Dr Maura Farrell

BA, HDip Ed, PhD

Contact Details

LECTURER ABOVE THE BAR
Geography
NUI Galway
E: maura.farrell@nuigalway.ie

Chairperson Teaching and Learning Committee for the School of Geography and Archaeology

Biography

Dr Maura Farrell is currently a full time lecturer in the School of Geography and Archaeology, Chairperson of the School’s Teaching and Learning Committee and Director of the MA in Rural Sustainability within the Discipline of Geography. Maura’s teaching reflects her research specialism which revolves around Rural and Agricultural Geography and her interests focus around processes of social, cultural and economic change for rural inhabitants.
In 2005, Maura was awarded a Teagasc Walsh Fellowship to study multifunctional dimensions within Irish agriculture, which on completion, achieved the Teagasc Bob O Connor Award for Research Excellence. In January 2009, Maura was appointed Post-Doctoral Researcher and Project Coordinator of the EU Framework Seven Project: Developing Europe’s Rural Regions in an Era of Globalization (DERREG). Dr Farrell’s more recent research focuses on three successful research applications in collaboration with colleagues in Geography at NUI Galway. In 2015, in response to a tender from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dr Farrell successfully led NUI Galway’s bid to run Ireland’s National Rural Network in conjunction with three other national partners. The National Rural Network is highly significant as the Department of Agriculture’s dissemination ‘vehicle’ for the national Rural Development Programme for 2014-2020, worth €3.92 billion. Dr Farrell is a member of a Geography partnership that forms part of a wider European consortium (led by Professor Mike Woods, Aberystwyth University) that won a 5-year Horizon 2020 project in 2016 (Integrative Mechanisms for Addressing Spatial Justice and Territorial Inequalities in Europe – IMAJINE). In 2016, Dr Farrell was also one of three Geography staff who successfully applied for a project under the Northern Peripheries and Arctic Programme, examining peripheral livelihoods and land uses. All three projects have a budget value of over one million euro. Maura has published and presented her research work extensively on a national and international basis and participated in numerous national and international rural conferences and seminar sessions, in addition to being an invited guest on numerous occasions for rural events and conferences.

Dr Farrell is currently supervising three fully funded PhD students, with a fourth having successfully defended his PhD research in November 2017. Maura currently supervises two post-doctoral students and one research assistant on the National Rural Network Project. Dr Farrell is extremely active outside university life, having been appointed to committees and organisations both nationally and internationally. These include an appointment by the Minister for Rural and Community Development to the Monitoring Committee for the Action Plan for Rural Development and by DG-AGRI to an evaluation and reflection group for the LEADER Programme. Maura was also appointed as evaluator by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine for the European Innovation Partnership for Agriculture.

Research Interests

Maura's research background is in Rural Geography, with a primary focus on the nature of agricultural change and rural development. Additional areas of interest include rural return migration, rural gender studies, land use, with a particular focus on forestry and family farming. Maura's research agenda includes both a national and international focus.
PhD Research:

My Ph.D. research critiqued the role of contemporary extension policies in the Republic of Ireland. In doing so, it questions the reliance on traditional practices in delivering advice and services that facilitate farm families to adapt, adjust and remain economically viable in a sector that continues to be highly vulnerable locally and globally. Using an action evaluation methodology, my research delivered both research and action outcomes.

Action Plan for Rural Development

Commissioned by Minister Heather Humphreys and in turn Minister Micheal Ring to development a methodology for exploring the Impact Factors for the Action Plan for Rural Development.

National Rural Network:

In 2016, I successfully led the NUI Galway element of a four part consortium that was awarded the contract to run the National Rural Network in Ireland. The National Rural Network is a support body for the successful implementation of the Rural Development Programme 20014-2020 and was awarded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The full project budget of under €2.5 million provides a sum of €298,441.00 to NUI Galway as the lead research partner.

Horizon 2020:

In conjunction with three Geography colleagues, I was successful in an application for a Horizon 2020 project to commence in January 2017. The project, IMAJINE (Integrative Mechanisms for Addressing Spatial Justice and Territorial Inequalities in Europe) has a budget of just under €5 million and is one of the largest social science grants to have been awarded in Horizon 2020 or its predecessor Framework Programmes. With fifteen other EU partners, NUI Galway was awarded a working budget of €290,128.00. Although involved in two key Work Packages, I will play a lead role in Work Package 5 - Migration and Territorial Inequalities.

Northern Peripheries and Artic Programme:

In 2016, in conjunction with two NUI Galway, Geography colleagues, I successfully obtained an EU Northern Peripheries and Artic Programme grant to commence the BUSK Project (Building Shared Knowledge capital). This seven partner project explores peripheral livelihoods and land uses that depend heavily on natural resources but their management is often contested by various stakeholder interests. The total project budget is over €1.5 million with NUI Galway receiving €218,973.78.

eTownz Project:

I was successful in collaborating with Pat Kennedy from eConcepts Web Solutions to receive a €5000.00 Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher to build an online tool, which contributes to community auditing and development.
In 2016, I was successful in receiving a second Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher valued at €5000.00 to collaborate further with Pat Kennedy from eConcepts Web Solutions.

DERREG Project:

My previous research agenda was based on the DERREG project (2009). The project was funded by the European Union and aimed to produce an interpretative model that enables researchers and regional development actors to better anticipate and respond to the key challenges posed by globalisation for rural regions. My research focused on three different work packages: International Mobility and Migration of the Rural Population, Environmental Capital and Sustainable Rural Development and Capacity Building, Governance and Knowledge Systems.

Gender Innovation: ·

Under the umbrella of Gender ARC, NUI Galway, I hosted a Rural Gender Education Symposium in 2012, with the intention of exploring a personal research project relating to an exploration of the innovative practices of women in Irish agriculture. The project advanced in 2013 with a literature review, funded by NUI Galway SoGA Research Incentivisation Scheme (Awarded, €800.00). To advance this project further, research networks have been formed with the National Rural Network and University College Cork.

CEDRA Plus Project:

Under the CEDRA Plus project, I am collaborating with staff at the Rural Economy Research Centre, Teagasc to explore and evaluate the potential for collaboration among economic and human capital development bodies. These agencies include, amongst others, Teagasc, SOLAS, Local Development Companies, County Enterprise Boards and the Education and Training Boards. As part of this project, I have been successful in leading NUI Galway’s application for a four-year PhD Teagasc Walsh Fellowship, commencing September 2014.

