Research Matters National University of Ireland, Galway

Issue 6 • WINTER 2013

Research Matters National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Republic of Ireland

T: +353 9149 5312 E: [email protected] Gender ARC The Economic Cost Horizon 2020 nuigalway.ie of Domestic Violence CONTENTS PAGE PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE ZOOM IN + ZOOM OUT - NUI Galway \ RESEARCH MATTERS RESEARCH MATTERS /NUI Galway VP Letter Contents elcome to Issue Six of Research This issue also celebrates some of our female Matters. In the following pages, star researchers and their activities. In previous you’ll get glimpses of some of editions, we have always had a gender balance Featured Articles: theW important research related issues and but this time we decided to place a particular Editorial Board activities at NUI Galway. As Horizon 2020 focus on the amazing diversity and excellence John Holden, Editor A Delicate Balancing Act is launched this month, it presents us with of research carried out by our female colleagues. Eithne O’Connell, Deputy Editor excellent opportunities to apply our ambition, As you will discover, the future of NUI Galway Sarah Knight networking and winning qualities required for and its female researchers is bright and we 03 success in European funding. In preparation are constantly building a stronger and better Jim Duggan for this, over the last few months the Research university with great confidence and ambition. Valerie Parker Office has held 17 information and training Angela Sice sessions across the campus with over 400 Professor Lokesh Joshi , Edward Jones participants demonstrating the strong interest in Vice President of Research Patrick Hayes Biodiverse Women participating in the Horizon 2020 programme. Patrick Lonergan Recently, NUI Galway was also awarded the 05 HR Excellence in Research Logo in recognition of our commitment to implementing the principles of the European Charter and Code for Researchers. This recognition will strengthen research proposals, provide greater Horizon 2020 visibility for the university, and help attract excellent researchers to NUI Galway. 09

Japanese and Irish Literature 13 From the Editor aving worked as a journalist in the fields of science and education for over a decade, I deal with Matrix Biology university communications staff on a regular basis. I can honestly state, albeit anecdotally, that in ten years I’ve dealt almost exclusively with women in all Irish university communications offices. 26 ThisH occurrence had been of little or no consequence to me until I started editing the current issue of Research Matters. Why? Because one can’t help but feel that going through at least one university channel dominated by women has a disarming effect on the media in terms of their awareness of the gender balance reality in Irish higher education. For a variety of reasons, which will be explained in the introductory piece, it is not a level playing field. The theme of this issue of Research Matters is Women in Research. The aim is to highlight some of the best female researchers here at NUI Galway, as well as research relating to gender and women’s studies. As always there are a variety of other projects on going at the university. So other research – unrelated to the theme - is also highlighted.

John Holden, Editor

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A Delicate Balancing Act

The gender balance in academia has improved in the last two decades, yet still the number of women at senior level is low. Corrective intervention in the short term is the most likely way to improve the balance.

rofessor Pat O’Connor from the Closer to home, figures obtained from the Secondly, the promotional structure plays its University of Limerick (UL) has NUI Galway Equality Manager give a clear part. For example, while in the EU Finland has recently completed her new book, picture of the current gender landscape here. one of the best gender balances, paradoxically ManagementP and Gender in Higher Education. At professoriate level, there are presently the number of women in senior management The focus of her research is, for the main part, nine female professors compared to 59 male. and professoriate posts in Turkey is also very the number of women working at professoriate So, percentage-wise, women make up 13 per high, largely because of the different procedures and senior management levels in Ireland’s cent of the total number of professors in NUI used for moving from associate professor short term,” she stresses. “The situation “We must not confuse the notion of gender universities. Some of her figures go back as Galway. Twelve per cent of associate professors to professor. won’t improve without it. It’s difficult to get balance with tokenism,” stresses Cooke. “Every far as 1976, shortly after the marriage bar was are women. The gender balance evens out, It has also been said that women are real traction without intervention. Policies and committee making decisions must have balance. removed; this law prohibited women working however, at lower levels. Just under 30 per cent the problem. “They have babies, they lack procedures need to be strengthened, from an In other words, our key committees should be in secondary teaching and the civil service hold senior lecturing posts while 45 per cent confidence and they don’t network,” says Prof equality perspective, and a commitment to representative of our actual communities.” from continuing in employment after they of lecturers above the bar are women. Female Pat O’Connor. “But I don’t agree that these gender balance on all boards and committees were married. But even in institutions where academics are in a stronger position than men as are what’s holding things up. What really responsible for making decisions and it wasn’t prohibited it was still seen as socially lecturers below the bar (57 per cent), while it is drives change in any organisational culture implementing policies and procedures is what Light at the End of the Tunnel unacceptable for married women to evenly split between men and women for fixed is commitment at the top. Change is not an is needed. Without that it will be very difficult There is cause for some optimism. Given the continue working. term lecturers and researchers. inevitable thing. The commitment of those to achieve real change.” huge emphasis placed on research at NUI Thankfully, we’ve moved on since then. The low level of female representation at the top is absolutely critical. Galway, and the fairly even split between male O‘Connor’s research indicates significant in high academic positions is not strictly an “Some degree of managerialism helps and female researchers working here, one improvements, in some areas at least. The UL Irish phenomenon. Across the EU, the average with a focus on the actual criteria for entry into A female-friendly university? can take comfort knowing that the expertise professor is working from a better vantage point is 20 per cent at professoriate level. (There high ranking positions rather than having looser If a greater emphasis on attracting female that drives university rankings, as well as the than most, as her institution boasts the best are exceptions where numbers are higher in procedures,” she adds. “Women are helped by academics to universities was to be adopted continued success of the university generally, is figures in terms of gender balance at high-level countries like – yes, you guessed it - Sweden tighter procedures.” across the country, it begs the question: what shared by all. “Women are accessing permanent academia. Thirty four per cent of staff at UL and Finland). would rank one university over another? lectureships in the university,” says Cooke. professoriate level are women. In other words, what criteria might attract “There are no barriers to their entry.” Overall, women account for 18 per cent Gender Equality the brightest and best female academics from of all professors in the country and 27 per Nothing New Here Versus Quality around the world to NUI Galway, or anywhere by JOHN HOLDEN cent of all associate professors. O’Connor’s While the aforementioned figures and statistics else for that matter? “Women would look to research was not helped by the fact that the relating to gender in academia are all very The argument against promoting women see what kind of equality strategies exist in a HEA stopped collecting figures broken down recent, news of the imbalance will not come into high-ranking academic positions just to university,” says Cooke. “Having aggregated data by gender and level from 2005 to 2012. While as a surprise to most. What’s more interesting fix the gender balance is already well known. is very important, and keeps it in the mind’s eye. there is a responsibility on all EU member states is examining the factors at play. Why are the Someone with a better CV should not lose If that data is available and an institution has a to provide such data, according to O’Connor, numbers so low? out on a position because they are male. That well defined gender equality strategy, that would the HEA just kept returning the 2004 figures to Firstly, there is a greater percentage is also discrimination. However, NUI Galway send a message beyond simply making bold the EU. However, the Authority has indicated of professoriate chairs in male dominated Equality Manager Aoife Cooke is convinced statements about equality and, ultimately that it has now resumed data collection. areas than in female: ie, more in science and that corrective intervention is still necessary. attract the best women. engineering than in the arts and humanities. “Positive action measures are needed in the 2-year-old Romy Devane from Moycullen at the Exploratorium - photo courtesy of the Connacht Tribune

