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March Student Profile: Srimoyee Biswas - Structured PhD Programme & Government of Ireland Scholarship Recipient

Interview with a Scholar: Government of Ireland Scholarship Recipient, Srimoyee Biswas


The School of Social Work and Social Policy is delighted to announce that our new PhD candidate, Srimoyee Biswas, was awarded the prestigious Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) to help fund her studies at Trinity. This award programme, which is open to Non-EU postgraduate students looking to study at an Irish institution, is highly competitive, with only 60 awards given per year to across all of Ireland’s universities. We are therefore very proud to have a GOI scholarship recipient among our new cohort of students! Below is an interview with Srimoyee, shedding light on her decision to come to Ireland, her journey to receiving this exceptional award and her research goals.

  • Where are you from?

I am from India from the state of West Bengal. My education was in my home state till high school, and I went ahead to complete my undergraduate degree in Journalism from Bangalore and then pursue my postgraduate degree in Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.

  • Tell us in a few sentences about your academic background and why you wanted to pursue a Ph.D.

My interests have always been in the arena of social sciences. After graduating from high school, I went ahead to complete my undergraduate degree in journalism and while it was a great journey, the state of the newsroom did not convince me to pursue it as a career or a wider interest. Instead, I found my calling in the more academic component which was first reflected in my undergraduate thesis. I worked on the idea of media framing in the context of the Rohingya crisis and I think this was the first time I was reading authors like Patricia Hill Collins, and it fascinated me how the gendered aspects of journalism emerged in studies and an inevitable interest started cropping up in policy. This solidified as I studied ‘social exclusion’ as a phenomenon in the context of policy for my postgraduate degree. My fieldwork in New Delhi, conducted during my stint with the New Delhi State Government, was pivotal in giving me that ‘extra push’ when it came to solidifying my resolve to pursue a Ph.D. as I visited local units of welfare delivery services (known as aanganwadis). I was simultaneously reading, understanding, and reflecting on ‘caste’ and ‘gendered identities’ and the lack of conversations/ appropriation of the same in academic spaces and everything tied together to give way to my research.

  • Were you considering universities all over the world or were you just looking at universities in Ireland?

I had mainly aimed at the European universities owing to the flexibility it gave to early-career researchers to be able to dive headfirst into research. Personally, I aimed at a few universities in the UK and Trinity here in Ireland.

  • Tell us in a few sentences about your research interests and the work you plan to do with your supervisor:

My research interests mainly lie in understanding the formation of policy, not necessarily at the bureaucratic level but how the everyday-ness of policy manifests and its interface with the different identities one harbours. I am particularly interested both through my work and generally in the field of education to focus on gender and ‘caste’ as two different identities that determine the welfare experience. The need to talk about ‘caste’ specifically stems from the South Asian scholarship being relegated to a place where only hyper-specialisation of caste occurs but my sincere attempt is to be able to keep talking about this in different well-established disciplines like social policy. My supervisors, both Dr Joe Whelan and Dr Catherine Conlon have worked on lived experiences and grounded constructivist theory in the context of feminist studies, respectively. Hence, the fact that they have taken me up on this opportunity just exemplifies the fact that what we will be doing is symbiotic in nature. I am learning and yet to learn so much about research methodologies and their pedagogies while they also consciously keep up with the understanding of this relatively new area of research themselves. Ultimately, I hope we will all be able to put together a study that will be innovative to understand how different groups based on their identities and lived experiences negotiate the welfare system focusing on India as a site of study.

  • How did you find out about the Government of Ireland Scholarship?

The funding was listed as an ‘additional source of funding’ on the School’s webpage and by the time I was in conversation with my supervisors I flagged the need to be able to get funding to pursue my research; the idea was to cast the net as wide as possible. I later read through the website and familiarised myself with what the Higher Education Authority has to offer and the work that they have put in by working closely with the Government of Ireland to democratise education to international students and I thought of giving it a shot.

  • Can you describe the application process?

