Brigid Laffan Explained

Brigid Laffan is an Irish political scientist and Emeritus professor at Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies at the European University Institute.^[1] Politico Europe ranked her among women who shape Europe in November 2018.^[2] She has been Chancellor of the University of Limerick since November 2023.

Education

Laffan graduated in 1977 from National Institute for Higher Education (NIHE).^[3] After graduating, Laffan became a research co-ordinator at the College of Europe in Bruges.

Career

In 2013, Laffan joined the European University Institute in Florence, where she was appointed as Director of the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies.^[3] She retired from the role in August 2021.^[1] Laffan was previously Professor of European Politics in University College Dublin.She spoke up about structural discrimination of women in academia.^[4] On 2 November 2023, the University of Limerick approved Laffan as Chancellor, and chair of its governing body.^{[5] [6]}

Awards

Laffan has been awarded numerous awards for her professional achievements,^[7] including:

• UACES Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014
• THESEUS Award for outstanding research on European Integration in 2012
• Ordre national du Mérite by the President of France in 2010

Personal life

Laffan was married to the businessman Michael Laffan, whom she met as a student. They had three children.^[3] Her husband died tragically in January 2022.^[8]

Other activities

• European Policy Centre (EPC), Member of the Governing Council (since 2021)^[9]
• Hertie School, Member of the Board of Trustees^[10]
• Royal Irish Academy, Member

Notes and References

1. Web site: Brigid Laffan . European University Institute. 2 November 2022 .
2. News: Women who shape Brussels - class of 2018 . 22 December 2019 . November 2018 . Politico.eu.
3. Web site: Brigid Laffan. 24 August 2022 . University of Limerick . 2 November 2022 .
4. News: 17 May 2022 . Interview: Brigid Laffan on ‘Europe in the World: The Emergence of Collective Power Europe’ . . 2 November 2022.
5. News: Redmond . Siadbh . New chancellor voted in at University of Limerick . 2 November 2023 . Limerick Leader . 2 November 2023.
6. Web site: University of Limerick Governing Authority unanimously approves Professor Brigid Laffan as new chancellor . University of Limerick . University of Limerick . 2 November 2023.
7. Web site: Brigid Laffan. SASE . Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics . 2 November 2022 .
8. News: O'Brien . Tim. 14 May 2022 . Brigid Laffan recalls ‘unimaginable’ trauma of husband’s death. The Irish Times. 2 November 2022.
9. https://epc.eu/en/Publications/New-members-of-the-EPC-Governing-Board~3d16ac Franziska Brantner, Susan Danger, Brigid Laffan, Alexander Stubb and Nathalie Tocci join EPC Governing Board
10. https://www.hertie-school.org/en/board-of-trustees Board of Trustees