Impact and Engagement 2023-2024
Driving Sustainability
In 2023, DCU advanced to the top 150 of world universities ranked in the global QS Sustainability Rankings. The rankings examine how third-level institutions are tackling the world's environmental and social challenges. The rise reflects the University's commitment to making decisions that lead to a zero-carbon organisation, and to embedding sustainability at the core of teaching and learning, research, development and innovation. Sustainable development is a key driver for DCU’s 2023-2028 strategy, Transformation for an Unscripted Future.
New Partnerships
Forging meaningful partnerships in a variety of contexts is key to the success of the University’s engagement strategy. In the past year, DCU added some significant new partners. A memorandum of understanding signed with the Garda Síochána College will explore collaborations such as the delivery of executive education and micro credentials. The University furthered its links with Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) as it signed agreements creating pathways for DIFE students to a range of DCU programmes in Science, Law and Business. The partnership was developed in response to the recommendations of the Geiran report aimed at addressing disadvantage in the Drogheda area. The University also signed an MOU with Accenture that aims to advance its long-standing collaboration through research and other opportunities. The document recognises the two parties’ shared commitment to strengthening university-industry partnership.
International Engagement
DCU research and expertise is having an impact at international level too. During the year, a delegation led by the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, visited the University. DCU Institute for International Conflict Resolution and Reconstruction hosted the visit, which provided a forum to discuss the lessons that can be learned from the Northern Ireland Peace Process for peacemaking in Kosovo and the Western Balkans.
Education Impact
The first cohort from the new Graduate Diploma in Social, Personal and Health Education/Relationships and Sexuality Education (SPHE/RSE) graduated in October. The programme, funded by the Department of Education, is the first to provide professional development for teachers delivering SPHE/RSE in secondary schools. Another milestone saw 100 per cent of schools registered for the FUSE Anti-Bullying & Online Safety Programme, developed by DCU Anti-Bullying Centre (ABC). The FUSE programme features 14 workshops designed to increase confidence in young people’s ability to identify and deal with bullying situations in person and online, either as a victim or bystander. Meanwhile, DCU Library was nominated for a prestigious Time Higher Education award for its Walls into Walkways Leaving Cert Supports programme, which provides free access to library study spaces on two campuses for Leaving Certificate students.
Supporting Services
Research and initiatives that aim to promote inclusion were another feature of recent months. The University and Vision Ireland signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the organisation’s Wayfinding Centre. This builds on a number of recent collaborations, in particular with Insight, the SFI centre for Data Analytics, and DCU’s Institute of Education. Meanwhile, a new research study found that transitional programmes can help Autistic people move into the world of work more successfully. The study is based on an examination of the Gheel Autism Services Inspiring Meaningful and Progressive Autistic Career Transitions (IMPACT) Programme, which is designed to support a holistic transition for Autistic adults to employment through individualised in-person and online training over six weeks.
Impactful Research
Major societal issues were addressed in a number of recent DCU studies. A report from DCU and Dublin Simon explored ways to tackle the housing crisis. It found that a targeted focus on vacant ‘above the shop’ units could provide a new source of housing in Ireland, revitalise urban locations and effectively conserve heritage buildings across Ireland. Meanwhile, the FarMHealth study explored Irish farmers' mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour. It found that a lack of awareness of the symptoms of mental ill health, social stigma, self-stigmatisation, rural masculine norms and poor social support are barriers that prevent farmers from seeking help from mental health services. Meanwhile, a DCU study found that around 40% of adults in Ireland have limited health literacy, which impacts their ability to effectively manage personal health and interact with healthcare services. The Sláintecare Healthy Communities Health Literacy Report was a joint project between communities in Mayo and Cabra/Finglas, with the principal research undertaken by DCU.