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Shows Ailbhe Smyth

DCU Institute for Research on Genders and Sexualities marks launch with panel event

Research News - IRGS launch Ailbhe Smyth
The newly established Institute for Research on Genders and Sexualities seeks to bring together academics from different disciplinary backgrounds to explore a wide range of political, cultural and social issues under the broad remit of genders and sexualities. The Institute will be led by Director Prof Debbie Ging, supported by Vice Directors Dr Paola Rivetti, Dr Arpita Chakraborty and Mr Jean-Phillipe Imbert.

The launch event featured invited guests LGBTQ activist and former academic Ailbhe Smyth and MASI activist Bulelani Mfaco, both of whom emphasised the need for research that is socially engaged, impactful and intersectional. 

Following opening remarks by Deputy President Anne Sinnott and Executive Dean for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof Derek Hand, and Prof Debbie Ging, Ailbhe Smyth delivered a keynote address touching on the current political climate, and the need for  universities to resist attacks on progressive movements and minority identities.

 

Shows panel discussion featuring Paola Rivetti, Buelani Mfaco and Arpita Chakraborty

The event then moved to a panel format led by Dr Paola Rivetti, with reflections on Smyth’s address and further comments from Bulelani Mfaco and Dr Arpita Chakraborty. Mfaco spoke of suspicion shown to asylum seekers by the Irish state, and the role of the university as a place of sanctuary for those persecuted elsewhere in society.

Institute Director, Prof Debbie Ging said

 

"This new institute brings together researchers from different disciplines to respond to a range of urgent social, political and cultural issues. We are committed to working with civil society organisations to produce research that, in line with the DCU Strategic Plan, transforms lives and societies."

The new Institute covers three strands with members from multiple faculties, each of which draws on expertise from the leadership team. It is one of the university's designated research centres.