Growing Up in Ireland: 11th annual research conference

Launch of new Growing Up in Ireland research 

Four Key Findings reports on the lives of 20-year-olds in Ireland were launched at the conference. These represent the first results from the survey of this age group completed earlier this year. The new Key Findings cover the 20-year-olds’ participation in the wider world (including leaving home, work, political participation and volunteering); their physical health and development; their socio-emotional well-being and relationships and also their education, training and cognitive development.

The press release, which contains links to the four reports, is available to read here. 

Dr Katherine Zappone, TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, launched the reports at the conference. Her speech is available to read here. 

Keynote speaker 

The keynote address was given by Professor Ross Macmillan, Chair in Sociology at the University of Limerick, on the topic of “Culture and the socio-economic status of families: Irish exceptionalism?”.

Professor Ross Macmillan is a sociologist and demographer who has authored almost fifty articles, chapters, books, and reviews and is among the most cited sociologists of his generation. His research has focused on crime and victimization, child development and the life course, family relationships, and social epidemiology.  His current research focuses on the empowerment/ marginality of historically disadvantaged groups and impacts upon population health.

Presentation slides

Dorothy Watson, Research Professor at the ESRI, presented the key findings from the research. The slides are available to view below. 

Presentation slides from other conference speakers are available on the Growing Up in Ireland website here.