SFI Appoints Director of Programmes

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) has announced the appointment of Dr. Darrin Morrissey as Director of Programmes. Also a member of the Executive Committee of SFI, Darrin will be responsible for leading the design, monitoring and evaluation of the Foundation’s suite of research funding programmes including support for the implementation of SFI’s strategic plan, Agenda 2020.

Darrin was formerly with Stiefel, a GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)-owned company that develops and manufactures dermatology products. As Business Improvement Director he implemented strategy deployment, change management and business transformation. He originally joined GSK Ireland in 2007 and as Head of Oncology led the establishment of GSK’s oncology business in Ireland. He also held the role of GSK’s Global Oncology Marketing Director.

 Commenting on his appointment, Professor Mark Ferguson, Director General of SFI and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Irish Government said, “I am delighted to welcome Darrin to SFI as Director of Programmes. Darrin’s significant experience in the global and Irish research sectors, as well as in corporate strategy and business development, will be a real asset to SFI.

"As we implement Agenda 2020 and continue our work in establishing Ireland as a leading research nation, Darrin’s leadership expertise and industry knowledge will be particularly valuable.”

Darrin has a BSc in Microbiology and a PhD in Cancer Biology from University College Cork. He also worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the National Food Biotechnology Centre and, recently, has completed a Diploma in Advanced Management Practice awarded by National University of Ireland Galway.