Dr. Deepak Ajwani is an Assistant Professor in the School of Computer Science at University College Dublin . His research focuses on leveraging machine learning techniques for solving combinatorial optimization problems, with expertise in algorithm design, algorithm engineering, and graph algorithms. He holds a PhD from the University of Saarland, Germany, and has held postdoctoral positions at Aarhus University (Denmark) and University College Cork (Ireland). He also worked at Nokia Bell Labs (2012–2018) on learning systems for unstructured content analysis. Dr. Ajwani has received over 50 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier conferences and journals. He serves on the editorial board of the Machine Learning journal and is a frequent senior program committee member for conferences like WWW, IJCAI, AAAI, and ALENEX. He is a funded investigator at the SFI Centre for Research Training in Machine Learning (ML-Labs) . His teaching excellence has been recognized through multiple nominations for the UCD Teaching and Learning Award . His students have won the Franz Geiselbrechtinger Medal (2023, 2024) for best final-year projects in theoretical computer science. Key grants include the Irish Research Council and IBM Research Grant (2010–2012) for graph partitioning techniques in exascale computing. His research explores integrating machine learning with optimization algorithms, graph neural networks, and algorithm engineering for real-world applications.
Dr James Brunton is Assistant Professor and Programme Chair of the DCU Connected Psychology Major programme at Dublin City University's School of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Health. He leads an online, open education programme accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and serves as Principal Investigator for multiple research projects including Opengame (Promoting Open Education through Gamification) and BUKA (Advancing Equity and Access to Higher Education through Open and Distance Learning). Dr Brunton graduated with a BA (Hons) in Applied Psychology from University College Cork and earned his PhD in Psychology from Dublin City University's Business School. He holds multiple professional distinctions including being a Chartered member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (C. Psychol., Ps.S.I.; C. Work & Org. Psychol. Ps.S.I.), a Chartered member and Associate Fellow with the British Psychological Society (CPsychol BPS, AFBPsS), an EDEN (European Distance Education Network) Fellow, and an Advance HE Senior Fellow (SFHEA). His research focuses on the psychology of identity, identity formation and identity management processes, particularly among 'off-campus' higher education students. He investigates socialisation/orientation processes for online learners, online learning design, open pedagogy, and digital assessment. His work bridges educational psychology with practical applications in open and distance education, with particular attention to vulnerable populations including refugees and students with disabilities. Analysis of Dr Brunton's recent publications reveals a strong focus on open educational practices, learner identity formation, and accessibility in digital learning environments. His research spans educational psychology, technology-enhanced learning, and inclusive education, with consistent themes of equity, access, and innovative pedagogical approaches in online contexts. He has published in journals such as Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and e-Learning, Open Praxis, Educational Media International, Frontiers in Psychology, and Studies in Higher Education. EDEN (European Distance Education Network) Fellow Advance HE Senior Fellow (SFHEA) Chartered member of the Psychological Society of Ireland Chartered member and Associate Fellow with the British Psychological Society Professor Extraordinarius at University of South Africa (UNISA) Dr Brunton currently supervises PhD student Sinead Lynch and serves as Principal Investigator for multiple research projects including ENGAGED: Co-Creating Ireland's Public Engagement and Open Research Road Map (2024-2026), BUKA project (2019-2022), and the Opengame project (2019-2021). His research has received funding from both local and EU sources, supporting his work in open educational practices and equitable access to higher education. As Editor for Research in Learning Technology, Editor for ASEAN Journal of Open and Distance Learning, and Senior Editor for Europe's Journal of Psychology, Dr Brunton plays a significant role in academic publishing within his field. His work with the DCU Connected Psychology programme demonstrates his commitment to innovative, accessible educational models that serve diverse learner populations through open and distance education approaches.
