Research Profile

Biography

I am a senior lecturer in social policy in the School of Applied Social Studies, University College Cork (UCC) where I am the deputy director of the Higher Diploma in Social Policy (online), and International Pathway coordinator of the Bachelor in Social Science (BSocSc). From 2012 to 2023, I was Director of the PhD Social Sciences doctoral programme. I teach social research methods and social policy at undergraduate and postgraduate levels including to the BSocSc, BYCW, HDip (Online) and DSocSc. I am a research associate of the Institute for Social Science in the 21st century (ISS21) at UCC, which promotes interdisciplinary research and has over 150 members across 14 academic departments. I am also a member of the UK Association for Academic Outreach (AFAO). I hold a doctorate in Sociology from UCC and a Masters from the University of Essex, UK.

My research interests and expertise are in the areas of mixed methods, community-based and participatory research with adults and children, focusing on housing, regeneration, education, and social inequality. My research aims to work creatively with communities on key social policy issues and has been funded by a range of organisations including Cork City Council, government departments, the Irish Research Council, European funders, and community and non-governmental organisations.  Ongoing and recent research projects that I lead include:
  • 2024-28 'GreenIn Cities' focusing on collaborative climate mitigation, adaptation, and innovative “greening” solutions in deprived areas and areas of urban regeneration, funded by Horizon Europe.
  • 2023-24 'SEEP Thematic Review' and 'Participatory Study of the education and employment needs of young people in Cork City Northwest', funded by Cork City Council.
  • 2022-23 'Assessing the education and training needs of migrant women in rural Ireland', funded by the Irish Country Women’s Association (ICA).
  • 2022-23 Evaluator for ‘Fossils for our Future—Ireland's palaeontology participation programme’ (PI Dr Chris Mays, BEES), funded by the SFI Discover Programme.
  • 2022 'All-Ireland Island Survey' with Comhar na nOileán & Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann.
  • 2021 IRC New Foundations project ‘Housing and Sustaining Communities on the West Cork Islands’ with Bere Island Projects Group and other community groups on the West Cork islands.
  • 2021-23 Evaluator for 'Ireland’s Fossil Heritage' (PI Prof Maria McNamara, BEES), funded by the SFI Discover Programme.
  • 2014-21 A longitudinal evaluation project for Cork City Council ‘A Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact study of Cork City Northwest Regeneration’ (with Prof Cathal O'Connell).
  • 2020 IRC New Foundations project ‘Agency and ageing in place in rural Ireland’ with Age Action, final report launched in April 2022. 
I am committed to community outreach and engagement and am a member of the Cork Learning Cities Learning Lab research group as part of Cork UNESCO Learning City.

I have supervised a number of PhDs to completion and am interested in supervising students in any area of relevance to my research interests and publication profile. 

Research Interests

Community based participatory research, mixed methods research, housing and sustainability, regeneration, widening educational participation, tackling social inequalities.

Research Grants

 ProjectFunding
Body
Start DateEnd DateAward
Cork City Council Participatory research on the education, employment, and training needs of young people in Cork City Northwest01-SEP-2331-DEC-24€30,000.00
Cork City Council Review of Social, Economic and Environmental Plan (SEEP) themes01-MAY-2331-OCT-23€10,000.00
Islands Housing SurveyIrish Funded Research Non Exchequer01-FEB-2230-NOV-22€15,233.00
Assessing the education and training needs of migrant women in rural Ireland01-DEC-2228-FEB-23€5,000.00
Housing, Sustainable Communities, Offshore and Inshore Islands, Participatory Research.Irish Research Council01-MAR-2130-APR-22€11,912.00
Agency & Ageing in Place in Rural IrelandIrish Research Council01-JUL-2031-DEC-21€11,966.00
Cork City Council 2017-2020 ‘A Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact Study of Cork City Northwest Regeneration’01-MAY-1730-APR-20€75,000.00
Cork City Council 2014-2016 ‘A Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact Study of Cork City Northwest Regeneration’01-JAN-1431-DEC-16€165,471.29
IRC Project 2013 ‘Children Voices in Estate Regeneration’, co-funded by Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government01-JAN-1301-DEC-13€28,189.00

Contract Researchers

 Researcher NameProjectRoleFunding Body
Dr Conor CashmanAll-Ireland Island Survey'; 'Ireland’s Fossil HeritagePostdoctoral Researcher
Dr Elaine DesmondHousing and Sustaining Communities on the West Cork Islands; Age and Ageing in Place in Rural IrelandPostdoctoral ResearcherIrish Research Council

