Biography

Dr. Gertrude Cotter is a Lecturer in the field of Global Citizenship and Development Education, at the School of Education, UCC. 

She also holds the following positions:
  • Academic Coordinator of the Praxis Project, a  flagship project aiming to promote and integrate Development and Global Citizenship Education across the university. www.praxisucc.ie
  • Executive member of the University of Sanctuary Committee
  • Member of Executive Management Committee, School of Education, UCC
  • Chair, Global Engagement Committee, School of Education, UCC
  • Member of UCC's Academic Council
  • Treasurer, Race Equality Network, UCC
  • Global Engagement Representative of the SoE at the College of Arts and Humanities International Committee
  • Member of UCC's Populism and the Rise of the Far-right Research Cluster

Personal Statement

I am an academic in the field of Critical Global Citizenship and Development Education (GCDE),  with a proven lifelong commitment to transformative cross-disciplinary education, social justice, human rights advocacy and sustainable futures. Significant academic experience, teaching at third level, publishing, and completing ten post graduate degrees. Exceptional grant application success rate.  Powerful leadership and senior management experience having built and led, as CEO, a highly impactful human rights organisation, sat on national civic society boards, established a successful social enterprise and led effective research teams, while always linking academic pursuit with effective civic engagement.  Committed to cross-disciplinary, creative, collaborative and participatory approaches to pedagogy, active citizenship and research, as illustrated in my current leadership of the ‘Praxis’ project which engages UCC staff and students in integrating GCDE in research, pedagogy, policy and practice.

Some Previous Positions

  • CEO of the Irish Immigrant Support Centre for almost a decade in the 1990s - 00s, and played a seminal role in its development.

  • Director of the Social Enterprise 'Global Citizen Contact Point'.
    • Broadcast the 'Global Hub' radio show on local and global social justice issues (over seven years). Ran a training course on radio and GCDE for local community, with resulting programmes winning a national radio award. See: http://gertrudecotter.info/development-education-project-2016- community-radio-youghal and https://www.mixcloud.com/GertrudeCotter/
    • Developed a FETAC 3 award for CRAOL National Network of Community Radio, entitled 'Communicating Human Rights in Community Radio';
    • Developed an online training programme on sustainable development and produced three radio programmes on examples of such projects in Ireland;
    • Produced a series of digital stories and digital archive on the journey out of institutional care (Cheshire Homes) into the community for people with intellectual, physical and neurological disabilities. See: http://movingonireland.gertrudecotter.info;
    • Developed training manual with older family carers, ran leadership programme and facilitated Carers Association to prepare for general elections. Produced video stories with six family carers. See: www.behind.thecurtain.info
    • Provided online community leadership training and intercultural communications to community leaders in Lesotho and ran a collaborative project between Action Lesotho and University College Cork;
    • Ran two twinning projects. 1.Universities of Cork & Cologne student exchange and 2. Family carers in Cork and Swansea.
    • External evaluator of the work of Self Help Africa's GCE programme
  • Coordinator of DICE, the Irish-Aid funded Development and Intercultural Education Project working with staff across teacher training colleges for the primary school sector.
  • Co-academic coordinator of the ‘Id Est’ Project at the School of Education, UCC.  This project  introduces student teachers to Development Education. 
  • Lecturer in International Relations and Latin American History at the School of History and also coordinator of UCC’s Diploma in Development Studies. 
  • Lecturer in Community Development, Social Care Management and Reflective Practice at the Munster Technological University.   
  • Managed community development projects and family resource centres in Ireland.   
  • In earlier years I worked as a development worker in Bolivia and Thailand. I also lived and worked in France, Italy and the UK in diverse capacities.
Alongside Development Education, I have a particular interest in Refugee, Asylum-Seeker and Migrant support and advocacy; inclusive education; Community-Linked Learning and Multimedia Learning. 




Research Interests

Overview

As a Lecturer in Global Citizenship and Development Education (GCDE) at the School of Education, University College Cork (UCC), my research centres on embedding GCDE within higher education through interdisciplinary approaches, innovative methodologies, and transformative North-South partnerships. Coordinating the Praxis Project, I lead collaborative efforts with UCC staff and students to investigate the most effective ways to integrate GCDE into the university's pedagogy, research, policy, and practice.

