DCU Launches Centre for Possibility Studies
On July 4th, Dublin City University proudly launched the new Centre for Possibility Studies, an ambitious interdisciplinary hub dedicated to exploring creativity, possibility, and human flourishing. The event took place in the atmospheric surroundings of the historic 1838 Restaurant on DCU’s Glasnevin campus and brought together a vibrant mix of colleagues from across DCU, as well as local and international academics and creative practitioners attending the 5th International Conference for Possibility Studies.
The well-attended afternoon opened with a warm welcome and address from Professor Daire Keogh, President of DCU and a longstanding advocate for innovation in education and societal engagement. In his remarks, Professor Keogh highlighted the significance of the new Centre within DCU’s broader mission to cultivate transformative research and meaningful public dialogue. He was followed by Professor Blánaid White, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Health, who also offered words of welcome and spoke to the importance of the Centre for Possibility Studies in advancing DCU’s strategic aims around interdisciplinary collaboration, societal impact, and future-focused research.
Professor Vlad Glăveanu, Director of the Centre delivered a compelling vision for what the Centre for Possibility Studies aims to become: a vibrant intellectual and creative space for reimagining our world. The Centre invites scholars, practitioners, and communities to co-create diverse, inquiry-driven academic and more-than-academic interventions.
This was followed by a lively discussion of the newly published book The Creative Imperative, edited by Michael O’Reilly, which underscores the urgent need for creative thinking across disciplines and sectors.
A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Dr. Wendy Ross, a leading scholar in the field from London Metropolitan University. Her talk, titled FRICTION: Forged through Resistance, Impasse & Challenge, explored how constraints and disruption can be powerful catalysts for creative insight and transformation—a message that resonated deeply with the gathered audience.
Guests were also treated to a piano performance by acclaimed pianist Diego Monzo, adding a rich artistic dimension to the event. Light refreshments and a convivial drinks reception rounded out the afternoon, sparking conversations and new collaborations among attendees.
The launch marks an exciting beginning for the Centre for Possibility Studies, which aims to become a dynamic space for research, engagement, and community building in Dublin, across Ireland and Internationally, in the years to come.
Keep an eye on the Centre’s website for news of upcoming events, projects, and opportunities to get involved as this exciting new initiative continues to grow.