An Irish scientist is one of 21 experts from across the world appointed to a UN Panel which will study and report on the effects of a nuclear war.
Dr Neil Rowan of the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest has been appointed to the recently-established United Nations Scientific Panel on the Effects of Nuclear War.
The panel is the result of a joint Ireland-New Zealand resolution at the UN General Assembly last year, and will see 21 scientists drawn from multiple countries to focus on the “physical and societal consequences of nuclear war”.
Dr Rowan is noted as having over 30 years’ experience in the field of applied microbiology, and was previously recognised by the Stanford University list of World Top 2% of Scientists in 2023.
Speaking on his selection, Dr Rowan said: “I am humbled to contribute to the assembled panel of internationally-leading scientists where we will advise on the effects of nuclear war for the United Nations.
“These duties are quite profound given that we will investigate the physical and societal consequences of nuclear war on a local, regional, and global scale encompassing examining climatic, environmental, radiological, public health, and socioeconomic impacts. Additionally, it reflects a unified global commitment to garner and share key knowledge on what is a critical topic for humanity,” he said.
The panel is the first UN-mandated scientific examination of the effects of nuclear war since the 1980s, and will work until 2027 when it will publish a report “based on the latest science”.
Commenting on Dr Rowan’s appointment, Tánaiste Simon Harris said that he was “delighted” that Irish people “are front and centre of global efforts to achieve a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons”.
“Recent events demonstrate the increasing level of nuclear risk the world faces. The work of Dr. Rowan and his fellow panellists will be an invaluable contribution to our evidence-based understanding of the catastrophic effects of a nuclear war,” Mr Harris said.