Two leading University academics have been appointed to a panel to advise the Government on how best to commercialise Northern Ireland’s science and technology research.

Professor Bernie Hannigan, Pro-Vice -Chancellor Research and Innovation, and Professor Jim McLaughlin, Director of ST&D Ltd and Professor of Advanced Functional Materials will join nine other experts on the Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel.

It will be chaired by Professor Damien McDonnell, the Belfast-born chief executive of the UK’s Defence Diversification Agency.

Enterprise Minister, Maria Eagle, said: “Increasing the commercial exploitation of science, technology and R&D in Northern Ireland is key to developing an internationally competitive, knowledge based economy.

”The establishment of the Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel underlines our commitment to ensuring that the business community has every opportunity to lead the agenda in the commercialisation of our high technology and R&D strengths.”

She added: “Professor McDonnell and the other members of the panel have been selected because they are highly respected for their wide range of knowledge, experience and expertise. The panel's advice and guidance will be of great value in developing Northern Ireland as a leading region for the exploitation of key science and technology in the years ahead”.

The panel was established after consultation with a range of key stakeholders including the business sector, Higher and Further Education institutions, other Government departments and Invest NI.

Biographical Infos

Professor James McLaughlin is Professor of Advanced Functional Materials, Director of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Research Institute and Assistant Director of NIBEC. Recently, along with colleagues, he set-up the spin-out company Sensor Technology and Devices Ltd (ST&D Ltd). He is currently a member of the RAE 2008 Metallurgy and Materials Panel and Chair of a 2006 NanoIreland Taskforce on Nanomaterials.

Professor Bernie Hannigan Bernie joined the University of Ulster in 1983. Prior to her current appointment Professor Hannigan was Dean of the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences and was previously Head of School of Biomedical Sciences. Her own expertise is in Immunology, most particularly in understanding the relationship between nutrition and immune responses. She is a member of the Board of Invest NI.


Ends

For further information, please contact:

David Young
Telephone: 028 90366074
Email: David Young