Researcher Details |

Paul Downes

Prof

Contact Details

T:+353 1 8842156

E:Paul.Downes@dcu.ie

level 10
SPC M 209
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E:Paul.Downes@dcu.ie

Professor Paul Downes is Professor of Psychology of Education, Director of the Educational Disadvantage Centre, Institute of Education, Dublin City University, Ireland and Affiliate Professor, University of Malta, Centre for Resilience & Socio-Emotional Health. A Trinity College Dublin Scholar of Law awarded through the Foundation Scholarship Exam, he also received his B.A (1st class Hons.) in Psychology and Ph.D at Trinity College Dublin. He has been involved in various expert advisory roles for the European Commission, including for its Pathways to School Success 2022 and School Policy Working Groups, and was a member of the Irish Senate and Parliament Expert Advisory Group on early school leaving. A Visiting Research Fellow at University of British Columbia, Vancouver 2017 and University of Cambridge, Lauterpacht Centre 2011, he was one of three experts selected by the EU Commission under the theme Inclusion and Citizenship from an open call across Europe to become members of the PostET2020 Expert Panel to inform future EU strategy in education.

With over 120 publications of books/research monographs, research articles in international peer reviewed journals and book chapters in areas of education, psychology, philosophy, law, anthropology and social policy, Professor Downes has given keynote lectures and invited presentations in 30 countries. His contribution to international policy and practice includes invitations from 16 different countries’ official ministries (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Sweden, Ukraine) to present his research on various aspects of wellbeing, mental health, poverty and social inclusion in education, as well as from the EU Parliament Working Group on Quality of Childhood, EU Parliament Intergroup on Children’s Rights, European Network of Education Councils (EUNEC),UNICEF, Cedefop,CNESCO (Conseil national d’évaluation du système scolaire) & CIEP Sorbonne Universities Paris, International School of Analytical Psychology, Zurich, Latvian Human Rights Committee and President’s Foundation of Malta. A Foundation P&V award winner for his article on concentric and diametric spatial systems at local community levels, his book Reconstructing Agency in Developmental and Educational Psychology: Inclusive Systems as Concentric Space (Routledge 2020) was nominated for the American Psychological Association’s (APA) William James Book Award. He is lead editor of The Routledge International Handbook of Equity and Inclusion in Education 2024 and Chair of the Editorial Board of the British Educational Research Journal (BERJ) (2024 ).

An invited member of the Standing Review Board (2015-24), Humanities and Social Sciences Panel of the Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee, Hong Kong, China,, he has been an invited EU Commission FP7 Evaluator and Rapporteur to chair evaluation meetings for funding proposals for the EU Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme. Designer of Familiscope, Ballyfermot child & family support service, he has led the establishment of two national research/policy networks on Quality Development of Out of School Services (QDOSS) and Hunger Prevention in School for hot school meals, and 12 country comparative research on access to education in Europe. He has been an advisor to the Irish Department of Education and Skills (DES) for its DEIS Action Plan 2017 on social inclusion, to the DCYA and DES for the National School Age Childcare Action Plan 2017 and was a member of the DCYA Working Group for the published National Quality Guidelines for School Age Childcare .

