Institute for Lifecourse and Society
WELCOME TO THE INSTITUTE FOR LIFECOURSE AND SOCIETY
The Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS) is a designated research institute for the applied social sciences at University of Galway. The Institute supports applied research that informs policy development and practice to make a positive difference to people’s lives. ILAS brings together existing work in relation to targeted populations, such as older persons, children and families, and persons with disabilities into one domain of research, teaching and policy. The core function of the Institute is the pursuit of interdisciplinary research in the social sciences by creatively integrating the rich and diverse intellectual resources from within the University and beyond.
Message from the Director
Welcome to the Institute for Lifecourse and Society, a new specially designated research institute in applied social sciences in University of Galway. Here at ILAS we are really interested and focused on research that positively affects people’s lives. Apart from our interest in Human Flourishing, Wellbeing and Intergenerational Connections, we are also interested in research that focuses on Civic Participation. Importantly we want to advance people’s lives in Ireland and internationally who face issues with older life, living with disability, children, youth and parents who are vulnerable in social and other contexts.
The research at the Institute is underpinned by academic staff and researchers who are keen the work we do makes a difference. We are based in the Institute for Lifecourse and Society building on campus.
Research Themes
The Institute is supporting applied research that informs policy development and practice that makes a positive difference to people’s lives. Its initial focus is to bring together existing work in relation to targeted populations, such as older persons, children and families, and persons with disabilities as a baseline to expand.
The Institute is supporting applied research that informs policy development and practice that makes a positive difference to people’s lives. Its initial focus is to bring together existing work in relation to targeted populations, such as older persons, children and families, and persons with disabilities as a baseline to expand.
The four broadly conceived thematic interests of the Institute are:
- Life Transitioning & Human Flourishing
- Intergenerational Relations
- Social Health & Wellbeing
- Civic Engagement & Participation
ILAS Members
The Institute for Lifecourse and Society is established on the expertise and track record of its constituent research Centres
UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, Centre for Disability Law and Policy, Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN), Health Economics and Policy Analysis (HEPA) and Engage/Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI).
Additionally, a range of stakeholders, including research centres, research clusters, community demonstration projects and individual academics drawn from an impressive range of disciplines are part of the Institute's community.
