The Maynooth University Department of Adult and Community Education participated in the joint UALL (Universities Association for Lifelong Learning) and SCUTREA 2025 Conference, which took place at the University of Liverpool from 16–18 June 2025. The event brought together academics, practitioners, and researchers from across the UK, Ireland, and beyond to examine urgent issues in adult learning, from inclusivity and social justice to the future of lifelong education.
Among the key contributions from the department were several presentations and workshops led by its academic staff:
Dr. Lilian Nwanze-Akobo and Dr. Jerry O’Neill, co-directors of the Higher Diploma in Further Education, delivered a workshop titled “Pedagogies of Discomfort: Challenges and Possibilities of Multi-Racial Co-Facilitation in Confronting Racism in Adult Education”, reflecting their continuing work on equity-focused teaching practices.
Dr. Nwanze-Akobo also co-presented with Dr. Nadine Cavigioli (University of Leeds) on “The Emotional Labour of Responding to the Trauma of Racism and Classism in Spaces of Learning”, drawing attention to the emotional complexities educators face in transformative learning environments.
Professor Camilla Fitzsimons, Head of Department, offered a compelling analysis in her paper “Palestine in Context: A University-Based Teach-In as Pedagogy, Resistance, and Praxis”, exploring the intersection of education, activism, and critical pedagogy.
Dr. Nuala Whelan, co-director of the Adult Guidance Counselling Programme, presented her research titled “The Transformative Effects of Adult Guidance Counselling in Public Employment Services: A Focus on Learning About Self for Sustainable Employment”, which explored how adult learners benefit from guidance counselling in employment contexts.
Maynooth University’s Department of Adult and Community Education (DACE) is Ireland’s only specialist academic department dedicated to the education of adults. With over 40 years of experience, the department has worked with thousands of learners, demonstrating that it is truly never too late to return to education.
DACE offers a diverse range of programmes designed to meet the needs of adult learners from all backgrounds and levels of experience. Whether supporting individuals with no formal qualifications seeking to re-enter education, or providing Continuing Professional Development for those already holding degrees, including postgraduate and doctoral qualifications, DACE remains committed to widening access and enhancing professional practice across the adult learning sector.