Conference Contribution

	Year	Publication
	2021	Paul Downes (2021) EU Commission’s Cedefop Webinar, Making Excellence Inclusive A systemic focus in VET (Vocational Education and Training) on emotions and agency for inclusion EU Commission and Cedefop Webinar, .
	2021	Paul Downes (2021) EPIC - Empowering People in Care – Webinar The Holistic Educational Needs of Children and Young People in Care: Placing an Invisible Issue onto the National Policy Agenda EPIC - Empowering People in Care – National Webinar, .
	2020	Paul Downes (2020) Children’s Rights Alliance, Educational Disadvantage and Inequalities National Webinar Developing an Inclusive Systems Agenda for Reform Addressing Poverty and Social Exclusion in Education: Policy Silences and Gaps in System Response Pre and Post-Covid 19 Children’s Rights Alliance, National Webinar, .
	2019	Downes, P. (2019) Finnish National Agency for Education, Flexible Basic Education Beyond resilience to inclusive systems for prevention of early school leaving in Europe: A spatial-relational approach Lahti, Finland, .
	2019	Downes, P. (2019) Cyprus Ministry of Education and Ministry of Labour Conference The Relations Between Early School Leavers and Unpredictable Career Paths The Emotional-Relational Turn for Early School Leaving Prevention in Europe in the Past Decade: Towards an Integrated National Early School Leaving and School Bullying Prevention Strategy in Cyprus Focusing on Inclusive Systems ? University of Nicosia, Cyprus, .
	2018	Downes, P. (2018) Final conference of the RESL.eu project, Reducing Early School Leaving in Europe Rethinking Conceptual Foundations of Early School Leaving: From the Tangled Web of Diametric Space to Inclusive Systems as Concentric Relational Spaces University of Antwerp, .
	2018	Paul Downes (2018) International EMPAQT EU Project Conference on Early School Leaving, Istanbul From Early School Leaving Prevention to Promoting Inclusive Systems of Concentric Spatial Relations of Assumed Connection Maltepe University, Istanbul, .
	2018	Downes, P. (2018) Austrian Education Ministry Conference, The role of mental health for successful educational pathways: Bridging education & health policies The Neglected Shadow of Emotions and Mental Health Supports for Engaging the Needs of Socio-Economically Marginalised Students Vienna Ministry of Education, .
	2018	Downes, P. (2018) Prevention of Early School Leaving through Teacher Training From Early School Leaving Prevention to Promoting Inclusive Systems of Concentric Spatial Relations of Assumed Connection Istanbul, Turkey, .
	2018	Downes, P. (2018) Faculty of Education, University of Warsaw, International Conference, Supporting the Wellbeing of Children and Youth – Interdisciplinary Perspectives Beyond interagency working to developing multidisciplinary teams in and around schools: Key issues for system development University of Warsaw, .
	2017	Downes, P. (2017) Continuity and Transitions in Learner Development Addressing Continuity and Transitions in a Holistic, Multidimensional Way: Overcoming System Mismatch, Blockages in Communication and Fragmentation Lisbon, 16/02/2017-.
	2017	Downes, P. (2017) Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, Annual Conference From Wellbeing to Learning Motivation Inclusive School Climate and Learning Environment in and around Schools: Emotional-Relational Dimensions for the Inclusion of Marginalised Students Tartu, Estonia, 05/12/2017-06/12/2017.
	2017	Downes, P. (2017) International Comparisons Conference on Early school leaving Early school leaving: taking a holistic, differentiated and systemic international perspective on the issue International Centre for Pedagogical Studies (CIEP) Sorbonne Universities, Paris, 09/11/2017-10/11/2017.
	2017	Downes, P. (2017) Prevention and Intervention for (Cyber)Mobbing: The importance of a comprehensive school strategy for physical and psychological wellbeing How to tackle and prevent bullying: A review of international research Austrian Education Ministry, Vienna, 20/11/2017-21/11/2017.
	2017	Downes, P. & Cefai, C. (2017) European Parliament Intergroup on Children's Rights How to Prevent and Tackle School Bullying and Violence European Parliament, Brussels, 24/01/2017-.
	2016	Downes, P. (2016) European Commission and Slovak EU Presidency Meeting of Directors-General for Schools from Education Ministries across EU Structural Indicators for Developing Inclusive Systems in and around Schools in Europe Bratislava, Slovakia, .
	2016	Downes, P. (2016) The Integration of Health and Social Programs within Education Systems: Extending the Global Dialogue into Latin America and Middle Resource Countries Integrating Student Services for Inclusive Systems to Support Learning, Health & Development: A Proposed Policy Direction in the Global White Paper Curitiba, Brazil, .
	2015	Downes, P. (2015) Global Forum, Integrating Health & Social Programs Within Education Systems: A Global Dialogue Overcoming nine system ‘blockages’ to develop inclusive systems and integrated services across Education, Health and Social sectors for early school leaving prevention Offices of la Mutuelle Générale de l’Éducation Nationale, Paris, .
	2015	Downes, P. (2015) Luxembourg EU Presidency Symposium, Staying on Track: Tackling Early School Leaving and Promoting Success in School Promoting Smooth Educational Pathways: Universal Strategies for Early School Leaving Prevention and to Promote Educational Success Luxembourg, 08/07/2015-10/07/2015.
	2015	Downes, P. (2015) EU Commission Schools Policy Group Quality labels and structural indicators for social inclusion in schools – including relational systems for parental involvement and one-stop shop community centres Brussels, DG Education and Culture, 04/06/2015-05/06/2015.
	2013	Downes, P. (2013) European Commission, European Social Fund (ESF) Conference, Tackling Youth Unemployment in Europe: Building a Better Future for Young People. Lithuanian EU Presidency Giving early school leavers fresh opportunities: Prevention and second chance measures Vilnius, Lithuania, .
	2016	Downes, P. (2016) European Commission ET2020 Working Group on Governance in Education Systems Continuity and transitions in learner development for promoting inclusive systems in education Brussels, DG Education and Culture, 15/09/2016-16/09/2016.
	2016	Downes, P. (2016) European Parents Association International Conference, School as the Training Ground for Active Citizenship for Parents and Children Future horizons for parental involvement and family support in and around schools in Europe: An agenda for system reform Dubrovnik, Croatia, 29/04/2016-30/04/2016.
	2016	Downes, P. (2016) Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, UNICEFCombating Early School Leaving in Serbia through effective drop-out prevention and intervention measures at the school level Developing inclusive systems in and around schools for early school leaving prevention: The Importance of Emotions and Relationships Belgrade, Serbia, .
	2015	Downes, P. (2015) 1st National Conference on Children's Wellbeing - Bullying: The Child's Perspective, The President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, and the Centre for Resilience and Socio-Emotional Health A holistic differentiated approach to bullying prevention: The role of students for inclusive systems Verdala Palace, Malta, .
	2015	Downes, P. (2015) Symposium on Early School Leaving, Austrian Ministry for Education, Ene, mene, muh, und raus bist du …Pädagogische, soziale und strukturelle Dimensionen von Bildungsbenachteiligung und Schulabbruch The neglected shadow: European perspectives on emotional support for early school leaving prevention Pädagogische Hochschule Salzburg, Austria, 19/01/2015-.
	2015	Downes, P. (2015) International School of Analytical Psychology Meeting Fundamental structures of the psyche: The primordial dance between concentric and diametric spaces in Jungian thought International School of Analytical Psychology, Zurich, Switzerland, .
	2014	Downes, P. (2014) Working Group on the Quality of Childhood at the European Parliament (QoC), 48th Session (Established 2006) Developing inclusive systems across Education, Health and Social sectors for early school leaving prevention European Parliament, Brussels, 09/09/2014-.
	2014	Downes, P. (2014) Unga In (Youth Integration) Staff National Conference through the Swedish Employment Ministry Towards a holistic, integrated approach to motivation in working with socio-economically excluded groups Stockholm, Sweden, 26/05/2014-27/05/2014.
	2014	Downes, P. (2014) London Bi-Logic Group – Spring meeting, Bertrand Russell Room Diametric and Concentric Spaces: A Key Bridge between Matte Blanco and Freud? Conway Hall, London, .
	2013	Downes, P. (2013) European Network of Education Councils (EUNEC) Lithuanian EU Presidency conference on Early School Leaving, with the European Commission A holistic approach to early school leaving prevention in Europe: Key strategic priorities for system level development Lithuanian Parliament (Seimas), Vilnius, 18/11/2013-.

