The University of Galway has announced the appointment of Professor Peter McHugh as the interim president. The decision was confirmed by the university’s governing board, Údarás na hOllscoile, on Thursday. This follows Prof Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh’s declaration last week of his intent to vacate the post.
Professor McHugh, currently the deputy president and registrar, will assume office in September. Distinguished by his groundwork in the field of biomedical engineering both in Ireland and globally, he’s also renowned for establishing the Biomechanics Research Centre (BioMEC) at the university. His contribution to research in this field has done wonders to push the country’s scientific frontier.
Expressing his joy over the appointment, Professor McHugh emphasized his intent to enhance the university’s international standing in academic excellence and innovation, building on its previous accomplishments.
Having been a part of the University since 1991, he was given the title of the first Established Professor of Biomedical Engineering in 2007. Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, who chairs the University’s Governing Authority, conveyed her best wishes to Professor McHugh as he undertakes the role during a period fraught with “sectoral challenges”.