Director of Research007830

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Director of Research Applications are invited for the above full-time permanent post.

The Research Office within the Office of the Vice Presdient for Research (OVPR) provides a comprehensive range of services to the academic community of the University. The OVPR is tasked to meet an ambitious goal of research excellence with impact under the University’s current Strategic Plan (http://www.nuigalway.ie/media/nuigalwayie/content/files/aboutus/Vision2020-NUI-Galway-Strategic-Plan-Web.pdf). To strengthen the Research Office team, the University wishes to recruit a Director of Research. The post is a senior management position in the University, reporting to the Vice-President for Research. The successful candidate will provide leadership in the University’s strategy for research and developing a plan to deliver significant increase in research activity and funding growth.

Applicants should:

Hold a level 9 degree or equivalent; Have a minimum of a five-years proven track record of experience and achievement at senior

management level in a medium to large research-oriented organisation; Have at least five years’ experience in the following:

1. Involved in strategic planning and development of major multi-disciplinary research programmes

2. Successfully competing for funds and delivery of complex research activities by leading and managing high-achieving teams.

Leadership and interpersonal skills to engage and motivate internal and external stake holders

Leading change, proven ability to win support for ideas and build networks at a regional and national level (preferably within a university/research setting)

Excellent communication (verbal/written) and presentation skills.

Salary Scale (Under Review):

Assistant Secretary Salary Scale: €75,874-€86,234 (Applicable to new entrants post Jan 2011)

€84,082 – 95,593 p.a. (applicable to non-new entrants)

Associate Secretary Salary Scale: €109,789 (applicable to new entrants post Jan 2011)

€121,765 pa (applicable to non-new entrants)

For informal discussion or enquiries please contact Prof. Lokesh Joshi (Vice-President for Research (Lokesh.Joshi@nuigalway.ie)

Closing date for receipt of applications is 17.00 (GMT) on Thursday 10th September 2015. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.

Garda vetting may apply.For more information and Application Form please see ‘Application and Appointment Procedures’ (page 4). Applications should be submitted online.

Please note that appointment to posts advertised will be dependent upon University approval, together with the terms of the Employment Control Framework for the higher education sector.

National University of Ireland Galway is an equal opportunities employer.

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title Discipline/Section Current Job Holder

Director of Research Vice-President for Research

Is post Permanent or a Contract?

PERMANENT

2. Role Relationships

The Director Research is a key member of the Office of the Vice President for Research. The key relationships which will influence the success of the role are:

The VP for Research and the other members of the UMT Deans, Research Institute Directors, Heads of Schools, Institutional Research Officer and

the Director of Quality. Academic Secretary Director TTO Peers in similar roles in other Universities Funding Organisations

3. MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB:

To work in close partnership with the VP Research to lead the Research Office team in developing and implementing the University’s Strategy and developing the overall competence of the function to deliver significant research activity and funding growth;

To work closely with and provide support to the VP Research in aligning research strategy and innovation in the Colleges, Institutes and Schools of NUIG;

To act in place and represent the VP Research on University committees and external bodies as appropriate;

To drive and strengthen linkages and alignment of research activities across the University; To further strengthen and promote NUI Galway’s research activities and excellence.

4. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Write in perceived order of Importance)

Promote the development of, and agree strategic plans, research inputs, outputs and impacts with Colleges, and their constituent Schools and Research Institutes;

Support the development of multi-disciplinary research e.g. through coordinating bids, establishing business plans, and/or forming groups to address specific matters, foster collaborative efforts between academic and research Units;

Identify and promote new areas of research expertise that matches with funding/impact

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opportunities; To provide a link, at academic level, to the Colleges, Institutes and Schools with a view to

enhancing the understanding of the criticality of research activity in growing the reputation of NUIG and its international rankings;

To work with the Director, TTO and the management team of NUIG Research Units in the development and implementation of their key strategic objectives and actions;

To act in place of and represent the VP Research on Institute Boards and University committees as appropriate.

Key Performance Indicators: Delivery of relevant Strategic plan 2015-2020 targets; this will entail setting up annual

targets. An increase in NUIG’s research inputs, outputs and impacts to demonstrate sustainable

growth; Enhanced collaboration among research and academic units to achieve research targets

that demonstrate synergy; Clarity of expectations and outcomes in research activity among academic staff; Identification and development of key research areas, researchers and innovators.

