Prof. Anya Belz is Full Professor of Computer Science at Dublin City University's School of Computing and Science Lead at ADAPT Research Centre. A leading NLP researcher with PhD-level expertise, she specializes in natural language generation, evaluation methodologies, and multimodal systems. Recipient of multiple best paper awards and NAACL Test of Time Award nomination. Research innovations include foundational work on statistical language generation (deployed in weather forecasting systems), comparative evaluation frameworks, vision-language integration, and reproducibility quantification. Current EPSRC-funded ReproHum project coordinates 20 global labs studying evaluation consistency. Achievements : Developed industry-deployed generation systems for accessibility applications Pioneered cross-modal alignment techniques for image description Authored 100+ publications spanning generation, evaluation, and reproducibility
Aleksandar Kostic is a Lecturer in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment at South East Technological University (SETU), where he also serves as Lead Researcher. He holds a PhD from University College Dublin, awarded in 2022, and is actively contributing to the academic and professional architecture community. PhD in Design Theory, University College Dublin (2022) His research lies at the intersection of philosophy and architectural design, with a strong focus on design theory, epistemology, ethics, and aesthetics. He explores fundamental questions such as aporia (intellectual impasses) in design, the influence of Platonic philosophy, and the ethical responsibilities of architects. His work emphasizes critical thinking and philosophical inquiry in architectural practice and education. The trends in his publications reveal a consistent engagement with philosophical concepts applied to architectural problems. From examining 'aporetic' design challenges to analyzing Plato’s views on expertise, his research bridges abstract thought and practical design. Recent works continue this trajectory, addressing ethical values, non-material aspects of design, and the role of contradiction in innovation. Nomination for MIES EU Award for Architecture (2009) Aleksandar Kostic advises PhD students and is actively involved in research dissemination through publications, peer-review, and conference organization. He serves on the steering committee of the All Ireland Architecture Research Group and is a member of the Centre for Platonic Studies at Trinity College Dublin and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. His peer-review activities include journals such as She JI and Building Material . He is a key member of the Architecture Research Group at SETU and collaborates across disciplines, particularly with philosophy. His upcoming activity includes organizing the 'Ethics in Architecture' conference in 2025, highlighting his leadership in integrating ethical discourse into architectural research.
Dr. Siobhán Dowling is a Senior Lecturer in Education at the School of Education, University College Cork (UCC), with expertise in Religious Education, Music Education, and the intersection of The Arts in Education. She earned her PhD from the University of Wales, Trinity St David, Lampeter, UK, in 2011 and has served in both teaching and administrative roles at UCC since 1998, including Director of the Structured PhD in Education. Education: PhD (2011) in Biblical and Musical Reception History, University of Wales, Trinity St David. Current Roles: Senior Lecturer, Tutor, Placement Supervisor, Director of Structured PhD in Education. Her research focuses on the reception history of biblical narratives in music , particularly themes like the Sacrifice of Isaac, Eve, and the Book of Samuel. She explores collaborative learning in teacher education and integrates creative pedagogy in Religious Education. Her work spans interdisciplinary analysis of the Bible’s influence on music, art, and cultural identity. The 15 most recent publications highlight her pioneering work on biblical stories in musical compositions (2025), visual and musical reception of Dives (2024), and peer-reviewed studies on collaborative learning (2023). Her contributions to the Encyclopedia of the Bible and its Reception (2025–2016) cover topics like patriarchs, psalms, and gendered biblical figures. Scientific Awards: Recipient of two book awards in the USA for co-authored work 'The Bible in Music: A Dictionary of Songs, Works and More' (2015). Research Grants and Supervision: Awarded multiple Erasmus+ Staff Mobility Grants (2023, 2014) for international training and a Kurt Weill Foundation Travel Award (2014). Supervised PhD, MEd, and PME students while serving as Internal/External Examiner. Leadership: Coordinated UCC’s Cohort PhD in Education (2001–2014) and led the MAAP in Guidance and Counseling program. Delivered invited seminars at KU Leuven, University of Tuebingen, and Trinity College Dublin.
