The NCSE Annual Research Conference
2025
Wednesday 5th November 2025 – 09:30 – 15:40
Cusack Suite, Croke Park, Dublin 3, D03 P6K7
Conference themes:
‘Benefits of Practitioner-Based Research and Post-School Pathways and
Transitions
Click here to view the 2025 NCSE Research Conference Agenda.
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.
Yours Sincerely,
The NCSE Research Unit
Privacy Notice and Data Protection
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.
Welcome and conference address
- Video recording of the conference address and welcome by Minister for State at the Department of Education and Youth with special responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion.
- Video recording of the conference introduction and welcome by NCSE Chairperson Fergal Lynch.
Session 1
- Benefits of Practitioner-Based Research – Building pathways to impact together: benefits and examples of close to practice research
- View the presentation
- Abstract and biographical note for Prof. Sarah Parsons, Professor of Autism and Inclusion, Southampton Education School, University of Southampton
- 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
- Video recording of the panel discussion
Session 2
- Post-School Pathways and Transitions – Learnings from the USA: secondary transitions for students with special educational needs, evidence-based practices and predictors of postschool success
- View the presentation
- Abstract and biographical note for Dr. Valerie L. Mazzotti, Roy A. Roberts Distinguished Professor of Special Education, Dept. of Special Education, Kansas University
- Video recording of the presentation
- Evaluation of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy Transition Pilot Programme – findings from an NCSE commissioned evaluation
- View the presentation
- Abstract and biographical note for Beth Young Associate Director of Social Policy Research at Fortia Insight, formerly RSM
- Video recording of the presentation
- Paths, Tracks, Gaps and Cliffs: The Post-school Transitions of Students with Special Educational Needs – findings from an NCSE commissioned study
- View the presentation
- Biographical notes for the Dr. Eamonn Carroll, Post-doctural Research at Munster Technological University, formerly ESRI and Keyu Ye, Marketing Insights Analyst at Flutter Entertainment, formerly ESRI
- Video recording of the presentation
Archive
Information on 2024 NCSE Research Conference – The Progressive Realisation of an Inclusive Education System in Ireland: The new NCSE and Vision 2026
Information on 2023 NCSE Research Conference – The NCSE and Inclusive Education Service Provision in Ireland’ and ‘Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Information on 2022 NCSE Research Conference – Post-pandemic Education and Experiences of Transition: Entering the Irish system and leaving school.
Information on 2021 NCSE Research Conference – Continuity of Education and Dealing with Regression Post-Pandemic & Education for Adults with Disabilities.
Information on 2020 NCSE Research Conference – Inclusion and Online Learning for Students with Special Educational Needs.
Information on 2019 NCSE Research Conference – Inclusive Education Systems & Teacher Education for Inclusion.
Information on 2018 NCSE Research Conference -Transitions from School and Lifelong Learning for Adults with Disabilities & Delivering Therapy Supports in Education.
Information on 2017 NCSE Research Conference -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.
Information on 2016 NCSE Research Conference -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.
Information on 2015 NCSE Research Conference -Teacher Education for Inclusion & Assistive Technology for Students with Special Educational Needs.
Information on 2014 NCSE Research Conference -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.
Information on 2013 NCSE Research Conference -NCSE Research Programme.
Information on 2012 NCSE Research Conference -International perspectives on teacher education for inclusion: challenges and opportunities.
Information on 2011 NCSE Research Conference -The Inclusive Practice Project (IPP): Key lessons for teacher education.
Information on 2010 NCSE Research Conference -The Value and Limitations of Research in Special Education.
Information on 2009 NCSE Research Conference -Overview of the NCSE Research Programme
