The University of Galway is a leading research-intensive university located in Galway, Ireland. It has a strong tradition of research collaboration with a wide range of partners, both nationally and internationally.
The university has established partnerships with a variety of organizations and institutions, including government agencies, research institutions, and private sector companies. These collaborations help to further its research efforts and facilitate the translation of academic research into practical applications.
Students who are obtaining a PhD or Research Masters have many avenues of research areas to immerse into. The process is rigorous but also rewarding which makes this qualification so valuable.
The Process of Choosing Your Research Studies
Finding a Supervisor
Before you can enrol into any of the university’s research programmes, you must find a supervisor who has the relevant expertise in your research interest. Students do so by getting in contact with supervisors/lecturers/professors of the University of Galway who have done extensive work and research in the relevant areas.
Choose Research Area
The University of Galway tackles challenges that are at the forefront of breakthroughs for humanity. Students can choose to deep dive into these five (5) themes:
- Improving health and wellbeing – Addressing global challenges in medical technologies, regenerative medicine, population health & health services, neuroscience and cancer. Research carried out also actively involves actual consented patients. Facilities include extensive laboratories and research capacity, including the Centre for Cell Manfacturing, the national Science Foundation Ireland Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM). The university’s campus is adjacent to Galway University Hospital, where the Lambe Institute for Translational Research and the Health Research Board (HRB) Clinical Research Facility is located.
- Realising potential through data and enabling technologies – Exploring fields in data science, business information systems, artificial intelligence, advanced computing platforms and services, laser and optics. Research in these areas are mostly done in collaboration with global industry players. It is lead by the Data Science Institute and Insight and the National Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Data Analytics.
- Sustaining our planet and people – Research in climate action, clean energy, ocean, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, and sustainable bio-economy. Work carried out by the university’s Ryan Institute and other research groups.
- Enhancing policy and society – Carrying out research in fields such as health policy and economics, sustainable economic development, business innovation and entrepreneurship. Supported by the university’s Institute for Lifecourse and Society and the Whitaker Institute for Innovation and Societal Change.
- Enriching creativity and culture – Research in the arts, geography, place and politics, and the interconnectedness of global societies. Supported by the Moore Institute for Research in the Humanities and Social Studies.
Depending on the research theme, the research work is carried out under five (5) main institutions mentioned above and other research centres that are supported by government agencies or the private sector. The full list of research partners and projects are found here.
Research Scholarships
Like many established research-intensive institutions, the University of Galway allocates ample resources for research scholarships to attract talented researchers across the world. These grants come in two (2) forms which are Research Jobs and PhD Scholarships.