Minister Lawless opens the door to introduce Professorships in the Technological University sector marking a major step forward
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD announced the introduction of a full Professorship grade in Ireland’s Technological Universities for the first time. This landmark reform delivers on a core Programme for Government commitment and marks a major step forward in strengthening academic leadership and research capacity across the TU sector.
The Minister said:
“I am delighted, following Cabinet approval and with the confirmed support of my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure, to announce the introduction of a new Professor grade in our Technological Universities. This is a major step forward for the TU sector and a key commitment in the Programme for Government".
“Professors will be central to the TU mission, driving regional development, strengthening industry-focused research and innovation, and embedding research-informed teaching. Today’s decision builds on the €65.8 million targeted enhancement fund I announced, which will be the mechanism for delivering these posts. We are approving up to 50 professorships, starting with an initial rollout of 25 positions across the system. This reform will give our Technological Universities and sector the academic leadership they need to thrive and compete internationally,"
he added
In 2022, the OECD conducted a review of career structures and academic contracts in Ireland’s Technological Universities. The review concluded that introducing a modern career framework, including senior academic grades, was an urgent reform essential to the successful transformation of the TU sector. Academic staff are central to delivering on the TU mission. Leadership from senior academics, particularly Professors, is pivotal to advancing knowledge creation and transfer, driving innovation and enterprise, and addressing major global challenges through research-informed solutions.
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has worked closely with the TU sector since 2022 to progress this reform. Today’s announcement fulfils a key OECD recommendation and strengthens Ireland’s position in the European higher education landscape.
Minister Lawless acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the initiative:
“I would like to thank the senior leadership teams and representatives from across our five Technological Universities and sector for their support in shaping this important reform. My officials will continue to engage with colleagues and consult with key stakeholders to ensure the successful introduction of this new grade".
Further consideration will now be given to implementing other key recommendations from the OECD review as part of the ongoing TU reform and transformation process.