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Political Science & Sociology

Prof Michelle Millar


Contact Details

Professor
ILAS
Personal Professor
Room 1045
UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre
ILAS
University of Galway
E: michelle.millar@universityofgalway.ie
 
researcher
 

Biography

Professor Michelle Millar is a graduate of the University of Limerick, she has taught Public & Social Policy and Public Administration in the School of Political Science and Sociology since 1998. She was awarded the NUI Galway President's Award for Teaching Excellence in 2017. She has provided programme leadership at undergraduate and postgraduate level since 1998, developed new programmes and served as the Chair of the School Teaching and Learning Committee 2014-18. In January 2018, she was appointed Head of School Political Science & Sociology. She served as Dean of Students at the University of Galway from March 2019 to March 2023. 

Michelle is a Senior Research Fellow at the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre and has acted as Principal Investigator on several funded research projects, including an IRC Social Protection Research Innovation Award the outputs of which culminated in her receiving the NUI Galway President's Award for Societal Impact in 2019.  She is currently Joint Principal Investigator for the evaluation of the Designing Futures programme at University of Galway. This programme is funded by the HEA Human Capital Initiative its mission is to drive transformational change, and support the evolution of the educational experience for students, staff and enterprise partners. The programme aims to address the gap between enterprise and graduate skills needs and the current student learning experience. In closing the gap, it will increase student success, retention, progression and employability of University of Galway graduates and the international competitiveness of University of Galway degrees. Designing Futures directly addresses key objectives of the National Skills Strategy, the HEA System Performance Framework, Action Plan for Education and Technology Skills 2022 and Project Ireland 2040.


Her research interest focuses on labour market activation and those parenting alone as well as student success and belonging. She has written many book chapters, published reports and peer reviewed Journal Articles published in journals such as Social Policy & Administration, Public Administration, Social Science & Medicine, British Journal of Social Work, Critical Social Policy, Disability & Society, International Journal of Social Research Methodology, Families Relationships and Societies, Evidence & Policy, Journal of Poverty and Social Justice, Divorce & Remarriage, Probation and the International Journal of Qualitative Research Methodology 

Michelle participated in the Aurora Leadership Programme in 2015 and has been an Aurora Mentor at University of Galway since 2016.

Research Interests

Student Success, Labour Market Activation and those Parenting Alone, Social Inclusion, Policy Evaluation

Research Projects

  Project Start Date End Date
Designing Futures- Next Generation Graduates 01-JAN-21 31-DEC-24
DISCIPLINE OF SOC & POL GENERAL RESEARCH ACCOUNT 01-NOV-17 31-OCT-27
IRC POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP 2017 STEPHEN GAFFNEY - VARIETIES OF ACTIVE LABOUR MARKET POLICIES? A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE RESPONSE TO THE UNEMPLOYMENT CRISIS ON EUROPE¿S PERIPHERY 01-OCT-17 30-SEP-20
INCLUSIVE CENTENARIES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME 01-SEP-16 31-AUG-20
GUF - VPSE 17-NOV-15 31-MAY-22
An active inclusion approach to lone parents 01-DEC-14 30-SEP-18

Contract Researchers

  Researcher Name Project Role Funding Body
Rosemary Crosse Irish Research Council Social Protection Research Innovation Award Research Assistant Irish Research Council (IRC)
Connie O'Regan Designing Futures Evaluation Post Doctoral Researcher Other Government

