A new independent Government science adviser is due to be approved at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, marking a significant restructuring of science advice provided throughout Government.
The new structure aims to assist in informing quick responses to complex and challenging policy needs, notably in relation to climate change and global pandemics.
Professor Aoife McLysaght, a geneticist from Trinity College Dublin, is to be appointed to the position, backed by a new national science advice forum which she will appoint and chair to provide “cross-sectoral and multidisciplinary advice to the Government”.
This follows a strategic review undertaken after publication of Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy Impact 2030. The role will no longer be linked to the position of director general of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) – now Research Ireland and including the Irish Research Council – the main funding body for State research. The dual role was carried out by Prof Mark Ferguson, whose term leading SFI finished in 2021, but was a point of controversy among academics.
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The Royal Irish Academy, representing leading Irish researchers, called in 2020 for an independent network of scientific advisers to advise Government “on the formidable scientific challenges facing Ireland”.
Prof McLysaght, who is widely published and has overseen major research projects, will report to Minister for Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan. The forum will have an annual work programme. It will be evaluated after an initial three-year period.
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has stated the new science advice structure will bring Ireland in line with European countries and maximise Ireland’s participation in international science advice organisations.
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