Teagasc has appointed Prof. David Kenny as the new head of its Animal and Bioscience Research Department, taking over the reins from Michael Diskin who retired last year.
Founded in 2008, Teagasc Animal and Bioscience Research Department (ABRD) has rapidly expanded since then, linking animal bioscience with previously existing animal science research areas in Teagasc, the authority says.
The main animal bioscience facilities are located at the Teagasc research centre, Grange, Co. Meath, from where Prof. Kenny will lead the department.
The department also comprises facilities and staff spread across two other Teagasc research centres: Teagasc Moorepark in Co. Cork; and Teagasc Athenry in Co. Galway.
Prof. Kenny qualified with a first class honours bachelors of animal science from University College Dublin, followed by a PhD in nutrition and reproductive physiology of cattle, also at UCD.
He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Statistics and a Postgraduate Diploma in Molecular Medicine from Trinity College Dublin, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership Development from Irish Management Institute/University College Cork.
In his early career he worked for the Department of Agriculture and as an adviser with Teagasc.
Speaking following his appointment, Prof. David Kenny said: “I look forward to working with colleagues in Teagasc and in partner research organisations, to effectively tackle the many biologically based issues that face the livestock sector, in an integrated and focused manner.”
Head of the Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation programme, Prof. Pat Dillon said:
During his time in Teagasc, Prof. Kenny has demonstrated strong leadership, having mentored 17 PhD and eight masters degree postgraduate students to completion as primary supervisor, and a further 13 PhD students as co-supervisor.
“He also has a strong publication record, having published 176 full length peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, four book chapters and more than 250 abstracts at national and international conferences,” Prof. Dillon added.