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Biodiverse Women

In the Field “Because of a serious Dr Micheline Sheehy Skeffington is a plant ecologist in the discipline of botany and plant science. One of her main interests is the Burren, its flora and conservation. Micheline teaches plant ecology and under-representation of leads field courses. “You cannot learn plant ecology indoors,” she says. “My classroom is out in the Burren or in Connemara.” Perhaps her greatest inspiration and support is from the Botanical Society of Britain & women at senior levels Ireland, which runs field excursions yearly all round Ireland. Specifically, the late Maura Scannell, former Head of the Herbarium at the National Botanic Gardens was a super guide and role model. Micheline within the university, it is regularly gives talks and leads field trips for numerous community groups. She has recently been featured vital for junior women to on a number of wildlife TV programmes. interact with senior women in their professional lives.” Dr Micheline Sheehy Skeffington

Research Dr Anne Marie Power Dr Louise Firth joined the Zoology Team as a University Fellow in January 2012. Louise is a marine ecologist with a focus on marine environmental change including; (1) conservation, urban ecology and ecological engineering; (2) biodiversity and climate change; and (3) marine community ecology. The majority of her research is field-based and takes her to beautiful locations such as Connemara, the UK, France, Florida and Hong Kong. Recently she was in Arctic Norway conducting marine biodiversity surveys. “The natural world is my inspiration,” she says. “I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity In June 2013, Doctor Anne Marie Power volunteered to lead the Biodiversity & to learn about the natural world through hands-on field research. My goal now is to inspire the next Bioresources (B&B) research cluster, merging two similarly themed clusters from generation to do the same.” the Ryan Institute and the School of Natural Sciences. Dr Louise Firth

esearch in the cluster is very diverse, effectively work in isolation and see limited with members from nine disciplines career progression compared with their male Inspiration and five different Schools. Interestingly, counterparts. I have personally benefited from Dr Florence Abram is a newly-appointed

Rthere is an equal gender representation between fantastic role models - both female and male lecturer in Microbiology who is working on Discovery the approximately 32 researchers within the - who have inspired me by their abilities, but mathematical models to predict the behaviour Deniz Tasdemir is a Professor of Marine Biodiscovery. “Since my childhood I have been fascinated cluster. Experience levels range from post- also the manner in which they go about their of communities of microorganisms. Having by the idea of discovery,” she says. “Within the arena of natural pharmaceuticals, I realised I could combine doctoral researchers to professors - and all stages business. The university Women’s Network worked in industry for several years, she began my passions – nature, organic chemistry and biology - to fulfill my dreams of discovery by identifying new in between - giving members the opportunity and staff development workshops, organised to find the commercial setting restrictive and molecules for human diseases.” Almost half of the medicines we use today derive from natural products. to mentor participants at earlier career stages by Aoife Cooke (Equality Officer, Human was inspired to seek freedom to pursue her Despite the short research history, marine organisms (such as sponges, ascidians and molluscs) have within the cluster. Resources), have crystallised some of the issues own research ideas. “After completing a PhD yielded many chemicals approved as anti-cancer or analgesic drugs. Irish waters have a rich biodiversity, “Because of a serious under-representation for me and, in turn, made me conscious of the from NUI Galway, three years as a postdoctoral which always goes hand in hand with chemical diversity. “I profit from this chemical richness to uncover of women at senior levels within the university, need to raise awareness within the fabric of my researcher and a lot of hard work, I was molecules that could cure cancer or infectious diseases. Every novel molecule we identify or every new it is vital for junior women to interact with own institution, culture and country.” fortunate to obtain my first junior academic biological activity we uncover drives me to take this research further. I am most fascinated by the deep-sea senior women in their professional lives,” position here at the university,” she says. “I have organisms that survive in such extreme conditions and produce very unusual chemicals with untapped The following are examples of just some been inspired by several role models – both explains Dr Power. “It has been shown that Professor Deniz Tasdemir pharmacological potential.” the lack of role models makes it more difficult of the female members of the B&B cluster, women and men. What they all have in common for women to believe they can achieve their offering their own personal perspective on life are human qualities, a sense of creativity with ambitions. Too often, female researchers in academic research. a touch of passion, humility, openness and a by DR SARAH KNIGHT certain vision of the world.” www.ryaninstitute.ie/research/biodiversity-and-bioresources

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Gender Arc Profile: Dr Audrey Alforque Thomas

Members of the Advanced Research Consortium on “Researching health in terms of urban and rural Gender, Culture and the Knowledge Society (Gender ARC) residence is a great use of all of my education and are enjoying a particularly prolific period for research. training. I can apply sociological theory and mixed methodology to this topic that is completely new and interesting.” everal cross-disciplinary research projects, Some highlights of activities of Gender ARC Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) with publications pending or completed, members in the domain of Gender and Public to explore how joint farming models can are underway within Gender ARC. Policy include the United Nations Population improve the gender balance and demographic SStarting with the Gender Discourse Fund (UNFPA) in Vietnam commissioning sustainability of Irish agriculture. In light of the and Identities group, Doctor Rebecca Barr Dr Nata Duvvury (Global Women's Studies ongoing Constitutional Convention, a timely Dr Audrey Alforque Thomas (Department of English) convened an and Whitaker Institute member) and Stacey forthcoming article by Dr Lucy-Ann Buckley international symposium at NUI Galway in Scriver to produce a policy discussion paper on (Law) in Dublin University Law Journal August 2013 entitled: ‘Ireland and Masculinities Gender based Violence (GBV) to inform the examines the potential use of constitutional in the Longue Durée.’ Embracing literature government's five-year review of the Law on the provisions on gender equality, the family and and history, the event included a roundtable on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence private property as grounds for upholding historiography, gender and masculinity with in 2014 (for more details see p21). financial orders on the breakdown of marriage n early 2013, Doctor Audrey Alforque During a visit to NUI Galway in December The HRB ICE fellowship involves collaborators Professor Sonya Rose (University of Michigan), Dr Eilís Ward has co-authored (with Dr and other relationships. Finally Gender Thomas moved to Galway from a 2012, when interviewing for the fellowship, from NUI Galway's Cairnes School of Business, Jane McGaughey (Concordia University), and Gillian Wylie, TCD) a new article entitled ARC, in collaboration with Development beachside town in Southern California. Dr Thomas met lecturers, postdoctoral fellows Dublin City University, and the National Cancer Fidelma Ashe (University of Ulster). Mary ‘Reflexivities of Discomfort: Researching the Studies Association of Ireland and Irish SheI was invited to NUI Galway for an and graduate students in the HPRC, where Registry Ireland. Together they have prepared Clancy (Global Women's Studies/History) sex trade and sex trafficking in Ireland', to be Forum on Global Health, organised a two day Interdisciplinary Capacity Enhancement (ICE) the fellowship would be based. “Every person a paper on the quality of life of head and neck served as co-editor of Saothar: Journal of the published in the European Journal of Women's International Development Conference on fellowship funded by the Health Research Board I spoke with was passionate about their work, cancer survivors in Ireland, comparing urban Irish Labour History Society (2012). Dr Tina Studies (2014) and has submitted a book "Health and Gender Equity in a Period (HRB). The focus of the three-year fellowship intellectually engaging and really nice,” she said. and rural residents. Dr Thomas presented the Karen Pusse (German), Gender Discourse and proposal on ‘the politics of neo-abolitionism’ of Global Crisis" at NUI Galway in is cancer survivorship in urban and rural areas. “I’ve always been told to surround myself with findings at the Irish Cancer Society Survivorship Identities group leader, recently organised the (currently under review). November 2013. Dr Thomas brought her family with her when intelligent, kind people. The HPRC seemed like Research Day in Dublin in September and third in a series of symposia entitled 'From Ego In the past year, Dr Ward has been an she moved across the globe. Her husband works a perfect fit.” will submit the paper to Psycho-Oncology. to Eco' in October 2013, hosted by the School invited participant in media discussions, by DR NIAMH REILLY remotely for a technology company based in With a degree in Integrative Biology from Dr Thomas also advises students and contributes of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Dr Anne Department of Justice, Defence and Equality's (Gender ARC Co-convenor, NUI Galway) Southern California. Her three children (ages the University of California, Berkeley, she to the HPRC project meetings as the Byrne's ongoing project 'Epistolary Narratives consultations and conferences and the Joint 3, 5 and 7) are enjoying their new adventure, earned her doctorate in Sociology at Harvard research representative. For current information on Gender ARC activities, of the Self: Archives and Letters' examines Oireachtas Committee's review of legislation including learning Irish and playing hurling. University where her research areas were visit: www.genderarc.org the letters of Nancy Nolan to Leonard Woolf; in this area. Dr Niamh Reilly (Global Women's According to Dr Thomas, she is often asked education, race and ethnicity and immigration. publisher, political theorist, civil servant and Studies), with research partners at Georgetown why she chose NUI Galway. She explains that Her doctoral studies prepared her to research husband to Virginia Woolf. New publications University Institute for Women's Peace and her initial inquiry about the fellowship led to any social phenomenon and she has a particular in this area include: Religion, Gender and Security, is engaged in a new joint pilot an instant connection with Dr Michal Molcho, interest in social inequalities. “Researching the Public Sphere, edited by Dr Niamh Reilly project entitled 'Women and Peace-building in the Health Promotion Research Centre health in terms of urban and rural residence is and Dr Stacey Scriver (Political Science and in the Great Lakes Region', which documents (HPRC), who is mentor on the fellowship. a great use of all of my education and training,” Sociology/Global Women's Studies), published the gender dimensions and women's recent “Michal and I are both sociologists and not she says. “I can apply sociological theory by Routledge, New York. A new essay by experiences of peace-building in the region. from Ireland [Dr Molcho is Israeli],” explains and mixed methodology to this topic that is Dr Lillis Ó Laoire (Roinn na Gaeilge), ‘Is é The pilot, which has links to the Mary Robinson Dr Thomas. That first conversation was so completely new and interesting.” seo mo chorp/This is my body: Strategies of Centre initiative, coincides with the former interesting. We talked about sociological Communication in Celia de Fréine’s Fiacha president's current role as UN Special Envoy. theories of migration, health, and education Fola’, will appear in an edited volume by Lucy Gender and Ruralities, led by Dr Aine in the context of the US, Ireland, and Israel.” White and Luz Mar Gonzalez. The collection’s Macken Walsh (Teagasc) and Dr Anne poems engage the theme of the Hepatitis C Byrne (Political Science and Sociology), is scandal through one woman’s experience. a new project funded by the Department of