Peer Reviewed Journals

  Year Publication
(2025) 'Youth unemployment as a policy problem for the OECD, European Union, and the Republic of Ireland in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis'
Gaffney, S; Millar, M (2025) 'Youth unemployment as a policy problem for the OECD, European Union, and the Republic of Ireland in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis'. Journal Of Youth Studies, [Details]
(2024) 'Assessing the Impact of Career and Life Design through Innovative Hybrid Evaluation and Digital Storytelling: A Method Note from the Designing Futures Programme, University of Galway'
Tony Hall, Michelle Millar & Connie O'Regan (2024) 'Assessing the Impact of Career and Life Design through Innovative Hybrid Evaluation and Digital Storytelling: A Method Note from the Designing Futures Programme, University of Galway'. CERN IdeaSquare Journal of Experimental Innovation, 8 (3):58-66 [DOI] [Details]
(2023) 'Conceptualising Student Engagement as a Theoretical Framework for Innovative Higher Education Practices ¿ A Literature Review'
O'Regan, C; Walsh, N; Hall, T; Mannion, G; Millar, M (2023) 'Conceptualising Student Engagement as a Theoretical Framework for Innovative Higher Education Practices ¿ A Literature Review'. AISHE-J: The All Ireland Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 15 (2):1-21 [DOI] [Details]
(2023) 'Designing Futures Through Student Engagement: A Policy Futures Perspective'
Hall, T; Millar, M; O'Regan, C; (2023) 'Designing Futures Through Student Engagement: A Policy Futures Perspective'. Policy Futures In Education, [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2022) 'Incarcerated mothers experience of adversity heard using participatory mixed method research'
O'Malley, S; Devaney, C; Millar, M; (2022) 'Incarcerated mothers experience of adversity heard using participatory mixed method research'. Probation Journal, [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2020) 'A systemic lifecycle approach to social policy practice in social work: Illustrations from Irish child welfare and parenting research and practice'
McGregor, C; Millar, M (2020) 'A systemic lifecycle approach to social policy practice in social work: Illustrations from Irish child welfare and parenting research and practice'. British Journal Of Social Work, 50 (8):2335-2353 [DOI] [Details]
(2021) 'Persistent Stigma despite Social Change: The Experience of Stigma amongst Single Women who were Pregnant or Mothers in the Republic of Ireland 1996-2010’'
Bradley, C; Millar, M (2021) 'Persistent Stigma despite Social Change: The Experience of Stigma amongst Single Women who were Pregnant or Mothers in the Republic of Ireland 1996-2010’'. Families, Relationships and Societies, 10 (3):413-429 [DOI] [Details]
(2020) 'Developing family support services: A comparison of national reforms and challenges in England, Ireland and Spain'
Churchill, H; Baena, S; Crosse, R; Jimenez, L; Millar, M (2020) 'Developing family support services: A comparison of national reforms and challenges in England, Ireland and Spain'. Social Work And Social Sciences Review, 21 (2):58-83 [Details]
(2020) 'Rational skivers or desperate strivers? The problematisation of fraud in the Irish social protection system'
Gaffney, S, Millar, M (2020) 'Rational skivers or desperate strivers? The problematisation of fraud in the Irish social protection system'. Critical Social Policy, 40 :69-88 [DOI] [Details]
(2020) 'The only equality is the pain: An exploration of the Irish policy sphere's approach to access and entitlement in health care'
Malone, P, Millar, M (2020) 'The only equality is the pain: An exploration of the Irish policy sphere's approach to access and entitlement in health care'. Social Policy & Administration, 54 (1):163-177 [DOI] [Details]
(2019) 'Children's perceptions of the skills needed to 'fit in' when starting school'
Hannify, M; Millar, M; (2019) 'Children's perceptions of the skills needed to 'fit in' when starting school'. International Journal of Transitions in Childhood, 11 (1):3-14 [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2019) 'Understanding, negotiating and navigating the politicisation of evidence-based policy research: the case of Irish research on lone parent labour market activation policy'
Millar, M;Crosse, R;Canavan, J (2019) 'Understanding, negotiating and navigating the politicisation of evidence-based policy research: the case of Irish research on lone parent labour market activation policy'. Evidence And Policy, 15 :559-577 [DOI] [Details]
(2019) ''Just because I have a baby doesn't mean it's going to stop my life': a phenomenological account of being an adolescent parent'
Kelly, M;Millar, M (2019) ''Just because I have a baby doesn't mean it's going to stop my life': a phenomenological account of being an adolescent parent'. Families, Relationships and Societies, 8 :285-302 [DOI] [Details]
(2019) 'Off the Hook: Mutual Absolution of Responsibility by Fathers and the State, the Experiences of Separated and Divorced Irish Mothers'
Crosse, R; Millar, M (2019) 'Off the Hook: Mutual Absolution of Responsibility by Fathers and the State, the Experiences of Separated and Divorced Irish Mothers'. Journal of Poverty and Social Justice, 27 (3):369-388 [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'The (in)adequacy of in-work benefits in Irish lone parent labour market activation policy'
Millar, M;Gray, J;Rooney, C;Crosse, R (2018) 'The (in)adequacy of in-work benefits in Irish lone parent labour market activation policy'. Journal of Poverty and Social Justice, 26 :379-400 [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'The search for understanding: the role of paradigms'
Kelly, M,Dowling, M,Millar, M (2018) 'The search for understanding: the role of paradigms'. Nurse researcher, 25 :9-13 [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'Lone Parent Activation in Ireland: Putting the Cart before the Horses?'
