Dr Laoise Ní Chléirigh

Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education

Gaeilge agus fáilte

School of Education
3rd
322

Biography

Dr Laoise Ní Chléirigh is an Assistant Professor in the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, Maynooth University. Her areas of teaching and research include: Environmental Sustainable Development Education, Science Methods  and STEM education, Bioeconomy and Circular Bioeconomy Education, Children’s Literature in the Irish Language, Education for the Science-Society nexus. 

Laoise is also a writer and has written over forty books of fiction and non-fiction books in Irish and also articles in the English language. Her recent Cosán na Gealaí series has been enthusiastically welcomed by children and families alike. Her YA book 'An Uaigh' is on the Junior Certificate syllabus for Gaelcholáistí agus Scoileanna Gaeltachta. Her debut children's novel 'Na Laochra is Lú' was shortlisted for the annual Children's Book of the Year Awards. 

She is supervising undergraduate, masters, and PhD students’ research theses. Laoise received the 2019 Maynooth University Postgraduate Researcher’s Impact Award. Laoise won awards and teaching bursaries for the creation of teaching materials and programmes in relation to the MU modules she collaborated on designing and taught on: Athy Sensory Trails Project Live 2021/2022, Draíocht Dara – COGG 2021/2022, The Tairseach Project – Project Live 2020/2021, The Dearcán Project 2020 – Kildare Healthy Ireland Programme Award.  

Laoise is Deputy Work Package Leader on two work packages - Education and Governance in the UCD-led €2 million Horizon Europe BioBeo project. This multi-actor project comprises a pan-European consortium of 15 partners from across education, science and technology and the wider society. Laoise is a key research partner and leader and in the international team developing bespoke education programmes in the areas of sustainability and bioeconomy. A key focus is to embed the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into education programmes across Europe from preschool to third level, in an effort to mainstream the concepts of circularity and bioeconomy in education and communities of learners.  

Laoise’s PhD research was funded by a previous Horizon 2020, 8 million euro project ‘AgroCycle’ addressing the circular economy. Here, Laoise was a key researcher in translating the scientific concepts of the circular economy into accessible language for children and school communities, suitable for the primary school curriculum. Laoise is currently involved in several new Horizon research bids and continues to gain funding annually for local research projects also. 

Research Projects

Title Role Description Start date End date Amount
BioBeo Work Package Leader, Deputy Work Package Leader and Senior Researcher Dr Laoise Ní Chléirigh from the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, Maynooth University holds a key role in the UCD-led €2 million Horizon Europe EdBioEc project now titled 'BioBeo'. This multi-actor project comprises a pan-European consortium of 15 partners from across education, science and technology and the wider society. There is an international team specialising in the development of bespoke education programmes to address the science-society nexus with Maynooth University playing a central role as leaders of the Educational development element. A key focus is on embedding the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into primary and secondary education programmes across Europe, leading to enhanced society-wide understanding of a sustainable future for the next generation. Other partners include An Taisce and the MU Erasmus partners, RUAS and ODISEE universities. This is a timely opportunity for Froebel MU to play a key European leadership role in this rapidly developing area of education. 01/09/2022 01/03/2025
Draíocht Dara Taighdeoir/Feitheoir Scéim mhaoinithe áiseanna teagaisc agus foghlama 2021 Fáilteofar roimh iarratais do mhaoiniú d’fhorbairt áiseanna teagaisc agus foghlama don oideachas trí Ghaeilge nó do theagasc na Gaeilge sna réimsí seo thíos: • Acmhainní ar líne le tacú le teagasc agus foghlaim trí Ghaeilge nó le teagasc agus foghlaim na Gaeilge i mbunscoileanna agus in iar-bhunscoileanna • Ábhar físe le tacú le teagasc an Churaclaim Bhunscoile agus sonraíochtaí na Sraithe Sóisearaí agus na hArdteiste • Áiseanna foghlama agus teagaisc don Oideachas Riachtanais Speisialta trí Ghaeilge i mbunscoileanna agus in iar-bhunscoileanna • Ábhar léitheoireachta ficsin agus neamhfhicsin nuachumtha do gach aoisghrúpa ach meánranganna agus ardranganna na bunscoile, ach go háirithe. • Áiseanna réamhléitheoireachta d’fhoghlaimeoirí na Gaeilge • Glacfar le hiarratais d’áiseanna nach bhfuil luaite thuas. 01/09/2021 01/09/2022
Dearcán Taighdeoir 01/02/2021
AgroCycle PhD Candidate/Researcher 01/04/2016 31/03/2019