Skills & Qualifications

The successful candidate will :

Hold a level 9 degree or equivalent; have a minimum of a five-years proven track record of experience and achievement at

senior management level in a medium to large research-oriented organisation; Have at least five years experience in the following:

3. involved in strategic plannning and development of major multi-disciplinary research programmes

4. succesfully competing for funds and delivery of complex research activities by leading and managing high-achieving teams.

5. leadership and interpersonal skills to engage and motivate internal and external stake holders

6. leading change, proven ability to win support for ideas and build networks at a regional and national level (preferably within a university/research setting)

7. excellent communication (verbal/written) and presentation skills.

The post holder must be self-driven with the ability to motivate staff to ambitious targets and strict deadlines. be flexible in relation to working hours.

APPLICATION AND APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES

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1. Application

A. Current NUI Galway employeesIf you are a current NUI Galway employee please use the NUI Galway Employee Self Service (ESS) portal to apply for this post. The following is a link to the ESS portal:

http://ess.nuigalway.ie

The following is a link to a User Guide for ESS:

www.nuigalway.ie/hr/documents/internal/nuig_user_guide_support_internal.pdf

Please ensure that you read the attached guide prior to applying for this post and allow sufficient time to make your online submission in advance of closing date.

Please note that closing dates/ times will not be extended for user error

Late applications will not be accepted

Non NUI Galway employeesIf you are not a current NUI Galway employee please use the NUI Galway online recruitment portal to apply for this post. The following is a link to the online recruitment portal:

http://erecruit.nuigalway.ie

The following is a link to a User Guide for the online recruitment portal:

www.nuigalway.ie/hr/documents/nuig_user_guide_support_external.pdf

Please ensure that you read the attached guide prior to applying for this post and allow sufficient time to make your online submission in advance of closing date.

Please note that closing dates/ times will not be extended for user error

Late applications will not be accepted.

The completed application document must be submitted online to reach the Human Resources Office no later than 17.00 (GMT) on Thursday 10th September 2015.

B. All applicants will receive an acknowledgement of application. If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application or if you have any other queries regarding the application process please contact recruit@nuigalway.ie or telephone 091-492151.

C. Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER):It is a condition of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) as set out in Department of Finance Circular 12/09 that retirees, under that Scheme, are debarred from applying for another position in the same employment or the same sector. Therefore, such retirees may not apply for this position.

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D. Pension Entitlements:This is a pensionable position. Details of the applicable Pension Scheme will be provided to the successful candidate. The Pension element of this appointment is subject to the terms and conditions of the Pension scheme currently in force within the University. This Scheme may be amended or revised by the Irish Government or its agents at any time.

The Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 set a minimum retirement age of 65 and removed the upper compulsory retirement age for certain New Entrants to the Public Sector on or after 1 April 2004. Effective from 1st January 2013, The Single Public Service Scheme applies to all first-time new entrants to the public service, as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks.

Retirement age set, initially, at 66 years; this will rise in step with statutory changes in the State Pension Contributory (SPC) age to 67 years in 2021 and 68 years in 2028.

Compulsory retirement age will be 70.

E. Declaration:Applicants will be required to declare whether they have previously availed of a public service scheme of incentivised early retirement. Applicants will also be required to declare any entitlements to a Public Service pension benefit (in payment or preserved) from any other Public Service employment and/or where they have received a payment-in-lieu in respect of service in any Public Service employment.

Assessment Procedure

(a) Assessment Board

Applications will be considered by an Assessment Board, which will shortlist and interview candidates.

Applicants may be required to complete assessment tests appropriate to the requirements of the role.

Candidates who are invited to attend for interview will have their reasonable return travel and subsistence expenses paid.

All candidates will in due course be notified of the outcome of their application . The Human Resources Office will offer the post to the candidate appointed once the appointment has been made by the University Appointing Authorities.

(b) Interview Dates

Candidates will be advised of arrangements in due course.

(c) Expenses

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Only candidates invited to the Assessors’ Interview (see (a) above) will have their reasonable return travel and subsistence expenses paid.

