Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute, Iontas Building, Maynooth (2026)

Q: What is the website?

http://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/social-sciences-institute

28/05/2026

Researcher Spotlight: Prof Sinead McGilloway

Prof Sinéad McGilloway is Professor of Family and Community Mental Health at Maynooth University and Founder Director of the Centre for Mental Health and Community Research (CMHCR), based within the Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute.

Her research focuses on mental health and wellbeing across the life course, with a strong emphasis on early intervention and prevention, particularly for children, young people and families.

At MUSSI, Sinéad is leading the CO-PRIME project (Co-producing and Promoting Research and Innovation in Mental Health), an all-island research network focused on improving mental health research, policy and practice.

Funded by the Health Research Board (HRB), CO-PRIME brings together researchers, policymakers, practitioners and people with lived experience to co-develop research that can strengthen mental health supports and services across Ireland.

Through this work, Sinéad continues to contribute to evidence-based policy and practice, supporting more effective and accessible mental health services.

28/05/2026

Researcher Spotlight: Dr Paul Lewis

This week, we’re highlighting Dr Paul Lewis, a researcher with the National Centre for Geocomputation (NCG) at the Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute (MUSSI).

Dr Lewis is Data Platform Manager on the Terrain-AI project, where he leads the design and development of large-scale geospatial data infrastructure. His work focuses on building cloud-based systems capable of integrating vast and complex datasets from satellites, drones, sensor networks, and national data sources.

With a background in computer science and geocomputation, Dr Lewis specialises in full-stack geospatial solutions, combining research and engineering to develop platforms that support advanced analytics and real-time insights. His work underpins the technical architecture that enables data-driven research across a range of domains, including environmental monitoring, land use, and sustainable planning.

He is also currently working on the Drone Innovation Partnership (DIP) project and the City Sense project with Dublin City Council, contributing to the application of drone and sensor technologies in urban environments and public service delivery.

Alongside his research contributions, including widely cited work in spatial video and GIS, Paul has extensive experience working with state bodies and industry partners, helping to translate geospatial research into practical tools and applications.

Through his role on Terrain-AI and wider NCG projects, he is contributing to the development of next-generation data platforms that support evidence-informed decision-making and innovation.

Paul’s work reflects MUSSI’s commitment to interdisciplinary, data-driven research with real-world impact.

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28/05/2026

Researcher Spotlight: Gianna Hegarty - PhD
This week, we’re highlighting Gianna Hegarty, Programme Officer for MSCA4Ukraine with Scholars at Risk Europe at the Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute (MUSSI), working closely with Maynooth University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Office.
Gianna supports the administration and implementation of the MSCA4Ukraine programme, an initiative that helps displaced researchers from Ukraine continue their academic work at institutions across Europe. Through this role, she contributes to international efforts supporting academic freedom, research continuity, and collaboration across higher education networks.
Prior to joining Scholars at Risk Europe, Gianna worked in higher education and has research interests in refugee policy, migration, and modern Irish history. Her doctoral research examined the development of Irish refugee policy between 1935 and 1973, exploring the relationship between refugee policy and Irish foreign policy during that period.
Through her work across MUSSI, Scholars at Risk Europe, and the EDI Office, Gianna contributes to wider conversations around academic freedom, inclusion, international solidarity, and the protection of researchers affected by conflict and displacement.
This spotlight also comes ahead of next week’s conference, Threats to Academic Freedom and the Protection of Researchers at Risk, taking place at Maynooth University, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and policy stakeholders to discuss growing global pressures on academic freedom.
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28/05/2026

Researcher Spotlight: Professor Mary Gilmartin
This week, we’re highlighting Professor Mary Gilmartin, a researcher at the Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute and the Department of Geography, Maynooth University at Maynooth University.
Professor Gilmartin’s research focuses on migration, mobility, place, and belonging, with particular interests in how migration shapes societies, communities, and everyday life. Her work explores migration not simply as a policy challenge, but as a fundamental part of human experience and social change.
She currently leads the Research Ireland-funded project MobiliseCare: Migration and care – mobilising care for a new understanding of migration, funded through the Advanced Laureate Awards Scheme. The project develops a new understanding of migration by examining how individuals, communities, and organisations engage in acts of care towards and with migrants.
MobiliseCare brings together interdisciplinary research examining migration, solidarity, and inclusion, while also supporting new research through funded PhD projects exploring migration and care in Ireland and beyond.
Alongside her research leadership, Professor Gilmartin contributes extensively to public and policy discussions on migration and social change. Her work reflects MUSSI’s commitment to socially engaged, internationally relevant research that addresses complex societal challenges through collaboration and interdisciplinary perspectives.
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28/05/2026

Researcher Spotlight: Professor Mark Boyle
This week, we’re highlighting Professor Mark Boyle, a researcher at the Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute and the Department of Geography, Maynooth University at Maynooth University, and co-organiser of the Research for Policy Seminar Series.
Professor Boyle’s work focuses on the relationship between research, public policy, and societal change, with particular interests in regional development, knowledge exchange, and evidence-informed policymaking. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively on how academic research can better engage with policymakers, communities, and wider society.
He is currently leading the Research Ireland Science Policy Research Programme project Unlocking the value of research for public policy making and innovation: Mapping Ireland’s key brokering structures and supports. The project examines the organisations, networks, and mechanisms that connect research with public policy and innovation systems in Ireland, helping to better understand how evidence moves into decision-making and practice.

