MEP Sean Kelly – (Photo G.Willoughby)
Munster MEP Sean Kelly (South Constituency) has been named ‘MEP of the Year‘ for Research and Innovation, at a prestigious awards ceremony in Brussels last night. The Ceremony was organised by the Parliament Magazine & winners are chosen exclusively by fellow MEPs who vote on a shortlist of nominees.
Speaking after the event, Mr Kelly stated he was “honoured” by the recognition, especially since it was for a subject so close to his heart. “I have always been passionate about innovation and have enjoyed using my position as an MEP to prioritise research and development opportunities across the EU.”
Mr Kelly believes Europe must now focus on becoming the absolute world leader in Research Development and Scientific Innovation & it is the responsibility of politicians to encourage and support growth in this sector, through funding grants and positive effective policies.
Mr Kelly is currently the driving force behind a major Brussels conference planned for next year to encourage Irish researchers and their European counterparts to draw down more EU funds for their work. Mr Kelly will also host the March 2013 conference EU Science, Global Collaboration which will highlight funding opportunities under the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme. In addition, Mr Kelly is currently co-authoring the European Parliament’s forthcoming report on Data Protection.
Mr Kelly was born in Knockataggle, Kilcummin, Killarney, County Kerry in 1952 & was educated at Kilcummin National School, Tralee CBS and St. Brendan’s College, Killarney. He qualified as a primary school teacher in St Patrick’s College of Education, Drumcondra and then attended University College Dublin, where he received a B.A. and Higher Diploma in Education.
Mr Kelly, a regular visitor to Thurles, was a former popular President of the GAA .
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