Dr Neavyn graduated from DIT and TCD in Applied Science and obtained a PhD in physical and atmospheric chemistry from UCD. He performed post doctoral research work in the University of California, Irvine in the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences.

Before coming to IT Carlow he held several senior management positions at Limerick IT including Head of Development and Registrar.

Commenting on his appointment as IOTI Chair, Dr Neavyn said:

“In terms of 2010, IoTI obviously is awaiting the output of the Higher Education Strategic Review Group and would particularly welcome a recommendation on the establishment of a Technological University."

He added that other priorities for the Institutes in the coming year and beyond include:

• seeking the expansion of available funding and staffing to cater for the increased demand for full-time and part-time courses and programmes; 
• further development of the Institutes' R&D and enterprise support activities - vital to assisting economic recovery and development - in association with business, industry and other relevant state bodies at a local, regional and national level;
• development of additional sector-wide international collaborative activities which are not only a useful source of additional finance but also enhance the reputation and perception of the sector and the State in an increasingly competitive global economy.