معرفی
Deirdre Desmond is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Maynooth University and serves as Head of the Department and Co-Director of the Assisting Living and Learning (ALL) Institute. She co-leads the Science Foundation Ireland Centre for Research Training in Advanced Networks for Sustainable Societies. Her research focuses on psychosocial adjustment to long-term illness and disability, with a particular emphasis on assistive technologies and their integration into healthcare and education systems.
Research interests include: psychosocial adjustment to illness, coping mechanisms, outcomes measurement in rehabilitation, assistive technology design, and self-management strategies for chronic conditions. She actively contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Dublin Psychoprosthetics Group and the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics.
Her work has been funded by the Health Research Board, Irish Research Council, and other organizations. Key contributions include studies on cancer survivorship, disability inclusion in higher education, and the application of connected health technologies. She has led projects addressing barriers to self-management for head and neck cancer survivors and cognitive functioning in individuals with limb amputations.
Advising and grants: She oversees research teams and collaborates with international consortia (e.g., SHAPES Consortium for smart ageing). Her work bridges clinical practice, technology development, and policy advocacy. Current focus includes advancing assistive technologies to enhance quality of life and fostering inclusive educational practices for students with disabilities.
Labs and teams: ALL Institute (focusing on assistive living and learning innovations), Dublin Psychoprosthetics Group (prosthetics and orthotics research), and collaborations within Maynooth University's Human Health Institute.
