The NCSC is a grassroots initiative committed to establishing a world-class science centre for children in the heart of Dublin City.
MEET THE BOARD
The NCSC is governed by a voluntary board who have worked for over 20 years to bring this idea to life. Currently the board is made up of the following members:
Paschal Naylor, Chair
Paschal is an experienced director with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry.
He is an Advisor to Presidio Europe and the co-founder of Arkphire, a leading Irish IT consulting and managed-services company. Under Naylor’s leadership, Arkphire grew to become a €160m business and was acquired by the US tech firm Presidio in 2021.
Ali Hewson
Ali is an Irish activist and businesswoman. She has supported the National Children's Science Centre project for over 20 years.
Prof. Luke O'Neill
Luke is a professor of biochemistry at the School of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity College Dublin.
He is also a founder and investigator at the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI) and one of the world’s leading immunologists. He is also a Broadcaster and writer.
Melinda Byrns-O’Brien
Mindy is an environmental attorney and has been actively involved in environmental issues for over 30 years. She was the Chief Executive of the environmental charity, Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment (VOICE) for over 12 years and in her retirement, she is the President of Zero Waste Europe and the Chair of Sustainable Water Network in Ireland.
Mindy worked on Capitol Hill in Washington DC for 6 years for several Members of Congress and Congressional Subcommittees.
Michael M. Collins
Michael M. Collins, Senior Counsel and Adjunct Full Professor, UCD, is a leading silk in commercial, competition and EU law at the Irish Bar and is a member of Lincoln’s Inn and Middle Temple. He practices from 4 Arran Square, Arran Quay, Dublin 7. Michael appears regularly before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Ireland and frequently appears before the Court of Justice of the EU.
He also has an extensive practice in commercial arbitration (domestic and international) both as counsel and as arbitrator.
Paul Duffy
Paul commenced his appointment as Chair in January 2024. Paul is an experienced Chairman and Chief Executive Officer with extensive knowledge of the consumer and leisure industry.
He brings significant strategic and brand experience, having served previously as Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard North America. Paul is currently an iNED and AUDCom Chair, REMCom member and Development Committee member of Glanbia plc, an iNED of Hostelworld Group plc, member of the AUDCom, Nomination Committee and member and Chair of the REMCom.
Cathy Moore
Cathy is an experienced professional communicator, strategist and media trainer, advising on communication and media strategy as well as media presentation, specialising in the community, social enterprise and public sector.
She has over 25 years experience on national and international TV, radio and newspapers, with Government in Leinster House and as a communications lecturer.
Dr. Jonathan Westrup
Jonathan is an Associate Professor at Warwick Business School and specialises in Business, organisational and regulatory strategy and corporate governance.
He has been a Director at the Irish Management Institute for many years and Non-Executive Director at NEAM (New England Asset Management).
Tom Bean
Tom is a Chartered Director and a seasoned technical and commercial leader with over three decades of experience in the energy, telecoms and IT sectors. He leads retail customer innovation and new products at ESB, supporting ESB’s Brighter Future Strategy to decarbonise society.
Tom has held senior roles with ESB, Vodafone, PwC and Logica and serves on the Council of the Royal Victoria Eye & Ear Hospital. He chairs the Industry Advisory Board for TCD’s School of Engineering and is an external advisor at UCD on one of its major European energy research projects.
Tom has a passion for education and science.
PAST BOARD MEMBERS, SUPPORTERS AND EMPLOYEES
We would like to extend our deep gratitude to the dedicated individuals who have committed their time and effort to the National Children's Science Centre since 1998. Here are some of the people who have contributed: Dr. Áine Hyland, Dr. Danny O Hare, Seamus Bannon, Brian Redmond, Peter Brabazon, Dr. Ian Hughes, Frank Doonan, Ann Foley Finnan, Michael O’Doherty and Phillip Smyth.