, particularly in relation to our environ- complete a 7-step programme, looking and help focus our actions for the rest mental and sustain at how we address environmental issues of the year. ability credentials. right across the campus. To start we have picked two focus areas 1) Waste & Are our students keen to get Did you know at IT Sligo we: Litter and 2) Energy and we will be involved? • delivered the first Environmental Science Degree anywhere looking to monitor and reduce our Yes, very! We have had a very strong in the country? impact in these areas. response from students across the entire • have world-leading sustainability expertise on campus in campus. They not only want to get our Contract Research Unit? Where are we at now? involved, they want to see real change • are one of the few campuses nationally with a bespoke Sus- The very beginning! We just registered towards a more sustainable campus. tainability Officer role? for the programme last spring and have The vast majority of students have One of the biggest challenges we face in our Green Campus set up our Green Campus Committee. come to us from Green Schools where is creating sustained behavioural change. Our individual ac- The committee is mostly student based they have set up lots of environmental tions can seem small and insignificant but when we respond but it is supported by our Green initiatives and, at a minimum, expect collectively as a campus community small steps can grow Campus Forum where interested staff this from us. quickly, driving the system change needed to really make an Fiona Britton is IT Sligo’s new can get involved and contribute ideas. This is very positive and exciting for impact. We all know that changing habits can be really hard Sustainability Officer who will be the college, it shows the students’ but here are 5 Easy Steps to get you started. ensuring the institute reaches its aim to What are the next steps? interest and commitment to our 1. Talk about it. Take sustainability into your classroom, become a Green Campus. Fiona sat We are carrying out an environmental campus. your office, your coffee break, your clubs and societies. Talk down with IT Sligo News to discuss review. This is probably the most to each other, engage in discussion and find inspiration where how we can become a greener campus. important step in the whole process and Tell me one change you would like to you can. so we are looking at it in two ways. see on campus? 2. Expect more. One of the biggest barriers to changing our What is Green Campus? Firstly, we need good data around waste I want to get people talking - to friends, habits is our social norm. We behave a certain way when we Green Campus is a national award and energy to understand what is peers and colleagues - about Green believe our friends and peers expect it. Why not expect programme, coordinated by An Tasice, happening on campus, identify Campus and how they can bring more? which rewards a long term commitment opportunities to improve and allow us sustainability into their role. It’s a topic 3. Prep your Bag. Small changes are easier when you are to reducing our environmental impact. to measure our progress. Thankfully a that affects everyone so we should all prepared. Add a reusable mug and water bottle to your bag It is unique in that it is student-led, so lot of work is already underway on this be thinking about what we can do. each day and make these simple changes your new norm. while it is endorsed by our president, through our Estates Department. 4. Green Your Life. Drop by the ‘Green Your Life’ event run Brendan McCormack, it gives power to Secondly we want to capture opinion How can people get involved? by 4th year Tourism with Event Management students to students to lead and deliver change. My on what people want in terms of We are always looking for more learn about simple ways to reduce your environmental im- job is to support and guide students to change. We need to understand the students and staff to join Green pact. On campus Wednesday 13th November, 10am-3pm. achieve our Green Flag and be the link culture on campus, where there might Campus. Email us at 5. Tell us about it and inspire others. greencampus@it- between students, staff and the wider be barriers to change and how these can [email protected] to get sligo.ie #ITSgreencampus community. be overcome. For this, we are going to involved. 14 IT Sligo News Autumn 2019

A welcome to Mr. IT Sligo lends support to Hawk’s Mohammadreza Kadivar from Shiraz, Iran Well renovation A welcome to Mr. Mohammadreza Kadivar from Shiraz, Iran who joined PEM in April as a new PhD Researcher. Reza will work on the Presidents Bursary funded “Additive Manufacture of Enhanced Heat Transfer (ADMEHTS) project jointly supervised by Dr. David Tormey and Dr. Gerard McGranaghan. The project seeks to utilise additive manufactured or 3D printed metals in the design and manufacture of heat transfer devices for use in applications such as electronics/CPU cooling, electric vehicle comfort cooling , battery thermal management etc. The project is currently beginning a work package with the Irish Centre for High End Computing (ICHEC) before embarking on an experimental phase.

