Prof. Gerard O'Connor is a Personal Professor of Physcs with expertise in Materials Science for Advanced Manufacturing. Gerard's specific research interests centre on laser-enabled additive and subtractive manufacturing at the interface of printed electronics and biomaterials. 

Gerard's academic activities are focused on enhancing the internationalisation of regional industry through both research and education. In research, Gerard participates in CÚRAM and leads the NCLA Laser Laboratory - a globally competitive applied research laboratory in laser-based manufacturing technologies. In education, Gerard is a programme director of the Bachelor of Science & Technology programme for adult and professional learners within the University. Gerard also actively contributes to entrepreneurial education of mainstream learners through the provision of modules in Makerspaces and Scalable Innovation. 

Gerard graduated from University of Galway with a degree in Experimental Physics (1989) and obtained a Ph.D in optical spectroscopy of semiconductor thin films from the University in Galway in 1994. Following graduation, he worked as a Materials Scientist with the National Microelectronics Research Centre (NMRC) now Tyndall National Insititute in Cork. He returned to Galway in late 1995 when he was appointed Centre Manager for the National Centre for Laser Applications (NCLA), established by Prof. Tom Glynn. He continued in this role until he was appointed as a Lecturer in the Department of Experimental Physics in January 2005. He was appointed Senior Lecturer School of Physics in March 2007. He was appointed a full professor of Physics in 2019. 

Gerard, a former head of School of Physics, is a funded investigator with CÚRAM Medical Devices, I-FORM Additive Manufacturing and IPIC in Integrated Photonics. Gerard has coordinated several European and national research and education programmes. He is proud to lead a vibrant research and educational team in Galway. 

Short pulse laser material interactions using femtosecond, picosecond and nanosecond laser sources. Hybrid digital laser -enabled manufacturing-particularly the interplay between additive (inkjet, spray) and subtractive (laser) techniques. Electrical, optical and thermal stimulation of structured biomaterials. Other interests: Understanding competition, value chains and innovation clusters. Regional development through graduate education, particularly makerspaces. Laser safety

Gerard has undertaken a broad portfolio of teaching since 2005, encompassing Quantum Physics, Properties of Materials, Nanotechnology, Solid State Physics,  Laser Technology, Design of Engineering Systems, Manufacturing Technology, Creative Makerspace Technologies and Scaling Big Ideas.