Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Group

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Group and Sub-Groups

Page Updated: November 2024

UCD is committed to providing an inclusive work environment for faculty, staff and students of the university, and this is demonstrated in Strategic Objective 5 of the University Strategic Plan “Attract and retain an excellent and diverse cohort of students, faculty and staff”. UCD believes in equality, diversity and inclusion and embeds these fairness principles into all aspects of University life. UCD’s vision for EDI is to be a leader and role model in equality and diversity in the higher education sector nationally and internationally, and for EDI to be at the heart of all we do. 

The UMT Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Group was established in September 2015 to support the achievement of this strategic objective and to promote an inclusive and diverse work and study environment for all.

This group plays an important role in the mainstreaming of equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the university for faculty, employees and students as the university develops and delivers processes, makes policy decisions and plans programmes and projects. The group leads out on equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives and makes recommendations to the University Management Team.

The EDI group is chaired by Professor Aoife Ahern, Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and is supported by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion unit.

Membership

• Professor Aoife Ahern, VP for EDI, Chair of EDI Group and  Co-Chair Gender Equality Action Group (GEAG)
• Marcellina Fogarty, EDI Manager
• Dr Emma Sokell, School of Physics - Science (Co-Chair Gender Equality Action Group) GEAG
• Dipti Pandya, Co Chair Anti Racism and Cultural Awareness
• Dr Desire Mpanje, Co Chair Anti Racism and Cultural Awareness
• Tasneem Filaih, Co Chair, Faith and Religion working group
• Dr Daniel Deasy, Co Chair Faith and Religion working group
• Prof Cormac Taylor, Co Chair, Engaging Men in EDI working group
• Conor O'Rourke, Co Chair, LGBTI Subgroup
• Dr Niamh Nestor, Co Chair, LGBTI Subgroup
• Dr. Muireann Ní Raghallaigh, Co-Chair - Uni. of Sanctuary Sub-Group
• Dr Graham Finlay, Co-Chair University of Sanctuary Sub-Group
• Prof Jason Last, Dean of Students
• Rory Carey, Director, Culture & Engagement
• Mark Simpson, Culture & Engagement
• Prof. John Brannigan, Chair of the Widening Participation Committee
• Bairbre Fleming, Director, ALL
• Mark Lande, IT Services Representative)
• Dr John Gilmore, LGTBI Staff Network Representative
• Tina Lowe, Disability Staff Network
• PJ Barron, Estate Services Representative
• Ruth Harrison, UCD Registry Representative
• Lorna Dood, UCD Library Representative)
• Maura McGinn Director, Institutional Research
• Hanna Laitinen, University Secretariat Representative
• Eve Brosseau, UCD Global Representative)
• Dr Geraldine O'Neill, Teaching and Learning Representative
• Maciek Szydlowski , UCD Research Representative
• Joseph Albert, AUC Nominee
• Saskia McCormack Eiffe, Campaigns Officer, Students Union
• Ciara Donohue Welfare Officer, Students Union
• Joanna O'Keeffe (EDI - Secretary to the EDI Group)

Vice Principals for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: 

• Dr Mary Farrelly (College of Arts and Humanities)
• Dr Ernesto Vasquez del Aguila (College of Social Sciences and Law and Co Chair, Engaging Men in EDI working group)
• Dr Fionnuala Murphy (College of Engineering and Architecture)
• Assoc. Prof. Catherine Mooney (College of Science)
• Professor Colm McLaughlin (College of Business)
• Deirdre O'Connor (College of Health & Agricultural Science)

EDI Sub-Groups

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Sub-Groups report to the UMT Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) group. These groups are responsible for supporting the mainstreaming of EDI and driving equality, diversity and inclusion related initiatives (see terms of reference below.) They will make recommendations to the EDI Group. 

EDI Sub-groups Terms of Reference

Expression of Interest

Expression of interest forms and information on how to join UCD EDI Sub-Groups can be found here

We welcome expressions of interest from all members of the UCD Community and all backgrounds to join the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion sub-groups. Please fill out the following expression of interest form if you are interested in joining any of the sub-groups: 

Call for Expression of Interest

Expression of interest forms and any queries should be sent to (opens in a new window)edi@ucd.ie with EDI Sub-Group Membership as the subject.