About the host

University College Dublin

Founded in 1854 as the Catholic University of Ireland, UCD has been a major contributor to the making of modern Ireland, based on successful engagement with Irish society on every level and across every sphere of activity. Many UCD students and staff participated in the struggle for Irish independence, and the University has produced numerous Irish Presidents and Taoisigh (Prime Ministers) in addition to generations of Irish business, professional, cultural, and sporting leaders. UCD is currently ranked within the top 1% of higher education institutions world-wide. It is also Ireland’s most globally engaged university with over 30,000 students drawn from 139 countries, including over 4,500 students based at locations outside of Ireland. The University’s main Dublin campus occupies an extensive parkland estate of 133 hectares and offers world-leading facilities. UCD is globally recognised for its excellence in teaching and learning – 11 subjects are ranked in the top 100 in the world (QS World University Ranking by Subject 2021). With its strength and diversity of disciplines, UCD embraces its role to contribute to the flourishing of Ireland through the study of people, society, business, economy, culture, languages and the creative arts, as well as through research and innovation. The University’s Strategy 2020-2024: Rising to the Future outlines the objectives and major strategic initiatives in place in order to accomplish UCD’s vision for this era