Trinity trio elected Members of the Royal Irish Academy
Posted on: 26 May 2025
Profs. Orla Sheils, Jane Farrar and Holger Claussen have been elected as new Members of the Royal Irish Academy for their exceptional contribution to the sciences.
Prof. Orla Sheils, Vice-Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Trinity, is also Professor in Molecular Diagnostics in Trinity’s School of Medicine. A molecular pathology researcher and medical ethics scholar, she was also recently elected to the IARC Scientific Council.
Prof. Jane Farrar is Professor of Ocular Genetics in Trinity’s School of Genetics and Microbiology. A leading figure in retinal disorder genetics and gene therapy research, she is also known for her strong public and patient engagement.
Prof. Holger Claussen is Professor of Wireless Communications in Trinity’s School of Engineering and a PI in the CONNECT Research Ireland Centre, but is also based at the Tyndall National Institute (UCC). He is renowned for foundational work on small cells, significantly impacting wireless network architecture including 4G and 5G.
From left to right are, Profs. Jane Farrar, Sinéad Ryan (Dean of Research at Trinity), Orla Sheils and Holger Claussen.
Speaking at the admissions ceremony, Professor Pat Guiry, President of the Royal Irish Academy, said: “We are delighted to welcome the newly elected Members of the Royal Irish Academy. Our mission is to recognise and foster academic excellence, and to create, curate and share knowledge for the good of society.”
“Your election today embodies this mission, and your insights and achievements will enrich the work of the Academy as we continue to lead trusted and independent dialogue and analysis across the island for the benefit of all.”
The Academy has been honouring Ireland’s leading contributors to the world of learning since its establishment in 1785. There are now 688 members.