New Chief Science Advisor appointed
We have been informed that DETE has formally announced the appointment of Professor Patrick Cunningham of the Department of Genetics, TCD to the office of Chief Science Advisor to the Government.
As of the time of writing, there is no formal announcement on either the DETE or Science Advisory web sites. I’m sure that that will be rectified in the very near future. An extract from the press release:
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Wednesday 20th December) announced the appointment of Professor Patrick Cunningham to the office of the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government.
Professor Cunningham is Professor of Animal Genetics at TCD. Originally from Waterford, he graduated from UCD in 1956 with first class honours in Agricultural Science. He went on to obtain a Masters Degree in Animal Nutrition from UCD in 1957, and a PhD in Animal Genetics from Cornell University in the USA in 1962.
Those familiar with the Irish research scene will be aware that the previous incumbant, Barry McSweeny, was forced to resign just over a year ago due to allegations over the source of his PhD. Mr. McSweeny has since gone on to another senior position within the Department of Marine and Natural Resources.