RTE [SCIENCE] [PODCAST]
You couldn’t have timed it worse – in the middle of National Science Week, Ireland’s first chief science adviser to the Government is moved sideways amidst revelations that he obtained his PhD from the US Pacific Western University, known for selling qualifications. So what did Barry McSweeney achieve since he took office in June 2004? Was his term a success for Irish science? And given that the Government has promised that a successor will be appointed, is it time to redefine the role of ‘Chief Science Adviser’? Brian Trench, head of Dublin City University’s School of Communication, discuss this and more on tonight’s programme.