Book

Year Publication
2013 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2013) An Uaigh. Baile Átha Cliath: LeabhairCOMHAR.
2012 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2012) Na Laochra is Lú. Baile Átha Cliath: An Gúm.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) Timpeall an Domhain. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) An Luch agus an Príomhoide. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2023) Oíche na Coda Móire. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) An Cara Pinn. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) An Puití faoi Gheasa. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) An Bronntanas. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2023) Dialann Rúnda... agus níos mó!. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) Draíocht agus Eachtraíocht. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) Ár nDomhan. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2023) Reachrainn... agus níos mó!. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) Ar Safari. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) Cumhacht na bPeann. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) Saol na Farraige. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) Plandaí Abú!. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) An tAonbheannach. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) An Feirmeoir Grámhar. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) Cócaireacht. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) An Cás. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) An Gníomhaí. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) An Míol Mór. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2021 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2021) Oíche na Gaoithe Móire 1839. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2021 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2021) An Nollaig Fadó Fadó. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2021 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2021) Páirc an Chrócaigh Abú!. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2021 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2021) An Réiltín is Gile sa Spéir. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2021 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2021) An Camán Cumhachtach. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2021 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2021) An Iomáint Abú. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2021 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2021) An Chláirseach faoi Gheasa. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2021 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2021) Mí an Ghrá. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2021 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2021) Riverdance. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2021 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2021) Róbó Ró. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2023) Foirgnimh Cháiliúla...agus níos mó!. Dublin, Ireland: Gill Education.

Book Chapter

Year Publication
2011 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2011) 'An Triantán Beirmúdach – Spléachadh ar Leabhair Ghaeilge don Aoisghrúpa 8-13' In: Codladh Céad Bliain, Cnuasach Aistí Ar Litríocht na nÓg. Bailey Otha Cliath : LeabhairCOMHAR.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Brighid Golden (2023) 'Global Citizenship Education. Curious Teachers, Critical Classrooms - Sustainability' In: Sustainability. Ireland : DICE & Irish Aid.
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh; Brighid Golden (2023) 'Sustainability' In: Global Citizenship Education. Curious Teachers, Critical Classrooms. Ireland : DICE & Irish Aid.

Conference Contribution

Year Publication
2019 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2019) Closing Conference/Ceremony for the AgroCycle Project ‘Coming Full Circle’ - Primary Education and The Circular Economy The Department of Agriculture, Backweston Campus, Celbridge, Co Kildare, .
2019 Dr Máire Nic an Bhaird, Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2019) Trends in Environmental Biotechnology - Novel Technologies for resource recovery from biomass and organic residues at NUIG ‘Inviting Children to the Technological Conversation’ NUIG Galway, .
2019 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2019) Lincoln University Summer School – School of Education Keynote -‘Love in the middle of a climate crisis’ Lincoln University, Lincoln, UK, .
2018 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2018) AgroCycle Midterm Stakeholders Conference Research report - ‘Bridging the Gap – Scientific Enquiry for All’ Harper Adams University, UK, .
2018 Dr Máire Nic an Bhaird, Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2018) A Future for All – Teaching for a Sustainable Society ‘From Line to Loop’ Gavle (Sweden), .
2018 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2018) Maynooth University Publications Festival Research update titled ‘From Line to Loop' Maynooth University Library Publications Festival 2018, .
2018 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2018) The International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD) Start Spreading the News - AgroCycle Kids Columbia University, New York, .
2017 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2017) AgroCycle Stakeholders Conference Conference Contribution - ‘AgroCycle Kids in Collaboration’ CERTH, Thessaloniki, Greece, .
2018 Dr Máire Nic an Bhaird, Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2018) Agricultural Waste and Residue Management for a Circular Bio-Economy: AgroCycle Kids Explore the Circular Economy NUIG Galway, .
2023 Máire Nic an Bhaird and Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2023) The Association of Franco-Irish Studies BioBeo: Artistically Exploring Sustainability through Froebelian Ecofeminism University of La Rochelle, .
2021 Máire Nic an Bhaird, Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2021) The International Froebel Society Conference A Froebelian Voice in Sustainability ONLINE, .
2018 Dr Máire Nic an Bhaird and Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2018) AgroCycle Kids in China Disseminating the message of the AgroCycle Kids to c 200 children at the Affiliated Primary School of Beijing Forestry , Beijing, China Beijing, China, .
2017 Dr Máire Nic an Bhaird and Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2017) AgroCycle Kids - European Commission Communicating the AgroCycle Kids message to children in 5th and 6th class, Ireland. Emphasis on Circular Economy and Waste Valorisation European Commission, Brussels, .