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ERC Starter Grant Marie Curie Industry Academia Partnership technologies and to develop a functional therapy - Dr Gavin Collins, Lecturer in Microbiology and Pathways (IAPP) - Dr Dimitrios Zeugolis & for tendon injury. Excellence in biomedical Dr Oonagh Dwane, Tendon Regeneration Project research combined with state-of-the-art textile Why did you choose to pursue an ERC? Coordinator, Network of Excellence for Functional technologies will yield a biological fibre for use “I chose to submit a proposal because, as an early- Biomaterials (NFB). in surgery. University-based researchers, through career researcher, I needed a ‘big break’. secondment to an industry partner, begin to I had been mobile, previously as a Marie Curie Why did you choose appreciate the complexities involved in scaling up Fellow in Germany, and at the time was based at to pursue a Marie Curie IAPP? a technology from a laboratory, bench-top setting The University of Glasgow; I had collaborated “The intersectoral interaction fostered by to a commercial setting through the complex path with strong international colleagues and I had the IAPP instrument enables the realisation to commercialisation and regulatory requirements previously secured research funding in Ireland. of practical projects with short-term associated with medical devices. Industry-based However, I needed to land a major grant to really commercialisation potential. Additionally, researchers, by their exchanges with a university kick-start my research.” the multi and interdisciplinary training partner, enjoy access to leading edge facilities and provided through the partnership enhances techniques which enable full characterisation of - what you need to know What is your experience the competiveness of participating researchers.” their products and the identification of suitable of this programme? The Marie Curie IAPP scheme aims to materials for the next generation of functional biomaterials.” “Preparing an application is not too onerous, foster co-operation between research organisations though I recommend anyone thinking about it to and commercial operators. The programme n a very short space of time the campus the institutions involved in enabling the Marie Curie IEF - Prof Daniel Carey, School of start early. It is different to the average application, provides support for numerous activities What is your experience research community has got to grips consortium to widen the scope of its work. Humanities, Associate Director, Moore Institute. in which the focus is on the science and impact, including: exchange of know-how and experience of this programme? with Horizon 2020. Individuals, research The type of research performed here at the NFB and you might have several work packages each through intersectoral secondment, research “Undoubtedly, the Marie Curie IAPP scheme has centresI and newly formed thematic groups are is multidisciplinary involving tissue engineering, Why did you choose to pursue a led by different co-investigators. Instead, an ERC and networking activities and recruitment of been enormously beneficial to our consortium. getting themselves ready, visible and geared up to materials science, cell biology and nanotechnology. Marie Curie IntraEuropean Fellows? project, in my experience, should almost equally experienced researchers. We have authored numerous interdisciplinary “In our case, there are three university conference and journal publications, organised participate in Horizon 2020. In response to the The multinational network that is promoted by the “I have recruited two Marie Curie Intra-European focus on the “idea” and the “person”. The ERC’s partners - Network of Excellence for Functional several beneficial training courses and enhanced outcome of focus group sessions in June 2013, Marie Curie ITN programme enhances our multi- Fellows (IEF) during my time at NUI Galway mission is to “support top researchers from Biomaterials, NUI Galway; Hebrew University the international reputation of NUI Galway. In the Research Office has a growing infrastructure in disciplinary approach.” – Dr Sven Trakulhun (2005-2007), now based at anywhere in the world” and to retain brain-power of Jerusalem, Israel; and the University of Bolton, addition, we have equipped our researchers with place which we expect will foster wider and deeper the University of Zurich, and Dr Ida Pugliese, who inside the EU. The task is to match your field- UK. Alongside us are two industry partners - highly transferable skills, significantly improving participation in the initiative as well as making the What is your experience is currently working with me (2013-2015). The leading potential with a stand-out, blue-skies idea Vornia Ltd, Ireland and CollPlant Ltd, Israel and a their career prospects and, in the process, whole process easier. The first Horizon 2020 call of this programme? IEF scheme is an excellent way of attracting young that can contribute to European competitiveness. network partner (NW Tex Net, UK) with distinct transferred technologies to an industry setting.” is just around the corner - December 2013. “The funding provides for the recruitment of PhD European scholars to NUI Galway. The funding It sounds airy, but that is precisely what’s required. skillsets in the area of tendon repair, biotechnology, Below are the testimonies of a number of and postdoctoral researchers who will receive is exceptionally generous, so they have a genuine It demands that you sit down to formulate a clear compiled by CLODAGH BARRY cell biology, biomaterials, tissue engineering and our campus colleagues who have been successful experience in both the private and public sectors. opportunity to participate fully in academic life plan incorporating ideas that match your expertise from the NUI Galway Research Office regenerative medicine and textile technologies. in what will be Horizon 2020 Pillar 1 – Excellent A recurring complaint from recent graduates of here and abroad, to engage in training, and above and career path perfectly and – ideally – uniquely. Using national and international exchanges we Science and what this has meant for their PhD programmes is that they cannot find a job all to pursue a major project leading If you can identify a research programme that aim to train participant researchers in leading research strategy. in industry because companies are looking for to publication.” [arguably] only you could credibly lead, then edge musculoskeletal repair and regeneration industrial experience. This may be remedied by you’re probably on to something.” providing the researchers with both academic and What is your experience Marie Curie Initial Training Networks (ITN) industrial experience which should make them of this programme? - Abhay Pandit, Professor in Biomedical Engineering, more employable. This, in turn, makes research “For me the benefits of participating in the scheme Director of the Network of Excellence for Functional careers more attractive to young people. really come down to the pleasure of seeing people Biomaterials (NFB). “A unique feature of the grant is that it funds with talent get the break they need to have success HR Excellence four research summer schools for early researchers in their academic careers. The prestige associated Why did you choose to pursue enrolled in this specially-designed training with Marie Curie and the connections they make in Research a Marie Curie ITN? programme. The acquirement of transferable skills give them every chance in the future. At the same The Marie Curie ITN programme promotes through both specific training and involvement time, it gives the project leader or mentor exposure In October 2013 NUI Galway was awarded the The award has been obtained through our The progress of the Action Plan will be monitored increased scientific dialogue between lead in the programme will ensure fellows develop to a world of scholarship going on in Europe that HR Excellence in Research Logo by the European participation in the HR Strategy for Researchers and an internal review will be carried out in 2015 academics, industry and clinicians throughout greater proficiency in a variety of topics including: enriches perspective, offering access to methods Commission in recognition of our commitment (HRS4R), which included carrying out a gap followed by an external evaluation in four years. the EU and associated countries. This dialogue research management, research ethics, health and and traditions in other languages that sometimes in implementing the principles of the European analysis of the university’s policies and practices The award of the HR Excellence in Research advocates that end products of our research be safety, report and technical writing, team-based get overlooked.” Charter & Code for Researchers. The Charter against the principles of the Charter & Code logo will support our researchers in their proposals industrialised and this helps create employment. research, and entrepreneurship. The contents of and Code includes 40 principles and requirements and the development of an action plan to to attract international funding and researchers to Also, the multinational network transfers key the research summer schools highlight the local which specify the roles, responsibilities and identify areas for improvements. NUI Galway and will increase the international scientific and experimental knowledge between expertise of host partners, as well as featuring entitlements of researchers as well as of employers Following the gap analysis, a Strategy & profile of the university. contributions from all network partners.” and/or funders of researchers. Action Plan was completed identifying a number of key areas for change and further development. by SINEAD BEACOM

