Date: 29th January 2026
Location: Gresham Hotel, Dublin 1
The ERC@60 Conference brought together researchers, educators, policymakers and partners to celebrate six decades of educational research and impact. Marking the 60th anniversary of the Educational Research Centre, the event provided a platform to reflect on the Centre’s contributions to education research, assessment and policy in Ireland and beyond, and to look ahead to emerging priorities.
The programme featured keynote talks, panel discussions and presentations highlighting key research themes, lessons learned over the years, and future directions for evidence-informed practice and policy. Delegates engaged in rich discussion about evolving challenges in education and the role of research in supporting effective solutions. The conference was an opportunity not only to honour the ERC’s history but also to strengthen connections across the education and research community as we enter the next decade of work.
Speakers included: Prof Eugene Wall, Dr Peter Archer, Orlaith O’Connor (DEY), Prof Zita Lysaght (DCU), Prof Christian Christrup Kjeldsen (IEA), Dr Jude Cosgrove (EC JRC) and Aidan Clerkin (ERC).
📋Agenda:
- 8.30 – 9.30: Registration (with Tea/Coffee)
- 9.30 – 9.50: Introduction and Address by Chairperson of the ERC
- 9.50 – 11.00: Session 1: A reflection on 60 years of the ERC
- 11.00 – 11.30: Tea/coffee break
- 11.30 – 12.45: Session 2: Looking ahead: Perspectives on the future of educational research
- 12.45 – 13.00: Concluding remarks
- 13.00 – 14.00: Lunch
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