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Comparative Inequalities, Education and Families (CRIEF)

The Comparative Research on Inequalities, Education and Families (CRIEF) research unit represents a vibrant and prolific group that combines quantitative and qualitative methodologies by using comparative case studies, observational data and experimental designs. CRIEF has three main areas:

1. Inequalities: Social stratification and well-being processes from early childhood to old age (Yekaterina Chzhen, Richard Layte, Jan Skopek).
2. Education: Educational systems and processes linked to academic performance and identities of individuals and groups; cross-national comparative curriculum analysis and religion in schools and society (Daniel Faas, Jan Skopek).
3. Families: Gendered and socioeconomic processes in families affecting individuals’ well-being, time use and norms over the life course (Richard Layte, David Ralph, Jan Skopek).

CRIEF researchers have published their research in leading outlets and received grants from top international funding agencies like the Horizon 2020 Programme, Marie Sklodowska-Curie-Actions, Irish Research Council and Health Research Board. Researchers at CRIEF actively collaborate with national and international research centres, networks and organisations including ECSR, ESRI, TRiCC and TILDA. CRIEF is committed to creating high scientific, social and policy impact.   

Researchers:

• Dr Yekaterina Chzhen
• Prof Daniel Faas
• Prof Richard Layte
• Dr David Ralph
• Dr Jan Skopek

Selected Projects:

• LEARN: Longitudinal Educational Achievements: Reducing iNequalities (TCD lead: Yekaterina Chzhen). Funder: European Commission, Horizon Europe. Period: 2024-2027.
• Growing up in Multicultural Ireland: The School Community Study (PI: Daniel Faas); Funder: Irish Research Council. Period: 2024-2027.
• Multi-Ethnic Communities and Religion: How Accommodating Are Irish Primary Schools? (PI: Daniel Faas); Funder: Provost PhD Award, Trinity College Dublin. Period: 2020-2024.
• TeenPath: Social Environment, Health and Well-Being Among Adolescents in Ireland  (PI: Richard Layte & Debbie Stanistreet, RCSI) Funder: Health Research Board. Period: 2020/22.
• Researching and Promoting Positive Adult and Child Mental Health and Wellbeing in Lone-Parent Families (PI: Cadhla McDonnell; Co-PI: Pablo Gracia). Funder: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, IRC COFUND (CAROLINE). Period: 2019/22.
• Family-Friendly Policies in Rich Countries (PI: Yekaterina Chzhen). Funder: UNICEF. Period: 2019.
• Child Well-Being in Rich Countries (PI: Yekaterina Chzhen). Funder: UNICEF. Period: 2018/2019.
• ISOTIS: Inclusive Education and Social Support to Tackle Inequalities in Society (PI: Jan Skopek. Funder: Horizon 2020 European Commission; Period: 2017/19.
• CNS: Religious Education in Ireland: The Responses of Community National Schools (PI: Daniel Faas); Funder: Trinity College Dublin, VP/CAO. Period: 2017/18.
• LIFEPATH: The Biological Pathways Underlying Social Differences in Healthy Ageing (PI Richard Layte); Funder: Horizon 2020 European Commission. Period: 2015-2019.