Professor Norma Bargary has been announced as Professor of Data Science and Statistical Learning at the University of Limerick. Bargary’s research develops statistical models to identify patterns in large and complex datasets to answer questions about the world around us and empower decision-making. Her work is cross-cutting and applicable across a multitude of fields beyond statistics/statistical learning.
She is a leader in the data science and statistics themes in three Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centres: the SSPC for Pharmaceuticals, Confirm Centre for Smart Manufacturing, and Insight Centre for Data Analytics. She is also the UL Vice-Director of the SFI Centre for Research Training in Foundations of Data Science. Prof. Bargary was recently awarded a prestigious SFI Frontiers of the Future grant as PrincipaI Investigator.
Bargary said “Data have become vital to how we live our lives. Our research aims to improve our understanding of big data to enhance decision-making in industry and society”. The Tipperary native also has a passion for encouraging better understanding and communication of statistics, “accurate communication of information and conclusions drawn from data is critical to ensuring that we have faith in science, and being confident that we are making well-informed decisions” said Bargary.
Professor Bargary was appointed via the Higher Education Authority (HEA) Senior Academic Leadership Initiative (SALI). SALI initiative aims to address gender under-representation in senior leadership roles in our higher education institutions. Professor James Gleeson the Acting Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics said “Ireland is not unusual with its huge under-representation of women at senior levels of academia, and ensuring women have as many opportunities as men in academia is vital.”
Last year, the appointment of Kerstin Mey as the interim president of the University of Limerick marked the first appointment of a woman – in over 428 years – as president of an Irish university. Mey said “UL is proud to bring talented women like Professor Bargary into leadership and we look forward to supporting her as she further realises her talent and aspirations”. Bargary said "It is a huge privilege to be one of the first women in the Republic of Ireland to become a full Professor in this area. I look forward to supporting many more talented researchers as we address the under-representation of women in senior leadership positions”.