About Us
The Policy Institute was officially opened by the Tánaiste in 1998 to provide an independent source of public policy research, innovation, advice and evaluation in Ireland.
Based in the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy, the Institute’s programme of activities now focuses on hosting events and producing publications which highlight the contribution of philosophy and social science to current public issues. The Institute’s public events programme plays a key role in enabling the public to engage with the School and its work, and in ensuring that leading academics and policy makers from around the world are publicly accessible. Find out more about the Policy Institute's programme of activities:
- Henry Grattan Public Lecture Series - which aims to promote informed debate and to offer new ideas on long-term social, political and economic challenges.
- Social Sciences and Philosophy Public Lectures/Events - a series of talks by academics in the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy which tackles topical issues.
- The Dublin Forum - a series of events involving Dublin city policy-makers which focus on policy issues where social science expertise can make a significant contribution.
- Studies in Public Policy – a series of publications (informally known as ‘Blue Papers’) which provide short, rigorous, but accessible analyses of policy issues.
Staff
- Director of the Policy Institute - Tom Pegram, Assistant Professor Political Science, Trinity College Dublin