Article

Year Publication
2018 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2018) Science Apprentice Series - A Spotlight on AgroCycle Kids. Baile Átha Cliath: [Article]

Electronic Article

Year Publication
2021 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2021) Will social media influencers take a stand about climate change?. www.rte.ie: [Electronic Article] [Link]
2019 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2019) How food waste can be given a new lease of life - RTÉ Brainstorm. Baile Átha Cliath: [Electronic Article]
2011 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2011) Dídean na Rónta. [Electronic Article]
2011 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2011) Idir Imbolc agus Bealtaine. [Electronic Article]
2010 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2010) Éin agus Ainmhithe Feannta an Gheimhridh. [Electronic Article]

Guest Editor

Year Publication
2019 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2019) There is No Away. Baile Átha Cliath: [Guest Editor]

Thesis

Year Publication
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2023) Loving Mother Earth: Exploring education for sustainable development and the circular economy concept in an Irish primary school context. [Thesis]

Audiovisual material

Year Publication
2021 Máire Nic an Bhaird Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2021) Community Engaged Learning: Students addressing societal challenges through the curriculum. [Audiovisual material] [Link]
2021 Máire Nic an Bhaird, Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2021) Green Week: There is No Away - Waste Valorisation. [Audiovisual material]
2021 Máire Nic an Bhaird, Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2021) Dearcán - Kildare Healthy Ireland Programme. [Audiovisual material]
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2023) The Learning Garden Podcast - An Interview with Niamh Bhreathnach Episode 2. [Audiovisual material]
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2023) The Learning Garden Podcast - An Interview with Niamh Bhreathnach Episode 3. [Audiovisual material]
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2023) The Learning Garden Podcast - An Interview with Niamh Bhreathnach Episode 1. [Audiovisual material]
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird (2023) An Togra - BioBeo agus Inbhuanaitheacht Comhshaoil san Oideachas. [Audiovisual material]
2023 Roinn na Gaeilge, Ollscoil Mhá Nuad (2023) Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire. [Audiovisual material]

Electronic Publication

Year Publication
2022 Máire Nic an Bhaird, Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Tom Curran, Nathan Wright (2022) Tóraíocht Bheo. UCD: [Electronic Publication]
2022 Nic an Bhaird Máire, Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Tom Curran, Nathan Wright (2022) Finding Beo. UCD: [Electronic Publication]
2021 Máire Nic an Bhaird, Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Tom Curran, Nathan Wright (2021) Amóinia? Amóinia? Cad faoi Amóinia?. [Electronic Publication] [Link] [Full-Text]

Invited Lectures

Year Publication
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2023) Breastfeeding on a fragile planet. How we are helping. [Invited Lectures]

Presentation

Year Publication
2021 Máire Nic an Bhaird, Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2021) Teach Meet 2021: AgroCycle Kids Education Programme. [Presentation]

Webinar

Year Publication
2023 Máire Nic an Bhaird , Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2023) How to Successfully Implement the New Primary Language Curriculum using Cosán na Gealaí. [Webinar]
2021 Máire Nic an Bhaird, Laoise Ní Chléirigh, EDF485 students and Maynooth Green Campus (2021) The Tairseach Journey - Maynooth Project Live. [Webinar]

Workshops

Year Publication
2021 Máire Nic an Bhaird, Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Stephen Seaman, Gaelscoil Uí Fhiaich (2021) World Bee Day-Solitary Bee Box Workshop. [Workshops]

Invited Seminars

Year Publication
2023 Laoise Ní Chléirigh, Máire Nic an Bhaird, James Lowry (2023) Bioeconomy Education Today. NUIG, Galway: [Invited Seminars]

Curriculum design / Support materials

Year Publication
2022 Áine Nic Giolla Phádraig; Máire Nic an Bháird; Laoise Ní Chléirigh (2022) Draíocht Dara. [Curriculum design / Support materials]
Certain data included herein are derived from the © Web of Science (2024) of Clarivate. All rights reserved.

