Dr William C Harris has been named as the new Director-General of Science Foundation Ireland by the Tánaiste Ms Harney today.
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Dr William C Harris
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The Tánaiste said that Dr Harris’s main objective in leading Science Foundation Ireland over the next number of years would be to ensure that Ireland develops a reputation for excellence in basic research acknowledged as being among the highest in the world.
Dr Harris is currently vice president for research at the University of South Carolina (USC).
Speaking at the announcement of the appointment of Dr Harris the Tánaiste, said his appointment is highly significant for both the advancement of science and of national development in Ireland.
She noted that Science Foundation Ireland has made major progress since its establishment a year ago and paid tribute to the staff involved in bringing this about.
The Foundation has made total awards of over £55 million (euro 70 million) for research to 12 groups in the fields of information technology and biotechnology.
In all over 120 scientists will be supported by these awards for a period of five years.
The Tánaiste said that the details of the different research projects will be announced over the coming weeks.