University of Galway has appointed Professor Lokesh Joshi as the Acting Vice-President for Research and Innovation.

A Stokes Professor of GlycoSciences at University of Galway, Professor Joshi previously held the role of Vice-President for Research at the University from 2013 to 2020, spearheading an ambitious agenda to achieve excellence in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

            Professor Becky Whay, University of Galway Interim Deputy President and Registrar, said: “I am delighted Professor Joshi is taking up the role of Acting Vice-President for Research and Innovation as he brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record in research excellence. We look forward to his leadership in driving impactful research and innovation that will make a positive difference.”

Professor Lokesh Joshi said: “University of Galway has an established and vibrant research and innovation ecosystem. I am very proud of its researchers who are carrying out excellent and impactful research across many disciplines. I am honoured to have this opportunity and look forward to engaging with the stakeholders to support our research and innovation community.”

With over 30 years of international experience, Professor Joshi’s primary research interest is in the roles played by complex carbohydrates in living systems and developing technologies to understand the protein-carbohydrate relationship in health and during disease processes.

Professor Joshi has led several research projects supported by national and EU funding agencies, published over 150 research articles and is actively involved in international research and innovation initiatives.

He is also the founder of Aquila Bioscience, a University of Galway spin-out developing novel strategies for protection against infectious diseases and is collaborating with multiple partners including Defence Forces Ireland and European Space Agency.

Previously an Associated Professor at Arizona State University where he led a research team investigating the role of glycosylation in health and disease, Professor Joshi’s post-doctoral and research associate training took place at the Boyce Thompson Institute and Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, following the completion of his PhD on fungal pathogenesis at Bath University, UK.

Professor Joshi succeeds Professor Jim Livesey in the role of Vice-President for Research and Innovation.

Professor Whay said: “I also want to express my thanks to the outgoing Vice-President, Professor Jim Livesey, for his work on behalf of the University during his term. We wish him all the very best for the future.”

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