Publications

Peer Reviewed Journals

 YearPublication
(2024)'Sustainable Social Housing Regeneration In Ireland: A Case Study'
O’Connell, C., Cullinane, C. and O’Sullivan, S. (2024) 'Sustainable Social Housing Regeneration In Ireland: A Case Study'. The Journal of Urban Regeneration and Renewal, 17 (3):1-12 [Details]
(2023)'The ethics of engagement and representation in community-based participatory research'
O’Sullivan, S., Desmond, E., and Buckley, M. (2023) 'The ethics of engagement and representation in community-based participatory research'. Ethics and Social Welfare, 17 (2):159-174   [DOI] [Details]
(2022)'A Human-Rights Based Approach to Participation'
McMurry, N. and O'Sullivan, S. (2022) 'A Human-Rights Based Approach to Participation'. Studies in Social Justice, 16 (3):554-570 [DOI] [Details]
(2020)'“Listen to What We Have to Say”: Children and Young People’s Perspectives on Urban Regeneration'
O'Sullivan, S., O'Connell, C., and Byrne, L. (2020) '“Listen to What We Have to Say”: Children and Young People’s Perspectives on Urban Regeneration'. Social Inclusion, 8 (3):77-87   [DOI] [Details]
(2020)'Evaluating Community-Based Research: Hearing the Views of Student Research Partners'
Cullinane, M. and O'Sullivan, S. (2020) 'Evaluating Community-Based Research: Hearing the Views of Student Research Partners'. International Journal for Students as Partners, 4 (2):1-16   [DOI] [Details]
(2020)'Rap and Political Participation: Using Rap as a Creative Method in Research with Children and Young People'
Byrne L.;O’Connell C.;O’Sullivan S. (2020) 'Rap and Political Participation: Using Rap as a Creative Method in Research with Children and Young People'. Young, 28 (1):50-68 [DOI] [Details]
(2020)'Findings From a Longitudinal Qualitative Study of Child Protection Social Workers’ Retention: Job Embeddedness, Professional Confidence and Staying Narratives'
Burns, K., Christie, A., O’Sullivan, S. (2020) 'Findings From a Longitudinal Qualitative Study of Child Protection Social Workers’ Retention: Job Embeddedness, Professional Confidence and Staying Narratives'. British Journal of Social Work, 50 (5):1363-1381 [DOI] [Details]
(2018)'The symbolic representation of community in social isolation and loneliness among older people: Insights for intervention from a rural Irish case study'
Bantry White, Eleanor; O'Sullivan, Siobhán; Kenny, Lorna; O'Connell, Cathal (2018) 'The symbolic representation of community in social isolation and loneliness among older people: Insights for intervention from a rural Irish case study'. Health & Social Care In The Community, [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2017)'Universities as key responders to education inequality'
O’Sullivan, S., S. Ó Tuama and L. Kenny (2017) 'Universities as key responders to education inequality'. Global Discourse, [Full Text] [Details]
(2017)'Hearing children’s voices in housing estate regeneration'
O’Sullivan, S., O’Connell, C. and L. Byrne (2017) 'Hearing children’s voices in housing estate regeneration'. Children, Youth and Environments, 13 (1):1-15 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2014)'‘Political Legitimacy in Ireland during Economic Crisis: Insights from the European Social Survey’'
O'Sullivan, S., Healy, A, and Breen, M. (2014) '‘Political Legitimacy in Ireland during Economic Crisis: Insights from the European Social Survey’'. Irish Political Studies,   [DOI] [Details]
(2011)'Towards Democratic Justice? Land Reform in South Africa'
O'Sullivan, S. (2011) 'Towards Democratic Justice? Land Reform in South Africa'. Irish Journal of Public Policy, 3 (2)   [Details]

Book Chapters

 YearPublication
(2022)'Sustainable Urban Regeneration in Ireland: A Case Study'
Cullinane, M., O’Sullivan, S. and O’Connell, C. (2022) 'Sustainable Urban Regeneration in Ireland: A Case Study' In: Perrault, R (eds). Urban Regeneration: Methods, Implementation and Management. New York: Nova Science Publishers.   [Details]
(2016)'The changing regime of social housing policy and provision'
Finnerty, J., O’Connell, C. and O’Sullivan,S. (2016) 'The changing regime of social housing policy and provision' In: Mary Murphy and Fiona Dukelow (eds). The Irish Welfare State in the Twenty First Century. London: Palgrave MacMillan. [Details]
(2006)'‘Procedure and participation: A social theoretical assessment of GM licensing procedures in Ireland and the UK’'
O'Mahony, P. and O'Sullivan, S. (2006) '‘Procedure and participation: A social theoretical assessment of GM licensing procedures in Ireland and the UK’' In: Bora, A. & Hausendorf, H (eds). Analysing Citizenship Talk; Social positioning in political and legal decision-making processes. Amsterdam: John Benjamins. [Details]

