Professor Pat Dolan awarded international award for life-long achievements in children’s rights

12 March 2024

Professor Pat Dolan is to be awarded the Medal of the Maria Grzegorzewska University in Warsaw for life-long achievements in the field of children’s rights.

 

Mentoring for Access, Retention and Student Success: A review of practice in the West-North West Cluster of HEIs

26 February 2024

The WNW Connect Project is focused on creating and promoting accessible routes to Higher Education in the West North-West Region of Ireland through engaging with, and supporting, individuals who are socio-economically and/or educationally disadvantaged.

Understanding the Social Context of Youth Mental Health

26 February 2024

Researchers at University of Galway have identified that young people who have suffered adversity in the home, among peers, or at school are substantially more at risk of self-harm compared to young people who are unlikely to have experienced such adversities.

Launch: Building Children’s Futures: Using Children’s Rights to Recover from the Global Pandemic. The Children’s Report.

22 February 2024

Launch: Building Children’s Futures: Using Children’s Rights to Recover from the Global Pandemic. The Children’s Report.

We are delighted to invite you to the launch of a new children’s research report, conducted by UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, School of Political Science Sociology, University of Galway in partnership with Foróige, and published as part of the wider ‘Building Children’s Futures: Using Children’s Rights to Recover from the Global Pandemic’ project.

Lunchtime Webinar Series: Complexity Theory for better Child Protection & Welfare and Public Services

25 January 2024

 

Webinar 4: Complexity and Leadership  

With growing complexity, it is recognised that managerial control is both less possible, and less useful in dealing with the increasing adaptive challenges that face public policy in the information age.  Complexity theory has come to the fore in public sector management and leadership, challenging traditional linear hierarchical approaches.  

Broadening the debate: Understanding the social context of youth mental health

10 January 2024

Broadening the debate:  Understanding the social context of youth mental health  

Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS) Public Policy Innovation Series: Seminar 1: Learning from experience: The Case of Irish Early Years Policy

9 January 2024

Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS) Public Policy Innovation Series: Seminar 1: Learning from experience: The Case of Irish Early Years Policy 

Online Information Session, January 18: MA/Postgraduate Diploma (Child, Youth & Community)

18 December 2023

Online Information Session, January 18: MA/Postgraduate Diploma (Child, Youth & Community)

The MA/PDip in Child, Youth and Community is designed for professionals already working in or for those who have a strong interest to work in the community, voluntary or public sector.

Call for Abstracts: UCFRC 11th Biennial International Conference

15 November 2023

Call for Abstracts: UCFRC 11th Biennial International Conference 

Advance Notice: Registration Now Open, UCFRC 11th Biennial International Conference 13-14th June 2024

15 November 2023

Advance Notice: Registration Now Open, UCFRC 11th Biennial International Conference 13-14th June 2024

Achieving Research Impact for Better Outcomes: Science, Society and Transformations to Educational Landscapes Event

27 October 2023

Achieving Research Impact for Better Outcomes: Science, Society and Transformations to Educational Landscapes Event

B08, Business School, Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone Campus

Dr Rosemary Crosse presented on Understanding, negotiating and navigating the politicisation of evidence-based policy research: the case of Irish research on lone parent labour market activation policy.

Workshop on Youth Involvement in Health Research in Ireland

26 October 2023

Workshop on Youth Involvement in Health Research in Ireland

The workshop provided a platform for sharing experiences, insights, and best practices on youth involvement methods. This workshop featured a keynote from Dr Danielle Kennan, UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, University of Galway a renowned expert and panel discussions by researchers and youth to share their experiences alongside an interactive session with participants to explore key issues in youth involvement.

MA/Postgraduate Diploma (Family Support Studies), Live Q&A

17 October 2023

MA/Postgraduate Diploma (Family Support Studies), Live Q&A, Thursday, November 30th 1:00-2:00pm with Academic Director – Dr Carmel Devaney

The Prevention And Early Intervention Summit Press Release

12 October 2023

The Prevention And Early Intervention Summit Press Release

Summit in Limerick calls on government to “invest in smoke alarms instead of spending disproportionately on fire extinguishers.”

Hosted by the Prevention and Early Intervention Network, Tusla and the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, University of Galway, a 2-day summit in Limerick on Sept 21 & 22, brings together people with lived experience of poverty, practitioners, policy-makers and researchers, providing a collective voice for the need to act earlier to support children and families.

