In Conversation with the President: Professor Laoise McNamara, VP for Research & Innovation

In this Irish-language episode of Voices for Equal Futures, Bairbre Uí Choisdealbha joins Fionn Ó Cualáin to reflect on her personal and professional journey. She discusses her early interest in media and radio, how a three-month contract at Raidió na Gaeltachta evolved into a career spanning almost 20 years, and the challenges and rewards of returning to higher education later in life while raising a family. Filled with insight, resilience and inspiration, this conversation explores the power of following your passions, embracing change and creating opportunities at every stage of life. This is the final episode in the Voices for Equal Futures series.

In this episode, Emma Clark, a first-year student who entered university through the Access Programme, speaks with traveller advocate Nora Mongan about breaking barriers in education. Together, they share honest experiences of overcoming stigma, adversity and imposter syndrome, while highlighting the importance of belonging, equal opportunity and access to higher education for all. Through their stories, they challenge perceptions of university and demonstrate how education can open new pathways to a brighter future.

University of Galway President Professor David Burn sits down with Professor Frances Fahy, for a wide-ranging conversation about the Ryan Institute, her own research, and the impact of her work on campus and beyond.

Host Parwana Eghbali sits down with University of Galway alumnus Eric Ehigie for an honest and inspiring conversation about his journey from studying Law & Business at Galway to pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy at Oxford, advocating for social change with Black and Irish, and building his career at A&L Goodbody.

In this episode, Vanessa Lazo speaks with Dr. Mary Keogh about navigating a non-linear career and embracing uncertainty as an opportunity to learn and grow. Drawing on her experience in disability rights, advocacy, international development and academia, Mary shares insights on transferable people skills, continuous learning, self-awareness, mentorship and work-life balance. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities of pursuing a PhD, the importance of being challenged, and Mary’s experience with reasonable accommodations in the workplace. A conversation about staying curious, knowing yourself, developing people skills and remaining open to whatever the future brings.