Robert Devoy

Robert Devoy is Professor in Geography (emeritus), University College Cork (UCC). His research career has been involved particularly within the fields of coastal science, sea-level changes and coastal management; with work including core studies in climate change impacts, coastal processes and management, planning and governance; as well as work in areas of Quaternary science and palaeoevironmental reconstructions.  He was a lead member of the Nobel Prize awarded Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) AR4 (2002 – 2007) Working Group II and was a Reviewer in IPCC AR5 (2013-2014). His international academic career spans more than 40 years, with research on coastal environments in many parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Britain and in many other European countries. He was formerly Head of the School of Geography, Archaeology and Planning in UCC and is currently a member of the Climate Advisory Council of Ireland’s Climate Change Adaptation Committee; a research associate at the Geography Department, UCC; a senior scientist, technical advisor and consultant in the Centre for Marine and Energy-based Research Ireland (MaREI), Environmental Research Institute, UCC. He was the University’s Student Ombudsman (2012-2014).

Robert’s work in coastal science led in 2021 to the publication of the award winning The Coastal Atlas of Ireland, Cork University Press (Best Irish Book of the Year award, 2021). This was the result of 7 years of work with his co-editors on the project, with over 100 specialist authors involved as well. The Atlas forms a benchmark publication, covering all aspects of the coastal science of Ireland and its adjacent marine waters, together with the linked social, economic, planning and management issues involved in these dynamic environments. Further, the book formed the basis for a 3-part RTE film series on Ireland’s Coast (Moondance Productions), screened in September 2024, which involved Robert and his co-editors in the production and presentation of the film materials and as the technical advisors. In retirement Robert continues with writing and publications in coastal science, together with joint research project work. This includes work at the Harper’s Island Bird Sanctuary, Cork involving the palaeoenvironmental reconstruction and interpretation of the area; joint publications on the age, processes and development of Ireland’s sand dune barriers and its spit coasts; on coastal erosion, management and adaptation needs in Ireland under climate warming; and on, the processes and impacts of sea-level rise on Ireland’s Continental Shelf. Robert will take part in an event around The Coastal Atlas of Ireland to mark the 100^th anniversary of Cork University Press

Professor Robert Devoy’s attendance at West Cork Literary Festival is supported by Cork University Press