New Philanthropy Capital Webinar

12 October 2023

Dr. Cormac Forkan and Dr. Tanja Kovacic of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre presented their findings of a social return on investment study of Rethink Ireland's Education fund 2017 - 2020, to the NPC webinar on the 12th of September 2023.

10th Anniversary of University of Galway-Tusla Joint Training Partnership

12 October 2023

10th Anniversary of University of Galway-Tusla Joint Training Partnership

This partnership began in January 2013 and has become a core component of the Continuing Professional Development programme for Tusla staff and the scheduled programme for MA in Social Work and Family Support students.

Launch of Activating Social Empathy (ASE) Junior Cycle Resource

2 October 2023

Launch of Activating Social Empathy (ASE) Junior Cycle Resource

UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, team with partner’s Disclipline of Education, celebrating the launch of the NCCAie endorsed Activating Social Empathy Junior Cycle SPHE resource with University of Galway President Ó hÓgartaigh.

Empathy in Research, Teaching and Practice Seminar

2 October 2023

Empathy in Research, Teaching and Practice Seminar

The objective of this half-day seminar was to provide University staff with an opportunity to come together to share their experiences, ideas and insights and to foster meaningful connections with others with an interest in the concept of empathy. 

Appointed to Min for Education Advisory Group, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada

27 September 2023

Today marked the first meeting of Phase 2 of the Minister’s Advisory Committee on Early Learning and Child Care in the Province of Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada. Dr Sheila Garrity has been appointed to the committee advising the Minister for Education, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell. As part of a diverse and experienced group, Dr Garrity will contribute to implementing the NL-ELCC Action Plan, in harmony with the Canada-Wide plan for ELCC.

Conference Presentation – Monica Haid MA, Early Childhood Studies

27 September 2023

Monika Haid, graduate of the MA Early Childhood Studies, University of Galway, presented findings from the Spaces & Traces project, at the Children & Youth Perspectives Conference, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic, on Sept 14, 2023. The project explored whether children’s meaning making, and their connection to a place, could be facilitated through digital technologies.

Prevention and Early Intervention Summit

22 September 2023
Prevention and Early Intervention Summit
 

The Prevention and Early Intervention Network (PEIN), in partnership with the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, University of Galway hosted a PEI Summit in Thomond Park, Limerick on September 21st-22nd.

 

UNESCO CFRC Lunchtime Webinar Series: Complexity Theory for better Child Protection & Welfare and Public Services

14 September 2023

Lunchtime Webinar Series   

Title: Complexity Theory for better Child Protection & Welfare and Public Services 

Complexity is a feature of modern public service provision. Rather than fear and seek to simplify it, we need to harness complexity. This webinar series explores complexity theory and related aspects for public service and child protection and welfare work. We aim to increase insights into how complexity theory frameworks and approaches can help practitioners, managers, leaders and academics to better understand and engage with complexity at practice, service and system levels.   

Empathy in Research, Teaching and Practice: Sharing insights, experiences and interests

14 September 2023

The objective of this half-day seminar is to provide University staff with an opportunity to come together to share their experiences, ideas and insights and to foster meaningful connections with others with an interest in the concept of empathy. 

 

Learning together how to best do participatory research

14 August 2023
Learning together how to best do participatory research
 
In August, Professor Caroline Mc Gregor, Dr Carmel Devaney and Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley (History) held a roundtable discussion with members of the Collaborative Forum of Former Residents of Mother and Baby Homes and Related Institutions who were Steering Group Members on the IRC/ DCEDIY  funded research study on Language, Terminology and Representation related to institutions historically known as “Mother and Baby Homes”, “County Homes” and related institutions.

New Book: International Perspectives on Parenting Support and Parental Participation in Children and Family Services

21 August 2023

New Book: International Perspectives on Parenting Support and Parental Participation in Children and Family Services

Edited By Dr Carmel Devaney & Dr Rosemary Crosse

European Forum on Family Support Creating an Agenda for 2030

4 July 2023
Professor John Canavan, Vice-Chair and Dr Carmel Devaney, Working Group Leader presented at EurofamNet Final Event.
 
EurofamNet co-organised the Final Event of the COST Action CA18123 together with the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights and Agenda 2030 and the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) on the 4th July 2023 in Madrid (Spain) and marked the closing of the Action.