Current Research Focus 1
Global Citizenship and Development Education (GCDE) in Higher Education
Role: Principal Investigator

Research Aim:
This study seeks to understand how GCDE can be systematically embedded across higher education institutions and what insights this can offer for academia broadly. While focusing on UCC, this research has broader implications for higher education as a whole. The project is now in its third year, with initial findings from Years 1 and 2 already published and a final report forthcoming. Research findings are available here. https://praxisucc.ie/research/
Research Question:
How can the theory and practice of Global Citizenship and Development Education (GCDE) be embedded across all disciplines and functions within higher education institutions, and what insights can be drawn from UCC’s experience for broader academic application?

Current Research Focus 2
Interdisciplinary Global Partnerships
Role: Principal Investigator

Research Aim:
This project redefines global partnerships in GCDE, moving beyond traditional 'North-South' paradigms by creating collaborative models with universities and communities in Kenya, Palestine, Peru, and Ireland. Using postcolonial and social justice frameworks, this research aims to foster equitable, culturally sensitive partnerships that enrich GCDE across disciplines and support global academic communities committed to equity and social transformation.
Research Question:
How can diverse global partnerships enhance the integration and practice of GCDE in higher education, given the unique contexts of each partnership?

Current Research Focus 3
Anti-Racism in GCDE
Role: Principal Investigator

Research Aim:
The "Elephant in the Room" project uses symbolic papier-mâché elephants as creative tools to foster dialogue and reflection on racism at UCC. This project aims to frame GCDE through an anti-racism lens, documenting community experiences of racism and supporting anti-racist practices in teaching, research, and university policies. Findings from this study aim to support other higher education institutions in integrating anti-racism within GCDE.
Research Question:
How can GCDE be framed through an anti-racism perspective, and what insights can be gained from UCC’s community experiences to strengthen this approach?

Current Research Focus 4
GCDE and the Creative Arts

Research Aim:
Exploring how creative arts can deepen engagement with GCDE, this project uses painting, crafting, storytelling, and similar methodologies to encourage critical inquiry into global issues. As part of "Unsettling Education," a series of talks and workshops supported by UCC's Centre for Arts Research and Practice, participants co-create an educational resource and an academic article, revealing how the arts can offer new approaches to complex social issues within GCDE.
Research Question:
How can creative arts serve as an effective medium for embedding GCDE in higher education, and in what ways can they enhance participant engagement with global challenges?

Current Research Focus 5
Oral History of Development Education Using Community Radio
Research Aim:
This ongoing research will culminate in a book, We Lived It: An Oral History of Global Citizenship and Development Education in Ireland, based on seven years of interviews from The Global Hub radio show, which I presented. This resource not only explores the history of GCDE but also demonstrates how community radio can serve as an educational tool. While the resource offers practical guidance for educators, the book provides a comprehensive exploration of storytelling and radio as methodologies in GCDE, capturing the voices and histories of those who have contributed to the field in Ireland.

Other Research Interests
  • GCDE and Community-Linked Learning
  • Storytelling and Social Justice
  • GCDE and Digital Humanities
  • Research methodologies, including Critical Pedagogy, Multimedia, Community-Linked Learning, Creative Arts, Drama, Radio, Digital Storytelling, and Film

Prior Research Contributions

Prior to my academic career at UCC, I led significant research projects, including the Development and Intercultural Education (DICE) Project, the Irish Centre for Migration Studies, and extensive research with the Irish Immigrant Support Centre. These projects, which addressed various aspects of immigration, education, and social integration, laid the foundation for my current academic work.

I led several significant research studies as follows:

