One of the first scholars to be awarded a Newman Fellowship at UCD (in 1989), Professor Foley was a highly respected researcher and educator in the field of chemical engineering. He made significant contributions in the analysis and design of membrane filtration systems, and published more than 40 papers on the subject in international journals.

As a Newman Fellow, Greg spent 3 years studying crossflow microfiltration – a novel membrane separation technique that was little understood at the time but is now widely used in wastewater treatment, food processing, and pharmaceutical production.  He was an early adopter of computer-aided image analysis technology and retained a passion for mathematical modelling throughout his career.

For more than 3 decades, Greg was a member of faculty in the School of Biotechnology at Dublin City University. As well as being a committed lecturer in the field of bioprocess engineering, he also made important contributions to the university in the leadership roles of Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning, and the Lead for Innovation in Teaching and Learning. Colleagues and students at DCU have paid tribute to his kindness and dedication, and the immense impact he has made on so many lives.

Órfhlaith Ford, Director of the Newman Fellowship Programme said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Professor Foley’s passing. He was extremely generous with his time and we were delighted to feature Greg’s research in the publication Exceptional Minds, to mark the 30th anniversary of the Newman Fellowship Programme in 2019.”

May he rest in peace.