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The Centre for Disability Law Stressed-out Seaweed and Policy - School of Law The Centre for Disability Law and Policy (CDLP) focuses on advancing social justice and When it comes to climate change “It is globally recognised that current threats Based on the research findings, several key the focus is often on the macro-scale; like ocean acidification [changes in pH] and articles will be published later this year. human rights for persons with disabilities through legislative and policy reform. With major coastal eutrophication [excess nutrients] will Preliminary results indicate that different seaweed changing weather patterns and ocean affect seaweed biodiversity and productivity”, species have different capabilities to cope with research accolades and some of the most respected members in the field on the staff board, circulation, sea level rise, drought and other says Dr Stengel. “Such changes have important stress which may affect their competitiveness in disasters. However, at the Ryan Institute, implications for coastal zone structure, habitats, the long term. However, the effects of combined the Centre has earned its place as a policy leader in Europe and beyond. researchers are looking at many aspects supporting wildlife and the air-sea exchange of stresses make responses difficult to predict, and, on the equally important micro-scale. particles that may play significant roles in climate as genetic adaptations may occur over time, the he Centre for Disability Law and international and comparative disability law, New Accolades control. In addition, seaweeds are the source next step is to extend the study to include more Policy (CDLP) focuses on advancing the Centre has made significant headway since In August 2013, Doctor Dagmar Stengel, of an important industry for Ireland, as new species over a longer period. social justice and human rights for a generous grant from Atlantic Philanthropies and New Projects a lecturer in Botany and Plant Science (School nutritive and pharmaceutical properties are Dr Stengel’s research interests include algal personsT with disabilities through legislative and helped its establishment in 2008. Since then of Natural Sciences) and Principal Investigator being discovered all the time.” responses to their environment (e.g. climate policy reform. With major research accolades it has raised approximately €8 milion from The Centre directs a €3.7 million network at the Ryan Institute specialising in marine algal The GAP workshop was hosted by the change; water quality), sustainable utilisation and some of the most respected members in the EU research grants, the Soros Open Society of EU Marie Curie PhDs, DREAM, across six research, convened and chaired a session at the University of Malaga, Spain, with the local of seaweed resources and targeted cultivation of field on the staff board, the Centre has earned its Foundations and other sources. different countries which was recently hailed 10th International Phycological Congress in organising committee chaired by Professor macro- and microalgae for optimised production place as a policy leader in Europe and beyond. The Centre is now an internationally by the European Commission as a success story Florida. Her session ‘Global Change: Molecular F Lopez Figueroa, and attended by over a of algal biomass and metabolites with industrial With only two other entities like it in recognised centre of expertise and engages on the DG Research & Innovation website. and Cellular Aspects’ focused on how marine hundred international expert researchers. potential. Her research has recently been Europe, and a director – Gerard Quinn – in collaborative work with stakeholders In addition to DREAM, the Centre algae, including seaweeds, may adapt or respond The programme involved simultaneous supported by SFI, the EPA, Teagasc, Enterprise who is widely recognised as the authority on around the world. has been recently successful in four new on a cellular level to our rapidly changing observations on key algal species which were Ireland, IRCSET and the Department of EU funding awards, and awards from other environment. The session included findings experimentally exposed to environmental Agriculture, Food and the Marine. sources including the SOROS-Open Society of an international eight day intensive workshop stressors (high carbon concentrations as Foundations totaling €1.3m. as part of the meeting of the International Group predicted under climate change scenarios, by DR DAGMAR STENGEL for Aquatic Productivity (GAP), coordinated by nutrients and UV radiation) in outdoor Dr Stengel, on the impacts of ocean acidification mesocosms (see photograph), new method and eutrophication. development and instrument comparisons.

Dr Eilionóir Flynn and Professor Gerard Quinn of the CDLP with co-editor of the European Yearbook of Disability Law, Professor Lisa Waddington of the University of EU Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn addressing Maastricht, at the book’s European a Centre conference by videolink in summer 2013 launch in Cologne Hot Off the Press Fundamental Rights The Centre co-produces the European Also this year, the Centre’s work on Agency Appoint Quinn Yearbook on Disability Law, an international personalising supports was published by Gerard Quinn, Professor of the School of Law peer-reviewed journal designed to track and Cambridge University Press (2013): Active and Director of the Centre, has been appointed monitor European trends and hold European Citizenship and Disability: Implementing to the Scientific Committee of the EU Agency level institutions to account. Volume 3 was the Personalisation of Support, by Dr Andrew for Fundamental Rights (FRA) in Vienna. given its launch in the European Parliament in Power, Janet Lord & Allison de Franco. This is a highly prestigious appointment to an Brussels in April 2013 and Volume 4 launched EU specialised agency which provides expert in Cologne in October 2013. advice to the institutions of the EU and the Member States to ensure the protection of the fundamental rights of people living in the EU. Summer School 2013 The Centre is part of the School of Law and a The Centre’s world-renowned International Disability Law Summer School constituent member of Project Lifecourse. For attracts participants from 40 countries and enters its sixth year in 2014. more information go to: www.nuigalway.ie/cdlp Dr Dagmar Stengel and her team

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New Findings on Irish and Japanese Manuscripts A six day workshop in Kyoto and Tokyo on Japanese and European manuscripts found similarities that surprised all participants.