Economic of Succession and Inheritance:

I collaborated successfully with Professor Cathal O Donoghue, Teagasc to obtain a stipend of €10,000 per annum from the Royal Dublin Society and €12,000 per annum from Teagasc for a four year PhD award, which commenced in September 2014. I am currently lead NUI Galway supervisor on this PhD project.

County Clare Wood Energy Project:

Using my NUI Galway University Fellow grant, awarded in 2012, I initiated a partnership with Clare Local Development Company and Teagasc to explore the County Clare Wood Energy Project as a best practice model for farm forestry development in Ireland.

Northern Periphery and Artic Programme:

I was successful in recently receiving a €5000.00 grant in conjunction with my colleague Dr. John McDonagh to prepare a project for the Northern Periphery and Artic Programme. We are currently working with partners from Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Norway and Lapland, in preparation of a land use project.

Research Projects

Project	Start Date	End Date
RURALIZATION	01-MAY-19	30-APR-23
Action Plan for Rural Development: Impact Indicators	28-APR-17	26-JUL-17
H2020 IMAJINE project (Integrative Mechanisms for Addressing Spatial Justice and Territorial Inequalities in Europe).	02-JAN-17	30-DEC-21
IRC POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP 2016 AOIFE NÍ FHLATHARTA - Women and Rural Innovation: The Sustainability of Peripheral Rural Regions within the Wild Atlantic Way	01-OCT-16	30-SEP-19
eTOWNZ - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT - eConcept Web Solutions Ltd. EI Innovation Voucher	30-JUN-16	30-JUN-17
MAURA FARRELL GENERAL RESEARCH ACCOUNT	23-JUN-16	22-JUN-26
PI OVERHEADS - Irish Rural Link Services for the delivery of a National Rural Network for the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020	27-JAN-16	30-DEC-20
Irish Rural Link Services for the delivery of a National Rural Network for the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020	27-JAN-16	30-DEC-20
National Rural Network	04-JAN-16	31-DEC-20
ETownz	09-MAR-15	30-JUN-16
A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO THE DELIVERY OF ENTERPRISE SUPPORTS AND SKILLS IN RURAL AREAS MAURA FARRELL	01-OCT-14	30-APR-24
ECONOMICS OF SUCCESSION AND INHERITANCE MAURA FARRELL	01-SEP-14	07-SEP-18

Contract Researchers

Researcher Name	Project	Role
Aine Byrne	National Rural Network	Assistant Researcher
Dr Therese Conway	National Rural Network Project	Post Doctoral Researcher
Dr Shane Conway	National Rural Network	Post Doctoral Researcher

