Minister Martin announces new appointments to Board of Science Foundation Ireland
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin T.D. today (8 April 2008) announced the appointment of Dr. Rita Colwell and Mr. Tom Boland to the Board of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI).
Dr. Rita Colwell is Chairman of Canon US Life Sciences, Inc. and Distinguished University Professor both at the University of Maryland at College Park and at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr Colwell is also former Director of the US National Science Foundation (NSF). Mr. Tom Boland is Chief Executive Officer of the Higher Education Authority (HEA), a post he has held since January 2004.
Commenting on the appointments, Minister Martin said “I am delighted to welcome the esteemed Dr. Colwell and Mr Boland to the Board of SFI. Dr. Colwell’s outstanding experience as an internationally-respected scientist will be much valued, while Mr Boland’s many significant achievements across a range of agencies and Government departments, particularly Education and Science, will be of enormous benefit to SFI. The appointment of Mr Boland is also a further example of increased linkages and co-operation between the HEA and SFI. I look forward to the contributions both members will make to the development of SFI in the years ahead.”
Welcoming the appointments to the Board, Prof. Pat Fottrell, Chairperson of SFI, said “I am very pleased that Rita Colwell and Tom Boland are bringing their vast knowledge and experience to SFI. Both individuals will, with their respective track records and acclaimed skills, greatly enhance SFI’s operations as it delivers on the challenging task of creating a world-class research community in Ireland.
ENDS/ETE1890
Notes for Editors:
Dr. Colwell served as the 11th Director of the US National Science Foundation (NSF) from 1998-2004. In her capacity as NSF Director, she served as Co-chair of the Committee on Science of the National Science and Technology Council. During her term as head of the NSF, she oversaw a significant increase in budget and a consolidation of the support levels provided to scientists and engineers with NSF grants. In addition she broadened the NSF range of programmes with special interaction in K-12 science and mathematics education, graduate science and engineering education and the increased participation of women and minorities in science and engineering. Born in Beverly, Massachusetts, Dr. Colwell holds a B.S. in Bacteriology and an M.S. in Genetics, from Purdue University, and a Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Washington. She also has a number of honorary doctorates and servers on science advisory boards worldwide.
Mr. Tom Boland is Chief Executive Officer of the Higher Education Authority, a post he has held since January 2004. Mr Boland has also had a distinguished career in the Department of Justice, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Education and Science. In the Department of Education and Science, he worked as legal adviser and as Director of Strategic Policy. He played a central role in putting in place a modern legislative basis for the education sector at all levels, including the first Education Act, the first Universities Act and the first Act relating to the education of people with special educational needs. He holds qualifications in civil engineering from NUIG and law (The King's Inns), and was called to the Irish Bar in 1989.
Last modified: 08/04/2008
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