TUS President hails professor’s “exceptional expertise” following appointment to UN panel

The Irish scientist chosen to join a global panel of experts for the United Nations on Nuclear War Effects is a lecturer from one of the country’s first Technological Universities.   

Professor Neil Rowan is a lecturer at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) within the Faculty of Science and Health, and previously served as the Director of the university’s Bioscience Research Institute until 2023.   

Prof. Rowan will join 20 other scientists selected from across the world to focus on the physical and societal consequences of nuclear war and is due to publish a comprehensive evidence-based report on their findings within two years.    

The panel has been established following the UN General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution proposed by Ireland and New Zealand last year.  

Commenting on the appointment, President of TUS, Professor Vincent Cunnane said: “We are immensely proud of Professor Neil Rowan’s appointment to this vitally important UN panel. This is a testament to his exceptional expertise, built over three decades of research and knowledge across the medtech, agriculture/food, and healthcare sectors. Professor Rowan’s contributions to the UN resolution on the effects of nuclear war will undoubtedly be invaluable, and as well as being a huge personal honour for Prof Rowan, and for us here at TUS, this is also a huge honour for the Technological sector and Irish science.” 

Professor Cunnane added: “Professor Rowan’s selection underscores the calibre of our research and academic staff here at TUS. It’s a clear demonstration of how our commitment to providing solutions to real-world challenges is directly supported by the world-class academic talent across our campuses. He is a shining example of the impactful and globally significant work being undertaken by our academics. 

Recognised by the prestigious Stanford University list of World Top 2% of Scientists in 2024, Prof. Rowan has over thirty years’ experience in data generation and transregional modelling for innovation ecosystems, including performance analysis and risk mitigation that advances core agriculture, biology and life sciences sectors, and addresses complex challenges for pressing societal needs.  

Professor Rowan is based at the TUS Athlone campus.

Speaking on his selection, Professor Rowan said:“I am humbled to contribute to this esteemed panel of leading scientists. I am looking forward to working closely with my panel members, where we will advise on the effects of nuclear war for the United Nations. These duties are quite profound, given that we will investigate the physical and societal consequences of nuclear war on local, regional, and global scales. Our research will encompass the examination of climatic, environmental, radiological, public health, and socioeconomic impacts. The assembly of this panel reflects a unified global commitment to gather and share key knowledge on a critical topic for humanity. I am honoured to play my part in it.”  

The UN report on the Effects of Nuclear War is due to be published in 2027.