RED WoLF project partners visit IT Sligo

he Hawk’s Well Theatre are delighted President of IT Sligo, Dr Brendan entrance and foyer space. to announce a partnership agreement McCormack said the partnership is part of • Essential flood prevention measures to with IT Sligo for three years from the Institutes ongoing commitment in alleviate flooding in the auditorium. T2019 to 2021, in support of the theatre’s engaging with external partners in the • Installation of a lift to improve renovation plans. IT Sligo have become a creative sector; accessibility. Platinum Renovation Patron of the theatre. “ IT Sligo has outlined the importance of • Much needed seating upgrades in the Renovating the Hawk’s Well is an shaping and influencing economic, social auditorium. unprecedented opportunity to develop and and cultural development in the Northwest • Long awaited hearing assistance system. The IT Sligo Contract Research Unit (CRU) secure the theatre for generations to come. through its Strategic Plan. This region is • Essential backstage and equipment hosted project partners for the €6m Interreg “This support from IT Sligo gives a great rich in cultural heritage and the arts and we upgrades. North West Europe project “RED WoLF” boost to our renovation fund. We are on are delighted to partner with the Hawk’s The theatre has secured two major capital (Rethink Electricity Distribution Without Load target with our fundraising and look forward Well Theatre which will enrich our students grants, €550,000 from the Department of Following) on the 18th and 19th of September. to sharing plans with the public.” Says Jane experience and greatly contribute to the arts Arts and €78,278 from Sligo LEADER The two-day meeting seen Universities, Parsons, Fundraiser and Development in Sligo.” Partnership. Each grant stipulates that the Colleges, housing associations, local authorities Manager at Hawk’s Well Theatre. The team at the theatre are currently theatre is required to provide match funding as well as training and other non-profit As part of the agreed partnership, the fundraising to renovate the building which in order to access the funds. To date organisations across North-West Europe come Hawk’s Well Theatre will continue to is in dire need of capital investment due to €253,000 had been fundraised by the together to tackle housing emissions, responsible collaborate with IT Sligo’s Creative Practice physical and technical challenges. Major theatre. €125,000 in funding has also been for approximately 300 million tonnes of programmes, working closely with the its renovations and improvements are planned pledged from Sligo County Council. CO2/year. newly created Yeats Academy of Arts, at an estimated cost of €1.27 million. These Fundraising is currently on target and the Design & Architecture (YAADA) plans include: team at the theatre hope to share plans with About the Project department. • A landmark rebuild of the theatre’s the public in 2020. The RED WoLF project will increase renewables’ usage and reduce carbon emissions for homes with photovoltaic solar panels. Six Sligo Sustainable Energy Community free energy audits pilots in Ireland, UK and France will fit houses with hybrid storage systems merging batteries Sligo Sustainable Energy Community energy projects including LED lighting, EV undertaking an SEAI funded Energy and storage heaters. The heaters will provide heat (SEC) formed in 2016 comprising Sligo charge points, building fabric upgrades, Master Plan (EMP) of Sligo town involving on demand and the batteries will store output CoCo, HSE North West, IT Sligo, Plan heat recovery, staff awareness campaigns a baseline analysis of energy consumption from the solar panels as well as low-carbon Energy, Abbott & AbbVie with an initial and free of charge energy upgrades to local across homes, businesses and transport. In energy (wind/solar) drawn from the national grid focus on knowledge sharing and then charity buildings. The group are currently order to promote Sligo SEC and engage the at times of low demand using new ‘smart’ wider community the EMP will include technology through which the houses hybrid free domestic energy audits for 30 no. Sligo storage systems will be able to communicate SEC staff members as well as 10 non- with the grid. This will remove the mismatch domestic energy audits for local businesses between generation and usage. and community groups. The resulting EMP Across the six pilot sites in Ireland, UK and opportunities will then seek capital funding France, there will be 100 houses which will to implement a range of energy efficiency reduce carbon emissions from their energy use upgrades and develop a successful model by 215 tonnes/year. By the end of the project in for community energy projects. Pictured 2022, the smart hybrid storage systems will be above is IT Sligo President Brendan market-ready and prepared to be installed into McCormack randomly selecting the names NWE homes. of 5 no. IT Sligo staff/students who won To find out more about the project please visit free energy audits. Once the EMP is www.nweurope.eu/projects/project-search/red- completed Sligo SEC will be hosting an wolf-rethink-electricity-distribution-without-load energy awareness event for home owners, -following/#tab-1 local businesses and charity groups. IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 15 Centre for the Enhancement of Learning & Teaching (CELT) student & staff survey of writing Ms Ann Heelon, CEO AHEAD, session for staff in all schools to needs, the centre has developed a Dublin Ireland facilitate understanding the new suite of tutorial content, writing This interactive presentation on Ethics Policy. tools & techniques and online Universal design for Learning resources for students. From (UDL) will initially re-frame Friday 15th November 2019: effective note-taking strategies and accessibility for IT Sligo's diverse 10am – 1pm (A0006) getting started on that first student population. Through the Mr Barry Brophy, UCD assignment to more complex writing underpinning principles of UDL How to be a ‘Natural Presenter’ functions such as literature review you will learn a framework that People focus on how they are and critical analysis. reduces barriers for all learners, not speaking when they should worry This semester the centre is also just those with disability more how the audience is listening. working in collaboration with accommodation needs. They fixate on nerves even though academic staff to deliver timetabled Friday 8th November 2019: 11am nerves actually make them better, tutorials and workshops for students – 12md (D1024) not worse. Done right a to address writing issues such as IT Sligo Ethics Policy Process presentation – with eye contact, literature review, critical analysis, Each school needs to establish their vocal inflection, hand gestures, and academic writing style. These own School Ethics Committee as emotion, images, videos, stories, practical workshops are designed to well as establishing an Institute demonstrations, examples, equip students with the tools and Ethics Committee. Colin McLean analogies and audience interaction techniques needed to develop their (Vice President Acdemic Affairs & – is the most powerful academic writing skills. Registrar) is running a training communication format of all.

