Ireland scientists concerned by move to merge CSA and funding agency chief roles

Researchers in Ireland have questioned the wisdom of vesting one individual with the dual role of chief scientific adviser to government and head of the country’s largest research funding body.

The minister for jobs, enterprise and innovation Richard Bruton announced on 26 October that he was “abolishing” Ireland’s chief scientific adviser’s office and moving the associated responsibilities to Mark Ferguson, head of Science Foundation Ireland. The decision was taken in support of reform and greater efficiency, Bruton said. The foundation channels €150 million a year into research in Ireland.