Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the Government decision to establish a new Professor grade across Ireland’s Technological Universities.

The decision, brought to Government by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, will see an initial phase of 25 appointments to commence through open competition.

Minister Canney said the move marks an important step in strengthening the academic leadership, research capacity and international standing of the Technological University sector.

“As a former lecturer at GMIT, now Atlantic Technological University, I have seen first-hand the vital role Technological Universities play in regional development, skills delivery and applied research,” he said. “Introducing a Professor grade recognises the maturity of the sector and supports its continued evolution as a driver of innovation and opportunity across the regions.”

The posts will be funded on a sustainable basis through the Targeted Enhancement Fund, approved by Government, and will be recruited on full-year academic contracts.

Minister Canney noted that Technological Universities had been unique in a European context in not having the ability to appoint
professors as academic leaders within their institutions, a gap highlighted in the OECD review of technological university academic careers and structures (2022).

“These appointments will strengthen research and innovation, enhance research-informed teaching, and deepen engagement between universities, enterprise and the wider economy,” he said.

The decision delivers on Programme for Government commitments to introduce new academic career paths and professorships within Technological Universities, supporting regional development and widening access to higher education.