Millar, M,Crosse, R (2018) 'Lone Parent Activation in Ireland: Putting the Cart before the Horses?'. Social Policy & Administration, 52 (1):111-129 [DOI] [Details]
(2017) ''Irish Women’s Ongoing Experiences of Domestic Abuse in Cases of Separation and Divorce''
Crosse, R; Millar, M; (2017) ''Irish Women’s Ongoing Experiences of Domestic Abuse in Cases of Separation and Divorce''. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 58 (7):507-525 [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2017) 'Exploring Adolescence and Parenthood: A Transitional Life Stage and Abrupt Life Change'
Kelly, M; and Millar, M; (2017) 'Exploring Adolescence and Parenthood: A Transitional Life Stage and Abrupt Life Change'. Journal of Community & Public Health Nursing, 3 (1):162-170 [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'A rights-based conceptual framework for the social inclusion of children and young persons with an intellectual disability'
Browne, M;Millar, M (2016) 'A rights-based conceptual framework for the social inclusion of children and young persons with an intellectual disability'. Disability & Society, 31 :1064-1080 [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'Understanding the Key Tenets of Heidegger's Philosophy for Interpretive Phenomenological Research'
Horrigan-Kelly, M; Millar, M; Dowling, M (2016) 'Understanding the Key Tenets of Heidegger's Philosophy for Interpretive Phenomenological Research'. International Journal Of Qualitative Methods, 15 (1):1-8 [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2015) 'Stimulating young children’s narratives - seeking children’s perceptions of school readiness'
Hanniffy, M; and Millar, M (2015) 'Stimulating young children’s narratives - seeking children’s perceptions of school readiness'. Children’s Research Digest, 2 (1):46-50 [DOI] [Details]
(2012) 'Doing the Job as a Parent: Parenting Alone, Work, and Family Policy in Ireland'
Millar; M, Coen; L, Bradley; C, Rau; H (2012) 'Doing the Job as a Parent: Parenting Alone, Work, and Family Policy in Ireland'. Journal Of Family Issues, 33 (1):29-51 [DOI] [Details]
(2009) 'Participatory research and data interpretation: using the voice centred relational method of data analysis. Is it worth it?'
Byrne; A., Canavan; J, Millar; M (2009) 'Participatory research and data interpretation: using the voice centred relational method of data analysis. Is it worth it?'. International Journal Of Social Research Methodology, 12 (1):67-77 [DOI] [Details]
(2007) 'Communities’ views on tacking health inequalities: The case of Ballyeast and Ballywest’'
Millar, M (2007) 'Communities’ views on tacking health inequalities: The case of Ballyeast and Ballywest’'. Irish Medical Journal, 100 (8):62-63 [Details]
(2007) 'The NESC Developmental Welfare State: a glass half empty or a glass half full approach to active social policy reform'
Murphy; M, Millar; M (2007) 'The NESC Developmental Welfare State: a glass half empty or a glass half full approach to active social policy reform'. Administration, 55 (3):75-100 [Details]
(2006) '...it's all the same no matter how much fruit or vegetables or fresh air we get: Traveller women's perceptions of illness causation and health inequalities'
Hodgins, M., Millar, M., & Barry, M. M. (2006) '...it's all the same no matter how much fruit or vegetables or fresh air we get: Traveller women's perceptions of illness causation and health inequalities'. Social Science & Medicine, 62 :1978-1990 [DOI] [Details]
(2004) 'The politics of food regulation and reform in Ireland'
Taylor; G, Millar; M, (2004) 'The politics of food regulation and reform in Ireland'. Public Administration, 82 (3):585-603 [DOI] [Details]
(2002) 'The Appliance of Science: The Politics of European Food Regulation and Reform'
Taylor; G., Millar; M. (2002) 'The Appliance of Science: The Politics of European Food Regulation and Reform'. Public Policy And Administration, 13 (4):125-146 [DOI] [Details]
(2002) 'From Value for Money to Practice Improvement and Beyond: Introducing Evaluation to A Voluntary Sector Youth Project'
Millar; M, Canavan; J, Walsh; D (2002) 'From Value for Money to Practice Improvement and Beyond: Introducing Evaluation to A Voluntary Sector Youth Project'. Administration, 50 (2):20-33 [Details]
(2001) 'Patient Satisfaction with General Practice in Ireland'
Millar, M. (2001) 'Patient Satisfaction with General Practice in Ireland'. Irish Medical Journal, 94 (4):106-109 [Details]
(2000) 'Coping with ambiguity: Reconciling external legitimacy and organizational implementation in performance measurement'
Lawton, A;McKevitt, D;Millar, M (2000) 'Coping with ambiguity: Reconciling external legitimacy and organizational implementation in performance measurement'. Public Money & Management, 20 :13-19 [Details]
(2000) 'The role of the citizen-client in performance measurement: the case of the Street Level Public Organization (SLPO)'
McKevitt; D, Millar; M, Keogan, JF (2000) 'The role of the citizen-client in performance measurement: the case of the Street Level Public Organization (SLPO)'. International Review Of Administrative Sciences, 66 (4):619-636 [DOI] [Details]
(2000) 'Accountability and performance measurement: an assessment of the Irish health care system'
Millar; M, McKevitt; D (2000) 'Accountability and performance measurement: an assessment of the Irish health care system'. International Review Of Administrative Sciences, 66 (2):285-296 [DOI] [Details]
(1998) 'Reforming Public Policy Processes and Securing Accountability: Ireland in a comparative perspective'
Verheyen; T, Millar; M. (1998) 'Reforming Public Policy Processes and Securing Accountability: Ireland in a comparative perspective'. International Review Of Administrative Sciences, 64 (1):97-118 [DOI] [Details]