Mary Moylan is a Lecturer in the Department of Nursing and Healthcare at South East Technological University (SETU), where she is a key member of the Intellectual Disability undergraduate nursing programme. She holds an MSc in Dementia Studies from Trinity College Dublin and has extensive clinical experience in intellectual disability nursing, service development, and age-related care. Education: MSc in Dementia Studies, Trinity College Dublin (Awarded: 02 Jan 2016) Postgraduate Diploma in Dementia Champion (Awarded: 24 May 2012) Bachelor’s Degree in Registered Nurse Intellectual Disability, SETU (Awarded: 03 Jan 2011) Her research focuses on nursing education, particularly clinical skills training, problem-based learning, and student engagement in undergraduate programmes. Her expertise contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. She integrates dementia care and intellectual disability nursing into both teaching and research. The sole article in her recent output explores the use of blended, problem-based learning to enhance clinical skill acquisition and student engagement in undergraduate nursing education. This reflects a strong emphasis on educational innovation, active learning, and adapting teaching methods to modern challenges including pandemic-related disruptions. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Dementia Champion (Postgraduate Diploma) Mary Moylan is actively involved in academic supervision, currently guiding two MSc students in their research. She contributes to curriculum development and quality teaching within the nursing programme. Her work bridges clinical expertise and pedagogical innovation. She is engaged in research projects related to healthcare education and practice improvement. Labs and Research Teams: Mary is active within the research network of the Department of Nursing and Healthcare at SETU. Her work aligns with research themes in clinical skills, problem-based learning, and dementia care in intellectual disability settings. She collaborates with colleagues on educational research and contributes to the intellectual footprint of nursing education at the institution.
James Lillis is a Researcher in the Department of Physics at the University of Limerick, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He is a doctoral researcher in the Nonlinear Optics group under the supervision of Dr. Christophe Silien and is part of the MOSAIC group within the Bernal Institute. His research focuses on surpassing the diffraction limit in label-free optical microscopy through novel computational techniques. BSc in Applied Physics, University of Limerick (2019) James's research interests span advanced imaging techniques and computational methods. He specializes in vibrational imaging and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, leveraging machine learning to address inverse problems in optical systems. His work intersects nonlinear optics and computational imaging, aiming to enhance resolution in label-free microscopy. He is based at the MSSI Building, University of Limerick, and can be contacted via email at James.Lillis@ul.ie.
Dr. Anthony Foley is a Lecturer in the Department of Management and Organisation at South East Technological University. His research focuses on tourism management, marketing strategy, and professional development, with particular emphasis on market orientation frameworks and smart farming technology adoption. He has collaborated extensively on projects involving IoT-enabled agricultural systems and trust-building mechanisms in technology adoption. Research Interests: Tourism dynamics, marketing capabilities, resource-based view applications, and technology adoption challenges in agriculture Collaborations: Active in interdisciplinary projects with experts in IoT, agricultural innovation, and destination management His work addresses UN Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible consumption and production, as well as innovation in agriculture and education. Notable contributions include analyzing market orientation through strategic capabilities and exploring trust-building mechanisms in smart farming ecosystems. He has supervised 3 postgraduate research projects, focusing on organizational learning processes and technology integration challenges.
