The Institutes of Technology Ireland (IoTI), the body representing the 13 institutes around the country, has appointed a new chair for 2010 in the form of Dr Ruaidhrí Neavyn, president of the IT Carlow since 2004.
Neavyn says that in terms of goals for 2010, the IoTI would “particularly welcome a recommendation on the establishment of a Technological University”, pending on the output of the Higher Education Strategic Review Group.
He said that other priorities for the institutes include increasing available finding and staffing in order to cater for the growing demand for both full-time and part-time courses and programmes around the country.
He also stated that “further development of the institutes’ R&D and enterprise support activities in association with business, industry and other relevant state bodies at a local, regional and national level,” is a main concern, which he feels is vital to assisting economic recovery and development.
“We are also looking at the development of additional sector-wide international collaborative activities that are not only a useful source of additional finance but also enhance the reputation and perception of the sector and the state in an increasingly competitive global economy,” he added.
Educational background
Before his appointment at the IT Carlow, Neavyn graduated from DIT and TCD in applied science and obtained a PhD in physical and atmospheric chemistry from UCD.
He performed post-doctoral research work in the University of California, Irvine, in the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences and went on to hold several senior-management positions at Limerick IT, including head of development and registrar.
By Marie Boran
Photo: Dr Ruaidhrí Neavyn