Books

  Year Publication
(2003) Public Administration and Public Policy in Ireland: Theory and Methods.
Adshead, M., Millar, M. (2003) Public Administration and Public Policy in Ireland: Theory and Methods. : Routledge London. [Details]

Book Chapters

  Year Publication
(2024) 'Designing Futures at University of Galway: Promoting student success, engagement and belonging through higher education transformation'
Michelle Millar & Tony Hall (2024) 'Designing Futures at University of Galway: Promoting student success, engagement and belonging through higher education transformation' In: Education Matters Yearbook 2024. Dublin: Education Matters. [Details]
(2022) 'Designing Futures - Infrastructuring innovation in Irish higher education'
Millar, M; Hall, T; O'Regan, C; (2022) 'Designing Futures - Infrastructuring innovation in Irish higher education' In: Ireland's Education Yearbook 2022. Dublin: Education Matters. [Details]
(2023) 'Giving Voice to Irish Mothers Experiencing Separation and Divorce'
Crosse, R; Millar, M; (2023) 'Giving Voice to Irish Mothers Experiencing Separation and Divorce' In: Biographical Research and the Meanings of Mothering: Life Choices, Identities and Methods. Bristol: Bristol University Press. [Details]
(2015) 'Parenting alone in Contemporary Ireland’'
Crosse, R; Millar, M; (2015) 'Parenting alone in Contemporary Ireland’' In: Learning on the Job: Parenting in Modern Ireland. :184-204 Cork: Oak Tree Press. [Details]
(2014) '‘Irish Work/Family Policies: An Emerging Paradox'
Millar M and R Crosse (2014) '‘Irish Work/Family Policies: An Emerging Paradox' In: Irish Families and Globalization: Conversations about Belonging and Identity across Space and Time. :21-41 Detroit: Groves Monograph on Marriage and Family. [Details]
(2008) 'Ireland as a model of success? Contesting the Irish State’'
Millar; M, Kirby; P, Adshead; M, (2008) 'Ireland as a model of success? Contesting the Irish State’' In: Contesting the State: Lessons from the Irish Case. Manchester: Manchester University Press. :1-24 Manchester: Manchester University Press. [Details]
(2008) 'What lessons can be learned from Contesting the Irish State?’'
Kirby; P, Millar; M, Adshead; M (2008) 'What lessons can be learned from Contesting the Irish State?’' In: Contesting the State: Lessons from the Irish Case. Manchester: Manchester University Press. :186-196 Manchester: Manchester University Press. [Details]
(2008) 'Social Inclusion and the Welfare State:Who Cares?'
Millar; M. (2008) 'Social Inclusion and the Welfare State:Who Cares?' In: Contesting the State: Lessons from the Irish Case. Manchester: Manchester University Press. :100-119 Manchester: Manchester University Press. [Details]
(2006) 'Family Support as Reflective Practice'
Millar; M, (2006) 'Family Support as Reflective Practice' In: Exploring the space for practice: Family Support Policy in a Comparative Context. :88-100 London: Jessica Kingsley. [Details]
(2004) 'Health care: consumer purchase or social right?'
Millar, M. (2004) 'Health care: consumer purchase or social right?' In: Political Issues in Ireland Today (3rd Ed.). :62-80 Manchester: Manchester University Press. [Details]
(2003) '‘Institutionalism ‘old’ and ‘new’'
Millar; M, (2003) '‘Institutionalism ‘old’ and ‘new’' In: Public Administration and Public Policy in Ireland: Theory and Methods. :129-146 London: Routledge. [Details]
(2000) 'The Irish Civil Service'
Millar; M, McKevitt; D, (2000) 'The Irish Civil Service' In: European Civil Service Systems in Comparative Perspective. :39-60 Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. [Details]
(2000) 'Strategy Evaluation: Criteria & Tools'
Garvin; T, Millar; M, (2000) 'Strategy Evaluation: Criteria & Tools' In: Strategic Management in Ireland. :120-141 Dublin: Gill and Macmillan. [Details]
(1999) 'Public Administration Courses in Ireland'
Millar, M. (1999) 'Public Administration Courses in Ireland' In: Higher Education Programmes in Public Administration: Ready for the Challenge of Europeanisation. :120-149 Limerick: Centre for European Studies Univerity of Limerick. [Details]
(1999) 'Ideas and Concepts of Public Administration’'
Millar, M (1999) 'Ideas and Concepts of Public Administration’' In: in Tanev, T. & T. Verheyen (Ed's) Developments in Public Administration. Sofia: Sofia University Press. pp. 39-62. [Details]
(1998) 'The quest for Public Management Reform: The Case of Ireland'
Millar, M; Verheyen, T; Karapchian, O. (1998) 'The quest for Public Management Reform: The Case of Ireland' In: Public Management Innovations: Comparative Experiences for East to West. :282-312 Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. [Details]
(1997) 'Public Management reform in Ireland’'
Millar, M; Verheyen, T. (1997) 'Public Management reform in Ireland’' In: Public Management Reform: Comparative Experiences from East to West. :249-264 Bulgaria: European Commission. [Details]
(1997) 'Responding to the impetus of economic transition'
Millar. M., Loughnane, L., McKevitt, D. (1997) 'Responding to the impetus of economic transition' In: Understanding Public Private Partnerships. :127-142 Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University Press. [Details]