(d) RefereesReferees listed on the application forms of shortlisted candidates will be contacted prior to interview.

(e) The successful candidate will be required to submit evidence of age, original

qualifications and undergo a medical examination.

Appointments will be conditional on work authorisation validation. Further details are available at www.djei.ie

Human Resources Office August 2015

PROFILE OF THE UNIVERSITY

1. CONSTITUTION

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National University of Ireland, Galway was established in 1845 as Queen’s College, Galway, by Charter under the Queen’s Colleges (Ireland) Act. Under the Irish Universities Act 1908, it became a Constituent College of the National University of Ireland established under that Act, and a new Charter was issued, changing its name to University College, Galway.

Under the Universities Act, 1997, the College (together with the other Constituent Colleges) was reconstituted as a University and its title was changed to National University of Ireland, Galway/ Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. It is at the same time a Constituent University of the National University of Ireland, almost all of whose functions were transferred under the Act to the Constituent Universities.

The legal standing of the University derives from the Irish Universities Act 1908, its Charter issued under that Act, the University College Galway Acts, 1929 and 2006, and the Universities Act 1997. The provisions of these instruments are further developed in Statutes and Regulations, made in accordance with those Acts and Charter.

The University’s general relationships with the State are mainly conducted through the Higher Education Authority.

2. AUTHORITIESThe Charter and relevant legislation provide for two authorities, Údarás na hOllscoile (The University Governing Authority) and the Academic Council.

Subject to the provisions of the relevant Acts and Charter, Údarás na hOllscoile is empowered to manage and control all the affairs of the University. Its membership (40) for the three-year period 1 February 2013 – 31 January 2016 is as follows: an external Cathaoirleach (Chairman), the President, the Registrar and Deputy-President, 5 Professors/Personal Professors, 5 other academic staff, 3 other employees, 2 elected officers of the Students’ Union, 1 postgraduate student, 4 graduates, 7 elected by the local authorities of the region, 2 nominees of the NUI, 3 nominees from selected external organisations (including business and industry), the President of St. Angela’s College, Sligo, a member drawn from artistic and cultural interests, and 3 nominees of the Minister for Education and Skills.

Under the Universities Act 1997, the question as to whether the President, or another person (not an employee of the University or a member of Údarás na hOllscoile), is to be Cathaoirleach of Údarás na hOllscoile is a matter for decision by Údarás na hOllscoile at its first meeting and from time to time thereafter.

The Academic Council is the chief academic authority and, subject to review by Údarás na hOllscoile, controls the academic affairs of the University, including the curriculum, instruction and education provided by the University. Its members are the President, the Registrar and Deputy-President, the Vice-Presidents, the Deans of Colleges, Heads of Schools, the Professors (including Personal Professors), the other Heads of discipline and other members drawn from the other academic staff grades and the student body, the Librarian, Director of Information Solutions and Services, Director of Lifelong Learning, the Príomhfheidhmeannach of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, the Director of the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching; its present total membership is about 150. The President is entitled to preside at all meetings of the Council.

3. THE PRESIDENTUnder the Universities Act, the President is responsible to Údarás na hOllscoile (The University Governing Authority) for the efficient and effective management of the University and for the due performance of his/her functions, and is subject to such policies as may be determined from time to time by it. S/he shall, subject to the Act, manage and direct the University in its

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academic, administrative, financial, personnel and other activities and for those purposes has such powers as are necessary or expedient.

4. THE UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT TEAMThe University Management Team comprises:

The PresidentThe Registrar and Deputy-PresidentThe Vice-President for Innovation and PerformanceThe Executive Director of OperationsThe BursarThe Secretary/An Rúnaí

The President is the head and chief officer of the University and is appointed for a 10-year period, subject to retirement at 65 (for those already employed in the public sector in Ireland). The Vice-Presidents are initially appointed for a four-year period and are eligible for reappointment for one further four-year term. Acting under the President, the various members of the UMT each have specific policy and line-management responsibilities and functions. These responsibilities and functions will be reviewed from time to time. The Vice-President for the Student Experience and the Vice-President for Research will be full members of the UMT from 2016.