Published Reports

 YearPublication
(2023)Ireland’s Offshore Islands: Housing Needs Survey.
Cashman, C. and O'Sullivan, S. (2023) Ireland’s Offshore Islands: Housing Needs Survey. University College Cork, UCC. [Details]
(2022)Housing and Sustaining Communities on the West Cork Islands.
O’Sullivan, S., and Desmond, E. (2022) Housing and Sustaining Communities on the West Cork Islands. University College Cork, University College Cork.   [Full Text] [Details]
(2022)Agency and Ageing in Place in Rural Ireland.
O’Sullivan, S., Buckley, M., Desmond, E., Bantry-White, E., Cassarino, M. (2022) Agency and Ageing in Place in Rural Ireland. University College Cork and Age Action, Cork. [Full Text] [Details]
(2021)Learning for Well-Being 2020: Supporting Resilience in Learning Cities.
Nash, E., O’Sullivan, S. Barrett, D. and McCarthy, S. (2021) Learning for Well-Being 2020: Supporting Resilience in Learning Cities. Cork Learning City Webinar report, UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, Cork.   [Details]
(2017)Cork Learning Neighbourhoods.
O’Sullivan, S. and Kenny, L. (2017) Cork Learning Neighbourhoods. Centre for Adult Continuing Education, University College Cork. [Full Text] [Details]
(2016)Learning Neighbourhoods pilot programme.
O’Sullivan, S. and Kenny, L. (2016) Learning Neighbourhoods pilot programme. Centre for Adult Continuing Education, University College Cork.   [Full Text] [Details]
(2015)Children's Voices in Housing Estate Regeneration.
O'Connell, C., O'Sullivan, S, and Byrne, L. (2015) Children's Voices in Housing Estate Regeneration. IRC, DCYA, DECLG, Ireland. [Full Text] [Details]
(2007)Participation and the Dynamics of Social Positioning.
O'Mahony, P., Skillinton, T. and O'Sullivan, S. (2007) Participation and the Dynamics of Social Positioning. Directorate-General for Research, Brussels.   [DOI] [Details]

Conference Publications

 YearPublication
(2019)EuroSoTL, the European Conference of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
O'Sullivan, S. and Cullinane, M. (2019) Students as partners in research in higher education: the views of students from a socio-economically disadvantaged area EuroSoTL, the European Conference of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning The University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, [Details]
(2016)HELLIN (Higher Education Lifelong Learning Ireland Network) Conference proceedings from the second EUCEN conference 'Reimagining Lifelong Learning'
O'Sullivan, S., O'Tuama, S, and Denayer, W (2016) 'Breaking the Barriers': A Reflexive Approach to Adult Education and Lifelong Learning’ HELLIN (Higher Education Lifelong Learning Ireland Network) Conference proceedings from the second EUCEN conference 'Reimagining Lifelong Learning'   [Details]
(2015)CIAE (Commission on International Adult Education) Pre-Conference at AAACE Conference, Oklahoma City, USA
O'Tuama, S. and O'Sullivan, S. (2015) 'Designing and Implementing Learning Neighbourhoods in Cork's UNESCO Learning City Project' CIAE (Commission on International Adult Education) Pre-Conference at AAACE Conference, Oklahoma City, USA [DOI] [Details]