n the early Middle Ages, Irish teachers explaining difficult words to clarifying points of The discovery made in Japan was that Japanese November 2013, to be followed by a workshop were at the centre of a network of grammar, re-arranging word order, summarising scribes of the eighth century onwards, working to include specialists in Irish and Chinese scholarship and education extending passages or providing some commentary on to some degree in a similar historical context, manuscripts from the University of Cambridge. rightI across Europe. Researchers at NUI the text. One such manuscript, for example, independently evolved a system of glossing Galway and elsewhere are currently engaged a treatise on the Latin grammarian Priscian Chinese texts that mirrors the Irish method by DR PÁDRAIC MORAN in the study of their manuscript books, which written in Ireland in 851 AD and now in the extremely closely. The visual appearance of [email protected] still remain preserved in libraries in France, abbey library of St Gall in Switzerland, contains manuscripts in both traditions may be quite Postscript: Germany, Switzerland, Italy and elsewhere on close to 9,400 glosses and an additional 3,000 distinct, but the functions of their glossing NUIG’s Prof Dáibhí Ó Cróinín in History the Continent. It is already well known that symbols showing how to read the Latin text. systems are almost identical, down to fine has recently published online a select catalogue medieval Irish culture had close European The manuscript is especially precious because levels of detail. of early Irish books on the Continent, connections, from the eighth to the tenth nearly one third of the glosses are written in Old This raised further questions, which we at www.foundationsirishculture.ie centuries in particular. What was completely Irish (the remainder in Latin), and as such it now intend to pursue in collaboration. The unexpected, however, was the July 2013 constitutes one of the earliest surviving records next step will be to explore carefully other Detail from the ninth-century glossed Irish manuscript discovery of several new parallels between Irish of the Irish language. Some of the glosses are glossing traditions, focusing firstly on Korea of Priscian, now in St Gall in Switzerland and Japanese manuscripts of the same period. more striking because they have almost nothing and Vietnam for the reception of Chinese NUI Galway classics lecturer, Doctor to do with the text but record the scribes’ manuscripts and Old English and Old High Pádraic Moran, helped to organise an passing thoughts: ‘a prayer on the soul of Fergus, German glosses in the West. As a next step, international workshop in Japan, hosted by rise and fall of several dynasties throughout to Classical Chinese. The study of religious I feel a great chill’, ‘ouch my hand!’, ‘time for Prof Whitman will come to Galway to present Professor John Whitman of Cornell University the period, and the Roman Empire extended texts was soon supplemented with classical lunch’, ‘not slowly have I written this page’, ‘new his research to the Centre for Antique, Medieval and the National Institute for Japanese almost as far as Ireland’s shore. Both empires secular literature (in Latin and Chinese), and parchment, bad ink, oh I say no more!’. and Pre-modern Studies (CAMPS) on 29 Language and Literature in Tokyo with Prof were also associated with great cultural prestige within two centuries the imported classical Teiji Kosukegawa in Toyama. During the six-day on the basis of their achievements in literature, writing systems were being used to record the workshop researchers from Ireland, England, art and technology. earliest written literature in native languages France and Switzerland joined experts from Until the establishment of close contacts (Irish and Japanese). around Japan and Korea for a series of seminars, with their continental neighbours, Ireland and The difficulties of learning to read complex lectures and visits to manuscript libraries in Japan were effectively pre-literate societies. ancient texts in a classical language different both Kyoto and Tokyo. The findings surprised The vehicle for the introduction of writing from one’s own should not be underestimated. all concerned. was in both cases not political, but religious. These early readers must have relied entirely At first glance, these cultures appear to Christianity came to Ireland around the fifth on oral instruction in the absence of any pre- be very different. However, taking a broader century, and its language was not the Hebrew existing textbooks, grammars or dictionaries. In perspective, there are some striking parallels. and Greek of the Old and New Testaments, but response to this challenge, Irish readers adopted Ireland and Japan are island nations at extreme rather Latin, the language of Roman culture. a method of explanation known as glossing: the ends of the Eurasian landmass. Before the Buddhism came to Japan not long afterwards in insertion of short notes between the lines or in middle of the first millennium AD both the mid-sixth century. Its place of origin, Nepal, the margins of their manuscripts. These glosses Detail from an eighth-century glossed manuscript, societies stood on the periphery of large and was also remote, and its literature similarly fulfilled a wide variety of functions that allowed now in Kyoto powerful continental empires: China saw the arrived in translation, from the original Sanskrit readers to understand the texts more easily, from

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13 CONTENTS PAGE PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE ZOOM IN + ZOOM OUT - 14 NUI Galway \ RESEARCH MATTERS RESEARCH MATTERS /NUI NUI GalwayGalway New Publications Technologies: Recent Developments Security Research Group (SRG) Doctor Vijai Kumar Gupta and Dr Maria G Tuohy - Technology Centre for Biorefining at NUI Galway and Bioenergy researchers. Publisher: Springer 2013. Biofuels are considered to be the main recent updates on biofuel feedstocks, biofuel potential replacement for fossil fuels in the types, associated co- and byproducts and their With the recent formation of a Security Research Group (SRG), near future. In this book international experts applications are highlighted. present recent advances in biofuel research The book addresses the needs of NUI Galway is well positioned to embrace future research, funding and related technologies. Topics include postgraduate researchers and scientists across biomethane and biobutanol production, diverse disciplines and industrial sectors in and collaboration opportunities in the areas of security and microbial fuel cells, feedstock production, which biofuel technologies and related research biomass pre-treatment, enzyme hydrolysis, and experimentation are pursued. disaster resilience. genetic manipulation of microbial cells and their Dr Tuohy is Head of the Molecular application in the biofuels industry, bioreactor Glycobiotechnology Group, NUI Galway. Dr systems, and economical processing Gupta is the editor-in-chief of the Fungal Biology University College Dublin and the University of technologies for biofuel residues. book series and the Biofuel and Biorefining book Limerick. It has engaged Trinity College Dublin The chapters provide concise information series of Springer (with Dr Tuohy). for its specialist expertise in materials separation to help understand the technology-related The Technology Centre for Biorefining and characterisation. implications of biofuels development. Moreover, and Bioenergy is co-hosted by NUI Galway, ere's an interesting fact about With the support of the Research Office As highlighted by Dr Murphy, participation in For further information see www.tcbb.ie Ireland’s success in the last FP7 and Vice President of Research, NUI Galway Secure Societies is not restricted to researchers Secure Societies (Security) call: two has recently formed a Security Research with a proven track record in the security area. Hof the three coordinators of successful proposals Group (SRG). The intention is to build a Some of those who have participated in recent were not ‘security researchers’ per se, but rather security brand that will enhance our potential SRG events, for instance, have expertise in Displacement in Isabel Allende’s Fiction, 1982–2000 researchers with expertise that can be applied to to embrace funding, collaboration and other aerosol dispersal and disease detection, which Dr Mel Boland School of Languages. Publisher: Peter Lang 2013. the security sector. “You do not need to have a research opportunities, both on a national can inform our understanding of, and response track record in security research – you just need and international stage. An immediate objective to, security threats. Others are involved in IT This book explores the concept of displacement This study argues that the recurring motif of to have relevant knowledge”, was one of the of the SRG is to better position individuals security and data mining, which can help inform in the fiction of the Chilean writer Isabel displacement in Allende’s writings illustrates her take-home messages from a recent presentation and groups within the university to compete end-users tasked with combating cybercrime. Allende between 1982 and 2000. Displacement, concerted engagement with issues of cultural at NUI Galway by Enterprise Ireland’s Doctor for funding under the Horizon 2020 Secure In essence, if researchers have expertise that is understood in NUI Galway lecturer Mel Boland’s identity and a search for belonging. Allende’s Michael Murphy, National Contact Point Societies programme. transferable to security applications, then there analysis to encompass social, geographical, fiction is shown to move beyond the confines of (NCP) for the Horizon 2020 Secure More generally, the SRG will facilitate are potential opportunities in the security area. linguistic and cultural phenomena, is argued Latin America into more international settings, Societies programme communication and collaboration among to play a consistently central role in Allende's and Boland suggests that her writing explores NUI Galway began gearing up for researchers within the university. This is To participate in SRG events, and to be notified of fictional output of this period. Dr Boland cross-cultural concerns of key relevance not only Horizon 2020 Secure Societies earlier this year. important as many opportunities in this opportunities in this area, please contact the SRG argues that Allende’s work is suffused with to Latin America but also to contemporary global In July, Alexandre Custaud from Intelligence area require an interdisciplinary approach. Chair, Dr Kiran Sarma (School of Psychology, experiences of displacement and that Allende’s society. Through a close reading of Allende’s and Science Applications (ISA) delivered a The SRG is also liaising with the Technology [email protected]) or Clodagh Barry own experiences of exile have informed character texts he identifies two apparently contradictory development and the thematic content of her trends: as the settings of her fiction become more four day course on ‘EU Funding for Security Transfer Office (TTO) to develop strategic links (Research Office, [email protected]). attention, such as her 1984 novel, De amor y de fiction. Boland’s analysis embraces a period international, questions of individual identity and Defence Projects’. The course was with industry. Apart from the obvious R&D sombra (Of Love and Shadows). of prolific writing by Allende: he begins with also gain in importance. The juxtaposition attended by researchers from information and opportunities that exist in this area, many of the by DR KIRAN SARMA Boland’s book concludes with reflections on Allende’s first foray into the world of fiction, of the treatment of global concerns with the communication technology, the social sciences Horizon 2020 Secure Societies topics listed in Chair, Security Research Group. the general trajectory of Allende’s work and with the globally and critically acclaimed La growing importance of the individual leads and natural and physical sciences. Those the latest draft explicitly seek the involvement suggests in his analysis that the thematic content casa de los espíritus (1982) (The House of the Boland to suggest that the sense of displacement attending gained valuable expertise over the of industry partners. Building relationships, of her later fiction, with its focus on negotiating Spirits), a fictionalised panorama of twentieth- in Allende’s later fiction not only becomes four days, but also realised that there was already partnerships and trust between industry and cultural difference, raises various issues about century Chilean society and the seismic changes internalised, but in fact embraced by characters a critical mass of cross-disciplinary security- academia will be an important objective the feasibility of continuing to describe Allende it underwent in the 1970s. Boland’s analysis in her work. and her fiction within strictly Latin American related expertise at NUI Galway. of the SRG. includes seven works of fiction produced by Boland employs displacement as a means of parameters. Allende between 1982 and 2000 and concludes engaging with critical debates on Allende’s with the publication of the novel Retrato en sepia individual texts and also on her status as an Dr Mel Boland is a lecturer in Spanish and in 2000 (Portrait in Sepia), a text which is argued original writer. Boland takes issue with critics Linguistics in the School of Languages, Literatures to serve as a bridge between her 1999 novel such as Harold Bloom, who has questioned the and Cultures, College of Arts, Social Sciences and Hija de la fortuna (Daughter of Fortune) and La value of her work, by highlighting the value of Celtic Studies, NUI Galway. He is the director of the casa de los espíritus, closing a narrative circle in rereading not only Allende’s most celebrated MA in Translation Studies and also co-ordinates the Allende’s writing, and thus inviting a review of text, La casa de los espíritus, but also other texts MA in Spanish and the MA in Advanced Language her fiction produced within that time span. which have garnered comparatively little critical Skills (Spanish).