Peer Reviewed Journals

	Year	Publication
	(2018)	'Till death do us part: Exploring the Irish farmer-farm relationship in later life through the lens of ‘Insideness’' Shane Conway, John McDonagh, Maura Farrell and Anne Kinsella (2018) 'Till death do us part: Exploring the Irish farmer-farm relationship in later life through the lens of ‘Insideness’'. International Journal of Agricultural Management, 7 (1):1-13 [Details]
	(2017)	'Uncovering obstacles: The exercise of symbolic power in the complex arena of intergenerational family farm transfer' Conway, SF,McDonagh, J,Farrell, M,Kinsella, A (2017) 'Uncovering obstacles: The exercise of symbolic power in the complex arena of intergenerational family farm transfer'. Journal Of Rural Studies, 54 :60-75 [DOI] [Details]
	(2017)	'Unravelling the strands of 'patriarchy' in rural innovation: A study of female innovators and their contribution to rural Connemara' Fhlatharta, A. and Farrell, M (2017) 'Unravelling the strands of 'patriarchy' in rural innovation: A study of female innovators and their contribution to rural Connemara'. Journal Of Rural Studies, 54 :15-27 [DOI] [Details]
	(2017)	'Uncovering obstacles: The exercise of symbolic power in the complex arena of intergenerational family farm transfer' Conway, S., McDonagh, J. Farrell, M. and Kinsella, A. (2017) 'Uncovering obstacles: The exercise of symbolic power in the complex arena of intergenerational family farm transfer'. Journal Of Rural Studies, 54 :60-75 [Details]
	(2017)	'The potential of farm partnerships to facilitate farm succession and inheritance' Leonard, B., Mahon, M., Kinsella, A., O'Donoghue, C., Farrell, M., Curran, T., Hennessy, T. (2017) 'The potential of farm partnerships to facilitate farm succession and inheritance'. International Journal of Agricultural Management, 6 (1):4-19 [DOI] [Details]
	(2017)	'Policy drivers of farm succession and inheritance' Leonard, B,Kinsella, A,O'Donoghue, C,Farrell, M,Mahon, M (2017) 'Policy drivers of farm succession and inheritance'. Land Use Policy, 61 :147-159 [DOI] [Details]
	(2017)	'Unravelling the strands of ‘patriarchy’ in rural innovation: A study of female innovators and their contribution to rural Connemara' Ní Fhlatharta, M. and Farrell, M. (2017) 'Unravelling the strands of ‘patriarchy’ in rural innovation: A study of female innovators and their contribution to rural Connemara'. Journal Of Rural Studies, 54 :15-27 [Details]
	(2016)	'Cease agricultural activity forever? Underestimating the importance of symbolic capital' Conway, SF,McDonagh, J,Farrell, M,Kinsella, A (2016) 'Cease agricultural activity forever? Underestimating the importance of symbolic capital'. Journal Of Rural Studies, 44 :164-176 [DOI] [Details]
	(2016)	'PERCEPTION OF MARGINALITY AND PERIPHERALITY IN AN IRISH RURAL CONTEXT' Malikova, L,Farrell, M,McDonagh, J (2016) 'PERCEPTION OF MARGINALITY AND PERIPHERALITY IN AN IRISH RURAL CONTEXT'. Quaestiones Geographicae, 35 :93-105 [DOI] [Details]
	(2015)	'Managing Development with Civil Society in a Globalizing Rural' Mahon, M;Farrell, M;McDonagh, J (2015) 'Managing Development with Civil Society in a Globalizing Rural'. Globalization And Europe'S Rural Regions, :59-74 [Details]
	(2015)	'Managing Development with Civil Society in a Globalizing Rural' Mahon, M,Farrell, M,McDonagh, J,McDonagh, J,Nienaber, B,Woods, M (2015) 'Managing Development with Civil Society in a Globalizing Rural'. Globalization And Europe'S Rural Regions, :59-74 [Details]
	(2014)	'Rural return imgration: comparative analysis between Ireland and Lithuania' Farrell, M., Kairyte, E., Nienaber, B., McDonagh, J., Mahon, M. (2014) 'Rural return imgration: comparative analysis between Ireland and Lithuania'. Central and Eastern Migration Review, [Details]
	(2014)	'Ultrasonic Energy Promoted Allylation to Generate 1-C-(2,3,4,6-Tetra-O-Benzyl-alpha-D-Glucopyranosyl)prop-2-ene' Farrell, M;O'Reilly, C;Jarikote, DV;Murphy, PV;Rahkila, J (2014) 'Ultrasonic Energy Promoted Allylation to Generate 1-C-(2,3,4,6-Tetra-O-Benzyl-alpha-D-Glucopyranosyl)prop-2-ene'. Carbohydrate Chemistry: Proven Synthetic Methods, Vol 2, 2 :33-37 [Details]
	(2013)	'Arranging public support to unfold collaborative modes of governance in rural areas' Wellbrock, W;Roep, D;Mahon, M;Kairyte, E;Nienaber, B;Garcia, MDD;Kriszan, M;Farrell, M (2013) 'Arranging public support to unfold collaborative modes of governance in rural areas'. Journal Of Rural Studies, 32 :420-429 [DOI] [Details]
	(2013)	'Arranging public support to unfold collaborative modes of governance in rural areas' Wellbrock, W,Roep, D,Mahon, M,Kairyte, E,Nienaber, B,Garcia, MDD,Kriszan, M,Farrell, M (2013) 'Arranging public support to unfold collaborative modes of governance in rural areas'. Journal Of Rural Studies, 32 :420-429 [DOI] [Details]
	(2013)	'Farm families and future options' McDonagh, J., Farrell, M., Mahon, M. (2013) 'Farm families and future options'. Quaestiones Geographicae, 32 (4):49-62 [Details]
	(2012)	'The importance of evaluation and ‘embracing error’ - The case of the ‘The Options for Farm Families Programme’ in Ireland' Farrell, M. and McDonagh, J. (2012) 'The importance of evaluation and ‘embracing error’ - The case of the ‘The Options for Farm Families Programme’ in Ireland'. Journal Of International Agricultural Extension Education, [Details]
	(2012)	'The Rural as a Return Migration Destination' Farrell, M., Mahon, M, and McDonagh, J. (2012) 'The Rural as a Return Migration Destination'. European Countryside, 4 (1) [ARAN Link] [Details]
	(2010)	'Power, Positionality and the View from within: Agricultural Advisers' Role in Implementing Participatory Extension Programmes in the Republic of Ireland' Mahon, M,Farrell, M,McDonagh, J (2010) 'Power, Positionality and the View from within: Agricultural Advisers' Role in Implementing Participatory Extension Programmes in the Republic of Ireland'. Sociologia Ruralis, 50 :104-120 [DOI] [Details]
	(2010)	'New Opportunities and Cautionary Steps? Farmers, Forestry and Rural Development in Ireland' McDonagh, J., Farrell, M., Mahon, M. and Ryan, M. (2010) 'New Opportunities and Cautionary Steps? Farmers, Forestry and Rural Development in Ireland'. European Countryside, 2 (4):236-251 [Details]
	(2010)	'Power, Positionality and the View from within: Agricultural Advisers' Role in Implementing Participatory Extension Programmes in the Republic of Ireland' Mahon, M;Farrell, M;McDonagh, J (2010) 'Power, Positionality and the View from within: Agricultural Advisers' Role in Implementing Participatory Extension Programmes in the Republic of Ireland'. Sociologia Ruralis, 50 :104-120 [DOI] [Details]
	(2010)	'Missed opportunity or cautionary steps? Farmers, Forestry and Rural Development in Ireland Journal of Environmental Policy and Planning (submitted)' McDonagh J., Farrell, M., Mahon M., Ryan, M. (2010) 'Missed opportunity or cautionary steps? Farmers, Forestry and Rural Development in Ireland Journal of Environmental Policy and Planning (submitted)'. European Countryside, [Details]
	(2009)	'The Options for Farm Families Programme: Rhetoric and Reality of Change' Farrell, M., McDonagh, J., Mahon, M. (2009) 'The Options for Farm Families Programme: Rhetoric and Reality of Change'. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, [Details]
	(2008)	'Quantifying the viability of farming in Ireland: can decoupling address the regional imbalances? Irish Geography' Hennessy, T., Shrestha, S., Farrell, M. (2008) 'Quantifying the viability of farming in Ireland: can decoupling address the regional imbalances? Irish Geography'. Irish Geography, 41 :47-129 [Details]
	(2008)	'Agricultural Extension Advisory Services: The Challenge of Implementing a Multifunctional Advisory Programme' McDonagh J., Mahon M. (2008) 'Agricultural Extension Advisory Services: The Challenge of Implementing a Multifunctional Advisory Programme'. The Rural Economy Research Centre Working Paper Series Working Paper 08-WP-RE-07, Teagasc, [Details]

Books

	Year	Publication
	(2013)	Perspectives and potential for forestry in Rural Ireland. McDonagh, J., Farrell, M. and Mahon M. (2013) Perspectives and potential for forestry in Rural Ireland. Germany: Leibniz-Institut fur Landerkunde. [Details]