Jennifer Edmond is Associate Professor of Digital Humanities and co-director of the Trinity Center for Digital Humanities at Trinity College Dublin, where she also directs the MPhil in Digital Humanities and Culture. She holds a PhD in Germanic Languages and Literatures from Yale University and specializes in applying advanced methods and infrastructures for arts and humanities research. Her research focuses on Digital Humanities, Research Infrastructures, Open Science, Cultural Heritage, and Knowledge Technologies. She has developed significant expertise in European research policy, having coordinated the €6.5m CENDARI FP7 project and participated in numerous EU initiatives including PARTHENOS, Europeana Cloud, and the Computational Literary Studies Infrastructure (CLS Infra). Dr. Edmond maintains an active publication record exploring digital scholarly editing, privacy in literary texts, open science practices, and cultural heritage narratives. Her recent work demonstrates a strong focus on the intersection of technology and democracy, digital ethics, and innovative methodologies for humanities research. Awards and Honors: Named one of Ireland's five 'Champions of EU Research' (2012) She served as President of DARIAH-EU's Board of Directors (2018-2022) and represented the organization on the European Commission's Open Science Policy Platform. Dr. Edmond has contributed to strategic developments at national and institutional levels, while actively promoting public outreach through various media formats and art installations.
Jonathan Nangle is a Lecturer in Music Technology and Electro-Acoustic Composition at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. His work spans acoustic/electro-acoustic composition, live electronics, installations, and improvisation. Educated at Trinity College Dublin under Donnacha Dennehy, Rob Canning, and later privately with Kevin Volans, his music has been performed by ensembles like RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and Crash Ensemble. Research interests include spatial music, interactive installations, and hybrid acoustic/digital forms. Notable works include Pause (Ergodos, 2017), Iridescent Cobalt Glow (2015), and our headlights blew softly... which earned a 2009 Rostrum commendation. Awards include dual Irish Rostrum representations (2009/2011) and the 2007 AIC/Music 21 Prize. Recordings span solo piano works to ensemble commissions, often integrating innovative electronic elements. His work has been broadcast internationally and choreographed for stage/film. Current roles include academic teaching and ongoing creative exploration at the intersection of technology and traditional composition.
Dr. Danielle Douglas is a Lecturer in Social Care at the Department of Social Care and Early Childhood, School of Humanities, South East Technology University (SETU), a position she has held since 2008. She is actively involved in teaching, research, and national policy engagement, with a focus on vulnerable and care-experienced young people. She is also the general editor of the Irish Journal of Applied Social Studies (IJASS) and a member of Tusla's Research Advisory Group. Education: PhD in Children and Youth Studies, University College Dublin (2021) MA by Research in Resilience, Outcomes and Foster Care, SETU (2012) BA (Hons) in Applied Social Studies in Social Care, SETU (2008) Her research centers on marginalized groups, particularly children and young people in alternative care, with interests in children's geographies, identity, selfhood, and stigma. She employs creative methodologies such as photomethodology and narrative inquiry to explore the lived experiences of care-experienced youth. Her work often emphasizes socio-spatial dynamics, figured worlds, and emotional ecologies within foster care settings. The available publications highlight a strong thematic focus on foster care in Ireland, resilience, qualitative and mixed-methods research, and professional standards in social care. Her recent doctoral thesis explores the everyday spatial and identity experiences of children in foster care, while her book chapter contributes to national social care proficiency standards. Notable professional roles include: President, International Foster Care Organisation (2017–2020) Founding member, Power4Youth (European peer support network) Research Advisory Group Member, Tusla - Child and Family Agency (since 2016) Editor, Irish Journal of Applied Social Studies (since 2022) Dr. Douglas is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in education and practice. She completed a Digital Badge in Universal Design for Teaching and Learning in 2021 and emphasizes a student-centered, safe learning environment. She supervises thesis projects and placement students and is currently accepting PhD candidates. Her advisory work extends to training for foster carers, social workers, and care-experienced young people at national and international levels. She is affiliated with the Analysing Social Change Research Group at SETU and has contributed to quality assurance frameworks for foster carer assessment in Ireland.
