About Us

    Maynooth University enjoys an eminent reputation as a centre for research excellence and influence in the social sciences, and is committed to supporting high quality fundamental research, publicly engaged scholarship, evidence informed policy making and innovation based commerce and enterprise.

    About the Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute (MUSSI)

    Established in 2015, the Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute (MUSSI) is a dynamic hub for interdisciplinary social science research that addresses major societal challenges in Ireland and beyond. As part of Maynooth University’s strategic commitment to impactful, engaged research, MUSSI brings together leading scholars, research infrastructure, and policy-focused initiatives under one collaborative umbrella.

    MUSSI supports and connects a vibrant research network across twelve academic departments within the Faculty of Social Sciences—Adult and Community Education; Anthropology; Applied Social Studies; Business; Design Innovation; Economics, Finance and Accounting; Froebel Department of Childhood and Primary Education , Education; Geography; International Development; School of Law and Criminology; Sociology and more. The Institute also builds on the legacy of key research centres such as the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis, National Centre for Geocomputation, and the Edward M Kennedy Institute, and now provides a base for innovative teaching and research through the Education Workspace.

    MUSSI plays a leading role in advancing two of Maynooth University’s core research priority themes:

    The Institute is also home to several national research infrastructures and data platforms, including the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO), the Irish Qualitative Data Archive (IQDA), and Digital Repository Ireland (DRI). These resources support open data, evidence-informed policymaking, and long-term research sustainability.

    With a strong track record of securing competitive funding—including European Research Council (ERC) awards, Horizon Europe grants, and national research funding—MUSSI is a key partner in collaborative and policy-relevant research at local, national, and international levels. It serves as Ireland’s national contact point for the European Spatial Planning Observation Network (ESPON).

    MUSSI is committed to:
     

    • Building interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral research partnerships
    • Supporting excellence in graduate training and early career development
    • Delivering commissioned and applied research for public and third-sector stakeholders
    • Promoting research that informs public policy, addresses societal needs, and engages diverse communities

    We welcome opportunities to collaborate across academia, government, civil society, and industry to co-produce knowledge and create meaningful impact.