(Pictured left to right) Professor Mark Ferguson, Director General of Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland, Ms Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan T.D. and Science Foundation Ireland Board Chairman, Ms Ann Riordan.

24th April 2018 - Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan T.D., today announced the appointment of former EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Ms Maire Geoghegan-Quinn to the Board of Science Foundation Ireland.

On announcing the appointment Minister Halligan said, “I am delighted that Máire Geoghegan-Quinn will sit on the Board of Science Foundation Ireland. We have ambitious goals to make Ireland a global innovation leader as outlined in the new National Development Plan and Innovation 2020. To make these plans a reality we need to invest and work in partnership. Science Foundation Ireland continues to support the very best in Irish scientific and engineering research and development with a focus on impacting our economy and society. Máire brings a wealth of experience and international insight to the Board of Science Foundation Ireland which will assist in delivering these goals.”

Ms Geoghegan-Quinn served as EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science from 2010 to 2014 and was awarded the Légion d’Honneur by French president François Hollande in recognition of her role in the set-up of Horizon 2020. She went on to chair an independent expert group examining gender equality in Irish higher education institutions.

Commenting on her appointment Máire Geoghegan-Quinn said, “I am delighted to join the Board of Science Foundation Ireland and look forward to working closely with the Chair, my fellow Board Members and the SFI Executive. The Foundation has been at the forefront of driving and supporting Ireland’s competitive research ecosystem across our Higher Education Institutions. Science Foundation Ireland is an ambitious organisation and I look forward to engaging with the Board to support these plans.”

Welcoming the appointment Science Foundation Ireland Chairman, Ms Ann Riordan stated, “I am delighted to welcome Máire Geoghegan-Quinn to the Board of Science Foundation Ireland. Máire’s extensive knowledge of the European research ecosystem and experience in examining gender equality in our higher education system will no doubt prove invaluable to the ongoing success and progressive direction of Science Foundation Ireland. This appointment will enable us to leverage international advantage in the areas where Ireland has research and innovation strengths, both in academia and industry.”

Professor Mark Ferguson, Director General of Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland added, “I welcome the appointment of Máire Geoghegan-Quinn to the Board. I look forward to working with Máire to deliver Science Foundation Ireland’s ambitious plans over the coming years, with a focus on funding excellent scientific research with beneficial impact on the Irish economy and society.” 

Ms Geoghegan-Quinn was appointed to the Board of the Science Foundation Ireland following an open Public Appointments Service (PAS) process.