Kathleen Mitchell is a Lecturer in the Department of Global Diversity, Sustainability & Intercultural Education at St Patrick's. She specializes in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and contributes to teaching through roles such as Module Coordinator for English for Academic Purposes (IF6102). Her research focuses on: Authentic assessment Problem-based learning E-portfolio practices Peer support mechanisms Conference contributions highlight her work on digital learning environments and inclusive pedagogies, particularly for non-EU pre-undergraduate learners. Her 2022 paper on reflective eportfolios and affective self-regulation exemplifies her interest in integrating technology with metacognitive strategies. Kathleen's teaching innovations include: Designing EAP modules for international students Experimenting with intercultural and creative approaches Facilitating transitions to Irish higher education
Dr. Carina Ginty serves as Head of Teaching and Learning at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) with responsibility for Education Innovation & Transformation. She leads ATU's involvement in the N-TUTORR program, a €40 million NextGenerationEU-funded initiative focused on transforming teaching, learning and assessment through student empowerment, staff capability building, and digital ecosystem development in Irish technological universities. With 20 years of experience in higher education, Ginty has established herself as a leader in teaching and learning innovation at ATU, initiating numerous national and international projects in educational enhancement. Her educational background includes a PhD from Atlantic Technological University, an M.Litt. in Education from University of Galway, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations from PRII, and a BBS (Hons) from Atlantic Technological University. Ginty's research interests focus on digital transformation in education, student engagement, Recognized Prior Learning (RPL), and career pathway development. Ginty's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on educational transformation, with particular emphasis on student empowerment, digital pedagogies, and innovative assessment practices. Her work reflects a systematic approach to reimagining higher education through technology-enabled solutions and student-centered design principles. The trend in her research shows increasing attention to AI in education, sustainable futures, and micro-credentialing as pathways to address industry skill needs. Principal Fellowship with Advance HE (PFHEA), February 2025 President's Award for Outstanding Institutional Citizenship, 2022 As ATU lead for N-TUTORR Transforming Learning and sector co-lead for student empowerment, Ginty oversees a significant EU-funded program that has generated multiple impact case studies and publications. She also co-leads the HigherEd 4.0 project developing MyCareerPath.ie, a career and learning pathway platform transforming access to higher education. Her work with DigitalEd.ie has built digital teaching capabilities across ATU campuses, demonstrating her commitment to faculty development and educational innovation. Ginty chairs ATU's Learning, Teaching and Assessment Committee of Academic Council and leads a team coordinating professional development for 9 EU university partners through the EU Green Alliance Education Commission. Her leadership extends to developing knowledge platforms and digital ecosystems that support both staff and students in the technological university sector.
Paul Liston is a Lecturer in the Department of Accounting and Business Computing at the Faculty of Business and Hospitality, Technological University of the Shannon. His research focuses on simulation-based decision support systems, with particular emphasis on healthcare logistics, manufacturing SMEs, and robotics collaboration. He has contributed to understanding humanitarian decision-making in crisis scenarios, optimizing contact center operations, and evaluating the impact of incubators on SME ecosystems. Research Interests: Liston’s work integrates operations research, discrete event simulation, and reinforcement learning to address complex systems. Key areas include: Healthcare system optimization (e.g., emergency department congestion) Manufacturing SME digitalization strategies Multi-robot systems collaboration Humanitarian logistics and disaster response modeling Virtual organization operational design Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes scalable reinforcement learning frameworks for autonomous systems, decision support tools in healthcare and contact centers, and analysis of Ireland’s innovation ecosystems. His 2024 paper on CESDQL demonstrates advancements in multi-robot coordination under sparse reward conditions, while 2023 studies highlight contact center simulation and incubator impact assessment. Advising & Grants: Accepting PhD students in areas like Humanitarian Operations Theory (as per TUS RISE scholarships). Active in collaborative research projects involving multi-country networks and industry partnerships. Labs/Teams: Engaged in interdisciplinary teams focusing on simulation-driven solutions for complex systems, with contributions to cloud computing simulation tools and lean manufacturing methodologies.
Dr. Edgar Galván is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Maynooth University, Faculty of Science & Engineering. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Essex and has held senior research roles at institutions like University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin. His research focuses on Evolutionary Algorithms, Genetic Programming, and their applications in optimization, games, and circular economy challenges. Education : PhD in Computer Science, University of Essex MSc (Hons) in Artificial Intelligence (Research), University of Veracruz BSc (Hons) in Computer Science, University of Veracruz Research Interests : Dr. Galván pioneers work in semantic-based Genetic Programming, neutrality and locality in evolutionary algorithms, and applications in combinatorial optimization and energy systems. He also explores AI-driven solutions for the circular economy, including material reuse and policy design. Grants & Projects : REBUILD (€449,879): Reimagining buildings as material banks for the circular economy (2024–2027) VISION (€149,874): Circular business models to reduce virgin material use in construction (2023–2026) Stochastic Bio-inspired Evolutionary Algorithms (€267,000): Dynamic optimization problems (2014–2017) Awards : Top 1% of researchers in Genetic Programming (UCL, 2020) Elected member of Mexico’s National Research System (2015) Marie Curie Fellowship (Irish Research Council, 2014) Professional Activities : Chair of ACM Genetic and Evolutionary Computation Conference committees, Programme Committee member for IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation, and Scientific Adviser for research councils in Ireland, France, and Mexico.
