New Chief Specialist in Food Science and Technology Appointed at FSAI
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has announced the appointment of Dr Ciara Walsh as Chief Specialist in Food Science and Technology. Dr Walsh will lead, develop and manage the multi-disciplinary food science and technology team in the FSAI. Along with the team, Dr Walsh will focus on ensuring consumer health protection through the development of scientific and technical supports for food inspection and the food industry. She will also provide leadership and support in the delivery of food safety and regulatory functions in Ireland.
Dr Walsh has over 25 years of experience in food science and technology across academia, research, and regulatory environments. Prior to her appointment, she spent more than 12 years at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) in academic positions, most recently serving as Senior Engagement Manager in Food and Health, where she led a number of strategic university initiatives. Her appointment marks a return to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, where she previously worked for seven years in biotechnology. Her prior experience also includes three years as a Newman Postdoctoral Scholar at the Centre for Food Safety in University College Dublin (UCD) and four years as a Walsh PhD Fellow in Teagasc, Ashtown.
Dr Walsh’s focus will be to lead on the scientific and technical work in food science and technology, including novel foods, food allergens, food fraud, emerging risks and genetically modified organisms. She will engage with Government departments, including the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, as well as official agencies and the food industry, to support compliance with food legislation. She will also represent the FSAI at national, EU and international meetings, support the work of the wider food science and technology team, and assist with risk assessment activity within the FSAI.
Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI, highlighted the importance of the role in supporting the organisation’s work in a changing regulatory environment.
“I am delighted to welcome Dr Ciara Walsh to the role of Chief Specialist in Food Science and Technology. Ciara brings extensive experience across food science, research and regulation, which will support the FSAI’s work in protecting consumer health and ensuring compliance within an increasingly complex food regulatory environment. Her experience across academia, State agencies and the food industry will support the organisation’s work in key areas such as novel foods, food allergens, food fraud and emerging risks. I am confident that Ciara will make a valuable contribution to the work of the FSAI.”
A graduate of University College Cork (UCC), Dr Walsh holds a BSc in Food Science and a PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Biology from Ulster University Jordanstown (UUJ). In addition, she also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning and an MSc in Education from TU Dublin.
