Speaker Bio
Declan Kirrane is the Founder and Managing Director of ISC Intelligence in Science, Chairman and managing director of the Science Summit at the United Nations General Assembly, co-founder of Medicines for Future (MAF), Chairman of the Science For All 501(c)(3) Foundation and Director of the Africa-Europe Science Collaboration Forum (AERAP). He has over 25 years of experience as a global senior adviser to governments and industry on science policy and related regulation.
With Financial Times, he was the launch editor of CORDIS, the European Commission’s research information Service. He was Editor-in-Chief of the Commission’s Innovation and Technology Transfer Newsletter and CORDIS focus. His expertise covers ICT, Health, Defence, Space, Science Policy, GDPR and AI regulation and legislation, EU R&D and Innovation policies, programmes and funding instruments. He has worked extensively on science policy evaluation methodologies and technology options for policy, and decision-makers use investment in science for broader economic development and competitiveness. With the Office of Science in the US Department of Energy, he launched the Ford Foundation Bellagio Process on science policy evaluation methodologies.
Declan Kirrane's strategic leadership and influence were instrumental in the South African government’s successful bid to host the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope (SKA). His efforts led South Africa and its partner countries to secure the rights to build the SKA in South Africa. The Economist has recognised the SKA, now an Inter-Governmental Organisation(IGO), as the world's largest science project when completed in 2030. He also manages the Africa-Europe Science and Innovation Platform, AERAP.
Declan Kirrane's expertise and contribution to the field is evident as the lead author of Chapter 5 of the UN’s Financing: Guidebook for the Development and Implementation of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for the SDGs Roadmap for the Six Transitions. This guidebook will be launched at the UN’s Decadal Financing for Development Madrid Summit (FfD4) on 30 June 2025.
Since 2010, Declan Kirrane has been a driving force in advocating for a more significant role for science within the United Nations General Assembly. His unwavering commitment led to the establishment of the annual Science Summit, which engages and inspires science and other stakeholders. The upcoming 11th Edition is a testament to his dedication and will take place from 9 to 26 September 2025.