CURRICULUM VITAE PERSONAL INFORMATION Dr. Conor O'Carroll SciPol, 97 Marian Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, Ireland Tel: +353 87 7978425 E-mail: ocarroll.conor@gmail.com LinkedIn Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/conor-o-carroll/8/750/a57 EDUCATION DETAILS 1988 1977 1976 Doctorate (PhD) in Physics EC Joint Research Centre Ispra, Italy and University College Dublin M.Sc. in Mathematics and Mathematical Physics, University College Dublin B.Sc. in Mathematical Science, University College Dublin EMPLOYMENT SUMMARY Position Consultant Research Director Senior Policy Advisor & Head of Biotechnology in the S&T Division Senior Scientific Officer Senior Administrator Research Scientist Senior Research Associate Research Fellow Marie Curie PhD Fellow Government of Italy & Council of Europe Scholarship Senior Tutor in Mathematics LANGUAGES English Italian French German Organisation SciPol - Higher Education policy and Funding Irish Universities Association (IUA) Forfás, Science, Technology and Innovation Dates 2014 2001-2014 2000-2001 Science and Innovation, Enterprise Ireland Directorate for Research, European Commission, Brussels, Belgium Institute of Transuranium Elements (JRC), European Commission, Karlsruhe, Germany Department of Petroleum Engineering, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh Trinity College Dublin EC Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy and University College Dublin University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy 1998-2000 1995-1998 St. Patrick's College, Maynooth 1978-1980 1990-1995 1989-1990 1985-1989 1982-1985 1980-1982 Mother tongue Fluent Excellent Very Good C. O’Carroll CV 15th May 2015 1 KEY AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Experience and Knowledge Extensive experience of working with the Irish higher education sector, European and national research funding agencies, government departments and industry. Research and Innovation Human Resources and Capacity expert for European Commission on evaluation of the Bulgarian Research and Innovation system (2015) Advisor to the Government of Montenegro on programmes to retain researchers (2014 World Bank) Responsible for bringing over €3.7 million in competitive funding to support a wide range of programmes from assessing student / researcher satisfaction to embedding structured PhD programmes across the seven Irish universities. Pioneered a strategic programme supporting researchers in the higher education sector and industry to access the fiercely competitive European Marie Curie funding programme; successfully secured over €100m for Ireland during Framework Seven. Led the development and delivery European policy; for example, the Principles of Innovative Doctoral Training, broadening employment opportunities for PhD graduates, now embedded in European Higher Education policy and the Horizon 2020 funding programme. Member of programme evaluation panels including UK Roberts Review (2010) and Medical Research Charities Health Research Funding review (2014). Active researcher on higher education and research policy. Skills and Personal Qualities Ability to work with multiple stakeholders in the public and private sector. Ensuring a strong participation by the universities in the development and implementation of new Irish national policy, for example, National Research Prioritisation (2012) and Research Integrity (2014). Proven ability to develop and deliver national / European policy and funding programmes Led the team delivering key national services; Marie Sklodowska Curie and EURAXESS Ireland offices. Skilled facilitator; currently the elected chair the European Steering Group on Human Resources and Mobility, the driving force behind EU policy for researcher career development Successful negotiator; obtained agreement on the European Framework for Research Careers and Innovative Doctoral Principles across 41 countries. Representing Ireland on international committees; delegate to Excellent Science (Marie Sklodowska Curie) in Horizon 2020. Excellent organisational skills, secured funding and coordinated a series of conferences including that on Researcher Career Development during the Irish Presidency of EU in 2013. Ran the entire Career Programme for the Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF 2012) in Dublin. Active researcher on higher education and research policy published in internationally peer reviewed journals. Excellent communicator; regularly invited as conference keynote speaker and write monthly column in Irish Times on research policy. C. O’Carroll CV 15th May 