The director general of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Frank Gannon has been elected to the steering committee of a prestigious association of Europe’s top research bodies.
An independent association of national research councils and research organisations of EU member states, EUROHORCs (European Heads of Research Councils) was established in 1992 to promote excellence in all branches of research in which major publicly funded national research organisations in Europe are assembled.
It seeks to enhance the role of the national research funding and research-performing organisations in Europe through creating a platform for discussion, and initiating joint activities and strengthening their influence on European research policy.
EUROHORCs is noted as being an active player in the field of European research policy by promoting and enhancing inter-council co-operation and serving, amongst others, as an advisory body for the European Commission.
“Professor Gannon’s (pictured) elevation to the Steering Committee of EUROHORCs is a great accolade and recognition of his immense personal skills and dedication to promoting science, engineering and innovation both here and abroad,” said the chairman of SFI, Professor Pat Fottrell.
“Election to such an eminent group illustrates how Ireland is punching above its weight in the international scientific and research community.
“Recognition of this nature by one’s peers across member states is a huge endorsement of Professor Gannon’s and SFI’s standing on the European research stage,” Fottrell added.
By John Kennedy
Pictured: director general of Science Foundation Ireland, Frank Gannon