Conference Publications

  Year Publication
(2024) 10th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd¿24). Valencia, 18-21 June 2024
Meade, O; Millar, M; Hall, T; O'Regan, C; O'Hora, D (2024) Problem-based, research-led learning for our times: The case of Vertically Integrated Projects in higher education 10th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd¿24). Valencia, 18-21 June 2024 Valencia, [Details]
(2024) 10th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd¿24). Valencia, 18-21 June 2024
Hall, T; Millar, M; O'Regan, C; (2024) (Re-)Discovering the treasure within ¿ The contribution of a Design Your Life Module to Undergraduate Education 10th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd¿24). Valencia, 18-21 June 2024 [Details]
(2023) 9th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd¿23)
O'Regan, C; Ferguson, N; Millar, M; Mullery, J; Walsh, N; Hall, T; (2023) EPIC in action, measuring entrepreneurial competencies in higher education 9th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd¿23) Valencia, , 20-JUN-23 - 29-JUN-23 , pp.1279-1286 [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2023) 2023 UIIN Annual Conference
Walsh, N; Mullery, J; O'Regan, C; Hall, T; Millar, M (2023) START 100- FROM IDEA TO IMPACT WITHIN 100 DAYS 2023 UIIN Annual Conference Budapest, , 09-MAY-23 - 11-MAY-23 [Details]
(2023) European Academy of Management (EURAM) 2023
Kernbach, S; Hall, T; Perry, M; Walsh, N; Lamb, L; Millar, M; McBride, D; O'Regan, C; (2023) Assessing Life Design and evaluating its impact on the learning experience: A conceptual overview and emergent framework based on the Designing Futures Programme at University of Galway, Ireland European Academy of Management (EURAM) 2023 Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, , 14-JUN-23 - 16-JUN-23 [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2000) INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES
McKevitt, D;Millar, M;Keogan, JF (2000) The role of the citizen-client in performance measurement: the case of the Street Level Public Organization (SLPO) INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES , pp.619-636 [Details]
(2000) INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES
Millar, M;McKevitt, D (2000) Accountability and performance measurement: an assessment of the Irish health care system INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES , pp.285-296 [Details]
(2007) The 19th IUHPE World Conference on Health Promotion and Health Education; Health Promotion Comes of Age: Research, Policy & Practice for the 21st Century
Hodgins, M; Millar, M; Barry, MM (2007) Traveller Women's Perceptions of Illness and Health Inequalities The 19th IUHPE World Conference on Health Promotion and Health Education; Health Promotion Comes of Age: Research, Policy & Practice for the 21st Century Vancouver, BC, Canada, , 01-JUN-07 - 01-JUN-07 [Details]

Published Reports

  Year Publication
(2020) Covid-19 Impact Survey: NUI Galway Undergraduates, Taught Postgraduates, and PhD Students Online Survey of NUI Galway Students.
MacNeela, P; O'Rourke, T; Burke, L; Millar, M; Hannon, J (2020) Covid-19 Impact Survey: NUI Galway Undergraduates, Taught Postgraduates, and PhD Students Online Survey of NUI Galway Students. NUI Galway, Office of Dean of Students. [Details]
(2020) Covid-19 Impact Survey May 2020: NUI Galway Undergraduates, Taught Postgraduates, and PhD Students Online Survey of NUI Galway Students.
MacNeela, P; Burke, L; Dawson, K; Tierney, L; Millar, M; Hannon, J; Walsh, J; Cairns, M; Keighron, C; Walsh, B; Nic Gabhainn, S (2020) Covid-19 Impact Survey May 2020: NUI Galway Undergraduates, Taught Postgraduates, and PhD Students Online Survey of NUI Galway Students. NUI Galway, Student Services. [Details]
(2020) Practical Steps to Workplace Equality: Report and Recommendations from the #Workequal Conference.
Millar, M; Lennon, S (2020) Practical Steps to Workplace Equality: Report and Recommendations from the #Workequal Conference. Dress for Success Dublin, Dublin. [Details]
(2016) Lone Parents and Activation, What Works and Why: A Review of the International Evidence in the Irish Context.
Millar, M. and Crosse, R. (2016) Lone Parents and Activation, What Works and Why: A Review of the International Evidence in the Irish Context. The Child and Family Research Centre NUI Galway, Galway. [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2012) ‘Making a Difference’ – An Independent Evaluation of the Incredible Years Programme in Pre-Schools in Galway City.
Millar, M (2012) ‘Making a Difference’ – An Independent Evaluation of the Incredible Years Programme in Pre-Schools in Galway City. UNESCO CFRC & Galway City Partnership, Galway. [Details]
(2008) NAPS Policy and Process - what have we learned?.
Adshead, M; Millar, M (2008) NAPS Policy and Process - what have we learned?. Combat Poverty Agency, Dublin. [Details]
(2007) Towards a better future: research on labour market needs and social exclusion of one parent families in Galway city and county. Galway: Child and Family Research Centre, NUI Galway.
Millar, M., Coen, L., Rau, H., Donegan, M., Canavan, J., & Bradley, C. (2007) Towards a better future: research on labour market needs and social exclusion of one parent families in Galway city and county. Galway: Child and Family Research Centre, NUI Galway. Galway City Partnership and Child and Family Research Centre, Galway. [Details]
(2004) Developing inclusive research methodologies: testing the voice centred relational method of qualitative data analysis in a collaborative research project on early school leaving. Political Science and Sociology, NUI, Galway; Child & Family Research and Policy Unit, WHB/ NUI Galway.
Byrne, A., Canavan, J., & Millar, M. (2004) Developing inclusive research methodologies: testing the voice centred relational method of qualitative data analysis in a collaborative research project on early school leaving. Political Science and Sociology, NUI, Galway; Child & Family Research and Policy Unit, WHB/ NUI Galway. Child & Family Research and Policy Unit, WHB/ NUI Galway, IRELAND. [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2003) International Literature and Policy Review on the Links between Poverty and health, and of Community Development Approaches to Tackling Health Inequalities.
Mahony, P; Millar, M; Barry, MM (2003) International Literature and Policy Review on the Links between Poverty and health, and of Community Development Approaches to Tackling Health Inequalities. Centre for Health Promotion Studies, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway. [Details]
(2003) Researching Our Lives: Developing Inclusive Research Methodologies, Testing the Voice Centered Relational Method of data analysis in a collaborative project on early school leaving.
Byrne, A, Canavan, J, Millar, M (2003) Researching Our Lives: Developing Inclusive Research Methodologies, Testing the Voice Centered Relational Method of data analysis in a collaborative project on early school leaving. Combat Poverty Agency Research Initiative Series, Dublin. [Details]

