‘Exhilarated’: Trinity College Dublin elects first female provost in its 429-year history

In a statement on Twitter, following her glass-ceiling-shattering role, Prof Doyle said, she was “exhilarated” and ready to take it on.

She will take over the role from Patrick Prendergast, as the 45th Provost of the University, following an election by Trinity’s academic staff and two student unions at the weekend.

“I’m exhilarated to take on this role and to be part of this historic development,” she said. “Trinity is an extraordinary institution, filled with exceptionally talented staff and students, but, I believe we can set our ambitions for it even higher… I want Trinity to be a public university that is fearless in its pursuit of a deep-rooted fairness.”

Prof Doyle is Professor of Engineering and the Arts at Trinity. The Provostship has a term of 10 years, during which she will be responsible for leading the University in achieving its core mission in education, research and innovation.

Her expertise is in the fields of wireless communications, cognitive radio, reconfigurable networks, spectrum management and creative arts practices, according to  She has raised over 70 million in research funding and has published widely in her field. She is a Fellow of Trinity College Dublin.

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris, Taoiseach Michéal Martian and Tainsete Leo Varadkar were among many who congratulated the professor on her appointment.

Her role will officially start on August 1st this year.