In a note to staff, Prof Philip Nolan criticised coverage of the controversy within SFI which he said had done 'untold damage' to the reputation of the agency 'and irreparable damage to my own health and reputation'. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
SFI has its distinct ethos rooted in science, technology, engineering and maths, while the IRC supports basic research in the arts, humanities and social sciences. The new body will be known as Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland. It is fair to say SFI was broadsided in December 2023 when five senior managers made protected disclosures, alleging misconduct by Nolan. Its board commissioned an independent investigation into the claims and was due to discuss the findings at a meeting on Monday. The investigator reportedly found Nolan was not in breach of corporate governance and did not make any findings of misconduct against him or find his conduct constituted bullying.
Last week Nolan returned from a month’s sick leave which meant the process had been on hold. He is reported to have issued a note to staff, saying he looked forward to working with them over coming months, but criticised coverage of the controversy within SFI which he said had done “untold damage” to the reputation of the agency “and irreparable damage to my own health and reputation”.
Equally it is unclear if Nolan, who continues to deny any wrongdoing, will contest the outcome legally by way of unfair dismissal or High Court challenge – though the circumstances of his sacking suggest this is likely. He declined to comment to The Irish Times on any aspect of the controversy.