HCI Pillar 3 mid-term report exceeds targets

3 July 2023

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) released its mid-term evaluation report on the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 3 projects at the Convention Centre Dublin which included the University of Galway funded project Designing Futures.  Designing Futures were very well represented at the event with representation on the Learner Panel by Cian Coyne, a final year Commerce student and Martin Hynes, Director of Process Development in Boston Scientific who took part in the Enterprise Partner Panel.  Our project exhibition included a showcase of the Empathy Lab and our new empathy baby ‘Finn’ and Vertically Integrated Projects ‘From Bench to Bedside’ and ‘Soundscapes’.

The Prevention & Early Intervention Summit, September 21-22, Thomond Park, Limerick

16 June 2023

The Prevention and Early Intervention Network (PEIN), in partnership with the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, University of Galway is hosting a PEI Summit in Thomond Park, Limerick on September 21st-22nd.

 

Public Lecture: What Works for Engaging Young Adults in Youth Programming: A Case Study of the Youth as Researchers Programme

15 June 2023

What Works for Engaging Young Adults in Youth Programming: A Case Study of the Youth as Researchers Programme

 

Based on the global Youth as Researchers program, this seminar will explore what motivated young people to join the program during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This evidence-based presentation will explore what factors hooked young people to participate in the midst of crisis and suggest ways to develop and refine current and future youth programs to ensure that the youth are interested in the programs.

Virtual Information Session: MA/Postgraduate Diploma (Family Support Studies), University of Galway

3 March 2023

Join us for Live Q&A, Friday, May 5th 1:00-2:00pm, MA/Postgraduate Diploma (Family Support Studies) with Academic Director – Dr Carmel Devaney

 

Researchers launch research report on language, terminology and representation related to institutions

24 February 2023

Researchers at University of Galway have compiled a report on terminology and language associated with institutions historically known as “Mother and Baby Homes”, “County Homes” and related institutions.  

UNESCO CFRC Lunchtime Webinar Series: Complexity Theory for better Child Protection & Welfare and Public Services

21 February 2023

Lunchtime Webinar Series   

Title: Complexity Theory for better Child Protection & Welfare and Public Services 

Complexity is a feature of modern public service provision. Rather than fear and seek to simplify it, we need to harness complexity. This webinar series explores complexity theory and related aspects for public service and child protection and welfare work. We aim to increase insights into how complexity theory frameworks and approaches can help practitioners, managers, leaders and academics to better understand and engage with complexity at practice, service and system levels.   

Online Information Session: MA/Postgraduate Diploma (Child, Youth & Community)

12 January 2023

Online Information Session: MA/Postgraduate Diploma (Child, Youth & Community) with Course Director – Dr. Danielle Kennan

 

Virtual Information Session: MA/Postgraduate Diploma (Family Support Studies), University of Galway

8 December 2022

 Join us for Live Q&A, Friday, February 24th 1:00-2:00pm, MA/Postgraduate Diploma (Family Support Studies) with Academic Director – Dr Carmel Devaney

 

Youth mentoring as a supportive resource for young people in CAMHS: An exploratory study

25 November 2022

Foróige and the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, University of Galway were joined by Minister Mary Butler for the launch of new research titled “Youth mentoring as a supportive resource for young people in CAMHS: An exploratory study”.

CERV Daphne 2 Funding Success

23 November 2022

We are delighted to announce the launch of a new project funded by the EU Commission, which the Children’s Rights Alliance is leading in partnership with the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, the Department of Children Equality Disability Integration and Youth, Tusla the Child and Family Agency, Eurochild, and Foroige.

30th Anniversary of the UNITWIN/UNESCO Programme

10 November 2022

University of Galway, UNESCO Chair, Children, Youth and Civic Engagement Professor Pat Dolan presented a paper on Transdisciplinary in Social Sciences at the 30th Anniversary of the UNITWIN/UNESCO Programme at UNESCO HQ in Paris.  

Dr Charlotte Silke, Post-Doctoral Researcher

10 November 2022

Dr Charlotte Silke, Post-Doctoral Researcher with the UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre won the award for best overall research presentation at The National Suicide Research Foundation Conference on Suicide, Self-Harm and Mental Health (14 Oct) for World Mental Health Day.

