Francis Ward

Dr. Francis Ward is Assistant Professor in Music Education at Dublin City University's Institute of Education. His interdisciplinary work connects academic scholarship, creative practice, and technology-enhanced learning with emphasis on socially engaged education and inclusive community arts.

Research spans music education across formal/informal contexts, technology in music pedagogy, multicultural music education, Irish traditional music/dance, and responsible integration of generative AI in higher education. Current projects include GenAI in capstone assessment and Creative Linguistic Strategies for Irish Dance.

Awarded Fulbright Scholar Fellowship (2019-20) and Irish Research Council PhD scholarship. Publications appear in Q1 journals covering virtual transmission of traditional arts, social justice in music education, and playful pedagogies. Creative outputs include compositions and choreography presented internationally.

Teaches undergraduate/postgraduate courses in music/arts education and research methods. Co-developed Socially Inclusive Music Education specialism and MEd in Arts Education Practice. Supervises doctoral candidates in music/arts education and creative practice research.