Horizon Europe Funding

The project, entitled DEMOCRAT, proposes to address issues related to Education, especially Education for Democracy (EfD) and aims to contribute to the defence and enhancement of democracy. This includes the values and principles encompassed within the UN¡¯s 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 4.7, in particular, states that education should promote sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity at national, regional and local levels in Europe. Led by the University of Barcelona in Spain the research consortium is made up of HEIs, NGOs and government agencies from Spain, Ireland, Finland, Germany, Poland, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Belgium. 

Justin Rami and John Lalor from FETRC (Further Education & Training Research Centres) and Benjamin Mallon from CHRCE (Centre for Human Rights and Citizenship Education) joined forces to create the Irish bid. The work of FETRC focuses on young people, and the further, community, adult and vocational education fields, whilst the work of CHRCE champions educational policy and practice that promotes human rights, children¡¯s rights, global justice and environmental sustainability. 

To reinforce the resilience and sustainability of democracy, DEMOCRAT aims, through a participatory approach, to develop curricula for EfD based on a framework of responsible democratic competencies (RDCs), to test them in open, local, innovative learning projects and to develop a toolbox to support the development of transformative EfD practices in the EU and beyond. DEMOCRAT¡¯s ambitious research and innovation programme will also provide insights into the points of comparison and contrast in EfD in the EU member states. It will garner insights into the factors influencing the impact of EfD on public participation through the analysis of European datasets, with a particular focus on the relation between socio-economic and educational inequalities and political and social participation. 

Speaking about the success of the research award, Dr Maura Coulter (Associate Dean for Research, Institute of Education) said:

It seemed only natural that both of these IoE research centres use their reputation, focus and research expertise to create the critical mass required for such an intensive research application process. HORIZON funding is notoriously difficult to secure in this highly competitive arena. This project was one of only two selected and granted funding across Europe in this call. The project brings together high-level researchers in the Institute of Education with national and international expertise to help address the challenges faced by young people and society about Education for Democracy.

The project has now commenced across the consortia and learning labs and action projects are already in the development stages. Drs Lalor, Mallon & Rami will draw not only on the collective knowledge and experience of their colleagues within FETRC & CHRCE but also on the research and experience of colleagues in the DCU Institute of Education and beyond.