ESRI founder Dr. T.K. Whitaker celebrates his 100th birthday

On 8 December 2016 the ESRI's founder, Dr. T.K. Whitaker celebrates his 100th birthday. Dr. Whitaker was one of an influential group of public figures in the late 1950s who became aware of a need for an enhanced analytical foundation for economic policy-making in Ireland. Dr. Whitaker led negotiations with the Ford Foundation in the US and secured the initial funding which allowed for the creation of the Economic Research Institute, as it was then known, in 1960. Dr. Whitaker remained a board member of the Institute into the 1990s and was a constant source of support and inspiration. The staff and Council send their best wishes to Dr. Whitaker on this momentous day.   

Dr. T.K. Whitaker attends the unveiling of his portrait in the ESRI in 1986.

Dr. T.K. Whitaker with Professor Frances Ruane, former Director of the ESRI, attending an event in 2010 to celebrate 50 years since the establishment of the ESRI. 

Dr. T.K. Whitaker pictured with President Mary McAleese and ESRI staff members at an event at Áras an Uachtaráin in 2010 to celebrate 50 years of the ESRI.

Dr T.K. Whitaker pictured with the Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny T.D., and ESRI researchers at the launch of "Using Evidence to Inform Policy" in 2013.