Edited Books

  Year Publication
(2008) Contesting the Irish State.
Adshead, M; Kirby, P; Millar, M; (Ed.). (2008) Contesting the Irish State. Manchester: Manchester University Press. [Details]

Other Journals

  Year Publication
(2021) 'Research Brief: A systemic lifecycle approach to social policy practice in social work: Illustrations from Irish child welfare and parenting research and practice'
McGregor, C; Millar, M (2021) 'Research Brief: A systemic lifecycle approach to social policy practice in social work: Illustrations from Irish child welfare and parenting research and practice' Practice Links, 92 (April 2021) :17-17. [Details]
(2016) 'Lone Parent Labour Market Activation and Child Well-being: A review of the evidence'
Crosse, R; Millar, M (2016) 'Lone Parent Labour Market Activation and Child Well-being: A review of the evidence' Child Links, 2016 (1) . [Details]

Conference Contributions

  Year Publication
(2025) Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI),
Tony Hall, Michelle Millar & Abdellatif Atif (2025) Digital Storytelling, AI and Life Design: Designing futures through innovative pathways to belonging and engagement in higher education. [Chaired Session], Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI), Athlone, Ireland , 10-APR-25 - 12-APR-25. [Details]
(2022) International Society for Design & Development in Education (ISDDE),
Tony Hall, Michelle Millar, Connie O'Regan, Natalie Walsh, Grace Mannion (2022) Designing Futures: The role of educational design in embedding a large-scale transformative university initiative. [Invited Oral Presentation], International Society for Design & Development in Education (ISDDE), University of Nottingham, UK , 26-SEP-22 - 29-SEP-22. [Details]
(2021) ILAS webinar series,
Brady, B., Silke, C., Hughes, B., McGovern, J, Millar, M. (2021) Promoting Empathy & Peer Helping among NUI Galway Students: The Development and Evaluation of the Seas Suas Programme. [Oral Presentation], ILAS webinar series, Online , 13-MAY-21 - 13-MAY-21. [Details]
(2018) Participation and Empowerment for Health Service Users, Strengthening the Circle 22nd Annual Conference,
Kelly, M; Millar, M (2018) Exploration of Teenage Parents experiences as Service Users of Universal Child and Family Healthcare Services. [Oral Presentation], Participation and Empowerment for Health Service Users, Strengthening the Circle 22nd Annual Conference, NUIG , 07-JUN-18. [Details]
(2018) 27th Edition of World Congress on Nursing Education and Researct,
Kelly, M; Millar, M (2018) Teenage parents as Healthcare Service Users: messages from Research. [Oral Presentation], 27th Edition of World Congress on Nursing Education and Researct, Rome, Italy , 23-APR-18 - 25-APR-18. [Details]
(2017) Motherlines: Mothering, Motherhood, and Mothers in and Through the Generations: Theory, Narrative, Representation, Practice, and Experience,
Crosse, R; Millar, M (2017) The Changing dentity of Irish Mothers in Situations of Separation and Divorce. [Keynote Address], Motherlines: Mothering, Motherhood, and Mothers in and Through the Generations: Theory, Narrative, Representation, Practice, and Experience, UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre NUI Galway , 06-JUL-17 - 09-JUL-17. [Details]
(2017) Narrating Policy: Exploring Narrative in Policy and Policy,
Millar, M; Crosse, R; (2017) The narrative of policy change from ‘One Parent Families’ to ‘Jobseeker’s’: Ireland’s Social Protection Policy for Lone Parents from 2006 to 2015. [International Refereed Conference], Narrating Policy: Exploring Narrative in Policy and Policy, University of Leeds , 16-JAN-17 - 16-JAN-17. [Details]
(2016) 3rd International Irish Narrative Inquiry Conference,
Crosse, R; Millar, M (2016) Utilising the VCR Method of Analysis to Illuminate the Participant’s Self and the Researcher’s Self. [Oral Presentation], 3rd International Irish Narrative Inquiry Conference, National University of Ireland Galway , 10-MAR-16 - 11-MAR-16. [Details]
(2016) The Sociological Association of Ireland Annual Conference 2016,
Crosse, R; Millar, M (2016) “You become the sole adult responsible for your children”: Divorced and separated mothers experiences of parental responsibility in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], The Sociological Association of Ireland Annual Conference 2016, University of Limerick , 13-MAY-16 - 14-MAY-16. [Details]
(2016) Educational (In)equalities: Towards an elite but not elitist society,
