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College of Social Sciences and Law - 10 Year College Anniversary Schedule of Events

UCD College of Social Sciences and Law is delighted to mark its 10th Anniversary with a series of events celebrating a decade of teaching, research, and public engagement. From lectures and student conferences to alumni and cultural gatherings, these events will highlight the diverse work and vibrant community that define our College.

All events are free for UCD staff and students to attend (pre-booking may be required for catering purposes). We look forward to celebrating this milestone together and welcoming colleagues, students, and friends of the College to join us in marking ten years of achievement and collaboration.

For further enquiries please contact: (opens in a new window)emma.donovan@ucd.ie or (opens in a new window)kevin.odowd@ucd.ie

Professor Wayne Holmes - Artificial Intelligence and Education: A Critical Studies Perspective

Date: Tuesday, 19th November
Venue:  Moore Auditorium, UCD O'Brien Centre for Science
Time:  4pm 

AI in Education Lecture

Join us for the Annual College Lecture with Professor Wayne Holmes, Full Professor of Critical Studies of Artificial Intelligence and Education at UCL, and UNESCO Chair in the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and Education.

Professor Holmes will discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming education and what this means for ethics, learning, and society.

All UCD staff and students are welcome. Further details and registration link to follow.

Places are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Masculinities Students’ Conference I: Current Issues, Future Directions

Masculinities Students’ Conference I: Current Issues, Future Directions

Organised by the Observatory of Masculinities at University College Dublin, this student-led conference will bring together scholars, students, activists, artists, and educators to explore contemporary questions around men and masculinities through intersectional and decolonial perspectives.

The event aims to cultivate inclusive dialogue and critical reflection on themes such as:
• Caring and ageing masculinities
• Boys and young men
• Queer and marginalised masculinities
• Health, wellbeing, and violence
• Intergenerational solidarity and online extremism

This conference provides a platform for emerging voices to share research, build connections, and shape future directions in the study of men and masculinities.

Transition Year Programme

Date: 12th–16th January 2026
Venue: UCD College of Social Sciences and Law
Time: 9.30am–4.30pm (daily schedule varies)

Transition Year Programme:

The world faces complex social, political, and environmental challenges. Social scientists are key to understanding and addressing them. The UCD College of Social Sciences and Law invites Transition Year students to take part in an immersive week-long programme exploring how disciplines such as law, psychology, geography, economics, and sociology can help shape a better society.

Through this structured week of talks, workshops, and a team-based project, participants will:
• Gain insight into a range of social science subjects and methods
• Work collaboratively to address a real-world societal challenge
• Develop critical thinking, teamwork, and presentation skills
• Present their project at an end-of-week showcase

Applications are now closed!

College Research Showcase Day

Date: Tuesday 10th March

College Research Showcase Day

To mark the 10th anniversary of the College, the Research, Impact and Innovation Committee (RIIC) will host a College Research Showcase Day in early 2026.

The event will celebrate the breadth and impact of research across the UCD College of Social Sciences and Law, strengthening our internal research culture while also engaging external stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

The Showcase will provide a platform for researchers to share their work, highlight collaborations, and explore how social sciences research can inform real-world policy and societal change.

Further details, including date, format, and speaker line-up, will be announced soon.

Social Sciences Alumni Awardee Talk with Paul O’Brien

Date: 16th April 2026
Venue: Newman Building
Time: 4pm–5pm

Social Sciences Alumni Awardee Talk with Paul O’Brien

Join us for an inspiring talk with Paul O’Brien, UCD Social Sciences Alumni Award recipient and Executive Director of Amnesty International USA.

Paul has led human rights and advocacy work around the world, including with Oxfam, CARE, and Amnesty International. His career spans more than 50 countries, where he has worked to advance justice, equality, and human rights.

A graduate of Harvard Law School and author of Power Switch: How We Can Reverse Extreme Inequality, Paul will share insights from a lifetime of leadership in global advocacy.

Join us for this thought-provoking event as Paul reflects on lessons from a lifetime of leadership, activism, and global engagement. Open to all students, staff, and alumni.

Staff Cultural Lunch – Celebrating Our Global Community

Date: Thursday, 20th of May 2025
Venue: Newman Building

Staff Cultural Lunch – Celebrating 10 Years of Our Global Community

As part of the College of Social Sciences and Law 10th Anniversary celebrations, join colleagues for a Staff Cultural Lunch honouring the people and cultures that have shaped our College over the past decade.

This informal gathering will bring staff together to share food, stories and traditions from around the world. It is a chance to celebrate the diversity, collaboration and community that have defined our College’s first ten years.

All staff are warmly invited to take part. Bring your appetite and perhaps a favourite dish or story from your own culture to share.

UCD College of Social Sciences and Law

UCD College of Social Sciences and Law University College Dublin Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 7777