Corkman and UCC physics graduate Professor Patrick O’Shea has been appointed the 15th President of University College Cork.

Professor O’Shea will take up his new position from February 1, 2017.

Professor O’Shea is currently Vice President and Chief Research Officer at the University of Maryland, USA, one of the world’s leading research institutions, where he oversees the University’s US $500 million (€440m) per-annum research and innovation enterprise.

He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and is a University of Maryland Distinguished Scholar-Teacher.

Professor O’Shea’s area of expertise is in electromagnetics, and he is best known for his pioneering work on electron-accelerators and free-electron lasers. He has played a leading role in several large research programs, and supervised the work of over two dozen doctoral students.

His other interests include history, linguistics, athletics and cycling.

On his appointment Professor O’Shea said: “My physics degree from UCC laid the foundation stone for a successful academic career in the US culminating in my current leadership role at the University of Maryland.

“I am delighted to return to lead my alma mater. UCC’s students and staff have impressed me with their enthusiasm and their commitment to excellence in education, scholarship, research and service.

“Through their dedication, passion, and achievement, UCC will continue its rise among the great universities of the world.”