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UCC experts appointed members of Ireland’s new National Science Advice Forum
University College Cork (UCC) experts have been appointed as members of Ireland’s new National Science Advice Forum.
Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy set out the intention to develop new science advice structures across Government. Last year, Professor Aoife McLysaght was appointed as Government Science Advisor and the appointment of the National Science Advice Forum is the next step in building this model. It is recognised that science advice in policy formation has become more complex and that it is impossible for one individual to have the depth of expertise needed to advise on all scientific matters. Professor of Sustainability at University College Cork, Brian Ó Gallachóir and Professor Barry O’Sullivan, at the School of Computer Science & IT in UCC have been appointed to the forum.
Announcing the 12 panel forum Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD stated "I am delighted to appoint the first members of the National Science Advice Forum. The level of interest, and the calibre of those interested, was exceptionally high. I look forward to the contribution of the Forum in the period ahead."
Brian Ó Gallachóir is Professor of Sustainability at University College Cork and Director of the Sustainability Institute, overseeing the strategic direction of over 480 sustainability researchers at UCC. Brian is also Associate Vice-President of Sustainability, consolidating UCC's role as an internationally leading university of sustainability. Brian established energy systems optimisation modelling as a new research field in Ireland.
Profesor Ó Gallachóir said, "I’m honoured and enthused to become a member of this new National Science Advice Forum, the establishment of which is a very positive and welcome initiative by the Government. It is especially timely given the growing tendency by a growing number of politicians globally to openly ignore and dismiss the valuable policy evidence available from research."
Professor Barry O’Sullivan, FAAAI, FAAIA, FEurAI, FIAE, FICS, MRIA is a full professor at the School of Computer Science & IT and Director of UCC’s Futures in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics at University College Cork. He works on artificial intelligence, constraint programming, operations research, AI/data ethics, and public policy. He served as Vice Chair of the European Commission’s High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence.
Professor O’Sullivan, said "It will be a pleasure to support Professor McLysaght and my fellow forum members in providing science advice in policy formation, advising on scientific matters, especially in relation to artificial intelligence, computer science, and the applications and impacts of those disciplines."