Book Chapters

	Year	Publication
	(2017)	'Sustainability Challenges in the Agrofood Sector' McDonagh, J. Farrell, M. and Conway, S. (2017) 'Sustainability Challenges in the Agrofood Sector' In: The Role of Small‐scale Farms and Food Security. Chicester, United Kingdom: Wiley Blackwell Publishers. [Details]
	(2015)	'Managing development – negotiated civil society in a globalizing rural' Mahon, M., Farrell, M., McDonagh, J. (2015) 'Managing development – negotiated civil society in a globalizing rural' In: Globalization and Europe’s Rural Regions. UK: Ashgate. [Details]
	(2015)	'Managing Development with Civil Society in a Globalizing Rural' Mahon, M. Farrell, M. and McDonagh, J. (2015) 'Managing Development with Civil Society in a Globalizing Rural' In: Globalization and Europe’s Rural Regions. Surrey, UK: Ashgate. [Details]
	(2012)	'Farm Diversification or Rural Development Initiative: Case Study of the County Clare Wood Energy Project' Farrell, M. McDonagh, J. and Mahon, M. (2012) 'Farm Diversification or Rural Development Initiative: Case Study of the County Clare Wood Energy Project' In: Planting Forests in Ireland: Local Response to a National Imperative. New York: Springer Publications. [Details]
	(2012)	'Rural Challenges and Rural Opportunities' McDonagh, J., Farrell, M. and Mahon, M. (2012) 'Rural Challenges and Rural Opportunities' In: Planting Forests in Ireland: Local Response to a National Imperative. New York: Springer Publications. [Details]

Conference Publications

	Year	Publication
	(2017)	Action Plan for Rural Development Farrell, M. (2017) Impact Indicators for the Action Plan for Rural Development . In: Farrell, M eds. Action Plan for Rural Development [Details]
	(2014)	International Conference on Intelligent Agriculture, Hong Kong Farrell, M. (2014) (2014) The Role of Extension Advisory Services in Shaping Irish Agriculture International Conference on Intelligent Agriculture, Hong Kong [Details]

Published Reports

	Year	Publication
	(2018)	Rural Volunteerism: Impacting Development and Sustainability. Maura Farrell (2018) Rural Volunteerism: Impacting Development and Sustainability. Volunteer Ireland, Dublin. [DOI] [Details]
	(2016)	An investigation of policies for farm succession and inheritance. Leonard, B., Kinsella, A., O’Donoghue, C., Farrell, M., Mahon, M. (2016) An investigation of policies for farm succession and inheritance. Teagasc Report Series:, Dublin. [Details]
	(2016)	Teagasc Report Series: An investigation of policies for farm succession and inheritance. Leonard, B., Kinsella, A., O’Donoghue, C., Farrell, M., Mahon, M. (2016) Teagasc Report Series: An investigation of policies for farm succession and inheritance. Teagasc, Teagasc Athenry. [Details]
	(2012)	Perspectives and potential for forestry in Ireland. In Burdack, J., and Kriszan, M. (eds) use or protect - environmental capital and regional development in the rural areas of Europe: Research findings and experiences from the EU project DERREG. Ifl FORUM 17. McDonagh, J., Farrell, M., Mahon, M. (2012) Perspectives and potential for forestry in Ireland. In Burdack, J., and Kriszan, M. (eds) use or protect - environmental capital and regional development in the rural areas of Europe: Research findings and experiences from the EU project DERREG. Ifl FORUM 17. Leibniz-Institut fur Landerkunde, Germany. [Details]
	(2011)	Synthesis and Contextualisation of Research and Development of an Interpretative Model. Farrell, M., Mahon, M., and McDonagh, J. (2011) Synthesis and Contextualisation of Research and Development of an Interpretative Model. DERREG, DERREG. [Details]
	(2011)	Developing European Rural Regions in the Era of Globalization – Case study Contextual Report 8, West Region of Ireland. Jones, L., Woods, M., Farrell, M., Mahon, M. and McDonagh J. (2011) Developing European Rural Regions in the Era of Globalization – Case study Contextual Report 8, West Region of Ireland. EU, Brussels. [Details]

Other Journals

	Year	Publication
	(2013)	'Farm families and future options' McDonagh, J., Farrell, M., Mahon, M. (2013) 'Farm families and future options' Quaestiones Geographicae, 32 (4) :49-62. [Details]