Research Report

 YearPublication
(2023)SEEP Thematic Review 2023.
Folan O’Connor, E., O’Sullivan, S. and O’Connell, C. (2023) SEEP Thematic Review 2023. Research Report [Details]
(2023)Assessing the Education and Training Needs of Non-EU Migrant Women in Rural Ireland: A scoping report for the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA).
Desmond, E. and O’Sullivan, S. (2023) Assessing the Education and Training Needs of Non-EU Migrant Women in Rural Ireland: A scoping report for the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA). Research Report [Details]
(2021)CNWQR Social, Economic and Environmental Plan (SEEP) Review. Internal Report to Cork City Council.
Cullinane, M., O’Sullivan, S. and O’Connell, C. (2021) CNWQR Social, Economic and Environmental Plan (SEEP) Review. Internal Report to Cork City Council. Research Report [Details]
(2020)Evaluation Summary Report: Ireland’s Secret Past: Unlocking Our Fossil Heritage SFI Discover Programme 2018: 18/DP/5963SFI.
O’Sullivan, S. (2020) Evaluation Summary Report: Ireland’s Secret Past: Unlocking Our Fossil Heritage SFI Discover Programme 2018: 18/DP/5963SFI. Research Report [Details]
(2020)Report on Interim Household Survey 1. Internal Report to Cork City Council.
Cullinane, M., O’Sullivan, S. and O’Connell, C. (2020) Report on Interim Household Survey 1. Internal Report to Cork City Council. Research Report [Details]
(2018)Review of CNWQR Social Economic and Environment Plan (SEEP). Internal Report to Cork City Council.
O’Connell, C. and O’Sullivan, S. (2018) Review of CNWQR Social Economic and Environment Plan (SEEP). Internal Report to Cork City Council. Research Report [Details]
(2016)Household Survey Findings for the City Northwest Quarter (CNWQ) Regeneration Area. Internal report for Cork City Council.
O’Sullivan, S., O’Connell, C. and Kenny, L.. (2016) Household Survey Findings for the City Northwest Quarter (CNWQ) Regeneration Area. Internal report for Cork City Council. Research Report [Details]
(2014)Socio-Economic & Environmental Profile of Knocknaheeny and the City Northwest Quarter (CNWQ) Regeneration Area. Internal report for Cork City Council.
O’Sullivan, S. and O’Connell, C. (2014) Socio-Economic & Environmental Profile of Knocknaheeny and the City Northwest Quarter (CNWQ) Regeneration Area. Internal report for Cork City Council. Research Report [Details]
(2013)Family & Youth Services and Regeneration on the Northside of Cork City: The Impact of Spending Reductions. A Report to the Cork Northside Youth Forum.
O’Connell, C. and O’Sullivan, S. (2013) Family & Youth Services and Regeneration on the Northside of Cork City: The Impact of Spending Reductions. A Report to the Cork Northside Youth Forum. Research Report [Details]

Book Reviews

 YearPublication
(2012)‘Book review: Social Injustice: Essays in Political Philosophy’.
O'Sullivan, S. (2012) ‘Book review: Social Injustice: Essays in Political Philosophy’. Book Reviews   [DOI] [Details]
(2011)Book review: Gurminder K. Bhambra and Ipek Demir (eds) (2009) 1968 in Retrospect: History, Theory, Alterity.
O’Sullivan, S. (2011) Book review: Gurminder K. Bhambra and Ipek Demir (eds) (2009) 1968 in Retrospect: History, Theory, Alterity. Book Reviews [DOI] [Details]

Journal Review

 YearPublication
(2006)‘Who buys fairtrade products and why? Characteristics of consumers of fairtrade in Colchester, UK’.
O'Sullivan, S. (2006) ‘Who buys fairtrade products and why? Characteristics of consumers of fairtrade in Colchester, UK’. Journal Review   [Details]

Newspaper Articles

 YearPublication
(2019)How to tackle rural isolation.
O'Sullivan, S., Bantry-White, E. and O'Connell, C. (2019) How to tackle rural isolation. Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2014)Enough talk, act now on education inequality.
O'Sullivan, S. (2014) Enough talk, act now on education inequality. Newspaper Articles [Details]

Blog

 YearPublication
(2015)Political Legitimacy in Ireland During Economic Crisis: Insights from the European Social Survey.
O'Sullivan, S., Healy, A, and Breen, M. (2015) Political Legitimacy in Ireland During Economic Crisis: Insights from the European Social Survey. Blog   [Details]

Professional Activities

Honours and Awards

 YearTitleAwarding Body
2021Digital Badge in the Responsible Conduct of Research University College Cork
2020European Social Work Research Association (ESWRA) Award for an Outstanding Publication European Social Work Research Association
2019CACSSS Impact Narrative Award College of Arts Celtic Studies and Social Sciences (CACSSS) University College Cork
2017Miriam Hederman O’Brien Award for Contribution to Fiscal Studies The Foundation for Fiscal Studies
2019Digital Badge in Social Policy Education: Enhancing Digital Skills (SPEEDS) Social Policy Education: Enhancing Digital Skills Project
2017Bertram Windle Award for outstanding contribution to Adult Education Centre for Adult Continuing Education (ACE) University College Cork
2006Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences
2006William J. Leen Postgraduate Scholarship University College Cork

