Athlone scientist becomes first in TUS to earn highest academic degree in Ireland and UK

Athlone scientist Professor Neil Rowan has become the first TUS staff member to achieve the highest academic degree in the Irish and UK university systems.

The Coosan native has been awarded a Higher Doctor of Science (D.Sc) by the University of Strathclyde in Scotland.

The Higher D.Sc is the highest academic degree in the Irish and UK university systems, above a PhD.

It 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.

Announcing Professor Rowan's achievement, TUS said his work had fundamentally advanced the fields of disease prevention, MedTech, and global food security, all underpinned by a commitment to environmental sustainability.

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.

Speaking about the news, Professor Rowan said: "When I first entered higher education from school, it was through a soccer scholarship to the University of Galway. If you told me then that I would one day be awarded a Higher Doctorate of Science, I wouldn't have believed it.

"I am so grateful for the journey my education and career have brought me on to date. I am truly grateful to all those who have supported me on what has been a herculean academic journey of research and discovery.

"I sincerely thank the University of Strathclyde, where I graduated with my PhD in 1996. I conducted two-thirds of my research with TUS and am so proud of the wonderful research that is happening across the university.

"Every day is a school day. I very much look forward to the conferring ceremony in Strathclyde later this year."

Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, said the achievement is a testament to the world-class research calibre within the university.

"Professor Rowan's award of a Higher Doctorate is an extraordinary milestone, for him personally, for TUS and the wider Technological University sector. It signifies a level of academic authority that is globally rare and reflects decades of inquiry.

"At TUS, our mission is to drive regional development through global excellence, and Neil's work, from pioneering MedTech solutions to his recent appointment with the United Nations panel on nuclear war effects exemplifies this. We are immensely proud to have an academic of his stature helping to drive our research efforts."

Professor Rowan lives in Athlone and is a former student of Dean Kelly NS and St Aloysius College. He dedicated the achievement to the memory of his parents, Breffini and Ruth, and to his wife Michelle and children.