Research Conference

NCSE Research Research Conference

NCSE Annual Research Conference 2026

Wednesday 4 November 2025 – 09:30 – 15:40
Cusack Suite, Croke Park, Dublin 3, D03 P6K7

Further details on the conference will be issued closer to the date.
#ncseconf2026

Audience seated in a conference room facing a presentation screen

NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025

We held our annual Research Conference in The Cusack Suite, Croke Park on 5 November 2025. We would like to thank everyone who attended both in person and online for their contributions in making the conference a success.

For each of the speaker sessions, you can access:
– The abstracts
– Biographical notes
– Presentation slides

To join the NCSE Research mailing list, please email research@ncse.ie

Email NCSE Research

NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025

Welcome to the NCSE Research Conference

View the welcome and introduction to the NCSE Research Conference 2025 from Dr Fergal Lynch, Chairperson of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

Blue keyboard key labelled "Online Registration" with mouse icon

NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025

Registration is now open

Please note that this year, we have a limited number of in-person places available. Registration will therefore be based on a first come, first served basis.

Note. After registration, should you no longer wish to attend in-person, we ask that you contact us at research@ncse.ie to cancel your place, as we will be keeping a waiting list for those to attend in-person.

Register here

NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025

Conference Address from Minister Michael Moynihan TD

View the conference address and welcome by Michael Moynihan TD, Minister for State at the Department of Education and Youth with special responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion.

NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025

Session 1

Theme: Benefits of Practitioner-Based Research

NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025

Benefits of Practice-based Research – Prof. Sarah Parsons

The first theme looked at the benefits of close-to-practice research. Professor Sarah Parsons, University of Southampton spoke on this subject along with some examples of practice-based research projects that have taken place in Irish schools.

View Prof. Sarah Parsons Presentation View Abstract and Bio for Prof. Sarah Parsons

NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025

Examples of Practice Based Research in Irish Schools – Panel Discussion

Contributors:
– Éilis Dillon, St. Cecilla’s Special School, Sligo
– Fiona Green, formerly Coláiste Dún Iascaigh, Tipperary
– Maeve Foxton, Saint Raphael’s College, Loughrea
– Aisling White, Mid-West School for the Deaf, Limerick
– John O’Sullivan, formerly CBS Thurles, Tipperary

NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025

Session 2

Theme: Post-School Pathways and
Transitions

NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025

Post-school Transitions and Pathways – Learnings from the USA

Dr Valerie L. Mazzotti, Roy A. Roberts Distinguished Professor of Special Education, Kansas University, started the second theme and told us about research conducted on post-school transitions and pathways in the USA.

View Dr. Valerie L. Mazzotti Presentation View Abstract and Bio for Dr. Valerie L. Mazzotti

NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025

NCSE evaluation of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy (CES) Transition Pilot programme

Beth Young, Associate Director from Fortia Insight (formerly RSM) UK Consulting LLP, presented findings from the NCSE evaluation of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy (CES) Transition Pilot programme.

View Beth Young Presentation View Abstract and Bio for Beth Young

NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025

Paths, Tracks, Gaps and Cliffs: The Post-school Transitions of Students with Special Educational Needs

Dr. Eamonn Carroll and Keye Yu present the findings from an NCSE study that mapped and tracked the post-school pathways of young people with special educational needs.

View Dr. Eamonn Carroll and Keyu Ye Presentation View Abstract and Bio for Dr. Eamonn Carroll and Keyu Ye

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NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025

Data Protection and Privacy

The NCSE is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of the people we work with and for.

Our Privacy Notice and Data Protection Statement tell you about how we store and use personal data. We will use the information you provide to register for this event to contact you about your attendance.

View our Privacy Notice View our Data Protection Privacy Statement

NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025

Research Conference Details

NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025

I would like to attend the conference in person, how do I register?

Please note that this year, we have a limited number of in-person places available. Registration will therefore be based on a first come, first served basis.

Note. After registration, should you no longer wish to attend in-person, we ask that you contact us at research@ncse.ie to cancel your place, as we will be keeping a waiting list for those to attend in-person.

Welcome refreshments will be available from 9am and lunch will be provided for those attending in-person. Please note any dietary or any other requirements on the registration form.

Register here

NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025

I can’t attend the conference in person. Can I attend the conference online?

Yes. There is an option to attend the conference online via the NCSE website. Registration is not required to attend online. The link for the livestream will be made available in the lead up to the conference.

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NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025

Accessibility at the Research Conference

The NCSE is committed to making our Research Conference accessible to all delegates.

Our host venue Croke Park are commited to running fully accessible events and making Croke Park as welcoming and easy to access as possible for every organiser, speaker and attendee.

At the conference itself and also for our online attendees, Irish Sign Language interpretation and closed captions will be provided for delegates.

Croke Park Accessibility Information

NCSE Annual Research Conference

Archive

View content from our previous Research Conferences

Year	Theme of conference
Research Conference 2024	The Progressive Realisation of an Inclusive Education System in Ireland: The new NCSE and Vision 2026.
Research Conference 2023	The NCSE and Inclusive Education Service Provision in Ireland and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Research Conference 2022	Post-pandemic Education and Experiences of Transition: Entering the Irish system and leaving school.
Research Conference 2021	Continuity of Education and Dealing with Regression Post-Pandemic & Education for Adults with Disabilities.
Research Conference 2020	Inclusion and Online Learning for Students with Special Educational Needs.
Research Conference 2019	Inclusive Education Systems & Teacher Education for Inclusion.
Research Conference 2018	Transitions from School and Lifelong Learning for Adults with Disabilities & Delivering Therapy Supports in Education.
Research Conference 2017	Teacher Education and Inclusion: Creating the Conditions for the Application of Knowledge and Skills & Latest Trends in Assistive Technology: Benefits and Issues for Students and Schools.
Research Conference 2016	Experiences and Outcomes for Students with Special Educational Needs: Analysis of data from Wave 1 (9-year-olds) and Wave 2 (13-year-olds) of the Growing up in Ireland Study & A Study of the Experiences of Post-Primary Students with Special Educational Needs in Ireland.
Research Conference 2015	Teacher Education for Inclusion & Assistive Technology for Students with Special Educational Needs.
Research Conference 2014	Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & Experiences and Outcomes for Children & Evaluating Friends for Life – a school wide positive mental health programme with Special Educational Needs in Ireland.
Research Conference 2013	NCSE Research Programme.
Research Conference 2012	International Perspectives on Teacher Education for Inclusion: Challenges and Opportunities.
Research Conference 2011	The Inclusive Practice Project (IPP): Key lessons for teacher education.
Research Conference 2010	The Value and Limitations of Research in Special Education.
Research Conference 2009	Overview of the NCSE Research Programme.