Mary Murphy

Professor Mary P. Murphy is a prominent sociologist and academic at Maynooth University's Department of Sociology, appointed as Head of Department in 2021 and Professor in 2020. Her research focuses on eco-social policy, welfare state transformation, and gender equality. She has held significant roles including membership in Ireland's National Expert Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare (2011-2014) and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (2013-2017).

• Education: PhD in Politics from Dublin City University (2006)
• Key Projects: Co-led the EU-funded RE-InVEST project (2015-2019), and current Coalesce and CommSoc research initiatives
• Publications: Over 100 peer-reviewed articles and books including The Irish Welfare State in the 21st Century (2016) and Creating an Ecosocial Welfare Future (2023)

Her research interests include:

• Eco-social welfare systems
• Public employment service reform
• Gender impacts of austerity
• Social investment policy

Recent work emphasizes participatory action research and policy frameworks addressing climate justice. Awards include the 2015 Political Science Teaching Award. She advises multiple civil society organizations and statutory bodies.