Minister Muir announces new AFBI Board Chair

Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has announced the appointment of a new Chair to the Board of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).

Professor Grace Mulcahy has been appointed as the new Chair and her appointment is effective from 1 November 2024.  

Confirming the new appointment, Minister Muir said: “Professor Mulcahy has arrived at a period of significant change for AFBI as we take forward a number of key strategic initiatives. These will include changes in our climate and food systems to meet the many local and global challenges that the agri-food sector faces in the years ahead particularly from climate change.

“As I welcome Grace to the role of AFBI Board Chair I would also like to thank the outgoing Chair, Mr Colin Coffey for his support and dedication to the role during his time as Chair.”

Notes to editors: 

Grace Mulcahy is Full Professor of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology and spent almost 10 years (Jan 2007- Sept 2016) as Dean of Veterinary Medicine and from Sept 2011-Sept 2016 Head of the newly formed UCD School of Veterinary Medicine.

She served two terms as a member of the Veterinary Council of Ireland and was for two years a member of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges Board of Directors, as well as being a former Board Member of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute. She currently serves as Research Integrity Officer for UCD and leads the university’s Research Culture activities.

Prof Mulcahy is a member of the Royal Irish Academy.

The post attracts a remuneration of £29,452 (under review) per annum. 

The above appointment is based on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland (CPANI) requires the political activity of appointees to be published. The appointee has not been involved in any political activity during the past five years.

The appointment is made in accordance with the Agriculture (NI) Order 2004 and the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland (CPANI) Code of Practice.

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