Impact Case Studies
Through linkages with non-governmental organisations, and partnerships with a wide range of universities nationally and internationally, including in developing countries, the impact of our researcher’s work is significant. Success in the University’s Research Impact Competition highlights the superb research undertaken at the UCD College of Social Sciences and Law.
The following case studies capture and convey samples of the national and global impacts of the research, scholarship and innovation undertaken in the College.
Preparing for Life: changing children’s lives through early parenting support
(opens in a new window)Professor Orla Doyle of the UCD School of Economics and the UCD Geary Institute for Public Policy led Preparing for Life, one of Ireland’s longest-running randomised controlled trials and the Overall Winner of the 2025 Research Impact Awards. The programme demonstrates how early investment in parenting can transform children’s life trajectories, informing Ireland’s National Home Visiting Programme and supporting rollout to communities nationwide.
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Strengthening public library resistance against far-right agitation
(opens in a new window)Dr Páraic Kerrigan and (opens in a new window)Dr Claire McGuinness of the UCD School of Information and Communication Studies received the Engaged Research Award at the 2025 Research Impact Awards for their project Strengthening Public Library Resistance Against Far-Right Agitation. Their research documented harassment targeting library staff and LGBTQ+ services, and worked collaboratively with sector partners to develop practical strategies that strengthen resilience, protect staff and support inclusive public services.
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Changing the law to protect privately held records relating to Ireland’s abusive institutions
(opens in a new window)Associate Professor Mark Coen of the UCD Sutherland School of Law led research that resulted in a fundamental change to Irish law, strengthening the protection of privately held records relating to Ireland’s abusive, religious-run institutions. His work identified critical gaps in the State’s ability to safeguard records essential to survivors, families and researchers, and directly informed the drafting and enactment of legislation in 2024 to preserve and protect these materials for future generations.
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Irish Polling Indicator: turning numbers into insight for society and policymakers
(opens in a new window)Associate Professor Stefan Müller of the UCD School of Politics and International Relations leads the Irish Polling Indicator (IPI), Ireland’s most widely used polling aggregator. Since 2014, the IPI has combined national opinion polls into reliable estimates of likely electoral support, improving how polling data is interpreted by journalists, policymakers and the public, and supporting more informed political debate.
CONUNDRUM: Co-creating Sustainable Mobility
(opens in a new window)Professor Niamh Moore-Cherry, (opens in a new window)Dr Dean Phelan, (opens in a new window)Dr Rachel McArdle, Dr Kieran Harrahill and Zikang Ji from the UCD School of Geography worked with colleagues in Trinity College Dublin on the CONUNDRUM project, exploring how communities can help design more sustainable, accessible transport systems for Ireland’s towns.
Correcting state narratives on the Magdalene Laundries
(opens in a new window)Assoc Professor Mark Coen (UCD School of Law) and (opens in a new window)Professor Katherine O’Donnell (UCD School of Philosophy) led a cross-disciplinary project investigating the Donnybrook Magdalene Laundry. Working in collaboration with survivors, the team uncovered new evidence that challenges official state accounts and supports preservation of institutional archives.
The Adult ADHD App: helping people understand and manage their ADHD
Christina Seery, (opens in a new window)Professor Jessica Bramham, Ken Kilbride, Fiona O’Riordan and Margo Wrigley of the UCD School of Psychology led a collaborative project to develop and evaluate the Adult ADHD App. Working in partnership with ADHD Ireland and the HSE National Clinical Programme for ADHD in Adults, the team created an evidence-based digital resource to provide reliable information and practical tools for adults living with ADHD, addressing widespread misinformation and gaps in service provision.
PERITIA: understanding and fostering trust in experts and expertise
Safe Learning: improving girls' literacy and wellbeing in the Global South
(opens in a new window)Professor Dympna Devine and (opens in a new window)Associate Professor Seaneen Sloan of the UCD School of Education led an evaluation of Concern Worldwide’s Safe Learning intervention, supporting literacy, wellbeing and gender equality in rural Sierra Leone. The research demonstrated significant improvements in children’s literacy and in girls’ wellbeing and self-esteem, informing gender-transformative education programmes across multiple countries and strengthening evidence-based approaches in the Global South.
The 4-day week: making work healthier and more sustainable
Democracy in the European Union – getting it right
(opens in a new window)Professor Gavin Barrett of the UCD Sutherland School of Law has conducted extensive research on democracy in the European Union, focusing on the role of parliaments, referendums and justice and home affairs. His work informed significant changes to Irish statute law on EU citizens’ voting rights and contributed to the legal and constitutional pathway that led to the successful second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, shaping Ireland’s relationship with the EU.