5. STRATEGIC PLAN 2009-14In September 2009, following widespread consultation, the University published the NUI Galway Strategic Plan. NUI Galway offers a holistic, educational and cultural experience to its diverse student body. Our University is recognised nationally and internationally for innovation, excellence and leadership in selected and distinctive programmes of teaching, research and scholarship. Our programmes reflect the strengths of the University, national priorities, and the strengths and needs of the region. We have a particular commitment to Gaeltacht regions and the Irish language community. The University seeks to develop and sustain effective strategic partnerships with relevant regional, national and international stakeholders and organisations.

A copy of the Strategic Plan is available online: http://www.nuigalway.ie/president/reports.html

6. STUDENT SERVICESNUI Galway has historically provided a variety support services for students. Up to 1970s this was through Deans of Residence (the Chaplain and Lady Superintendent) and directly by academic staff. Since then, as the University expanded, a more structured approach was adopted, including setting up a Student Services Committee and hiring of specialist staff (Student Services Administrator, Accommodation Office, Counsellor, Sports Officer and Careers Officer). In 2004, the first Vice President for Student Services was appointed, reflecting the vision of the University to be student-centred. In the intervening period, the Vice President post has been refocused and renamed as Vice President for the Student Experience. In 2013 a Director of Student Services was appointed to provide leadership in the integration of the student services functions and for the provision of high quality and comprehensive non-academic support and wellbeing services for students. Student Services currently encompasses the following areas: Access including mature students; Accommodation; Counselling; Chaplaincy; Disability; Medical Unit; Societies; Sports (Clubs & Participation); and Welfare including Financial Aid, Health Promotion and Mentoring. The total staff complement is shown under Organisation and Management (Appendix 1).

The Student Services team are core to the personal and academic development of students. This is embodied in our vision and mission statements and the University’s strategic plan. The

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shared vision of Student Services which inspires its actions is:‘Every NUI Galway student will be supported to actively engage with the University experience to maximise their potential for learning and leadership for life and work’

The achievement of this vision is through our mission:‘Student Services will provide students with integrated and prioritised personal, high quality services, appropriate to their developmental and support needs, to promote student engagement.’

7. COLLEGES AND SCHOOLSIn 2008, the University re-organised how it conducts its academic affairs and now is grouped into the following five Colleges:

Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic StudiesScienceMedicine, Nursing and Health SciencesEngineering and InformaticsBusiness, Public Policy and Law

Each College has the right to take into consideration all matters bearing upon the studies within its scope and, subject to review by Údarás na hOllscoile and the Academic Council, is responsible for the transaction of all academic business pertaining to it. A copy of the structures of the Colleges and Schools/Disciplines is enclosed.

8. ACADEMIC PROGRAMMESThe University provides teaching in those five Colleges, up to PhD level, for primary and postgraduate degrees and for a wide variety of Diplomas and Certificates and, in conjunction with Extern Examiners, conducts examinations and confers awards (under the 1997 Act, all degrees and other qualifications are technically NUI degrees and qualifications, although awarded by the individual Constituent University). 56 separate programmes of study are offered for undergraduate students, and over 150 taught programmes at Postgraduate level and about 140 research programmes.The University has displayed considerable dynamism in the development of programmes to meet the evolving needs of society.

The University also provides a programme of Lifelong Learning and conducts a number of Summer Schools.

The Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) plays a central role in relation to academic staff development, audiovisual services, learning technologies, language laboratories, teaching and learning policy, and (through the Community Knowledge Initiative) civic engagement and service learning.

9. STUDENT BODYThe total student enrolment stands at approximately 17,000 (14,000 fulltime, 3,000 part-time). Postgraduates accounted for 22% of enrolment. Overall, 57% of enrolment is female. There were 2,257 overseas students (including ERASMUS), from a total of 110 countries.

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10. RESEARCHNUI Galway has developed a distinguished reputation for its integrated approach to teaching and research. It has over 1,000 students undertaking post-graduate degrees through research, and has an external research income of over €59 million annually.

The overarching objective of NUI Galway’s Strategy for Research and Innovation (2009-2014) is that NUI Galway be firmly embedded within the top rank of research universities internationally, in selected prioritised areas. To meet this objective, the University has identified and prioritised a set of cross-disciplinary research themes, building on our research achievements to date, and is focusing its resources and efforts on these themes through targeted recruitment and resource allocation, and the establishment of a number of specialised research institutes and centres.

