Geneticist Aoife McLysaght appointed Government science adviser

Royal Irish Academy welcomes the appointment of Professor Aoife McLysaght to the role of Government Science Advisor.

Responding to the appointment of Professor Aoife McLysaght as Ireland’s new Government Science Advisor, Mary Doyle MRIA, Secretary for Policy and International Relations at the Royal Irish Academy, said:

‘I would like to congratulate Professor Aoife McLysaght on her appointment as Ireland’s new Government Science Advisor. Professor McLysaght is an outstanding scientist whose experience and track record makes her ideally placed to lead the work of the new National Science Advice Forum.

Since 2020, the Royal Irish Academy has called for greater independence and resources to support a stronger science advice system for the benefit of Ireland.

Science and knowledge are critical to Ireland’s future.  Drawing together, interpreting and applying scientific knowledge from across the sciences, humanities and social sciences is key to understanding and positioning Ireland to best respond to the big challenges of our time.

Irish scientists have a stellar track record in contributing to international and European science advice mechanisms and Professor McLysaght’s appointment will further advance this work.’

The Royal Irish Academy supports the participation of Irish scientists in European science advisory working groups and taskforces through its membership of the European Academies Science Advisory Council and ALLEA (All European Academies). RIA representatives are currently contributing to policy advisory work on issues ranging from the decarbonization of buildings, wildfires, science and ethics, science education, science and human rights, and biosciences and health.