Conference Contributions

	Year	Publication
	(2019)	Smart Villages and Rural Towns in Ireland: Revitalising Rural Areas through Community-Led Innovation, Maura Farrell (2019) A National Seminar on the EU Action for Smart Villages Initiative in Ireland, entitled ‘Smart Villages and Rural Towns in Ireland: Revitalising Rural Areas through Community-Led Innovation’ took place in the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone, Co Westmeath on Thursday, July 4th, 2019. This event was organised and run by the National Rural Network (NRN) and the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD). [Invited Oral Presentation], Smart Villages and Rural Towns in Ireland: Revitalising Rural Areas through Community-Led Innovation, Athlone, County West Meath , 04-JUL-19 - 04-JUL-19. [Details]
	(2019)	The Family Farm: ‘An Icon of the Western Countryside’ or an Institution in Crisis, Maura Farrell, Marie Mahon, Shane Francis Conway, John McDonagh and Aisling Murtagh, NUI Galway (2019) European Society for Rural Sociology. [Chaired Session], The Family Farm: ‘An Icon of the Western Countryside’ or an Institution in Crisis, Trondheim, Norway , 24-JUN-19 - 26-JUN-19. [Details]
	(2019)	Scientific Committee, Maura Farrell (2019) European Society for Rural Sociology. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Scientific Committee, Trondheim, Norway , 24-JUN-19 - 26-JUL-19. [Details]
	(2019)	EUGEO/Conference of Irish Geographers 2019, Mahon, M., Farrell, M., McDonagh, J., Collins, P. (2019) Paper title: Exploring the region as a construct in Irish spatialplanning: the influence of EU territorial cohesion policies. [Oral Presentation], EUGEO/Conference of Irish Geographers 2019, NUI Galway , 15-MAY-19 - 18-MAY-19. [Details]
	(2019)	EUGEO/Conference of Irish Geographers 2019, Murtagh, A., Farrell, M., Conway, S., Mahon, M., McDonagh, J. (2019) Session title: Approaches to European rural development: Looking towards 2021. [Co-chaired Session], EUGEO/Conference of Irish Geographers 2019, NUI Galway , 15-MAY-19 - 18-MAY-19. [Details]
	(2019)	EUGEO/Conference of Irish Geographers 2019, Mahon, M., Woods, M., Farrell, M., (2019) Session Title: Exploring regional perspectives on spatially just futures. [Organising Chair], EUGEO/Conference of Irish Geographers 2019, NUI Galway , 15-MAY-19 - 18-MAY-19. [Details]
	(2019)	EUGEO/Conference of Irish Geographers 2019, Conway, S., Farrell, M., Murtagh, A., McDonagh, J., Mahon, M. (2019) Session title: Enlightening generational renewal in agricultural policy: A roadmap for CAP post-2020. [Co-chaired Session], EUGEO/Conference of Irish Geographers 2019, NUI Galway , 15-MAY-19 - 18-MAY-19. [Details]
	(2019)	EUGEO/Conference of Irish Geographers 2019, Murtagh, A., Farrell, M., Conway, S., Mahon, M., McDonagh, J. (2019) Paper title: LEADER and vernacular expertise in rural development. [Oral Presentation], EUGEO/Conference of Irish Geographers 2019, NUI Galway , 15-MAY-19 - 18-MAY-19. [Details]
	(2018)	IMAJINE: Territorial Cohesion: Between Realism and Utopianism, Mahon, M., Farrell, M., McDonagh, J., Collins, P. (2018) Paper title: Participatory scenario building – imagining spatially just futures. [Oral Presentation], IMAJINE: Territorial Cohesion: Between Realism and Utopianism, Harokopio University of Athens, Greece , 17-SEP-18 - 18-SEP-18. [Details]
	(2018)	IMAJINE: Territorial Cohesion: Between Realism and Utopianism, Mahon, M., Farrell, M., McDonagh, J., Collins, P. (2018) Paper title: Ireland – interpretations of territorial cohesion and spatial justice within a national planning framework. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], IMAJINE: Territorial Cohesion: Between Realism and Utopianism, Harokopio University of Athens, Greece , 17-SEP-18 - 18-SEP-18. [Details]
	(2018)	Farm Diversification & Enterprise Day, Dr Maura Farrell (Invited Speaker) (2018) West Women in Farming Conference. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Farm Diversification & Enterprise Day, GMIT , 25-JAN-18 - 25-JAN-18. [Details]
	(2017)	The Contribution of Women in Rural Areas, Farrell, M. (Invited Speaker) (2017) ENRD Workshop on Social Hubs in Rural Europe. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], The Contribution of Women in Rural Areas, Brussels , 08-FEB-17 - 08-FEB-17. [Details]
	(2017)	International Agri-Innovation Summit, Farrell, M. (Invited Speaker) (2017) Final discussion Panel (Invited speaker by DG-AGRI. [Chaired Session], International Agri-Innovation Summit, Lisbon , 11-OCT-17 - 12-OCT-17. [Details]
	(2017)	Innovation in Farming and the Innovative Farmer, Farrell, M. (Invited Speaker) (2017) Community-Inspired Innovation for Sustainable Farming Systems’. [Invited Lecture], Innovation in Farming and the Innovative Farmer, Burren, County Clare , 26-OCT-17 - 28-OCT-17. [Details]
	(2017)	XXVII European Society for Rural Sociology Congress, Leonard, B., Farrell, M., Kinsella, A., Mahon, M., O'Donoghue, C., Hennessy, T., Curran, T. (2017) Paper Title: The Potential of Farm Partnerships to Facilitate Succession and Inheritance. [Oral Presentation], XXVII European Society for Rural Sociology Congress, Krakow, Poland , 24-JUL-17 - 27-JUL-17. [Details]
	(2017)	XXVII European Society for Rural Sociology Congress, Mahon, M., Collins, P., Farrell, M., McDonagh, J. (2017) Paper Title: Local spatial planning for rural areas; (en)countering spatial injustice. [Oral Presentation], XXVII European Society for Rural Sociology Congress, Krakow, Poland , 24-JUL-17 - 27-JUL-17. [Details]
	(2009)	European Society for Rural Sociology Annual Conference, 2009, Mahon, M.; Farrell, M.; McDonagh, J. (2009) Paper Title: Exploring policy approaches and challenges to innovation, learning, and capacity building in the West of Ireland. [Oral Presentation], European Society for Rural Sociology Annual Conference, 2009, University of Helsinki, Vaasa, Finland , 17-AUG-09 - 22-AUG-09. [Details]
	(2010)	Contemporary Labour Migration: National and International Perspectives Conference, NUI, Galway, Farrell, M.; Mahon, M.; McDonagh, J. (2010) Paper Title: An Exploration of the Opportunities and Challenges Facing Irish Return Migrants in Rural Areas. [Oral Presentation], Contemporary Labour Migration: National and International Perspectives Conference, NUI, Galway, NUI Galway , 05-MAY-10 - 06-MAY-10. [Details]
