Tyndall alumna and former board member Dr Ann Kelleher has been awarded the prestigious Irish Academy of Engineering (IAE) 2024 Parsons Medal. 

Transformational contribution to engineering

The Parsons Medal is awarded annually by the IAE to celebrate an individual who has made or led a transformational contribution to engineering on the island of Ireland.

After achieving first class honours in engineering in 1987 and a MEng in 1989 from University College Cork, Dr Kelleher became the first woman to receive a PhD from the National Microelectronics Research Centre (NMRC), the forerunner of Tyndall National Institute.

Now as the executive vice president and general manager of Foundry Technology Development at Intel Corporation, Dr Kelleher consistently seeks out innovation for development and manufacturing processes.

Dr Ann Kelleher, executive vice president and general manager of Foundry Technology Development at Intel Corporation.

Most recently, she has taken responsibility for delivering Intel’s advanced semiconductor technology roadmap, including the advanced process nodes now operating in Leixlip, Ireland. This technology is core to the next generation of artificial intelligence (AI) processors.

While operating from the US, Dr Kelleher has maintained strong links to Ireland, using her visits to promote its technology and societal interests. She is an adjunct professor to the School of Engineering and Architecture, UCC, and is a strong advocate for gender equality, for women working in engineering roles and holding senior management positions in the tech industry.

Professor William Scanlon, CEO, Tyndall, said: “Ann’s remarkable career and contributions to advanced technology development and the engineering community are an inspiration to our new generation of engineers and researchers.

'Well-deserved recognition'

"Her work demonstrates the transformative impact that research and engineering excellence can have on society. We are immensely proud of Ann’s achievements, and we offer our warmest congratulations to her on this well-deserved recognition with the Parsons Medal.”

In response to receiving the Parsons Medal, Dr Kelleher said: “I am honoured to receive the prestigious Parsons Medal and would like to thank the IAE for selecting me from many worthy candidates.

"The field of engineering has inspired me from my days as a student and semiconductor researcher in Ireland to my career at Intel. I hope that my journey can inspire others to embrace a career in engineering, both for the individual satisfaction of working on interesting problems as well as the chance to make an impact on one’s community both locally and globally.”

The IAE is an all-island body promoting excellence in engineering and technology for the betterment of the island of Ireland. The award ceremony was recently held during the Birr Engineering Heritage Festival at Birr Castle Demesne, ancestral home of Sir Charles Parsons, eminent Irish engineer, and namesake of this medal for his invention of the compound steam turbine.