Launch of RIA Oireachtas Science Pairing Scheme

The Royal Irish Academy Oireachtas Science Pairing Scheme was officially launched on Monday, November 18th, by Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, at Academy House in Dublin: https://www.ria.ie/oireachtas-science-pairing-scheme. The scheme is a collaborative project between the RIA and the Houses of the Oireachtas to enable expert research on a range of AHSS and STEM themes to positively impact in the political sphere. This core vision of societal impact sees members of the Oireachtas paired with academics working on issues of relevance in their constituency or committee work. The topics under consideration cover some of the key issues facing Ireland today, including housing, rural sustainability, energy and international development. NUI Galway has the highest number of academic partners in the scheme of any Irish university: the Dean of CASSCS, Prof. Cathal O’Donoghue, will be working with Deputy Michael Harty on the topic of rural economic development; Dr Marie Mahon and Dr Maura Farrell from Geography will be working with Deputy Declan Breathnach and Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin on the topic of rural sustainability; and Dr John Morrissey from Geography will be working with Senator Ivana Bacik on human security and Ireland’s international development policy.

Dr John Morrissey from Geography at NUIG pictured with Senator Ivana Bacik outside Leinster House on Monday at the launch of the RIA Oireachtas Science Pairing Scheme. John will be working with Senator Bacik and the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence on the goal of human security in Ireland’s international development policy.