Dr Sheila Gilheany | Chief Executive Officer
Sheila has a background in physics and has extensive experience in policy development and advocacy. She has led a range of not-for-profit organisations in science, education, public engagement and social enterprise. Most recently she was the national manager for the Institute of Physics in Ireland where she developed strong policy positions on issues around research funding, facilities, gender and access to physics at all levels. Previously she was Director of the Irish Centre for Talented Youth at Dublin City University for 11 years, bringing courses and services for young people with exceptional academic ability right across Ireland. She is also Chair of the Board of Directors of Specialisterne Ireland an organisation which supports the employment of people with autism. She has a BSc Hons in physics and a PhD in astrophysics from Queen’s University Belfast.