Professional Associations

 AssociationFunctionFrom / To
The Association for Academic Outreach (AFAO) The UK Association for Academic Outreach (AFAO) facilitates discussion, research, development and dissemination of outreach good practice by and for academics.21-MAR-19 /
Institute for Social Science in the 21st Century (ISS21) ISS21 is an interdisciplinary social science research institute with over 150 researchers engaged in applied research representing 19 academic departments in UCC.01-JAN-13 /

Conference Contributions

 YearPublication
(2023)UNIC4ER Workshop Embedding engaged research into teaching & learning practices,
Siobhan O'Sullivan (2023) A case study of integrating engaged research into undergraduate and postgraduate education in the social sciences. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], UNIC4ER Workshop Embedding engaged research into teaching & learning practices, Online , 29-MAR-23 - 29-MAR-23. [Details]
(2022)THE 9th LIVING KNOWLEDGE CONFERENCE New Synergies in Research with and for Communities,
Siobhan O'Sullivan (2022) Agency and Ageing in Place in Rural Ireland. [Oral Presentation], THE 9th LIVING KNOWLEDGE CONFERENCE New Synergies in Research with and for Communities, Groningen, the Netherlands . [Details]
(2022)In Conversation with Dr Siobhan O'Sullivan,
O'Sullivan, S. (2022) IFA Global Series. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], In Conversation with Dr Siobhan O'Sullivan, https://ifa.ngo/ifa-global-cafe/ . [Details]
(2022)Ethics in community engaged research,
O'Sullivan, S. (2022) Engaged and Transformative Research Ethics Erasmus University ‘Share your knowledge’ week. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Ethics in community engaged research, Erasmus University, Rotterdam (online) . [Details]
(2022)Involving children and young people in planning through creative research,
O'Sullivan, S. (2022) UCC Planning Society Conference. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Involving children and young people in planning through creative research, UCC . [Details]
(2022)Agency and Ageing in Place in Rural Ireland: Exploring the housing preferences of older people in rural areas,
O'Sullivan, S. (2022) ISS21 Ageing Cluster. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Agency and Ageing in Place in Rural Ireland: Exploring the housing preferences of older people in rural areas, UCC (online) . [Details]
(2021)The views of older people living in rural areas in Ireland about ageing in place,
O'Sullivan, S., Clarke, C., Buckley, M. and Desmond, E. (2021) 15th Global Conference on Ageing. [Oral Presentation], The views of older people living in rural areas in Ireland about ageing in place, Toronto, Canada (online) . [Details]
(2021)Involving Older People in Community Research,
O’Sullivan, S., Buckley, M., Desmond, E., Lang, A.C., Burke, T., and Clarke, C. (2021) UCC Community Week. [Oral Presentation], Involving Older People in Community Research, UCC (online) . [Details]
(2021)Smart Society: Citizen Engagement in the Cork Northwest Quarter Regeneration,
O’Sullivan, S. and O’Connell, C. (2021) UCC Community Week. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], Smart Society: Citizen Engagement in the Cork Northwest Quarter Regeneration, UCC (online) . [Details]
(2021)Adapting face-to-face outreach and participatory research approach with older adults,
O'Sullivan, S. (2021) Association For Academic Outreach (AFAO) Case Studies: Responding to the COVID-19 challenge. [Oral Presentation], Adapting face-to-face outreach and participatory research approach with older adults, Online https://www.afao.ac.uk/?page_id=261 . [Details]
(2021)Age and Ageing in Place in Rural Ireland,
O'Sullivan, S. (2021) Age Action webinar. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Age and Ageing in Place in Rural Ireland, Online . [Details]
(2021)Research network event: What is participatory research in the context of older people?,
O'Sullivan, S. and Buckley, M. (2021) Rural Ageing in Place. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], Research network event: What is participatory research in the context of older people?, Oxford Brookes University, UK , 04-FEB-21. [Details]
(2020)Research as participatory process: participative and reflective methods,
O'Sullivan, S., O'Connell, C. and Byrne, L. (2020) Using Rap as a Creative Method in Research with Children and Young People. [Oral Presentation], Research as participatory process: participative and reflective methods, ISS21, UCC , 09-NOV-20. [Details]
(2019)EuroSoTL, the European Conference of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning,
O'Sullivan, S. and Cullinane, M. (2019) Students as partners in research in higher education: the views of students from a socio-economically disadvantaged area. [Oral Presentation], EuroSoTL, the European Conference of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, The University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea . [Details]
(2019)Association for Academic Outreach (AFAO) Annual Conference,
O'Sullivan, S. and Cullinane, M. (2019) The impact of academic outreach with the participants of a research project in a disadvantaged area. [Oral Presentation], Association for Academic Outreach (AFAO) Annual Conference, University of Warwick . [Details]
(2018)BASPCAN 10th International Congress. Thinking Outside the Box: innovative perspectives on protecting children and young people,