The application process is entirely written, so there is no qualifying interview where say a candidate can demonstrate their interest. Hence, I felt the key was how well you can put together your ideas and thought processes into words; hence it really tests your writing capabilities. The process also requires you to have an offer from the university and the course you are applying to so it is extremely important to keep that handy. Additionally, it also requires you to have references from the individuals you have studied/ worked with. I would recommend planning this and having the conversation with the concerned individual as unlike most university/ scholarship portals it requires the applicant to upload the reference from their end instead of requesting the reference to upload it from their end onto the portal.

  • How did you feel when you found out you had been awarded your scholarship?

Very relieved. I think getting a scholarship to fund my studies was extremely important to me. Education as a sector is yet to be democratised and unfortunately, it remains highly inaccessible to several students from the global south and more so the marginalised students of the global south. I still remember that I was working with United Nations Women and the news over e-mail reached me when I was in my office. Everyone in the government building where I was based in New Delhi made me feel very loved after I shared this, celebrating this victory, as one of their own! It was a great evening spent in the company of a few friends and I sincerely cherish that. However, it was also a moment of reflection on how privileged I was to even be able to have access to things like the internet, a good English education, and different social privileges which led me to the point if anything I should be thankful yet critical of my successes.

  • How did your family and friends react to your news about becoming a scholarship recipient?

I was unfortunately not in the same city where my family was. I was in New Delhi while my family was back in Kolkata. They did get a phone call and they were as relieved as I was because they have quite closely seen me grapple with the uncertainty of securing funding and have always been quiet pillars of support. My friends who were in the city and otherwise were also very supportive, overjoyed, and very proud and I am thankful to them for never stopping to believe in me even at times when I found it difficult to believe in myself.

  • What is your favourite part so far about being a PhD candidate at Trinity?

I think Trinity is a wonderful place to be in and apart from the campus being steeped in history, I feel generally a sense of belonging and association with the space simply because everyone is really on their unique trajectories and equally invested when it comes to others having their interests. While I am at a very nascent stage, I enjoy popping by for the mixers/ lunches with other PhD students and catching up with them. Initially one might think that a Ph.D. is an isolating journey, but I think the events organised, turning up for seminars, and attending conferences allow you to make friends and just generally find yourself in a collaborative space. I am also a Teaching Assistant and have taught undergraduate students for a term which was enriching and some of the discussions have also been very insightful. The ecosystem of learning and finding myself beyond the office desk has been interesting and one of the most enjoyable times so far.

  • What are your ultimate career goals after finishing your PhD?

Ideally, I would love to take my learnings and get reabsorbed back into academia within or beyond Ireland. While I speak of this, I am very cognisant of the very real restraints within the realm and how ambitious it may sound, at this stage. However, I want to work towards facilitating the process of democratising the education system, working along the lines of identity and how they shape experiences and taking that into account building towards making the classroom spaces more inclusive. I would love to have the opportunity to work along these lines and build/strengthen the curriculum. My key insight from teaching (the little that I have) is that once a student can relate to the curriculum, it opens the possibility of making them more involved in the teaching and academic process by extension. That’s the intersection I would like to tap into and work on.

  • What advice do you have for other international students looking to receive a scholarship?

Know that while it may seem intimidating after looking at the acceptance rates and the people who did make it, believe in your own unique experiences and what made you come to this point. I think when one introspects, we realise that we all have a story to tell. I think narrating that story is key. Reach out to people who have already made it into places you envision yourself and build a community, ask away and seek advice but know that someone else’s journey should never act as a template for yours. Lastly, once you get a scholarship make the conscious effort to educate and reflect on yourself, your privileges, and what led you to this point, and don’t just stop there. Start reaching out to people back home and talk to students with similar aspirations and try to find it in yourself to make time to further these opportunities, reach out to your peers, and ensure there are collaborative efforts with a shared vision that further this cause. Scholarships are a small bit but take that as an opportunity to reflect on the larger picture of life!
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More information on the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) can be found on the Higher Education Authority website. The HEA is currently accepting applications for 2024 candidates through 13 March 2024. If you are a prospective PhD student, we encourage you to have a look at our Structured PhD course page