Our approach to research is guided by the following principles:The process of prioritisation in building on the academic strengths of the UniversityResponsiveness to regional, national and international interactions, allied to the national demands to support the achievement of the knowledge and innovation economy and societyPartnership and collaboration with regional, national and international research organisations which enable the achievement of greater effectiveness, complementarities and economies of scaleOrganisational restructuring to facilitate new interdisciplinary modes of interactionA commitment to knowledge transfer and innovation, which is underpinned by an intensification of knowledge dissemination and a particular focus on technology transfer and commercialisation.

Research PrioritiesThe five thematic research priorities of the University are:i. Biomedical Science and Engineeringii. Informatics, Physical and Computational Sciencesiii. Environment, Marine and Energyiv. Applied Social Sciences and Public Policyv. Humanities in Context

These thematic research priorities transcend School and College boundaries, are intimately linked to staffing and other resources, and are integrated within the overall framework of University strategic foci. NUI Galway places significant emphasis on inter-disciplinary research programmes, and the development and expansion of collaboration and research alliances with economic, social and cultural partners, in areas of regional and national strategic importance. This strategy has resulted in the creation of research clusters in themes that are academically challenging, economically viable, and regionally and nationally relevant.

11. STAFFThe University employs 2,525 staff, including fulltime and part-time. The academic complement is 1,076 staff, of whom 610 are fulltime. A further 511 staff are employed as researchers. Additionally, there are 104 technical and senior technical officers, with a further 787 staff engaged in computing, library, administration and ancillary services.

Human Resource issues are managed within the Human Resources Office, under the direction of the Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development, working with the Executive Director of Operations and with appropriate liaison with the Registrar and Deputy-President, who has a special responsibility for academic staff.

12. FINANCES

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The University is its own financial authority and has an annual income, for recurrent purposes, of about €213m, including contract research income of approximately €59m. The sources of income (excluding contract research income) are State Grants (30%), Student Fees (60%) and Miscellaneous (10%). Pay costs comprise 71% of recurrent expenditure.

12. THE UNIVERSITY AND IRISHThe University has a special obligation, and a policy, to promote the use of Irish in its teaching and administration. The original legislative mandate was set out in the University College Galway Act 1929. Under an amendment to that Act in 2006, made at the University’s request, the obligation that competency to carry out the duties of the post through Irish constitute a factor (and in certain circumstances a decisive factor) in all appointments was removed; in its stead, the Act now provides a re-statement of the University’s unique strategic commitment to Irish by requiring that the provision of education through Irish shall be one of the principal aims of each strategic development plan. In line with other organisations in the public sector, the University also has a Scéim Teanga in operation under the Official Languages Act 2003/Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003.

Under the University’s Strategic Plan 2009-14, which includes as one of its strategic priorities the development of an exemplary bilingual campus, a number of specific initiatives have been undertaken, most significantly the establishment of a new, integrated structure (Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge) within the University, to plan and implement academic programmes through Irish, responsive to the community’s educational and developmental needs, in addition to the traditional programmes and courses offered in a number of areas, and the further development of the University’s Gaeltacht centres in Galway and Donegal. Irish is in use in the administrative services of the University, particularly in its central offices, and facilities are offered to assist staff and students in developing their competency in Irish.

In addition to Áras na Gaeilge (the centre for Irish-language activities on the main campus), the University, with support from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Údarás na Gaeltachta, operates three Gaeltacht centres – Áras Mháirtín Uí Chadhain in An Cheathrú Rua, Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim in Carna and Ionad an Acadaimh in Gaoth Dobhair – which, aside from tailored language courses for students, staff and outside organisations, provide Diploma, Degree, Higher Diploma and Master programmes and research services, with a view to the sustainable development of the Gaeltacht and the Irish language nationally. Language courses are also offered in some 20 other locations outside the Gaeltacht.

13. RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE COMMUNITY AND THE REGIONNUI Galway is strongly committed to the principle of expanding social and geographic access to its programmes and to forging and maintaining links with the communities of its region, through a variety of educational, community service and social inclusion initiatives.

