Stephen O'Brien

Dr. Stephen O'Brien is Senior Lecturer in Education at the School of Education, University College Cork, where he has served since September 2006. He serves on multiple academic committees including the School Student Voice Committee and MEd Committee, and previously chaired the School of Education Research Forum. O'Brien directs the Postgraduate Diploma in Further, Adult and Community Education (PDFACE) program and supervises students across PME, MEd, and PhD programs.

• Doctoral degree in Educational Policy and Management from University of Bristol (2001)
• Masters in Educational Policy and Management from Goldsmiths College (1996)
• Higher Diploma in Education from UCC (1991)
• BA in Economics and Mathematics from UCC (1990)

His research focuses on critical educational theory and practice, particularly Global Citizenship Education, Social Inclusion, and Adult Learning. He explores how marginalized learners navigate educational systems and advocates for transformative pedagogical approaches that challenge neoliberal frameworks.

Recent publications examine lifelong learning and superdiversity in education. He has secured significant funding from Irish Aid, Irish Research Council, and Erasmus+ for projects on Global Citizenship Education and Adult Literacy. O'Brien has received multiple PhD studentships and was nominated for the prestigious Grawemeyer Book Award in 2017.

• Key contributor to educational policy through National Technical Advisory Committee for SOLAS
• Executive member of AONTAS Academic Expert Group and Ubuntu Steering Group
• Extensive peer-review service for journals like The Adult Learner and Irish Educational Studies