March 4, 2024


School celebrates #CareDay2024 hosting 'Embrace Our Stories' photography exhibition in partnership with Trinity Access Programme

The School of Social Work and Social Policy, in partnership with the Trinity Access Programme, were delighted to mark #CareDay2024 hosting the ‘Embrace Our Stories’ photography exhibition curated by Empowering People in Care. The exhibition showcased photographs taken by care-experienced children and young people and can be viewed virtually here: Embrace Our Stories Photography Exhibition - a virtual tour - YouTube

 

21st February, 2024


Care leavers ten years on — first phase of landmark study commences

Posted on: 15 February 2024

Ground-breaking research study to transform our understanding of how adults fare after leaving the state care system  

Minister Roderic O’Gorman met with the research team leading a major new study exploring the experiences of young adults who have left the Irish care system. 

The study, Care Leavers – Ten Years On, will be the first in Ireland to address the experiences of ‘graduates’ of the care system in adult life, in terms of education, family, work, accommodation, health and well-being.  

The study is being led by a research team from Trinity College Dublin in partnership with University of Sussex. Phase one of the study is now underway and will involve work to secure ethical approval, a review of relevant international research findings, and extensive consultation with care leavers and those providing after care and support services to ensure the best possible study. 

Funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the study is part of Care Experiences: Journeys through the Irish Care System, a new national research and data project examining the lives of children in care and adults who were in care as children.  

This two-year study, which will be completed by end of September 2025, will investigate how young people who leave the care system fare as adults; what makes a difference in supporting care leavers, and what is important from their point of view.  

Welcoming the commencement of the study, Minster for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman said: “I want to congratulate the team on their progress to date in preparing for this innovative study, and I would also urge care leavers to take part in the upcoming consultations on how best to design the study. This will help to ensure that it reflects the experiences of as many care leavers as possible.”  

 The research team for Care Leavers – Ten Years On is led by Professor Stephanie Holt and Professor Emeritus Robbie Gilligan from the School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity, in association with Professor Janet Boddy, School of Education and Social Work, University of Sussex.  

Assistant Professors Eavan Brady and Joe Whelan (School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity) and Dr Sarah Parker (School of Medicine, Trinity) complete the team. 

Commenting on the new study, Professor Holt said “We are delighted to have such a strong inter-disciplinary and inter-institutional research team working on this innovative study. Our findings will provide the first clear evidence from Ireland on how people who left foster or residential care in the past ten years or so are doing in their late twenties."  

Professor Robbie Gilligan, Trinity, added: “This evidence will be invaluable for Tusla – Child and Family Agency as it plans services for children in care, and also as they develop their after-care programmes alongside other relevant public bodies. Importantly, the study will also contribute to international knowledge in this key area. 

Care leavers / care experienced adults who wish to take part in the upcoming consultation process for the design of the study should emailcareleaversstudy@tcd.ie to find out more. Alternatively,  they are also very welcome to email their suggestions for any questions or topics to be covered in study interviews. 

19th February, 2024


February Student Profile: Jianing Zhu - Structured PhD Programme & China Scholarship Council Recipient

Interview with a Scholar: China Scholarship Council Recipient, Jianing Zhu.


In 2023 the School of Social Work and Social Policy was delighted to hear we would be hosting a China Scholarship Council award recipient and PhD candidate. Ms. Jianing Zhu joined the school in September 2023 becoming one a few fully funded CSC students at Trinity College Dublin. We were fortunate enough to catch up with Jianing for an interview discussing her award, how she ended up in Ireland and her research interests in the school:

  • Where are you from?

I come from Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, CHINA.

