From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has today (Tuesday) welcomed the appointment of Professor Philip Nolan as Director General of Science Foundation Ireland.
Professor Nolan will assume his position in January.
Minister Harris said:
“I am delighted to welcome Professor Philip Nolan's appointment as the new Director General of Science Foundation Ireland.
“If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s the value of research and science. Science Foundation Ireland, as our national foundation for investment in scientific research, is a vital part of not only the response to COVID-19 but in our next steps, in the ways we grow our society and our economy. Research is so much more than we traditionally see it as – it’s science, yes, but it’s about the environment, health and education, the arts, diversity and inclusion at its heart. If we don’t understand a problem or know what the right questions to ask are, we can’t make it better, and understanding the problem and asking the question is what SFI does for this country.
“Everyone in Ireland knows Philip as a member of the National Public Health Emergency Team, and he’s been a constant and valued source of expertise in that role, for which we owe him a lot. Everyone in Maynooth knows Prof Nolan, the President of Maynooth University for the last ten years. Now, he’s going to lead SFI in contributing to a strong sustainable economy and society, through supporting the development of a world class research and innovation system, and I and my Department are very much looking forward to working with him.”