May Two NUI Galway Academics Elected as Members of the Royal Irish Academy

NUI Galway academics Professor Frank Barry and Professor Philip Dine have been  elected as Members of the Royal Irish Academy for their exceptional contribution to the sciences, humanities and social sciences as well as to public service. The NUI Galway academics were among 27 new members admitted to the academy by Dr Mary Canning, President of the Academy, in a virtual ceremony last Friday (21 May 2021). 

Frank Barry is Professor of Cellular Therapy at the Regenerative Medicine Institute in NUI Galway and Visiting Scientist at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute in Toronto. His research interests include stem cell biology and the development of cell-based repair strategies for osteoarthritis. In a career that has spanned both industry and academic research he has contributed to the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine by developing innovative and successful cellular therapies for tissue repair, joint injury and arthritic disease. He has published widely in the areas of mesenchymal stromal cell biology, cartilage repair and cellular therapy, and has been the recipient of the Marshall Urist Award for excellence in tissue regeneration research from the Orthopaedic Research Society.   

Philip Dine is a Personal Professor and former Head of French at NUI Galway. He has been a pioneering figure internationally in the cultural history of French sport and the literary and cinematographic representations of colonial conflict. He has published widely on representations of the French empire and its cultural legacies in fields ranging from children’s literature to professional sport. Further projects have targeted sport and identity-construction in France and the Francophone world.  

Welcoming the newly admitted members, Dr Mary Canning, President of the Royal Irish Academy, said: ‘These 27 new Members are recognised for their scholarly achievements, typically reflecting many years of research, or for significant contributions to Irish society. They bring international academic distinction to our country and we should be immensely proud of these remarkable women and men. As Members of the Academy, they will strengthen our capacity to provide expert advice on Higher Education and Research policy.” 

Congratulating Professors Barry and Dine, President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “On behalf of colleagues at NUI Galway, I extend warmest congratulations to Frank and Philip on their election to membership of the Royal Irish Academy. This recognises the excellence of their continuing contributions to their respective academic fields. As educators, researchers and academic leaders at NUI Galway, they demonstrate sheer enthusiasm for their subject and a talent committed to the advancement of and the re-imagining of humanity through their research, teaching and engagement, nationally and internationally. I am delighted to see their achievements recognised by the Academy.” 

Election to membership of the Royal Irish Academy is the highest academic distinction in Ireland. The Academy has been honouring Ireland’s leading contributors to the world of learning since its establishment in 1785 and currently have 637 members. 

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