Latest news with #Balfe
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Oxford scholarship follows career ‘punt'
University of Otago master's graduate Joseph Balfe has received a University of Oxford scholarship. PHOTO: SUPPLIED From musician to neuroscientist, an Oamaru man's career change has paid off. Former Waitaki Boys' High School student Joseph Balfe has been awarded the prestigious Clarendon Scholarship at the University of Oxford in England. About 38,000 graduates apply each year for the fully funded scholarship at the collegiate research university. Mr Balfe was one of only 200 people selected worldwide. Mr Balfe, 25, attended WBHS from 2012-16, and achieved his master's of science (with distinction) in neuroscience at the University of Otago last year. He will undertake his PhD in psychiatry at Oxford. Mr Balfe said he was astounded to receive the scholarship. "I'm very surprised but absolutely grateful at the same time because it was definitely a lot of work to get to this point. "I'm really looking forward to being surrounded by very like-minded people who are working very hard and excited and passionate about what they do." After completing his bachelor's degree in music he was "at a bit of a crossroads" and said he "kind of fell into neuroscience". "It was a bit of a punt because I wasn't really a science person, but I just gave it my best shot and now it's gone pretty far obviously, and my life has gone in a completely different direction." WBHS rector Darryl Paterson said the school community was "incredibly proud of Joseph" as they were of "many old boys who are changing the world". "To be recognised for such a prestigious scholarship is an amazing achievement and a tribute to his talents." Being a prefect, Mr Balfe was an outstanding student as well as a talented musician, public speaker and sportsman, Mr Paterson said. "Speaking with many of his former teachers, and having met him in 2017, he is a most humble and hardworking young man, highly respected by all." After graduating, Mr Balfe completed an internship in cancer diagnostics at Pacific Edge Ltd, where he now works as a clinical trials associate in the Centre for Innovation. He is also a part-time research assistant at the University of Otago. Over the past two and a-half years, Mr Balfe has been working on developing a novel wearable smart device to detect and relieve asthma attacks by harnessing the interconnectivity of the nervous system. "A lot of what has driven me forward academically has been what I've done with Otago through this device that I'm developing with my supervisor, Associate Prof Yusuf Cakmak, called the VentiMate," he said. Mr Balfe will join Oxford's Translational NeuroStimulation Laboratory, where he will investigate a novel form of brain stimulation for the treatment of depression. His concern for mental health sparked his initial curiosity for neuroscience, after he worked in a support role in residential colleges and met many young people with mental health issues. He said it was a tremendous advantage to continue to work on novel technology that had the potential to make a difference for people who were suffering daily. "That's an enormous privilege and I'm quite humbled to be a part of such an important mission." Born in Portsmouth, England, Mr Balfe moved to Oamaru with his Filipina mother and British father at the age of 6. He "owes everything" to his parents, who were excited for him to attend Oxford. Mr Balfe said music would always be a part of his life. He had a couple of "cool shows" coming up in Dunedin, before he moved to Oxford in mid-September to begin his scholarship course in October.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Outlander star Caitriona Balfe makes admission about Claire Fraser's parents in prequel
Outlander actress Caitríona Balfe opened up about the prequel Outlander: Blood of My Blood teased in trailer Outlander actress Caitríona Balfe has divulged a lovely anecdote about the runaway success of the Starz series, reports the Scottish Daily Express. The Irish sensation commented: "I mean, I did not start the show thinking I would ever meet my parents." She further revealed her excitement about the prequel developments, saying, "I didn't know that these guys were going to be part of the prequel and I was super excited when I found out they were because I think I was like, 'Oh great, like it's really cool that Claire's parents are in the show.'". Balfe also shared, "I don't remember what my vision of them in my head was. But when I saw these guys a week ago, I was like, 'It's really cool. It's really awesome.'". These revelations came during a Q&A session with cast members from Outlander: Blood of My Blood—Jeremy Irvine and Hermione Corfield—who bring life to Balfe's onscreen parents, Henry Beauchamp and Julia Moriston. Upon meeting the pair from Blood of My Blood, Balfe expressed, "Having met Hermione and Jeremy, I'm like they are definitely fitting parents." Admirers of Outlander have already observed the notable likeness between Balfe and Corfield, who are cast as daughter and mother characters. In reflection of her pivotal role on the show, Balfe disclosed: "I think Diana created the most incredible character in Claire. She is incredibly