Furey, E; Millar, M (2016) Redefining the Role of the Teacher: Teaching in Disadvantaged Schools. [Refereed Abstracts], Educational (In)equalities: Towards an elite but not elitist society, University of Warwick , 11-MAR-16 - 11-MAR-16. [Details]
(2015) UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre 7th Biennial International Conference,
Crosse, R; Millar, M (2015) The role of family support information services for separated and divorced mothers in Ireland:. [Oral Presentation], UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre 7th Biennial International Conference, National University of Ireland Galway , 11-JUN-15 - 12-JUN-15. [Details]
(2008) Compelling Lone Parents to Work: A panacea for all ills or embedding social exclusion? Paper presented to the Social Policy Association annual conference, 23rd-25th June 2008, University of Edinburgh,
Coen, L., Millar, M. (2008) Compelling Lone Parents to Work: A panacea for all ills or embedding social exclusion? Paper presented to the Social Policy Association annual conference, 23rd-25th June 2008, University of Edinburgh, . [Details]
(2007) Towards a Better Future: Research on Labour Market Needs and Social Exclusion of One Parent Families in Galway City and County. Galway: CFRC,
Millar, M., Coen, L., Rau, H., Donegan, M., Canavan, J., Bradley, C. (2007) Launch of report 'Towards a better future'. [Invited Oral Presentation], Towards a Better Future: Research on Labour Market Needs and Social Exclusion of One Parent Families in Galway City and County. Galway: CFRC, Galway , 01-NOV-07 - 01-NOV-07. [Details]
(2004) 54th conference of the Political Studies Association,
Adshead, M; Millar, M (2004) Health care in Ireland: applying Esping-Andersen’s typology of welfare to the Irish case. [International Refereed Conference], 54th conference of the Political Studies Association, University of Lincoln , 01-APR-04 - 01-APR-04. [Details]
(2003) Combat Poverty Agency Poverty Research Initiative Series Seminar,
Canavan, J., Byrne, A., Millar, M. (2003) Voice Centred Relational Method and Collaborative Research - Limits and Possibilities. [Invited Lecture], Combat Poverty Agency Poverty Research Initiative Series Seminar, Dublin , 23-JAN-04 - 23-JAN-04. [Details]
(2003) Voice Centred Relational Method. Sociological Association of Ireland Conference,
Canavan, J., Millar, M. (2003) SAI Conference. [Oral Presentation], Voice Centred Relational Method. Sociological Association of Ireland Conference, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan , 01-APR-03. [Details]
(2001) Annual Summer School Conference,
Barry, MM; Millar, M (2001) Consultative Study: Public Perceptions of Health Inequalities. Symposium on HRB Unit on Health Status and Health. [Oral Presentation], Annual Summer School Conference, National University of Ireland, Galway , 01-JUN-01 - 01-JUN-01. [Details]

Book Review

  Year Publication
(2012) Public Private Partnerships in Ireland: Failed Experiment or the Way Forward for the State?.
Millar, M (2012) Public Private Partnerships in Ireland: Failed Experiment or the Way Forward for the State?. ABINGDON: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD Book Review [DOI] [Details]

Conference Paper

  Year Publication
(2008) Doing the Job of a Single Parent: Findings from Research into the Labour Market Needs of Those Parenting Alone in Galway City and County. Sociological Association of Ireland annual conference.
Coen, L., Millar, M., Rau, H., Bradley, C. (2008) Doing the Job of a Single Parent: Findings from Research into the Labour Market Needs of Those Parenting Alone in Galway City and County. Sociological Association of Ireland annual conference. NUI, Galway: Conference Paper [Details]

Newspaper Articles

  Year Publication
(2024) Designing the future of higher education for student success and employability.
Tony Hall & Michelle Millar (2024) Designing the future of higher education for student success and employability. Dublin: Irish Independent Newspaper Articles [Details]

Non Published Reports

  Year Publication
(2009) A preliminary Analysis of Outcome Indicators for use by the HSE. Galway: Child and Family Research Centre.
Coen, L., Malone, P., Millar, M. and Canavan, J. (2009) A preliminary Analysis of Outcome Indicators for use by the HSE. Galway: Child and Family Research Centre. null: null Non Published Reports [DOI] [Details]
(2007) Briefing on Community and Mental Health. Prepared for the National Economic and Social Forum. .
Millar, M (2007) Briefing on Community and Mental Health. Prepared for the National Economic and Social Forum. . Non Published Reports [Details]

