Gabriela Martinez Sainz

Dr. Gabriela Martinez Sainz is an Assistant Professor in Education and Ad Astra Fellow at University College Dublin’s School of Education, specializing in children’s rights, human rights education, and sustainable development. Her work integrates critical pedagogies and socio-legal theories to empower youth as active citizens. She leads the VARiE Research Group, focusing on children’s voice, agency, and rights in education, and is affiliated with the Earth Institute and Ireland’s Children’s Research Network.

Education: PhD and MPhil in Education from the University of Cambridge, BEd from Panamerican University, and certifications in University Teaching and Learning.

Research Interests: Children’s rights in digital spaces, climate activism education, ecopedagogy, and equality in education. She explores participatory methodologies, including game-based learning and photovoice, to center children’s perspectives.

Grants & Projects: Includes the Children’s School Lives (CSL) national cohort study (2020–2025), CHRDSOnline (2020–2022), and rights-focused initiatives with UNICEF and Child Rights Connect.

Teaching: Coordinates modules on sustainable futures, global challenges, and Irish childhoods, emphasizing inclusivity and social justice. Supervises PhD students and advocates for UDL frameworks in teaching.

Awards & Recognition: Ad Astra Fellowship (2019–2024), Wiley Research Hero Nominee (2024), and contributions to global education policy through roles like European Citizens’ Panels advisor.

Labs & Networks: Directs the Centre for Human Rights Studies (Mexico), co-leads VARiE, and collaborates with international networks like the International Research Network on Children’s Human Rights Education.