Research

Research in the School of Natural Sciences (SNS)

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. 

Research Clusters and Centres