  • Development and Intercultural Education (DICE) Project, 2010; Research project across schools and teacher training colleges in Ireland leading to the production of a guide (DVD) for schools on Development and Intercultural Education; Research project across schools and teacher training colleges in Ireland leading to the production of a guide (DVD) for schools on Development and Intercultural Education;
  • Integrating Ireland (Now the Integration Centre) 2003-4; Commissioned as a researcher and published book “A Guide to Published Research on Refugees, Asylum-Seekers and Immigrants in Ireland”, Integrating Ireland, Dublin 2004. Reprinted 2005/2006; Commissioned as a researcher and published book “A Guide to Published Research on Refugees, Asylum-Seekers and Immigrants in Ireland”, Integrating Ireland, Dublin 2004. Reprinted 2005/2006;
  • Higher Education Equality Unit, UCC 2002-2003; Worked as a researcher and published “Creating an Intercultural Campus”, (with M. Fitzgibbon), Higher Education Equality Unit, Cork, 2002;
  • Irish Centre for Migration Studies, UCC 2001 Commissioned to carry out research for West Limerick Partnership. This Needs Analysis of Migrant Workers in West Limerick interviewing 80  people and using SPSS software.
  • As CEO of  Nasc, the Irish Immigrant Support Centre 2001-2009 I led several research   projects, the most significant of which were:
    • “In Our Own Words” Nasc training guide based on the experiences of people who are Immigrants, Refugees and Asylum-Seekers living in Ireland. (Ed), Nasc, Cork. First edition 2006. Second Ed 2008 (Project linked UCC Migration Studies Students and Migrants);
    • “North Meets South” Development Education Sessions for Older Teenagers (Ed), Nasc, Cork, 2008;
    • “Hidden Cork” Perspectives of Asylum Seekers on Direct Provision and the Asylum Legal System, (Ed) Nasc, 2008 (Led this project which involved interviews and semi-structured   interviews with Asylum-Seekers in Cork);
    • “Employment, Enterprise and Education: A Guide for Migrants in Cork”, (Ed) Nasc, Cork 2008;
    • “Integrating the Future: Nasc’s Strategy on Access to Employment, Education and Enterprise  for Migrants in Cork”, (Ed)  Nasc, Cork, 2008 (Led this project which involved consultation with  migrants, education/ enterprise/employment bodies and academics.);
    • “Where are We Now”. Led consultation process with asylum seekers and produced this film for Cork European Year of Culture 2005 with Frameworks Films.

Pre 2014 I applied successfully for the following grants:

European Union Grants
  • European Social Fund:  €50,000
  • European Integration Fund: €10,000
Irish Statutory Local/National
  • Social and Family Affairs/Training and Equipment: €10,000
  • Irish Aid/Staff:
  • Irish Aid/Staff: €50,000
  • Arts Office City Council European Year of Culture: €10,000
  • Dept Environment/City Council/HSE: €20,000
  • Irish Aid Major Grant for National NGO (Client): €150,000
Major Philanthropy
  • Atlantic Philanthropies: €450,000
  • One Foundation: €150,000
  • Rowntree Trust Seed Funding: €40,000
Non-Governmental
  • Trócaire: €15,000
  • Community Foundation: €5,000
  • Business in the Community Support:
  • Also applied successfully to FAS for Community Employment Staff and to the VEC for tutor hour funding.

