People
At the core of TRiSS is a vibrant team of interdisciplinary academics, post-doctoral researchers, PhD students, visiting scholars and research assistants involved in cutting edge social science research. Meet the team members by following the links below and do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in collaborating with any of our team or would like to discuss social science research at Trinity in general.
- TRiSS Hosted Projects
- Academics located in TRiSS
- TRiSS PhD Researchers
- TRiSS Postdoctorate Research Fellows
- TRiSS Visiting Scholars
- Researcher Directory
- Predoctoral Researchers
- Irish Quantitative History Group
- TRiSS Alumni Hub
Professor Raj Chari
Director of TRiSS & Professor in Political Science
Raj is a Professor in Political Science at Trinity College Dublin whose research centres on comparative public policy, particularly lobbying regulation and the relationship between business and politics. His work draws from an international background—originally from Canada, he completed his BA (hons.) and MA at the University of Saskatchewan before pursuing his PhD at Queen's University, where he conducted doctoral research at Madrid's Juan March Institute.
His academic output includes 10 books, edited collections, and special issues published through prestigious presses such as Oxford University Press and Manchester University Press. Notable recent publications include a 2-part Special Issue examining Lobbying Regulation in Interest Groups and Advocacy, alongside the upcoming Oxford Handbook on Lobbying and its Regulation (2026). His broader scholarly work encompasses 40 published papers and book chapters. Trinity College Dublin recognized his teaching excellence with the Inspiring Educator Award in 2025.
Beyond academia, Raj has advised governments and institutions worldwide on developing lobbying legislation across Ireland, the UK, Scotland, the Czech Republic, Serbia, New South Wales (Australia), and Finland. He has served as an expert advisor to international organizations including the Council of Europe and the European Parliament, while also authoring reports for bodies such as the United Nations. His policy engagement included working as an independent researcher for the Open Government Partnership from 2014-2018, where he assessed Ireland's transparency initiatives. Since 2022, he has been a member of Ireland's Advisory Council Against Economic Crime and Corruption, contributing to anti-corruption and financial crime policy development.
Chris Lysaght
Administrator
Chris supports the Director with the overall daily running of TRiSS and manages the booking of the TRiSS Seminar Room and Boardroom. She completed her degrees in Economics, Public Relations and Marketing at the University of Queensland, and Bond University, in Australia.