The University has operated an educational outreach programme since the 1960s, whereby off-campus educational programmes are offered throughout the region and across Ireland. Outreach programmes include the provision of fulltime, part-time and open and distance learning programmes at certificate, diploma, degree and postgraduate levels. The cumulative impact of outreach and non-traditional programmes can be appreciated from the fact that close to 40,000 individuals have participated in its programmes over the last 40 years. Such courses have also been provided abroad, in the Baltic countries and in Sri Lanka and Kosovo.

To facilitate access for the socio-economically disadvantaged and non-traditional groups, the University, alone and in partnership with other institutions, has established a range of Access and Foundation courses for school-leavers and adults across the Border, Midland and Western Region (which enjoys Objective 1 status). Completion of these gives students special admission to the University’s full-time and part-time undergraduate programmes.

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14. RELATIONSHIPS WITH BUSINESS AND INDUSTRYThe University has a longstanding involvement in the promotion of indigenous enterprise and the direct provision of services to locally-based industry. The first incubator centre on an Irish university campus was set up here in 1984 and a significant number of campus companies have been established as a direct result.

The Technology Transfer Office is a high-performance team that guides breakthrough NUI Galway research to business reality through comprehensive support services. Its Business Innovation Centre provides an environment for entrepreneurship and new business growth, with 23 incubation units which offer the necessary infrastructure to support biomedical and biotechnology start-up companies and with priority given to companies spinning off from campus research. The Office also provides expert Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property support.

15. LINKS WITH OTHER THIRD-LEVEL INSTITUTIONS In addition to a wide range of international links, the University has a longstanding relationship with St. Angela’s College, Sligo, originating in its becoming a Recognised College of the NUI in 1978 under the supervision of NUI Galway, but which has since led to an increasing number of joint educational and developmental initiatives.

That culminated in St. Angela’s College becoming a College of NUI Galway on 1 January 2006 under a formal Agreement, while retaining an appropriate degree of autonomy and preserving its separate legal status and its traditional ethos. There is appropriate cross-representation of staff on the academic bodies of the partner institutions, including membership of Údarás na hOllscoile for the President of the College.

In 2003 the College was designated by the Minister for Education and Science as henceforth the sole national centre for the training of teachers of Home Economics, with a consequent growth and diversification of its specialisms within that discipline. Its educational provision, however, has expanded beyond that original remit. Today it offers programmes at Bachelor, Master, Higher Diploma and Diploma levels in a wide range of aspects of Home Economics, Education (including Special Education Needs), Nursing (General and Intellectual Disability), Food, Textiles, Fashion and Design; it also provides an Access course for the socioeconomically disadvantaged in association with the University, and cooperates in the delivery of NUI Galway’s BA programme in Youth and Family Studies. It also has an important Food Product Development Centre and has been involved in a variety of cross-Border projects with educational institutions in Northern Ireland. The College currently has an enrolment of 510 full-time and 472 part-time students and a staff of 87 full-time and 19 part-time.

The University also has incroporated Shannon College of Hotel Management, under which students of that College pursue, under the supervision of the University, a BComm degree, the final year of which is spent in the University. A BBS degree in International Hotel Management commenced in 2001 in collaboration with and under the supervision of the University. In that year the College also became a Recognised College of the NUI.

Also in Co. Clare, the University partners Burren College of Art in the offering since 2003 of a postgraduate programme leading to the award by NUI Galway of the Master of Fine Arts degree. A PhD research programme in the College in Studio Art has also been approved by the University.

In 2000, in the context of the National Development Plan which projected significant investment for the new Objective 1 (Border, Midland and Western) region, the University, which is the only University in that region, initiated broader cooperative links with all the higher education institutions in the region, in the form of a unique Regional Higher Education Network (LÍONRA). This network, which formalises at institutional level a wide range of

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cooperative measures and maximises the provision of education and training opportunities for all residents of the region through innovative approaches and the use of new technologies, comprises the University, St. Angela’s College, Sligo, and the Institutes of Technology in Galway-Mayo, Sligo, Athlone, Dundalk and Letterkenny.