	(2010)	CELT 'Creative Thinking' Symposium, Mahon, M.; Farrell, M. (2010) Paper Title: Student videos for learning. [Oral Presentation], CELT 'Creative Thinking' Symposium, NUI Galway , 08-JUN-10 - 10-JUN-11. [Details]
	(2011)	Rural Gender Education, Farrell, M.; Mahon, M. (2011) Conference on gendered issues in rural education. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Rural Gender Education, NUI Galway , 12-JUL-11 - 12-JUL-11. [Details]
	(2011)	DERREG Closing Conference: Globalization and Rural Regions in Europe: Impacts, Challenges and Lessons, Mahon, M.; Farrell, M.; McDonagh, J. (2011) Paper Title: Regional Learning and Rural Development: Case Study Area – BMW Region/West of Ireland. [Oral Presentation], DERREG Closing Conference: Globalization and Rural Regions in Europe: Impacts, Challenges and Lessons, Murska Sobota, Slovenia , 12-OCT-11 - 13-OCT-11. [Details]
	(2011)	Regional Studies Association Annual Conference, Newcastle University, UK, Mahon, M.; Farrell, M.; McDonagh, J. (2011) Paper Title: Sustaining rural development in the West of Ireland. [Oral Presentation], Regional Studies Association Annual Conference, Newcastle University, UK, Newcastle University, UK> , 04-APR-11 - 07-APR-11. [Details]
	(2011)	Conference of Irish Geographers 2011, Farrell, M.; Mahon, M.; McDonagh, J. (2011) Paper Title: Perspectives and potentials for forestry in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], Conference of Irish Geographers 2011, Mary Immaculate College Limerick , 19-MAY-11 - 22-MAY-11. [Details]
	(2011)	Regional Studies Association Annual Conference, Newcastle Universit, UK, Farrell, M.; Mahon, M.; McDonagh, J. (2011) Paper Title: Forestry in the West of Ireland; Potential rural development or unattainable pursuit?. [Oral Presentation], Regional Studies Association Annual Conference, Newcastle Universit, UK, Newcastle University, UK> , 04-APR-11 - 07-APR-11. [Details]
	(2011)	Conference of Irish Geographers 2011, Mahon, M.; Farrell, M.; McDonagh, J. (2011) Paper Title: Sustaining the rural – challenges for development in an era of globalization. [Oral Presentation], Conference of Irish Geographers 2011, Mary Immaculate College Limerick , 06-MAY-11 - 08-MAY-11. [Details]
	(2011)	European Society for Rural Sociology Annual Conference Chania, Greece 2011, Mahon, M.; Farrell, M.; McDonagh, J. (2011) Paper Title: Flexible governance for rural capacity building and sustainable development. [Oral Presentation], European Society for Rural Sociology Annual Conference Chania, Greece 2011, Chania, Greece , 22-AUG-11 - 25-AUG-11. [Details]
	(2013)	Conference of Irish Geographers 2013, Farrell, M.; Mahon, M.; McDonagh, J. (2013) Paper Title: Forestry as a resource for sustainable rural development in the West region of ireland. [Oral Presentation], Conference of Irish Geographers 2013, NUI Galway , 16-MAY-13 - 18-MAY-13. [Details]
	(2013)	Conference of Irish Geographers 2013, Mahon, M.; Farrell, M.; McDonagh, J. (2013) Paper Title: Critical perspectives on civil society as an agent of rural development. [Oral Presentation], Conference of Irish Geographers 2013, NUI Galway , 16-APR-13 - 18-APR-13. [Details]
	(2015)	Regional Studies Association Annual Conference, Piacenza, Italy, Mahon, M.; Farrell, M.; McDonagh, J. (2015) Entrepreneurial leadership and governance for the development of rural regions. [Oral Presentation], Regional Studies Association Annual Conference, Piacenza, Italy, Piacenza, Italy , 25-MAY-15 - 27-MAY-15. [Details]
	(2016)	International Symposium on Environment and Health, NUI Galway, Mahon, M.; Farrell, M. (2016) ‘Using oral histories to promote public participation in wetland conservation’. [Oral Presentation], International Symposium on Environment and Health, NUI Galway, NUI Galway , 22-AUG-16 - 25-AUG-16. [Details]
	(2016)	Amsterdam Rural forum/National Rural Network, 'Reconnecting People and Places', Mahon, M.; Farrell, M.; Kennedy, P. (2016) Harnessing the arts and creativity to promote local rural sustainability. [Oral Presentation], Amsterdam Rural forum/National Rural Network, 'Reconnecting People and Places', Amsterdam , 10-MAY-16 - 12-MAY-16. [Details]
	(2017)	Regional Studies Association Annual Conference, Trinity College, Mahon, M., Collins, P., Farrell, M., McDonagh, J. (2017) Session Organiser: Spatial Justice and Territorial Cohesion. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Regional Studies Association Annual Conference, Trinity College, Trinity College, Dublin , 04-JUN-17 - 07-JUN-17. [Details]
	(2017)	Regional Studies Association Annual Conference, Mahon, M., Collins, P., Farrell, M., McDonagh, J. (2017) Paper Title: Local experiences of spatial planning; a spatial justice interpretation. [Oral Presentation], Regional Studies Association Annual Conference, Trinity College, Dublin , 05-JUN-17 - 08-JUN-17. [Details]
	(2017)	7th International Symposium on Service Learning (ISSL), Mahon, M., Farrell, M. (2017) Paper title: Students' use of oral histories to promote public participation in wetland conservation - a service learning approach. [Oral Presentation], 7th International Symposium on Service Learning (ISSL), NUI Galway , 14-JUN-17 - 16-JUN-17. [Details]
	(2013)	Conference of Irish Geographers 2013, Farrell, M.; Mahon, M.; McDonagh, J. (2013) Session organiser: Contemporary rural research; critical perspectives and interventions. [Organising Chair], Conference of Irish Geographers 2013, NUI Galway , 17-MAY-13 - 19-MAY-13. [Details]
	(2012)	Creativity at the Edge; the role of the arts and creativity in sustaining rural and Gaeltacht communities - beyond economic critiques, Mahon, M., Farrell, M., McDonagh, J., O'Laoire, L., McGrath, B. (2012) The role of the arts and creativity in rural sustainability. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Creativity at the Edge; the role of the arts and creativity in sustaining rural and Gaeltacht communities - beyond economic critiques, Moore Institute, NUI Galway , 19-JUN-12 - 19-JUN-12. [Details]
	(2011)	Rural Gender Education, M. Farrell, M.Mahon (2011) Symposium. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Rural Gender Education, NUI Galway , 12-JUL-11 - 12-JUL-11. [Details]
	(2011)	European Society for Rural Sociology Biannual Conference, Mahon, M., Woods, M., Farrell, M., McDonagh, J. (2011) Session organiser: Relational rurals - re-imagining and re-making rural place n an era of globalization. [Organising Chair], European Society for Rural Sociology Biannual Conference, Chania, Greece , 22-AUG-11 - 26-AUG-11. [Details]

