Dr. Peter Heffernan, Chief Executive of the Marine Institute was recently awarded the one of the highest honours that can be attained by scholars and scientists working in Ireland by being enrolled as a Member of the Royal Irish Academy. 

The Academy currently has 385 members from across the island of Ireland, who are elected in recognition of their academic achievement.   Dr. Peter Heffernan (left) and Professor James Slevin PRIA

Dr. Peter Heffernan was appointed as Chief Executive of the Marine Institute in 1993 and since then it has grown from a staff of one to over 200 and an initial budget of under €0.3M in 1993 to €35M (2006). Dr Heffernan is also an adjunct Professor at the National University of Ireland, Galway.  

"Recognition by the Royal Irish Academy is not just an honour for myself and the Marine Institute, but a recognition that marine science in Ireland is now coming of age by the most prestigious academic body in Ireland," said Dr. Heffernan.

The Royal Irish Academy is an all-Ireland, independent, academic body that promotes study and excellence in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. It is the principal learned society in Ireland and has approximately 385 Members elected in recognition of their academic achievement.  

Well-known Academy members include: Dr Garret FitzGerald; Nobel Laureate, Seamus Heaney; Mr Dermot Gleeson ; Mr Peter Sutherland; Professor Joe Lee; Professor Ronan Fanning; Mrs Mary Robinson, Professor David McConnell (TCD Geneticist), Professor Richard Kearney; and President Mary McAleese.  

ENDS