Celebrating Excellence: TU Dublin’s Role in International Conferences
In a recent ceremony held at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) on 27 November 2025, TU Dublin staff were honoured as Fáilte Ireland Conference Ambassadors. The awards highlighted the university’s commitment to bringing high‑profile international conferences to Ireland and underscored the impact of these events on education and the wider community.
For educators, conference organisers, and university administrators, the recognition offers a blueprint for successful event partnership and showcases the benefits of positioning your institution as a hub for global dialogue.
Leadership Behind the 51st SEFI Conference
Strategic Vision and Execution
Ger Reilly, Head of Apprenticeship and Further Education, and Professor Emeritus Mike Murphy from the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment led the effort to host the 51st Annual Conference of the European Society for Engineering Education (SEFI) at TU Dublin in September 2023. Their leadership was pivotal in securing the venue, coordinating logistics, and ensuring that the conference met the high standards expected by SEFI.
Key Outcomes for Education and Sustainability
The conference explored how engineers can address global sustainability challenges, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By facilitating this dialogue, TU Dublin reinforced its role as a catalyst for innovative educational practices and cross‑disciplinary collaboration.
Impact of the 31st EAS Conference
Bridging Music Education and Societal Change
Dr Lorraine O’Connell, Dr Mary Lennon, and Dr Hannah Millington were recognised for their leadership in bringing the 31st Annual Conference of the European Association for Music in Schools (EAS) to Dublin in June 2024. The event, themed “Traditions in Transformation,” gathered music educators, researchers, and students from across Europe to examine how societal, political, and technological shifts reshape contemporary music education.
Collaborative Support Across Faculties
The success of both conferences relied on extensive collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Conservatoire. Staff such as Dr Paul McNulty and Dr Orla McDonagh provided essential support, demonstrating the value of interdisciplinary teamwork in event management.
Building a Sustainable Conference Hosting Model
What can other institutions learn from TU Dublin’s experience? Here are three actionable steps:
- Establish a Dedicated Conference Office: A central team can streamline communication with organisers, manage logistics, and maintain relationships with partner organisations.
- Leverage Existing Academic Strengths: Align conference themes with your university’s research priorities to attract relevant participants and showcase expertise.
- Engage Local and International Partners: Collaborations with industry, government, and other universities broaden the event’s reach and enhance its impact.
By adopting these practices, universities can position themselves as preferred hosts for international conferences, driving educational innovation and strengthening their global reputation.
Future Opportunities for Conference Hosting
TU Dublin continues to seek partnerships that promote knowledge exchange and professional development. Whether you are an academic leader, a conference organiser, or a student organisation, there are numerous ways to get involved.
Explore TU Dublin’s conference hosting opportunities and discover how your institution can benefit from a partnership that supports education, research, and community engagement.
Discover hosting opportunities
For more information on how TU Dublin collaborates with international conferences, visit our news page or contact us directly.
Share your experiences in the comments below and join the conversation about the future of conference hosting in Ireland.
