The professor of biochemistry at University College Galway, Dr Patrick Fottrell, is expected to replace Dr Colm O hEocha as college president. He was the favoured candidate by a decisive margin in a recent vote by UCG's governing body.
The second preference was Dr Martin Newell, an associate professor of mathematics, followed by Prof Matthew McCarthy, the current college registrar.
The list in order of preference has been submitted to the National University of Ireland Senate, which will make the appointment on April 25th. Dr O hEocha is due to retire in September.