  • Tell us in a few sentences about your academic background and why you wanted to pursue a PhD:

I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Urban Management at Ningbo University of Technology. In addition, I obtained a Master’s degree in Social Policy at The Chinese University of Hong Kong this year.
I’ve enjoyed my academic work so far, but I feel like I don’t have sufficient time to research deeply, so to do a PhD is an appropriate option. The PhD journey, will take me to the edge of human knowledge, of course, in my research field. I am interested in social work and social policy, and I possess the passion to find out more create a better human society through my own specialty, so that I can make some contribution to this world, although its values may appear in many years later. So, I think that is meaningful and interesting to explore the path I like, especially a path that relates closely to the society. It is such a positive and inspiring thing. Of course, there are any other reasons like, gaining a doctorate degree enables me to gain a sense of achievement. However, I believe that my passion and my curiosity is the most crucial reason to make the decision to pursue a PhD.

  • Were you considering universities all over the world or were you just looking at universities in Ireland?

To be honest, TCD is the only university I considered and applied. Actually, from my perspective, TCD gives me a strong sense of belonging. People here, including my supervisors and executive Officer I got access to are very friendly, patient, inclusive and passionate. I feel warm, supportive and delighted when I keep in touch with them.
Furthermore, Ireland is an ideal place for social research for its unique social welfare system and abundant academic resources, and this structured PhD programme attracts me because of its rigorous research standards and innovative discoveries. I am eager to explore more about the essence, roles and experiences of social policy and social work through gaining advanced knowledge from PhD courses, seminars, workshops and fieldwork in such an inclusive and diverse academic environment. I believe the future academic training here will definitely maximise my potential and lead me to further opportunities.

  • Tell us in a few sentences about your research interests and the work you plan to do with your supervisor:

I have keen interests in ageing and care, social policy, social welfare and qualitative research methods. For my PhD thesis, I plan to investigate and understand the experiences of senior volunteers participating in time banks in Shanghai, with a focus on the motivations, challenges, personal perceptions and social interactions associated with their engagement.
Me and my supervisors made a detailed plan for my 4-year PhD studies that almost covered everything, including thesis drafting, publication, supervision, and programme attendance.

  • How did you find out about the China Scholarship Council Award?

It is one of the most renowned scholarships between Chinese PhD Scholarships applicants. I heard about it several years ago, it not only provides scholarships to abroad PhD students, but also to interns at international organisations.

  • Can you describe the application process?

I completed my online application in January 2023. Thanks a lot to Michelle! She introduced me to my supervisors Dr Catherine Elliott O’Dare and Dr Catherine Conlon. Then we had an informal meeting. Afterwards, I devoted myself into the two-rounds CSC Award preparation and I received the award in June 2023.

  • How did you feel when you found out you had been awarded your scholarship?

No pain, no gain! I’m so proud of myself. I'm glad that all my efforts paid off. I’m also grateful to all my supervisors and friends who helped me to apply for this PhD scholarship. Many thanks to my country for providing me with living expenses and Trinity for exempting my tuition fees!

  • How did your family and friends react to your news about becoming a scholarship recipient?

My family and friends are very proud of me, and I received their warm blessings and encouragement. This scholarship really saved me and allows me to focus on my interested research rather than worrying about living costs.

  • What is your favourite part so far about being a PhD candidate at Trinity?

My office room in Fosters Place! I love my cozy and comfortable office room so much! It provides me with a private space for my research and living, just like my second home. I come to my office almost every weekday.

  • What are your ultimate career goals after finishing your PhD?

As for my career goal, after graduation, I plan to pursue research-related positions in academia. This path might include receiving post-doctoral training to further refine my independent research experience and skills, or becoming a lecturer to impart knowledge to the younger generation and kindle their interests in the social work and social policy field. During my lifetime, I will continuously reflect on the opportunities and challenges of social work in solving social problems and meeting needs under changing social conditions, with emphasis on the plight of vulnerable groups in society.

  • What advice do you have for other international students looking to receive a scholarship?