Research Grants

  Project Funding
Body 		Start Date End Date Award
Development Education Strategic Partnership Grant Scheme - Trócaire (with Community Radio Youghal) Other: Not Listed 01-JAN-20 31-DEC-20 €6,000.00
Unsettling Education UCC Creative 01-OCT-24 31-DEC-24 €1,500.00
Praxis Project Years 6-7, Integrating Global Citizenship and Development Education across UCC Other: Not Listed 01-OCT-24 30-SEP-26 €110,000.00
Praxis Project Year 5, Integrating Global Citizenship and Development Education across UCC Other: Not Listed 01-AUG-23 30-SEP-24 €73,600.00
Praxis Project Years 3-4, Integrating Development and Global Citizenship Education across UCC Other: Not Listed 01-OCT-21 31-AUG-23 €150,000.00
Praxis Project Year 2, Integrating Development and Global Citizenship Education across UCC. With Centre for Global Development. Other: Not Listed 01-SEP-20 30-SEP-21 €75,000.00
Praxis Project Year 1, Integrating Development and Global Citizenship Education across UCC – with Centre for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) Other: Not Listed 01-SEP-19 30-SEP-20 €20,000.00
Development Education Strategic Partnership Grant Scheme - Trócaire (with Community Radio Youghal) Other: Not Listed 01-JAN-19 31-DEC-19 €6,000.00
Ubuntu - Student teachers' civic engagement with DE: Phase 5 Other: Not Listed 01-OCT-18 01-SEP-19 €10,000.00
Development Education Strategic Partnership Grant Scheme - Trócaire (with Community Radio Youghal) Other: Not Listed 01-JAN-18 31-DEC-18 €6,000.00
Ubuntu - Student teachers' civic engagement with DE: Phase 4 Other: Not Listed 01-SEP-17 01-SEP-18 €7,000.00
Ubuntu - Student teachers' civic engagement with DE: Phase 3 Other: Not Listed 01-OCT-16 01-OCT-17 €5,100.00
Development Education Grant Scheme - Trócaire (with Community Radio Youghal) Other: Not Listed 01-JAN-16 31-DEC-16 €5,000.00
Ubuntu - Student teachers' civic engagement with DE: Phase 2 Other: Not Listed 01-OCT-15 01-OCT-16 €5,000.00
Artist in the Community, Cork City Council Other: Not Listed 01-OCT-15 01-JUN-16 €10,000.00
Civic Engagement in Social Justice Issues Irish Research Council 01-JAN-14 28-FEB-18 €96,000.00
Community Foundation of Ireland Older Person’s Grant – Citizenship and Community Gardening (with Family Carers) Other: Not Listed 01-OCT-14 01-DEC-15 €6,000.00
Cork City Twinning Grant 1 – with School of German Other: Not Listed 01-OCT-15 01-DEC-15 €500.00
Cork City Twinning Grant 1 – With Family Carers Cork and Cardiff Other: Not Listed 01-OCT-15 01-DEC-16 €500.00
Development Education Grant Scheme - Trócaire (with Community Radio Youghal) Other: Not Listed 01-JAN-17 21-DEC-17 €6,000.00
Older Person’s Grant – Citizenship and Community Gardening (with Cheshire Homes) Other: Not Listed 01-OCT-15 01-DEC-16 €6,000.00
Global Citizenship & Disability = Concern - Development Education Grant Other: Not Listed 01-OCT-15 01-DEC-15 €1,000.00
Trócaire's Development Education Grant Scheme (with Community Radio Youghal) Other: Not Listed 01-JAN-15 31-DEC-15 €5,000.00
Community Foundation of Ireland (Women in Leadership for ethnic minority groups) Other: Not Listed 01-OCT-14 01-DEC-15 €6,000.00
Ubuntu - Student teachers' civic engagement with DE: Phase I Other: Not Listed 01-SEP-14 31-AUG-15 €5,000.00
Development Education Grant Scheme - Trócaire (with Community Radio Youghal) Other: Not Listed 01-JAN-14 31-DEC-14 €5,000.00

Book Chapters

  Year Publication
(2020) 'Beyond Ribbon Cutting'
Gertrude Cotter (2020) 'Beyond Ribbon Cutting' In: Jacquir O Riordan and Mike Fitzgibbon (eds). Direct Provision; Asylum, The Academy and Activism. UK: Peter Lang. [ Publisher's Version] [DOI] [Details]
(2015) 'Parenting in a Multicultural Society: Migrants and their Experiences of Parenting in Ireland'
Cotter, G., Olaniyi, K. (2015) 'Parenting in a Multicultural Society: Migrants and their Experiences of Parenting in Ireland' In: Learning on the Job: Parenting in Modern Ireland. Ireland: Oak Tree Press. [Details]

Books

  Year Publication
(2017) “Human Rights. Our Rights!” - Communicating Human Rights in Community Radio. Trainer’s Handbook & Resources.
Cotter, G. (2017) “Human Rights. Our Rights!” - Communicating Human Rights in Community Radio. Trainer’s Handbook & Resources. Galway, Ireland: CRAOL: The Community Radio Forum of Ireland, Galway. [Details]
(2008) Employment, Enterprise and Education: A Guide for Migrants in Cork.
Cotter, G., (Ed.) (2008) Employment, Enterprise and Education: A Guide for Migrants in Cork. Cork, Ireland: Nasc, the Irish Immigrant Support Centre, Cork. [Details]
(2008) Integrating the Future: Nasc’s Strategy on Access to Employment, Education and Enterprise for Migrants in Cork.
Cotter, G. (2008) Integrating the Future: Nasc’s Strategy on Access to Employment, Education and Enterprise for Migrants in Cork. Cork, Ireland: Nasc, the Irish Immigrant Support Centre, Cork. [Details]
(2008) “North Meets South” Development Education Sessions for Older Teenagers.
Cotter, G., (Ed.) (2008) “North Meets South” Development Education Sessions for Older Teenagers. Cork, Ireland: Nasc, the Irish Immigrant Support Centre, Cork. [Details]
(2006) “In Our Own Words” Nasc training guide based on the experiences of people who are Immigrants, Refugees and Asylum-Seekers living in Ireland.
Cotter, G., (Ed.) (2006) “In Our Own Words” Nasc training guide based on the experiences of people who are Immigrants, Refugees and Asylum-Seekers living in Ireland. Cork, Ireland: Nasc, the Irish Immigrant Support Centre, Cork. [Details]
(2004) A Guide to Published Research on Refugees, Asylum-Seekers and Immigrants in Ireland.
Cotter, G. (2004) A Guide to Published Research on Refugees, Asylum-Seekers and Immigrants in Ireland. Dublin, Ireland: Integrating Ireland, Dublin. [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2002) Creating an Intercultural Campus.
Cotter, G., Fitzgibbon, M. (2002) Creating an Intercultural Campus. Cork, Ireland: Higher Education Equality Unit, University College Cork. [Details]

