26th President of AIS: Brian Fitzgerald

Brian Fitzgerald is a distinguished figure in the world of Information Systems and a leading force in the field of software research. As the Director of Lero, the Irish Software Research Centre, he has played a pivotal role in advancing the software development landscape. His journey is one marked by exceptional achievements and unwavering dedication to the discipline.

Brian holds the prestigious Krehbiel Chair in Innovation in Business & Technology at the University of Limerick (UL). His connection with UL is profound, having previously served as Vice President Research from 2008 to 2011. His academic journey began with a PhD from the University of London, which laid the foundation for a distinguished career in information systems and software research.

His research interests are far-reaching, encompassing software development in its various forms, including open source, agile, lean, continuous software engineering, and global software development. Brian's contribution to the academic world is immense, with a portfolio that includes 16 books and over 150 peer-reviewed articles in leading international journals and conferences.

Before transitioning into academia, Brian accumulated rich experience in the software industry. Over the course of approximately 12 years, he worked in various sectors, including finance, telecommunications, manufacturing, and bespoke software development, across multiple countries, such as Ireland, Belgium, and Germany. This real-world experience lends a practical edge to his academic work.

Brian Fitzgerald's influence extends well beyond the classroom and the boardroom. He is a sought-after speaker, having delivered seminars and keynotes in numerous countries around the globe, from Argentina to the United States. His impressive track record in securing research grants demonstrates his capacity to drive innovation and change.

In his extensive involvement with the Association for Information Systems (AIS), Brian has left an indelible mark. Notable roles include Conference Co-Chair for the 37th International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS) in 2016, serving on the AIS Council representative for Region 2, and being a founding president of the Irish Chapter of AIS.

His experience within the IS discipline is marked by editorial contributions to esteemed journals and awards such as the Best Paper Award at ICIS 2000. Brian's dedication extends to leadership roles, having served as Secretary, Vice-Chair, and Chair of IFIP Working Group 8.2, Organizational & Social Aspects of IS, as well as founding Chair of IFIP Working Group 2.13 Open Source Software.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Brian has received numerous awards, including the AIS Fellow Award, IFIP Silver Core Award, AIS Sandra Slaughter Service Award, and IFIP Outstanding Service Award.

For more details about Brian Fitzgerald, you can visit his website here.