Claire Dunne is a Professor and Head of the Department of English and Irish at Marino Institute of Education since 2022. With 16 years of experience as a lecturer in Irish and translator, she specializes in Irish language education, children’s literature, and literacy. Her research focuses on immersion education, sociolinguistics, and the history of Irish teaching. She holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Trinity College Dublin and has authored numerous books, including Irish in Outlook . Notable awards include a Fulbright Scholarship and grants for revitalizing Irish language education. Dunne’s work spans teacher training, curriculum development, and promoting Irish literacy in schools. Education: PhD (2016), MA in Intercultural Studies (2007), BEd (Honors) (2006) Her research explores Irish language policy, teacher proficiency, and children’s literature. Recent projects include studies on bilingual education and revitalizing Irish in English-medium schools. Publications highlight her expertise in CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), teacher education, and language policy. She contributed to national literacy initiatives and served as President of the Literacy Association of Ireland (2022–2023). Awards include grants from Foras na Gaeilge and the Gaeltacht Education Council. Dunne advises on curriculum reforms and has led workshops on fostering Irish literacy in homes and schools.
Professor Siobhán McClean (University College Dublin) is a leading researcher in Biomolecular and Biomedical Science with 24 years of academic experience. Her work focuses on chronic respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis patients and vaccine development against ESKAPE pathogens. Current roles: Professor (2024-present) Associate Dean for Widening Participation (2019-2023) Head of Biochemistry (2019-2022) Academic qualifications: BSc in Biochemistry, UCD PhD, Imperial College London Professional Diploma in Creativity & Innovation, UCD Research Interests: Specializing in bacterial adaptation to hypoxia in chronic infections, she leads studies on Burkholderia cepacia complex, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Pandoraea pulmonicola. Her team develops novel vaccine antigens through proteomic analysis of host-pathogen interactions, with recent work on TLR4 agonists and universal stress proteins. Article Trends: Recent publications focus on mRNA vaccine platforms, hypoxia-driven pathogenesis, and cross-reactive antigens for ESKAPE pathogens. Key themes include adjuvant optimization, host cell attachment mechanisms, and immune correlate analysis across bacterial/viral/parasitic agents. Scientific Awards: Principal Investigator for Marie Curie BactiVax network Coordinator of All-island Vaccine Research Alliance (AIVRT) Science Foundation Ireland grant recipient Training Leadership: Supervises 7 active PhD researchers and has trained 15 Marie Curie students across 8 countries. Her lab develops cationic nanoparticles and investigates bacterial stress responses.
Amanda Gibney is an Associate Professor and Head of School in the School of Civil Engineering at University College Dublin (UCD). She holds a 1st Class Honours BE (UCD, 1985), a MSc (City University London, 1990), and a PhD (UCD, 2002) focused on asphaltic materials. Her career spans academic and industry roles, including leadership in teaching and research. She has received prestigious awards, including the National Teaching Excellence Award (2009) and UCD Fellowship in Teaching & Academic Development (2007). Research focuses on bituminous materials, pavement engineering, and innovative teaching methodologies. Key contributions include studies on recycled asphalt, cold-mix materials, and fatigue resistance in pavements. She has secured significant research funding, including grants from CEDR, NRA, and Enterprise Ireland. Teaching leadership includes roles as Vice Principal for Teaching & Learning (2008–2019) and coordination of modules like Highway Engineering and Innovation Leadership. Professional activities include committee roles with the Royal Town Planning Institute and NSAI Roads Standards Committee.
Victor Lazzarini is a Professor of Music at Maynooth University, Ireland, specializing in computer music and audio signal processing. He holds a BMus from Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil, and an AMusD from the University of Nottingham, UK. His research spans electroacoustic music, digital signal processing, and music technology. He leads the Csound project, a widely used sound and music computing system, and authored libraries like Aulib and Aurora. Education: Bachelor of Music (BMus), UNICAMP, Brazil Advanced Music Degree (AMusD), University of Nottingham, UK His research interests include sound synthesis, computer music languages, and the intersection of music with technology. He has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications and books such as Spectral Music Design: A Computational Approach (Oxford UP, 2021) and co-edited volumes like Ubiquitous Music Ecologies (Routledge, 2020). His work bridges academic and industrial sectors through projects like the Enterprise-Ireland-funded commercialization initiative. Prof. Lazzarini’s contributions to music technology include pioneering tools like Csound, which enable real-time audio synthesis and processing. His articles span topics from digital filter design to historical computer music archaeology, reflecting his expertise in both theoretical and applied domains. Awards: AIC/IMRO International Composition Prize (2006) He advises on interdisciplinary projects such as the BeatHealth initiative, integrating ubiquitous computing and music. His creative output includes electroacoustic compositions performed globally and released on labels like FarPoint Recordings. Lazzarini actively collaborates with international teams, contributing to conferences like DAFx and ICMC, and leads initiatives like the Ubimus (Ubiquitous Music) research network.
