President's Welcome 2021-2022
It gives me great pleasure to introduce the University’s annual report for 2021-2022, and to reflect on the many achievements of our community of learning over the past academic year.
Prof Dáire Keogh
As I hope you will glean from the report, there was a real sense of joy and energy on our campuses as we finally moved beyond the Covid restrictions. Demand for DCU’s programmes was higher than ever, and while the public health situation had greatly improved, we were keenly aware that many students were still feeling the impact of the pandemic. With that in mind, you’ll see a number of innovative initiatives rolled out this year to support and encourage students.
Our sense of relief at the subsidence of Covid was tempered by other major world events. The start of 2022 also saw the horror of war return to Europe, as Russia launched its unprovoked attack on Ukraine. DCU was glad to play its part in hosting Ukrainian families displaced by the conflict, as well as offering places at the University for students and researchers from Ukraine.
Innovation was also a hallmark of our continually evolving approach to teaching and learning. We launched Ireland’s first Virtual Reality learning facility, The Colm Delves Leadership Lab, and new programmes included the EU-funded Masters in Law, Data, and Artificial Intelligence, a pioneering postgraduate course that addresses a need for professionals who can bridge the gap between complex legal, ethical and digital concerns.
Our research endeavours have been equally impressive, addressing an array of subjects ranging from new cancer treatments and the experiences of the intersex community to landmark historical biographies and advances in our understanding of digital business. We were also proud to welcome President Michael D Higgins back to DCU for the launch of the Centre for Climate and Society, Ireland’s first research centre focussing on the intersection between climate change and the social sciences.
DCU is very much a University of Place, highly engaged with our communities and stakeholders at local and national levels. In recognition of this philosophy, we appointed our first Director of Engagement, Laura Mahoney. As I mentioned above, our interaction with the Ukrainian community in Ireland was a core engagement activity this year. Another element of note has been the growth of our collaboration with Arts and Culture organisations, including engagements and agreements with Poetry Ireland, Children’s Books Ireland and Chamber Choir Ireland.
I hope that this report conveys the breadth of the University’s progress and achievement in the past year. None of this great work would have been possible without great people. I want to thank our staff for their continued dedication, our students for their energy and optimism and our stakeholders for their steadfast support and enthusiasm.
Regards,
Prof Dáire Keogh
President, Dublin City University