University of Galway

In this Irish-language episode of Voices for Equal Futures, Bairbre Uí Choisdealbha joins Fionn Ó Cualáin to reflect on her personal and professional journey. She discusses her early interest in media and radio, how a three-month contract at Raidió na Gaeltachta evolved into a career spanning almost 20 years, and the challenges and rewards of returning to higher education later in life while raising a family. Filled with insight, resilience and inspiration, this conversation explores the power of following your passions, embracing change and creating opportunities at every stage of life. This is the final episode in the Voices for Equal Futures series.

In this episode, Emma Clark, a first-year student who entered university through the Access Programme, speaks with traveller advocate Nora Mongan about breaking barriers in education. Together, they share honest experiences of overcoming stigma, adversity and imposter syndrome, while highlighting the importance of belonging, equal opportunity and access to higher education for all. Through their stories, they challenge perceptions of university and demonstrate how education can open new pathways to a brighter future.

University of Galway President Professor David Burn sits down with Professor Frances Fahy, for a wide-ranging conversation about the Ryan Institute, her own research,  and the impact of her work on campus and beyond.

Host Parwana Eghbali sits down with University of Galway alumnus Eric Ehigie for an honest and inspiring conversation about his journey from studying Law & Business at Galway to pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy at Oxford, advocating for social change with Black and Irish, and building his career at A&L Goodbody.

From navigating exam stress and self-doubt to finding confidence, purpose, and your own voice, Eric shares the lessons and experiences that have shaped his journey.

Grab your coffee, pop in your headphones, and join us for a real conversation about identity, ambition, representation, and owning your future.

In this episode, Vanessa Lazo speaks with Dr. Mary Keogh about navigating a non-linear career and embracing uncertainty as an opportunity to learn and grow. Drawing on her experience in disability rights, advocacy, international development and academia, Mary shares insights on transferable people skills, continuous learning, self-awareness, mentorship and work-life balance.

They also discuss the challenges and opportunities of pursuing a PhD, the importance of being challenged, and Mary’s experience with reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

A conversation about staying curious, knowing yourself, developing people skills and remaining open to whatever the future brings.

What does it mean to take the road less travelled into education? Eoin Maher and Phil Trill explore alternative routes into education, returning to study as a mature student, and the importance of community in shaping us as students, academics and people. Drawing on their own experiences, they discuss how taking a non-linear route through education can provide opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach, and how our families, communities and experiences influence the people we become.

What does it take to navigate the journey from university student to researcher and professional? In this episode, newly elected Galway Mayor Helen Ogbu shares her story with PhD Candidate Sophia Saetes, reflecting on the challenges, opportunities, and people that shaped her path. Together, they discuss academic life, career choices, resilience, and the advice Helen wishes she had heard earlier.

As Professor Laoise McNamara officially begins her role as VP for Research & Innovation this week, she joins President David Burn to discuss her vision for University of Galway.

In this podcast Professor McNamara talks about her own journey back to Galway (via Southampton and Mount Sinai in New York) and the University's new Research & Innovation Strategy 2026–2030.

Laoise also discusses her own research area of Mechanobiology, new developments in research, from AI to how research itself is valued and her ambitions for University of Galway.

Read more about our four Research Pillars: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/our-research/listings/

In this episode, University of Galway MicroCreds Project Lead, Emma Goode, meets with Dr. Aidan Toner to discuss a Micro-credential that integrates engineering, science, and innovation principles into the lifecycle of marketed industrial products. Topics include concept creation, idea development, testing, and quality improvement within regulatory requirements, plus case study analysis and product launch and authorisation, covering steps to bring a product to market and the post-market phase. Students will gain practical experience in product development, validation, and authorisation within their industry.

You can find out more at: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/courses/micro-credentials/list/science-engineering/product-development-validation-authorisation/

In this episode, University of Galway MicroCreds Project Lead, Emma Goode, meets with Dr. Aidan Toner to discuss a Micro-credential that covers regulations governing the development, manufacture, and marketing of drugs, medical devices, and in vitro diagnostic devices. Topics include general regulatory principles, purpose, legal basis, and key regulatory bodies, plus the drug development process from discovery through marketing approval. Students will learn skills such as working with regulatory affairs personnel and assembling technical dossiers for marketing authorisation applications.

You can find out more at: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/courses/micro-credentials/list/science-engineering/regulatory-compliance/