An assistant secretary at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has been appointed chief executive officer of the Irish Universities Association, the group which represents the seven university heads.
Ned Costello, the head of the Office of Science, Technology and Innovation, will begin his new role in January.
He will replace Michael McGrath who is retiring after 10 years with the IUA. Mr McGrath is seen as a key figure who helped to convince the Government of much greater investment in third and fourth level.
Mr Costello has been the driving force behind the Government's Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation which maps out the future for research and development in Ireland.
