Michael O’Connell, having studied and researched at UCD (BSc and PhD), has spent most of his working life (mid-1970s until early 2011) at the University of Galway (formerly UCG/NUIG). As Professor emeritus, he continues to pursue research with focus on long-term environmental change during prehistory and historical times in Ireland. He has spent extended periods in research institutes in Germany (Wilhelmshaven, Hannover, Potsdam), supported by the Humboldt Foundation and the DAAD. He serves as an Associate Editor of Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, having previously (1990–2000) been copy editor. He is an elected member of the Royal Irish Academy. For list of publications see Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=-FY-RAwAAAAJ&hl=en