Support for First Year students in Physics & Mechanics CELT will offer additional support for First Year students with Physics and Mechanics Tutorials for four hours per week commencing on Monday 21st October 2019. The tutorials are led by Mohamed Awad, who is a PhD Research Student, Cillian O’Murchu (School of Business and Social Sciences) receives PEM Research Centre since July Maths Tutor Excellence Award 2019 2018. First year students are encouraged to attend the support tutorials to ensure progression and Dr Niamh Plunkett, Education student at the IT; and Kevin Bohan to instil confidence in the subjects. Development Manager who manages the centre. Please contact Mohamed for details The Centre for the Enhancement of [email protected] Learning and Teaching, otherwise Maths Enrichment Classes known as CELT is a developing These classes are open to all senior Post Graduate Certificate in Centre to support academics and to cycle post-primary students in the Teaching, Learning & Assessment enable them contribute to an region who have an exceptionally (Level 9) enjoyable and fulfilling teaching and strong interest in mathematics. More For staff interested in pursuing an learning experience for both details about these free classes will There are currently three tutors working at the Maths Support Centre: academic qualification in teaching academics and their students. be available soon at itsligo.ie/maths Cillian O’Murchú, a lecturer in the Department of Business; Kevin and learning we have a Post Supporting our students is of huge Bohan who manages the centre and Syam Kumar, a PhD student at the IT. Graduate Certificate in Teaching, importance to us. Last year we Maths Week Learning and Assessment at level 9 officially established Maths Support October 12th-20th was Maths Week available for all those who teach and Academic Writing Centres in Ireland and the Maths Support and not limited to academics. The under the remit of CELT. These Centre coordinated some activities PG Cert will offer staff Centres are available for ALL over the week. We hosted the opportunities to plan, develop and students of the Institute whether they incredible mathemagician Andrew review new teaching and learning are on-campus, online or Jeffrey for a number of initiatives in their own discipline. International. Here is a synopsis of performances during the week. what CELT currently offers students Nearly 600 primary and post- The Irish National Digital and staff: primary school students from all Experience Survey (INDEx) over Sligo and Leitrim visited us The Irish National Digital Maths Support Centre during the week for these shows. Experience Survey – otherwise If you’re a new student on campus Feel free to email us any time at known as the INDEx Survey – is this year, chances are you’ve met [email protected] if there’s any way the first time students and all staff one of our Maths Support Tutors we can be of service to you. who teach in Ireland's higher during induction, at a mentoring education sector will come together session or in one of your maths Cillian O’Murchu (School of to share perspectives on their digital lectures during September. This Business and Social Sciences) experiences, expectations and semester the Maths Support Centre receives Maths Tutor Excellence engagement. is better resourced than ever to Award 2019 Contributing to the survey is quick, provide additional support to all of An international panel selected easy, anonymous and confidential. our students – both online and on- Cillian O’Murchu as one of four IT Sligo will open the survey for a 3 campus. winners of the 2019 IMLSN (Irish week period from the 4th The Maths Support Centre provides Mathematics Learning Support November to the 24th November. additional tutoring to all students Network) Tutor Excellence award. We really want to learn about your who are encountering difficulties Congratulations to Cillian on this digital experience. with the mathematical components recognition of the excellent work he of their programmes. It’s a free has done as a mathematics support CELT Upcoming Events resource that students can access. tutor! (for more information please Each week, in room B1086, we contact Niamh Plunkett @ schedule 9 hours of contact time Academic Writing Centre [email protected]) with our tutors. There are currently The Academic Writing Centre offers Wednesday 30th October 2019 – three tutors working at the Maths advice and support on all aspects of Universal Design for Learning Support Centre: Cillian O’Murchú, academic writing to all students of Symposium: 10.30am – 1.30pm a lecturer in the Department of IT Sligo, both on-campus and (D2022) Business; Syam Kumar, a PhD online. Based on the results of a 16 IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 New Frontiers 2019/2020 Participants Future of Transport New Frontiers is Ireland’s national capital investment networks. Ruifeng Zhang explored in IT Sligo with entrepreneur development programme that • Access to entrepreneurship best practice, Smart parking system is the best solution is delivered at a regional level by Sligo both nationally and internationally. meeting the requirements of local councils Engineers Ireland Institutes of Technology. It is designed to • Peer-group learning from participants in help people who have an innovative the region and across the country. Owen Leonard – Ozone Tech business idea, to establish and run their own • Access to the expertise in Enterprise PerOxiGen is in the business of producing companies and provides a package of Ireland’s Market Research Centre. Electrolytic Ozone Generators. We generate supports to help accelerate business • Expertise from the Institutes of ozone, a very powerful disinfectant, into development and to equip start-ups with the Technology and the supportive water, from the water itself. We have skills and contacts needed to be successful environment of their business incubation developed a novel composite plastic that future business leaders. centres. can be used to generate ozone The New Frontiers programme is open to electrolytically with Very Low CAPEX and applications from diverse sectors including: Meet the 2019/20 New Frontiers Low OPEX. food & consumer products, information & Participants: communications technology, engineering & Siobhan Coyle – Sculpt Cosmetics Conor Mc Ardle electronics, medical devices, biotechnology, Sculpt Cosmetics runs accredited makeup Modern Auditor™ is an online Audit and pharma, digital media and eligible training courses, and sells through a retail Supplier Management platform internationally traded services. store and on online. Jag Gunawardana What does New Frontiers provide Bernie Murphy - Bernie Murphy Textile The product is an integrated healthcare Entrepreneurs? Artist. platform. It enables the building of • Training in all areas of business including Bernie creates contemporary Irish fashion applications that get healthcare providers n Thursday evening 19 September financial management, market research & garments made from Donegal Tweed that is working together, rather than in silos. It 2019, an audience at IT Sligo in its validation, business process, patenting, manufactured in Donegal mills and Irish uses open, standardized, public cloud Aurivo Theatre engaged in an open product development, sales training. Linen. technology at its core forum with industry experts, including several • Mentoring from experienced business O engineers working nationally, on the topic of advisors and practitioners. Kevin Finn - Playmaker Harry Aslam – Sideways Tiger the future of transport. The event which was • Office and other business incubation Playmaker is a digital injury prevention tool To radically optimise the design, open to the public, students, engineers and facilities. headquartered along the Wild Atlantic Way. development and delivery of fashion business leaders was organised by Engineers • €15,000 from Enterprise Ireland for This unique product makes elite-level products (both physical and digital) to Ireland, the professional membership body for individuals participating in Phase 2. injury prevention solutions available to enable customers to purchase more of what engineers in Ireland in association with its • Networking with other entrepreneurs and fitness and running enthusiasts as well as they want at better value-for-money and North West regional branch which covers business development agencies. semi-professional and amateur athletes by with reduced environmental impact. Sligo and Leitrim. This branch is chaired by • Introduction to seed and early stage monitoring their injury risk factors. local engineer Rowan O’Callaghan. Ronan Hunt – Carhunt.ie Entitled Driving Forward: Electric and carhunt.ie is an idea created by Ronan Autonomous Vehicles in a Connected Hunt, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo. It is a Infrastructure, there was a particular emphasis technology based idea presented in a on the evening on the use of the private car mobile app form, aimed at streamlining the and the movement towards electric cars. The communication between car retailers and speakers also discussed ‘driving towards car buyers in the Republic Of Ireland. driverless’ and the new mobility revolution which is sweeping the globe with the Andrew Carr – HotelDesk Direct introduction of connected and autonomous Hotel Desk Direct is a website service that vehicles (or CAVs) which are compelling us to allows hotels to advertise and sell their reimagine how transport is delivered. promotions and discounts for booking What this all means for the future of our direct in a consolidated online platform. road network, the travel pattern of people and the movement of goods was also discussed. Stephen Coyle Pictured on the 19th September at IT Sligo Our product comprises two apps, titled Fete at the Engineers Ireland North West Regional and Vnu, which at their most basic level Branch forum on the future of transport called aim to replace brochures for festivals and Driving Forward: Electric and Autonomous venues. Customers include Belfast City Vehicles in a Connected Infrastructure are Council, Titanic Quarter Trust, and Culture Engineers Ireland’s North West committee and Night. Marguerite Sayers, President of Engineers Ireland. Noel Mulkeen - Unicam Speakers included Marguerite Sayers, UNICAM is a state-of-the-art video capture President of Engineers Ireland and Chartered solution for third level institutions that Engineer, Conor Faughnan, Director of empowers staff and students to use video to Consumer Affairs at AA Ireland, Niall Hogan, enhance the learning experience. Head of E-Mobility, ESB, Dr John McCarthy, Associate Director and Leader of Intelligent Prakash Kamat Mobility, ARUP, Dr James McDonald, Product is a Cloud-based Operational Computational Astrophysicist, Computer- (Logistics) & Compliance Management Vision Algorithm Developer & Embedded SAAS Solution to organizations to cover Lead, Valeo Vision Systems and Helen Road Safety Authority/Agency (RSA, Hughes, Director of Professional Services at VDSA), Health & Safety Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Authority/Executive (HSA/HSE) as well as Eamon Dillane, an E Car Advocate. Agri-supply Industries Confederation Speaking at the opening of the Forum, Marguerite Sayers, President of Engineers Denise Mulvaney – Moodology Ireland, said: “This evening, you our Moodology is a mental health fitness app audience, will be provided with the designed to help people who consider opportunity to learn from and engage with themselves physically active. It will enable experts, a number of them engineers, working them to gain a better understanding if how nationally who will talk about the exciting they can manage stress and anxiety in their world of transport, something which is so life, turning negative chatter into something essential in our daily lives. Transport helps positive us to connect with one another more easily and improve the distribution of goods and For more information visit: services over long distances.” http://www.newfrontiersnw.ie IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 17 Government announces €960,000 capital funding to support Apprenticeship Programmes Focus on new technologies, sustainable methods and materials and modernising traditional craft he Minister for Education and President of IT Sligo, Dr Brendan will enable Institutes of Technology Skills Joe McHugh T.D., McCormack, welcomed the and TU Dublin to purchase new together with the Minister of announcement by Minister Mary equipment and update their TState for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O’Conner; infrastructure. Mitchell O’Connor T.D. and Minister “This is a significant “Apprenticeships offer fantastic of State for Training, Skills, announcement by the Minister and opportunities and I would encourage Innovation and Research and shows the commitment by the any person looking at their career Development John Halligan T.D. government to invest in options, especially students preparing today announced capital funding of apprenticeship programmes which to sit exams this week, to strongly more than €7.5 million for nine are growing in popularity at IT Sligo consider the many benefits of Institutes of Technology and the and across the country, enabling apprenticeship.” Technological University (TU) students to “Earn & Learn” Today’s announcement brings the Dublin. simultaneously.” Government’s total capital funding allocated to IT Sligo has been awarded commitment, under Project Ireland support the modernising of craft €960,000 for IT Sligo’s craft 2040, to increase investment in apprenticeship programmes in the apprenticeship programmes. higher and further education and sector since 2017 to more than €23 Fitting, Toolmaking and Wood “I am delighted that over €7.5 million Apprenticeship is a programme of training and to the modernisation of million. Manufacturing and Finishing. is being invested to support the structured education and training equipment available for craft It is being provided by the It will enable Institutes of modernisation of the syllabi and to which formally combines and apprenticeship provision. Department of Education and Skills Technology and TU Dublin to purchase new equipment for our alternates learning in the workplace Minister McHugh said: “The through the Higher Education provide apprentices with training in apprenticeship programmes in our with learning in an education and Government is deeply committed to Authority (HEA). the most up to date techniques, IoTs and TU Dublin. It will ensure training institution. IT Sligo offers expanding the apprenticeship system This funding will support the roll- including sustainable and renewable that our apprenticeships have the best training in three trade and this investment reaffirms that. out of new syllabi for apprenticeships technologies such as solar and wind possible experience, keep pace with apprenticeships, one in Tool Making, “There was an 80% increase in in Plumbing, Carpentry, Electrical, energy and energy efficient new methods and technologies in the one Carpentry and Joinery and one in apprenticeship registrations between Brickwork, Motor Painting and construction methods and materials. workplace and are trained to the Electrical Instrumentation. 2015 and 2018. This €7.5m funding Decorating, Vehicle Body Repair, Minister Mitchell O’Connor said: highest level possible.” Chartered Accountants Ireland Schools Event

