Seamus Taylor

Dr Seamus Taylor is the Head of Applied Social Studies and a Lecturer in Social Policy at Maynooth University. He holds a BSocSc (double first class honours) from University College Dublin, an MA in Social Policy (distinction) from Goldsmiths College, and a PhD in Applied Social Science (Law) from Lancaster University. His career spans roles at the ESRI, London Irish Centre, Haringey Council, Commission for Racial Equality, and the UK Crown Prosecution Service, where he advanced equality and diversity initiatives.

Research focuses on hate crime policy (especially disability hate crime), criminal justice system reforms, equality mainstreaming, and public-sector policy processes. His books include Hate Crime Policy and Disability (2022) and Critical Perspectives on Hate Crime (2017). He chairs the London Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel and the Irish Penal Reform Trust, and advises Irish government on equality budgeting.

Awards include a CBE (2010), Royal Society of Arts Fellowship (2007), and multiple public-sector diversity awards. He teaches modules on social policy fundamentals, equality studies, and criminal justice, emphasizing problem-based learning. He chairs Maynooth University’s Equality, Diversity, and Interculturalism Committee and serves on its Governing Authority.