Maynooth University New President Professor Eeva Leinonen

Maynooth University have welcomed its new President Professor Eeva Leinonen, who succeeds Professor Philip Nolan.

Professor Leinonen is an international researcher and former Vice-Chancellor of Murdoch University in Perth, Australia. She is the first female president of Maynooth University.

Professor Leinonen has held the role of Vice Chancellor of Murdoch University, since 2016, having previously been Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) at the University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.  Prior to moving to Australia in 2012, she was Vice Principal (Education) at King’s College, London.

Originally from Finland, Professor Leinonen has a background in linguistics and psychology.  She engages with researchers in Finland and Italy in ongoing research into pragmatic language development in children and contextual processing deficits of children and young adults with autistic spectrum disorders.

Professor Leinonen said she was honoured to have the opportunity to lead Maynooth University in the next stage of its development. The new President said that Maynooth University can play an outsized role in next-generation Ireland.

“High-quality innovative education, world-class research that has positive societal impact, and transformational educational opportunities for all who can benefit irrespective of background are hallmarks of Maynooth University and resonate closely with my approach to university education,” she said.

“Next year Maynooth celebrates its 25th anniversary. This affords us an opportunity to pause, reflect and plan for the years ahead. Due to its rapid enrolment growth, its diverse student population, its youthful and collegial attitude toward multi-disciplinary research, and its strengths in fields that are critical to Ireland’s economic future, I believe Maynooth University can play a significant role in preparing for next-generation Ireland.

“I am very much looking forward to working collaboratively with colleagues across the University, with students, the Governing Authority, Academic Council, the Irish education sector and the many partners and supporters of Maynooth University to build on the University’s impressive achievements gained under the leadership of Professor Nolan and previous Presidents.”

The Chairperson of the Governing Authority, Dr Mary Canning, said she was delighted to welcome Professor Leinonen.

“Professor Leinonen’s track record in the leadership and management of higher education institutions internationally will be of great benefit to Maynooth University, the Irish Universities Association and the higher education system in general at this critical time.  I wish Professor Leinonen well as she takes up her new role.”