About

Tk Whitaker at the launch of the Whitaker Institute

The Whitaker Institute at University of Galway researches innovation and change.  Named after Dr T.K. Whitaker who set in motion a plan that put Ireland on a path of internationalization and, throughout his illustrious career, demonstrated and implemented innovative ideas and approaches to challenges and issues facing our economy and society, the Whitaker Institute has adopted a similarly innovative, multidisciplinary and transformative approach in its research on challenges facing business and society in Ireland and internationally.

The Institute builds on a decade of research-excellence and policy-focused contributions supported by over €13 million in competitive national and international research funding.

At the Whitaker Institute, we undertake cutting edge research, publish peer review journal articles, books, book chapters, case studies and policy reports and well as hosting a range of dissemination events. We also contribute policy insights through commissioned reports, working papers and participation in policy and practice debates nationally and internationally.

Our 200-strong research community use a multi-perspective, impact-led approach. We see research not as an end in itself, but a means to an end. That is, a sustainable economy, an inclusive society, and a healthy democracy where academic debate and public conversation come together to advance the greater good and play an active part in shaping Ireland’s future.

Our research themes and research clusters generate knowledge with impact. This helps us conceptualise, analyse and provide insights into issues that are relevant for companies, governments and voluntary organisations, and benefits business and society.

Supporting our research themes is a unique research infrastructure – a trinity of measurement instruments, computing power, and a digital data treasury – which enables our scholars to generate knowledge and insights that informs and advances practice and public policy.

If you’re engaged in or thinking about research, you can find a supervisor here.

If your organisation would like to engage the Whitaker Institute to collaborate with us on our relevant research themes you can learn more about our people and their expertise here. You can also contact us by phone or email at any time.