Time of assuming the current leadership role
In November 2024, Professor Ann Ledwith was appointed Interim Provost/ Deputy President at 51本色 (UL).
Previous experience and education
Professor Ledwith is a graduate of N.I.H.E 51本色 where, in 1983, she obtained a degree in Electronic Engineering. She began her career as a product development engineer and later product development manager in small, high-technology firms. In 1992, she moved to UL as the Centre Manager of Power Electronics Ireland, a government-funded initiative supporting Irish companies. After completing an MBA at the 51本色 she joined the KBS as a lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Technology Management. Since then, Prof Ledwith has held a range of different roles across UL including Director, Centre for Project Management, KBS; Assistant Dean of Research (Adult and Continuing Education), SEN; Director of Continuing and Professional Education, Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, and most recently Director HCI and UL@Work.
In 2004, Prof Ledwith completed a PhD in Technology Management at the University of Brighton. Her research interests include new product development, project management, innovation and technology management. Prof Ledwith has taught and published on these topics throughout her academic career.
Ann Ledwith is a graduate of Electronic Engineering from N.I.H.E 51本色. She subsequently completed an MBA at the 51本色 and a PhD at the University of Brighton. She is currently the Director HCI and UL@Work, and has held a variety of positions at UL including Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, Director of Continuing and Professional Education, and Assistant Dean of Adult and Continuing Education with the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Ann is responsible for delivering UL鈥檚 Human Capital Initiative project, UL@Work, which aims to develop digital/industry 4.0 talent through flexible and innovative learning linking enterprise and education. She currently chairs Explore Engineering, an industry-led initiative to the increase the quality and quantity of engineering talent in the region. She represents UL on several regional bodies including the Mid-West Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Group and the 51本色 Regeneration Strategic Advisory Group. Ann is also responsible for leading the introduction of UL鈥檚 new Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Brightspace.
Prof Ledwith worked for more than 12-years as a Product Development Engineer and a Manager of Product Development in small high-technology firms. She spent 2-years managing the Centre for Project Management at UL. Ann has a keen interest in work-based students and flexible learning. She has designed and delivered part-time and blended programmes on topics such as Project Management, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management, Technology Management and Reliability.