Burns, K., Christie, A. and O'Sullivan, S. (2018) Why they stay: What can we learn from social workers with 10-30+ years' experience in child protection practice?. [Oral Presentation], BASPCAN 10th International Congress. Thinking Outside the Box: innovative perspectives on protecting children and young people, University of Warwick, United Kingdom , 08-APR-18 - 11-APR-18. [Details]
(2017)3rd European Technology Assessment Conference,
Siobhan O'Sullivan and Lorna Kenny (2017) Cork Learning Neighbourhoods. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], 3rd European Technology Assessment Conference, University College Cork . [Details]
(2017)Participatory Research: Working and Communicating with Communities,
O’Sullivan, S. and O’Tuama, S. (2017) Responding to educational precarity. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Participatory Research: Working and Communicating with Communities, Newcastle, UK . [Details]
(2017)The British Society of Gerontology 46th Annual Conf,
Bantry White, E., O'Sullivan, S., Kenny, L. and O'Connell, C. (2017) Rural Community Responses to Concerns for the Social Isolation of Older People. [Oral Presentation], The British Society of Gerontology 46th Annual Conf, UK . [Details]
(2017)6th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference,
Burns, K., Christie, A. and O'Sullivan, S. (2017) Why they stay: What can we learn about retention from social workers with 10-30+ years’ experience in child protection practice?. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], 6th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference, University College Cork , 27-OCT-17 - 27-OCT-17. [Details]
(2016)13th Pascal International Conference: Learning Cities 2040,
O'Sullivan, S., O'Tuama, S., Kenny, L., Barrett, D., Mcauliffe, W. (2016) Designing and implementing learning neighbourhoods in Cork’s UNESCO Learning City project. [Oral Presentation], 13th Pascal International Conference: Learning Cities 2040, Glasgow, Scotland , 03-JUN-16 - 05-JUN-16. [Details]
(2015)Re-imagining Lifelong Learning, Institute for Lifecourse and Society, NUI Galway,
O'Tuama, S., O'Sullivan, S., Denayer, W. (2015) Reconsidering ‘flexicurity’ towards a lifelong and lifewide reflexive model. [Oral Presentation], Re-imagining Lifelong Learning, Institute for Lifecourse and Society, NUI Galway, NUI Galway . [Details]
(2014)ACE/EUCEN Lifelong Learning in Ireland: Mission, Vision and Practice,
O'Connell, C. and O'Sullivan, S. (2014) Tackling Educational Inequality in Regeneration Areas: Policy, Practice and Research. [Oral Presentation], ACE/EUCEN Lifelong Learning in Ireland: Mission, Vision and Practice, UCC , 01-DEC-14. [Details]
(2014)The Centre for the Study of Childhood and Youth 5th International Conference “Researching children’s everyday lives: socio-cultural contexts”,
O'Sullivan, S. and O'Connell, C. (2014) Having Our Say: Children’s Voices in Housing Estate Regeneration. [Oral Presentation], The Centre for the Study of Childhood and Youth 5th International Conference “Researching children’s everyday lives: socio-cultural contexts”, University of Sheffield, Centre for the Study of Childhood and Youth , 02-JUL-14. [Details]
(2014)The Irish Welfare State in and after crisis,
O'Connell, C. and O'Sullivan, S. (2014) Regeneration and Austerity: A Case Study of Policy Contradictions. [Oral Presentation], The Irish Welfare State in and after crisis, School of Applied Social Studies, UCC , 28-MAR-14. [Details]
(2013)Conference of the European Survey Research Association (ESRA),
O’Sullivan, S., Healy, A, & Breen, M. (2013) Political legitimacy in Ireland, Portugal and Spain during economic crisis: A comparative analysis using European Social Survey data. [Oral Presentation], Conference of the European Survey Research Association (ESRA), Lljubjana, Slovenia , 16-JUL-13. [Details]
(2012)European Social Survey (ESS) International Conference,
O’Sullivan, S., Healy, A, & Breen, M. (2012) Political legitimacy in Ireland during economic crisis: Insights from the European Social Survey, Rounds 2-5. [Oral Presentation], European Social Survey (ESS) International Conference, Cyprus , 23-NOV-12. [Details]
(2012)Beyond the Law: Critical Reflections on International Human Rights Law and Policy,
O’Sullivan, S. & McMurry, N. (2012) The Right to Participation: A Conversation between Human-Rights Law and Democratic Theory. [Oral Presentation], Beyond the Law: Critical Reflections on International Human Rights Law and Policy, Griffith College, Cork , 07-JUN-12. [Details]
(2012)Joint seminar with Dr Vittorio Bufacchi, School of Sociology and Philosophy, UCC,
O’Sullivan, S. (2012) Social injustice – what it is and how to tackle it. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Joint seminar with Dr Vittorio Bufacchi, School of Sociology and Philosophy, UCC, Mary Immaculate College, UL , 15-FEB-12. [Details]
(2011)The International Social Theory Consortium (ISTC),
O’Sullivan, S. (2011) The Methodology of Critical Theory: Justice and Democracy in an Unequal World. [Oral Presentation], The International Social Theory Consortium (ISTC), UCC , 16-JUN-11. [Details]
(2009)Theory for a Global Age: Postcolonial and Cosmopolitan Perspectives Summer School, Institute of Advanced Study, Social Theory Centre & Department of Sociology,
O’Sullivan, S. (2009) Considering Reparative Justice. [Oral Presentation], Theory for a Global Age: Postcolonial and Cosmopolitan Perspectives Summer School, Institute of Advanced Study, Social Theory Centre & Department of Sociology, University of Warwick, UK , 10-JUL-09. [Details]
(2002)PARADYS Workshop,
O’Sullivan, S. (2002) Regulation and Participation in the Irish Case of GMOs. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], PARADYS Workshop, University of Bielefeld, Germany . [Details]

