Dr Orla Dunne Biography

Dr. Orla Dunne is based at Dublin City University in Ireland, where she is an Assistant Professor in the School of Inclusive and Special Education and Academic Programme Manager for Centre for Talented Youth, Ireland (CTYI). At CTYI, Dr. Dunne has spent a decade developing staff training, policy and supports for students, both academically and socially. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership, with a focus on the experiences of gifted LGBTQ students. She has published in multiple journals and gifted education textbooks, presented at conferences globally and is a regular guest speaker for education organisations in Europe and the United States. In 2025, Dr. Dunne received the ‘Emerging Leader Award’ from the World Council of Gifted and Talented Children, in recognition of her work with gifted LGBTQ young people. Currently, she is leading a cross department project to create Ireland’s first graduate programmes on gifted education.