Dr David Spearman is Inaugurated as New Pro-Chancellor

Posted on: 25 March 2009

Dr David Spearman was inaugurated as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Dublin, Trinity College, at a special ceremony in the Provost’s house on March 4th last.  As one of the six Pro-Chancellors of the University of Dublin, Dr Spearman may deputise for the Chancellor, Dr Mary Robinson.

Dr Spearman began his career in Trinity College in the mid 1950s as a first entrance scholar in mathematics and science.  In 1966 he was appointed Professor of Natural Philosophy, a post which he held until his retirement in 1997.  Over the course of his career, Dr Spearman held numerous posts in Trinity College which include: Bursar (1974-77); Vice Provosts (1991-97) and Head of Department of Pure and Applied Mathematics (1966-1991).

Dr Spearman’s contribution to teaching and scholarship has been recognised both nationally and internationally.  He was elected to Fellowship of Trinity College Dublin in 1969 and appointed to the Vice Presidency of the European Science Foundation (1983-1989).

Since his retirement in 1997, Dr Spearman has continued with his commitment to Trinity College and to the fields of mathematics and science.  He was elected President of the Royal Irish Academy in 1999, a post which he held until 2002.  He has also been a member of the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC) since 2001 and was Chairman from 2004 to 2007.

Dr David Spearman, Pro-Chancellor of the University, Trinity College