TU Dublin President Dr Deirdre Lillis Urges Higher Education Sector to Protect EDI as University Launches New Strategy
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Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) has launched its Strategy for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) 2025 to 2028, setting out a roadmap to embed EDI across teaching, research, leadership, and decision-making.
TU Dublin President Dr Deirdre Lillis
The strategy supports TU Dublin's Strategic Intent 2030 and reflects the University's responsibilities as a public-sector institution to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity, and protect human rights. It integrates EDI considerations across core areas, including teaching and learning, research and practice, policy development, project and change management, risk management, and institutional planning.
Emerita Fellow and Professor at TU Dublin, Yvonne Galligan
The launch comes amid growing international scrutiny of Human Rights and EDI initiatives, with some institutions scaling back or reframing commitments. TU Dublin's strategy reaffirms that equality and inclusion are central to academic quality, institutional integrity and public trust, and should be embedded in governance rather than treated as optional.
Speaking at the launch, TU Dublin President Dr Deirdre Lillis said:
"At a time when equality, diversity and inclusion practices are being challenged in some parts of the world, it is now more important than ever that universities stand firm in their values. TU Dublin has a responsibility, as a university, a public institution, and a community, to protect hard-won progress and ensure that inclusion, fairness, and respect remain central to everything we do. We hope our strategy can serve as an exemplar, not only across higher education but throughout the public sector, showing that EDI must be embedded in policy, governance and everyday practice for meaningful, lasting impact."
TU Dublin has one of the most diverse student populations in the country. [i]28% of new undergraduate entrants come through access routes, with the University maintaining the highest proportion of access students nationally at 12.5%. It provides 13% of the national provision for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, 11% for students with disabilities, and 9% for Irish Traveller enrolments, cementing its role as Ireland's most accessible University.
TU Dublin Students' Union President Naomi Sebastine
A central feature of the strategy is seven change pathways designed to embed EDI into everyday practice and decision-making. These cover teaching and learning, research, EDI action planning, policy impact assessment, project and change management, risk management and faculty, school and functional strategy development. This approach moves EDI beyond standalone initiatives, making it part of the University's routine functioning.
The strategy identifies five priority focus areas for 2025 to 2028: gender equality, race and ethnicity, disability inclusion, ending gender-based violence, and intersectionality. Progress will be tracked through defined objectives, measurable indicators and annual reporting, reinforcing TU Dublin's commitment to transparency and accountability.
Rebecca Grogan, Senior Manager - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The launch marks a major milestone in TU Dublin's ambition to be recognised nationally and internationally as an exemplar of equality, diversity and inclusion, creating a university community where every student, staff member and partner can belong, thrive and contribute fully.
TU Dublin's Strategy for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) 2025 to 2028 is available here.
[i] Statistics are available from TU Dublin's 2024 Annual Report. https://www.tudublin.ie/media/website/explore/governance-and-compliance/documents/TU-Dublin-Annual-Report-2024.pdf