Strong TU Dublin Presence at the Kennedy Summer School 2025
The annual Kennedy Summer School took place from 27–30 August in New Ross, with a strong TU Dublin presence throughout the programme.
Dr Brian Murphy, Government and Community Advocacy Lead at TU Dublin, is a Director of the Kennedy Summer School. This year, he chaired an expert panel on the centenary of The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel of the Jazz Age. The panel featured academics from Belfast, Alabama, London and Venice and explored the continuing relevance of Fitzgerald’s work. Dr Murphy also participated in a Newstalk national radio discussion about the Summer School and the significance of The Great Gatsby in today’s world.
(Pictured: Dr. Emma Howard, Economist and TU Dublin lecturer (fourth from left), with fellow panellists at the Kennedy Summer School's Global Horizons: Trade and Economic Forum 2025.
The Summer School, which partners with Purdue University, continues to expand and opened this year with the Global Horizons Trade and Economic Forum, held at the Brandon House Hotel in collaboration with Wexford Chamber and Wexford County Council. Dr Emma Howard, Economist and Lecturer at TU Dublin and Chair of the Irish Society for Women in Economics, contributed to this high-profile panel discussion.
Ireland’s Housing Challenges were also in focus with TU Dublin’s Senior Lecturer Lorcan Sirr participating in a panel discussion at St Michael’s Theatre, New Ross.
Dr Brian Murphy also moderated the proceedings at the Annual Speakers’ Lunch, at the John F. Kennedy Arboretum, hosted in conjunction with the Office of Public Works. This event featured an address by Minister for Further and Higher Education, James Lawless TD, and was attended by Dr Deirdre Lillis, President of TU Dublin. In his remarks, Minister Lawless highlighted the crucial role of technological universities in shaping Ireland’s educational landscape.
The Summer School programme also featured two graduates of TU Dublin’s legacy institution, Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT): Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Mark Daly, and prospective candidate for the office of President of Ireland, Gareth Sheridan, both of whom are currently at the forefront of political debate.
TU Dublin President Dr Deirdre Lillis said:
"I was delighted to attend the Kennedy Summer School and the strong involvement of TU Dublin staff in its programme reflects our university's commitment to national dialogue on education, housing, economics, culture and history. By contributing expert voices on panels, moderating key events and supporting thought leadership, TU Dublin continues to shape important conversations that influence policy, community development and Ireland's future."