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Professor Dympna Devine is a Full Professor of Education, Society and Critical Childhood Studies at University College Dublin's School of Education. She leads the Children’s School Lives (CSL) study, a large-scale longitudinal investigation examining primary schooling experiences in Ireland and rural Sierra Leone. Her research bridges sociologies of education and childhood, focusing on children’s voices, rights, and equalities. She has held roles such as Vice Principal for Research Innovation and Impact in the College of Social Sciences and Law (2021–2024) and served on the National Children’s Advisory Council (2014–2021). Dr. Devine holds a BEd, MEd, and PhD from University College Dublin. Her work spans migrant children’s education, pedagogies for social justice, and policy advocacy for education as a public good. She has secured over €5 million in research grants, including projects funded by the EU, Irish Research Council, and Norwegian Research Council. Her recent studies explore intergenerational learning in coastal communities and the impact of the pandemic on schooling. Her research interests include: Sociologies of Education, Children’s Rights, Migrant Children, and Educational Equity. Key articles analyze teacher professionalism in Sierra Leone, gender dynamics in education, and pandemic-era pedagogies. Awards include a UCD Case Study Impact Award (2023) and Marie Curie Fellowship (2007). Dr. Devine has supervised over 20 PhD students, examining topics from foster care to faith schooling. She currently co-leads studies like 'Child Friendly Cities' and 'Birth Family Contact in Foster Care'. Her grants include the 'Safe Learning Model in Sierra Leone' (2017–2022) and 'Valuing the Past' (2016–2023).

• Sociologies of Education
• Sociologies of Childhood
• Children's Rights and Educational Well-being
• +3 more

Dr Paula McGrath is a Lecturer/Assistant Professor in the School of English, Drama and Film at University College Dublin. She has been a core faculty member since 2013, initially as an Occasional Lecturer and promoted to Assistant Professor/Lecturer in 2021. She currently serves as Acting Head of Creative Writing and coordinates multiple modules including Craft of Creative Writing, Life Writing, and Literary Editorship. Her academic home is UCD, where she earned her MA and MFA, and she completed her PhD at the University of Limerick as a Government of Ireland Postgraduate Fellow. BA (Hons) in Single Honour English Language and Literature – Trinity College Dublin MA in Women’s Studies – University College Dublin MFA in Creative Writing – University College Dublin PhD in Creative Writing – University of Limerick Professional Certificate in University Teaching & Learning – University College Dublin Her research and teaching focus on creative writing, contemporary fiction, environmental writing, and women’s writing. She supervises creative practice and narrative theory, with a particular interest in trauma representation and intergenerational storytelling. Her novels, Generation (2015) and A History of Running Away (2017), have been published internationally and translated into French and German, with critical acclaim from Joseph O’Connor, John Boyne, and others. Her recent publications include journal articles, book reviews, and media commentaries on feminism, literature, and Irish society. The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent engagement with narrative innovation, feminist themes, and psychological depth across fiction, translation, and criticism. Her work spans creative output and scholarly review, often intersecting personal history with broader cultural questions, particularly around gender, migration, and belonging. She frequently contributes to public discourse through The Irish Times and literary journals. Arts Council literary bursary (2016) Government of Ireland Postgraduate Fellowship Irish Writers Centre/St. Mark’s English Church Writer in Residence in Florence (2016) Dr McGrath has supervised doctoral research under Joseph O’Connor at the University of Limerick and has taught creative writing across levels at UCD. She has not publicly listed her students, but she has coordinated the MFA module Pedagogic Strategies for Creative Writing (2019–2022), indicating a strong mentorship role. She has received research funding from the Arts Council and the British Academy. Her teaching philosophy is student-focused and research-led, emphasizing a supportive, creative environment. She is actively involved in curriculum development and creative writing pedagogy. She is a member of the academic and literary community, with affiliations to the Irish Writers Centre, participation in international literary events, and contributions to public intellectual life through media and translation. Her work bridges creative practice and academic scholarship, positioning her as a leading voice in contemporary Irish literature and creative writing education.

