Professor Mark Ferguson, Director General of SFI will take on the role of Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government in addition to his existing role as Director General of Science Foundation Ireland it has been announced. The decision comes following a Government decision to abolish the separate Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA).
Commenting on the appointment, Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation Richard Bruton TD said Professor Ferguson “is particularly well placed to fulfil the role of Chief Scientific Adviser. This additional role will complement his existing work in Science Foundation Ireland particularly given SFI’s ready access to networks of national and international scientists – access which is crucially important for a Chief Scientific Adviser to be able to draw upon. I understand that Professor Ferguson will utilise an independent advisory panel of eminent scientists as the need arises”.
The Minister added: “the role of the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government is an important one, particularly given the Government’s stated commitment to research, development and innovation and its importance for Ireland’s economic recovery. This move marks a consolidation of our resources in this area and complements the range of scientific advice that is also available within Government organisations, including in areas such as veterinary science, agriculture, environment and health.”