8th February 2017 - Science Foundation Ireland today announced the reappointment of Professor Mark Ferguson as Director General of Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland. Professor Ferguson will serve a further five year term.

 Announcing the reappointment, Ann Riordan, Chairman of Science Foundation Ireland said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Professor Ferguson for his significant contribution to the organisation to date and to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his reappointment. Professor Ferguson’s in depth knowledge of both sides has been instrumental in developing ways for academia and industry to work together. He will continue to play a key role in delivering our vision and strategy to develop scientific research in ways that will benefit Irish society and the economy.”

 Commenting Professor Ferguson said: “I am delighted to be reappointed as Director General of Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Irish Government. Science Foundation Ireland plays an essential role in supporting world-class scientific and engineering research, the results from which impact positively on our society and our economy. I look forward to continuing to work with Government, our scientific research community in both HEIs and industry, the SFI Board and staff in pursuing our vision of making Ireland a global leader in scientific and engineering research, discovery and innovation.”

 Professor Mark Ferguson was first appointed as Director General of Science Foundation Ireland in January 2012 and as Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland in October 2012.  More recently Professor Ferguson was appointed by the EU Commission as one of 12 members of a High Level Group on Maximising the Impact of EU Research and Innovation Programmes.  In addition, he is a founding member of the Small Advanced Economies Initiative, and Chair of the eHealth Ireland Committee.  Click here to view a full profile