CÚRAM, the SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices based at University of Galway, together with Galway City Museum has launched a new public exhibition celebrating the collaboration, creativity and innovation in medical technology (medtech ) research in Ireland.
The exhibit was officially opened on Tuesday with special guests Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director at CÚRAM, Eithne Verling, Galway City Museum Director, Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, University of Galway President, Cllr. Eddie Hoare, Mayor of the city of Galway and Brian Barret, Director of Services at Galway City Council among the attendees.
This exhibition is the only exhibit in the country exploring the world of medical technology in Ireland. It showcases the development of Galway and Ireland as a medtech hub and explains how we can all play a part in driving research forward.
SUPERHUMAN explores the story of the medtech sector which employs over 40k people in Ireland today. As the highest exporter of medical device products per capita in Europe, Ireland is one of the top 5 hubs for medtech research in the world.
Visitors are invited to experiment with interactive features, explore information panels, view short films and learn about medical device research past, present and future.
Professor Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director at CÚRAM, commented: “450 medtech companies are based in the west of Ireland, and the sector is of huge value to the Irish economy. Over 80% of stents are produced in Galway which means that if you are one of those people who have a stent have a little piece of Galway in your heart.”
He went on to say “We’re delighted to partner with Galway City Council to showcase the many reasons why Galway has become a global hub for medical device research. We look forward to continuing the collaboration and the opportunity it gives us to share our work with new audiences and collaborators over the coming years.”
Eithne Verling, Director at the Galway City Museum, said: “Galway City Museum is delighted with the new Superhuman exhibition and with the creative collaboration with Cúram and SFI. This is a unique exhibition in Ireland and a most important one for Galway, a thriving global Medtech cluster.”
CÚRAM’s research is focused on developing innovative and smart medical devices and implants to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic ailments such as heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes. In line with University of Galway’s core values of respect, excellence, openness and sustainability, CÚRAM’s public engagement programme is focused on building relationships with community.
The exhibit is located on the upper floor of the Galway City Museum and is fully and freely accessible. Throughout the year, a number of events associated with the exhibit will be run by CÚRAM at the museum in collaboration with local organisations such as Baboró International Arts Festival Children, the Galway Science and Technology Festival and others.
For more information on the exhibition or on the associated programme of events people can contact [email protected] or call +353 (0 )91 532 460. The public are invited to subscribe to the museum newsletter and to follow the museum online at social media.
