Invitation for expressions of interest: National Science Advice Forum

Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy set out the intention to develop new science advice structures across Government.  In January of this year Professor Aoife McLysaght was appointed as Government Science Advisor in the first key step towards implementing these new structures.

It is recognised that science advice in policy formation has become more complex and that it is impossible for one individual to have the depth of expertise needed to advise on all scientific matters. Given the likely cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary advisory needs of Government, the Government Science Advisor will now lead the establishment of a National Science Advice Forum and will Chair this forum. This forum will assist the Government Science Advisor in providing advice and in developing science advice capacity across Government.

It is anticipated that the forum may be asked to assist the Government Science Advisor in:

• proactively identifying opportunities for the incorporation of science advice into policy consideration;
• providing advice in response to needs identified by Ministers and Government Departments;
• facilitating processes of engagement between Government departments and scientific experts on policy issues with scientific components;
• contributing to capability development and scientific understanding across the civil service
• developing, implementing and reporting upon an annual work programme

It is expected that the forum will be formally convened approximately four times per annum. While forum members may be called upon outside of this time and may be required from time to time to input to or read papers; it is not expected that a significant amount of time outside of forum attendance will be expected of members. The forum will have a secretariat that will capture the discussions and, where appropriate, draft an opinion of the forum.

The forum will consist of up to twelve experts drawn from those with internationally recognised scientific expertise in a range of key disciplines. Its membership will include experts that have credibility in translating science for the purpose of policy.  Membership will be for a period of three years.

The Government Science Advisor wishes to have access to all types of good quality science that can contribute to the issues at hand, this includes natural sciences, engineering, medicine, social sciences and humanities. Expressions of interest are invited from both academics and practitioners.

When considering any particular topic, members of the forum will be required to make a declaration of any potential conflicts of interest, which may be financial or non-financial.

Expressions of interest are now invited from suitably qualified candidates who wish to be considered for membership of the forum.

To express your interest, please complete the attached form and email it to the address provided below no later than 6:00pm on October 24, 2025.

When submitting your expression of interest, please include a concise summary outlining:

a) How you meet the criteria for forum membership as outlined above;

b) Specific details including:

• Your areas of expertise;
• Your current role;
• A brief career biography.

If you are applying on behalf of a representative organisation, please also include:

• The constituency you represent;
• The scale of your organisation’s membership;
• Your authority to represent the organisation.

Please note that while candidates may hold roles within organisations that bring relevant expertise, forum members are expected to work collaboratively to address shared challenges. The forum is not a platform for sectoral advocacy.

Expressions of interest must be submitted by email to the following address: officeofgsa@dfheris.gov.ie by the deadline stated above.

National Science Advice Forum - Application Form

Additional Information

In line with best practice, as set out in the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards, the Minister reserves the right to consider other suitable nominees outside of this process.

The Minister may also take into account the importance of diversity and gender balance when making appointments to the forum.

Participation in the forum is voluntary and unremunerated.

All expressions of interest will be acknowledged within three working days of receipt.

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science will review all expressions received and will recommend the composition of the forum to the Minister, having regard to the purpose of the forum as outlined above.

By making an expression of interest to this call, you are confirming your acceptance of the below terms.

Freedom of information

Responses to this consultation are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014. Read how to make a freedom of information request.

Data protection

Any personal information submitted to the Department will be treated strictly in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/67 and the Data Protection Act 2018. Read the Department’s data protection notice.

Purpose

Your data is processed to receive expressions of interest from interested candidates for membership of the Research and Innovation Policy Advisory Forum and maintain contact

Legal basis

Processing your data is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest.

Categories of data subject

This is a public invitation for expressions of interest: anyone may make a submission, either in a personal or representative capacity.

Categories of personal data

• Name
• Email address

Further processing

Where the Department intends to further process your data for a purpose other than the purposes listed above, the Department will provide you prior to that further processing with information on that other purpose and with any relevant further information on the processing activity and your data protection rights.

Storage period

The data processed will be retained for a period of up to one year for the purpose of completing the appointment process.

Please note that your data is also subject to the National Archives Act 1986, see guidance from the National Archives.

Third country

None of your data will be transferred to a country outside of the European Economic Area, which is:

• the EU
• Norway
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein

Read information on your right to access your data. You may also exercise your right to correct your data, seek to restrict how it may be processed or object to how it may be processed. Your data or that or your child’s will not be used for automated decision-making or profiling. Read the Data Protection Commissioner’s guide to data subject rights.

While you have a right to have your data deleted, the Department may not be able to agree to your request if it is less than 3 years since you submitted your application under this expression of interest. The Department may not be able to agree to your request for deletion also where your data is subject to the National Archives Act 1986 and no order has been made to dispose of the this category of data under that Act, see guidance from the National Archives.

You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Data Protection Commission.

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is the data controller for the processing of your data. If you have any query in respect of this, you may contact the department at the details below:

The Department’s Data Protection Officer may be contacted at the details below: