A new Research Strategy for 2025–2030 was launched on 27 January at an event in the Long Room Hub, setting out a clear and ambitious direction for the future of research in the School of Social Work and Social Policy. The launch marked more than the introduction of a strategic document. It articulated a shared intention for the future, one grounded in the School’s long-standing commitment to research that shapes teaching, informs practice, and contributes to real change in people’s lives. The event opened with a welcome from Professor Carmel O’Sullivan, Dean of Faculty, followed by a research video highlighting the breadth and impact of the School’s work. Professor Sinéad Ryan, the Dean of Research introduced the strategy, with Professor Edurne Garcia Iriarte outlining the background to its development and the collaborative process that shaped it. Professor Nicola Carr presented the strategy’s vision and priorities. The strategy was officially launched by the Provost, Professor Linda Doyle.  The launch event included a panel discussion about the links between research and policy impact with contributions from Mike Allen, Director of Advocacy, Research and Communications, Focus Ireland; Karen Kiernan, CEO, ONE Family; Christina Sherlock,  Head of Strategic Communications and Fundraising, Women’s Aid, Professor Stephanie Holt and Professor Paula Mayock.

About the Strategy

Research with Reach and Relevance

Research in the School spans a wide range of interconnected areas, including children and youth, criminal justice, homelessness, disability, domestic violence, poverty and welfare, ageing, reproductive rights, social work education, and technology in human services .What connects this work is not only topic, but approach: collaborative, interdisciplinary, theoretically and methodologically ambitious, and grounded in lived experience. Research is embedded across undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional teaching, ensuring students engage with evidence that is current, critical, and practice informed.

Impact Beyond the University

The School’s research is actively engaged with policy and practice. Staff work closely with government departments, NGOs, international organisations, and advocacy groups, providing research, policy advice, and expert input. Much of this engagement is built on long-standing relationships, including with alumni working across policy and practice. This reflects a shared belief that research should not end at publication, but should contribute to positive social change,  particularly for those most affected by inequality.

 

A Clear Vision and Four Strategic Pillars

The strategy aligns with Trinity’s A Living Research Strategy, the Thrive Strategic Plan, and Ireland’s Impact 2030 strategy, while remaining firmly rooted in our core disciplines of social work and social policy.

It commits the School to research that is:

  • Excellent, innovative, and rigorous
  • Connected to real-world issues
  • Collaborative and inclusive of lived experience
  • Policy- and practice-facing
  • Focused on knowledge exchange

In short: research that matters.

 

The strategy is structured around four strategic pillars:

  1. Collaboration — strengthening connections within the School, across the university, and with national and international partners.
  2. Recognising and Enabling Research — creating the conditions for research excellence through time, skills, infrastructure, and recognition.
  3. Visibility and Public Engagement — ensuring excellent research is visible, accessible, and of public value.
  4. Supporting Early Career Researchers — investing in sustainability through mentoring, recognition, and career development.

 

School Of Social Work and Social Policy Research Strategy 2025-2030

 

Watch our Research Strategy Launch video to hear from our academic staff on the new strategy