2015 2 EMPLOYMENT SUMMARY Consultant Independent Consultant on Research and Higher Education policy and Funding 2014 to date Expert in the development of research funding strategies and proposal development. Human Resources expert for European Commission on evaluation of the Bulgarian Research and Innovation system (2015). Advisor to the Government of Montenegro on programmes to retain researchers (2014 World Bank) Expert Evaluator Horizon 2020; Societal Challenge 5, Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions (2014, 2015) Active researcher on higher education and research policy. Expert in Peer Review and active evaluator for a number of national and international organisations including the Irish Health Research Board and European Commission (Horizon 2020). Member of programme evaluation panels including UK Roberts Review (2010) and Medical Research Charities Health Research Funding review (2014). Represent Ireland on the European Steering Group in Human Resources and Mobility and was elected as Chair in 2013. This is the key group of 41 countries charged with leading the implementation of the European Research Area (ERA) policies concerning researchers. I have led the development of the European Framework for Research Careers now adopted across Europe. I have also pioneered the development of the Principles of Innovative Doctoral Training now adopted by the European Higher Education Area and integrated into the EC Horizon 2020 programme (2014-2020). Member of Expert Advisory Group, Science with and for Society - Horizon 2020 (2014 - present) Member of Irish Health Research Forum Steering Group (2014 - present) Member of International Advisory Group, Irish Research Council (2013 - present) Member of Advisory Board – US Wild Geese Network of Irish Scientists (2012 - present) Conferences Presenting at ERA Conference 22-23 June 2015 Speaker at Latvian Presidency Conference on Smart Specialisation Strategy 11-12 February 2015 Keynote Speaker at Italian Presidency Conference The Empowerment of the Next Generation of Researchers "Promoting talents, spreading excellence". Trento 18-19 November 2014 Led session on researcher career development at ESOF 2014 in Copenhagen Research Director Irish Universities Association (IUA) 2001 to 2014 I established in 2001 the Irish Universities Association (IUA) Research Office that now acts as a hub for the development and furthering of university policy and practice in all research related matters. Ensured a strong participation by the universities in the development and implementation of new Irish national policy, for example, National Research Prioritisation (2012) and Research Integrity (2014). National Delegate for Ireland to the European Marie Sklodowska Curie Programme 2001-2014. Pioneered a strategic programme supporting researchers in the higher education sector and industry to access the fiercely competitive European Marie Curie funding programme; successfully secured over €100m for Ireland during Framework Seven. Developed an action plan for universities accessing Horizon 2020 setting the ambitious target of €240m. Delivered three key international services for public and private organisations: 1) The National Contact Point (NCP) Office that supports researchers in the higher education sector and industry competing for funding from the EC Marie Sklodowska Curie programme. 2) The Irish EURAXESS office that provides essential practical support for researchers moving to Ireland (www.euraxess.ie). 3) Running on behalf of the Departments of Enterprise and Justice the Hosting Agreement scheme that provides a fast track immigration process for non EU researchers and their families to Ireland. C. O’Carroll CV 15th May 2015 3 Secured over €3.7 million in competitive funding for projects from assessing student / researcher satisfaction to embedding structured PhD programmes. Coordinated a series of conferences including that on Researcher Career Development during the Irish Presidency of EU in 2013. Ran the entire Career Programme for the Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF 2012) in Dublin. Senior Policy Advisor 2000 to 2001 Forfás, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ireland Acting Head of Biotechnology in the S&T Division Reporting to the Chief Executive: Responsible for the setting up of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), new national funding agency with €700m budget. Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) is the national foundation for investment in scientific and engineering research. Designed new funding programmes and international peer review scheme working with the US National Science Foundation, NIH and UK Medical Research Council). Led and trained team of 10 people on pre and post award grant procedures. Responsible for the creation of the Research Professor and Presidents Young Investigator Award schemes along with Walton Awards and Centres for Science Engineering and Technology (CSET’s). Wrote legal terms and conditions for contracts; Freedom of Information Officer (FOI) National Delegate to FP5 and ran NCP office, Improving Human Potential (Marie Curie) Senior Scientific Officer 1998 to 2000 Science and Innovation, Enterprise Ireland, Ireland Managed national science and engineering research programmes; Basic Research Grants, IndustryUniversity M.Sc., PhD & Postdoctoral Scholarships. Conducted programme monitoring and evaluation reviews on the impact of these funding schemes Introduced international peer review to national funding programmes for frontier research. National Delegate to FP5 and ran NCP office, Improving Human Potential (Marie Curie) Senior Administrator 1995 to 1998 Directorate for Research, European Commission, Brussels, Belgium Managed the peer review of FP4 Marie Curie Training and Mobility of Researchers (TMR) Grants Developed Work Programmes, model contracts and terms & conditions Led the pre award and post award teams with 35 people managing over 2000 contracts. Ran team member performance evaluation as part of European Commission staff procedures Scientist 1990 to 1994 Institute of Transuranium Elements (JRC), European Commission, Karlsruhe, Germany Led research group focusing on computational modeling of irradiated Uranium and Plutonium. Development a new nuclear fuel cycle (Thorium, accelerator driven). Worked with industry partners COGEMA, FRAMATOM, BNFL Senior Research Associate 1989 to 1990 Department of Petroleum Engineering, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland Developed a new model for 2-phase flow in porous media (oil/water through rock) funded by British Petroleum plc. Research Fellow 1985 to 1989 Physics Department, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland Worked as a computational physicist in interdisciplinary research including topics such as the structure and properties of random solids, molecular gas dynamics and optical bistability. Marie Curie PhD Fellow EC Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy and University College Dublin Government of Italy and Council of Europe Scholar University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy C. O’Carroll CV 15th May 2015 1982 to 1985 1980 to 1982 4 Senior Tutor in Mathematics St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, Ireland 1978 to 1980 MEMBERSHIPS NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BODIES Irish national delegate to the European Steering Group on Human Resources and Mobility (SGHRM) (2001 to date) and elected Chair in 2013 Irish national representative on European People (Marie Sklodowska Curie) Programme Committee, FP5, FP6, FP7, Horizon 2020 Member of Medical Charities Research Group (MRCG) Steering Group on the Health Research Funding Landscape in Ireland 2014 Member of Irish Research Council International Advisory Board 2014 to date Member of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) Innovation, Science and Technology Committee, 2011 to date Member of Advisory Board, Wild Geese Network of Irish Scientists, 2011 to date Chair of international peer review panels for Health Research Board (HRB), Clinician Scientist 2015, PhD Scholars 2013/2014, Medical Education Research Grants 2013/2014, Knowledge Transfer Grants 2012, All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care 2010, Molecular & Cellular Medicine 2008/2009, Member of European Science Open Forum (ESOF) Dublin 2012 Steering Group and Career Programme Chair Board Member of the Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS) 2001-2003, 2010-2012 Member of the Higher Education Research Group (HERG) charged with the coordination of the national research effort through the Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation 2006-2012 International reviewer for Research Councils UK on evaluation of the SET for Success (Sir Gareth Roberts) recommendations 2010 Membership of Steering Committees including, Evaluation of Ireland’s performance in Framework Six, 2009 Advisory Committee on mapping of R&D activity in Ireland, 2009 Evaluation of research investment by Science Foundation Ireland, 2008 Evaluation of Ireland’s membership of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 2008 Member of Peer Review Panels for Health