News

The University and Economic Recovery: The Role of Technology, Enterprise and Learning Approaches

The conference on “The University and Economic Recovery: The Role of Technology, Enterprise and Learning Approaches” will take place on October 25-26th in the Helix at DCU.

This conference is focused on highlighting ways whereby Universities in conjunction with industry, funding bodies and through collaborations, can aid economic recovery. It is clear that education, research and technological developments underpin such opportunities and it is vital that all collaborate together to maximize the opportunities and the use of resources.

The conference has invited speakers from Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Engineers Ireland, the HEA, IBEC, and the President of DCU, Prof. Brian MacCraith, who will introduce and discuss the issues and how they may be addressed.

There is also a conjoint meeting between DCU, the University of Massachusetts (Lowell) and Queens University and which is designed to enhance collaboration and research between all three institutions.  The conference seeks to address ways whereby the Universities can address economic recovery by exploiting their expertise in collaborative activities FOCUSING ON TEACHING AND LEARNING, RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY. In the latter case the focus is on nanotechnology, diagnostics, medical devices and the associated technologies. All these areas are high priorities for the three Universities and further joint initiatives and activities will be developed based on these and associated areas.

It is envisaged that approaches to Distance and Blended learning, a key ongoing focus for DCU, will be a major area for discussion and this has now become an important element of future developments in the Irish educational system and offers significant challenges in delivery.

Opportunities for funding will be described along with information on ongoing research and teaching and learning.  There will be ample time for discussions and the development of collaborations.