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Entering the Exploratorium meant stepping into a futuristic world where - in Exploring Energy the absence of petroleum - humans had become entrepreneurs, inventors at the Baboró Festival and scavengers.

The Exploratorium. The Ryan Institute at NUI Galway, in collaboration Photo courtesy of the with the Baboró International Arts Festival for Children, Connaught Tribune opened the unique Exploratorium Creativity Centre for the recent Baboró festival (October 2013).

Working with local artist Róisín Coyle, artist/ dedicated to the scientific exploration of energy Over 3000 people visited the space inventor Peter Casby and technicians from production. Here various activities in the lab throughout the duration of the festival, the School of Physics, the Ryan Institute’s focused on the science of electricity production leaving comments like: Doctor Sarah Knight turned two empty shops and generating electricity from alternative in the Eyre Square Shopping Centre into a sources including wind, human power and “Your place is cool”; fantastical space, with free activities including even vegetables. On loan from the Galway City creating with energy-saving recycled materials, Museum a fantastic ferrofluid exhibit created “Very good, excellent education”; exploring electricity and energy production, beautiful shapes from invisible magnetic fields. computer scratch programming and a scientific Several computer-based activities included “Wow, what an amazing experience”; instrumentation exhibit dating back to 1850. the Scratch programmes created by students “So important, so necessary, love it”; Entering the Exploratorium meant stepping involved in the three year Ryan Institute/ …and “Fantastic idea…hope it leads to more into a futuristic world where - in the absence of Baboró BEAST! Project. Also in this space the displays of this sort.” petroleum - humans had become entrepreneurs, School of Physics at NUI Galway had on display inventors and scavengers. An art installation items loaned from their historically invaluable If you didn’t get a chance to visit, just stay grew daily, built by children using mainly collection of scientific equipment dating back tuned for Baboró 2014 when the Exploratorium recycled materials, cardboard boxes, handheld as far as 1850. It is an extremely significant will return! generators and flotsam and jetsam to create an collection, and showed off the inventiveness imaginary world beneath the deep blue sea. of early scientific pioneers. by DR SARAH KNIGHT The Energy Exploratorium space next door was

12-year-old Cian Flaherty at The Exploratorium Photo by M Levitina

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In Brief

School of Physics PhD Student Receives Award at Optics + Photonics symposium in San Diego.

Ronan Havelin, a PhD student from NUI prestigious international award that recognises SPIE is the international society for optics Galway’s Medical Physics research group in the his significant contribution as a young research and photonics, a not-for-profit organisation School of Physics, recently received the SPIE- physicist to the development of this novel founded in 1955 to advance light-based Newport Research Excellence Award. Ronan molecular imaging technology. Ronan’s paper on technologies. The Society serves more than was awarded the prize for a paper he presented “A SPECT imager with synthetic collimation” 235,000 constituents from approximately 155 on “A SPECT imager with synthetic collimation” is an important contribution to the research countries, offering conferences, continuing at the Optics + Photonics symposium in San into SPECT imaging and is part of a large education, books, journals and a digital library Diego. The Optics + Photonics symposium is multidisciplinary collaboration funded by the in support of interdisciplinary information Galway Academic one of the two largest SPIE conferences. This United States National Institutes of Health, and exchange, professional networking and patent year the conference attracted in excess of 4,500 by Science Foundation Ireland. Key investigators precedent. SPIE provided over $3.2m in support attendees with 75 universities represented. in this project are Prof H Barrett and his CGRI of education and outreach programs in 2012. receives Prestigious Dr Mark Foley, Principle Investigator for this group at University of Arizona and researchers in Professor Hurley with the President of the IEEE, research project at NUI Galway, said: “I would the Discipline of Surgery and at REMEDI, International Award Dr Peter Staecker at the Award Ceremony in Denver like to congratulate Ronan on winning this NUI Galway.”

