TU Dublin highlights Community Engaged Research at AIUB Symposium
TU Dublin was delighted to contribute to the International Symposium on Responsive and Responsible Universities: Global Perspectives from the Magna Charta Observatory Research Initiative on September 25th – 26th 2025, at the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) Dhaka campus, co-hosted by AIUB and the Magna Charta Observatory (MCO). The event brought together higher education leaders from around the world to discuss how universities can better serve society.
In a presentation entitled 'Community Engaged Research and Learning as a Vehicle for Responsiveness and Responsibility in TU Dublin, Ireland,' Dr Mary Deasy spoke about the importance of universities working more closely in partnership with their communities in a changing world -
In today’s rapidly changing world, shaped by climate change, conflict, the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and technological advances including AI, society operates differently. Universities must also respond differently by engaging local communities in co-designing solutions that meet their emerging needs in this new environment and offer its students more opportunity to engage in projects grounded in real-world settings.
Dr Mary Deasy (in person) and Dr Catherine Bates, joining online, presented a case study on TU Dublin’s approach to community engaged research and learning, emanating from their research project on social responsibility and responsiveness as part of the MCO global research initiative.
The symposium featured lively debate on themes such as equity in partnerships, sustainability of engagement, and the role of universities in addressing societal challenges. TU Dublin’s contribution was warmly received, and participants expressed genuine interest in the university’s experience of embedding social responsibility.
The visit was an inspiring and memorable experience. Dr Deasy was met with generous hospitality and stimulating discussions in Dhaka, while Dr Bates valued the opportunity to share TU Dublin’s work virtually with an international audience. Both agreed it was a truly rewarding event, marked by a strong sense of welcome, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Photo Credit: American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)
TU Dublin is a signatory of the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020 (MCU 2020), which means it has committed to upholding the MCU’s principles of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and social responsibility. In line with these principles, our teaching and research missions are grounded the advancement of knowledge involving meaningful engagement with society. We strive to foster a learning environment that is excellent, inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the challenges of our time.