Impact 2021-2022
Delivering impact is a core imperative of DCU, as reflected in the University’s mission ‘to transform lives and societies’. In the past year, DCU’s achievements in this regard have received international recognition and we have embarked on a number of new initiatives designed to make a difference to people’s lives.
A strong indicator of how the University has been delivering on its mission came in April 2022, when the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings placed DCU in the world’s top 10, in terms of reducing inequalities. The ranking recognised the diversity of the DCU student body, and acknowledged DCU's pioneering work as the world's first Autism-Friendly University and the impact of its “University of Sanctuary” work. The University was also ranked 20th globally for gender equality, reflecting its commitment to achieving equality, diversity and inclusion for staff and students.
A key area where the University has delivered societal impact is in primary and secondary education. An example of this is the Changemaker Schools Network, which helps primary school teachers and their students become voices for positive change. Closely aligned to the primary school curriculum, the overarching goal is to help students develop their skills for critical thinking, empathy, teamwork, leadership, and inclusion, and to become active participants in their school and community. The DCU Changemaker Schools Network aims to expand to include 40 schools by 2023. DCU researchers are also supporting children’s physical wellbeing. DCU’s Institute of Education has developed a new resource for primary school teachers to support them in promoting inclusion in physical education classes for all children, with a focus on children with additional needs. The resource Disentangling Inclusion in Primary Physical Education is based on a study of the practices of over 1200 teachers across Europe.
Strong partnerships are a hallmark of many of DCU’s impactful projects. The University was announced as the home to a new hub aimed at strengthening the detection and analysis of disinformation campaigns in Ireland. The new Irish Hub forms part of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) which brings together a number of internationally recognised partners including NewsWhip, the University of Sheffield and The Journal. Another partnership, with JP Morgan Chase allowed for the rollout of Step Up in STEM. The project aims to inspire a love of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and an interest in STEM careers through outreach activities that will reach a thousand transition year students in disadvantaged schools linked to DCU Access. The initiative is a response to studies which show that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are consistently underrepresented on STEM courses, and as a result, STEM careers. Meanwhile, Wexford County Council partnered with DCU’s Irish Institute of Digital Business to create Hello Lamp Post, an AI-driven digital interface that lets the public engage with objects in the streets of Gorey. The aim was to use technology to change the way people interact with the public realm. This pilot project is part of a wider Town of Things pilot project funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Digital Innovation Programme 2021.