TEACHER'S PET:What lessons can be drawn from the research merger between University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin?
First, UCD president Hugh Brady – the prime mover in the merger plan – is the main player in higher education in the State. Brady has set the agenda on reform, modernisation and research. He also has a remarkable network of contacts at the heart of Government. The result? When Hugh Brady talks, the Government sits up and takes notice.
UCD is the big winner in the research merger. After a slow start, UCD has raised its game on research. UCC and DCU are angry because their research capacity is just as good.
The merger, however, will raise UCD’s stock and, presumably, its position in those all-important world rankings. One question: will the merger be as good for Trinity – already the only Irish university inside the world top 50 – as it is for UCD?
- While the UCD/TCD merger makes sound sense, the secretive manner in which the deal was done has left a sour taste.
The Irish Universities Association (IUA) – the group which represents the views of all seven presidents – found itself marginalised as UCD and TCD pressed ahead.
UCC president Michael Murphy and DCU president Ferdinand von Prondzynski led a strong rearguard action. Both emerged with their reputation considerably enhanced.
- Which college is best when it comes to communications?
If the release of last week’s CAO student options is any guide, UCD, NUI Maynooth and UL are in a league of their own.
These colleges rushed to spread the good news about more demand for their places. UCD’s communications department – led by the dynamic Eilis O’Brien – even provided a detailed analysis of the figures.
But where was TCD? With student applications up by 10 per cent the university had a good story to tell. But the opportunity was lost.
- If the Government is looking for someone to explain the complicated world of scientific research to the public, it might usefully employ TCD vice provost Patrick Prendergast.
He delivered an impressive press briefing on research before last week’s launch of the UCD/TCD merger.
