BRIAN NORTON, BORN 1955, PRESIDENT DIT

This recording was compiled in the President’s Office in Aungier Street, where Brian Norton initially discusses his background and his early education in the UK. His first academic post was at Cranfield University in London where he taught engineering and management for 13 years. In 1989 he was appointed to the Chair of the Engineering Department at Ulster University where he also served for 13 years. His specialisation was in solar energy and he discusses this in detail, he talks about research and teaching, and the links and benefits in the combination of both. While at Ulster University he witnessed challenging and tragic events during the Troubles, which he describes. He discusses the differences in the evolution of education between the Irish and British technology systems. In 2003 Brian Norton was appointed President DIT, and he explains the depth of experience in research and management he brought to his new post, and he details the work he has undertaken in this challenging position.