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The Faculty of Science and Engineering at ��ɫ��Ƶ is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Ailish Hannigan as the new Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. The appointment was confirmed by Professor Kenneth Stanton, Executive Dean of the Faculty, following an internal recruitment process.

Professor Hannigan succeeds Professor James Gleeson, who will continue in his role as Professor of Industrial and Applied Mathematics within the Department, Director of the Research Ireland Centre for Research Training in Foundations of Data Science, and Principal Investigator in the Research Ireland Insight Centre for Data Analytics.

Speaking on the appointment, Professor Stanton said:

"I am delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Ailish Hannigan as Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Ailish brings a wealth of experience in interdisciplinary research, statistical innovation, and academic leadership. Her deep commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment will be instrumental in guiding the Department’s continued growth and impact. I would also like to sincerely thank Professor James Gleeson for his outstanding leadership and dedication over the past five years, during which the Department made significant strides in research, teaching, and engagement."

Professor Hannigan expressed her enthusiasm for the role, saying:

“I’m honoured to take up the role of Head of Department of Mathematics and Statistics and committed to a positive and supportive culture where staff and students are enabled to achieve their full potential. The Department has a strong tradition of interdisciplinary collaboration with a focus on solving real-world problems through MACSI (Mathematics Applications Consortium for Science and Industry). I’m looking forward to continuing to grow our international reputation, fostering innovation and creativity.”

A graduate of UL’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Professor Hannigan holds a degree in Applied Mathematics and Computing. She completed her PhD and postdoctoral research in Biostatistics at University College Cork, funded by Unilever UK.

She returned to UL in 1997 as a lecturer in Statistics and later joined the School of Medicine in 2012 as Professor of Biomedical Statistics. Her research focuses on the statistical analysis of routinely collected health data to promote health equity. She has published extensively in this area, with funding from Research Ireland and the Health Research Board and was awarded the President’s Research Excellence and Impact Award in 2024.

Professor Hannigan is a founding member of the Health Research Institute, a member of the Participatory Health Research Unit (a WHO Collaborating Centre), and supervises doctoral students in the Research Ireland Centre for Research Training in Foundations of Data Science.

She is also deeply committed to statistics education, having received an Excellence in Teaching Award (Special Commendation) from the University. Nationally, she has played a leading role in the Irish Statistical Association and is a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society.

During her time on the management team of the School of Medicine, Professor Hannigan contributed to the development of its strategic plan and led the School to its first Athena Swan award, reflecting her dedication to equity and inclusion in higher education.