About
Welcome to the Institute for Lifecourse and Society, a specially designated multidisciplinary research institute in applied social sciences at the University of Galway. Here at ILAS we are passionate about research that positively affects people’s lives, and that has a transformative impact on national and international society. We work in collaboration with individuals and groups to advance scientific and shared understandings of the sort of challenges that they may face in the course of their lives, and to enable more equitable responses to any potential marginalisations they may encounter across social, civic and political contexts.
Research being produced here apart from its academic quality is, therefore, inclusive of people’s voices and strongly focused on influencing policy and practice in real and tangible ways. The researchers, academic faculty and professional support staff that support and undertake this research are committed to making a difference through excellence in scholarship, and innovation in community engagement.
ILAS is as such an exemplar of the production and translation of research and meaningful engagement with stakeholders across many fields of enquiry related to the life course and society. In support of this endeavour, the Institute is committed to advancing state-of-the-art on methodological approaches and public policy debate and dialogue that enables this meaningful engagement, in ways that challenge and that are sustainable. As a result, ILAS has also provided an opportunity for many individuals and organisations to engage with the university for the very first time, creating an open and welcoming pathway that has facilitated strong collaboration with many previously excluded voices. In effect ILAS demonstrates the unique added value arising from a deep appreciation and understanding of the importance of communities and societies and the ties that bind the University to people and places.
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