Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the launch of recruitment for the first-ever Professors in Ireland’s Technological Universities, including Atlantic Technological University (ATU).

The introduction of a Professorship grade represents a significant development for ATU and the wider Technological University sector, strengthening its capacity in academic leadership, research, innovation and teaching.

The first phase will provide for 25 Professorship posts across Ireland’s Technological Universities, with appointments at ATU supporting strategically important and regionally relevant areas including Veterinary Surgery and Rural Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Engineering, Climate and Sustainability.

Minister Canney, a former lecturer at ATU, said the new Professorships would further strengthen the University’s ability to attract and retain academic talent, develop its research capacity and provide new opportunities for students and researchers.

Minister Canney said: “The introduction of Professorships is a very significant step forward for ATU and reflects the continued development of the University and the wider Technological University sector.

“These positions will strengthen ATU’s expertise and research capacity in areas which are hugely important to the future of our region and our economy, including veterinary surgery and rural medicine, pharmacy, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering and sustainability.

“Having worked as a lecturer at ATU, I know first-hand the important role the University plays in providing opportunities for students and in supporting the economic and social development of the region.

The establishment of a Professorship grade implements a key recommendation of the 2022 OECD review of academic career structures within Technological Universities and delivers on a Programme for Government commitment.

The first phase will see 25 Professorship posts established across ATU, Munster Technological University, South East Technological University, Technological University Dublin and Technological University of the Shannon.