IONBHÁ: The Empathy Book For Ireland

10 October 2022

The UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre,

University of Galway 

IONBHÁ: The Empathy Book For Ireland 

Edited by Cillian Murphy, Pat Dolan, Gillian Browne & Mark Brennan   

Book Launch  

Discussion of key messages and recommendations from the Crisis Coping Project

15 August 2022

KEEPING WHAT WORKED BEST: LIVING AND LEARNING BEYOND COVID-19

Discussion of key messages and recommendations from the Crisis Coping Project

Friday, 30th Sept 2022, @ 10:45 am - 2 pm

Aula Maxima (Ground Floor) located in the Quadrangle, NUI Galway

CFRC SRA Collaboration Lunchtime Seminar

7 July 2022

SRA Collaboration Lunchtime Seminar 

Adolescent adjustment, well-being, and individual, peer, and family contexts during COVID-19 in 3 countries 

 When: August 23rd, 2022 @ 1pm 

Where: Institute for Lifecourse and Society, G006  

UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre Launches Parenting Support Research

10 May 2022

UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre Launches Parenting Support Research

The UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway launched its research on Parenting Support along Tusla – Child and Family Agency's new 5-year Parenting Support Strategy, which will run until 2027.The new strategy is informed by the wide-ranging research project that was undertaken by NUI Galway which looked at the experiences of practitioners both in Tusla and in Tusla-funded agencies, and importantly, looked at the views and experiences of parents who were on the receiving end of support services both before and during the pandemic. The aim of the research was to explore how support services work today, how parenting supports have evolved to reflect changes in parenting, and how these supports could be better into the future.

MA, PDip (Child, Youth and Community), Information Session and Live Q&A

28 March 2022

Join us for Information Session and Live Q&A 

 MA, PDip (Child, Youth and Community)  

with 

Programme Director – Dr Danielle Kennan 

Thursday April 7th, 6.30-7.30pm  

To register your place please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/308685876767

Join Zoom Meeting 

https://nuigalway-ie.zoom.us/j/94203507321?pwd=VDJBTXlScFpVbitZQUthUUF5N1dPZz09 

 

Meeting ID: 942 0350 7321 

Passcode: 464964 

UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, NUI Galway, 10th Biennial International Conference 9-10 June 2022

21 March 2022

 

UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre 

10th Biennial International Conference   

9th & 10th June 2022 

Institute for Lifecourse and Society, NUI Galway    

Navigating the Future: A Compass for Youth Policy and Practice 

New research at NUI Galway to focus on youth suicide prevention

4 March 2022

Researchers at NUI Galway are using information from young people across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon to deepen knowledge about youth mental health and suicide prevention.

The project, funded by the Health Research Board (HRB), is analysing data from 5,000 teenagers in the three counties who took part in surveys by Planet Youth in 2018, 2020 and 2022.

Lunchtime webinar on the Planet Youth Project

18 February 2022

The UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre would like to invite you to a short lunchtime webinar on the Planet Youth project (www.planetyouth.ie).  Planet Youth is a local implementation, in Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon, of the Icelandic primary prevention model.  Planet Youth gathers detailed survey data about mental well-being, education, lifestyles, behaviour and experiences from approximately 5,000 teenagers in the West of Ireland every two years.  This webinar will introduce the Planet Youth model and highlight how the research findings and dataset can be used as a valuable resource for teaching and research.

NCCA Council Appointment

31 January 2022

We are pleased to announce that Minister for Education, Norma Foley has appointed our colleague Dr Sheila Garrity of NUI Galway, to the NCCA Council as the nominee of Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth.

Live Q&A, March 3rd: 7.30pm: MA/Postgraduate Diploma Family Support Studies

28 January 2022
Join us for Live Q&A 
 
Wednesday, March 3rd 7.30pm
 
MA/Postgraduate Diploma Family Support Studies
with 
Academic Director – Dr Carmel Devaney

Call for Abstracts: Navigating the Future: A Compass for Youth Policy and Practice

25 January 2022

Navigating the Future: A Compass for Youth Policy and Practice 

 UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre 

  10th Biennial International Conference 9-10th June 2022

   Follow the conversation at #compassforyouth  

 Call for Abstracts 

 Submission Deadline: March 7th 2022

UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre: Books' Launch Webinar

9 December 2021

UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre

Books' Launch Webinar

Friday, 21 January 2022

16:15 – 17:15 GMT

Registration Now Open - UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre 10th Biennial International Conference 9-10th June 2022

1 December 2021

UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre

10th Biennial International Conference 

9th & 10th June 2022 

NUI Galway 

Navigating the Future: A Compass for Youth Policy and Practice 

 

Follow the conversation at #compassforyouth 

Launch of Rethink Ireland´s Education Fund Research Evaluation

13 August 2021

We are delighted to invite you to the launch of the ground-breaking evaluation of Rethink Ireland´s Education Fund, a three-year evaluation carried out by the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, NUI Galway. 

