The Dr Tony Ryan Trust has made a significant donation to NUI Galway to support scholarship and innovation in environment, marine and energy as well as the University’s access programme. In addition to supporting the access programme, this significant philanthropic gift of over Eur1 million will specifically provide fully funded research scholarships for five PhD students. The Dr Tony Ryan Research Scholarships will offer opportunities to pursue a postgraduate degree in the key research areas of environment, marine and energy.
The scholarships will specifically focus on research priorities at The Ryan Institute in the University, including:
* Innovation in energy-efficient technologies and bio-energy;
* Research and development in aquaculture, fisheries, offshore renewable energy resources and bio-discovery;
* Development of technologies for monitoring, modelling and mitigation of environmental pressures.
Speaking on behalf of the Trustees of the Dr Tony Ryan Trust, Emma Lane-Spollen says: “We are proud to support so many Irish and migrant students to access NUI Galway’s degree programmes with €125,000 per year for four years. We also look forward to supporting the development of the marine industry and the exploration of marine ecosystems inIrelandby supporting Galway’s ability to attract the best PhD students through these 5 full scholarships, putting Galway at the forefront of marine research and innovation.”
Dr Jim Browne, President of NUI Galway, says: “This scholarship funding amplifies the generous support received in the past from the Ryan family. NUI Galway remains indebted to the late Dr Tony Ryan and the Ryan family for the vision and the enlightened philanthropy which led to the capital development of the Ryan Institute in the 1990s. The Ryan Institute is the leading centre for environment, marine and energy research in Ireland. Increasingly these areas are becoming crucial to the global economy, generating new and sustainable technologies. Support for scholarship and innovation in these areas is a strategic and important decision by the Trust and I would like to thank the Trustees for their philanthropy. The Dr Tony Ryan Trust’s funding of the NUI Galway Access Programme will also enable talented students facing financial challenges to realise their full educational potential.”