Taoiseach meets President of Harvard University to discuss the role of universities in economic renewal

The Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen TD, met with Dr. Drew Faust, President of Harvard University today. Dr Faust, the first woman President of Harvard, was accompanied by her husband Professor Charles Rosenberg also an eminent historian.

The main focus of discussion at the meeting was the central role of Higher Education and Research in driving economic growth and innovation and, in particular, how the potential offered by Ireland's strengths in the humanities, social sciences and creative disciplines can be harnessed to stimulate economic recovery and address complex social and policy problems.

Welcoming the visit of Dr. Faust to Ireland, the Taoiseach said:

"Harvard is one of the most well-known and highly respected international universities. The Irish Government remains committed to supporting research in the higher-education sector and Dr Faust and I discussed how this sector can make an important contribution to economic recovery. I strongly support the valuable collaboration programmes linking US and Irish universities. I hope that this visit by Dr Faust will further strengthen the linkages between Harvard and Ireland to the mutual benefit of both our countries."

Ends
30th June 2010