Govt appoints chief science adviser

The Government has appointed Dr Barry McSweeney as Ireland's first chief science adviser.

The appointment is part of a package of decisions taken by Government to maximise Ireland’s potential in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).

As chief science adviser, Dr McSweeney will provide independent advice on any aspect of science, technology and innovation as required by the Government.

He will have a special role to play in advising on science issues in the context of the EU and internationally.

Dr McSweeney’s office will be attached to Forfás, the state agency responsible for providing government with advice on a range of issues including economic policy and STI.

Dr McSweeney is currently Director General of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC).

Previously he headed up Ireland’s first National Biotechnology R&D Programme.