PRESS RELEASE
Prof. Peter Gallagher has been appointed a Senior Professor and Head of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS).
Prior to taking up the role, Prof. Gallagher was Professor in Astrophysics at Trinity College Dublin, where he was head of solar physics and space weather research – and where he led the development of Ireland’s first major astronomy facility, the Irish Low Frequency Array (I-LOFAR) at Birr Castle in Co. Offaly.
Commenting on his new role with DIAS, Prof. Gallagher said: “It is a privilege to take up this appointment in an institution with fundamental research at its core.
“DIAS has an exemplary track record and a rich heritage in astrophysics and space reseach. Since its formation, DIAS Astrophysics has connected Ireland to leading international organisations, such as the European Space Agency (ESA), and more recently, the European Southern Observatory (ESO).
“Astrophysics and space exploration offer us the ability to address some of the most fundamental questions in science and push technology to its limits. A great example is ESA’s €650M Solar Orbiter spacecraft, to be launched by NASA in 2020, which my group at DIAS are involved in developing some of its on-board software, gaining insight into how the Sun works and how it influences the Solar System.
“Ireland is currently developing a space strategy for enterprise, which offers us a great opportunity to develop a strong space research and innovation ecosystem. I am looking forward to further advancing both DIAS’ and Ireland’s links between Irish research institutions, companies and international space agencies.”
Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS said: “We are delighted to welcome an individual of such high calibre to DIAS. Peter has an outstanding leadership and research record and has led some of the most significant Irish research projects in astrophysics.
“Ireland’s track record in astrophysics continues to go from strength to strength, as reflected in the recent joining of the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and with Ireland’s representation on the ESO Council by DIAS professor, Tom Ray.
“None of this would be possible without the continued support for basic and frontier research. I have no doubt that Peter’s expertise and leadership will continue to advance Ireland’s and DIAS’ reputation at home, and as a global leader in space research and exploration.”
In addition to starting his new role at DIAS, Prof. Gallagher retains his position as Head of the I-LOFAR consortium and will hold an adjunct position at Trinity College Dublin. He is also a member of ESA’s Space Science Advisory Committee; a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society; and a member of the Astronomical Sciences Group of Ireland. He was made a Chevalier (Knight) de Palmes Academique by the French Government in 2017.
ENDS
Peter Gallagher appointed Head of Astronomy and Astrophysics at DIAS
Leave a Comment
Last Updated: 23rd October 2018 by Niamh Breathnach
PRESS RELEASE
Prof. Peter Gallagher has been appointed a Senior Professor and Head of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS).
Prior to taking up the role, Prof. Gallagher was Professor in Astrophysics at Trinity College Dublin, where he was head of solar physics and space weather research – and where he led the development of Ireland’s first major astronomy facility, the Irish Low Frequency Array (I-LOFAR) at Birr Castle in Co. Offaly.
Commenting on his new role with DIAS, Prof. Gallagher said: “It is a privilege to take up this appointment in an institution with fundamental research at its core.
“DIAS has an exemplary track record and a rich heritage in astrophysics and space reseach. Since its formation, DIAS Astrophysics has connected Ireland to leading international organisations, such as the European Space Agency (ESA), and more recently, the European Southern Observatory (ESO).
“Astrophysics and space exploration offer us the ability to address some of the most fundamental questions in science and push technology to its limits. A great example is ESA’s €650M Solar Orbiter spacecraft, to be launched by NASA in 2020, which my group at DIAS are involved in developing some of its on-board software, gaining insight into how the Sun works and how it influences the Solar System.
“Ireland is currently developing a space strategy for enterprise, which offers us a great opportunity to develop a strong space research and innovation ecosystem. I am looking forward to further advancing both DIAS’ and Ireland’s links between Irish research institutions, companies and international space agencies.”
Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS said: “We are delighted to welcome an individual of such high calibre to DIAS. Peter has an outstanding leadership and research record and has led some of the most significant Irish research projects in astrophysics.
