Ulster University gets £5m donation to boost data analytics

Money to be spent on establishment of the Dr George Moore chair, after the late Irishman

Professor Paddy Nixon, vice-chancellor, Ulster University, with Angela Moore, who made the donation.
Professor Paddy Nixon, vice-chancellor, Ulster University, with Angela Moore, who made the donation.

Ulster University is to boost its prominence in the field of data analytics and artificial intelligence following a £5 million donation.

The money is to be spent on the establishment of the Dr George Moore chair in data analytics. The late Dr Moore was described by the university as "one of the founding fathers" of the data analytics industry.

The donation was made by Dr Moore's wife, Angela Moore. Recruitment for the role has begun and the selection process is ongoing.

“The chair will be a stellar, world-class academic, who will lead an innovative research team responding dynamically to the real-world needs of data analytics,” said Ulster University.

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“In recognition of Mrs Moore’s gift, Ulster University will recruit an associated research fellow and three PhD students who will contribute to revolutionising global AI and data analytics research.”

Dr George Moore, born in Co Louth, left Ireland in 1972 and established Targus Information, a world leading data analytics service provider, whose technologies are used by many Fortune 500 companies.

Dr Moore predicted the explosion of information that would follow the creation of the internet and he recognised the commercial value of harnessing such information though data analytics.

Ulster University awarded Dr George Moore an honorary doctorate in 2005 in recognition of his “outstanding contribution to society” and his global impact on the field of data analytics.

Colin Gleeson

Colin Gleeson

Colin Gleeson is an Irish Times reporter