Athlone scientist receives highest academic degree in Scotland

Athlone scientist Professor Neil Rowan has received his Higher Doctor of Science (D.Sc) at a conferring ceremony in the University of Strathclyde in Scotland.

The Coosan native was awarded the highest academic degree to be conferred in the Irish and UK university system on Wednesday afternoon.

The Director of the Bioscience Research Institute at TUS Athlone was joined by his wife Michelle, and three children Chloe, Kevin and Liam at the ceremony.

The Higher Doctor of Science (D.Sc) is awarded to scholars who have demonstrated a significant contribution to their field over several decades. Fewer than ten Higher Doctorates are awarded per year in Ireland, and Professor Rowan is the first academic in TUS to achieve the award.

Professor Rowan's D.Sc thesis comprises 150 peer-reviewed journal papers presented in two volumes - totalling approximately 1,600 pages. The submission covers his research from 1995 to the present day.

Neil completed a Masters in Biotechnology at Strathclyde University in 1996, before becoming a senior lecturer at the Scottish third level institution.

Professor Rowan has been recognised on a global scale for his continuing dedication to his chosen field of academia.

In October of last year he retained his place on the Stanford University World's Top 2% Scientists list, climbing approximately 10,000 places from his 2024 ranking.

Professor Rowan is also the sole Irish representative on a panel of 21 scientists from around the world appointed to a United Nations Scientific Panel to study and report on the effects of a nuclear war.

He is due to meet his fellow scientist for a panel discussion in April with the contents of their work to be submitted to the United Nation's General Assembly in 2027.