Organisation profile
Overview of our Research
The School of Natural Sciences (SNS) is dedicated to transforming the world for the better through exceptional teaching, groundbreaking research, and innovative advancements in science and technology. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life both nationally and internationally by fostering excellence in scientific education and conducting pioneering research across the diverse disciplines in our School.
SNS is one of the largest and newest (formed in2022) Schools within University of Galway. The school encompasses two natural departments: Physics (astrophysics, climate, medical physics, medtech, theoretical, photonics & lasers), and Earth and Life Sciences (colleagues working in the areas of botany, earth science, environmental science, marine science, oceanography, microbiology, zoology). SNS (in 2025) comprises of more than 55 academic, 26 technical and administrative, and 70 research staff. Along with this there are approximately 80 postgraduate students (MSc & PhD), and the school teaches to >1500 undergraduate students across multiple courses.
SNS is one of the most diverse research active schools in the University with significant research spanning topics from Astronomy to Zoology and nearly everything in between. Research is largely classified into three branches: Biomedical Physics & Health, Earth & Planetary Sciences, and Life & the Environment. The SNS is one of the largest and definitely the most unique research-performing entities within the University of Galway. For example:
- It has range of unique research infrastructure ranging from field stations like Carna (marine research) and Mace Head (atmospheric studies), to advanced technology centres like the National Centre for Laser Applications.
- SNS research is heavily focussed on a range of the UN’s sustainability goals and in particular: SDG 3 Good Health & Wellbeing, SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG6 Clean Water & Sanitation, SDG 9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 13 Climate Action, SDG 14 Life below water, SDG 15 Life on land.
- SNS has an annual research expenditure of more than €7 million per year which has been sourced competitively from funding sources such as Research Ireland, European Union, Irish Research Council, Environmental Protection Agency, Enterprise Ireland and a range of other national and international funding sources.
- Significant research publications from SNS, available in the research repository, cover everything from spider behaviour to the birth of planets, bees to the fundamentals of aerosol science, analysis of cancer treating drugs to the compositional analysis of rocks.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Our work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 2 Zero Hunger -
SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 4 Quality Education -
SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation -
SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy -
SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure -
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities -
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities -
SDG 13 Climate Action -
SDG 14 Life Below Water -
SDG 15 Life on Land -
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Profiles
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Louise Allcock
- School of Natural Sciences, Zoology - Est Professor (Research Scholarship)
- Ryan Institute
Person
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A longitudinal study of CO2 and air exchange rate variations in naturally ventilated airtight energy-efficient dwellings
Alhindawi, I., Fernandes, J. M., Sood, D., Ó Donnell, J. & Byrne, M. A., Feb 2026, In: Journal of Building Engineering.Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer) › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile3 Downloads (Pure) -
Assessment of the Environmental Contamination of soils and sediments with hazardous Chemicals: TERRACHEM
Coggins, A. M. (First Author), Sharkey, M., Healy, M., Harrad, S., Stubbings, W. A., Ma, Y., Wang, S. & Jin, J., 1 Mar 2026, (E-pub ahead of print) 40 p.Research output: Book/Report › Published Report › peer-review
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Barriers and drivers for tidal energy development: A case study of Ireland
Ayoub, M., Kindermann, G. & Lanser, M.-C., 23 Mar 2026, In: Energy Strategy Reviews.Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer) › Article › peer-review
Open Access
Activities
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On-Line Viral Inactivation Process Monitoring by A-PIES. J. Zang* and A.G. Ryder
Ryder, A. (Other)
5 May 2026Activity: Talk or presentation (Unpublished) › Oral Presentation
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7th European Conference on Process Analytics and Control Technology (EuroPACT)
Ryder, A. (Poster Presentation)
3 May 2026 → 7 May 2026Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participating in a conference, workshop, ...
Prizes
Press/Media
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Early-career researchers awarded €3.2m Research Ireland funding
25/06/25
1 Media contribution
Press/Media
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How do your habits affect air quality in your retrofitted home?
Coggins, M., Kumar Mishra, A., Fallon-Hogan, V., Norton, D., Doherty, E. & Wemken, N.
4/02/25
1 Media contribution
Press/Media