The Oranmore-based Marine Institute has announced the appointment of Dr Rick Officer as the new Chief Executive Officer.
Dr Officer takes the post of CEO of the state Agency for Marine Research, Technology Development, and Innovation six months after the retirement of Dr Paul Connolly from the role at the end of June.
He joins the Marine Institute from the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) where he held the position of Vice President for Research and Innovation.
Dr Officer said about his appointment, “Ireland’s marine environment and industries are under enormous and urgent pressures. The Marine Institute has a vital role to play in providing the evidence-base to enable adaptation to changing social, economic, and environmental conditions.”
“The excellent science and advice produced and supported by the Marine Institute are crucial to Ireland’s successful navigation of the major challenges of food security, climate adaptation and energy transition.”
“It is a great privilege and honour to lead the Marine Institute through this exciting period of change. I look forward to working with the dedicated team at the Marine Institute as we embrace these challenges and realise the opportunities that the oceans present.”
Dr Officer led the integration of Research and Innovation activities at the former Galway-Mayo, Sligo, and Letterkenny Institutes of Technology, through the merger into Atlantic Technological University.
He also led the establishment of the Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, now ATU’s largest Research Centre comprising roughly 100 people.
Dr Officer’s experience in international fisheries and aquaculture was gained through his Fisheries Scientist roles in Victoria and Tasmania, and his role as Science Leader for Fisheries and Aquaculture for the State of Queensland, Australia.
Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine announced the appointment this appointment this week.
“Much like the rest of the world, Ireland is at a crossroads where challenge meets opportunity in marine research and knowledge.”
“As we tackle national and global societal challenges, our marine resource offers significant opportunities for Ireland to prepare for the impacts of climate change, and food and energy security.”
“With Dr Officer’s extensive experience in sustainable fisheries, leading innovative and integrated research programmes and driving strategic collaborations nationally and internationally, the Marine Institute will continue to deliver the robust science and services to government and industry needed as we work towards delivering a knowledge-based, sustainable blue economy for Ireland,” Minister McConalogue said.
This is not the first work Dr Officer has done with the Marine Institute, as he previously led the demersal fisheries research and assessment team there.
As Demersal Fisheries Team Leader Dr Officer’s responsibilities included Chief Scientist roles aboard Ireland’s National research vessels, appointment as National Delegate to the European Commission’s Scientific, Technical & Economic Committee for Fisheries, and Chairmanship of International Working Groups and Expert Groups for the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) and the European Commission.
Dr Officer will commence his appointment as Chief Executive Officer in early January 2024.