Students taking part at last year’s event.

Skills papers. Study exam. • CPA Ireland: All of Formation 1 There is currently a shortage of & 2 and Professional 1 Levels accounting graduates in Ireland and • CIMA: All of Certificate Level IT Sligo’s BA(Hons) in Accounting and Operational Level with the boasts high rates of graduate exception of the Operational Case employment. Staff from IT Sligo and Chartered Accountants Ireland attending last year’s event.

The Chartered Accountants Ireland Memorandum of Understanding greatly enhances employment Schools Event will be hosted by IT with IT Sligo. opportunities. Sligo on Wednesday 20 November • Graduates from the BA(Hons) in • IT Sligo would pay the £20 2019. This event is open to all Accounting and the BB in registration fee for students who secondary schools to attend. Last Accounting L8 will obtain wish to avail of the opportunity. year over 250 students attended exemptions from Certificate and Registration with CIMA allows from 10 different schools. Students Operational Level examinations students free access to a variety of are invited to take part in an with CIMA. CIMA resources. interactive case study and solve • On completion of their honours The BA(Hons) in Accounting at IT business problems from a scenario degree in Accounting at IT Sligo, Sligo obtains the following provided. students can sit the Operational exemptions from the four IT Sligo’s BA(Hons) in Accounting Case Study with CIMA and along professional accounting bodies: (code SG146) obtains maximum with their exemptions could be • Chartered Accountants Ireland: exemptions from the examinations awarded the Diploma in All of Chartered Accountants of Chartered Accountants Ireland. Management Accounting from Proficiency 1 examinations. New CIMA Agreement with IT CIMA. • Association of Chartered Sligo • Obtaining two accounting Certified Accountants: All 9 of the Caroline McNulty, IT Sligo and Kevin Gormley, CIMA pictured at the • CIMA has signed a qualifications before graduation, Applied Knowledge and Applied CIMA Ireland Future of Finance Festival in Dublin recently. 18 IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 Retirements Spectroscopy in a Suitcase Last month we said farewell to three of our dear colleagues, Michael Moffatt, Angela Mehegan and Dr. Maeliossa O’Brien. Workshops back on the Road! Michael Moffatt retires after serving nearly 41 years at IT Sligo. Angela has taught for 27 years on both the Fine Art and the Creative Design programmes while Maeliossa has taught for 22 years on both the Architecture and the Interior Architecture programmes. They will be truly missed having given so much to IT Sligo.

fter a very successful first Society of Chemistry (RSC) and Faculty of Science led by Fiona year, the Spectroscopy in a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) is McArdle and Mary Connolly visited Suitcase (SIAS) workshop, back on the road. The team in the their first school for this academic Awhich is funded by, the Royal year, The Presentation College, Athenry, Co. Galway in September. Last year the SIAS team delivered this workshop to 251 students from 14 post primary schools in counties Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo and Galway. The workshops are free to the schools and all equipment and materials are provided so that students can get hands on experience with sophisticated analytical instruments. The equipment costs approximately €30,000 and includes an FTIR and UV/Vis spectrometers. We in the Faculty of Science are delighted to be able to provide this service to schools in the North West or Ireland. IT Sligo asking YOU to Green Your Life T Sligo are currently they can access meet and buy from suppliers & addressing ecological waste suppliers/providers of eco providers of eco products at their issues and have teamed up products thus reducing waste pop up shops and in turn learn Iwith Science Week, the Green personally and on-campus. The more about reducing waste Campus Initiative & a group of event is entitled; Green Your Life personally and on-campus. 4th year BB in Tourism with & will give individuals an Fiona Britton, Sustainability Event Management Students to opportunity to learn about Officer IT Sligo endorses this run an event to assist students in ecological methods and how to event & outlines; “IT Sligo becoming more eco aware and to become more eco/ green in their Green Campus is delighted to change their ways. everyday lives. During 'Green support the Green Your Life The idea is that students will Your Life', students and visitors event. One of our big challenges have a day on campus where to IT Sligo alike will be able to on campus is to rethink how we create waste. Making even one small change in our day-to-day lives can make a big difference, particularly when we act collectively as a campus community.” The event is happening on 13 November between 10am and 3pm on the campus at IT Sligo. It consists of pop up shops, which will be on the main concourse from 10am - 3pm. Here students, lecturers and anyone visiting the campus will be able to source locally, handmade, vintage & sustainable products. There will be an eco- friendly talk, which will take place in the Aurivo auditorium at 1pm. Here you will get the chance to listen to influencers and learn more about greening your life. For more information, please get Students involved in the Green Your Life on the 13th November in touch by email 10-3pm at IT Sligo. [email protected] In the photo: Melissa Granahan, Jette Koch, Sadhbh Gavigan Hope to see you all there Lecturer: Joanna Sweeney The Green Your Life team IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 19 Archaeological Excavation at Carrowmore Integrity at Work – Megalithic Cemetery, Sligo New Pilot Programme for IT Sligo

