Open University

Dr Sharon Mallon (OU) The signing of the Good Friday agreement effectively brought an end to the widespread violence associated with the ‘Troubles’. However, communities within Northern Ireland continue to be blighted by an insidious form of violence in the form of punishment beatings and intimidation. Anecdotal evidence published in news media have linked cases… Continue Reading The role of paramilitary punishment attacks and intimidation in death by suicide in post agreement Northern Ireland

Prof Keith Attenborough and Dr Shahram Taherzadeh (OU) Noise barriers are a common method of combating noise (mentioned under ‘environment’ in the KESS hot topics list) but they may be unsightly and tend to divide communities because any gaps affect their efficiency. The presentation will describe alternative methods based on the results of the Open University… Continue Reading Environmental methods of surface transport noise reduction

Dr Clem Herman, Dr Elaine Thomas and Dr Katie Chicot (OU) The ratio of male to females employed in STEM-related industries in NI is 3 to 1, yet although the business case for gender equality in STEM has been well recognised in NI policy, little attention has been paid to date to the potential presented… Continue Reading Returning to STEM: interventions to support women returners after career breaks

Prof Jonathan Rix (OU) This seminar builds upon a study undertaken for the National Council for Special Education in the Republic of Ireland, examining the continuum of special education globally (Rix, Sheehy, Fletcher-Campbell, Crisp & Harper, 2013). This involved a systematic literature review of the multitude of continua associated with special education, followed by a… Continue Reading Global Challenges for Inclusive and Special Education – Exploring solutions within a Community of Provision

Dr Ilona Roth (OU) Prevalence estimates for autism in the western world have risen substantially over recent years, most probably reflecting a combination of increasing public awareness, wider inclusion criteria and improved diagnostic services. Many gaps and inequalities of services and support remain, especially in relation to adults and to deprived and ethnic minority communities.… Continue Reading Autism: a cross-cultural perspective on service provision and capacity building

Dr Dimitris P. Sotiropoulos (OU) Austerity policies in the wake of the 2008 global financial meltdown have left a host of developed capitalist economies struggling with very high levels of sovereign indebtedness. Given that prospects for economic growth still remain anaemic, and that financial risks have not been completely eliminated, the recovery process is slow… Continue Reading Options for public debt management

Prof Jan Draper, Donna Gallagher (OU) and Paul Carlin (SET) – Engagement and Empowerment: Emancipating Health Care Support Workers to become Registered Professionals in Northern Ireland Creating and enhancing career development opportunities for the healthcare support workforce and widening access to higher education are currently key priorities across the United Kingdom. The high academic attainment… Continue Reading Emancipating Health Care Support Workers to become Registered Professionals in Northern Ireland

Dr Sharon Mallon (OU) There has been a great deal of concern about the rising rates of suicide in Northern Ireland. To date, the discussion has tended to focus on suicide among men, with little consideration given to suicide among women. This lack of attention is concerning as studies suggest there are important gender differences… Continue Reading An exploration of the dynamics of suicide among women