Research Board, Enterprise Ireland, Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences and European Commission Member of Institute of Physics and Euroscience RESEARCH PROJECTS IN PROGRESS / COMPLETED Title: EU2013 – Researcher Careers & Mobility Conference - are Researchers ready for a Knowledge Intensive Europe Funder: European Commission, FP7, Marie Curie, Community Support Action Partners: IUA, Coordinator Budget: €200,0000 Supporting a key conference on Researcher Careers and Mobility held in Dublin on 14th and 15th May 2013 under the auspices of the Irish Presidency. This was an opportunity to gauge progress in achieving the objectives of the European Research Area with respect to researchers, see http://www.iua.ie/researchinnovation/rcm/ . Title: National Research Data Project Funder: Higher Education Authority - Strategic Innovation Fund Status: Coordinator Partners: All seven universities in Ireland, DIT, RCSI, SFI and HEA Budget: €1.03m, 2009-2016 Abstract: Implementation of the InCites bibliometric analysis tool in conjunction with Thomson-Reuters to provide a national bibliometric resource for analysis of research carried out in Irish institutions. C. O’Carroll CV 15th May 2015 5 Title: EURAXESS-TOP II, Enhancing The Outreach and Effectiveness of the Partners in the EURAXESS Services Network Funder: European Commission, FP7, Marie Curie, Community Support Action Status: Work Package Leader Partners: FECYT Spain, Bar-Ilan University Israel, CLORA France, Zagreb University Croatia, SU-NIS Bulgaria, CERTH Greece, TETALAP Hungary, RCN Norway, British Council, University of Nis Serbia, CRUI Italy, ETH Zurich, MEF Serbia, Archimedes Estonia, SAIA Slovakia Budget: €130,000 (total=€2.957m), 2012-2014 Abstract: Enhancing the overall performance, quality, effectiveness and coherence of the information and services delivered by the EURAXESS network. Provided training and support to the centres in the 35 countries involved in the EURAXESS network. Developed and delivered a new interface for business Europe now set as European standard. Title: PeopleNetwork, Trans-national co-operation among National Contact Points for Marie Curie Actions (PEOPLE NCPs) Funder: European Commission, FP7, Marie Curie, Community Support Action Status: Partner Partners: All 35 Member and Associated States to FP7 (Marie Curie National Contact Point Centres) Budget: €169,140 (total=€1.98m), 2009-2011 Abstract: PeopleNetwork developed and implemented a coordination mechanism for stimulating closer cooperation among National Contact Points for the PEOPLE programme in FP7. Facilitated the improvement of the overall quality of NCP services across Europe in the area of mobility. Title: EURAXESS-TOP, Enhancing The Outreach and Effectiveness of the Partners in the EURAXESS Services Network Funder: European Commission, FP7, Marie Curie, Community Support Action Status: Partner Partners: Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation Germany, Bar-Ilan University Israel, Archimedes Estonia, CLORA France, Norway, TUBITAK Turkey, Zagreb University Croatia, SU-NIS Bulgaria, CERTH Greece, TETALAP Hungary, VINNOVA Sweden and RCN Norway Budget: €78,270 (total=€2.957m), 2009-2011 Abstract: Provided training and support to the centres in the 35 countries involved in the EURAXESS network. The network plays a key role in reducing obstacles to researcher mobility through the provision of practical information on issues including immigration, funding opportunities, social security and pensions. Title: MOREBRAIN, From Brain Drain to Brain Gain Funder: European Commission, FP7, Marie Curie, Community Support Action Status: Partner Partners: Bar-Ilan University Israel, RANNIS Iceland, FUNDECYT, Spain Budget: €40k (total=€150k), 2009-2011 Abstract: Understanding the factors that influence international mobility of researchers might make it possible to convert brain drain into brain gain. The project will consider the new concepts of "e-reintegration" or “virtual mobility” and co-sharing and study their feasibility. Title: 4th Level Network Funder: Higher Education Authority - Strategic Innovation Fund Status: Coordinator Partners: All seven universities in Ireland Budget: €2.5m, 2007-2010 Abstract: The 4th Level Network project is a collaboration between the seven universities to introduce structured PhD programmes through Graduate Schools to ensure that the new generation of PhD students receive a world class education and research experience that enables them to move into highly diverse careers within a knowledge based society and economy. Title: Irish Universities Study Funder: Higher