The research findings provide evidence-based innovative approaches of projects that serve as models of excellence to overcome inequality in Education. 

The official online launch will take place September 8th at 11:00am. 

Research Project: Quality Development through Participation in ECEC Institutions in Norway

30 June 2021

Dr Sheila Garrity, of the UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre has been invited to contribute as an International Partner, with the Queen Maud University led research team, in the evaluation of quality of ECEC provision in the Norwegian context. The KUMBA study aims to ‘test, modify, and evaluate existing Norwegian quality assessment tools, and through this process, construct a new quality assessment system which will include both ECEC staff’s and children’s perspectives’.  The three year study, funded by the Norwegian government, will commence in the autumn of 2021.

Publication of research report: A study of Tusla - Child and Family Agency’s actions and decision-making process following An Garda Síochána’s application of Section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991

29 April 2021

The National Research Office and the Office of Services and Integration is delighted to announce the publication of the research report: A study of Tusla - Child and Family Agency’s actions and decision-making process following An Garda Síochána’s application of Section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991 by Dr Carmel Devaney, Dr Rosemary Crosse, Dr Leonor Rodriguez, and Dr Charlotte Silke of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at the National University of Ireland, Galway.

ILAS Webinar Series: Living Through Covid -19: A Lifecourse Perspective

29 March 2021

Institute for Lifecourse and Society   

Webinar Series 

Living Through Covid -19: A Lifecourse Perspective 

Thursday 15th April - Thursday 20th May - 5:00-6:00pm

Professor Pat Dolan: D’Arcy McGee Beacon Inaugural Fellowship Lecture | April 20th, 6pm

29 March 2021

D’Arcy McGee Beacon Fellowship Lecture:

Empathy Education: Intersectional Approaches to Youth and Civic Engagement

Date and Time: Tuesday, April 20th  |  10AM (PDT) / 6PM (IST)

Presenter: Professor Pat Dolan, Dr. Derek Gladwin

Registration: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_25MXUlVaLt9ojEq

AONTAS Star Award recognises University collaboration with Galway Traveller Movement and Community Action Network

5 March 2021

AONTAS Star Award recognises University collaboration with Galway Traveller Movement and Community Action Network

 A Community Education programme at NUI Galway has won a national AONTAS STAR award after supporting adult learning for more than 20 years. 

Power in Participation, a collaborative project involving the University and Galway Traveller Movement and Community Action Network has been recognised for its work with Travellers. 

Book launch: Narrating Childhood with Children and Young People: Diverse Contexts, Methods and Stories of Everyday Life

5 March 2021

Book launch:
Narrating Childhood with Children and Young People: Diverse Contexts, Methods and Stories of Everyday Life

This event brings together scholarly and practitioner audiences from Edge Hill University and beyond (e.g. UK, EU, US, Australia) to launch Narrating Childhood with Children and Young People: Diverse Contexts, Methods and Stories of Everyday Life.

Professor Pat Dolan, awarded D’Arcy McGee Beacon Fellowship

23 February 2021

 Professor Pat Dolan, UNESCO Chair and Director of the Institute for Lifecourse and Society at NUI Galway, has been awarded a prestigious D’Arcy McGee Beacon Fellowship from the Board of Trustees of the Ireland Canada University Foundation, a scholarship program which supports the development of connections between Canada and Ireland through online engagement. 

EurofamNet Webinar: Family Support in the European Context; Friday 22nd January 2021

8 January 2021

This first international webinar on Family Support in the European Context aims to increase awareness of Family Support as policy and practice choice for intervention with children and families. The event is hosted by the European Family Support Network EurofamNet CA 18123, which is funded as a COST Action.

