Academic biography

Darran is the Director of Engagement at the DCU Anti-Bullying Centre, where he leads the strategic planning and implementation of outreach, partnership, and knowledge-dissemination initiatives. His role is central to enhancing the Centre’s visibility, fostering meaningful collaborations, translating research into practical impact, and ensuring the Centre’s work remains responsive to societal needs. In this capacity, Darran has overseen the development of FUSE, an Anti-Bullying and Online Safety programme supported by the Department of Education and Skills and Rethink Ireland. Darran also contributes to Cinéaltas: Action Plan on Bullying 2022 in his capacity as a member of the Bí Cinéalta Working Group. Prior to this, he spent five years with the DCU Access Service, serving as overall coordinator of the Access TY programme and working closely with 20 DEIS schools across North Dublin. Darran brings more than fifteen years of experience in event and project management, marketing, and public relations. He holds a Master’s in Education and Training Management (eLearning) from DCU, completed in 2012, and qualified as an Executive and Life Coach in 2016. He is currently pursuing a PhD at DCU, examining codesign with young people in the development of anti-bullying interventions. Darran also serves on the Advisory Board of the SOAR Foundation, where he contributes strategic guidance to support the organisation’s mission of empowering young people through social-emotional education and personal development initiatives.