NUI Galway invests €5 million into Global Challenges Programme

The programme is a multidisciplinary research initiative aimed at tackling a series of global issues

On October 19, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway) announced a €5 million investment into their Global Challenges Programme. 

The programme is a multidisciplinary research initiative aimed at tackling a series of global issues.

The investment is part of the NUI’s Research and Innovation Strategy 2021-2026.

The Global Challenges Programme aims to tackle “significant issues affecting humanity”. Areas of focus include antimicrobial resistance, decarbonisation, food security, human centred data, democracy, and ocean and coastal health. 

President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, and former President of the European Research Council, Professor Helga Nowotny, launched the strategy at an online event.

Speaking at the launch, Ó hÓgartaigh said: “Our Research and Innovation Strategy 2021-26 is grounded in the values of our university – our commitment to respect, sustainability, excellence, and openness.”

“The strategy supports ambition. It is challenging and forward thinking, but most of all, the philosophy and culture of NUI Galway, that we are here for the public good, is embedded throughout”: he continued.

Vice-President for Research and Innovation at the NUI, Professor Jim Livesey, said: “As a public university, we have a special responsibility to direct our research toward the most pressing questions and the most difficult issues.”

He stated that the university “embraces this responsibility and aspires to build distinction for itself by exemplifying this public research mission”.

The research aims to encourage collaboration between researchers from the NUI and external contributors from other institutions in Ireland and globally.