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Comparative Inequalities, Education and Families (CRIEF)

The Comparative Research on Inequalities, Education and Families (CRIEF) research unit represents a vibrant and prolific group that combines quantitative and qualitative methodologies by using comparative case studies, observational data and experimental designs. CRIEF has three main areas:

1. Inequalities: Social stratification and well-being processes from early childhood to old age (Yekaterina Chzhen, Pablo Gracia, Richard Layte, Peter Mühlau, Jan Skopek).
2. Education: Educational systems and processes linked to academic performance and identities of individuals and groups; cross-national comparative curriculum analysis and religion in schools and society (Daniel Faas, Jan Skopek).
3. Families: Gendered and socioeconomic processes in families affecting individuals’ well-being, time use and norms over the life course (Pablo Gracia, Richard Layte, Cadhla McDonnell, David Ralph, Jan Skopek).

CRIEF researchers have published their research in leading outlets and received grants from top international funding agencies like the Horizon 2020 Programme, Marie Sklodowska-Curie-Actions, Irish Research Council and Health Research Board. Researchers at CRIEF actively collaborate with national and international research centres, networks and organisations including ECSR, ESRI, TRiCC and TILDA. CRIEF is committed to creating high scientific, social and policy impact.   

Researchers:

• Dr Yekaterina Chzhen
• Alina Cosma
• Dr Daniel Faas
• Dr Pablo Gracia
• Prof Richard Layte
• Cadhla McDonnell
• Dr Peter Muhlau
• Diane Pelly
• Dr David Ralph
• Dr Jan Skopek

Selected Projects:

• TeenPath: Social Environment, Health and Well-Being Among Adolescents in Ireland  (PI: Richard Layte & Debbie Stanistreet, RCSI) Funder: Health Research Board. Period: 2020/22.
• DIGYMATEX: Establishing A Comprehensive Understanding and Taxonomy of Children's Digital Maturity (PI: Pablo Gracia); Funder: Horizon 2020 / -SC6- TRANSFORMATIONS-07-2019-RIA. Period: 2020/24.
• Researching and Promoting Positive Adult and Child Mental Health and Wellbeing in Lone-Parent Families (PI: Cadhla McDonnell; Co-PI: Pablo Gracia). Funder: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, IRC COFUND (CAROLINE). Period: 2019/22.
• Family-Friendly Policies in Rich Countries (PI: Yekaterina Chzhen). Funder: UNICEF. Period: 2019.
• Social Inequalities, Children’s Activities and Child Development: A Longitudinal Approach (PI: Pablo Gracia); Funder: Provost PhD Competition Award, Trinity College Dublin. Period: 2018/22.
• Child Well-Being in Rich Countries (PI: Yekaterina Chzhen). Funder: UNICEF. Period: 2018/2019.
• ISOTIS: Inclusive Education and Social Support to Tackle Inequalities in Society (PI: Jan Skopek. Funder: Horizon 2020 European Commission; Period: 2017/19.
• CNS: Religious Education in Ireland: The Responses of Community National Schools (PI: Daniel Faas); Funder: Trinity College Dublin, VP/CAO. Period: 2017/18.
• LIFEPATH: The Biological Pathways Underlying Social Differences in Healthy Ageing (PI Richard Layte); Funder: Horizon 2020 European Commission. Period: 2015-2019.
• MAMILO: Managing Migration at Local Level: Educational and Labour Market Responses (PI: Daniel Faas); Funder: Enterprise Ireland. Period: 2014.
• CAP: Curriculum Alignment between IB-DP and National Systems in Germany and Switzerland (PI: Daniel Faas); Funder: International Baccalaureate Organization. Period 2013/14.