University of Limerick's Vice President of Research and Innovation has been admitted to the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) for his exceptional contribution to science.
Professor Kevin Ryan is one of 29 new members to be admitted to the RIA in recognition of their contributions to the sciences, humanities and social sciences as well as to public service.
Election to membership of the Academy is the highest academic honour in Ireland. Members are elected by their peers in recognition of outstanding scholarly achievement and their contribution to knowledge and society.
In the citation, the RIA described Professor Ryan as an internationally recognised leader in nanomaterials for rechargeable batteries, who has made major contributions to the development of advanced battery materials and has helped shape materials research and innovation in Ireland and internationally.
Professor Daniel Carey, President of the Royal Irish Academy said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome this year’s newly elected members to the Royal Irish Academy. The breadth of expertise represented among them reflects the richness and diversity of scholarship and public service across Ireland and beyond. We look forward to the insights and expertise these new members will bring to the Academy’s work in advancing trusted, independent and evidence-based dialogue across the island.”
Professor Kevin Ryan said: “I am delighted to be admitted to the RIA. It is fantastic to be recognised by my peers for my scientific contributions to nanoscience, materials science and battery materials. To be able to share this occasion with my family was very special.”
The Royal Irish Academy champions Irish academic research and has been honouring Ireland’s leading contributors to the world of learning since its establishment in 1785. Those elected are entitled to use the designation ‘MRIA’ after their name.
One of its principal roles is to identify and recognise Ireland’s world class researchers. It supports excellent scholarship and promotes awareness of how science, the humanities and social sciences enrich our lives and benefit society.
The newest members were elected earlier this year and include, Anne Enright, one of Ireland’s best-known contemporary writers and winner of the 2007 Man Booker Prize for ‘The Gathering’, Teresa Lambe who is a co-designer of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, making her one of the most internationally recognised Irish scientists of recent years, Brian Ó Gallachóir, one of Ireland’s leading experts on climate and energy policy and Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell, and were officially admitted at a ceremony in Dublin.
There are 707 Members of the Royal Irish Academy (of whom 97 are Honorary or overseas Members). Past Members have included Maria Edgeworth, a pioneer of the modern novel, Kathleen Lonsdale, X-ray crystallographer and pacifist, and Nobel laureates: WB Yeats; Ernest Walton, and Seamus Heaney.