A LIMERICK woman has been appointed as the deputy director of Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland software research centre based on the University of Limerick’s Castletroy campus.
Professor Ita Richardson was appointed to the role at the end of February, becoming the first woman to hold the post since Lero was established in 2005.
Professor Richardson hails from Murroe and is a professor of software quality in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems at University of Limerick. She is regarded as a champion of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths).
Lero’s director Professor Lionel Briand, who was appointed himself in January of this year, said that Professor Richardson would play a key role in Lero’s development.
“Prof Richardson has and will continue to play a key role as Lero develops the world’s best tech talent and leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
“Prof Richardson has played a crucial role in enhancing Ireland’s software talent pipeline. She is dedicated to engaging people in STEM and software education, from primary school to PhDs. She has and continues to contribute to Lero building critical software skills for Ireland’s future workforce.”
Professor Ita Richardson said of her appointment: “I have seen the benefits of being part of a strong, internationally-recognised research centre and learned from those who have gone before me. I want to support researchers and students, particularly those starting their careers, ensuring they benefit from being part of Lero.”