The University, through the Atlantic University Alliance, is engaged in an inter-regional technology transfer project with University College Cork and the University of Limerick. The AUA aims to pool their individual expertise and resources, making them available through joint projects in training, education and Research and Development. At the heart of the Alliance is its interaction with academia and industry. Among its projects are part-time Diploma, Degree and Master programmes delivered by distance/on-line learning in areas such as Technology Management and Science and Technology Studies.

Abroad, there are direct programme linkages with Regis University (Denver, Colorado) and the Ahavoli Institute of Psychology (Jaffna, Sri Lanka).

In 2010, the University launched a Strategic Alliance with the University of Limerick, across all key areas of activity, in support of the social and economic development of our wider region. By combining the strengths of the two universities, we will enhance the services we provide to our students, (through a student mobility Link to Learn programme) and to the community, while being responsive to the needs of our industry and business partners. The Alliance has an international dimension, through a partnership with Georgia Institute of Technology in the US. The Institute will work with the Alliance to establish a translational research institute to focus on technology commercialisation with industry partners.

16. THE CAMPUSThe main University Campus, with an area of some 105 hectares in the heart of the city of Galway, is attractively situated on the west bank of the River Corrib, and stretches from Nuns’ Island in the south to the Sports Grounds in Dangan to the north. Other facilities are located at An Cheathrú Rua (Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge), Carna (Marine Science Research Facility, and Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim), Mace Head, Carna (Atmospheric Research Station) - all in Co. Galway - and Carron and Finnevara in Co. Clare (Natural Sciences Field Stations), and Ionad an Acadaimh in Gaoth Dobhair in Co. Donegal. The oldest building on the main campus , the original Quadrangle building, of limestone in a Tudor style, dates from 1849. The Clinical Science Institute is located on the Galway University Hospital site beside the main campus. The University premises comprise of 177,098 sq. m. of buildings, including student residences on the north campus and satellite locations (at Carna and Carran, for example).

The following construction projects have been completed in recent years: Marine Science Buildings at Carna and the Main CampusStudent facilities, including a new Sports Complex, a refurbished Cultural Centre (Áras na Mac Léinn) and a refurbished restaurant (An Bhialann)Nursing LibraryAward-winning Engineering BuildingPark & Ride facilityThe O’Shaughnessy Bridge (in conjunction with Galway City Council)An extension to the James Hardiman LibraryBiosciences BuildingLifecourse InstituteClinical/Translational Research Building

The University is continuing its major campus development programme under the Strategic Plan 2009-2014 including a Human Biology Building and a new theatre and arts building

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17. LIBRARYThe James Hardiman LibraryThe James Hardiman Library is the main Library for the University and is located at the heart of the campus. There is also a separate Medical Library located in the Clinical Sciences Institute at University College Hospital.

The Library contains approximately 480,000 printed books, with the total library stock, including bound periodicals, being nearer to 700,000 volumes. There is a strong emphasis on electronic access and NUI Galway is a member of IReL (the Irish Research eLibrary), a nationally-funded programme to acquire electronic content on a consortium basis. The Library provides access to over 35,000 electronic journal titles in full text, along with 350,000 electronic books. Full details of all holdings are available through the Library website.

Archives are vital to the academic mission of the University. Holdings include the Douglas Hyde manuscripts, Galway’s municipal records dating from 1484, the literary archive of John McGahern, and a wealth of material in theatre, film and the performing arts, with a particular focus on companies such as the Druid Theatre, Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe and the Lyric Players Theatre in Belfast. A major project to digitise the archive of the Abbey Theatre is currently in progress. Complementing the archives are special collections, whose particular strengths include folklore, Irish-language materials and travel literature relating to Ireland.

Library services to academic staff include information skills training, notably a researcher-specific workshop series, online courseware and advisory services on effective literature searching, using reference management software, getting published, disseminating research and measuring its impact. A team of subject librarians and a Research Services Librarian provide these and other services, including course reading list support. The Library also manages the ARAN service, which provides open access to the full text of University research publications, and the Academic Writing Centre.

Full details of all Library services are available at: http://www.library.nuigalway.ie

18. COMPUTER FACILITIESThe University’s ICT services are provided by Information Solutions and Services (ISS). ISS reports to the Executive Director of Operations and has a staff of 50 FTEs.