Clodagh Reid is a Lecturer at the Department of Technology Education, Faculty of Engineering and Informatics, Athlone Institute of Technology. Her work focuses on advancing engineering education through research in spatial visualization, design creativity, cognitive load measurement, and innovative assessment methods like adaptive comparative judgment. She explores how spatial skills influence problem-solving behavior and design processes in undergraduate engineering students. Her research interests include: Engineering education methodologies Design creativity development Cognitive load and spatial ability interactions STEM education trends in Ireland Transparency in technology education research Reid’s publications analyze eye-tracking data, biometric measurements (e.g., pupil dilation), and stress responses during spatial tasks. She emphasizes holistic assessment tools and has contributed to workshops introducing adaptive comparative judgment (ACJ) for design problem evaluation. Her work bridges cognitive science and education, addressing how spatial skills impact engineering students’ success. She has organized conferences like PATT2018 and is recognized for contributions to technology education research. While specific award names are not listed, her involvement in prestigious academic events underscores her scholarly impact.
Mairead Moloney is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick, within the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences. She holds a Master of Science (2014) and Bachelor of Science (2005) from the University of Limerick, a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Education from the National University of Galway (2011), and is a Registered General Nurse (1999). Her research focuses on promoting health equity, reasonable adjustments in healthcare, simulation-based education, and implementation science. She has published extensively and received the UL Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching (2023). Education Background: BSc, University of Limerick (2005) MSc, University of Limerick (2014) PGDip Clinical Education, National University of Galway (2011) Registered General Nurse, St Vincent's Hospital Dublin (1999) Research Interests: Health equity and disability-inclusive healthcare Simulation-based education innovations Implementation science in clinical settings Perinatal mental health for refugee populations Awards and Grants: Recipient of Athena SWAN Bronze Award (2021) Co-applicant on grants from The National Forum for Teaching & Learning, Health Service Executive, and Health Implementation Science @UL Labs/Teams: Active member of the Health Research Institute, Intellectual Disability Research Focus Group, and Implementation Science Research Group. Founded Clinical Skills Network Ireland (national group).
Dr. John McCarthy is an Assistant Professor/Lecturer in Business at Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Limerick. He holds a PhD in Strategy from the University of Nottingham, alongside degrees in Biochemistry, Computing, and Management Science. His research focuses on innovative pedagogical methods like problem-based learning, strategic management, and entrepreneurship within SMEs and ethnic business contexts. He has published extensively on topics such as blended learning, reverse innovation, and funding access for minority entrepreneurs. Education: BSc (Biochemistry, UL), BSc (Computing, London), MBS. Res (UL), PhD in Strategy (Nottingham), Spec. Diploma in Teaching and Learning (UL). Research interests include management education reform, the application of mixed-methods research, and the role of knowledge management in organizational strategy. His work bridges theory and practice, addressing challenges in SME development and transnational business dynamics. Publications highlight his contributions to understanding skill development in supply chain education, innovation processes in global contexts, and the post-crisis funding landscape for ethnic entrepreneurs. Collaborations with academics like Deirdre Brady, Yvonne Delaney, and Lucia Lopez—Otal underscore his interdisciplinary approach to research.
