The Economic and Social Research Institute has announced that the next director of the institute will be Professor Frances Ruane.
Professor Ruane, who was selected by a panel which included a number of Europe's foremost social scientists, will succeed Professor Brendan Whelan whose term expires at that time.
Currently Associate Professor of Economics in Trinity College Dublin, she was Bursar of TCD between 1991 and 1995, a director of DEPFA Bank and of Bord Gáis Éireann and Chairperson of the National Statistics Board, as well as participating in numerous other professional bodies at national and international level.
Prof Ruane has published extensively in the fields of international economics and industrial development.
Speaking of her new role, Professor Ruane said "I am delighted to join the ESRI at a time when the role of research is being recognised as crucial to Ireland's long-term social and economic well-being. The Institute has established itself as a major research centre in the social sciences both in Ireland and in Europe. I intend to build on its established strengths and am committed to engaging very actively with all its stakeholders."
Prof Ruane will take up her post before the end of the year.