Peer Reviewed Journals

  Year Publication
(2023) 'All Aboard: Charting a Community-Linked Course in Development Education'
Gertrude Cotter (2023) 'All Aboard: Charting a Community-Linked Course in Development Education'. Policy & Practice: Development Education Review, 37 (Autumn):72-89 [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2022) 'Creating a Community of Praxis: Integrating Global Citizenship and Development Education across Campus at University College Cork'
Cotter, G., Bonenfant, Y., Butler, J., Caulfield, M., Doyle Prestwich, B., Griffin, R., Khabbar, S., Mishra, N., Hally, R., Murphy, M., Murphy, O. (2022) 'Creating a Community of Praxis: Integrating Global Citizenship and Development Education across Campus at University College Cork'. International Journal of Development Education and Global Learning, 14 (2):15-26 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2018) 'Critical Researchers ‘Of and For Our Times’: Exploring Student Teachers’ Use of Critical Multicultural and Development Education Frameworks in their Professional Research Papers (PRPs)'
Cotter, G., O’Brien, S. (2018) 'Critical Researchers ‘Of and For Our Times’: Exploring Student Teachers’ Use of Critical Multicultural and Development Education Frameworks in their Professional Research Papers (PRPs)'. Policy & Practice: Development Education Review, (26):74-104 [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2018) 'Nailing our Development Education Flag to the Mast and Flying it High: Rethinking Critical Approaches to Global and Development Education'
Cotter, G. (2018) 'Nailing our Development Education Flag to the Mast and Flying it High: Rethinking Critical Approaches to Global and Development Education'. Policy & Practice: Development Education Review, (27):127-141 [ Publisher's Version] [Details]

Conference Publications

  Year Publication
(2016) How do we re-present education? Development Education meets Critical Pedagogy
Cotter, G. and O’Brien, S. (2016). (2016) Opening Conference Address and Publication on dedicated website - http://representing-education.idestucc.com/ How do we re-present education? Development Education meets Critical Pedagogy [Details]

Published Reports

  Year Publication
(2023) Engaging Minds, Transforming Perspectives: Exploring Global Justice Education with University Students A Comprehensive Study of Global Citizenship and Development Education at University College Cork.
Gertrude Cotter (2023) Engaging Minds, Transforming Perspectives: Exploring Global Justice Education with University Students A Comprehensive Study of Global Citizenship and Development Education at University College Cork. Praxis Project, Cork, Ireland. [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2021) Creating a Community of Praxis At University College Cork Academic Report Part 1.
Dr. Gertrude Cotter (2021) Creating a Community of Praxis At University College Cork Academic Report Part 1. UCC, UCC. [Details]
(2017) Before 5 & Community Academic Research Links Community Research Report.
Ahern, C., Barry, M., Burns, K., Calnan, S., Cosgrave, S., Cotter, G., Dobrea, M., Foley, S., Galvin, M., Golden, B., Hally, R., Hamill, J., Hayes, G., Jump, O., Madden, I., Moynihan, C.. O’Connor, L., O’Mahony, C., Ryan, K., Olwabunmi Taiwo, O., Wallace, T., & Watson, C. (2017) Before 5 & Community Academic Research Links Community Research Report. University College Cork, Cork. [ Publisher's Version] [Details]

Newsletter

  Year Publication
(1994) Bolivian Bulletin Monthly Bulletin. La Paz, Bolivia: CEDOIN.
Cotter, G. (1994) Bolivian Bulletin Monthly Bulletin. La Paz, Bolivia: CEDOIN. Newsletter [Details]