There is a high-speed campus network and internet connection provided by HEAnet, the Irish national research and education network. This is complemented by an extensive wireless network. High-speed network links are also being provided to outlying research stations at Carna, Mace Head and Carron, and to the Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge locations at Gaeltacht sites in An Cheathrú Rua, Carna and Gaoth Dobhair.

University-wide eMail services are provided to staff and students. A University-wide directory service with associated file storage and print services has been implemented.

The main ICT resources for teaching and learning are the eResources provided by the James Hardiman Library, the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), and about 150 specialist software packages. Delivery of the VLE is led by CELT. A range of specialist software packages are currently hosted on some 1,800 computers distributed across the campus in about 60 computer suites. About half these computers are available for general student use; the other half are restricted to use by students in specific academic units. There is also some specialised local ICT provision for student use in areas such as Engineering and Informatics and language learning.

ISS manages the University’s analogue and VOIP telephone networks and supports a range of enterprise applications (Student Records, Finance, HR/Payroll and Estates Management) to support the administration of the University.

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19. QUALITY Quality Assurance of research, teaching and support services is the responsibility of all staff across the University. All staff are responsible for the effective implementation of the University’s various Policies and Procedures and also for continuously seeking ways to improve quality and efficiency. All units are also responsible for assuring quality through their Operational Planning and Performance Measurement process that encourages changes and ideas that are innovative and will increase value for the University’s various stakeholders including students. The Quality Office is primarily responsible for managing the peer review element of Quality Assurance. Expert reviewers and external examiners are retained by the Quality Office to provide recommendations for improving research, teaching and support services based on their experience at leading Universities around the world. Quality Reviews mainly focus on the operational plans and improvement initiatives within units and on ways to enhance this change management process. Quality reviews can also be thematic, focusing on such issues as student feedback, internationalisation and research outputs. A recent quality review focused on research performance across all Schools. This initiative and others will be developed and improved in coming years with the aim of maintaining the University’s standing as a leading University in research and teaching.

20. LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGYThe University has a formal Learning, Teaching & Assessment Strategy which is regularly reviewed (http://www.nuigalway.ie/celt/documents/revised-LTA-2012.pdf) and which provides both an overview of our educational philosophy and specific actions that aim to ensure the highest possible quality learning experience for our students, one that enriches, enthuses and empowers them for their future life and careers . The Centre for Excellence in Learning & Teaching (CELT) plays a key role in shaping and supporting the implementation of this strategy, as well as undertaking pilot studies and research on aspects of pedagogy and policy.

NUI Galway was the first University in Ireland to develop the role of ‘Learning Technologist’; to offer to its staff a PgCert/PgDip/MA framework in Teaching, Learning and wider ‘academic practice;’ to embed ‘service’ (or community based) learning in its programmes. It has also garnered recognition at national and international levels for innovations in, and commitment to, teaching and the nurturing of student learning. An annual Symposium, visiting scholars and an active seminar programme all centre on aspects of teaching and learning. The University has secured a very significant number of National Teaching Awards and invested heavily in its technological infrastructure to support teaching. Technologies embedded with teaching venues include videoconferencing, ‘clickers,’ echo360 (lecture capture) and smartboards. In the online context, Blackboard and a range of ancillary tools (such as Turnitin, Collaborate, Kaltura, echo360) are used on all the University’s programmes and also support projected growth in blended and online offerings (currently the University has 60+ such programmes: http://www.nuigalway.ie/celt/eLearning/online_blended_learning.html)

STRUCTURES OF THE COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS/DISCIPLINES

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COLLEGE SCHOOL

COLLEGE OF ARTS, SOCIAL SCIENCES AND CELTIC STUDIES

School of Geography and ArchaeologySchool of HumanitiesSchool of Languages, Literatures and CulturesSchool of EducationSchool of PsychologySchool of Political Science and Sociology

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, PUBLICPOLICY AND LAW

JE Cairnes School of Business and EconomicsSchool of Law

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND INFORMATICS

School of Engineering and Informatics

COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, NURSINGAND HEALTH SCIENCES

School of MedicineSchool of Nursing and MidwiferySchool of Health Sciences

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

School of Mathematics, Statistics and Applied MathematicsSchool of Natural SciencesSchool of ChemistrySchool of Physics

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