Maynooth University, located just outside Dublin, is Ireland’s nation’s fastest growing university. Maynooth University in 2022 ranked # 1 in Ireland in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Best Young University Rankings. Maynooth University is a place of lively contrasts–a modern institution, dynamic, rapidly-growing, research-led and engaged, yet grounded in historic academic strengths and scholarly traditions. With over 15,000 students from more than 100 countries, Maynooth offers a range of programmes at undergraduate, Master’s and PhD level in the humanities, science and engineering, and social sciences.
The Department of Applied Social Studies (DAPPSS) in Maynooth is the longest established provider of professional education and training in youth work and community work in Ireland. The Department has developed a reputation for excellence in Social Policy studies and is the lead Department for the three year full-time Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc) degree. The Department’s mission is: “To promote human rights, social justice and equality, nationally and internationally, through excellence and innovation in education, research and public engagement that contribute to the development of the social professions and applied social sciences”.
Dr Rory Hearne is an Assistant Professor/Lecturer in Social Policy in the Department of Applied Social Studies with expertise in the area of housing, the welfare state, policy analysis, inequality, politics, and participative action research. He is part of the academic delivery of key parts of INVOLVE, including being responsible for delivery of sub-workpackages in the Policy Laboratory.
