Posted 13 November 2008
UCD Foundation Day Medal for leading innovator and entrepreneur
Distinguished UCD Alumnus, Dr Pearse Lyons, founder and president of Alltech, has been awarded the UCD Foundation Day Medal in recognition of his outstanding contribution to science and industry. Dr Lyons is deeply committed to the development of the scientists of the future. One of his objectives in Alltech is to ‘make science accessible and exciting'.
“Pearse Lyons is a scientist, innovator and entrepreneur. Long before the term became fashionable, he was engaged in forging the knowledge economy,” said Dr Hugh Brady, President of UCD, presenting the award.
Pictured far right: Dr Pearse Lyons receiving the UCD Foundation Day Medal
“All of the characteristics of the knowledge economy, notably, a commitment to research and development, a commitment to university-industry links, and a commitment to employee training and development are found in his company, Alltech.”
Today Alltech is a global animal health company that employs more than 1,900 people and has a presence in 113 countries around the world.
“I am honoured to accept this prestigious award from a university that I have had a long standing relationship with. Since graduating in biochemistry from University College Dublin, I have continued to work closely with the university through Alltech and our numerous collaborative initiatives such as the Mini MBA and student internship programmes. I applaud UCD’s outstanding academics who nurtured my passion for science and are continuing to inspire today’s young minds,” said Dr Lyons.
Recently, Dr Lyons was recognised as one of the top 15 Irish-American life scientists of the year by Biolink USA-Ireland.
Previous recipients of the UCD Foundation Day Medal include: former President of Ireland, Dr Paddy Hillery; Irish author, Maeve Binchy; and former EU Commissioner and Attorney General to the Irish Government, Sir Peter Sutherland.
