SETU’s Dr Frances Hardiman, Head of Faculty of Engineering at the University's Kilkenny Road Campus in Carlow, was awarded membership of the Irish Academy of Engineering (IAE) at a ceremony in Dublin.
Dr Hardiman, distinguished engineer specialising in production engineering, joins the ranks of fellows from across Ireland who are prominent in industry, academia, the public sector, and engineering consulting. She will work alongside her colleagues to advise on policy and to advance engineering innovation, education, and research in Ireland.
A fitting accolade
Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, commented on the remarkable achievements of Dr Hardiman as Head of Faculty of Engineering at SETU and the impact of her membership of the Irish Academy of Engineering. She said, “The awarding of the membership of the Irish Academy of Engineering to Dr Frances Hardiman is a fitting accolade to recognise the immense contribution Frances has made to engineering in Ireland. With a career spanning over 20 years across academia, research, and industry, Frances has been a leader and innovator, developing new thinking and technologies to meet the challenges we face in the twenty-first century. “
“Her contribution to engineering in SETU and the south east region has been exceptional, as Head of Faculty of Engineering at SETU, and co-founder of Engineering the South East, Frances has been instrumental in working with regional stakeholders from industry, education and government agencies to promote and support engineering in the south east.”
Fulfilling renewable energy objectives
Prof. Campbell continued, “Recently appointed as the Technological University representative on the Government Offshore Wind Taskforce, Frances brings her wealth of knowledge and experience to the taskforce discussions on how to fulfil the government’s objective of renewable energy supplying up to 80% of Ireland’s electricity by 2030 and what role the south east can play in delivering this.”
“Frances’ leadership in academia and research has been exemplary, routed in collaboration with regional stakeholders and focused on finding solutions to the challenges of the day. Membership of the Irish Academy of Engineering confirms her position as a thought leader in this field, giving her further opportunity to play an active role in how engineering and technology form an active response to the defining challenges of our times.”, Prof. Campbell concluded.
Impacting engineering policy
Engineering academies throughout the world are a key feature of all developed economies, providing independent expert advice to governments and policy makers. The work of the IAE is to advance the wellbeing of the country by marshalling the expertise and insights of eminent engineers to provide independent advice to policy makers on matters involving engineering and technology.
Upon accepting her membership at the academy’s Dublin ceremony, Dr Hardiman said, “It is an honour to be nominated and provided with the opportunity to join respected colleagues in discussing topics of national importance. The south east of Ireland is a strong engineering region and I look forward to bringing both a regional and technological university perspective to the academy”
The Irish Academy of Engineering is formally affiliated with the European Council of Academies of Applied Sciences, Technologies, and Engineering (Euro-CASE), and with the global International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences (CAETS). The IAE has been nominated for membership of CAETS, the International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences. This will be particularly important in promoting the image of Ireland and building valuable connections.
For more information on the IAE visit iae.ie
To explore SETU’s courses in engineering, visit setu.ie