Hosted in the retreat-like setting of Kimmage Development Studies Centre, the 2014 Annual DSA Ireland Postgraduate Research Workshop brought together students and seasoned academics from across the island of Ireland for two days of intense and engagement cross-disciplinary exchange, peer learning and networking. The packed schedule included focused small group sessions, presentations from students at the later stages of their research, and thought-provoking plenary sessions delivered by well-renowned academics and practitioners. Full details of the schedule, participants and topics discussed can be viewed in the Workshop Handbook.
The event was opened by Dr. Rob Kevlihan, Director of Kimmage Development Studies Centre & DSA Ireland and Dr. Su-Ming Khoo (NUIG & DSA Ireland) and combined a number of sessions over the two days which fostered discussion around the theory and practice of development studies research. The workshop was tied together by a number of inputs from leading academics in the field of development studies. Prof. Peadar Kirby of the University of Limerick provided a fascinating synopsis of the ideological battlefields upon which issues of development are enacted, presenting a compelling argument that alternative ideas have much to offer in the building of local and global communities. Dr. Su-ming Khoo took up the challenges proposed by Prof. Kirby, with a call for illuminating alternative approaches which could support a progressive form of development.
In the final session of the workshop, chaired by Prof. Padraig Carmody (TCD), a panel of four academics/practitioners provided valuable insights into the relationship between research, politics and activism. Dr. Chandana Mathur (NUIM), Dr. Rob Kevlihan (KDSC), Dr. Gillian Wylie (TCD) and Michael Semple (QUB), shared examples from their wide-ranging experiences of negotiating the realities of research and the grey area between their work, activism, and the highly politicised contexts within which this takes place.
As in previous years, the annual workshop continues to provide participants with essential opportunities to draw on the knowledge of experienced researchers and peers, to refine their own research, and to continue building the widening network of students and academics. A final report of the event will be circulated soon