• Creative Writing
• Contemporary Fiction
• Environmental Writing
• +5 more

Dr. Mary Kennedy is an Assistant Professor in Social Work at the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin (UCD). She previously served as a Teaching Fellow at UCD and Assistant Lecturer in Social Care at South East Technological University. Her career spans academic roles at Trinity College Dublin and extensive practice experience in mental health, child protection, palliative care, and domestic violence. University College Dublin: Assistant Professor (2023–present), Teaching Fellow (2022–2023) South East Technological University: Assistant Lecturer in Social Care (2021–2022) Trinity College Dublin: Research Manager, Assistant, and Teaching Assistant (2018–2021) Mary’s research focuses on trauma-informed practices, particularly the application of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in service development. She explores intergenerational trauma transmission, implementation science, maternal mental health, and evidence-based interventions for domestic violence perpetrators. Her work integrates epidemiological insights with clinical supervision frameworks. Recent publications highlight ACEs in community-based family services and domestic violence support systems. Grants include UCD-funded life-course psychoeducation studies and IHREC-funded investigations into human rights barriers for women in addiction seeking refuge. She contributes to peer review for journals like the European Journal of Social Work and the Journal of Family Violence. 2024: UCD College of Social Sciences and Law grant for multi-generational depression study 2024: IHREC-funded research on domestic violence support access for women in addiction Mary serves on CORU’s Social Work Registration Board, overseeing qualification recognition and education standards. She co-founded the UCD/Tusla Learning Forum to bridge academic-practice gaps in child protection.

• Acute adult mental health social work practice
• Implementation science in social work
• Life course perspective in social work education
• +5 more

Colm O'Gorman is a Professor of Entrepreneurship at Dublin City University (DCU) Business School. He has held visiting roles at Turku School of Economics (Finland), NEOMA Business School (France), and ESADE Business School (Spain). His academic roles include Executive Dean (2021-2022), Associate Dean for Research (6-year term), and MBA Programme Director at DCU. Previously, he served as Chair of Management at University College Dublin (UCD School of Business). Education: PhD in Management (Trinity College Dublin), MA in Business Studies (Enterprise Development, UCD), and B.Comm (UCD). Research Interests: Focuses on entrepreneurship, SME growth strategies, internationalization of new ventures, digital transformation of rural economies, and family business resilience. Key areas include necessity entrepreneurship, innovation dynamics, and policy impacts. Collaborates with DCU's Irish Institute for Digital Business (IIDB) and National Centre for Family Business. Policy Impact: Co-author of the annual Irish Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report. Advises on entrepreneurship and industrial policy for national agencies. EU-funded research includes the COST Action CA21125 on revitalizing marginalized mountain areas. Teaching: Specializes in entrepreneurship education, co-authoring eight award-winning case studies with the European Case Centre and co-authoring the textbook 'Enterprise in Action'. Grants & Labs: Active in EU-funded projects, including digital towns readiness frameworks and family business resilience initiatives. Leads interdisciplinary teams in innovation and SME growth research.

• Entrepreneurship
• Necessity Entrepreneurship
• Innovation
• +5 more

Dr. Sarah OBrien is a Lecturer in Reflective Pedagogy & Early Childhood Studies at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick. Her work bridges oral history, memory studies, and migration research. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Research Interests : Specializing in oral history methodologies, her scholarship explores cultural memory, Irish diasporic communities, identity negotiations, and language-education intersections. Key themes include trauma narratives, transnationalism, and linguistic ideologies. Recent Publications : Focus on Irish immigrant life-writing in the Americas, memory's role in cultural inheritance, and educational frameworks addressing inequality (SDG 10). Her interdisciplinary approach connects historical sociology with pedagogical innovation. Networks : Collaborates with linguists and educators on transnational case studies, particularly Irish communities in Argentina and New Mexico. Maintains expertise in oral history techniques and cultural memory analysis.

• Oral History
• Memory Studies
• Migration Studies
• +5 more

Dr. Ali Hasnain is a Lecturer in Computational Biology and Data Analytics at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences. He holds a PhD from the National University of Ireland Galway and has over 15 years of experience in academia and the software industry, including roles as a Senior Researcher at University College Dublin and Adjunct Lecturer at the Insight Centre for Data Analytics. His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, Digital Health, Bioinformatics, and Semantic Web technologies, with expertise in data analytics for life sciences and healthcare management. Education: PhD in Bioinformatics & Data Analytics, National University of Ireland Galway MSc in Engineering and Management of Information Systems, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden MSc in Project Management and Operational Development, KTH, Sweden BSc (Honors) in Computer Science, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences Research Interests: Dr. Hasnain’s work bridges computational biology, data science, and healthcare. Key areas include developing algorithms for biomedical data integration, AI-driven query systems for healthcare knowledge graphs, and optimizing pesticide efficacy through genomic analysis. His recent projects address challenges in dementia care technology and environmental stress impact on organisms . Awards & Recognition: Best Paper Awards at ESWC 2017, ISWC2018, and ESWC 2018 Young Scientific Researchers Grant from SWSA/NSF (2012, 2015) Grants & Collaboration: Led the Dementia and Technology (DaTe) project (2021–2023), funded by the Irish Research Council. Collaborations include work on federated SPARQL query systems and semantic web solutions for large-scale biomedical data. Labs & Teams: Active in RCSI’s Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences labs, contributing to interdisciplinary projects. Previously led research initiatives at Insight Centre and UCD’s School of Computer Science.

