Professor Bill Harris gives inaugural lecture at DCU
Tuesday 27 February 2007

Prof Martin Henry, Professor Bill Harris and Prof Ferdinand von Prondzynski

Professor Bill Harris today gave his inaugural lecture on 'Ireland and Research: a lot done, a lot more to do'. The event was organised to mark his appointment as Adjunct Professor to DCU's Faculty of Science and Health.

The event was attended by DCU President, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski as well as heads of Irish universities, senior officials of the IDA and Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment also attended.

Professor Harris is currently Head of Science Foundation, Arizona.

As Director of the SFI, he was instrumental in the development of Ireland's strategic research policy, managing a €646m programme. In this role he initiated effective national policies on technology transfer and intellectual property, from which all third level institutions have benefited.

Professor Harris paid tribute to the vision of the Government in general, and to Minister Harney in particular, in developing an innivative strategy to promote high value research in Ireland. However, he also argued that the strategy will require consistency and strong leadership in the future. Professor Harris emphasised the need to take risks and not focus on the rear view mirror, the importance of the university system to Ireland's future, the challenges for the future and the imperative of excellence as the yardstick governing research funding.

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, President of DCU said that the appointment of Professor Harris was a recognition of his role in developing Ireland's R&D agenda. "The university is extremely pleased that Professor Harris has accepted this new appointment. He has he played a major role in promoting academic-industry research and has helped to ensure knowledge-intensive multinational corporate investment in this area. By maintaining his association with DCU, he will continue to promote the research agenda in this country and provide advice and strong leadership".

Listen to audio recording of inaugural lecture (large file please allow time to download)