team of archaeologists from IT be very interesting. Our survey revealed normally considered to be much later in Sligo completed a two-week several features that were not visible above date was built amongst the passage tombs.” archaeological excavation of a ground. We discovered that the ‘barrow’ The archaeological excavation produced prehistoric monument in the heart of the contained a central pit and a substantial quite exciting and unexpected results. Dr A President of IT Sligo Dr Brendan McCormack Carrowmore megalithic complex, Sligo circular ditch” said Dr Bonsall. Dowd said “Our excavations have revealed signs IAW membership agreement. over the summer. Carrowmore is the largest The results of the geophysical survey that this monument does not appear to be a cemetery of megalithic tombs in Ireland, were one of the reasons why this particular barrow at all. So far, we cannot find any with 5,500 year old passage tombs dating site was chosen for investigation. parallel for it in Ireland.” The team found Together with Waterford IT and Limerick IT, IT from 3,600 BC. “Antiquarians and archaeologists have been that the circular ditch surrounded a central Sligo has volunteered to be part of a Department IT Sligo archaeologists Dr Marion Dowd studying Carrowmore for over 200 years, raised area that consisted of a thick circular of Education and Skills sponsored pilot and Dr James Bonsall directed the but the focus has always been on the layer of stone. Inside this was a sunken area programme for three Institutes of Technology to excavation of a site that was formerly Neolithic megalithic tombs. We were keen with black, charcoal-rich soils. Several join the Integrity at Work (IAW) programme, an known as a barrow. Barrows are circular to change focus and find out more about prehistoric tools made from a hard stone initiative of Transparency International (TI) earthen monuments surrounded by a this particular ‘barrow’ monument, and called chert were discovered within and Ireland. circular ditch. These sites typically date to how it related to the concentration of around the monument. “We have a lovely Integrity at Work is a not-for-profit initiative the Bronze Age and Iron Age, ranging from megalithic tombs at Carrowmore” said Dr collection of chert scrapers and blades from open to organisations that are committed to between 4,000 and 1,500 years old. In Marion Dowd. “There are several barrows the monument. These would have been developing workplaces where people feel safe to 2016, Dr Bonsall and IT Sligo archaeology within the Carrowmore complex. These used for activities such as working animal speak up and where appropriate action is taken students carried out a series of geophysical would generally be viewed as Bronze Age hides, cutting and preparing food, basket in response to reports of wrongdoing. surveys at Carrowmore to see beneath the or Iron Age in date, coming several working and bone working” said Dr. Facilitated by TI Ireland, IAW presents soil of this and several other monuments in thousand years after the Neolithic tombs. Dowd, “essentially a prehistoric tool kit”. employers with the opportunity to show the area. “This particular site turned out to We wanted to find out why a site that is The IT Sligo archaeologists carried out leadership in creating ethical workplaces and the first excavation at Carrowmore to setting a new standard for transparency and modern scientific standards. “The accountability. The three pilot Institutes will excavation trench covered just 10% of the work with TI Ireland to evaluate existing archaeological site, so the majority of it has policies and procedures and develop best been left completely undisturbed. We have practice standards for the three participating been given a unique insight into Institutes, and for the Institute of Technology Carrowmore and prehistoric Sligo. We sector as a whole. collected over 350 individual artefacts from For further information contact the trench, some of which were found in [email protected] the ploughsoil, as well as in the prehistoric monument itself. We also excavated and examined 15 tonnes of soil from the trench. Every single grain of soil was sieved BE PART OF through a fine wire mesh, ensuring that we recovered every possible artefact from the IT SLIGO NEWS trench”, said Dr Bonsall. Dr Dowd said “We are now focussed on post-excavation analyses of all the If you would like to be part of IT materials recovered during the excavation, Sligo News please contact our and hope to have scientific dating in the Communications Manager, next few months. At the moment what we can say is that we have quite an enigmatic Aidan Haughey at prehistoric monument: something different [email protected] and new.” 20 IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 IT Sligo at National Ploughing Championships Engineers Without eán O’Connor and Dr. Ehiaze Engine project, which is a cross-border community, so it will be appreciated if any Borders in IT Sligo Ehimen of the Renewable Engine initiative supported by the European Union interested stakeholder can complete the Project at the Institute of Technology through its INTERREG VA Programme. survey which is now available online at: SligoS were at year’s National Ploughing The project is still looking for responses www.surveymonkey.com/r/biogassurvey1 Championships held in Fenagh, County from the agricultural and farming The survey should only take 5 minutes. Carlow. The event, now in its 88th year, saw over 250,000 visitors over the three years making it Europe’s largest outdoor festival of any kind. IT Sligo’s participation was part of a wider study to access the agricultural and farming community directly to evaluate the current knowledge, state of practice and potential uptake of on-farm small-scale anaerobic digestion (SSAD) plants in Ireland. The prize for best Poster & Prototype Display Sean’s research focuses on SSAD went to Jeremy Price, Jason Hood Ana Pereira systems, which is a promising technology and Leslie Jones, from IT Sligo for Rubix for the treatment of farm and livestock Education Centre, a converted shipping waste, as it can transform organic matter container with education resources in into biogas (which contains energy rich recognition of their impressive concept model methane). These systems are beneficial for and wind turbine display. improving on-site energy generation, upgrading wastes and providing a nutrient- A team from ITSligo scooped a special award in the rich fertiliser from the digester effluents, 2019 Engineers Without Borders while reducing pathogenic loads, odours competition,"Where there is no Engineer". The and greenhouse gas emissions emanating team comprised Jeremy Price, Jason Hood, Ana from the agricultural processes. Small- Pereira, and Leslie Jones. Their entry “Rubix” was scale farming processes can further exploit a concept to repurpose a shipping container as a the portable and flexible options made technological hub for displaced persons and refugee available by implementing SSAD systems, communities. The judges cited the high standard of to effect on demand conversion of organic their research, the thought and effort gone into their waste streams to useful heat (and model, and the high quality of their presentation. potentially electricity), with significant The team were supported by ITSligo staff including economic benefits accruable (especially Eamonn Price, Gerard McGranaghan, Sinead when such energy carriers are exported). Barrins, and also by technical and workshop staff. The participation in the ploughing The competition was held in TU Dublin on championship afforded Sean and Ehiaze Saturday 6th March 2019. the chance to engage and get feedback from farmers and agricultural/biobased The “Where there Is No Engineer competition”, is organisations around the country, on their an annual design initiative open to students which perception on renewable energy generation gives participants the opportunity to design creative and integration in their operations. The solutions to real-life development problems. Other project used surveys and one on one themes of interest include housing/shelter, interactions with the targeted stakeholders sanitation, water, and renewable energy. to get this information. Future work involves working with an industry partner EWB-Ireland is a group of Irish engineers and to design, test and optimise a robust, scientists dedicated to bridging the gap between modular, small-scale unit (20kW) for the academia, industry and NGOs to give opportunities Irish agriculture sector. This research has to learn about and contribute to sustainable been carried out under the Renewable development globally. Our mission is to partner with disadvantaged communities to improve their quality of life through education and implementation of sustainable engineering projects, supportIT comes to Sligo while promoting global experience for engineers, engineering students, and similarly motivated non- engineers. EWB in ITSligo hold talks/lectures and information evenings on campus throughout the year. Keep an eye out for the next events.