Thesis/Dissertation

  Year Publication
(2019) Global-Local Connections: What Educators, who use community-linked and multimedia Methodologies, can learn about critically engaging university students in Development Education. (PhD).
Cotter, G. (2019) Global-Local Connections: What Educators, who use community-linked and multimedia Methodologies, can learn about critically engaging university students in Development Education. (PhD). Cork, Ireland: Thesis/Dissertation [Details]
(1989) Britain and Peron’s Argentina: 1946-1955.
Cotter, N.G. (1989) Britain and Peron’s Argentina: 1946-1955. Cork, Ireland: Thesis/Dissertation [Details]

Interview

  Year Publication
(2007) Conference told of need to reunite migrant families (Irish Times).
Kelleher, Olivia (2007) Conference told of need to reunite migrant families (Irish Times). Interview [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2006) Asylum seeker (19) told to leave his hostel (Irish Times).
O’Brien, Carl (2006) Asylum seeker (19) told to leave his hostel (Irish Times). Interview [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2005) Woman not allowed to travel for abortion (Irish Times).
Holl, Kitty (2005) Woman not allowed to travel for abortion (Irish Times). Interview [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2005) Call for new approach to aid migrants adapt to life here (Irish Times).
Kelleher, Olivia (2005) Call for new approach to aid migrants adapt to life here (Irish Times). Interview [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2004) Racist attacks prompt call for tougher legislation (Irish Times).
Roche, Barry (2004) Racist attacks prompt call for tougher legislation (Irish Times). Interview [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2004) Cork-based immigrant group calls for No vote (Irish Times).
O’Connor, Niall (2004) Cork-based immigrant group calls for No vote (Irish Times). Interview [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2004) Cork asylum support group has to find new premises (Irish Times).
Roche, Barry (2004) Cork asylum support group has to find new premises (Irish Times). Interview [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2003) Support centre for refugees in Cork may close (Irish Times).
O’Brien, Carl (2003) Support centre for refugees in Cork may close (Irish Times). Interview [ Publisher's Version] [Details]

Education

  Year Institution Qualification Subject
2019 University College Cork PhD Education
2021 UCC Teaching & Learning in Higher Education (for third-level teachers) Teaching & Learning in Higher Education
2014 University College Cork Master of Arts/Latin American History Latin American History
2013 Open University Post Graduate Diploma Social Science Research Methods
2013 University College Cork Post Graduate Certificate Creative and Digital Marketing
2010 Open University Master of Science Degree 1st Class Honours
2002 University College Cork Higher Diploma Education
1993 Dublin Institute of Technology Higher Diploma in Public Relations Public Relations
1989 University College Cork Master of Arts Degree Latin American History
1987 University College Cork Bachelor of Arts Degree English and History