• Bioinformatics
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Digital Health
• +7 more

Jamie Saris is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Maynooth University, where he also serves as Director of Postgraduate Studies. He holds advanced degrees in Social-Cultural Anthropology from the University of Chicago (MA and PhD) and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Clinically-Relevant Medical Anthropology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Saris has over twenty years of experience conducting research in medical and psychological anthropology across Ireland, North America, and Africa. His work has explored diverse topics including mental health institutions, experiences of mental illness, colonialism and its aftermath, structural violence and health risk, authenticity, health services research, and drug use/abuse. He has led significant research projects including one of Ireland's first national prevalence studies on opiate use and directed anthropological projects that received major support from the Health Research Board of Ireland. His research interests span Medical Anthropology (including Global Health), Anthropology of Europe (particularly Ireland), Psychological Anthropology (with a focus on Major Mental Illnesses and Addiction), Anthropological History, Anthropological Analyses of Space, Anthropological Theory, Urban Anthropology and structural violence issues in European cities, and Cultural and political issues around HIV treatment. His recent work has increasingly focused on aging populations, epilepsy care, and the intersection of technology and healthcare through projects like SHAPES (Smart and Healthy Ageing through People Engaging in Supportive Systems). Senior Research Fellowship at Internationales Forschungszentrum Kulturwissenschaften/Kunstuniversität Linz (2013) Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship (1991) Fellowship in the International Doctoral Research Program (1988) NIMH Post-Doctorate Training Fellowship (1992) Dr. Saris has mentored numerous PhD students, averaging two completed doctorates per three years since 2000. He has served on editorial boards for Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry and Reviews in Anthropology, and was Editor of The Irish Journal of Anthropology. He has held leadership positions including Co-Chair of the Combat Diseases of Poverty Consortium and Deputy Director of the National Institute of Regional and Spatial Analysis (NIRSA). As a founding member of the Assisting Living and Learning (ALL) Institute, Dr. Saris contributes to interdisciplinary research examining the intersection of technology, aging, and healthcare. His work through the SHAPES project has focused on developing technology-mediated solutions to support healthy aging across European communities, while maintaining his long-standing commitment to addressing structural violence and health disparities.

• Medical Anthropology
• Global Health
• Anthropology of Europe
• +7 more

Christina O'Connor is an Associate Professor in the Department of Management & Marketing at Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, with extensive expertise in marketing intelligence, SME development, and innovative pedagogy. Her research bridges academic theory with practical applications through collaborations with retail, government, and industry bodies. Education: PhD in SME Market Orientation, University of Kent (2008-2011, awarded 2012) Graduate Diploma in Teaching & Learning at Third Level, Dublin Institute of Technology (2013-2014) Research Focus: Dr. O'Connor's work centers on three pillars: (1) Data-driven marketing intelligence for SMEs, particularly leveraging supermarket loyalty card analytics; (2) The strategic role of mystery and exclusivity in luxury branding across products and services; (3) Technology-enhanced marketing education through global virtual teams and experiential learning. Her research consistently addresses ethical data usage and emerging technologies' impact on business practices. Publication Trends: Recent work (2024-2025) reveals increasing engagement with AI's implications for family businesses, innovative climate action frameworks, and evolving luxury consumer behavior. Her publications demonstrate a strong interdisciplinary approach, connecting marketing theory with sustainability, technology ethics, and educational innovation while maintaining practical relevance for industry stakeholders. Awards & Recognition: Academy of Marketing Best Paper (2015) Irish Academy of Management Best Paper Award (2012) ICEP Best Paper Award (2016) Emerald Highly Commended Innovation Award (2010) Excellence in Teaching Award (2023) Academic Leadership: Actively mentoring future researchers as a PhD supervisor, Dr. O'Connor serves on the Irish Academy of Management Council and acts as external examiner for doctoral programs at SETU and University of Huddersfield. Her research collaborations with industry ensure real-world impact across retail, government, and nonprofit sectors. Professional Engagement: As a Healthy UL subgroup member for Substance Use & Gambling, she applies marketing expertise to campus wellness initiatives while maintaining active media presence through RTE Brainstorm and Irish Examiner contributions on contemporary business issues.

