With projects focusing on engaging civic society, post-pandemic supports and contributing to the Government’s Shared Island initiative, five scholars from Trinity’s Arts and Humanities schools have been awarded, many of whom are partnering with civic society organisations:
Dr Rachel Hoare, Assistant Professor, Department of French was awarded for her project ‘BEFRIEND’, a project which will use inclusive research practices to understand, affirm and improve the befriending experiences and integration opportunities of refugees, international protection applicants and asylum seekers. This project is in partnership with civic society organisation, Spirasi, the National Centre for the rehabilitation of victims of torture in Ireland.
Dr Pádraic Whyte, Associate Professor, School of English was awarded as part of the Shared Island New Foundations Strand in partnership with the Department of the Taoiseach. His inter-disciplinary project ‘Reading Room’ aims to foster constructive and inclusive dialogue between communities by investigating and advancing the potential of shared reading groups to promote higher levels of empathy among Northern Ireland interface communities. This project will partner with VERBAL, The Verbal Arts Centre is based in Derry, an educational charity for the development of the verbal arts and literacy.
Dr Bronagh Catibusic, Assistant Professor, School of Linguistic Speech and Communication Sciences, was awarded for her project 'TELS-Migrant', a technology-enhanced language support for adult migrants in the post-pandemic environment that will investigate the impact of Covid-19 on English language support in Ireland, and deliver training for tutors and digital resources for learners. This project will work in partnership with the Third Age Foundation, which provides community-based English classes for migrants through its ‘Fáilte Isteach’ initiative.
Dr Orla Gilheany, Assistant Professor, Clinical Speech and Language Studies, School of Linguistic Speech and Communication Sciences has been awarded for her project 'FibroForum', which will focus on the creation of an expert research consortium to advance the care of those living with oral health and functioning problems associated with fibromyalgia. According to project partner FibroIreland, fibromyalgia is described as a widespread chronic pain, as well as a broad spectrum of related symptoms including fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and reduced physical function.
Professor Oran Doyle, School of Law, was awarded for his project ‘NSLMap', a North-South Legal Maping Project as part of the Government’s Shared Island initiative which will identify and analyse legal convergences and divergences between North and South as our common EU membership ends and as debates about future North-South and East-West relationships increase.