Securing a scholarship as an international student can be competitive, but with careful planning and strategic efforts, you can increase your chances of success. First of all, I would say that identifying scholarships that align with your field of study, interests, and background is very important, just look extensively for local and international scholarship opportunities. Secondly, start your preparation as early as possible. You need to make a detailed plan for your PhD and scholarship application. Most scholarship applications have early deadlines. If you miss the scholarship deadline, this means that you have to wait until next year. Thirdly, remember to maintain a strong academic record and strive for excellence in your studies. In addition, remember to craft a research proposal and an impressive personal statement, which can demonstrate your research potential, sincerity, and uniqueness. Finally, you can connect with current scholarship recipients, alumni, and professionals in your field and seek advice from them. Anyway, persistence is the key. Good luck to you all!

More information on the China Scholarship Council (CSC) – Trinity College Dublin Joint Scholarship Programme can be found on the university’s study website. Trinity is now inviting applications for the 2024 CSC-Trinity College Dublin Joint Scholarship Programme. The deadline for applications is 23 February. If you are a prospective PhD student, we encourage you to have a look at our Structured PhD course page!

6th February, 2024


Transitions on Hold? How the Covid-19 pandemic affected young people's transitions to autonomy

A new EU- Council of Europe Youth Partnership Youth Knowledge Book "Transitions on hold? How the Covid-19 pandemic affected young people’s transitions to autonomy" has been launched. The book was co-edited by PhD researcher Amy Stapleton, a member of The Pool of European Youth Researchers (PEYR)

29th January, 2024


Tusla Sponsorship Programme for the TCD Masters in Social Work

We are delighted to announce a Tusla sponsorship programme for a Masters in Social Work. This involves Tusla funding of €5k toward each academic year with a commitment to take up a full-time permanent position with Tusla for a minimum of 3 years upon completion. For more information please see: tusla.ie/msw 

15th January, 2024


Abuse survivors’ experience of family law focus of new research

Abuse survivors’ experience of family law focus of new research

A nationwide survey of parents who have been involved with the Irish Family Law systems in situations of domestic violence and abuse has been launched today [Jan 8th, 2024].

The research study is being undertaken by Trinity College Dublin in collaboration with Women’s Aid and is the first study in Ireland which specifically seeks both adult and child victims and survivors’ perspectives of the Irish Family Law system when domestic violence and abuse is also a factor. 

The study will provide a 360-degree view of how effectively guardianship, custody and access proceedings in the Irish Family Law system respond to the safety and wellbeing requirements of adult and child survivors.

Professor Stephanie Holt, Principal Investigator from the School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity, said:

“This study will capture, for the first time, the views and experiences of adult and child survivors of domestic violence and abuse about their experience of the family law system. These unique insights will be invaluable in supporting the reform of family law in Ireland.”

The nationwide online survey will focus on what adult victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse, including coercive control, say about their experience of navigating the Irish Family Law system. It will also seek to better understand how the voice of the child who is a survivor of domestic violence and abuse is heard in family law cases concerning guardianship, custody, and access.

This fully anonymous online survey aims to capture the unique perspectives of adult and child survivors of domestic violence and abuse in cases of guardianship, custody, and access. The study also seeks to understand what helped and hindered adults and children when going through legal processes since the enactment of the Child and Family Relationships Act 2015.

Sarah Benson CEO of Women’s Aid added:  

“As a national frontline service operating for 50 years in Ireland Women’s Aid know that domestic abuse shows up in every aspect of a victim/survivor’s life: at home, in work, at school and particularly in our family courts system. This is an unprecedented opportunity to capture this experience where children are particularly involved.

"The survey findings will be included in this groundbreaking and timely research to contribute to current plans to reform our family law and justice systems. These plans must be victim-survivor informed at every stage, and this will help us ensure that their voices are heard.”

The research team want to hear from all victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse about their experiences, and those of their children.  This includes both male and female survivors, survivors with a disability, migrants and asylum seekers, minority ethnic backgrounds and LGBTQ+ communities and from all over Ireland. 

The study is funded by Women’s Aid and is being conducted by researchers from Trinity’s School of Social Work and Social Policy and colleagues in University College Cork. 

This online survey forms one phase of the broader research study. Findings from this study will provide an evidence base to feed directly into the legal reform process, which aims to improve the Family Law system in Ireland for future users.  

