معرفی
Dr. Derek Barter is a Lecturer and Continuing Education Co-ordinator in the Department of Adult and Community Education (DACE) at Maynooth University, and Director of the Communiversity initiative. He holds a PhD in modern history from Maynooth University (2009), focusing on Irish identity politics and cultural discourses. His career includes roles with the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee and the Canals Community Partnership, where he developed community-based educational programs. He secured € funding for the Foundations for Futures Europe project (2021), a EU-funded initiative addressing social issues across Europe.
Research interests center on Widening Participation, Access to Higher Education, and Community-Engaged Learning. He advocates for education as a tool for personal and societal transformation, particularly for marginalized groups. Key projects include the Communiversity, which brings higher education into local libraries, winning the 2024 Aontas National STAR Award. He also developed Maynooth’s Critical Skills modules for first-year undergraduates.
Teaching responsibilities include modules such as SK114/115 Critical Skills, CM1 Study Skills, and coordination of NUI certificates in Addiction Studies, Community Development, and related fields. He has served on committees including the HEA PATH 1 Turn to Teaching steering committee and the MU Sanctuary Committee. Collaborations span institutions like the University of Pécs (Hungary) and civil society networks across Europe.
- Key Awards: 2024 Aontas STAR Award, NALA ACE Award (2009), multiple Aontas STAR recognitions
- Grants: € funding through Europe for Citizens (2021), HEA PATH initiatives
- Outreach: Communiversity partnerships with Dublin Libraries, Leader Partnerships
