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Satellite-based Earth observation provides a unique and powerful tool in tracking climate adaptation, an international study involving University of Galway researchers has shown. A team at the University’s Ryan Institute is helping to pioneer new methods of combining data recorded from space with artificial intelligence to measure actions that help communities, ecosystems and infrastructure adjust to current and future climate impacts in the global agrifood sector. The science behind it allows assessments of even the most remote agricultural regions in the world, where ground measurements are sparse or too challenging. The findings feature in a European Space Agency (ESA)–led study, published this week in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science to coincide with COP30. The researchers mapped the potential for Earth observation in supporting different targets in the framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), a key action under the Paris Agreement from 2015, which aims to enhance resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate impacts. Their analysis found that many of the most critical changes to climate, known as Essential Climate Variables (ECVs), can be directly used to understand and support climate adaptation action. Focusing on four key sectors – agriculture, biodiversity, extreme events and health – the study reveals how space-based data offers something no other monitoring system can provide: truly global coverage with objective and repeatable measurements spanning up to 60 years. Professor Aaron Golden, research team leader at the University’s Ryan Institute and co-author of the study, said: “The analysis highlights the vital and unique role satellites play in supporting the Paris Agreement’s Global Goal on Adaptation. The knowledge capability of consistent, long-term observations offers policymakers tools to measure progress and identify regions at risk.” The research team highlighted concrete applications of earth observation science across four key themes: Agriculture: satellites monitor water productivity, irrigation efficiency, and crop migration patterns. Biodiversity conservation: platforms like Global Mangrove Watch and Global Forest Watch provide crucial geospatial information on ecosystem extent and changes. Extreme events: satellites characterise flood extent, drought anomalies and urban heat islands at scales impossible with ground-based stations alone. Health sector: Earth observation data on land surface temperature and air quality inform heat exposure assessments and disease outbreak forecasting. Dr Sarah Connors, Climate Applications Scientist at ESA, the study's lead author said: "Earth observation data should be considered as an integral part of the Global Goal on Adaptation indicators. Our research demonstrates that satellite data can inform adaptation tracking across many sectors, but it must be integrated into the indicator framework from the outset – as experience with the Sustainable Development Goals shows, it’s much harder to introduce later."             Professor Frances Fahy, Director of the University of Galway's Ryan Institute, said: "This research exemplifies the world-class, impact-driven research emerging from the Ryan Institute and our growing Geospatial Centre. By using satellite Earth observation data to better understand and track global climate adaptation, Professor Golden’s work reinforces the vital role that cutting-edge interdisciplinary research plays in addressing the climate crisis and shaping international climate policy." Professor Golden added: "I am delighted the impact our research in quantifying climate adaptation in food production using AI and earth observation data has had in providing a direct means of linking facts on the ground, anywhere on the planet, to the Paris Agreement's Global Goal on Adaptation indicators." The full study, published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, is available at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41612-025-01251-1. Ends

University of Galway’s ReelLIFE SCIENCE awards for schools and youth groups in 10 counties From AI to allergies and dopamine to the deep sea, short science videos made by young Irish filmmakers have been celebrated at the 13th Annual ReelLIFE SCIENCE Awards in University of Galway. The event took place on Sunday November 9th as part of Science Week 2025 and the 27th Galway Science and Technology Festival. More than 200 short science films were entered into the competition created by 1,800 young science enthusiasts in 86 schools and youth groups taking part across the island of Ireland. Winning videos were selected by a panel of guest judges including science communicators Mark Langtry – The Science Guy; Amy Hassett, University College Dublin; and the 2025 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition winners, Ciara, Saoirse and Laoise Murphy, from Presentation Secondary School, Tralee, Co Kerry. ReelLIFE SCIENCE Winners – Primary 1st Prize – Twenty-three talented sixth class students from Gaelscoil Riabhach in Loughrea, Co Galway, along with their teacher Brian Ó Meacháin, won the €1,000 first prize for their animated video ‘An Fharraige Dhomhain’ exploring The Deep Sea.Runners-up – Inspired by an episode of Fr. Ted, teacher Thomas Egan and sixth class students from Sooey National School in Sligo explained the workings of the eye in their humorous video ‘Small or Far Away?’ Finishing third, and led by teacher Tommy Buckley, fifth class students from Killorglin National School in Kerry made a science music video entitled ‘Why do Cats Always Land on their Feet’, while teacher Clíodhna O’Donnell and 28 sixth class students from Abbey Primary School in Boyle, Co. Roscommon came fourth for their study of levers and pulleys, ‘Machine Made Possible’. ReelLIFE SCIENCE Winners – Post-primary 1st Prize – Seven first and second year students from Coláiste Ghobnait on Inis Oírr, Co na Gaillimhe, won the €1,000 first prize under the guidance of science teacher Rebecca Ní Chríocháin, for their video ‘Céard is cúis le ailléirgí?’ explaining the causes of allergies through Irish. Runners-up – Sixth year students Shaun Irimpan and Gabriel McCrystal from Coláiste Na Mí, Navan, Co. Meath, highlighted the negative impacts of artificial intelligence in their video ‘What Happens When Everyone Uses AI?’ The third-place prize went to Transition Year students Evanna Moneley, Jasmine Zhang and Asia Aru from Alexandra College in Dublin for their video ‘Everything we need to know about Dopamine’, while fourth prize was awarded to Saipresha Paraneetharan, Alannah McCarthy, Zara Jaiby and Lily Hutton from Tullow Community School in Carlow for their science music video ‘Why do we Hiccup?, ReelLIFE SCIENCE Winners – Youth Organisation 1st Prize – A group of 12 young people from Athlone, Co Westmeath who took part in My Life Online workshops facilitated by Midlands Science and Foróige and supported by the Rethink Ireland TikTok Digital Future Fund, won the €1,000 youth group first prize for their video ‘Why is the Sky Blue’.    Runners-up – Brogan O’Donnell from Trident Swim Club in Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim came second for his underwater video exploring ‘The Science of Swimming’. Eddie Sweeney and Brooklyn Conroy from Ballybane Foróige in Galway were third for their science experiments video ‘My life as…a Scientist’, while six young people from Ballyphehane and Greenmount Foróige group in Cork finished fourth for their video ‘The Science of Coke and Mentos’.   Special Category Awards     Carrigallen National School, Leitrim Agricultural Science Award Bunclody Community College, Wexford Best Acting Award Mount Anville Secondary School, Dublin Best Animation Award Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca, Mayo Físeán Gaeilge is fearr Royal School Cavan How Things Work Award Ennis National School, Clare Junior Scientists Award Presentation Primary Listowel, Kerry Teamwork Award  All of the winning videos can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/ReelLifeScience.  The ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme challenges young people in schools and youth groups across the island of Ireland to engage with science and technology while developing their communication and digital skills, by producing short educational videos for the public.  Since being launched in 2013 by Dr Enda O’Connell and a team of scientists from University of Galway’s College of Science and Engineering, this challenge has been met by more than 30,000 young people, supported by teachers and staff in 825 schools and youth groups.  Dr O’Connell said: “Every year, we’re amazed by the imagination, creativity and curiosity shown by young people across Ireland. Through ReelLIFE SCIENCE, they bring science to life in ways that are funny, thought-provoking and inspiring, making it accessible to everyone. We’re incredibly proud of all the students, teachers and youth leaders who took part this year. A big congratulations to every one of them for sharing their passion for science with the world.”  ReelLIFE SCIENCE is supported by the Research Ireland Discover Programme, University of Galway’s College of Science and Engineering, the CÚRAM - the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices at University of Galway, the Cell EXPLORERS programme and Foróige. Ends    

Two University of Galway academics have been named among the world's most cited researchers. Professor Henry Curran and Professor Ines Thiele have once again joined the prestigious Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers 2025 list. They are among almost 7,000 researchers from more than 1,300 institutions who have demonstrated significant influence in their fields of research through the publication of multiple highly cited papers over the last 11 years. Professor Lokesh Joshi, Vice President for Research and Innovation, University of Galway, said: “I warmly congratulate our academics – Professors Henry Curran and Ines Thiele - who have once again joined the world’s most highly cited researchers list from Clarivate. To be part of this prestigious global group highlights the quality and impact of their work in developing novel solutions in engineering and healthcare. It also demonstrates the strong commitment to research excellence at University of Galway.” Professor Henry Curran, listed in the Engineering category, is Director of the Combustion Chemistry Centre at the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, College of Science and Engineering and of the Energy Research Centre in the Ryan Institute at University of Galway. His research looks at the study of the chemistry of how fuels burn in combustors to increase efficiency and reduce emissions for a cleaner world. This is Professor Curran’s 11th year being named a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher. Professor Ines Thiele, listed in the Cross-Field category, is Professor of Systems Biomedicine and principal investigator of the Molecular Systems Physiology group at University of Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Professor Thiele has been pioneering the development of digital metabolic twins for humans and human associated microbes. Her team uses these digital twins to develop innovative approaches to accelerate the diagnosis of inherited metabolic diseases and to enable the prediction of personalised treatment strategies. This is Professor Thiele’s third year being named a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher. David Pendlebury, Head of Research Analysis at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate said: “The Highly Cited Researchers list identifies and celebrates exceptional individual researchers at University of Galway who demonstrate significant and broad influence in their fields. They exemplify excellence in their research as well as integrity in their publication and citation practices. These researchers continue to shape the future of science, technology and academia globally and deliver innovation that drives societal progress.” The full 2025 Highly Cited Researchers list can be viewed here: https://clarivate.com/highly-cited-researchers/ Ends