Event Overview

As part of Ireland’s hosting of the EU Presidency, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) are delighted to host a two-day conference on inclusive education ‘Shaping an Inclusive and Empowering Higher Education System’ , 29 & 30 October, at SETU, Carlow Campus.

The European Commission and the European Council’s 2015 joint report on implementing the Education and Training 2020 strategy has established ‘inclusive education, equality, equity, non-discrimination and the promotion of civic competences’ as priority areas for European cooperation in the field of education and training. An inclusive educational approach aims to provide equitable learning opportunities for all, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities and highlights the importance of fostering an environment where every student can participate fully.

The conference will showcase Ireland’s leadership through national policy progression in inclusive education. The event will also bring together leaders, educators, researchers and policy makers from Irish and international higher education to discuss inclusive, safe and empowering environments, inclusive culture and institutional leadership across higher education.

Draft Conference Agenda

Day 1: Thursday 29 October

10:00–11:00 Registration

11:00–11:30 Welcome and Introduction

11:30–12:30 Joint Keynote Address: Irish and European Perspectives on Inclusive Higher Education

  • Jade Iafrate, European Commission Gender Sector
  • Dara Ryder, AHEAD

12:30–1:30 Lunch

1:30–2:30 Supporting Inclusive Environments

  • Maja Gustafsson, OECD
  • Dr Ross Woods, HEA

2:30–2:45 Comfort Break

2:45–3:45 Lightning Talks

3:45–4:15 Speak Out National Office – 2024-2025 Data Launch

4:15–4:30 Closing Remarks

Day 2: Friday 30 October

09:15–09:45 Arrival & Networking

09:45–10:00 Welcome and Introduction

10:00–11:00 Keynote Address on Increased Diversity in Higher Education, Charlotte Armstrong, Higher Education Policy Institute

11:00–12:00 Supporting Inclusive Cultures

  • Dr Marcela Linková, Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences
  • Dr Jörg Müller, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya
  • Dr Lilian Nwanze-Akobo, Maynooth University

12:00–12:15 Comfort Break

12:15–13:15 Panel session with Higher Education Leaders

13:15–13:30 Closing remarks

13:30–14:30 Lunch and networking