Conference Contributions

  Year Publication
(2022) IDEA Annual Conference 2022 The Future of Global Citizenship: educating for a changing world,
Dr. Gertrude Cotter (2022) Development Education and Conflict. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], IDEA Annual Conference 2022 The Future of Global Citizenship: educating for a changing world, Dublin and Online . [Details]
(2020) The Potential and Challenges of Global Citizen Education in the context of the SDGs & How you can work with the Praxis Project,
Cotter, G. (2020) Finale of the Sustainable Development Goals lunchtime seminar. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], The Potential and Challenges of Global Citizen Education in the context of the SDGs & How you can work with the Praxis Project, University College Cork - 27-MAY-20. [Details]
(2020) Presentation to the QR Panel,
O'Brien, S., Cotter, G. and Hoy, S. (2020). (2020) Introduction to Development and Global Citizenship Education (DGCE). An Exemplary Case Study of Research at the School of Education, UCC. [Invited Oral Presentation], Presentation to the QR Panel, Tower Room 2, UCC, February 12, 2020 . [Details]
(2017) Ubuntu Network Dialogue Day,
Cotter, G. (2017) The title of this Dialogue Day was: Curriculum, Policy and Advocacy: The Increasing Need for Development Education …an invitation to teacher educators to explore and discuss approaches to enhancing curriculum and policy for Development Education. The title of my presentation was: “Student Teachers as Critical Researchers: Learning from student stories of using Development and Multicultural Education Frameworks in their masters' research papers”. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Ubuntu Network Dialogue Day, University College Cork, Ireland - 26-MAY-17. [Details]
(2017) Exploring Development Education with University Students and people with Intellectual & Neurological Disabilities, using community-based-learning, digital-story-telling and radio,
Cotter, G. (2017) 2nd International Paulo Freire Conference: ‘Education is an act of love and thus an act of courage’ – Paulo Freire. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Exploring Development Education with University Students and people with Intellectual & Neurological Disabilities, using community-based-learning, digital-story-telling and radio, The University of Central Lancashire’s Cyprus Campus, Pyla, Larnaca, Cyprus , 05-SEP-17 - 07-SEP-17. [Details]
(2017) Evidence Based Research for Policy Development in Global Education,
Cotter, G. (2017) Title of Paper: Connecting communities: exploring the Global learning journeys of university students and community partners in Cork and Lesotho, using ethnographical approaches to service learning, online intercultural exchange, radio and digital technologies. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Evidence Based Research for Policy Development in Global Education, The Institute of Education, University College London - 11-MAY-17. [Details]
(2016) PhD Symposium,
Cotter, G. (2016) PhD Presentation. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], PhD Symposium, University College Cork, Ireland . [Details]
(2016) Africa Day 2016 Presentation,
Cotter, G. (2016) Africa Day, Cork 2016. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Africa Day 2016 Presentation, Cork, Ireland . [Details]
(2016) The European Refugee Crisis: What have we learnt?,
Cotter, G. (2016) Video Link to Hickory North Carolina Seminar and Fundraiser for Refugee Projects. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], The European Refugee Crisis: What have we learnt?, Video Link to Hickory North Carolina Seminar - 25-MAY-16. [Details]
(2015) Refugee Symposium, Department of History, UCC,
Cotter, G. (2015) Learning from the Past, Planning for the Current Crisis. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Refugee Symposium, Department of History, UCC, University College Cork, Ireland - 14-OCT-15. [Details]
(2015) Biopolitical Ireland Conference,
Cotter, G. (2015) Title of Paper: Parenting in a Multicultural Society: Migrants and their experiences of parenting in Ireland. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Biopolitical Ireland Conference, King’s College London - 30-OCT-15. [Details]

Honours and Awards

  Year Title Awarding Body
2024 Certificate of Appreciation, Trócaire Trócaire
2019 Impact Narrative Award, UCC UCC
2018 CRAOL National Radio Award for Teamwork: Distinction CRAOL Community Radio Ireland
2017 Quality Review Recognition of Id Est Project, School of Education UCC School of Education, UCC
2015 Arts in Context Award, Cork City Council Cork City Council Arts Office
2014 The Irish Research Council National Forum Postgraduate Scholarship for Teaching and Learning at Higher Education The National Forum for Teaching and Learning at Higher Education, through the Irish Research Council
2013 Fellowship, Institute of Intercultural Studies Oregon, USA Institute of Intercultural Studies Oregon, USA
1993 Winner of Irish Press Award for Journalistic Writing DCU

Employment

  Employer Position From / To
UCC Current: Lecturer in Global Citizenship and Development Education 01-SEP-14 / 29-OCT-24

Committees

  Committee Function From / To
Member of Executive Management Committee, School of Education, UCC Member (Chair Global Engagement Committee) 2024 / 2024
College of Arts and Humanities International Committee Global Engagement Representative of the School of Education 2024 / 2024
The ISS21 Populism and the Rise of the Far-right Research Cluster Member 2024 / 2024
Race Equality Network, UCC Treasurer, Race Equality Network, UCC 2024 / 2024
Global Engagement Committee, School of Education Chair 2024 / 2024
UCC Academic Council Member 2024 / 2024
University of Sanctuary Committee, UCC Member 2015 / 2024
Comhlamh, Organisation for Irish Development Workers Committee Member 2014 / 2016
The Roma Support Group, Cork Member 2014 / 2014
National Executive of the Family Resource Centres Forum Member 2003 / 2004
The Irish Refugee Council Member 2001 / 2002
CARASI Cómhlamh Action on Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Immigrants Founding member/Chairperson 2000 / 2009
The Wheel, National Representative Body for the Community and Voluntary Sector in Ireland Founder member 2000 / 2001
Integrating Ireland Joint Chairperson 1997 / 1999
Comhlamh, Organisation for Development Workers and Volunteers Chairperson for one year. Long term member. 1992 / 1993

Outreach Activities

  Description

My work is intrinsically linked to community organisations and NGOs at home and abroad. I partner on projects and research with organisations such as Nano Nagle Place, Community Radio Youghal, Campus Radio, Disability service providers in Cork. I partner on projects, training and research with NGOs such as Trócaire, Self-Help Africa, Galway One World Centre, Ubuntu, Financial Justice Ireland and Comhlamh in Ireland, collaborating too with their international branches where relevant. I network with a wide range of universities and organisations working in the GCDE space. I am a member of the Irish Development Education Association.

