Cullen Fellowship Programme Launched

Cathal and Ruth Cullen with Minister Simon Coveney at the Cullen Fellowship Programme launch on July 10th 2015 during SeaFest in CorkThe Marine Institute's Cullen Fellowship, was officially launched by Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on 10th July during the SeaFest events in Cork.

The Cullen Fellowship programme provides research training opportunities for scientists in marine and related disciplines leading to Masters and PhD degrees. The programme was set up in memory of Anne Cullen (1958 - 2013), who made a significant contribution to the work of the Marine Institute over 35 years. The Cullen Fellowship programme provides development opportunities for the next generation of marine researchers, building marine research capacity.

The launch was attended by Anne's brother Cathal Cullen and her niece Ruth Cullen together with a number of Anne's friends and family. The significant contribution Anne made to the work of the Institute, and in particular her role in the Institute's annual Summer bursary programme, and mentoring of young scientists was acknowledged by Minister Coveney who said "Special people are needed to achieve great things and Anne was one of those special people".

Anne's family expressed their appreciation of Anne's memory being honoured in this unique way.

The Marine Institute's Bursary Programme is an annual summer work placement programme for undergraduates. This year we have 23 students working with us across a range of disciplines.

Cullen Fellowship opportunities will be advertised on www.marine.ie as they arise. The next open call will be early 2016.

Anne's family and friends, along with Minister Simon Coveney and Dr Peter Heffernan at the Cullen Fellowship launch on the 10th July 2015 during SeaFest in Cork.

Dr John Killeen, Chairman of The Marine Institute Board, Dr Paul Connolly, FEAS Director, Marine Institute, Cathal and Ruth Cullen, Minister Simon Coveney and Dr Peter Heffernan, CEO Marine Institute.