The survey, which will be live until the end of February 2024, will take approximately 30 minutes to complete and can be done on any device. It can be accessed here: https://tcdecon.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_es1um6KOQ5SoPHw

9th January, 2024


 

An Exploration of Hygiene Poverty in Ireland. 

New research led by Dr Joe Whelan was launched yesterday at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Event Space. 

This research was commissioned by Hygiene Hub and funded by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC). It was officially launched by IHREC Chief Commissioner, Sinead Gibney.  The research explored hygiene poverty in Ireland using a mixed methods approach. 

The full report and an executive summary can be accessed here. The research was also covered on RTE Drivetime and you can listen back here. Finally, the research is covered in the Irish Times and the article can be accessed here

29th November 2023


School of Social Work and Social Policy staff along with our Tusla Colleagues wins European Social Services Award for child-centred research

Trinity’s School of Social Work and Social Policy and the child and family agency Tusla have received a 2023 European Social Services Award for research published earlier this year about children’s experience of the Irish child protection and welfare service. 

Through the Eyes of the Child: A Study of Tusla Child Protection & Welfare Intervention was co-authored by Prof. Stephanie Holt (pictured below on left with Tusla's Cormac Quinlan and Edel Tierney), Prof. Robbie Gilligan, Dr. Louise Caffrey and Dr Eavan Brady on behalf of Tusla. The research engaged with 20 children and young people.

Three people on a podium

The 2023 Research and Evaluation award was given at a European Social Network awards ceremony in Zagreb, Croatia. 

Judges noted that “internationally, relatively few examples of research exist that represent the authentic voice of the child in the child protection system”.  

“The study focused on gaining an understanding of children’s experiences but also went beyond that to understand, from the child’s perspective, what contributed to these experiences and employed qualitative methods, involving semi-structured individual interviews.  

“The findings of the research led to the introduction of staff trainings and a commitment that key recommendations agreed with the children and their families would be used to inform future policy and research work.” 

27th November 2023


Dr Catherine Conlon will attend the joint Oireachtas Committee on Health today to discuss Abortion Care

Dr Catherine Conlon Associate Professor will attend the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health today, October 18th starting at 9.30am to assist the Committee in their consideration of the Report of the Review of the Operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018. This reflects Dr Conlon's unparallelled expertise in this area with extensive original research across her career regarding perspectives and needs of people seeking abortion care. 

18th October 2023


Lived experiences of poverty in Dublin mapped out in walk-and-talk study

A report entitled Walking, Thinking and Talking: An exploration of the lived experiences and hidden geographies of poverty using walking as a participatory arts methodology, was recently launched in the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission by Author Dr Joe Whelan, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin. 


This research which was funded by the Irish Research Council and conducted in partnership with All Together in Dignity (ATD) brought together a number of community activists who have experienced poverty firsthand.   Together with Dr Joe Whelan, participants took part in a walking interview along a route that meant something to them.  They drew pictures and maps.  They took photos, and they talked about the reality of poverty in their lives.   


The report, maps and photographs are available to view on the project website here. The project also involved the production of a short animated film using the testimony captured during the walking interviews and this is also available on the project website.


Further information also available here  https://tinyurl.com/mwdnpz47

12th October 2023


Dr Stephanie Holt presents at The 5th European Conference on Domestic Violence

The 5th European Conference on Domestic Violence was held in Reykjavík Iceland 11-13 Septemeber 2023. Professor Steph Holt (Head of School) is pictured here addressing the audience during the opening ceremony of the ECDV’s largest conference to date with 860 delegates, including a growing representation from Ireland. Steph was Co-Chair of the Scientific Programme for the conference and is also one of a small group of seven academics/researchers who have been organising the ECDV since it’s inception in 2015. The organising committee includes Professor John Devaney (University of Edinburgh); Professor Nicky Stanley (University of Central Lancashire); Professor Christin Barter (University of Central Lancashire); Professor Carolina Overlien (University of Stockholm) and Davina James Hanman (Independent Consultant and Visiting Researcher, Trinity College Dublin). The 6th ECDV is planned for Barcelona  September 1-3 2025.

