Introduction of Professorships a 'breakthrough moment' for TU sector
The introduction of a full Professorship grade in Ireland’s Technological Universities has been described as a "breakthrough moment" for the sector.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless has announced the landmark reform, a measure which TUS president Professor Vincent Cunnane said "is one of the fundamental needs since the establishment of Technological Universities".
The measure will see up to 50 professorships approved across the TU sector, with an initial 25 positions to be rolled out across the system.
Speaking on behalf of the Presidents and Chairs of Ireland’s Technological Universities, Interim Chairperson of the Technological University Association (TUA) Professor Cunnane said the introduction of Professorships for the TU sector "has been a long time coming".
"The announcement is a good first step towards full implementation of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report on academic career pathways across TUs. This is a breakthrough moment in the evolution of the sector.
“We look forward to engaging with the Government on a resolution that reflects the importance of this senior academic position," Professor Cunnane said.
Local OPW Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran welcomed the news regarding the funding of Professorships at TU level.
"I’m delighted to have supported a positive pathway for supporting funding that will create Professorships in the newly established technological university (TU) sector. This is an exciting development as it puts the TU sector on a similar footing with established (benchmarking) universities for competitiveness, innovation and impact.
"This timely initiative will go towards realising the ambitions of newly established TUs, including the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) in my constituency.
"Professorships will retain and attract internationally-leading academics to develop cutting edge, real-world solutions that will unlock complex societal challenges for regional growth with a global orientation," Minister Moran said.
The Minister said the awarding of a Professorship "represents the pinnacle of academic achievement".
"Professorships are prestigious and constitute the highest point achievable by academics on the university progression ladder, allowing greater opportunities for bridging academia with industry and to strengthen our regional economies. The ability to appoint professorships underscores university status, and helps meet expectations across education, research, enterprise and outreach.
"Appointment of Professorships symbolises the arrival of TU sector on a level playing field with other universities globally promoting continued success in scale and capacity for meeting pressing needs ranging from health to climate change. I wish the TU sector much success with appointment of future professorships in the short term," the Minister added.
In announcing the academic measure, Minister Lawless said the introduction of a Professorship grade "is a major step forward for the TU sector".
In 2022, the OECD conducted a review of career structures and academic contracts in Ireland’s Technological Universities. The review concluded that introducing a modern career framework, including senior academic grades, was an urgent reform essential to the successful transformation of the TU sector.