
Jennifer Brennan
Director of Research, Development and Innovation THEA
Jennifer has over 10 years leadership experience in research and higher education. She is currently the Director of Research, Development and Innovation at the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA). Jennifer leads the organisation’s work in research and innovation, and equality, diversity and inclusion. Along with the other members of the THEA senior leadership team, she is driving the implementation of the organisation’s Strategic Plan, including the management of changes to operational structures and staff policies. Prior to joining THEA, Jennifer was Ireland’s National Contact Point for the European research funding programme the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions (MSCA). During her five years in this role, she supported researchers to bring in over €110 million from the programme. She still retains a role in the MSCA, representing Ireland’s interests in the programme as National Expert to the MSCA Programme Committee. Jennifer has a background in research and has worked in academia in the UK, USA and Ireland. Her first job “away from the bench” was the post of Scientific Officer at the Irish Research Council, where she co-ordinated two successful proposals submitted to the FP7 Marie Curie Actions COFUND Calls in 2007 and 2011, each with a value of approximately €5m, the largest amounts leveraged by Ireland from FP7. Jennifer has a strong interest in researcher career development, gender in research, Open Research, and responsible research & innovation, and is Deputy Chair of the National Forum on Research Integrity.