New professorial appointments will strengthen research, innovation, and academic leadership across five strategic areas at SETU.
SETU is set to recruit its first five professors following the introduction of a new professorship grade across Ireland’s technological university (TU) sector.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD announced the launch of recruitment for the first professors in Ireland’s technological universities, marking a significant milestone in the continued development of the sector.
SETU will recruit five professors across areas of strategic importance to the University and the south east region:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy
- Social Inclusion and Regional Resilience
- Communications Systems and Digital Infrastructures
- Climate, Technology and Innovation
- Sustainable Agri-Food Systems
The appointments will strengthen SETU’s academic leadership and research capacity in areas with significant potential to deliver economic, societal, and regional impact.
Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, welcomed the announcement and described the introduction of the professorship grade as an important milestone for both SETU and the wider sector.
“The introduction of the professorship grade represents an important step in the continued development of Ireland’s technological universities and recognises the growing contribution of the sector to research, innovation, education, and regional development.
At SETU, our first five professors will provide academic and research leadership across areas that are strategically important to our University and to the communities and industries we serve. From pharmaceutical sciences and digital infrastructure to climate innovation, sustainable agri-food systems and regional resilience, these appointments will strengthen our capacity to address complex challenges through research, collaboration and innovation.
I would like to acknowledge the significant engagement between technological university leadership, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the TUA in reaching this important milestone for our sector. We look forward to commencing the recruitment process and welcoming SETU’s first professors.”
Prof. Campbell President, SETU
The SETU positions form part of an initial 25 professorship posts being established across Ireland’s five TU: SETU, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Munster Technological University (MTU), Technological University Dublin (TUD) and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).
The posts are being funded through the Targeted Enhancement Fund (TEF), administered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). The €65.8 million fund supports initiatives considered critical to the strategic development of eligible higher education institutions.
The establishment of a professorship grade within the TU sector follows a recommendation of the 2022 OECD review of academic career structures and leadership in Ireland’s technological universities.
The new roles are intended to strengthen research and innovation, research-informed teaching and enterprise engagement, while providing additional opportunities to attract and retain academic leaders within the TU sector.
Recruitment will take place through an open, competitive process, with measures to promote gender equality throughout the search and selection process.