Máire Geoghegan-Quinn was greeted by President of NUI Galway Dr James J Browne on her arrival at the university on March 19 to deliver her first public address in Ireland as European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science.  

The invited audience - which included university researchers, academics, students and alumni - heard the Commissioner speak about the role that research, innovation and science policies are playing in supporting Irish and European Economic recovery.  

“The European Union is playing a central role in supporting Irish economic recovery in a variety of different ways. 

"The political portfolio of Research, Innovation and Science, which is my direct political responsibility within the European Commission, is implementing a number of initiatives which are positively developing the European and Irish economy”.

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn is a native of Galway and a former Member of the Governing authority of NUI Galway. Speaking ahead of March 19, NUI Galway President Dr James J Browne praised her pioneering spirit:

“Máire Geoghegan-Quinn is the European Commission’s first Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science. Her work is central to the economic and social success of the José Manuel Barroso’s commission’s Strategy for Europe. 

“From her native Carna, at the western edge of Europe, she is now operating at the very centre of Europe. I am certain that the pioneering spirit she has demonstrated throughout her political life will help chart the course ahead.” 

The full address on March 19 can be viewed on
www.nuigalway.ie/about-us/video/european-commissioner-at-nuigalway.html