At MUSSI, Professor Boyle plays a key role in initiatives that strengthen dialogue between researchers and policymakers. Through the Research for Policy Seminar Series, he helps create space for discussion and collaboration across academia, government, and practice.
His work reflects MUSSI’s commitment to interdisciplinary, policy-relevant research with real societal impact.
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28/05/2026

Researcher Spotlight: Dominik Kalweit

This week, we’re highlighting Dominik Kalweit, Programme Manager for MSCA4Ukraine at the Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute (MUSSI).
Dominik works with Scholars at Risk Europe, supporting the delivery of the MSCA4Ukraine programme, which provides support for displaced researchers affected by the war in Ukraine. Based at Maynooth University, the programme works with institutions across Europe to help researchers continue their academic work in safe and supportive environments.
With a background in political science, communication sciences, international development, and human rights, Dominik has worked across a range of international cooperation and education initiatives. His work contributes to wider efforts to support academic freedom, international collaboration, and the protection of researchers facing displacement and disruption.
Through his role at MUSSI and SAR Europe, Dominik contributes to a growing international network focused on supporting scholars and strengthening the role of higher education in responding to global challenges.
This spotlight reflects MUSSI’s commitment to international engagement, academic freedom, and supporting research communities across borders.
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26/05/2026

Who owns the energy transition?

Join us for this timely hybrid discussion exploring energy democracy, climate justice, and the role of community and cooperative renewable energy in shaping a fairer low-carbon future.

🗓 Monday, 22 June 2026
🕑 2:00pm – 4:00pm
📍 Maynooth University, Iontas Building & Online

Featuring special guest Professor Julie MacArthur alongside Professor Jennie Stephens, Dr Emanuela Ferrari and Laurie Reilly.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4NLG7KQ

26/05/2026

📢 Join us for an upcoming half-day conference on Threats to Academic Freedom and the Protection of Researchers at Risk hosted by Scholars at Risk Europe at Maynooth University

This important event will bring together academics, students and practitioners to discuss the growing pressures on academic freedom globally and explore practical ways institutions can support researchers at risk.

We are delighted to welcome Rose Anderson as keynote speaker.

📅 Wednesday, 3 June 2026
⏰ 10:00–13:00 (registration & coffee from 09:30)
📍 Iontas Building, Room 3.31 + online

Further information:
Event details https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/social-sciences-institute/events/threats-academic-freedom

01/05/2026

Researcher Spotlight: Dr Aileen O’Carroll
This week, we’re highlighting Dr Aileen O’Carroll, a researcher at the Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute (MUSSI) and Policy Manager at the Digital Repository of Ireland.
Dr O’Carroll plays a central role in Ireland’s research infrastructure, working at the intersection of qualitative research, digital archiving, and data policy. At MUSSI, she manages the Irish Qualitative Data Archive (IQDA), supporting researchers in curating, preserving, and enabling the reuse of qualitative data, including interviews, audiovisual materials, and social research collections.
Her work focuses on developing standards and best practice for managing qualitative data, with a strong emphasis on ethical stewardship, long-term preservation, and accessibility. She works closely with researchers, institutions, and policymakers to ensure that data is not only protected, but remains usable and impactful over time.
At a national level, through her role with DRI, Dr O’Carroll contributes to shaping policy and practice around digital research infrastructure, open research, and data governance. Her work supports collaboration across the humanities and social sciences, particularly in relation to cultural and social data collections.
Her research interests include qualitative methodologies, digital archiving, and the changing nature of work in knowledge economies. She has also contributed to major longitudinal studies, including research on life histories and social change in Ireland.
Through her work across MUSSI, IQDA and DRI, Dr O’Carroll plays a key role in ensuring that research is not only produced, but preserved, shared, and reused — supporting a more open, sustainable, and impactful research ecosystem.

17/04/2026

Researcher Spotlight: Justin Gleeson
This week, we’re highlighting Justin Gleeson, Director of the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) at the Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute (MUSSI).

Justin leads AIRO, a key component of Ireland’s national data infrastructure, focused on applying spatial analysis and data analytics to support evidence-informed policymaking. His work centres on geographic information systems (GIS), spatial planning, demographics, and improving how public data is accessed and used.

Through AIRO, Justin and his team develop tools and insights that support government departments, regional assemblies, and local authorities in areas such as housing, regional development, and social inclusion. Their work plays an important role in translating complex data into practical evidence for decision-making.

He also played a key role in the development of AIRO’s COVID-19 data hub and dashboards, which became a widely used public resource during the pandemic, providing timely and accessible insights into how the situation was evolving across Ireland.

Justin’s work reflects MUSSI’s commitment to data-driven, policy-relevant research that supports real-world impact.

Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute

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