News & Events

Professor Kevin O’Connor, UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and UCD Earth Institute has been appointed to one of the European Union’s five new Horizon Europe mission boards.

These research and innovation mission boards are each comprised of 15 experts whose aim is to deliver solutions to some of the world's greatest challenges in the areas of cancer, climate change, healthy oceans, climate-neutral cities, and healthy soil and food by the end of 2019.

In addition, for each mission an assembly will be established, gathering a larger number of high-level experts to help contribute to its success. The missions will be part of Horizon Europe, the next EU research and innovation programme (2021-2027).

EU Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas said each mission will address “some of the main challenges European citizens are facing”.

“With their vision and knowledge, I am confident that these first-rate experts will help making missions a success, inspiring citizens and showing them what Europe, and research and innovation, can do about the issues that matter most to them.”

Commenting on the announcement, Professor Orla Feely, UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact, said: “I am delighted to congratulate Professor Kevin O’Connor on this very important appointment. 

“The Mission Boards will play a vital role in the Horizon Europe programme. In particular, the Mission Board for Adaptation to Climate Change, including Societal Transformation, to which Kevin has been appointed, will address one of the great challenges of our time. Kevin has an outstanding track record in this area, and I wish him and his colleagues every success with their important work.”