• Marketing Intelligence
• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• Social Media Marketing
• +5 more

Teresa Tuohy is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing & Midwifery at the University of Limerick. With over 15 years of experience in higher education and 30 years of clinical practice as a psychiatric nurse, she specializes in maternal and perinatal mental health. Her research employs feminist standpoint theory and focuses on recovery-oriented care, healthcare access for marginalized groups, and intergenerational learning. She holds advanced degrees including a PhD in maternal mental health and has taught across Ireland and England. Education: PhD (Maternal Mental Health, UL), MSc Counselling Psychology (University of Manchester), BSc (Hons), Nursing Diplomas (RPN, RGN, RNT). Research Interests: Perinatal mental health, mental health nursing recovery frameworks, intergenerational nursing education programs, and stigma reduction in healthcare settings. Her work contributes to UN SDGs related to mental health and quality education. Advising/Grants: Active in research projects including intergenerational cafés and delirium learning resources. Collaborates with institutions like Queen's University Belfast on health professional education initiatives. Labs/Teams: Engaged with the School of Nursing & Midwifery's research groups focused on mental health and interprofessional education.

• Perinatal Mental Health
• Mental Health Nursing
• Healthcare Access for Vulnerable Groups
• +3 more

Dr. Trudy Corrigan is a Lecturer at the School of Policy & Practice within Dublin City University's Institute of Education. She founded the DCU Intergenerational Learning Programme (DCUILP) and co-established the DCU Age Friendly University Initiative (DCU AFU), now adopted by 51 institutions worldwide. Her research focuses on adult education and lifelong learning, emphasizing intergenerational pedagogy and the scholarship of eldership. She explores how retired professionals can mentor students and how educational opportunities support independent aging. Her current Erasmus project investigates smart home technology for older adults. Research contributions center on intergenerational learning models, rights of older adults, and age-friendly educational frameworks. Recent publications analyze organizational adaptation to aging workforces, digital inclusion strategies, and comparative studies of intergenerational programs across 11 countries. As module coordinator, she oversees trainee teachers and supervises graduate research, having adapted her teaching to hybrid models during the pandemic.

• Intergenerational Learning
• Adult Education
• Lifelong Learning
• +2 more

Alexa Zellentin is a Lecturer in the School of Politics and International Relations at University College Dublin. Her work focuses on normative political theory and philosophy, particularly the ethical implications of cultural differences in legal frameworks and climate justice. Education: MA (University of Leipzig), MSc & DPhil (University of Oxford), Professional Certificate in University Teaching & Learning (University College Dublin) Her research investigates: Climate justice, especially cultural loss and forced migration Responsibility and liability in climate change The interplay between liberalism and cultural diversity Foundations of liberal neutrality and equal citizenship Education policy in pluralistic societies Alexa's publications often bridge climate ethics, human rights, and political theory, with a recurring focus on intergenerational and global equity. Her work emphasizes relational approaches to justice and the moral dimensions of collective action. Grant: Responsibility and Remedial Responsibility for Climate Action (Swiss National Science Foundation, 2017) She teaches modules on Global Justice, International Political Theory, Climate Ethics, and Education Policy. Her methodological approach incorporates liberal theory, discourse ethics, and sociocultural analysis.

• Political Philosophy
• Normative International Political Theory
• Climate Justice
• +3 more

Professor Elaine Murtagh is a faculty member at the Department of Physical Education & Sport Sciences at the University of Limerick. She serves as Course Director of the BSc Physical Education program and contributes to research centers PEPAYS Ireland and Physical Activity for Health. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health) and 4 (Quality Education). PhD from Ulster University Postgraduate Certificate in Physical Education from Ulster University Specialist Diploma in Teaching, Learning and Scholarship from University of Limerick Her research focuses on: Physical Activity Promotion for children and adults; Gender-Responsive Pedagogy in teacher education; 24-Hour Movement Behaviors and metabolic health; Social Justice in Education ; and Program Evaluation for health initiatives. She has co-authored over 70 peer-reviewed articles. Recent publications emphasize: Global BMI Trends (2024), Play-Based Learning in Palestine (2025), Teacher Socialization (2025), and Physical Literacy Frameworks (2024). Her work spans 2002–2025 with 83 total outputs. Scientific Recognition : Led Athena SWAN Bronze Institutional Award at Mary Immaculate College She leads projects including: SOLE MATES (family exercise), Learning in Motion (teacher pedagogy), and SRASI (social justice education). Her research network includes collaborations across Europe, the Middle East, and global health consortia.

