Helen Murphy

Helen Murphy is Head of Faculty (Dean) for Education & Lifelong Learning at South East Technological University (SETU), where she also serves on the SETU Executive Board and Academic Council. She leads the EU Conexus Education work-stream and advises the DDS MAP EU4Health project, reflecting her national and international influence in higher education policy and lifelong learning.

Education:

• PhD in Professionalisation of Adult Education, University College Cork
• Master of Business Administration (International Executive), Smurfit School of Business, University College Dublin
• Bachelor’s in European Studies with Law, University of Limerick

Helen’s research focuses on lifelong learning, adult education policy, and the internationalization of higher education. Her work emphasizes curriculum development, inclusion, and alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in Irish higher education contexts. She explores how 'Internationalization at Home' can foster cultural awareness, empathy, and global citizenship without requiring physical mobility.

Her recent publications (2020–2025) show a strong trend toward policy-oriented research, with emphasis on embedding internationalization into curricula, supporting basic skills tutors, and leveraging Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to expand access. These works reflect interdisciplinary engagement across education, policy, and social inclusion.

Scientific Awards and Leadership:

• 2025 Incoming National Chair, HELLIN
• Founding Member, HEI FET Forum
• Editorial Board Member, Adult Learner (Aontas)
• External Examiner, Munster Technological University
• Member, European Society for Research into Adult Education (ESREA)

Helen actively supervises PhD students and has served as Principal Investigator on multiple funded projects, including those supported by HEA and Erasmus+. Her leadership extends to regional skills development through the Regional Skills Forum in the South-East of Ireland. She also contributes to national quality assurance as an assessor for the Teaching Council and Quality and Qualifications Ireland.

She is involved in key research networks and collaborates across EU institutions, particularly through SETU’s European University Alliance. Her work strengthens institutional capacity for inclusive, globally engaged higher education.