Cambridge University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Innovation, Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, has been named the first CEO of Research Ireland, Ireland’s new government agency for the support of research and innovation.

O’Brien will leave Cambridge in September to head up a new research agency, created last year as part of “Impact 2030,” Ireland’s research and innovation strategy. The primary purpose of the agency, part of the Department of Further and Higher Education, is to “Promote the attainment and maintenance of excellence in the standard and quality of research and innovation” across the country.

Before becoming Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Innovation, O’Brien had served as Chief Executive of Cambridge Enterprise, and was the first Chief Innovation and Enterprise Officer at Trinity College Dublin.

O’Brien said: “I have hugely enjoyed my time in Cambridge, which is a thriving world leader in innovation. The brilliant people and dynamic ecosystem here will continue to generate the startups and success stories of the future. I look forward to watching Cambridge flourish.”

Five pro-vice-chancellors assist Cambridge’s vice-chancellor in institutional leadership. Each of them has a portfolio in a different area, such as innovation, research or international strategy.

Commenting on his departure, Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said: “Diarmuid has helped deliver genuine progress in ensuring that Cambridge continues to be recognised globally as a centre of innovation and technology, building partnerships, working with Government, and driving UK economic growth.”

In his future role, O’Brien hopes to “build Research Ireland into an agency that supports talented researchers, shapes Ireland’s research and innovation landscape, and delivers outcomes that contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future for Ireland’s economy and society.”

Chairperson of Research Ireland, Michael Horgan, said: “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Diarmuid as CEO. Diarmuid has a wealth of experience and an outstanding track record.”

This comes after news that former Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Strategy and Planning, David Cardwell, had spent over £5,000 on expenses in the last academic year.

In 2024, Cambridge academics voted against proposals for a sixth pro-vice-chancellor. The new position would have been responsible for leading the University’s climate strategy.