Congratulations to Professor Raj Chari on his appointment, and huge gratitude to Professor Ronan Lyons, outgoing Director, at the end of his very successful leadership of the Centre.
Professor Carmel O’Sullivan, Dean of Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS), is delighted to announce that Professor Raj Chari from the Department of Political Science, has been appointed as the new Director of TRiSS (Trinity Research in Social Sciences). Professor Chari brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished record of research in the Social Sciences.
Starting as Director from September, Raj will work closely with the Dean and member Schools to guide the Centre’s strategic vision, securing external partnerships and funding, fostering high-quality interdisciplinary collaborative partnerships, ensuring enhanced external engagement and supporting the growth of a vibrant research community.
The Dean would also like to extend her gratitude and that of the entire Faculty to Professor Ronan Lyons, who has led the Centre over the past five years, with vision, determination, and a deep commitment to excellence. Whether mentoring early-career researchers, supporting the organisation of ambitious events, or encouraging colleagues to foster strong partnerships, Professor Lyons, along with TRiSS administrator Chris Lysaght, has built not just a Centre, but a community. We wish Ronan all the best in his future career.
"It's been a privilege to head up TRiSS these last few years," outgoing Director of TRiSS, Professor Ronan Lyons, said. "Especially with the help of Chris, we've been able to expand TRiSS's activities, give more researchers a desk or office, and support hundreds of researchers and students through access to critical software that enables their work. Most of all, it's been so much fun to be part of the community in TRiSS - from jigsaws to cakes, from pizza to chess - and I wish Raj all the best as incoming Director." (Image: Professor Ronan Lyons)
Professor Raj Chari, new Director of TRiSS, said ‘I am excited to be taking over the role of Director of TRiSS from Ronan, who has done a fantastic job on which we can build. The multidisciplinary social science research in Trinity has the potential to change policy, society and the world around us. It is an honour to be tasked with leading TRiSS into the future where we can realize this ambition.’ (Image: Professor Raj Chari)
Dr Sally Smith, Director of Research, Trinity Research, said ‘I’d like to warmly congratulate Prof Lyons on all his work in making TRiSS so energetic and collaborative and in enhancing the profile of the exceptional research of Trinity's social scientists. I'm very much looking forward to working with Prof Chari to build on this to deliver his exciting vision for the Institute.’
Further information on Trinity Research in Social Sciences (TRiSS) is available on their website at https://www.tcd.ie/triss/.
A reception was held on 10 September 2025 to thank Ronan and to welcome Raj.
Image left to right: Professr Ronan Lyons, Dr Paula Mayock, Professor Richard Layte, Professor Carol Newman and Professor Nicola Carr.
Image left to right: Professor Catherine Welch, Dr Susan Flynn and Professor Raj Chari.