Brigid Laffan

Brigid Laffan is an Irish political scientist and Emeritus professor at Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies at the European University Institute. Politico Europe ranked her among women who shape Europe in November 2018. She has been Chancellor of the University of Limerick since November 2023.

Education Born Brigid Burns, Laffan graduated in 1977 among the 113 founding students of the National Institute for Higher Education (NIHE). After graduating, Laffan became a research co-ordinator at the College of Europe in Bruges.

Career In 2013, Laffan joined the European University Institute in Florence, where she was appointed as Director of the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies.

Laffan has written extensively about Britain’s departure from the European Union, and has become "a renowned expert on all things Brexit". Selected awards Laffan has received numerous awards for her professional achievements, including: UACES Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 THESEUS Award for outstanding research on European Integration in 2012 Ordre national du Mérite by the President of France in 2010

Other activities European Policy Centre (EPC), Member of the Governing Council (since 2021) Hertie School, Member of the Board of Trustees Royal Irish Academy, Member