NUI Galway Lead Three COVID-19 Rapid Response Research and Innovation Projects

7 January 2021

NUI Galway Lead Three COVID-19 Rapid Response Research and Innovation Projects

Professors Pat Dolan and Gerry Mac Ruairc will lead a project focusing on young people aged between 12 and 18 who are marginalised or are at high risk during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, and there is evidence that the most marginalised are becoming increasingly disconnected from school.

Building Back Better: The Role of Empathy in Global Recovery; Webinar and Partnership Launch

30 November 2020
Building Back Better: The Role of Empathy in Global Recovery Webinar and Partnership Launch  
 
A joint webinar hosted by UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, NUI Galway and Pennsylvania State University
Date: Wednesday 9 December 2020 Webinar
Time: 5-6.15pm Ireland/ 12.00pm to 1.15pm US
Location: Online – watch live on Facebook @NUIGalway 

Actor Cillian Murphy supporting youth-led research to explore pandemic issues and to devise solutions

30 November 2020

A global UNESCO study on the impact of Covid-19 on young people’s lives is to be spearheaded by an NUI Galway professor.

More than 100 countries have signed up and 6,000 young people applied to be researchers on the international project being led by Professor Pat Dolan, UNESCO Chair and Director of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway.

The Importance of Being Present: Webinar on the importance of relationships in youth mentoring

26 November 2020

The Importance of Being Present: Webinar on the importance of relationships in youth mentoring

Join us on 8th of December 2020 @ 3:30 PM CET


Are you interested in taking youth mentoring to the next level? Want to improve mentoring relationships for young people? Join our webinar as Dr. Bernadine Brady and Prof. Patrick Dolan share their perspectives and research findings to rethink and change how we view mentor-mentee relationships in youth mentoring.

UCFRC Doctoral Researcher, Róisín Farragher to feature in new RTÉ documentary, My Uni Life

4 November 2020

UCFRC Doctoral Researcher, Róisín Farragher to feature in new RTÉ documentary, My Uni Life. Beginning on Friday, 6 November, at 7.30pm, the series will run for five weeks on RTÉ One featuring seven different students and their own personal journeys to higher education.

 

Narrative research with children: New book published by Palgrave

4 November 2020

Narrative research with children: New book published by Palgrave

Narrating Childhood with Children and Young People: Diverse Contexts, Methods and Stories of Everyday Life

New Postgraduate Diploma / Masters of Arts in Community, Youth and Family

20 October 2020

 

The UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway is delighted to announce a new Postgraduate Diploma / Masters of Arts in Community, Youth and Family, with an emphasis on programme planning and evaluation. The Centre has a long and established history of offering full and part-time education programmes on the topics of child, youth and family, most notably the existing BA in Child, Youth and Family: Policy and Practice and the PGDip/ MA in Family Support.

Youth as researchers: Exploring the impact of COVID-19

30 June 2020

A global youth-led research initiative

The Youth As Researchers (YAR) global initiative on COVID-19 connects and engages with young people to conduct research on the impacts of COVID-19 on young people and the responses young people have implemented to tackle these.

UNESCO and the UNESCO Chairs at the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) and Penn State University (PSU) lead a consortium of youth-led or youth-related actors to support the research through training, mentoring, and coordination.

CALL TO YOUTH How are young people being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

14 May 2020

COVID-19 has created an unprecedented health crisis, disrupting the lives of thousands of individuals, as well as their societies. As this pandemic expands, young people have been amongst those mobilizing to shape new forms of solidarity, demonstrating humanism and creativity. Young people are amongst those impacted by the current crisis in terms of mental and physical health, learning and professional development, civic engagement and respect for their rights – on all these fronts young people are also facing important disruptions and changes.

Living and Learning Empathy in Covid-19: A Virtual Global Conversation

27 April 2020

Ironically, even though as individuals, families, communities and countries we have ‘self-isolated’ as a result of the coronavirus, our forced disconnection may in fact lead us to be more aware of each other and connected and like never before. Across civic society we are, and will continue to be, challenged in ways heretofore unseen. Our social empathy for one another may well be the ‘vital secret sauce’ to our survival. In order to thrive, not just survive, the impact of the virus, we will need to create medical, economic and human support scaffolding to make solutions work.

