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Ciaran Carolan

Ciaran Carolan

Helping governments and travel industry move people across borders efficiently, securely and sustainably

carolanc
Montreal, Canada
Joined June 2025
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Favicon imageciarancarolan.github.io
Favicon imageie.edu
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Network

2.3K connections
🔒
ICAO Aviation Security
💻
eu-LISA IT Operations
💰
eu-LISA Finance Admin
⚙️
ICAO Technical Officers
👥
Digital Identity Biometrics
✈️
ICAO Aviation Leadership
📜
ICAO Policy

Summary

Ciaran is a highly accomplished Program Manager at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), where he manages and evolves the Public Key Directory (PKD) IT system, a critical component of international passport infrastructure. He is deeply involved in facilitating secure and efficient cross-border travel through intelligent use of technology and standardization, and has contributed to discussions on digital travel credentials and asynchronous work management. github+3
He possesses significant leadership experience in large-scale IT systems and external affairs, gained during his tenure at eu-LISA. He spearheaded research and development, drove legislative changes for interoperability, and managed diverse teams and stakeholder engagement for EU border management and law enforcement systems. github+2
With a strong scientific and technical background, including a PhD in Medicinal and Computational Chemistry from Trinity College Dublin and postdoctoral research at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Ciaran has extensive experience in software development for crystallography, drug design, and bioinformatics. His work contributed to patented drug compounds and numerous peer-reviewed articles. github+3
Ciaran further complemented his technical and scientific expertise with a Global Online MBA from IE Business School, where he excelled as the top student in his cohort. This business education has significantly enhanced his professional development, enabling him to confidently engage in business and finance-oriented discussions and explore new career paths. github+2

Work

Education

Projects

Writing

Talking Digital Travel Credentials and more with AAMVA, ICAO, and MATTR

May 21, 2025

A podcast appearance discussing the future of digital travel, secure digital credentials, global interoperability, privacy, regulatory considerations, and the role of trust frameworks in enabling seamless and secure cross-border movements.

Favicon imagepodcasts.apple.com

Five tips for leading asynchronous teams

May 1, 2022

An article discussing the advantages of asynchronous work and providing five tips for managing asynchronous teams, emphasizing vision, discretizing tasks, adopting a production line approach, specifying core tools, and fostering multi-skilled team members. Authored as Program Manager at ICAO.

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PhD Thesis: Kinetic and Structural studies of novel ...

January 1, 2009

His PhD thesis from Trinity College Dublin was focused on Medicinal and Computational Chemistry.

Favicon imagetcd.ie

Isosorbide-2-carbamate Esters: Potent and Selective ...

January 1, 2008

A scientific publication co-authored by Ciaran Carolan related to his PhD research on drug candidates for Alzheimer's Disease.

Favicon imagepubs.acs.org

Hobbies

Enjoys running long distances, including marathons, and is currently training as a short-distance triathlete. github

Works on improving his golf handicap. github

Actively tries Canadian sports such as skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, embracing his new home's offerings. github

Engages in sourdough baking, particularly during lockdowns. github

Enjoys playing with his children. github

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