Our aim is to build capacity for constructive approaches to conflict at all levels in society. We are striving to achieve this by supporting practitioners and policy-makers in building their capacity for constructive conflict intervention while generating new knowledge and leadership that will support communities to transcend predictable patterns of conflict.
The Institute is supported by an International Council of Expert Advisors. The council played a key role in supporting the foundation of the institute and continues to provide expert guidance.
Mr. Ted Kennedy Jnr, Nominee of the Kennedy Family
Mr. Bertie Ahern, Former Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Adjunct Professor of Mediation and Conflict Intervention at Maynooth University.
Professor Paul Arthur, Professor Emeritus, University of Ulster
Ms Patricia Ricard Clarke, Law Reform Commissioner
Vice Admiral Mellett DSM Chief of Staff, Defence Forces
Mr. Kieran Mulvey, Chief Executive, Labour Relations Commission
Mr. Habib Motani, Chairman, Ismaili International Conciliation and Arbitration Board
The Institute is supported by an Internal Board of Advisers which acts as an interdisciplinary network to link the Institute’s work with other programmes in the University and with key practitioners active in the practice of conflict intervention.
- Professor Mark Boyle, Director of National institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis.
- Brigadier General Colm Campbell, Assistant Chief of Staff (support) Defence Forces
- Geoffrey Corry, Director, Athena Mediation
- Professor Bernard Mahon, Vice President for Research
- Dr. Seamus Taylor, Lecturer, Department of Applied Social Studies
- Dr.Tony Walsh, Lecturer and Programme Director of MA in Leadership, Management and Defence Studies, Department of Adult and Community Education
Research
To generate new knowledge, the Institute will actively create and facilitate opportunities for high quality research in the field of conflict intervention. We will design and utilise, in collaboration with others, fresh and novel approaches to research, drawing on the knowledge, expertise and individual experiences of those who are or have been involved in conflict interventions. We will openly disseminate this research to a wider audience for use by practitioners, academics and others through teaching and learning, publications and engagement with the wider community. To interrogate existing theoretical perspectives on conflict, we will utilise the research to access and integrate knowledge from a variety of standpoints and sectors. As the Institute evolves, we will also act as a repository for research and primary data pertaining to conflict intervention nationally and internationally.
Teaching and Learning
We teach conflict intervention theory and practice, including mediation, peace building and restorative practice to all those with an interest in deepening their knowledge. Through our Certificates, Diplomas and Masters programmes we offer a blend of the latest theoretical thinking with highly interactive and experiential learning delivered by Irish and International experts in the field.
Forums for Dialogue
We encourage cross collaboration and open dialogue among different sectors engaged in conflict intervention through supporting the creation of networks and hosting events, international conferences, dialogue groups and interactive learning workshops.
Support New Initiatives
We lend support to new initiatives and meaningful civic engagement which serves to build capacity for improved approaches to conflict among diverse groups including vulnerable communities.
Contribute to Policy Debates
We contribute to relevant policy debates taking our lead from the voices at the heart of the conflict. We also work with others to build on and strengthen Ireland’s international reputation and expertise as peacemaker, mediator and facilitator for positive conflict engagement, social regeneration and restorative practices.
| Paul Arthur, BA MSSc D.Litt. is a Distinguished Senior Research Fellow of the Kennedy Institute.
Formerly Professor of Politics and Director of the Graduate Programme in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Ulster.
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Graham Spencer, BA, MSc, PgCE, PhD, FRSA is a Distinguished Senior Research Fellow of the Kennedy Institute.
He is a Reader in Politics, Conflict and the Media, University of Portsmouth and Honorary Senior Research Fellow, Department of Politics, University of Liverpool.
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Rev. Dr. Gary Mason MBE, BA, Dip.Th, D.D. PhD is a Research Fellow of the Kennedy Institute.
He holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Ulster together with a degree in Theology from Queens University and a Bachelor in Business Studies from the University of Ulster.
Dr Aytekin Cantekin BA, MSc PhD is a Research Fellow of the Kennedy Institute.
He is a Jean Monnet Research Scholar in residence at the Kennedy Institute. He holds a PhD in International Security and Terrorism from the Turkish Defence Sciences Institute.
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The Kennedy Institute is a supportive hub for academics, practitioners and policy makers. We are engaged on a constant and ongoing basis and at multiple levels with a wide range of stakeholders in NUI Maynooth and in the wider community, to build on and strengthen Ireland’s international reputation and expertise as peacemaker, mediator and facilitator for positive conflict engagement, social regeneration and restorative practices.
Internal and external links with whom we consult regularly -
Links - academia and wider world
Those with whom we work closely in the wider mediation community -
Networks and links in the Mediation Community
We collaborate with different actors and entities both in the University and in the wider world to build on and strengthen Ireland’s international reputation and expertise as peacemaker, mediator and facilitator for positive conflict engagement, social regeneration and restorative practices.
Our networks include:
Networks and links in the Mediation Community