Professor Ger Hurley, of Electrical Engineering This award is dedicated to the memory of design, modelling of magnetic components and at NUI Galway, was recently presented with the Dr R David Middlebrook, Emeritus Professor, analysis of planar magnetic devices for power First ever NUIG winner of the Google Anita Borg prestigious Middlebrook Outstanding Technical California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, electronic applications, work that formed the Memorial Scholarship – Arjumand Younus Achievement Award at a ceremony in Denver, California. Middlebrook is regarded as one of basis for charging platforms for smart phones. the founders of the field of power electronics. Colorado. The award was established by the This interest led her to computer science and her He developed analysis and other tools crucial This is the first time an NUI Galway scholar Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers success on receiving a NUI Galway Hardiman to modern power electronics design. has won this prestigious award and it is a great (IEEE) in the USA to honour innovators in the honour for the College of Engineering and scholarship led her to the university to undertake The award is presented to an individual who has field of power electronics. Power electronics Informatics and the university. The scholarship a PhD in computing. Her supervisor Dr. Colm given outstanding contributions to the technical is an enabling technology in modern electrical aims to encourage and support women to excel O'Riordan expressed his sentiments: "I am field of power electronics. Prof Hurley received systems from smart phones to smart grids and in computing and technology and become active delighted to have the opportunity to advise and essential to renewable energy systems and the 2013 award to acknowledge his pioneering role models and leaders in the field. Arjumand work with a student of Arjumand’s calibre. She is automotive electronics. contributions to high frequency magnetic grew up in Pakistan which is well-known for very deserving of this prestigious scholarship. providing outsourcing services in information I know Arjumand will continue to achieve further technology. Arjumand has had a passion for success in the field of computer science in years mathematics since her early O-level days. to come." Arjumand Younus

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The Economic Cost of Domestic Violence It is now acknowledged by the international development policy community that gender plays a crucial role in core developmental issues including poverty, social inequality and sustainable development.

espite a growing body of theoretical Violence against women also has significant The study also explored the income foregone development. The framework delineates and empirical studies on gender and economic costs in terms of expenditures on due to missed work, including both paid work capabilities, trauma and intra-household development, there is little research service provision, lost income for women and household work, which often exceeds gender relations as mediators translating the Don the impact of gender-based discrimination and their families, decreased productivity expenditures incurred. The survey collected micro-impacts of violence on the individual (including violence against women broadly and negative impacts on future human capital detailed information per incident on specific woman to broader macro-consequences on and intimate partner violence) on economic formation. Estimating the economic costs of expenditures women had to incur, the number human capital formation, productivity and growth and development. violence is a complex undertaking given the lack of days of paid and household work missed and household/welfare consequences. The paper From an economic point of view, the of systematic data. While studies have explored the number of school days missed by children. also lays out an empirical strategy for estimation contribution of women’s unpaid work and the interrelationship between violence against The conclusions of this study confirm and builds a strong business case for large scale, the costs of violence against women are women and women’s labour force participation, the results from previous violence research in multi-sectoral and coordinated responses to equally unrecognised in any national income earnings and productivity, few have specifically Vietnam, i.e. that violence experienced among reduce violence against women. calculation. However, new research is now estimated the magnitude of the impact in girls and women is high and all pervasive, Both research studies provide strong attempting to systematically delineate the monetary terms or assessed the implications for cutting across every socio-economic group, evidence bases to establish the clear links economic implications of violence against economic growth. education level and region. A crude estimate between violence against women and the women. The research also suggests close links The Vietnam study estimated the for the economy as a whole suggests that both economy. New directions for research include between economic growth and overall wellbeing economic costs of domestic violence against out of pocket expenditures and lost earnings understanding the causal links between violence of women, families and their communities. women in Vietnam to draw attention to the represent nearly 1.41 per cent of Vietnam’s 2010 and economic cycles as well understanding A team of researchers at NUI Galway, led by enormous costs of inaction. The study used GDP. More importantly, regression results for the links between economic development, Dr Nata Duvvury from the School of Political mixed methods for data collection and a total estimating productivity loss due to violence expansion of human rights and the persistence Science and Sociology and leader of the Gender of 1053 women were surveyed – 541 in the indicate that women experiencing violence earn of violence against women. and Public Policy Cluster at the Whitaker rural area and 512 in the urban area – to 35 per cent less than those not abused - another Institute, have made an important contribution obtain relevant information on experiences significant drain on the national economy. by DR NATA DUVVURY to this new research area with two recent studies of domestic violence and its associated costs This represents an overall productivity loss of commissioned by UN Women and The at the household level. The research considered 1.78 per cent of GDP. The total costs of violence RESEARCH REPORTS: World Bank. three elements of the economic costs of in Vietnam in fact equate to double what the Violence against women, recognised domestic violence: country spends on primary education, which Duvvury, Nata, Nguyen, M. and Carney, Patricia. globally as a fundamental human rights 1) the actual out-of-pocket expenditures that stood at 1.56 per cent of GDP in 2012. 2012. Estimating the Economic Costs of Violence violation, is prevalent in high, middle and women incur to access medical treatment, The results of the Vietnam study indicate Against Women. Hanoi: UN Women (Vietnam). low–income countries. A new WHO report police support, legal support, counseling the significant impact violence against women estimates that one in three women across the support and judicial support; can have on a country’s economy. In a new Duvvury, Nata., Callan, Aoife., Carney, Patricia. globe has experienced physical and/or sexual 2) expenditures involved in replacing property World Bank paper, NUI Galway researchers and Raghavendra, Srinivas. 2013. Intimate assault at some point in their lifetime. This figure and seeking shelter have extended the Vietnam work to review Partner Violence: Economic Costs and Implications indicates the epidemic scale of such violence. 3) an additional out-of-pocket expenditure state-of-the-art costing of violence studies. for Growth and Development. (Women’s Voice, The report demonstrates unequivocally the when children miss school due to domestic The paper will contribute a conceptual Agency &Participation Research Studies Series significant health impacts of physical and sexual violence experienced by their mothers. framework for the links between violence 2013, No. 3). Washington: The World Bank violence perpetrated against women. against women and economic growth and

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Research Across Generations

Professor Maura Sheehan and her PhD candidate Orlagh Reynolds are profiled to demonstrate the scale of expertise on offer from women in research at NUI Galway