Various initiatives as a group of staff. Raising awareness about global famine especially in Horn of Africa. Fundraising initiative.

Currently working on projects in partnership with indigenous communities in Peru, community organisation in Kenya and universities in Peru, Kenya and Palestine. Previously worked in partnership with communities in Lesotho, India and Radio in Youghal.

Co-founder of Bus Stop Chat, Dialogue Group for UCC Staff

Co-founder of this sub group of Cómhlamh offering anti-racism training to wider community, statutory agencies and schools.

Active member for 30 years. Involved in numerous policy advocacy, educational and campaigning activities on global development issues.

• Developed first strategic plan and ran course in Training for Transformation with Women’s Group.

Coordinator of Volunteers Cork, Migration Programme.

Network of organisations supporting Asylum-Seekers, Refugees and Immigrants.

Volunteered at residential centre for six elderly men.

Other Activities

  Description

Established UCC's 'Praxis Week'.   The first week was the week of 4th to 8th of April 2022.  The theme of the week was ‘Creating a Community of Praxis at UCC’. 
See:
https://praxisucc.ie/upcoming-event/1868/

Office of the Vice-President for Learning and Teaching Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement Funding in Higher Education 2022

Established Praxis 'Summer School'
The first Praxis Summer School took place on 8th to 12th of August 2022.  
https://praxisucc.ie/ucc-staff/praxis-pilot-mini-summer-school-2022-2/

Member of major research project being led by the Centre for Religion, Human Values, and International Relations, DCU.  Part of the global group in discussion on Food Security and Famine.  My role is to contribute to the research from a GCE perspective.  The research project is entitled: ‘Multilateralism and Methodology’. It examines the ways in which our current structures for international cooperation may not be fit-for-purpose when it comes to some of the major global challenges that are of concern to churches, including climate justice and global peace-building efforts. The project is analysing the ways in which religious leaders can support political efforts to address these challenges through effective multilateral engagement.

External Examiner for the MA in Global Citizenship and Sustainable Leadership, at the University of Wales

Professional Associations

  Association Function From / To
Irish Development Education Association Member. As part of my role as academic coordinator of the Praxis Project. 01-MAR-19 / 10-FEB-23
The Ubuntu Networkco: Cmunity of educators in post primary Initial Teacher Education, that work to support Global Citizenship Education (GCE). Member 01-JAN-14 / 31-OCT-24

Consultancy

  Client Description
Family Carers Ireland, Cork Branch
Facilitator/Trainer: Advocacy
CRAOL, National Network Community Radio Ireland
Development of FETAC Level 3 Module on the theme of Radio and Human Rights. Staff training.
Community Radio Youghal
Presenter of The Global Hub Radio Show Trainer: Community Members
Cheshire Homes, Cork
Year 1: Creator of Digital Stories/Archive Year 2: Facilitator, Community Gardening and Citizenship

Languages

  Language Reading Writing Speaking
French Basic Basic Basic
Spanish Functional Functional Functional
Italian Basic Basic Basic

Teaching Interests

Current teaching interests are in the field of Development and Global Citizenship Education.  
Course coordinator of UW0012 Global Citizenship and Development Education (UCC)
Course coordinator of Digital Badget in Global Citizenship and Development Education for third level staff (UCC)

Previously
I have lectured in the following fields:
  • Development Studies
  • Sustainable Development
  • Intercultural Communications
  • Social Care Management
  • Reflective Practice
  • Community Development
  • International Development
  • Latin American History    
Teaching approaches and methodologies include, where relevant: Critical Pedagogy; Multimedia; Community-Linked Learning; Creative Arts, Drama, Digital Storytelling, Radio and Film.

Significant experiences of designing and delivering online courses.