Dr. Matthew Donoghue is an Assistant Professor of Social Policy at University College Dublin's School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice. He joined UCD as an Assistant Professor (Ad Astra Fellow) in January 2020 and transitioned to a permanent position in January 2024. Previously, he held academic positions at the University of Oxford (2017-2019) and Hertfordshire Business School (2014-2017). His educational background includes a PhD, MA, and BA (Hons) from Oxford Brookes University, along with certification in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education from Oxford Centre for Staff Learning and Development. Dr. Donoghue's research sits within interpretive and critical policy studies, with two interconnected strands: examining policy-crisis interrelations (including socioeconomic resilience and social cohesion dynamics), and analyzing social citizenship and rights in Europe. His work investigates how policy discourse constructs crises and how Brexit reshapes social citizenship. He employs qualitative methods like Critical Discourse Analysis, Content Analysis, Interviews, and Focus Groups, drawing on political economy and political sociology. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on Brexit's impact on welfare states, resilience discourse in neoliberal contexts, and theoretical connections between critical discourse analysis and Gramscian concepts. He demonstrates particular expertise in analyzing how discourse legitimizes policy shifts and constructs social boundaries during political transitions. His scientific recognition includes: Ad Astra Fellowship (2019-2024) Whither Social Rights in (post-) Brexit Europe? grant from Oxford University Press John Fell Fund Cohesive Societies Policy Review grant from British Academy Research funding for auto-enrolment of pensions from Oireachtas Joint Committee Dr. Donoghue actively supervises PhD students as Thesis Co-Supervisor since 2020. He has secured multiple research grants and serves in leadership roles including Director of Graduate Studies at UCD. His professional service includes external examining positions at other universities, grant assessment for national science foundations, and editorial board membership. He has engaged in public outreach through talks on Brexit's implications for Ireland. His work connects with European social policy networks through conference participation at ESPANet and the Conference of Europeanists, where he presents research on social citizenship discourses amid European polycrises.
Mairead Cahill is an Associate Professor in Occupational Therapy at the School of Allied Health, University of Limerick , Ireland. She holds a PhD (2023) from the University of Limerick, focusing on women academics' transition to retirement, alongside an MSc and BSc from Trinity College Dublin. PhD (University of Limerick, 2023) MSc (Trinity College Dublin, 2006) BSc (Trinity College Dublin, 1997) Her research centers on qualitative studies of retirement transitions and interprofessional education , using methods like meta-ethnography and thematic analysis. She investigates older workers' experiences and integrates qualitative metasynthesis to explore occupational identity shifts. Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary collaboration, aging workforce dynamics, and educational frameworks. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals in health and education, emphasizing practice-based learning and community engagement. As a CORU-registered occupational therapist, she bridges clinical expertise with academic leadership, supervising PhD candidates and advocating for recovery-orientated mental health services. Her 2024 oral presentation on transatlantic interprofessional collaboration underscores global educational partnerships.
Carol-Anne Murphy is an Associate Professor in Speech and Language Therapy at the School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick. She serves as a member of the Centre for Implementation Research UL (CIRC_UL) Programme Monitoring Group and the Health Research Institute (HRI), with research focused on childhood speech, language and communication needs, particularly Developmental Language Disorders (DLD). Academic Background PhD, Newcastle University Masters in Health Services Management, Trinity College Dublin Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, University College Cork Bachelor in Speech and Language Therapy, University of Ulster Her research centers on intervention mechanisms, outcome measures, and assessment tools for Developmental Language Disorders, with emphasis on collaborative practice in educational settings and dynamic assessment approaches. She actively investigates ecologically valid primary, secondary, and tertiary intervention models through interprofessional health-education partnerships. Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a concentrated focus on peer-mediated interventions for minimally speaking autistic preschoolers, examining feasibility, stakeholder acceptability, and children's perspectives through qualitative methodologies. These works contribute to developing practical school-based support systems grounded in implementation science principles. Scientific Recognition Health Research Board Fellowship Murphy currently accepts PhD students and has secured significant funding including Health Research Board grants (Covid Rapid Response project, Applied Programme Grant 2023-2027) and an NCSE-funded capacity-building project for schools supporting children with speech, language and communication needs. She co-leads the TICLD group's Maximising Intervention for Language Disorders Project developing Core Outcome Sets for DLD interventions. Her institutional affiliations include active roles in CIRC_UL, HRI, and TICLD, with previous leadership in COST Action IS1406 (2015-2019) focusing on European-wide interventions for children with language disorders. She co-authored the Routledge publication 'Managing Children with Developmental Language Disorders' and contributed to international consensus on DLD identification through the Catalise consortium.