Seed-funding for Learning Enhancement Projects

5 March 2020

Dr Sheila Garrity along with Valerie Kelly in the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development were successful in applying for seed-funding for Learning Enhancement Projects

Research highlights the important role played by community based advocates for young people

19 February 2020

The Youth Advocate Programme Ireland (YAP Ireland) model is a unique way of providing intensive, focused support to children, young people, and families with a range of needs, based upon the development of a trusting relationship between a supportive, trained, and skilled adult Advocate, the young person, and their family. The YAP Ireland model aims to provide an alternative to the institutionalisation of vulnerable young people, through the operation of integrated, family- and community-based programmes of support services for young people and their families in need or at risk. 

NUI Galway Launch New Book on Mentoring for Young People in Care

12 February 2020

NUI Galway recently launched a new book which brings together theory, research and practice in relation to youth mentoring in a care context. Mentoring for Young People in Care and Leaving Care was written by Bernadine Brady, Pat Dolan and Caroline McGregor from the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway.

Activating Social Empathy Launch - 23 January 2020

23 January 2020

‌‌The Importance of Empathy in Education: Researchers from the UNESCO Centre for Child and Family Research were joined by their patron, Cillian Murphy, to launch a new initiative to introduce empathy education for secondary school students in Ireland. According to UNESCO Chair, Professor Pat Dolan, "Empathy education is urgently needed in schools to curb hate speech aggression and racial and other forms of negative profiling".

Mentoring for Young People in Care and Leaving Care, Seminar & Book Launch, 11th February 2020

22 January 2020

There is considerable evidence that informal social support provided through a high-quality mentoring relationship can help young people in care to sustain positive mental health, cope with stress and fulfill their potential through adolescence and into adulthood. We invite you to join us for a short seminar sharing currentresearch and practice relating to youth mentoring for young people in care.  The seminar is hosted jointly by the UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre at NUI Galway and Foróige’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Programme.‌

MA/Postgraduate Diploma (Family Support Studies) - Applications Now Accepted for September 2020 Enrolment

15 January 2020

Applications are now accepted for September 2020 enrolment - closing date is 26 May 2020.

Applications and Selections - applications are made online via the NUI Galway Postgraduate Applications System https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login

30th Anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, 29th November 2019

29 November 2019

Ombudsman for Children’s Office and UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre launch collaboration, Our Future:  Voices from Transition Year.
The Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) and the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway have joined forces to co-host Our Future:  Voices from Transition Year, an event to mark the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

NUI Galway Conference to Highlight Changes in the Nature of Family and the Experience of Family Life, 13-14 June 2019

13 June 2019

NUI Galway Conference to Highlight Changes in the Nature of Family and the Experience of Family Life
The 9th UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre Biennial conference will focus on the changing nature and meaning of family and its implications for policy and practice. The conference, entitled ‘Changing Families, Changing Policy, Changing Practice: Family Support Now and in the Future’, will take place in the Institute for Lifecourse and Society at NUI Galway from 13-14 June. 

New Research Partnership to Tackle Key Educational and Societal Challenges, 15th May 2019

15 May 2019

Collaboration between the School of Education and UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway to address young people’s education and well-being needs, 15th May 2019.
The School of Education and UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway have announced a new research collaboration which will enable partnership and collaborative expertise to address key priority areas for young people’s education and well-being, in Ireland and internationally.

NUI Galway Study on Empathy, Social Values and Civic Behaviour Among Early Adolescents in Ireland, 23 February 2019

23 February 2019

A new study undertaken by researchers at the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway (UCFRC) assessed the attitudes and values of 700 12 to 16 year old youths in Ireland with regard to empathy, social values and civic behaviour. The study, funded by the Irish Research Council, also explored the degree to which such values and behaviours are promoted across Irish policy and curriculum. The research is among the first in Ireland to focus on the experiences of younger adolescents in relation to empathy and social values.

Feasibility study on conducting longitudinal research on children in care published - 11 February 2019

11 February 2019

A Report into the feasibility of conducting a longitudinal study on children in care or children leaving care within the Irish context has been published by Dr Carmel Devaney and Dr Cliona Rooney of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway. This study was commissioned by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) with the support of the Irish Research Council.

