A FORMER Irish president is to join the University of Glasgow as a professor.

Mary McAleese’s new role in the discipline of children, law and religion is part of a joint appointment between the university and the College of Arts and College of Social Sciences. She will take up her position for the 2018/2019 academic year.

McAleese was the president of Ireland from 1997 to 2011. Since 2013, she has taught courses in various higher-educational institutions on children rights, gender and LGBT rights and in international law.

She said: “Joining the University of Glasgow opens up exciting prospects for collaboration in teaching and research on the subjects of children, law and religion.

“The university has a culture of innovation and cross disciplinary engagement which augurs well for fresh and fascinating scholarly initiatives in these fields. I am looking forward to being part of these developments.”

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Glasgow, expressed his delight at the appointment, pointing to McAleese’s experience.

“I am absolutely delighted that Professor Mary McAleese is joining the University of Glasgow. As well as being well known on the international stage, she is an accomplished academic with vast experience in her field. I have no doubt her insights and wisdom will be of great benefit to our students and staff.”

Trained as a barrister and journalist, and formerly as a professor of criminal law, criminology and penology at Trinity College Dublin – as well as a pro-vice chancellor at Queen’s University of Belfast – McAleese went on to complete a doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.