Dr Luke Kelleher is an Associate Professor in Environmental Policy at University College Dublin (UCD), working within the UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy. He is a member of the UCD Environmental Policy Group, a research-intensive faculty group central to national and international debates and policy action in environmental policy. Kelleher also serves as a Principal Investigator in the UCD Earth Institute and is a member of both BiOrbic, the National Bioeconomy Research Centre funded by Science Foundation Ireland, and the UCD Centre for Irish Towns. Dr Kelleher holds a BA and PhD from Queen's University Belfast, an MSc from the University of Ulster, and a UCD Professional Certificate in Creativity and Innovation for Education. Prior to joining UCD, he was a lead researcher at the University of Hertfordshire in its high-impact transport evaluation group. Before his academic career, he gained nearly 10 years of experience in the public service, including roles in local government, the Land Registers of Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Water Service, and the global consulting firm RPS Group. Dr Kelleher's research focuses on two main areas: transport policy and environmental performance, and bioeconomy policy. His work applies strong theoretical and methodological expertise in spatial analysis, policy analysis and evaluation, stated preference techniques, and demand-side policy instruments. His research has been published in prestigious journals such as Energy Policy, Atmospheric Environment, Environment and Planning B, and Transport Research Part A, and presented at leading conferences including the World Conference on Transport Research and Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting. Analysis of Dr Kelleher's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the bioeconomy and its policy coherence, transport poverty, and just transition frameworks. His work often employs spatial analysis methodologies to address environmental policy challenges, with a particular emphasis on creating practical tools for policymakers. There's a clear trajectory showing increasing focus on the bioeconomy in his more recent work, while maintaining strong connections to transport policy and environmental justice issues. Dr Kelleher has secured research funding from multiple prestigious sources including the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Northern Ireland Department of Education (DENI), Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). Current projects include "Enable-BIO Project" funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, "Aerodynamic Design and CFD Analysis of Drag Reducing Appendable Devices for Large Ground Vehicles" funded by Science Foundation Ireland, and "Just Transition for Agriculture in the Circular Bioeconomy" (JusTACE) also funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. Dr Kelleher actively supervises PhD students and contributes to multiple educational programs including the BSc (City Planning & Environmental Policy), MRUP, MSc (Environmental Policy), the Graduate Diploma Bioeconomy with Business, and the BSc in Transport City Planning and Environmental Policy at Chang'an University. His teaching philosophy emphasizes active participation, critical analysis, and the development of informed judgment. Dr Kelleher maintains strong connections with policy makers at multiple levels, having provided expert advice to the European Commission, UK Department of Transport, Department of Education (DENI), Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM), Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), and various city councils. He has been particularly active in the Heritage Council led Collaborative Town Centre Health Check Programme since 2016.
Kim Fallen Bailey is a Lecturer in Music Education at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), specializing in Leaving Certificate curriculum development and Junior Musicianship. She holds a BMusEd (Hons) from Trinity College Dublin (2007) with a Commendation Award for Teaching. Her roles include designing and delivering the RIAM's 2-year Leaving Cert Music course, Easter Revision Course, Music Technology Workshop, and the Foundations preparatory program. She also directs the e-course 'Teaching Leaving Cert Music, Sets A and B.' Her professional experience spans special education (Crannog Nua Special School) and founding Ceol Draíochta music school, where she focuses on piano, theory, vocal training, and Leaving Cert grinds. Research interests include contemporary music pedagogy, curriculum design, and special needs education integration. Key presentations include analyses of Gerald Barry's work (Galway Music Residency, 2019), Leaving Cert teaching methodologies (RIAM Conference, 2014), and graphical score utilization (Post Primary Music Teachers Association, 2011). She has also presented on Irish music education systems to international delegates (Estonian Society for Music Education, 2007).