strong-willed. She has an innate sense of justice. She will fight for that justice." Balfe adds depth to her portrayal of Claire by stating, "She doesn't take slights lightly. But she lives and loves with incredible passion." Regarding her fictional lineage, Balfe mused, "She fights fiercely and she loves fiercely. And I don't know which one of my parents she got it from." The conversation then turned to the serendipitous romance that blossomed between Henry and Julia under rather extraordinary conditions. Corfield divulged: "So I'm working in a redaction office. You [Henry] write a letter that's sort of saying, 'All is lost and I'm in a horrible place and if anyone read this, I need help.'". Elaborating further, she added: "And then I write back and then we start writing." Irvine described his character's emotions, saying: "There's a poetic nature of Julia's letters. He really finds solace in the romance. In a very dark place, he finds this little ray of hope and this light and he really sort of clings onto that." 'Outlander: Blood of My Blood' is set to delve into the backgrounds of Claire's parents, Henry and Julia, who have so far been cloaked in enigma within the narrative, unlike Jamie Fraser's (played by Sam Heughan) parents. Devoted followers are on the brink of uncovering truths about Henry and Julia, whose lives were truncated by a car crash, leaving Claire an orphan during her childhood years. Following the tragedy, Claire found a new home with her Uncle Quentin 'Lamb' Lambert, enacted by George Kemp in Outlander: Blood of My Blood. Operating without the framework of an existing book, the prequel series afforded its writers significant creative freedom to craft the storyline. Additionally, the show promises to captivate newcomers unfamiliar with Outlander as well as satisfy the intrigue of long-standing watchers, presenting elements to appeal to both camps.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Caitríona Balfe addresses the end of Outlander in amazing tribute
Outlander's Caitríona Balfe paid tribute to the show Outlander star Caitríona Balfe has expressed her deep appreciation for the Starz historical drama during a recent virtual gathering, reports the Scottish Daily Express. The Irish actress, who portrays Claire Fraser, reflected on the show's achievements and extended her gratitude towards the team behind it. Balfe remarked: "I think we've been so spoiled to have so many years of the show doing so well and being promoted so well. "Every single year, Starz have been so amazing and they've put these massive billboards up and it's almost like you start to get used to it, until you realise this may never happen again and it's a really amazing thing that we've been a part of." She also shared her best wishes with the cast of the upcoming prequel series Outlander: Blood of My Blood: "And I hope you guys get to have the same experiences for a very long time because it's really very special and it's not to be taken for granted." Balfe was speaking at The Gathering, an online event hosted by Starz in celebration of Outlander Day on June 1, which marks the publication date of the first book in Diana Gabaldon's acclaimed series. The event was organised by Starz to offer a sneak peek at the anticipated prequel series Outlander: Blood of My Blood, bringing together actors from both the original and upcoming series to discuss what fans can expect. Actress Harriet Slater, who portrays Ellen MacKenzie in Blood of My Blood, expressed her admiration following Balfe's tribute: "I just want to say congratulations because you've made such an incredible show, and like you said, it's so rare for a show to go on that long these days. "I feel like things are cancelled left, right and centre, so it's amazing that you've made this and it's so loved and I feel very proud to be joining, and we've got some big boots to fill." Sam Heughan, famed for his role as Jamie Fraser, also offered his commendations to the cast of Blood of My Blood: "We're actually going to be the biggest fans of your show. "Honestly, I can't wait to see all the younger versions of ourselves or the characters we love." He continued: "A big thank you to our showrunners and writers, Diana Gabaldon who... she was the beginning of all this stuff. Good luck and we're rooting for you." Outlander: Blood of My Blood is set to captivate audiences with a 10-episode run, delving into the romantic histories of Claire and Jamie's parents. Echoing its predecessor Outlander, the spin-off will span various time periods, showcasing Claire's parents' love story during World War One and the fervent relationship of Jamie's parents in 17th century Scotland. While Blood of My Blood isn't directly adapted from any of Gabaldon's novels, it draws upon the Outlander canon through anecdotes Jamie and Claire have recounted about their forebears. The absence of original material has allowed the scriptwriters greater creative freedom to experiment with the narrative and fill in some blanks, especially concerning Claire's parents Henry Beauchamp (Jeremy Irvine) and Julia Moriston (Hermione Corfield). Claire was only aware that her parents perished in a car accident, but it appears that Blood of My Blood will provide a definitive resolution to their destiny.
