Irish Research Council appoints Peter Brown as new Director

The Irish Research Council has announced the appointment of Peter Brown as its new Director.

Mr Brown was appointed following a public recruitment process, and will assume the role with immediate effect.

Previously, he served as Deputy Director of the Council (2015 to 2017) and Senior Manager with the Higher Education Authority (2003 to 2014), based in the Skills and Engagement unit and National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education.  In the past, he has also held roles with Dublin Institute of Technology and in the private sector.

Mr Brown has been Interim Director of the Irish Research Council since May 2017, following the departure of former Council Director Dr Eucharia Meehan earlier this year.

Commenting on his appointment, Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, Chair of the Irish Research Council, said: “The Irish Research Council is delighted to announce Peter Brown as our new Director.

“The richness of Peter’s experience, his commitment to basic frontier research and excellence across all career stages and disciplines, and his track record in successfully delivering major research projects make him an ideal fit for this role.”

Mr Brown said his priority in his role as Director will be to consolidate the Council’s unique role within the Irish research eco-system.

“Support for individual researchers across all disciplines and career stages is a necessary and indeed vital component of a modern, advanced research system,” he said.  

“By investing in exceptional individuals working at the cutting edge of new knowledge, we future-proof Irish research and its place in a globally-connected world.

“I am looking forward to leading the Council on this agenda over the coming years, working closely with Council members, a very committed staff team, the Higher Education Authority and Department of Education and Skills and the wider set of research stakeholders.”