Committees

 CommitteeFunctionFrom / To
School of Applied Social Studies Graduate Studies Committee Member2021 /
CACSSS Graduate Studies Committee Member2021 /
School of Applied Social Studies Internalisation committee Convenor2021 /
Learning Neighourhoods Steering Group Member2015 / 2022
Growing Lifelong Learning in Cork (GLLiC) Member2016 / 2019
Inter-agency Cork City Profile Steering Committee Member2017 / 2018
Respond! Support Board Member2016 / 2017
European Social Survey National Steering Group Member2016 / 2016
Young Knocknaheeny Evaluation Subgroup Member2014 / 2016
Children and Young People's Services Committee (CYPSE) Information and Research Subgroup Member2015 / 2016
Inter-agency Cork City Profile Steering Committee Member2013 / 2014

Journal Activities

 JournalRoleTo / From
British Journal Of Social Work Peer Reviewer11-APR-22 - 22-JUN-22
Social Inclusion Peer Reviewer04-OCT-21 - 04-NOV-21
Studies In Social Justice Peer Reviewer03-NOV-21 - 13-JAN-22
Irish Journal Of Sociology Peer Reviewer03-FEB-22 - 23-FEB-22
Children & Society Peer Reviewer08-JUN-22 - 30-SEP-22
Community Development Journal Peer Reviewer23-NOV-21 - 23-MAR-22

Education

 YearInstitutionQualificationSubject
2017UCC PG CertificateTeaching and Learning
2011University College Cork PHDSociology
2004University of Essex MASTER OF ARTSSociology of Development
2001University College Cork BACHELOR OF ARTSPhilosophy and Sociology

Employment

 EmployerPositionFrom / To
School of Applied Social Studies Lecturer in Social Policy01-SEP-17 /
Adult Continuing Education Learning Neighbourhoods Coordinator01-SEP-15 / 31-AUG-17
School of Applied Social Studies, Department of Sociology PhD Social Sciences Director and Lecturer01-SEP-12 / 31-AUG-17
School of Applied Social Studies Post-Doctoral Researcher01-JAN-13 / 31-MAY-17
Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick IRCHSS Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, European Social Survey01-SEP-11 / 31-JUL-12
School of Applied Social Studies UCC PhD Social Science Acting GREP Director01-JUN-10 / 30-SEP-11
University of Essex Community Volunteer Coordinator01-SEP-04 / 31-JUL-05
Department of Sociology, UCC Research Assistant01-JUN-01 / 30-SEP-03

Consultancy

 ClientDescription
Shared Insight
From 2014 to 2017, I was a partner in the consultancy Shared Insight, which provides research, advocacy and training services to groups in the voluntary, community, public and private sectors.

