UL academic appointed Chair of Royal Irish Academy Physical Chemical and Mathematical Sciences Committee
A University of Limerick academic has been appointed Chair of Royal Irish Academy Physical, Chemical and Mathematical Sciences Committee.
Dr Romina Gaburro, Associate Professor of Applied Mathematics at UL's Faculty of Science and Engineering, will serve in this role for the duration of her 2026-2030 term with the Academy.
The all-island multidisciplinary committee brings together academics, researchers and experts from higher education institutions working across the physical, chemical and mathematical sciences. Its remit includes addressing issues of national and international significance, advising the Academy on policy development, and overseeing a programme of lectures, publications and scientific events.
Dr Gaburro is a researcher in UL's Department of Mathematics and Statistics and leads the Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future project Inverse Problems for Sustainable Living in Ireland (IP-SUSTAIN) within the Mathematics Applications Consortium for Science and Industry (MACSI). A member of the Health Research Institute, her research focuses on inverse problems and their applications in areas including medical imaging and infectious disease modelling. She was also part of the MACSI team recognised with a UL President's Research Excellence and Impact Award for work on modelling the spread of COVID-19.
Commenting on her appointment, Dr Gaburro said: “I am delighted to accept the role of Chair and look forward to promoting and supporting this important work over the next four years. I would like to thank the outgoing Chair, Dr Spyridon Dendrinos, for their leadership and welcome the new Vice Chair, Dr John O'Donoghue.”
Outlining the role of the multidisciplinary committees Professor Linda Hogan, Secretary of the Royal Irish Academy, said: “The multidisciplinary committees are a vital engine within the Royal Irish Academy and are responsible for leading a large and varied programme of work. The diverse events and activities organised by the committees draw public and policy attention to important research areas and research issues and facilitate discussion and engagement with scholarly communities across the island of Ireland.”
Beyond her research, Dr Gaburro has played a leading role in advancing equality, diversity and inclusion in mathematics and STEM. She is the founding Chair of the Irish Mathematical Society’s Committee for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Mathematics (ICEDIM), serves as Ireland's country coordinator for European Women in Mathematics, and is Ireland's ambassador to the International Mathematical Union Committee for Women in Mathematics.
As Chair of the committee, Dr Gaburro will help shape discussions on key scientific issues at national and international level while continuing to champion mathematics education, research excellence and greater equality, diversity and inclusion across STEM disciplines.