aura Sheehan is Professor of that Prof Sheehan is co-editing (all forthcoming Prof Sheehan has benefited from some Innovation Programme (CIP) shows a 20-fold International Management and a in 2014): European Journal of Training and outstanding female mentors during her return. Each project supported has generated member of the Whitaker Institute Development; European Journal of Training academic career, including Dr Mary McAleese an additional eight permanent full-time jobs, atM NUI Galway. She joined the university in and Development; Human Resource while at Queen’s University Belfast (before and the monetary value of these environmental February 2013. Previously she taught at the Management (Warsaw). she left to campaign for the Irish presidency) savings is estimated to be more than €800 University of Brighton, the University of Dallas, With Dr McCarthy, she has co-edited and Prof Jackie O’Reilly at the University million over five years. It is clear this could Cambridge University and Queen’s University an Issue of Advances in Developing Human of Brighton. She is extremely dedicated and be a critical area of attention for supporting Belfast. She completed her PhD in Economics at Resource Development (also to be published committed to sharing her experiences and innovative ‘green jobs’ development strategies the University of Notre Dame in the US. in 2014. knowledge and mentoring all colleagues. and generating economic growth. From 2009-2012 Prof Sheehan was an EU She has recently been part of a successful “Evidence from recent policy reports Orlagh Reynolds, PhD Student Marie Skłodowska Curie Fellow. Her project EU FP7 large-scale project on Strategic highlight the potential for green SMEs to adopt “I have just begun a PhD fellowship in the was entitled ‘Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Transitions for Youth Labour in Europe, innovative and entrepreneurial skills training Dept of Management at the College of Business, Human Resource Management (HRM) and which will commence in March 2014 for and development in ways that other SMEs Public Policy and Law. Supervised by Prof Organisational Performance: A Comparative over three years. Prof Sheehan is heading the fall short. For example, ‘growth potential’ Maura Sheehan, whose expertise encompasses analysis of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Work Package, ‘Business Start-Ups and Youth SMEs have been found to be most likely to organisational performance, HRM and labour Poland’. This research has generated numerous Self-Employment’. She will be coordinating take up opportunities in the green economy, markets, a primary aim of the fellowship is to publications and its findings have been colleagues from Austria, Estonia, Germany, and these highly innovative green firms also contribute to global debates on strategic policy presented at international conferences. For Ireland, Poland, Spain and the UK. The have a stronger focus on skills development decisions related to green industries, sustainable example, President Komorowski of Poland work package will focus on opportunities for and training which is positively related to the economic development and job creation for recently invited her to his residence for a private youth entrepreneurship and employment innovativeness of firms. Also, response to marginalised groups, such as young people. meeting to talk about her research on Polish opportunities in the Creative and Cultural the green economy is at an emerging stage, “The research I will be carrying out migration and FDI at a private meeting he Industries (CCI) and Information and meaning there is an opportunity to implement is specifically focused on the innovation hosted at his residence in 2012. Prof Sheehan Communication Industries (ICT). lessons from previous best practices into a skill characteristics of material recycling firms such is continuing to prepare papers for international Maura is currently supervising Orlagh development area that could have enormous as green firms, and the potential that they have journals utilising the data collected during Reynold’s PhD on Small and Medium Sized impact on future strategies. This research to support skills training and development for this Fellowship. enterprises (SMEs), green industries and youth proposes that, based on existing evidence, a youth as a marginalised population, at European In June 2013 Prof Sheehan chaired employment opportunities. Orlagh commenced stronger union between socially innovative and national level. Investment in SMEs working the University Forum of Human Resource her PhD in October 2013 and has worked as initiatives and eco-innovative initiatives in the area of environmentally innovative Development (UFHRD) annual conference a research assistant at the Whitaker Institute (SE initiatives) implemented at firm level could technologies is producing above average returns, in Brighton. Academic staff from NUI Galway on the Irish Social Sciences Platform Project be the direction of future entrepreneurialism creating valuable jobs and also alleviating assisted by reviewing conference abstracts. Two funded under the Programme for Research and innovation in ‘green skills’ training across environmental impacts which increase over colleagues in particular, Dr Alma McCarthy in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI) Cycle 4 skills levels.” time. The 2013 European Commission report and Josephine Igoe, presented papers at the and co-funded under the European Regional on the performance of young SMEs funded over conference and chaired sessions. Linked to this Development Fund with a particular focus the past two years under the eco-innovation conference are four special issues of journals on NUI Galway’s Measurement Instrument component of the EU’s Competitiveness and Database for the Social Sciences (MIDSS). Prof Maura Sheehan

Issue 6 \ Winter 2013 \ Research Across Generations Research Across Generations / Winter 2013 / Issue 6

23 CONTENTS PAGE PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE ZOOM IN + ZOOM OUT - 24 NUI Galway \ RESEARCH MATTERS RESEARCH MATTERS /NUI Galway

New European Research Project on Minority Languages

octor John Walsh, lecturer in European minority languages such as Scottish well as to the full participation of territorial and Matrix Biology Irish and Vice-Dean for Research, Gaelic, Basque, Catalan and Galician. Dr Walsh immigrant minorities. A shared understanding College of Arts, Social Sciences and will chair the minority languages strand which of these complexities across the different The Irish Society for Matrix Biology, or Matrix Biology Ireland (MBI), has just been created CelticD Studies, is involved in a new European will involve meetings and workshops in Galway multilingual scenarios will sharpen an research project which will document ways in and in other locations. PhD students affiliated to understanding of how to tackle the challenges by Doctor Fabio Quondamatteo and Dr Dimitrios Zeugolis. The two researchers, based at which minority languages - such as Irish - are the project will be able to take part in short-term that new speakers of different linguistic varieties acquired by non-traditional means. The research scientific missions abroad and benefit from face in the context of a multilingual Europe. NUI Galway, already have long standing expertise in matrix biology. examines the potentially important role that additional training opportunities. Although over 40 per cent of Irish people ‘new speakers’ can play in the future of Through the network, the Action will claim the ability to speak Irish (due mainly to he scope of MBI is both to promote Council Members: We would be delighted to welcome new members. these languages. foreground common threads across the different its status as a core school subject), the language and consolidate scientific interest and • Professor Peter Dockery, Director of Anyone who is interested in the Biology of the A ‘new speaker’ of Irish, or any other strands, compare new speaker profiles across is used regularly by only about five per cent of expertise around extracellular matrix Advanced Microscopy Research Facility, Extracellular Matrix is welcome to join the group. language, is someone who has learned the multilingual contexts and develop a holistic the population. Irish is still spoken by native Tresearch in all its forms within Ireland. In addition, Head of Anatomy, NUI Galway Membership is also open to undergraduate and language outside of the home, usually through understanding of this new sociolinguistic speakers as a community language in the our aim is to link this with the international matrix • Dr Garry Duffy, Department of Anatomy, postgraduate students. the education system, and who is committed paradigm that can help to rethink how languages Gaeltacht but its use there continues to decline. biology community. Our brief also encompasses Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) to using it regularly. are managed at all levels including education, On the other hand, almost three-quarters all related aspects as well as practical and • Dr Tom Flanagan, School of Medicine & by DR FABIO QUONDAMATTEO The New Speakers in a Multilingual Europe healthcare, workplace, family, community, the of the daily speakers of Irish (almost 60,000 translational applications of the biology of the Medical Science, University College of Dublin President of MBI project is funded to the value of approximately media, cyberspace and public institutions. people) are based elsewhere in Ireland. Given extracellular matrix (e.g. developmental biology, • Prof Lokesh Joshi, Director Alimentary €500,000 under a European Cooperation in Language is a key component in accessing that most frequent Irish speakers are not based extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation, Glycoscience Research Cluster, NUI Galway For further information or to join MBI, please visit our Science and Technology (COST) Action and education, employment, social services and in the Gaeltacht and therefore unlikely to be glycobiology, pathophysiology, degenerative • Prof Tim O’Brien, Director of Regenerative website (http://matrixbiologyireland.wordpress.com) runs for four years from October 2013. It is led for community participation. The processes traditional native speakers, such ‘new speakers’ conditions, immunity, biomaterials, tissue Medicine Institute (REMEDI), NUI Galway or contact Dr Zeugolis: [email protected] by Heriot-Watt University in Scotland but NUI whereby people learn new languages and play an important role in the future of engineering and regenerative medicine, injury, • Prof Abhay Pandit, Director of Network of Galway is a leading partner. become legitimate speakers of these languages the language. repair, therapy, delivery of therapeutics and in Excellence for Functional Biomaterials (NFB), The COST network facilitates dialogue are complex. Through this action the aim vitro and in vivo models). To this end, the first NUI Galway and collaboration amongst researchers from is to better understand the potential social by DR JOHN WALSH MBI Council has already been established with • Dr Fabio Quondamatteo, Skin and ECM three different multilingual strands: regional tensions that emerge from unequal access distinguished scientists whose expertise covers Research Group, Anatomy NUI Galway Further information: http://www.cost.eu/ minorities, immigrants and transnational to participation of new speakers in Europe’s a wide range of aspects related to the biological • Dr Dimitrios Zeugolis, Principal Investigator at domains_actions/isch/Actions/IS1306 workers. In the minority languages strand, the multilingual projects. These inequalities pose significance of the extracellular matrix. Network of Excellence for Functional network will facilitate enhanced cooperation a potential challenge to European integration, Biomaterials (NFB), NUI Galway between researchers on Irish and other social cohesion and economic collaboration, as

Issue 6 \ Winter 2013 \ New European Research Project on Minority Languages Matrix Biology/ Winter 2013 / Issue 6

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