A man recognised for his “strong standing” in the European research community has been selected as a member of the European Commission’s Mission Board for Healthy Oceans, Seas, Coastal, and Inland Waters.
Dr Peter Heffernan, the CEO of the Marine Institute since its establishment in 1993 and who will retire from this role in October, is one of two Irish appointees to the mission boards.
The board is one of five major research missions of Horizon Europe, the EU Research and Innovation programme (2021 – 2027 ). Dr Heffernan is one of 15 experts on the board, which will identify the first possible specific missions on healthy oceans by the end of 2019.
Welcoming the announcement, Dr John Killeen, the chairperson of the Marine Institute, said Dr Heffernan has played a “fundamental role” in developing Ireland’s ocean research capacity and driving collaboration in marine research and innovation in Europe and internationally.
“I congratulate Peter on his appointment which reflects his strong standing in the European research community.”
More than 2,100 individuals from across the EU and beyond applied to become members of a mission board. Dr Heffernan served on the EU’s Research and Innovation Area Board (ERIAB ) from 2012 – 2016.
