News and Events

UCFRC 11th Biennial International Conference 13-14th June 2024

Follow the conversation at #familysupportforequality  

Conference Theme: 

Social exclusion, discrimination, poverty, migration, displacement and the accompanying trauma strongly impact on parenting and family life. In this conference, we consider the critical role family support can play in contributing to the achievement of the sustainable development goals by confronting the forces of inequality and exclusion. The conference will reflect on current debates, challenges and opportunities for promoting and supporting equality, inclusion and fairness for all families and children. Through plenary and workshop sessions focused on policy and practice, we will   explore themes and issues related to promoting equality in the context of gender, sexuality, disability, poverty, migration and participation. This international, intersectoral and interdisciplinary conference will offer cutting-edge thinking, research evidence and innovative practices. It will be of interest to practitioners, service leaders, policymakers and researchers and academics. 

Bookings and Registration: 

Places are limited please book early to avoid disappointment. Book your place here. 

Parallel Sessions

Abstracts will be presented from the practice, policy, research and academic communities in relation to the conference themes, which are as follows.

Promoting equality through family support in:

• Individual or group programmatic practice models
• Workforce learning and development
• Service planning and design
• Policy development and implementation
• Research and evaluation

Conference Brochure: 

Please see here for full Conference brochure. 

Keynote Speakers: 

• Professor Angela Abela, University of Malta
• Professor Bronagh Byrne, Queen’s University Belfast 
• Professor Barry Checkoway, University of Michigan
• Dr Harriet Churchill, University of Sheffield
• Dr Carmel Devaney, UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, University of Galway
• Dr. Anne-Marie McGauran, Child Poverty and Well Being Programme Office, Department of the Taoiseach
• Professor Òscar Prieto-Flores, University of Girona
• Dr Robin Sen, University of Edinburgh
• Dr. Anna Visser, Child Poverty and Well Being Programme Office, Department of the Taoiseach

Special Guest – Mary Coughlan

Mary is Ireland’s greatest jazz and blues singer and “one of our most openly raw performers” (Hotpress). In a career fast approaching its 40th year, she is about to enter its next, exciting stage. Born in Shantalla, Galway city, Mary has made some of the most uncompromising, wholly personal, and universal music by any Irish artist. While her roots are in jazz  and blues - Billie Holiday and Bessie Smith are among her inspirations - pop, rock, folk, and chanson (Edith Piaf is also a touchstone) influences also appear in her work. Now, the next chapter of her distinguished career finds her exploring a little known  side of the music of Peggy Lee.

For regular updates and registration visit here.

Important Dates:  

End of Registration at a Reduced Fee

April 30th, 2024