��ɫ��Ƶ

The Faculty of Science and Engineering at ��ɫ��Ƶ is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor George Barreto as the new Assistant Dean of Equality Diversity and Inclusion within the Faculty. The appointment was confirmed by Professor Kenneth Stanton, Executive Dean, following an internal recruitment process.

Professor Barreto succeeds Professor David Newport, who was recently appointed Head of the School of Engineering.

Speaking on the appointment, Professor Stanton said:

"I am delighted to announce the appointment of Professor George Barreto as our new Assistant Dean of Equality Diversity and Inclusion. George brings an outstanding record of research and teaching excellence, coupled with a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing our faculty’s mission to ensure that diversity and equity are at the heart of everything we do. I would also like to sincerely thank Professor David Newport who has shown great leadership in this area during his time as Assistant Dean.”

Professor Barreto expressed his enthusiasm for the role, saying:

"I am looking forward to helping transform UL’s EDI commitments into everyday practices within our Faculty. Belonging, dignity, fair and equitable opportunities are not 'add-ons', they are the foundation of how we improve learning, strengthen research, and attract talent. Working from the bottom up with students and staff I hope to ensure everyone feels included, heard, respected, and valued. Building on my experience with the Ethnic Diversity Forum (EDF) and the Race Equality Implementation Group, we will focus on practical actions, clear data, and visible follow-up that we can sustain together”

A graduate of the universities Tiradentes and Federal of Bahia and Rio Grande do Norte, Professor Barreto holds a degree in Physical Therapy and MSc in Health Sciences (Biochemistry). He completed his PhD in Biological Sciences (Neurosciences) in the Complutense University Madrid and postdoctoral research in Stanford University.

He came to UL in 2019 as a lecturer on the BSc in Bioscience and MSc in Biomolecular Science. An expert in Neuroscience his research is driven by a desire to elucidate how glial cells, mitochondria, and sex hormones work together - or sometimes go awry - to shape brain fate, particularly when male and female brains respond differently to injury or disease. 

Professor Barreto is a member of the Limerick Digital Cancer Research Centre ��ɫ��Ƶ, Health Research Institute, head of the Neuroendocrine Pharmacology Laboratory ��ɫ��Ƶ, EDF Deputy Chair, Chair of its Implementation Action subgroup, Research Officer of the Neuroscience Ireland, and a member of the Women’s Health Research Cluster.