• Physical Education
• Physical Activity Promotion
• Health-Enhancing Physical Activity
• +3 more

Fionn Woodhouse is a Lecturer in the Department of Theatre at University College Cork (UCC), with dual roles as an academic and practitioner in educational drama and youth theatre. His affiliations include Artistic Director of Lightbulb Youth Theatre, Board Member of Youth Theatre Ireland, and member of the Editorial Board for Youth Theatre Ireland Magazine. He holds a Masters by Research in Educational Drama from UCC (2014) and a Diploma in Multimedia Application Development from Waterford Institute of Technology (2000). Research focuses on the transformative impact of drama participation, blending theories of performative learning, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness with practical workshop methodologies. Key interests include youth theatre's role in social development, memory formation through drama, and the interplay between affective engagement and educational outcomes. He has pioneered programs like UCC Plus+ Drama Workshops and CIT Access Workshops, addressing anti-racism and bullying through creative interventions. Teaching spans applied drama modules (DR2019, DR3020), internship coordination (DR3001, DR3023), and performance technology courses. His pedagogical approach emphasizes practice-based learning, integrating professional experience from over 14 years with Graffiti Educational Theatre Company. Collaborations include Marie Kelly and Róisín O'Gorman on institutional projects. Awarded the Digital Badge Postgraduate Research Supervision (2018) and CACSSS Masters Scholarship (2013), his professional service extends to committee roles in UCC's University of Sanctuary initiative, Green Campus, and Graduate Studies Research Forum. His production company, With an 'F' Productions, tours internationally with new writing focused on socially engaged narratives.

• Educational Drama
• Drama/Theatre as Pedagogy
• Youth Theatre
• +3 more

MICHELLE FINNERTY is a Lecturer in Music Education and Community Music at the Department of Music, University College Cork (UCC). She specializes in the interplay between music, education, and community engagement, with a focus on early years music, inclusive practices, and Irish traditional music. Her research explores creative community projects, arts in healthcare, and children’s musical perspectives. Education: Michelle holds a BMus (2005), MPhil (2008), PhD (2016), and advanced teaching qualifications including a Masters in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (2021). Research Interests: Her work addresses creativity in marginalized communities, intergenerational arts practices, and policy development for music education. She has led projects funded by The Arts Council of Ireland, HSE, and Cork City Council. Publications: Michelle has authored book chapters, peer-reviewed articles, and research reports. Notable works include Tiny Voices: Early Years Music Research Report (2013) and Celebrating 100 Years of Irish Traditional Music at UCC (2023). Awards: Honors include the Seán Ó Ríada Prize (2004), Excellence in Teaching Award (2019), and a CIRTL Fellowship (2022–2025). Leadership: She co-founded the Society for Music Education in Ireland (2010–2016) and serves on the Cork City Music Education Partnership board.

• Music Education
• Community Music
• Early Years Arts Education
• +6 more

Sebastian Schmidt is a Lecturer in Microbiome & Health at the APC Microbiome Ireland and School of Medicine, University College Cork. He holds degrees in Biotechnology (École Supérieure de Biotechnologie) and Environmental Engineering (École et Observatoire des Sciences de la Terre, University of Strasbourg). His PhD in Computational Biology (University of Zürich) and postdoctoral work at EMBL Heidelberg focused on microbial ecology, computational tools, and diet-microbiome interactions. His research bridges global microbial systems with human health applications, emphasizing dietary impacts on microbiomes and their metabolic consequences. Education: Bachelor/Master in Biotechnology, École Supérieure de Biotechnologie (Strasbourg) Bachelor/Master in Environmental Engineering, École et Observatoire des Sciences de la Terre (Strasbourg) PhD in Computational Biology, University of Zürich (2014) Research Focus: His work develops computational frameworks to study microbial adaptation across environments—from human gut ecosystems to environmental habitats. Key areas include: Metagenomic data analysis (e.g., SPIRE database) Diet-microbe interactions and targeted dietary interventions Microbial diversity and functional genomics (e.g., proGenomes3 project) Publications: Over 30 peer-reviewed articles since 2013, with recent emphasis on fecal microbiome dynamics, planetary microbiome resources, and microbiome-driven disease biomarkers. Notable themes include antimicrobial peptide discovery, FMT efficacy, and multi-omics integration. Awards: Recipient of the Charles Donovan Microbiome Prize for outstanding contributions to microbiome research. Labs and Platforms: Active at APC Microbiome Ireland, a global leader in gut microbiome research. Collaborates with EMBL and other institutions on open-source microbiome tools and large-scale genomic projects.

• Microbial Ecology
• Computational Biology
• Microbiome Dynamics
• +3 more