Education Authority - Strategic Innovation Fund Status: Coordinator Partners: Geary Institute, University College Dublin Budget: €620k, 2007-2010 Abstract: The Irish Universities Study is the first comprehensive project to measure student / researchers’ experience and outcomes in Irish universities. The project used internationally benchmarked web survey methods to interrogate the student and researcher populations. C. O’Carroll CV 15th May 2015 6 SELECTION OF PUBLICATIONS/POLICY DOCUMENTS/PRESS1 Interviews “Scientific Visa” EURAXESS Links Newsletter, 3, 2013 “On Structured PhD's”, Nature 493,259-261, 2013 Publications / Policy Documents O’Carroll C., et al. "Virtual mobility can drive equality", Nature, 511, 292, 2014 O’Carroll C., Brennan J., “Horizon 2020: Sustaining Excellence in University Research and Innovation”, IUA, December 2013. O’Carroll C., “Fast Tracked Talent - expediting visa approval helps countries to attract the best researchers”, Nature 503, 303, 2013 O’Carroll C., Brennan J., “Are Researchers ready for a Knowledge Intensive Europe?”, Researcher Careers and Mobility Conference 2013, Conference Report IUA September 2013 O’Carroll C., Purser L., Wislocka M., Lucey S., McGuinness N., “The PhD in Europe: Developing a System of Doctoral Training That Will Increase the Internationalisation of Universities”, European Higher Education at the Crossroads- Between the Bologna Process and National Reforms, Springer, 461-484, 2012 O’Carroll, “EU scientific visa is a success in Ireland, Nature Correspondence”, 490, 176, 2012 Mc Guinness N., O’Carroll C., “Benchmarking the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) in European Research Policy”, Journal of Common Market Studies, Volume 48, Issue 2, 2010 Delaney L., Harmon C., McGovern M., O’Carroll C. and Redmond C., “Report on Contract Researchers in the Irish Universities”, University College Dublin Geary Institute and Irish Universities Association (IUA) 2010 Delaney L., Gubbins S.A., Harmon C., Redmond C., O’Carroll C. and Redmond C., “Gender at a Glance: Evidence from the Irish Universities Study”, University College Dublin Geary Institute and Irish Universities Association (IUA) 2009 Delaney L., Gubbins S. A., Gubbins S. M., Harmon C., O’Carroll C., “Report on PhD Students in the Irish Universities”, University College Dublin Geary Institute and Irish Universities Association (IUA) 2009 Delaney L., Gubbins S. A., Gubbins S. M., Harmon C., O’Carroll C., “Report on Taught Programmes in Irish Universities”, University College Dublin Geary Institute and Irish Universities Association (IUA) 2009 1 Note that a full list of publications including conferences can be supplied if requested, see also http://www.linkedin.com/pub/conor-o-carroll/8/750/a57 C. O’Carroll CV 15th May 2015 7 Delaney L., Gubbins S. A., Gubbins S. M., Harmon C., O’Carroll C., “Report on International Students in Irish Universities”, University College Dublin Geary Institute and Irish Universities Association (IUA) 2009 O’Carroll C., “International Peer Review improved Irish research rankings”, Nature Correspondence, 460, 949 (2009) O’Carroll C., “More needs to be done to attract talented researchers to Ireland”, Sunday Tribune, 29th September 2008 Meyer D., O’Carroll C., “International Collaboration is the Lifeblood of Research and Innovation”, Handbook Internationalisation of European Higher Education, European Universities Association (EUA) 2008 “A European Single Labour Market for Researchers”, Expert Group report to the European Commission, EUR 23321 EN 2008 O’Carroll C., “Attracting Talented Researchers to Ireland – a review of the European Marie Curie Programme”, Irish Universities Association (IUA) 2007 O’Carroll C., “The Researcher’s Place in a Knowledge Economy”, Technology Ireland, January 2006 “Reform of Third Level and Creation of Fourth Level Ireland – securing competitive advantage in the 21st century”, Irish Universities Association (IUA) 2005 O’Carroll C., “Careering Towards the Knowledge Society”, Irish Universities Association (IUA)/Irish Business & Employers Confederation, Conference Proceedings 2005 O’Carroll C., “Irish researchers ready to compete in the premier European leagues”, Irish Times, 12th May 2005 O’Carroll C., “Building Research Careers, the Postdoctoral Experience”, Conference of Heads of Irish Universities (CHIU), Conference Proceedings, 2005 O’Carroll C., “The Future of the PhD in Ireland”, Conference of Heads of Irish Universities (CHIU) Conference Proceedings 2004 “Report on Research Overheads”, Higher Education Authority/Forfas, 2003 C. 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