Article

	Year	Publication
	(2017)	Unearthing Stumbling Blocks to Farm Succession & Land Mobility. Conway, S. McDonagh, J., Farrell., M. (2017) Unearthing Stumbling Blocks to Farm Succession & Land Mobility. Article [Details]

Conference Paper

	Year	Publication
	(2015)	Entrepreneurial leadership and governance for the development of rural regions. Regional Studies Association Annual Conference, Piacenza, Italy. Mahon, M., Farrell, M., McDonagh, J. (2015) Entrepreneurial leadership and governance for the development of rural regions. Regional Studies Association Annual Conference, Piacenza, Italy. Conference Paper [Details]
	(2013)	Crtitical perspectives on civil society as an agent of rural development. Mahon, M., Farrell, M., McDonagh, J. (2013) Crtitical perspectives on civil society as an agent of rural development. Conference Paper [Details]
	(2011)	Sustaining the rural – challenges in an era of globalization. Mahon, M (with Farrell, M. and McDonagh, J.) (2011) Sustaining the rural – challenges in an era of globalization. Conference Paper [Details]
	(2011)	Perspectives and Potentials for Forestry in Ireland. Farrell, M. (with Mahon, M. and McDonagh, J.) (2011) Perspectives and Potentials for Forestry in Ireland. Conference Paper [Details]
	(2011)	Forestry in the West of Ireland: Potential for Rural Development or Unattainable Pursuit?. Farrell, M. (with Mahon, M. and McDonagh, J) (2011) Forestry in the West of Ireland: Potential for Rural Development or Unattainable Pursuit?. Conference Paper [Details]
	(2011)	Shaping interventions for sustainable rural development. Mahon, M. (with Farrell, M. and McDonagh, J) (2011) Shaping interventions for sustainable rural development. Conference Paper [Details]
	(2011)	Flexible governance for rural capacity building and sustainable development. Mahon, M (with Farrell, M. and McDonagh, J.) (2011) Flexible governance for rural capacity building and sustainable development. Conference Paper [Details]
	(2011)	Regional Learning and Rural Development: Case Study Area – BMW Region/West of Ireland. Mahon, M. (with Farrell, M. & McDonagh, J) (2011) Regional Learning and Rural Development: Case Study Area – BMW Region/West of Ireland. Conference Paper [Details]
	(2011)	The DERREG project: Gender Issues. Farrell, M. (with Mahon, M. and McDonagh, J) (2011) The DERREG project: Gender Issues. Conference Paper [Details]
	(2011)	Developing Europe’s Rural Regions in an Era of Globalization. Farrell, M., (with Mahon, M. and McDonagh, J) (2011) Developing Europe’s Rural Regions in an Era of Globalization. Conference Paper [Details]
	(2011)	Environmental Capital and Sustainable Rural Development: Case Study Region – West of Ireland. Farrell, M. (with Mahon, M. & McDonagh, J.) (2011) Environmental Capital and Sustainable Rural Development: Case Study Region – West of Ireland. Conference Paper [Details]
	(2010)	Opportunities and Challenges Facing Return Migrants in Rural Areas: an Exploratory Study. Farrell, M. (with Mahon, M. and McDonagh, J) (2010) Opportunities and Challenges Facing Return Migrants in Rural Areas: an Exploratory Study. Conference Paper [Details]
	(2010)	Exploring the Experiences of Returned Migrants: Negotiating Opportunities and Challenges in Rural Ireland. Farrell, M. (with Mahon, M. and McDonagh, J) (2010) Exploring the Experiences of Returned Migrants: Negotiating Opportunities and Challenges in Rural Ireland. Conference Paper [Details]
	(2010)	An Exploration of the Opportunities and Challenges Facing Irish Return Migrants in Rural Areas. Farrell, M. (with Mahon, M. and McDonagh, J) (2010) An Exploration of the Opportunities and Challenges Facing Irish Return Migrants in Rural Areas. Conference Paper [Details]
	(2008)	The Options for Farm Families Programme: Rhetoric and Reality of Change The American Association of Geographers Conference Boston. Farrell,M. (2008) The Options for Farm Families Programme: Rhetoric and Reality of Change The American Association of Geographers Conference Boston. Boston: Conference Paper [Details]
	(2007)	EUGEO 2007, Amsterdam, August 2007. “The Changing Face of Irish Agriculture: A Challenge for Extension Advisory Services”. McDonagh, J. (2007) EUGEO 2007, Amsterdam, August 2007. “The Changing Face of Irish Agriculture: A Challenge for Extension Advisory Services”. Amsterdam: Conference Paper [Details]
	(2007)	Conference of Irish Geographers, Dublin, May 2007. “Irish Agricultural Change – Reflected in the Extension Advisory Services”. McDonagh, J. (2007) Conference of Irish Geographers, Dublin, May 2007. “Irish Agricultural Change – Reflected in the Extension Advisory Services”. Dublin: Conference Paper [Details]
	(2007)	“Options for Farm Families Programme: Realistic Evaluation Framework”. Irish Evaluation Conference. McDonagh, J. (2007) “Options for Farm Families Programme: Realistic Evaluation Framework”. Irish Evaluation Conference. Dublin: Conference Paper [Details]

Editorial

	Year	Publication
	(2017)	Supporting the contribution of women in rural areas. Farrell, M. and Rosa, M. (2017) Supporting the contribution of women in rural areas. Brussels: Editorial [Details]

Electronic Publication

	Year	Publication
	(2016)	Shannon Arts Development: LEADER Case Study. Farrell, M. (2016) Shannon Arts Development: LEADER Case Study. Electronic Publication [Details]
	(2016)	IT Sligo Plays Key Role In European Boost for High Nature Value Farmland Innovative solutions for supporting high nature value areas. Farrell, M. (2016) IT Sligo Plays Key Role In European Boost for High Nature Value Farmland Innovative solutions for supporting high nature value areas. Electronic Publication [Details]

Review Articles

	Year	Publication
	(2016)	Fifth National Rural Network Meeting – Arts and Culture in Rural Areas. Farrell, M. (2016) Fifth National Rural Network Meeting – Arts and Culture in Rural Areas. Review Articles [Details]

Workshops

	Year	Publication
	(2008)	The Challenge of Implementing a Multifunctional Advisory Programme Teagasc Student Presentation Day (Winner of the Bob of Connor Agricultural Economics Award). farrell,M. (2008) The Challenge of Implementing a Multifunctional Advisory Programme Teagasc Student Presentation Day (Winner of the Bob of Connor Agricultural Economics Award). Workshops [Details]
	(2007)	Student Presentation, Athenry May 2007. “Rural Restructuring and Agricultural Change – Determining the Role of the Irish Extension Advisory Services”. McDonagh, J. (2007) Student Presentation, Athenry May 2007. “Rural Restructuring and Agricultural Change – Determining the Role of the Irish Extension Advisory Services”. Athenry: Workshops [Details]
	(2007)	Walsh Fellow Student Presentation, Dublin November 2007. “Programme Evaluation within Extension Advisory Services: The Challenge of Change”. McDonagh, J. (2007) Walsh Fellow Student Presentation, Dublin November 2007. “Programme Evaluation within Extension Advisory Services: The Challenge of Change”. Dublin: Workshops [Details]
	(2006)	Irish Agricultural Change and the Role of the Irish Extension Advisory Services Teagasc Student Presentation (Winner First Year Student Prize). McDonagh, J. (2006) Irish Agricultural Change and the Role of the Irish Extension Advisory Services Teagasc Student Presentation (Winner First Year Student Prize). Workshops [Details]