Working Paper

  Year Publication
(2003) Ireland as Catholic corporatist state: a historical institutional analysis of healthcare in Ireland.
Adshead, M; Millar, M (2003) Ireland as Catholic corporatist state: a historical institutional analysis of healthcare in Ireland. Limerick: Limerick Papers in Politics and Public Administration Working Paper [DOI] [Details]

Honours and Awards

  Year Title Awarding Body
2019 Presidents Award for Societal Impact NUI Galway
2017 Awarded Presidents Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning NUI Galway
2016 Nominated for Presidents Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning NUI Galway
2015 Nominated for Presidents Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning NUI Galway
2007 Nominated for Presidents Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning NUI Galway

Education

  Year Institution Qualification Subject
1994 University of Limerick Bachelor of Arts Public Administration
1995 University of Limerick Master of Arts Research
1998 University of Limerick PhD Public Management

Employment

  Employer Position From / To
NUI Galway Personal Professor 01-JUL-19 /
NUI Galway Dean of Students 01-MAR-19 / 28-FEB-23
NUI Galway Head of School Political Science & Sociology 01-JAN-18 / 28-FEB-19
NUI Galway Senior Lecturer 01-JUL-09 / 30-JUN-19
NUI Galway College Lecturer 01-JUL-03 / 30-JUN-09
NUI Galway Junior Lecturer 01-SEP-98 / 30-JUN-03
University of Limerick Assistant Lecturer Contract 01-SEP-97 / 31-MAY-98
University of Limerick Assistant Lecturer Part-Time 01-SEP-95 / 30-MAY-97

Committees

  Committee Function From / To
Quality Enhancement Committee Member 23-JUN-20 /
QQI Academic Integrity Member 01-FEB-20 /
University Management Team Dean of Students 01-NOV-19 /
Student Digital Pathways Oversight Committee Member 01-SEP-19 /
Student Experience Executive Co-Chair 01-SEP-19 /
Student Survey.ie National Steering Group Member 01-SEP-19 /
Student Project Fund Chair 01-MAR-19 /
Student Survey.ie NUI Galway Chair 01-MAR-19 /
University Creche Parents Committee Chair 01-MAR-19 /
Aras Na Mac Leinn Committee Chair 01-MAR-19 /
Teaching and Learning Committee Dean if Students 01-MAR-19 /
Academic Standing Council Dean of Students 01-MAR-19 /
College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies Executive Member 01-JAN-18 / 28-FEB-19
Academic Council Dean of Students 01-JAN-18 /
School of Political Science and Sociology Executive Member/Chair 01-SEP-14 / 30-DEC-17
School of Political Science Teaching and Learning Committee Chair 01-SEP-14 / 30-DEC-17

Community Engagement

  Title Type From / To
Policy Development Practical Steps to Workplace Equality 01-NOV-19 /
Policy Development Witness to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection 08-NOV-16 / 08-NOV-16
Outreach Parenting Support Network 23-OCT-19 / 23-OCT-19
Outreach Crisis in Lone Parent Families Conference 03-NOV-17 / 03-NOV-17
Policy Development Presentation of the Findings of the One Parent Family Study to the Lone Parent Social Inclusion Committee at the Gender Equality Unit, Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform. 01-OCT-07 / 01-OCT-07
Advocacy Civic Forum on One Parent Families 14-APR-15 / 14-APR-15

Reviews

  Journal Role
Social Policy & Administration Reviewer
Community, Work & Family Reviewer
Public Administration Reviewer
International Review Of Administrative Sciences Reviewer
British Journal Of Political Science Reviewer
Irish Political Studies Reviewer
Journal Of Social Policy Reviewer

Other Activities

  Description

Member of Editorial Board of Irish Journal of Applied Social Studies 2016 -

Auora Mentor NUI Galway 2016 to date

Teaching Interests

                          
Social Policy, Health Policy, Public Administration, Policy Evaluation

Recent Postgraduate Students

  Graduation Name Degree Primary Supervisor
2019 Eamonn Furey PhD Y
2018 Sinéad O'Malley PhD Y
2017 Maire Hanniffy PhD Y
2016 Patrick Malone PhD Y
2016 Rosemary Crosse PhD Y
2015 Marcella Kelly PhD Y
2014 Ciara Bradley PhD Y
2013 Michael Browne PhD Y
2008 Vincent McCarthy Masters Degree (M.Litt.) Y
2007 Michaela Donegan Masters Degree (M.Litt.) Y
2002 Liam Coen Masters Degree (M.Litt.) Y

Modules Taught

  Term/Year Module Title Module Code Subject / Desc
2/2018-19 Public Administration SP227 BA Public & Social Policy
2/2015-16 Social PolicyII SP558
2/2015-16 Irish Administrative System SP459
1/2017-18 Social Policy SP611 Masters Social Work
1/2017-18 Theories of the Policy Process SP508 BA Public & Social Policy
2/2017-18 Irish Administrative System SP459 BA Omnibus
2/2015-16 Public and Social Policy in Ireland SP109
2/2017-18 Social Sciences for Nursing Students NU248 Nursing & Midwifery Students