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
‘It strips them of dignity' – more than 500m women across the world suffer due to period poverty, Irish charity says
ActionAid Ireland said today that millions of women, including hundreds of thousands in Gaza, lack access to safe menstrual products. The organisation added that this crisis fuels gender inequality and compromises women and girls' health and hygiene, forcing many to miss school, work, or social activities because they cannot afford menstrual care. Speaking ahead of World Menstrual Health Day tomorrow, ActionAid Ireland CEO, Karol Balfe, called for meaningful action in Ireland and abroad to tackle period poverty. She appealed for the universal provision of free menstrual hygiene products in schools, shelters, and public institutions to ensure that no girl or woman misses school or work due to lack of access. Ms Balfe added that this crisis is not 'just a health issue' but a 'gender equality issue' in Ireland and across the world. 'When women and girls cannot access safe, affordable menstrual products, it strips them of dignity and opportunity,' she said. She also highlighted the situation in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of women are unable to access period products. 'Hundreds of thousands of women in Gaza, on top of bombardments, air strikes and starvation, are suffering due to the fact they can't access menstrual products, soap and clean underwear during their periods. "The situation has been exacerbated following the aid blockade introduced by the Israeli Government on Gaza 12 weeks ago. 'Imagine being forced to miss school or work because you cannot afford a tampon or menstrual pad. Imagine bleeding through newspaper or rags because there's nothing else when you have your monthly period. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more "Now imagine doing this while living in Gaza, under constant bombardment, in a freezing cold tent, with no hygiene kits, clean underwear, safe water, soap, or access to a toilet,' she added. ActionAid Ireland is now appealing to governments, such as Ireland, to provide women and girls with period products and other essentials during humanitarian crises, and fund free period product initiatives in low and middle-income countries. The charity is also calling on governments and NGOs to support education on menstrual health and rights, counter stigma on this topic, and fund grassroots women-led organisations to educate communities about menstruation, fight period shaming, and abolish dangerous customs. 'Menstruation is not dangerous,' Ms Balfe continued. 'It's not dirty. It's not a curse. It's a natural part of life – yet it's menstruation that causes unimaginable suffering for millions of girls and women around the world.' "In some parts, traditions and norms persist that mean that girls and women are forced to isolate themselves during their menstruation. 'This type of isolation can lead to both physical and mental illness – and in the worst case, danger to life. "It is a clear example of how myths and stigma surrounding menstruation create serious consequences for girls' and women's health, safety and human rights,' the CEO added.
RTÉ News
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Caitríona Balfe joins Everest film Tenzing
Caitríona Balfe is joining Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe in Tenzing, the adventure biopic from Apple Original Films and Oscar-winning The Kings Speech producer See-Saw Films. US entertainment trade publication Deadline, which first reported Outlander star Balfe's casting, says the film tells the story of "Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and his summit of Mount Everest in 1953 alongside fellow outsider New Zealander Edmund Hillary". On 29 May 1953, Tenzing and Hillary "defied insurmountable odds" to become the first mountaineers confirmed to have reached the summit Loki star Hiddleston will play Hillary and The Lighthouse 's Dafoe will play the leader of the expedition, Colonel John Hunt. Balfe, Deadline says, will play Jill Henderson, "a friend of Tenzing who helped organise trips up Mount Everest". The role of Tenzing Norgay has yet to be cast. The film will be directed by Jennifer Peedom, the filmmaker behind the documentaries Mountain and Sherpa, with a script by Oscar nominee Luke Davies (Lion, Life). "Peedom has a close relationship with the Tenzing family and the Sherpa community following her acclaimed documentary, Sherpa," Deadline adds.
