Congratulations to Dr Whelan, Dr Howlin, Dr Elliott O’Dare and Dr Hurley on each of these members of Faculty staff on being awarded funding for their research projects.

Seven Trinity research projects have received funding from Research Ireland under its New Foundations programme.  Of these awards, four are for projects by staff in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

A total of 59 projects were announced today [Thursday, May 8] under the funding scheme. Comprising a total investment of €683,677, these awards will support researchers in developing collaborative projects with community organisations and government departments. The projects will address health, social, environmental, and economic challenges in Ireland and beyond. 

The Faculty staff research projects to receive funding are:

  • Dr Joe Whelan, School of Social Work and Social Policy, ‘The flats are coming down. Yup the flats! “A sociological exploration of life in the Dolphin House flat complex using arts-based creative methods.
  • Dr Claire Howlin, School of Psychology, Understanding the role of music and arts in the lives of neurodivergent people.
  • Dr Catherine Elliott O'Dare, School of Social Work and Social Policy, Understanding self- directed ageism: A qualitative study with older people in Ireland.
  • Dr Mairéad Hurley, School of Education, Ar Scáth a Chéile: Co-creating Evidence-Based Recommendations for Cross-Sectoral Partnerships and Whole-School Approaches to ESD.

New Foundations promotes close collaboration between researchers, civic society groups, and policymakers. The programme includes co-funding from a range of Government Departments and agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Irish Aid), Department of Education, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA), Department of Rural and Community Development, and the Heritage Council. 

Making the announcement, Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO of Research Ireland, commented: 

“The New Foundations programme exemplifies how research can be a powerful tool for societal change. By supporting collaboration between academic researchers and those working on the frontlines of community development and public policy, we can co-create knowledge that directly benefits people’s lives. We are proud to support these new projects, which will contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable and evidence-informed Ireland.” 

Media Contact:

Fiona Tyrrell, Media Relations, <tyrrellf@tcd.ie>, +353 1 896 3551