Professional Associations

Description Function From / To
Irish Association of Primary Science Educators (IAPSE) Executive Committee Member & Social Media Coordinator 01/09/2020 -
The Irish Froebel Network Founding Member 20/01/2021 -
Children's Books Ireland Children's Books Ireland Book Awards - Panel Judge 01/06/2023 -
Acting Coordinator - Erasmus/Kastalia Network Acting Erasmus Coordinator 01/01/2023 - 01/08/2023
Cosán Authors Committee Coordinator 01/01/2021 - 01/05/2023

Honors and Awards

Date Title Awarding Body
01/01/2019 Postgraduate Research Impact Award, Maynooth University Maynooth University
01/12/2020 Dearcán - Kildare Healthy Ireland Programme Kildare County Council
01/02/2021 SPUR 'Taisce Froebel' Maynooth University
01/01/2021 Tairseach - Project Live Maynooth University
01/01/2021 Portráidí na Scríbhneoirí Gaeilge COMHAR & Foras na Gaeilge
01/06/2016 Funded PhD - Horizon 2020 Horizon 2020 - AgroCycle Project
01/09/2011 Scoláireacht Scríbhneoireachta Móinín & Foras na Gaeilge
01/01/2013 Children's Book of the Year Shortlist Nominee Children's Books Ireland (CBI)
01/01/2009 The Carlisle Blake Award The Department of Education and Skills
01/01/2019 First Place in Europe - 'Think BioBased Challenge’ Educational Resource Creator Award. CoE BBE - Centre of Expertise Biobased Economy
01/01/2009 The Vere Foster Medal Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO)
01/01/2008 Duais - Modhanna Teagaisc Foras na Gaeilge
01/05/2022 SPUR 'The Froebel Podcast' Maynooth University
01/03/2021 Project Live 'Athy Sensory Trails' Maynooth University

Committees

Committee Function From / To
Rising Teachers, Rising Leaders (RTRL) Programme Committee Member -
The Maynooth Green Campus Committee (MGC) Member -

Languages

Language Reading Writing Speaking
English Fluent Fluent Fluent
Gaelige Fluent Fluent Fluent

Teaching Interests

My teaching across the Bachelor of Education and Professional Master of Education degree programmes, is based on the philosophy of Friedrich Froebel (1782-1842) and also ecofeminist philosophy. My pedagogical approach strives to recognise and acknowledge the essential respect, reverence and equity for all living things from the smallest of creatures, to children and to Mother Earth herself which is more important than ever on the fragile planet we occupy. Both Froebelian and ecofeminist philosophy reflect this urgency and deeply resonate with me as an educator. My teaching encourages learning through activity, learning through enquiry, exploration of the outdoor environment and gently and respectfully connecting with the natural world whenever possible. I have the privilege to teach, create with, and encourage  the next generation of teachers within MU's teacher education programmes. I consistently weave joyful connections to the Irish language, heritage and ways of knowing in my teaching and learning in addition to drawing attention to the biological norm, and positive environmental footprint of the nursing dyad in early childhood. An integral part of my teaching is connecting theory and practice and my research interests in sustainability, circularity and bioeconomy are embedded in my work daily. My main teaching and research areas are Science Methods and STEM education, with a particular emphasis on STEM with empathy and love towards the environment, Environmental Sustainable Development Education, SDGs, Climate Action, Climate Change, Children's Literature agus An Ghaeilge. The learning experience through participation in the module EDF485 Teanga an Ghrá  which I co-teach and co-designed is grounded in a pedagogy of community engaged learning via An Tairseach which was awarded a Project Live teaching bursary. I taught an additional elective in Creative Writing 'Putting Pen to Paper' and I am currently MSE module coordinator for EDF132, EDF233, EDF349, EDF606, EDF625. 

Recent Students

Graduation date Name Degree
2022 Louise Mahon Masters in Education
2021 Clíona Ní Dhúshláine Masters in Education
2023 Jake Riddell Masters in Education