Trinity College Dublin has appointed environmental scientist Professor Karen Wiltshire as the inaugural CRH Chair of Climate Science [August 19th 2024]. This pioneering position is funded by CRH as part of its continued investment in research and innovation, to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable built environment.

Professor Karen Wiltshire as first CRH Chair of Climate ScienceProfessor Karen Wiltshire as first CRH Chair of Climate Science

Professor Wiltshire, who assumed her role in July 2024, is a distinguished climate ecologist. An expert in coastal research and a Trinity alumna, Professor Wiltshire returns to the university from the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) for Polar and Marine Research in Bremerhaven, Germany, where she served as Vice-Director in combination with a professorship in Shelf Sea Ecology at the University of Kiel.

Bringing a wealth of international and multi-disciplinary research experience, Professor Wiltshire's research interests are on "whole- system climate resilience", focusing on innovative ways to combine the needs of society, renewable energy and nature towards a sustainable climate and human future. This includes research into long-term climate-related shifts in vulnerable ecosystems and food webs.

Professor Wiltshire emphasises the need for inter-stakeholder dialogue, holistic systems-oriented education and trans-disciplinary research. Her return to Trinity also promises to forge strong links with AWI, offering Trinity researchers access to a suite of unique expertise as well as large-scale research resources and experimental facilities.

The CRH Chair of Climate Science is a joint appointment by Trinity's School of Engineering and the School of Natural Sciences, highlighting the university’s commitment to integrating engineering and natural sciences in tackling climate challenges.

Dr Linda Doyle, Provost of Trinity College Dublin, said: “It has never been more urgent for universities to pursue ground-breaking climate research. I am delighted that Trinity has appointed such a superb researcher as the first-ever Chair of Climate Science, and I am looking forward to the contribution Karen will make to research in sustainability. I also want to thank CRH for its support, which has led to this exciting appointment.”

Welcoming Karen’s appointment, Albert Manifold, Group Chief Executive, CRH, said: “We welcome Professor Wiltshire’s new appointment and the value she will provide in supporting efforts to accelerate the research and development of innovative solutions to address the global climate challenges facing society today.”

Professor Wiltshire said: “I am really excited about working with everyone in Trinity and other institutions across Ireland. We all showcase impressive climate expertise. This means there is great potential for engaging all stakeholders, especially in tech and engineering, which is key to the transformation of society and the natural environment. This gives me hope for Ireland's climate resilience and future sustainability.”