NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025
Wednesday 5th November 2025 – 09:30 – 15:40
Cusack Suite, Croke Park, Dublin 3, D03 P6K7
#ncseconf2025
NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025
NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025
The NCSE held its annual Research Conference in The Cusack Suite, Croke Park on the 5th November 2025. We would like to thank all delegates who attended both in person and online for their contributions in making the conference a success.
The abstracts, biographical note, presentation slides of each of the speaker sessions will be available below shortly along with videos of each presentation.
If you would like to be added to the NCSE Research mailing list, please email research@ncse.ie.
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. The information you provide to register for this event will be used to contact you in relation to your attendance.
NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025
Welcome to the NCSE Research Conference
View the welcome and introduction to the NCSE Research Conference 2025 by Dr. Fergal Lynch, Chairperson of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025
Conference Address from Minister Michael Moynihan T.D.
View the conference address and welcome by Michael Moynihan T.D., 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. on this along with some examples of practice-based research projects that have taken place in Irish schools.
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.
NCSE Annual Research Conference 2025
NCSE evaluation of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy (CES) Transition Pilot programme
Beth Young, Associate Director from RSM UK Consulting LLP, presented findings from the NCSE evaluation of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy (CES) Transition Pilot programme.
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.
NCSE Research Conference
Archive
View content from our previous Research Conferences
| Year | Theme of conference | Link to content |
|---|---|---|
| Research Conference 2024 | The Progressive Realisation of an Inclusive Education System in Ireland: The new NCSE and Vision 2026 | Research Conference 2024 content |
| Research Conference 2023 | The NCSE and Inclusive Education Service Provision in Ireland’ and ‘Universal Design for Learning (UDL). | Research Conference 2023 content |
| Research Conference 2022 | Post-pandemic Education and Experiences of Transition: Entering the Irish system and leaving school. | Research Conference 2022 content |
| Research Conference 2021 | Continuity of Education and Dealing with Regression Post-Pandemic & Education for Adults with Disabilities. | Research Conference 2021 content |
| Research Conference 2020 | Inclusion and Online Learning for Students with Special Educational Needs. | Research Conference 2020 content |
| Research Conference 2019 | Inclusive Education Systems & Teacher Education for Inclusion. | Research Conference 2019 content |
| Research Conference 2018 | Transitions from School and Lifelong Learning for Adults with Disabilities & Delivering Therapy Supports in Education. | Research Conference 2018 content |
| 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 2017 content |
| 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 2016 content |
| Research Conference 2015 | Teacher Education for Inclusion & Assistive Technology for Students with Special Educational Needs. | Research Conference 2015 content |
| 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 2014 content |
| Research Conference 2013 | NCSE Research Programme. | Research Conference 2013 content |
| Research Conference 2012 | International perspectives on teacher education for inclusion: challenges and opportunities. | Research Conference 2012 content |
| Research Conference 2011 | The Inclusive Practice Project (IPP): Key lessons for teacher education. | Research Conference 2011 content |
| Research Conference 2010 | The Value and Limitations of Research in Special Education. | Research Conference 2010 content |
| Research Conference 2009 | Overview of the NCSE Research Programme. | Research Conference 2009 content |