Paul Johnston transitions from British diplomat to lead Irish universities association amid strategic sector shift

Paul Johnston, the outgoing British ambassador to Ireland, has been appointed as the new director general of the Irish Universities Association (IUA), a role he is set to begin in November. Johnston will leave the British diplomatic service at the end of his term as ambassador in September to take up this post, which he secured through a rigorous open competition process. His decision to remain in Ireland after his ambassadorship reflects a commitment to the country that has deepened during his tenure.

The IUA serves as the collective voice for Ireland’s eight research-intensive public universities, including major institutions such as Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and Maynooth University. Its central mission is to advance the interests of these universities, particularly in research and enterprise, and to act as a strategic advocate in discussions with government and other stakeholders. Established in 1997, the association operates through a network of specialised committees ranging from finance to communications, ensuring that the diverse needs of member universities are addressed.

Professor Eeva Leinonen, president of Maynooth University and current chairwoman of the IUA, highlighted the critical role the association plays in supporting the nationwide agenda outlined in the Programme for Government. She emphasised the ambitious government targets across climate action, health, housing, and digital transformation, including artificial intelligence, which all rely heavily on a robust higher education and research system. In this context, she underlined the need for a confident and clear voice advocating for universities, praising Johnston’s leadership qualities as positioning the sector to engage with unity and purpose.

Johnston brings extensive experience to the role, having joined the UK civil service in 1990 and held several prominent diplomatic appointments over the decades. Before his tenure as ambassador to Ireland beginning in 2020, he was the UK’s ambassador to the EU for political and security affairs and served as deputy permanent representative to NATO. His international diplomatic career also includes time as ambassador to Sweden. Notably, his time in Ireland coincided with the challenging period surrounding Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, during which he navigated complex British-Irish relations with diplomatic skill.

In accepting the IUA role, Johnston expressed his honour and enthusiasm, drawing on the words of Irish poet W.B. Yeats, who described education as “the lighting of a fire.” He reflected on his appreciation for the importance of high-quality education to Ireland’s social and economic development and expressed eagerness to contribute to the future growth and impact of the Irish higher education sector.

The recruitment of Johnston followed an open international search initiated by the IUA earlier this year, aiming to find a leader capable of advancing the organisation’s advocacy, policy, and strategic ambitions. The role demands a leader with a nuanced understanding of the educational landscape, proven negotiation skills, and the ability to enhance the association’s public profile. Currently, the IUA is led on an interim basis by Dr Lisa Keating, who also directs research and innovation efforts, coordinating closely with university vice-presidents and deans to push forward research-driven policy initiatives.

Johnston’s appointment signals a strategic choice by the IUA to appoint a leader with strong diplomatic and international experience at a time when Irish universities face the dual challenge of securing sustainable funding models and strengthening their research and enterprise critical to national priorities. His expertise and established relationships with government and international partners are expected to be invaluable as the association advances its advocacy efforts.

Overall, Paul Johnston’s transition from British diplomat to director general of Ireland’s university association marks a notable development in the sector. It underlines the growing recognition that higher education plays a pivotal role in national progress, with leadership that can bridge academic excellence and policy advocacy being crucial for future achievements.