Prof. Maeve O'Brien holds a Professorship in Sociology and Human Development at DCU's Institute of Education (St Patrick's Campus). She previously served as Head of the School of Human Development and has extensive experience as a teacher and Home/School Liaison Coordinator in Dublin's inner city. Her academic journey spans roles in full-time research, teacher education, and curriculum development, particularly in human development frameworks for wellbeing education. Education: BEd (Initial Teacher Training) MEd (Boston University) MA in Education (UCD) PhD (Equality Studies, UCD) Research Interests: Social class and gender inequalities in education Caring relationality in pedagogical practices Well-being curriculum development (e.g., NCCA Human Development Framework) Teacher educator identity and professional praxis Critical community-building in teacher education Her work emphasizes dialogic methods for exploring professional identity and has led initiatives like the ESAI SIG on transformative pedagogies. She co-edited the Irish Educational Studies journal and initiated DCU's Faculty reading group on educator wellbeing. Grants & Collaborations: Current projects include a transnational wellbeing-teacher education initiative with the University of Florida Valencia and a book project on 'Community of Praxis' in ITE. Past collaborations include EU-funded research on childcare labor valuation and Freire-inspired pedagogy symposia. Her research outputs span wellbeing frameworks, care ethics in education, and gendered labor analyses, with a focus on bridging theory and practice in equitable educational systems.
Dr. Enda Donlon is an Associate Professor at Dublin City University's School of STEM Education, Innovation & Global Studies, part of the DCU Institute of Education. He specializes in ICT integration in education, digital technologies for teacher training, and AI in education. As APF leader for the AI and Emerging Technologies strand of DCU's Doctor of Education Programme, he drives innovation in educational technology. His professional roles include former presidency of the Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) and governance roles in European educational research bodies like EERA. Research interests focus on digital pedagogy, teacher professional development, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies in education. He has received prestigious awards including the DCU President’s Award for Innovation (2014) and Excellence in Teaching (2021 team award). Enda contributes to academic governance through editorial roles in journals like International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education and Irish Educational Studies . His work bridges theory and practice, exploring topics such as cybersecurity professionals’ learning needs, pandemic-era academic collaboration, and AI’s role in reshaping educational landscapes. Ongoing projects include frameworks for computational thinking education and virtual/augmented reality applications in teacher training.
Rachel O’Dwyer is a Lecturer in Digital Cultures at the School of Visual Culture, National College of Art and Design (NCAD), Dublin. She holds a PhD from Trinity College Dublin (2014), an M.Phil. in Music and Media Technologies (2009), a B.A. Honours in Fine Art (Digital Media) from IADT Dun Laoghaire (2006), and a City & Guilds Diploma in Sound Engineering (2007). Her research explores the intersection of digital cultures and cultural economies, focusing on how digital networks transform ownership, value, and production of art, knowledge, and information. She critiques neoliberal logics in blockchain and algorithmic systems, advocating for a return to commons-based models. Education: PhD, Trinity College Dublin (2014): Spectre of the Commons: A Political Economy of Radio Spectrum M.Phil., Trinity College Dublin (2009): Music and Media Technologies B.A. Honours, IADT Dun Laoghaire (2006): Fine Art (Digital Media) City & Guilds Diploma, Sound Engineering (2007) Research Interests: Rachel’s work interrogates money, algorithms, AI, and their implications for cultural production and resistance. She investigates the role of blockchain in crypto-art, freeports, and art markets, while also examining how IoT and 5G reshape payments and surveillance. Her critical lens extends to the political economy of communications, digital value systems, and tactical media strategies like Openhere and D.A.T.A. Scientific Awards: 2018: Fulbright Scholar Award (Blockchain & Art) 2018: RIA Charlemont Scholar Award 2014: SFI Public Engagement Grant 2010-2014: Science Gallery Seed Funding Advising & Grants: Rachel has coordinated modules in the history of creative industries and designed MOOCs on technology and society. She organized the Openhere festival (2012, 2014), Data Politics conferences (2016), and Quantified Self events (2011). Her current book project with MIT Press examines radio spectrum ownership. Labs & Teams: She is a core member of the P2P Foundation’s academic research network and coordinates the Orthogonal Methods Group (OMG) at Trinity College Dublin. She advises the DECODE EU project on data sovereignty and contributes to ADAPT’s Ethics and Privacy Working Group.
