She is responsible for development of policy on the role of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) in contributing to the EU's 2020 targets on climate and energy, as well as for R&D activities on ICT and sustainability including energy-efficient buildings and cities, smart electricity grids and efficient water management.
From 2004-2008, she was Head of Unit Cognitive Systems and Robotics and was responsible for building up a substantial R&D initiative in this domain.
Prior to this she held various assignments in the Commission in the field of ICT, from microelectronics, to telecommunications and digital content.
Before joining the Commission in 1994, she held research positions in Ciba, Switzerland and Dartmouth College, USA.
She has a BSc in Mathematics and Physics (summa cum laude) and a PhD in Physics (1982 and 1986 respectively) from Trinity College Dublin.