Other News Items

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Changing Families, Changing Policy, Changing Practice: Family Support Now and in the Future, UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre 9th Biennial International Conference, 29th November 2018

Results of Partnership Working to End the Global Institutionalisation of Children, 22 October 2018

Mayor of the City of Galway, Councillor Niall McNelis & the UNESCO Chair in Children, Youth and Civic Engagement Professor Pat Dolan cordially invite you to the:“Dear President” Letters Launch, 11 October 2018

UNESCO Chairs in Children and Youth and the Lumos Foundation: Supporting Families – Alternatives to Institutionalisation, 02 October 2018

NUI Galway Study Finds Significant Improvements in Tusla Child and Family Support Services, 12th September 2018

Youth Researchers Present Their Work on the “YES Project”, 10th July 2018

Report Launch "Big Brothers Big Sisters and Garda Youth Diversion Projects:Perspectives on a Preventative Intervention", 5th July 2018

“Reform in Cook County and Juvenile Justice” Ms Toni Preckwinkle, UNESCO International Honorary Biennial Lecture 2018 - Tuesday, 22 May 2018

“Practice Research in Child Welfare Studies” International Summer School, Monday 13th - Tuesday 14th August 2018

Engaging Urban Youth: Community, Citizenship and Democracy Workshop, 2nd February 2018

Youth Empathy Day, 1st February 2018

Roscommon Children and Young People’s Services Committee launch the findings from extensive consultation process with children in the Roscommon Area, 13th March 2018

25th Anniversary of the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme, 31st October 2017

NUI Galway Publish Findings on Tusla’s Early Intervention Meitheal Programme, 28th October 2017

UCFRC Youth Researcher presenting at the 10th UNESCO Youth Forum, Paris, 27th October 2017

The Official Launch of the Routledge Handbook of Global Child Welfare, 24th October 2017

8th Biennial International Conference: Rediscovering Empathy; Values, Relationships and Practice in a Changing World (2017)

Conference to Highlight the Necessity for Compulsory Empathy Education in Preventing Violent Extremism, 6th June 2017

The launch of ‘The Evaluation of the Mol an Óige Common Sense Parenting Programme', Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo, 15th May 2017

Two new research projects at the UCFRC, Funded by the Irish Research Council, Tulsa, the Child and Family Agency and the Department of Children & Youth Affairs, 6th April 2017

Congratulations to Ciara-Beth Ní Ghríofa , UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre Youth Researcher and recent winner of the Abbott “Life to the Fullest” Award at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, 1st February 2017

UNESCO Chair Pat Dolan Contributes to UN World Youth Report, 15 July 2016

Rita Melia of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre awarded prestigious Fulbright Award, 16th June 2016

‘Understanding Family Support’ Publication & Book Launch, 29th June 2016

‘Hoping for a Better Tomorrow’ (Ballyhaunis Report) Launch, 8th June 2016

‘Philosophy and Political Engagement: Reflections in the Public Sphere’, Book Launch, 27th May 2016

Prof. Robert J. Chaskin Guest address, Engaging Urban Youth: Community, Citizenship, and Democracy, 15th April 2016

14th Child and Family Welfare Network Event: Dr. Linda Liebenberg, 10th February 2016

Galway School 2015: 'Child Rights in Practice’: Realising children’s rights through empowering parents and families’, 1st-4th December 2015

President Michael D Higgins gives inaugural lecture at the Launch of the Institute for Lifecourse and Society, NUI Galway 30th November 2015

Prof. Daniel Russel and Dr. Carolyn Cutrona: Current Issues in Social Support Seminar, 24th November 2015

UNESCO Chair and Patron Cillian Murphy feature at International Youth Forum, 9th November 2015

A New Research Partnership between J.K. Rowling’s International Children’s Organisation Lumos and NUI Galway, 2nd July 2015

A Youth Perspective on the Marriage Equality Referendum, 14th May 2015

Statement on Marriage Referendum from Pat Dolan and Cillian Murphy of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, 7th May 2015

Alan Kerins Projects Celebrates 10 Years Anniversary at ILAS, NUI Galway, 10th March 2015

Mairead McGuinness MEP visits ILAS, 20th Febuary 2015

Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova meets UNESCO Chairs in Paris, 29th January 2015

The Irish Branch of BASPCAN Launched, 22nd January 2015

Broadening the debate: Understanding the social context of youth mental health

10 January 2024

Broadening the debate:  Understanding the social context of youth mental health  

Broadening the debate: Understanding the social context of youth mental health

10 January 2024

Broadening the debate:  Understanding the social context of youth mental health