For further information contact Gerard McGranaghan ([email protected])

Managed IT services organisation, ‘This support hub is an exciting step for team in both locations, which means we supportIT, has expanded operations into supportIT. Expanding to another location can continue to provide our clients with Sligo with the creation of a remote IT means that we can take advantage of the high-quality helpdesk support services support hub that is located in the SligoIT resource pool outside of Dublin, where it and can continue to uphold our high Innovation Centre. The organisation will is challenging to find suitable candidates standards in customer care.’ said Tara create 10 new IT jobs in Sligo over the and where competition is high. The Doyle, Sales & Marketing Director next 2 years. expansion gives us a very strong helpdesk supportIT. IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 21

Flying Swans in Healthy Science and Technology undergraduate Voice! research on display at IT Sligo

ITSligo Choir the Flying Swans sang out to passing students and staff at lunchtime last Wednesday with a pop up concert to celebrate Sing Ireland National Singing Week. The week- long national programme, in association with Mental Health Ireland took place from 7th to 13th October 2019. Choral events were organised all over the country by choirs, schools and other groups to mark World Mental Health Day and to highlight the fact that choral singing is good for your mental health! There were lots of smiles on the faces of passers-by last week as the choir sang the Elvis Presley classic ‘I Can’t Help Falling in Love’ , This years winners for their oral and poster presentations were; Carina Hardy (Athlone IT), Christopher Golden (IT Sligo), Emma the 80’s hit ‘You’re the Voice’, and the beautiful Kane (Athlone IT), Emma Kane (Athlone IT), and Lydia Lyons (GMIT). Pictured here from left to right with staff from Sligo, Athlone ‘Bridge over Troubled water’. Ray Cotter ( and Galway/Mayo Institutes of Technology. Chaplin and choir director) accompanied on T Sligo hosted the second Science styles on children or the fate of (GMIT). This conference is viewed as an Piano. Chairperson Aodhmar Cadogan, a Undergraduate Research Experience microplastics in water treatment plants. experience development platform for lecturer in Science, says “Group singing has (SURE) conference on Friday 27th Speaking at the launch of the event, Dr. students as they continue their academic been scientifically proven to lower stress, relieve September. Jeremy Bird, Head of the School of Science journey toward the professional work anxiety, and elevate endorphins. The release of I these endorphins can leave you feeling This national event involving nine 3rd- at IT Sligo, said “it is with great pleasure environment, honing on the modern level education institutions across Ireland that we welcome students and academic communication skills demanded by completely rejuvenated”. In other words, it’s was also simultaneously held this year on staff from Letterkenny, Athlone and Galway employers in the science and technology good clean fun and makes you feel great. the campuses of TU Dublin and IT Carlow. on our vibrant campus for an exciting day sectors. The choir will be performing during Science graduates of the 2019 classes of peer-to-peer exchanges and stimulating The conference also included a panel Graduation at 1-1.30pm near reception on from IT Sligo, Galway Mayo IT, conversations on the fantastic scientific discussion with postgraduate students on Thursday 31st Oct and Friday 01st Nov and also Letterkenny IT and Athlone IT came work carried out by last year’s cohort of career planning, approaches for effective appearing at the Hawkswell as part of the Sligo together to Sligo to showcase the product of final year undergraduate students”. preparation for interviews, how to deal with Sings event on 24th November. their final year projects via oral and poster This years winners for their oral and setbacks or accessing funded postgraduate New members are always welcome – just turn presentations. The science topics covered poster presentations were; Carina Hardy research opportunities. up Wednesdays 1-2pm in C1002 and/or contact were very diverse and included among (Athlone IT), Christopher Golden (IT The SURE Network was recognised as tobin.keiran@itsligo to have your name added to others studies on the toxicology of food- Sligo), Emma Kane (Athlone IT), Emma the ”best academic partnership” at the 2019 the Whatsapp group. additives, the effects of parental feeding Kane (Athlone IT), and Lydia Lyons Education Awards. Industrial Visit for Delivering CANN Conference Fourth Year A highly successful conference celebrating bodies and other key stakeholders, were then presented by a number of the the excellent conservation work carried out celebrated the success of the project to date partner organisations including the Institute Thermodynamics Class by the “Collaborative Action for the Natura as it reaches the halfway point in delivery of Technology in Sligo, Monaghan County Network” project (CANN) took place since its initial launch in 2017. Council, Agri-Food and Biosciences recently at the idyllic setting of Corrick With eleven project partners the CANN Institute and Ulster Wildlife. The discovery House Hotel and Spa. project is playing a vitally important role in of the Desmoulin’s whorl snail by a team of The cross-border Interreg VA funded improving the environmental condition on specialists carrying out field surveys was project aims to improve the condition of over 3,650 hectares of designated sites singled out for special praise. The rare snail, protected habitats and support priority (Special Areas of Conservation) across typically less than 3mm in size, is smaller species found within Northern Ireland, the these regions. than a new-born baby’s fingernail. This Border Region of Ireland and Scotland. Newry, Mourne and Down District unique find, alongside bird surveys, This work will help these regions to meet Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie foraging workshops, mapping projects and key EU biodiversity targets and ensure the Casey said “I am delighted to welcome invasive species trials were all highlighted future of these internationally important everyone to County Tyrone today and to as examples of the CANN project’s habitats and species. see so many of our partners, funders and success. Final Year Mechanical Engineering Honours Entitled “Delivering CANN” the stakeholders in attendance. Partnership Diana Pound from Dialogue Matters Students paid a visit to two industrial sites, conference, attended by 100 delegates working is the central component of the (runner up as UK Environmental Lough Ree Power Station and Masonite on the including project partners, governmental CANN project, and Newry, Mourne and Professional of the Year 2019) finished the 9th October. The visits were to highlight the Down District Council is enjoying working event with her presentation on the applications of Thermodynamics and Heat closely with our ten project partners to importance of good stakeholder Transfer in a practical industrial setting thereby protect species and habitats of cross border engagement. This project is supported by supplementing the class room theoretical relevance”. the EU’s INTERREG VA programme, lectures. Students witnessed numerous thermal TV presenter and Wildlife Biologist managed by the Special EU Programmes processes in action in both plants, and also Lizzie Daly, host of the BBC Earth Body. Match funding for the project has gained an understanding of how both industrial Unplugged YouTube channel, began been provided by the Department of plants could operate commercially, yet satisfy the proceedings by delivering the keynote Housing, Planning, Community and Local environmental and sustainability concerns of the address highlighting habitat loss across the Government in Ireland, by the Department sensitive environment in which they operate. globe. of Agriculture, Environment and Rural ITSligo would like to thank John Noonan, ESB, Progress updates highlighting the key Affairs in Northern Ireland, and by Scottish and Michael Conlon, Masonite as well as their successes and projected targets of CANN Natural Heritage in Scotland. staff for hosting these excellent visits. 22 IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 CUA at World Technological University Network in Taiwan