19th September 2023


Domestic Violence and Child Protection: Training for Child Protection and Welfare Practitioners - Micro-credential

The application link is open until Tuesday 12th September 2023. To find out more about the course and apply, click here

8th September 2023


Congratulations to Dr Eavan Brady on her recent publication in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry

Congratulations to Assistant Professor Eavan Brady on her recent publication with colleagues from the ‘International Research Network on Transitions to Adulthood from Care’ (INTRAC) entitled ‘Widening the care gap? An international comparison of care leaving in the time of COVID-19.’ This paper, published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, reports on findings of an international survey that explored the range of policy and service responses that were implemented around the world to support care leavers during COVID-19. The abstract can be viewed here.

7th August 2023


Domestic Violence and Child Protection Conference 8th September - SOLD OUT!

We have now reached capacity at the venue, so we had to close ticket sales. If you didn’t get a chance to get your ticket, please watch out on our School website for announcements of any similar upcoming events.    

2nd August 2023

Position of Professor of Social Work & Social Policy

The School of Social Work and Social Policy are delighted to announce that the position of Professor of Social Work and Social Policy is now open for Applications.

Please click on the link below for more information:

https://www.tcd.ie/vacancies/professor-of-social-work-and-social-policy

05th July 2023


Congratulations to Dr Eavan Brady on Publication

Congratulations to Assistant Professor Eavan Brady on her recent publication with Dr Kristen Lwin from the University of Windsor, Ontario entitled ‘Unpacking evidence-based practice in social work education: a scoping review’. This paper explores theintersection of how evidence-based practice has been conceptualised and taught in social work education and was published in ‘Social Work Education: The International Journal’. The abstract can be viewed here

July 5th, 2023

 


Congratulations To Dr Edurne Garcia Iriarte

Congratulations to Dr Edurne Garcia Iriarte who was selected as the recipient for the 2022-23 Award for Excellence in Supervision of Research Students in the Early Career Award category for the AHSS Faculty! Edurne was nominated by her PhD student Vitalis Bengano, with the nomination supported by Ms Jennifer O'Toole, Head of School and Dr Erna O'Connor Director of Teaching and Learning Postgraduate. This was a robust process of evaluation involving two review processes. A fantastic honour to be nominated, and an amazing achievement to be selected.

Dr Edurne Garcia Iriarte received her award at a ceremony recently hosted by the Provost.

June 29, 2023


Congratulations to our Master in Social Work class of 2023 who graduated on Friday 16th June!

Wishing you all the very best for the future.

June 29, 2023


Congratulations to our Bachelor in Social Studies (Social Work) class of 2023 who graduated last Thursday.

We hope you enjoyed your special day.

June 19, 2023

 


 

Dr Catherine Conlon attends the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health

Dr Catherine Conlon, Associate Professor in the School of Social Work and Social Policy was invited to attend the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health on Wednesday, 31st May to assist the Committee in their consideration of the Report of the Review of the operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018.  She attended along with Marie O'Shea BL Chair and author of the Independent Review of the Operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018

A review clause was included in the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 to monitor the operation of the legislation in practice and the delivery of services in the area.  Dr Catherine Conlon's research study Unplanned Pregnancy and Abortion Care (UnPAC) formed one of three strands of evidence informing the Review carried out by Marie O'Shea.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Seán Crowe said “the Report gives our Committee the opportunity to review this important legislation. Our Committee will use the Review as an opportunity to assess the Report, particularly in relation to how the current system is working and how it can be improved. The Committee is generally anxious to see that the legislation is working as was intended, and that women needing to avail of services for the termination of pregnancy should be able to have access to those services without undue restrictions or obstacles.”

Video of the proceedings of the Committee is available at: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/press-centre/press-releases/20230530-joint-committee-on-health-to-meet-for-consideration-of-the-report-of-the-review-of-the-operation-of-the-health-regulation-of-termination-of-pregnancy-act-2018/

June 01, 2023