Maynooth University and Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to formalise their collaboration on postgraduate research. The agreement focuses on the co-supervision of PhD and Masters by Research students (MSc/MLitt), combining MU’s strengths in the Arts and Humanities with IADT’s practice-led expertise in the creative and technological sectors.
The partnership underscores the importance of inter-institutional higher education to meet the evolving needs of the economy and society. By leveraging their complementary strengths, MU and IADT aim to address the growing demand for innovative research in the creative industries – a sector critical to Ireland’s economic future as outlined in the recently launched Roadmap for the Digital Creative Industries.
Welcoming the signing of the agreement, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD said: "I am delighted to welcome this new era of collaboration between Maynooth University and IADT. Our higher education system is at its best when our institutions work together to advance knowledge, promote innovation and cultivate the talent that will drive our future success. By joining forces these institutions are creating new opportunities for students, for researchers and for our creative industries, strengthening our position as a leader in higher education and research excellence.”
Remarking on the importance of the collaboration, Professor Eeva Leinonen, President of Maynooth University, said: “This partnership with IADT enriches our research and teaching capabilities and expands our postgraduate offerings, particularly in artistic and practice-based research. By collaborating, we enhance the academic experience for our students and staff while providing valuable hands-on, practical experience and increased industry contact through IADT’s strong ties to the creative sector.”
David Smith, President of IADT, added: “This agreement is a significant step forward for IADT in its transformation and development, opening new Level 10 pathways for our students and graduates to build and advance their careers. Partnering with Maynooth University provides our students and staff with access to a dynamic and supportive research environment, enhancing our ability to conduct impactful, industry-aligned research. The opportunities for research students to carry out their work across IADT and Maynooth University will support their pursuit of knowledge and their meaningful impact on society.”
Applications for the first cohort of students are being welcomed by diverse disciplines, including Media Studies, Music, English, History, Psychology, Modern Languages, Celtic Studies, and Design Innovation.
Among these students is Eilís Nolan, an Assistant Lecturer at IADT and a 2D animation artist. Eilís’s research explores how Covid-19 has influenced narratives in film and television, focusing on changes in audience interaction and production methods post-pandemic, particularly in the use of space and animation.
Another student, Diaa Lagan, a Syrian multidisciplinary artist and International Artist Protection Fund Fellow at IADT, will conduct a media art practice-based research project exploring the intersections between VR Teleportation, Human Trafficking, and the Borderland Concept in Media Art.
These projects are part of the IADT ELEVATE programme which is funded through TU RISE and co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27 and the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-27. Both projects highlight the range of interdisciplinary research opportunities made possible through this collaboration.
