Professor Ann Devitt
Head of School, School of Education, Trinity College Dublin
Why evidence-informed research matters to help all students thrive.
“Our mission is to expand opportunities for every student to ensure all learners can thrive,” says Professor Ann Devitt, Head of School, School of Education, Trinity College Dublin.
“Every learner deserves a quality, equitable educational experience,” says Professor Devitt, “but these experiences are not always equal.” Understanding why sits at the heart of the School of Education’s mission. Across its staff and students, research evidence is the shared tool for finding answers.
Commitment to research excellence
Trinity College Dublin’s School of Education is recognised internationally, and they are ranked 66th worldwide for Education and Training in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
“Research is central to everything we do. Our goal is to conduct educational research that informs and transforms policy, practice and learning nationally and internationally,” explains Professor Devitt.
The work of the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities (TCPID) in the School of Education is an excellent example of how research can transform lives and lead change. She emphasises how the School’s research which actively involves learners, educators, institutions, industry and policymakers, drives positive change across our education sectors.
Addressing key educational challenges
Today’s education systems are facing unprecedented social, technological and economic change. “We work continuously and collectively using our research with and for learners, educators and other stakeholders to navigate these challenges, across a range of areas like inclusive education, digital transformation in education including AI, leadership and professional learning, policy and assessment,” says Professor Devitt.
Collaborative research projects bring a rich mixture of disciplines to address some of the complex problems in education today. Staff in the School of Education collaborate as Principal Investigators in Research Ireland centres, with Learnovate (the Enterprise Ireland funded Technology Centre for the Future of Work and Learning), on EU-funded Teacher Academies (ACT-AI and TAME) and Horizon projects to achieve this goal.
Translating research into practice
The School provides programmes to educators at all stages of their careers, supporting them to translate cutting-edge research into practice from initial teacher education to upskilling programmes as well as Masters and Doctorates. This broad offering reflects the School’s mission to develop teachers’ confidence, expertise, and leadership to make a meaningful difference in classrooms and beyond.
Professor Devitt adds that the School has a responsibility not only to prepare future educational professionals but also to contribute to educational discourse in Ireland and internationally.
Through its programmes, research and engagement with schools, communities, policymakers and the wider education sector, the School plays a central role in advancing evidence-based practice and policy, shaping educational futures.
“Above all, we are committed to making positive and lasting change through the advancement of knowledge” concludes Professor Devitt.