Working Paper

	Year	Publication
	(2008)	Agricultural extension advisory services: The challenge of implementing a multifunctional advisory programme. The Rural Economy Reserach Centre Working Paper Series. Farrell, M., McDonagh, J., Mahon, M. (2008) Agricultural extension advisory services: The challenge of implementing a multifunctional advisory programme. The Rural Economy Reserach Centre Working Paper Series. Galway: Working Paper [Details]

Honours and Awards

Year	Title	Awarding Body
2018	Scientific Committee	European Society for Rural Sociology
2018	Dean’s Award for Research	College of Arts, Social Science and Celtic Studies, NUI Galway
2014	Postgraduate Diploma in Academic Practice	NUI Galway
2011	Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education	NUI Galway
2008	Bob O Connor Award	Agricultural Economics Society Ireland
2006	Research Presentation Award	Teagasc
2003	Undergraduate Dissertation	Geography Department, NUIG

Professional Associations

Association	Function	From / To
Geographical Society of Ireland	Irish Geography Association	/
Association of American Geographers	Association of American Geographers	/
Royal Geographical Society/Institute of British Geographers	International Geography Association	/
Regional Studies Association	Research Association	/

Committees

Committee	Function	From / To
DG AGRI Working Group on Rural Development	Committee Member	31-OCT-17 / 01-SEP-18
School of Geography and Archaeology Teaching and Learning Committee	Chairperson	31-AUG-17 / 31-AUG-20
Monitoring Committee for the Action Plan for Rural Development	Committee and Sub-Committee Lead	01-MAR-17 /
Advisory Group for Horizon 2020	- Societal NUI Galway representative on the Challenge 2 Horizon 2020	02-JAN-17 / 02-JAN-20
Selection Committee for the European Innovation Partnership	Project elevator for EIP-AGRI projects for DAFM	03-OCT-16 /
European Rural Network Assembly	Irish Representative for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine	03-OCT-16 /
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Rural Development Monitoring Committee	Committee Member	01-JUN-16 / 31-DEC-20
NTERREG VA Programme Monitoring Committee	Board Member	30-MAY-15 / 30-MAY-20
Teagasc Rural Development Committee	Board Member	02-JAN-15 / 02-JAN-19
Irish Rural Link Board of Directors	Board of Directors	30-AUG-14 / 30-AUG-20

Education

Year	Institution	Qualification	Subject
2000	National University of Ireland, Galway	Bachelor of Arts	Geography and History
2009	National University of Ireland, Galway	PhD	Geography
2004	National University of Ireland, Galway	HIGHER DIPLOMA (LEVEL 8)	Education
2014	National University of Ireland, Galway	POST-GRADUATE DIPLOMA (LEVEL 9)	Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Community Engagement

Title	Type	From / To
Board Membership	Board of Directors Irish Rural Link	25-JUN-14 / 13-OCT-15
Policy Development	INTERREG Monitoring Committee Review Panel	/
Policy Development	INTERREG Monitoring Committee	/
Board Membership	Teagasc National Committee for Rural Development	/

Reviews

	Journal	Role
	Journal Of Rural Studies	Reviewer
	European Countryside	Reviewer
	Sociologia Ruralis	Reviewer
	International Journal of Agricultural Management	Reviewer
	Social Science Research	Reviewer

Other Activities

	Description
	Appointed external evaluator by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine for the evaluation of the European Innovation Partnerships for Agriculture Projects in 2017. Projects funding is estimated at €23 million.
	DG-AGRI - EU Commission Appointed to policy review group for the Rural Development Programme post 2020

Teaching Interests

With regard to teaching and pedagogy, I have experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Since 2012, I have co-directed and coordinated the MA in Rural Sustainability. During this time, my teaching portfolio has expanded to encompass the design, coordination and delivery of four MA modules (TI502, TI503, TI505 and TI506) and my collaboration on two further modules (TI504 and TI507). These modules were designed to ensure a programme ethos of theory, research and practice for graduates who are interested in furthering their knowledge and ability to influence rural process, policy and practices. The delivery of these modules resulted in community engagement experience and collaboration with national organisations such as, Teagasc, Solas, Local Action Groups, Pobal and local community groups, and internationally with Charles University, Prague.

I have extensive experience at undergraduate teaching, commencing in 2006 with contributions to both 2nd and 3rd year courses. This experience includes devising and teaching my own modules in addition to contributing to team-teaching within the Discipline of Geography. In 2012, I also had the opportunity to teach as an invited rural specialist Lecturer at St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra. To support my teaching agenda and develop my ability as an effective lecturer, I completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education in 2011, and I am in the process of completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Academic Practice with the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, NUI Galway. Both courses, in addition to several other teaching development courses, have encouraged me to foster a culture of excellence in teaching and learning and invigorated me to apply innovative teaching methods; appropriate assessment techniques and valuable student feedback practices. Innovative teaching methods have become the norm for me, with the use of Facebook and Twitter, in addition to making extensive use of Blackboard, particularly using the Grade Centre to track student progress and provide prompt and pertinent feedback.

Internal Collaborators

	Name	Description of Collaboration
	Internal Collaborators	- A member of the Rural Research Cluster - The Gender Cluster

External Collaborators

	Name	Organisation / Institute	Country	Description of Collaboration
	External Collaborators			§ Appointed by Minster Alan Kelly and Minister Ann Phelan to a Government expert advisory group to assist the development of rural development policy and implementation of the Government’s CEDRA report. § Appointed to the Irish Rural Link Board of Directors in 2014 § Appointed to the Teagasc Rural Development Stakeholders Group in 2013 § Collaborated with and continue to work on papers, teaching and research opportunities with eight different research partners from the DERREG project: Aberystwyth University, UK; Nordregio, Sweden; University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, Mendel University, Czech Republic, Universität des Saarlandes, Germany, Leibniz – Institut für Landekunde, Germany, Wageningen University, Netherlands and Institute NeVork, Slovenia. § Over the last two years, I have worked with Professor Radim Perlín, Dr Jiri Vágner, and PhD student, Marie Syrovátková, Charles University, Prague in devising an MA International Field Based Learning trip to the Czech Republic. § I have formed an alliance with Brandon University, Canada in relation to research work for PhD student, Jack Lovell.