From the classroom to the corridors of policy influence, UCD College of Social Sciences and Law is helping to shape society through world-class research and education. This is reflected in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, with nine of the College’s eleven Schools ranked among the top 100 worldwide.
The College’s 10th anniversary marked a significant milestone in our celebration of a decade of excellence in research, education, innovation and public engagement. The year-long programme of events brought together students, staff, alumni, partners and members of the wider community to explore our College’s contribution to addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing society.
In March 2026, a major highlight of the anniversary programme was the College’s Research and Engagement Day, which brought together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and community partners to explore how research can inform policy and address societal challenges. Through keynote discussions, research showcases and interdisciplinary workshops, the event demonstrated the breadth and impact of research taking place across the College, while fostering new collaborations and strengthening connections beyond the University.
The anniversary year also saw the launch of the inaugural Annual Social Sciences Lecture, featuring Professor Wayne Holmes on AI and Education; the College’s first Transition Year Programme; The Observer Effect podcast series; and a public lecture by UCD Social Sciences Alumni Awardee Paul O’Brien on human rights and democracy. Together, these initiatives highlight the College’s commitment to public engagement, outreach and informed dialogue on key societal issues.
UCD Sutherland School of Law hosted many distinguished events during the year, reinforcing its position as a leading centre for legal scholarship, public debate and engagement. In March 2026, the School welcomed Mr Justice Gerard Hogan to deliver the prestigious John M Kelly Memorial Lecture, where he reflected on the legacy of Professor John Kelly and the development of Irish constitutional law.
In addition, UCD Sutherland School of Law, in partnership with the UCD Dublin European Institute, welcomed Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, who addressed staff and students on Europe’s competitiveness, democratic values and role in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Together, these events highlight the School’s ability to attract leading figures from the judiciary, public service and international policymaking, while creating opportunities for students, staff and the wider community to engage with issues of national and global significance.
The College continued to play an important role in informing public policy through engagement with government bodies and national policy discussions. Notable contributions included Dr Enda Hargaden’s engagement on investment taxation reforms, Professor Lisa Ryan and Dr Nora Strecker’s recommendations on energy policy, and Dr Micheál Collins’ work examining inheritance taxation and intergenerational fairness in Ireland. These contributions demonstrate how College research is helping to shape evidence-based policymaking on key economic, social and environmental challenges facing Ireland.
The College’s research excellence continued to be recognised through major European research awards and projects. These included a €2 million ERC Consolidator Grant awarded to Dr Laura K. Taylor of UCD School of Psychology for GENERATION EU, exploring how European identity develops among young people. A €1.5 million ERC Starting Grant was awarded to Dr Lucía Tiscornia of UCD School of Politics and International Relations for research on criminal governance and welfare systems in Latin America.
The College also secured Horizon Europe funding through Four4All, a €3.1 million project co-led by Dr Orla Kelly of UCD School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, examining the impacts and implementation of shorter working weeks across Europe.
■ ucd.ie/socscilaw