Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has presented the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) St Patrick’s Day Science Medal to two US-based leaders in science and technology at an event in Washington DC.
The award is given annually to US-based scientists, engineers or technology leaders with strong Irish connections for their role in supporting and engaging with the research ecosystem in Ireland.
The winners this year were Dr Paul K Whelton, professor of global public health at Tulane University in New Orleans, and Paul R Daugherty, group chief executive of and chief technology officer at Accenture.
Varadkar said he was “honoured” to present the award to the two men and was “deeply proud of their achievements”.
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“Irish research is driving transformational discovery and innovation that is aiding our response to global challenges, particularly in the areas of climate change, digitalisation and health,” he said.
“We pay tribute today to the enormous contribution made by STEM talent in the Irish diaspora in the USA. These important international collaborations continue to forge new opportunities for ground-breaking research, improving our ability to adapt to a rapidly changing world and create a better future for all.”
Dr Whelton is a native of Co Cork and has served as the principal investigator for a number of high-profile research studies that have informed the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of high blood pressure.
He holds degrees from University College Cork, the National University of Ireland, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
On receiving the award, Dr Whelton said he was “deeply honoured”.
“I am very proud to be part of the Irish research diaspora community in the US and to support our transatlantic partnerships,” he said.
Mr Daugherty is responsible for leading “all aspects of Accenture’s technology business”, including its technology strategy.
Mr Daugherty has Irish roots tracing back to Donegal and is the co-author of two books, Human + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI and Radically Human: How New Technology is Transforming Business and Shaping Our Future.
Prof Philip Nolan, director general of the SFI, congratulated both recipients of the award, saying their achievements “highlight the far-reaching talent of the Irish diaspora in the areas of science, engineering and technology, which will no doubt inspire future generations”.
“They have each had enormous influence in improving societal and economic wellbeing,” he said.