their concept as guests of WTUC5 Universität Ilmenau, while in Germany in 2020. More WTUC6 will be at the Malaysian information on this will be (Putrajaya) campus of Heriot-Watt circulated soon University. • A network for educators and • The University of Bradford has researchers with an interest in already followed up with the CUA IT Sligo, through the Connacht WTUC4 was attended by 49 people commitment to the UN’s innovation and entrepreneurship with an expression of interest in Ulster Alliance, is a founder from 19 institutions across 15 sustainable development goals has been proposed by the Hamm- developing research links, and a member of the World countries. It was opened by the (SDGs). From these sessions a Lippstadt University of Applied visit to Bradford is being planned Technological Universities President of Taiwan Tech, commitment was made to establish Science. for early 2020. Network [WTUN]. This is a Professor Ching-Jong Liao and an interest group across the • The WTUN is developing a For more information contact Dr grouping of over twenty Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Network in the field of water and Gender Equality pledge to express Perry Share, CUA Project technological higher education Education Dr Mon-Chi Lo. The sanitation, potentially of great the Network’s commitment in this Manager, institutions from across five focus of this Congress was on the interest to IT Sligo given the area [email protected] or 086 continents. Membership of the further development of the previous and current research on • WTUC5 will take place in 308 1429. WTUN provides great Network. Dr Share led a plenary water quality issues. October 2020 in Erfurt, Germany, More information on the Network opportunities for students and staff session on Technology and its role Participants also discussed the under the leadership of Technische can be found at wtu-n.net of IT Sligo into the future. in the transformation of higher impact of the internet of things, AI The network is in its early days, education, where he spoke about and virtual campuses; university really only going for two years. some of the applications of data degrees and employability; and the Each year it holds a Congress for analytics in the sector and issues role of universities as place makers members to meet and progress the that may arise. Further contributors in the local economy. its activities. Following earlier from India, Australia and Thailand At the Congress, additional Sponsored reusable congresses in Bradford UK and discussed applications of members were welcomed from (formally MedEx) Chennai (India) – all attended by technology in HE and industry Austria, Ghana and Japan, bringing cups for ExWell the CUA - the fourth Congress engagement. membership of the network to 22. (WTUC4) took place at the The Congress featured a review of The Congress featured fascinating National Taiwan University of progress to date: including launch displays and performances from Science and Technology (Taiwan of a WTUN Student Competition, Taiwan Tech students, tours of Tech) in Taipei from 3-5 October the potential to develop Taiwan Tech facilities and of the 2019. entrepreneurship activities within city of Taipei, and excellent Dr Perry Share, CUA Project the Network, experiences of Taiwanese food. Manager, attended WTUC4 on WTUN staff exchanges; and the Some of the key initiatives that are behalf of the alliance. Dr Katie foregrounding of gender equality as emerging from the WTUN: O’Dwyer of GMIT was also a priority within the Network. • The successful staff/student scheduled to attend and speak on Parallel sessions were held on exchange programme is to be global water issues, but entrepreneurship education; clean developed to encourage 2-way unfortunately her travel was water and sanitation; and exchanges, broader exchanges and disrupted by Typhoon Mitag in the sustainable cities and communities. exchanges amongst professional region. All ot these reflect the Network’s and administrative staff • A network for educators and researchers with an interest in water and sanitation is to be developed. This is in response to no. 6 of the United Nations’ Thank you to Pat and Nicola Durkin from Wards Pharmacy who Sustainable Development Goals: sponsored the new ExWell Medical reusable cups. Mandy Higgins ‘to ensure availability and from Wards Pharmacy came on Friday the 20th September to present sustainable management of water them to the ExWell staff and participants. This was arranged by In- and sanitation for all’. grid McLoughlin (ExWell Coordinator), Joanne Regan (Lecturer in • A Student Competition on ‘digital IT Sligo and academic coordinator of ExWell) and Tommy Brett creativity’ has been launched, with (ExWell participant). ExWell Medical and IT Sligo doing their bit to a closing date of 17 January 2020. support a greener environment. Teams (up to 4) of students are invited to submit proposals on Thank you to all the ExWell participants who organised and sup- ‘What does “digital creativity” ported the 2nd annual fundraising night in the glasshouse Sligo. A mean to you?” in relation to clean massive €1,200 was raised and presented to the ExWell staff in IT water/sanitation; good Sligo. This money will go towards equipment and training in support health/wellbeing; or sustainable the growth and development of the ExWell programme here in IT cities/communities. The winning Sligo. team will be selected to present IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 23 Sweden Visit to IT Sligo What is Social Care Practice?

