Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute

02/11/2026

Why does paternity leave matter for the whole family?

In a recent article for the Medical Independent, Professor Sinéad McGilloway of Maynooth University examines the evidence linking fathers' involvement in early parenting with improved family wellbeing.

With Ireland providing just two weeks of statutory paternity leave, she explores the challenges facing new fathers, including financial pressures, mental health and workplace expectations.

The article raises important questions about how Ireland can better support fathers, mothers and children through family-friendly policies.

Read the full article: https://www.medicalindependent.ie/life/why-paternity-leave-is-important-in-supporting-irish-fathers-and-their-families/

02/11/2026

How is Ireland's land being used, and how might that change in the future?

Two new MUSSI Working Papers examine the relationship between agricultural policy, forestry, climate action and land ownership.

Produced as part of the JUSTLAND research project, the papers explore the factors shaping Ireland's grass-fed agricultural system and the changing role of forestry in climate policy.

The research is co-authored by MUSSI member Dr Patrick Bresnihan of Maynooth University, alongside colleagues at Dublin City University.

Both publications are available through the MUSSI Working Paper Series.

Read more via the link in our bio.

30/10/2026

Whose stories are missing from Ireland’s revolutionary history?

In her new book, Women, Violence and Twentieth-Century Warfare: The Irish Revolution and Its Legacies, Professor Linda Connolly, Director of the Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute (MUSSI), examines women’s experiences of violence during the Irish Revolution and the lasting legacies of conflict.

The book explores experiences that have often been overlooked or silenced in historical accounts, contributing to a wider understanding of gender, violence and warfare.

In this short series of slides, we introduce some of the questions at the heart of the research.

Swipe through to explore the themes behind the book.

Published by Routledge (2026).

Find out more: https://www.routledge.com/book/9781032890517

30/10/2026

MUSSI Researcher Spotlight | Dr Aidan Magee

How can satellite data help us understand our changing environment?

This week we’re featuring Dr Aidan Magee, a Postdoctoral Researcher at Maynooth University’s National Centre for Geocomputation.

Aidan uses Earth Observation and machine learning to study land use, environmental change and coastal areas.

His work contributes to projects including Terrain-AI, the Climate+ Co-Centre and EODataHub.

Find out more via the link in our bio.

29/10/2026

How much do we know about women's experiences during the Irish Revolution?

A new book by Professor Linda Connolly, Director of MUSSI at Maynooth University, examines violence against women during this period and its lasting consequences.

Women, Violence and Twentieth-Century Warfare: The Irish Revolution and Its Legacies, published by Routledge, explores sexual violence, forced hair cutting, psychological trauma and how these experiences have been recorded and remembered.

The book also considers the wider impact of conflict on women, families and communities throughout twentieth-century Ireland.

Read more about the book on the MUSSI website:

https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/news-events/new-book-professor-linda-connolly-explores-violence-against-women-during-irish-revolution

28/10/2026

Congratulations to Dr Eduardo Avilia Herrera, who was conferred with his PhD in Computer Science at Maynooth University today! 🎓

Eduardo carried out his research at the National Centre for Geocomputation (NCG), under the supervision of Prof Tim McCarthy (NCG) and Prof John McDonald (Department of Computer Science).

His thesis explored deep learning approaches to robust image-based localisation of mobile platforms.

Congratulations to Eduardo and his supervisors on this fantastic achievement!

27/10/2026

A fantastic programme of research, art and public engagement came to a close on Saturday with the Fictions, Frictions & Evictions exhibition at The Bank in Dublin 8.

Developed through the ERC-funded Data Stories project, led by MUSSI's Professor Rob Kitchin and curated by Brendan Fox, the exhibition explored Ireland's housing emergency through research, installations, film, performances and public discussion.

Over the course of the programme, researchers, artists, policymakers and community groups came together to explore housing policy, displacement, gentrification and the role of data in understanding these issues.

Congratulations to the Data Stories team, participating artists and everyone involved in bringing this exhibition together!

Find out more: https://fictions-frictions-evictions.ie/about.html


https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/news-events/data-stories-exhibition-brings-housing-research-art-and-activism-together-dublin

23/10/2026

Researcher Spotlight: Professor Chris Brunsdon

This week we're highlighting Professor Chris Brunsdon, Director of the National Centre for Geocomputation (NCG) at Maynooth University.

Chris specialises in geographical data science, spatial statistics and geocomputation, developing ways to understand how patterns and relationships change across different locations.

His research has applications in areas including public health, environmental research, crime analysis and urban planning, helping researchers make better use of geographical data.

Chris was also recently recognised among the world's top 2% of scientists in the Stanford/Elsevier rankings, reflecting the international impact of his work.

Find out more about Chris and his research:
https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/faculty-social-sciences/our-people/chris-brunsdon

23/10/2026

Looking for something interesting to do in Dublin this weekend?

There's just one day left to visit Fictions, Frictions & Evictions, an exhibition exploring Ireland's housing crisis through art, research and the experiences of communities.

What do the numbers tell us about housing? And what do they leave out?

From film and installations to storytelling and community archives, the exhibition offers a different perspective on housing, displacement, planning and the changing character of Dublin.

Created through Maynooth University's Data Stories research project and curated by Brendan Fox, it brings together artists, researchers and activists to explore the people and stories behind the data.

📅 Closes tomorrow, Saturday 24 October
🕚 11am–5.30pm
📍 The Bank at The Digital Hub, 85 James's Street, Dublin 8

Free and open to everyone!

Find out more:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/fictions-frictions-evictions-tickets-2001619747547

Understanding Ireland’s Housing Emergency through Data Stories, Public Knowledge, Art & Activism.

22/10/2026

What counts as evidence — and who gets to decide?

This evening, artist Joan Somers Donnelly presents Nervous System, a fascinating lecture-performance exploring how knowledge, experience and expertise influence decisions about housing and planning in Ireland.

Developed through Maynooth University's Data Stories research project, the performance combines interviews, research findings and creative storytelling to challenge how we understand and use evidence.

It's part of Fictions, Frictions & Evictions, the exhibition at The Digital Hub exploring Ireland's housing emergency through research, art and activism.

📅 Thursday 22 October
📍 The Bank at The Digital Hub, Dublin 8

🎟️ Find out more and book:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/nervous-system-tickets-2002614261164

Joan Somers Donnelly - A lecture performance on knowledge, power and planning in Ireland.