Outreach Activities

 Description

Until 2017 I coordinated the Learning Neighbourhoods Programme, supported by Adult Continuing Education in UCC, the Cork Education and Training Board, CIT and Cork City Council. This aims to promote and develop active local lifelong learning across Cork City’s neighbourhoods.  For more see: See: https://www.corklearningcity.ie/learning-neighbourhoods/

My colleagues Prof Cathal O'Connell, Lorna Kenny and I collaborated with Respond! Housing Association in 2015 on an Irish Research Council / The Wheel New Foundations Research Scheme focusing on loneliness and social isolation among older people. We organised a joint conference at the end of the project, which took place in Respond!’s new conference facility in John’s College, Waterford on 26th November 2015.  See more at: http://www.respond.ie/events/respond-and-ucc-joint-conference-in-november/


From 2014 to 2020, I sat on the Young Knocknaheeny (now Let’s Grow Together) Evaluation subgroup, which provides research advice to the Young Knocknaheeny consortium regarding outcome and process evaluation of the Prevention and Early Intervention Programmes they are developing. See https://letsgrowtogether.ie/  

I was a member of the Inter-Agency Cork City Profile Steering Committee (2013-14), which oversaw the development of a profile of the city based on the 2011 Census. The Committee included staff from Cork Healthy Cities, Cork City Council, the HSE, Cork City Partnership, the Gardai, Cork ETB, community representatives, UCC, and others. The report is available on http://corkhealthycities.com/cork-city-profile-2014/  

In 2014, I produced two research reports in association with Shared Insight Research Consultancy, for Respond! Housing Association on the provision of adult and community education in Cork and Dublin. The Cork report was launched by then Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Catherine Clancy at the St Francis Gardens Housing Complex in Blackpool, Cork in March 2014. Also present was Ms Kathleen Lynch T.D., Minister of State for Primary Care, Mental Health and Disability who responded to the report. The Dublin Report was launched by the social justice campaigner Fr. Peter McVerry at the Marino Institute in Drumcondra, Dublin in September 2014. Also among the speakers at the launch was Fr. Sean Healy of Social Justice Ireland. Both reports highlighted current levels of provision on the northside of Cork city and in neighbourhoods on the northside of Dublin city including Finglas, Ballymun, Whitehall, Beaumont and Drumcondra. Prof Cathal O'Connell provided research oversight on both projects. The reports are available on http://www.respond.ie/eventsmedia/publications/  

Teaching Activities

Teaching Interests

I teach social research methods and social policy at undergraduate and postgraduate levels including to the BSocSc, BYCW, and HDip Social Policy (Online). I teach the following modules SS2108 (Introduction to Research Methods), SS3006 (Education and Welfare), SS3031 (Social Research Report), SS5104 (Social Research Report online), SS5107 (Education and Welfare online), SS5108 (Poverty and Social Exclusion online). I also contribute to UW0005 (Sustainability) and Masters and PhD modules.

Recent Postgraduates

 Graduation YearStudent NameInstitutionDegree TypeThesis Title
2022Sean O'Leary University College CorkPHDSustainable Development and Participation in Estate Regeneration: A Mixed Methods Case Study
2021Conor Cashman University College CorkPHDRisk, Responsibility, and Power in the Regulation of Ireland’s Financial Services Industry, 2004-2017

Current Postgraduate Students

 StudentDegree Type
Hoffler Eileen Doctoral Degree
Balfe John Anthony Practitioner Doctorates

Research Information

Internal Collaborators

 NameInstituteCountry
Dr Eleanor Bantry-White School of Applied Social Studies, UCCIRELAND
Dr Margaret Buckley School of Applied Social Studies, UCCIRELAND
Dr Kenneth Burns School of Applied Social Studies, UCCIRELAND
Prof Alastair Christie School of Applied Social Studies, UCCIRELAND
Joe Finnerty School of Applied Social Studies, UCCIRELAND
Prof Cathal O'Connell School of Applied Social Studies, UCCIRELAND
Dr Seamus O'Tuama Adult Continuing Education, UCCIRELAND

External Collaborators

 NameOrganisation / InstituteCountry
Dr Lorcan Byrne LITIRELAND
Prof Michelle Norris UCDIRELAND

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University College Cork

Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh

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