‘Social Care Workers are in the history of social care practice. professional practitioners engaged in Social Care Practitioners work with the practice of social care work. Irelands most vulnerable people. The Social care work is a relationship accreditation of this programme based approach to the purposeful means that the practitioner will now planning and provision of care, be acknowledged as an acting protection, psychosocial support and professional in the field of health and advocacy in partnership with social care. The title will become a vulnerable individuals and groups protected title whereby the who experience marginalisation, practitioner must register with CORU disadvantage or special needs. and abide the Social Care Workers Principles of social justice and human Registration Board: Code of rights are central to the practice of Professional Conduct and Ethics, Social Care Workers.’ Social Care once the register opens. Workers Registration Board (2018) CORU is Ireland’s multi-profession IT Sligo Social Care Practice health and social care regulator Programme seeking CORU established under the Health and Validation Social Care Professionals Act 2005 IT Sligo are currently seeking CORU (as amended). Their role is to protect The Department of Ecotechnology and Sustainable Building Engineering from Östersund, Sweden on a validation for the BA Hons in Social the public by promoting high recent visit to IT Sligo. The department conducts research and education Ecotechnology, in; Care Practice Programme. This standards of professional conduct, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, and Building Technology. Among the delegation programme has been delivered in IT education, training and competence who visit IT Sligo were; Paul van der Brink , Anna Longueville, Jenny Zimmerman, Fredrik Bodin, Sligo for over twenty years and we through statutory registration of Jörgen Lundberg, Tony Backlund, Linda Näsström. are now entering a very exciting time health and social care professionals.

Life Science Students partake in Academic Industry Workshop A unique-Academic-Industry information provided in relation industry standards was provided Workshop was run at IT Sligo on to a real non-conformance event and lecturers facilitated during Friday 11th October in Hume and reporting on the event in line the session. Student group’s peer Hall when Yr4 students from the with industry standards for assessed each other's work and Medical Biotechnology and technical writing. Guidance on reflected on teamwork. Pharmaceutical Science degree programmes came together to learn about Technical Writing in response to real-world industry events. The problem-based workshop was a collaboration between lecturers (Geraldine Duignan (Pharmaceutical), Ailish Breen & Stephen Daly (Medical Biotechnology)) from the associated programmes, the Academic Writing Support Centre at IT Sligo (Aoife Murray), and Abbott Ireland Diagnostics Division (AIDD) Sligo. Industry Feedback from recent surveys had highlighted a need to develop the technical writing capabilities of graduates working in regulated environments. In response, IT Sligo staff approached Abbott (AIDD) and a workshop relevant to industry needs was devised. Noreen Walsh (QS Manager) AIDD kindly gave her time to provide examples of good and bad technical writing responses documenting industry events and provided real-world industry scenarios for students to technically evaluate report on. Teams of six students mixed from both degree programmes were tasked with evaluating 24 IT Sligo News Autumn 2019 Women's soccer

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The IT women's soccer team began their league campaign away to Ireland's biggest university UCD. Sligo I.T women kicked off their Premier Division campaign with a narrow defeat away to a good UCD side, losing out 5- 4. Playing against a strong breeze in the first half, Sligo I.T trailed 2-0 at half time. A different Sligo team emerged in the second half and got back in the game with a goal from Katie Melly (penalty) before UCD went 3-1 up. A brilliant 15 mins spell saw Sligo go into a 4-3 lead with a further penalty from Katie Melly and a super individual goal from Amy Boyle Carr. Anita Murphy put Sligo into the lead with a few minutes left however Sligo were denied by two late UCD strikes and they held on for the victory. Next up is NUI Maynooth on Tuesday 15th at 2pm in Sligo I.T. Team was: Kathleen McNally, Marie Donnelly, Ella McLaughlin, Emma Gibbons, Ruth Monaghan, Raisa Neill, Amy Boyle Carr, Anita Murphy, Lena Schlifski, Katie Melly and Deirdre McNally. Official member of the 20x20 campaign By Oisin Haran Throughout the weekend, there stars. Unfortunately, Denmark were a number of videos and photos completed the double and denied any aturday the 12th and Sunday posted of the training session on the Irish hope for victory with a 13th of October saw the Knocknarea Arena Instagram page. convincing 2-0 win on Monday Knocknarea Arena play host to These videos were posted in afternoon. twoS international football teams. The conjunction with the ongoing effort As a token of appreciation, both Irish and Denmark under 19 squads made to improve upon our social national teams designated team jerseys used the arena as a training base media outreach within the arena. signed by all players and staff which between both of their friendly matches Saturday afternoon sessions for both will be printed and framed in the which took place on Friday the 11th squads consisted of light training using Knocknarea Arena. There was also an and Monday the 14th of October resistance bands and a variety of opportunity to get into a couple of respectively. dynamic stretching as they were team photos as well as take a number Representatives of both national focusing on recovering from the Friday of videos and from pitchside teams contacted Knocknarea Arena night game which Denmark won 1-0. throughout the training session. Both facilities manager Gerry Dalton prior Squad numbers for both teams were sets of teams were a credit to their IT Sligo is proud to announce that we are now an official to the weekend in order to schedule a lower on Saturday afternoon as there respective countries as they showed member of the 20x20 campaign, demonstrating our commitment couple of light training sessions were a number of players who played a great professionalism and commitment to women in sport. between games. The original large part in Friday nights game. These throughout the weekend. We look agreement was for both teams to train players were left behind in their hotels forward to seeing them again, on Saturday afternoon. However, the for pool recovery and rehabilitation hopefully in the near future! Men's Soccer A Team coaching staff of both squads were so sessions with the team physios. Photos / videos from the sessions are happy with the condition of the pitch On Sunday there was more of a available on the Knocknarea Arena they were eager to have another focus on tactical awareness and instagram page training session on Sunday afternoon. positional play in preparation for @ITSKnocknareaArena. This is a testament to the hard work the Monday afternoon’s game. There were There will also be more photos / videos staff of the Knocknarea Arena have a number of local spectators down at posted in the coming weeks as well as done in order to maintain the pitch the Knocknarea Arena keen to catch a some of the usual competitions and since the beginning of the semester. glimpse of the potential future national prizes we usually run.

IT Sligo Men's A Team began their league campaign away to TUDCC formally DIT on Monday last. What a game it was too, after 10min into the game the referee took centre stage, first he gave a penalty to the home side which they missed and two minutes later awarded IT Sligo an penalty which Mark Byrne burried on his debut for the college. Both teams were well up for this game and on 15min the referee gave a straight red card to IT Sligo player Dan Beya for an off the ball incident. Shortly after on 20min TUDCC scored after a long ball from their GK found it's way to Aaron Dobbs who finished into the bottom corner to make it 1-1. IT Sligo then had to make an early change after Darren Collins was taken out of the game by a dangerous tackle. Both sides then settled a little and it was IT Sligo who could have scored again after a great ball in from Ronan Gallagher just missed Byrne at the back post.