New Director for Irish Social Research Body

Ireland's Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has announced a new leader. Professor Frances Ruane, currently Associate Professor of Economics at Trinity College Dublin.

A selection committee including some of Europe's foremost social scientists was charged with finding the new Director - they included: Professor R. Erikson of Stockholm University, Professor J. Gershuny of Oxford, Professor Brendan Walsh emeritus professor of economics at UCD and Professor Klaus Zimmermann, director of two of Germany's foremost research institutes (DIW and IZA).

Professor Ruane's previous career includes time as Chairperson of the National Statistics Board, and roles as a director of DEPFA Bank and of Bord Gáis éireann. She has published extensively, especially in the fields of international economics and industrial development.

She comments: 'I am delighted to join the ESRI at a time when the role of research is being recognised as crucial to Ireland's long-term social and economic well-being. The Institute has established itself as a major research centre in the social sciences both in Ireland and in Europe. I intend to build on its established strengths and am committed to engaging very actively with all its stakeholders.'

Professor Ruane succeeds Professor Brendan Whelan on the expiry of his term of office at the end of the year. ESRI Chairman Mary Finan comments: 'Under Professor Whelan's leadership, the ESRI's publication output and policy influence have never been stronger, its managerial and governance structures have been thoroughly revitalised and a number of long-term research programmes of national importance initiated. Working from this solid basis, I believe Professor Ruane has the ability and vision to develop further the ESRI's national contribution in the years ahead.'

The Institute's home page is at www.esri.ie .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.