“Ireland’s track record in astrophysics continues to go from strength to strength, as reflected in the recent joining of the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and with Ireland’s representation on the ESO Council by DIAS professor, Tom Ray.
“None of this would be possible without the continued support for basic and frontier research. I have no doubt that Peter’s expertise and leadership will continue to advance Ireland’s and DIAS’ reputation at home, and as a global leader in space research and exploration.”
In addition to starting his new role at DIAS, Prof. Gallagher retains his position as Head of the I-LOFAR consortium and will hold an adjunct position at Trinity College Dublin. He is also a member of ESA’s Space Science Advisory Committee; a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society; and a member of the Astronomical Sciences Group of Ireland. He was made a Chevalier (Knight) de Palmes Academique by the French Government in 2017.
ENDS
Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Featured Blog Posts, News, Uncategorised
“One might say that the purpose of the scientific schools of the Institute is to play a small but effective part in trying to satisfy man’s insatiable desire to understand how nature works” - J.L. Synge Senior, Professor at @StpDias from 1948–1972 #DIASdiscovers
The DIAS School of Celtic Studies @SCSLibrary trace the development of Celtic languages through a study of its different stages of attestation from earliest times to the spoken languages of today. Tuilleadh eolais ar an scoil le fáil anseo: twitter.com/SCSLibrary #DIASdiscovers
In 2012, we launched the Irish Astronomy Trail, which links all the key astronomy sites on the island of Ireland and is a cross-border initiative with the Armagh Observatory. Find out about the trail here: astronomytrail.ie #DIASdiscovers
When sitting down to dinner on the 25th, spare a thought for the 1st astronauts in space at #Christmas who settled down to hot cocoa, cookies, corn chowder, chicken and gravy. Find out about the first Christmas in space aboard Apollo 8 at ietv.co/2EdRJ7s. #DIASdiscovers
“Astronomy was the cradle of the natural sciences and the starting point of geometrical theories.” Cornelius Lanczos, Senior Prof at the @StpDias from 1954 to 1968.
Professor Sergei Lebedev, lead researcher on the @dias_geophysics Sea-Seis project has just been featured in @siliconrepublic's '22 scientists making the world a better place' list! Great to see Sergei and his work being recognised! #DIASdiscovers twitter.com/siliconrepubli…
Our visiting guest, Professor John McCloskey @EdinburghUni spoke to @NewstalkFM @SeanMoncrieff this afternoon about the unpredictability of volcanoes! Don’t miss his talk tonight - 6.30pm @TCD_physics, organised by @dias_geophysics. Full details: bit.ly/2AqmORP
@AdeODubhghaill You seem to have made a good start!
DIAS is the world’s foremost academic publisher in the field of #CelticStudies. 400 books have been published by our School of Celtic Studies. #DIASdiscovers
At DIAS, our mission is to push the boundaries of current understanding in our specialist disciplines and to conduct fundamental research to the highest international standards. #DIASdiscovers
Don't forget that the "Forecasting the Unpredictable: earthquake science in a crowded world" public lecture is being given tomorrow in @tcddublin by Professor John McCloskey, Chair in Natural Hazards Science at @EdinburghUni. All info at bit.ly/2QphEQJ. #DIASdiscovers
Cornelius Lanczos was a Senior Prof at the @StpDias from 1954 to 1968. #DIASdiscovers
.@petertgallagher, Senior Professor @DIAS_Astronomy has a letter in the @IrishTimes on the distinguished astronomical heritage that Ireland has in our observatories at Dunsink, Armagh and Birr, and the contribution they have made to our country. #DIASdiscovers twitter.com/petertgallaghe…
‘The scientist only imposes two things, namely truth and sincerity, imposes them upon himself and upon other scientists’ – Erwin Schrodinger. Schrodinger was the first Director of Theoretical Physics at DIAS. #DIASdiscovers
At DIAS we contribute to the implementation of a range of national strategies and road maps – Innovation 2020, the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, the Action Plan for Education and the Global Island policy. We have the future of Ireland at the core of our vision.