Book Chapter

	Year	Publication
	2022	Downes, P. (2022) 'Retrieving and constructing a spatial-phenomenology in the early Heidegger' In: Heidegger and the holy. Lanham, Maryland : Rowman & Littlefield.
	2022	Downes, P. (2022) 'Framing Early School Leaving and Bullying Prevention as Issues of Concentric Inclusive Systems in a Global Context' In: The Palgrave Handbook of Global Social Problems. London : Palgrave Macmillan.
	2022	Downes, P. (2022) 'Rethinking the Interplay between Schooling, Mental Health, Wellbeing and Poverty: Key Issues for Sociology of Education Regarding Structure, Space and Agency' In: SAGE Handbook on the Sociology of Education. Thousand Oaks, California : SAGE.
	2020	Downes Paul (2020) 'Foreword' In: Social, emotional and intercultural competencies for inclusive school environments across Europe: Relationships matter. Hamburg : Verlag dr. Kovač.
	2018	Cefai, C., Bartolo, P., Cavioni, V., & Downes, P. (2018) 'A whole school approach to social and emotional education' In: Reflections: Skills for Social and Emotional Wellbeing. New Delhi, India : Authors Press.
	2017	Downes, P. (2017) 'Recovery from traumatic memory in Irish society: Moving beyond diametric structured myths, experience and social processes' In: The Politics of Memory and Recovery in Times of Crisis. Farnham : Ashgate.
	2016	Downes, P. (2016) 'A spatial-phenomenology as a framework for psychological understanding of aesthetic phenomenology to challenge instrumental reason' In: Psychology and the Arts: Perceptions and Perspectives. Malta : University of Malta.
	2014	Downes, P. (2014) 'Prevention of early school leaving through teacher education: Some European perspectives' In: Internationalization in Teacher Education. Hohengehren, Germany : Schneider Verlag.
	2013	Maunsell. C. & Downes, P. (2013) 'Rising to the challenge of realising lifelong learning for one and all: The role of community adult education in widening participation for traditionally marginalised groups in Irish society and beyond' In: Lifelong Learning in Europe: National Patterns and Challenges. UK, Cheltenham : Edward Elgar.
	2009	Downes, P.E. (2009) 'Prevention of Bullying at a Systemic Level in Schools: Movement from Cognitive and Spatial Narratives of Diametric Opposition to Concentric Relation' In: Handbook of Bullying in Schools: An International Perspective. [Link]
	2008	Downes, P. (2008) 'Introduction' In: Not One Victim More: Human Trafficking in the Baltic States. Tallinn, Estonia : Living for Tomorrow.
	2008	Downes, P., Ivanchenko, L., Zalcmane, S., Smelt, H., & Blumberg, S. (2008) 'Conclusion: Key Indicators Regarding Prevention, Protection and Prosecution in Relation to Human Trafficking in the Baltic States' In: Not One Victim More: Human Trafficking in the Baltic States. Tallinn, Estonia : Living for Tomorrow.
	2008	Downes, P. (2008) 'The International Right to the Highest Attainable Standard of Physical and Mental Health: A Key Legal Framework for Human Trafficking ?' In: Not One Victim More: Human Trafficking in the Baltic States. Tallinn, Estonia : Living for Tomorrow.
	2007	T. Downes & P.Downes (2007) 'Pedagogy of the processed' In: Beyond Educational Disadvantage. Dublin : Institute of Public Administration (IPA).
	2007	Downes, P. & Gilligan, A-L (2007) 'Introduction' In: Beyond Educational Disadvantage. Dublin : Institute of Public Administration (IPA).
	2007	Ryan, C. & Downes, P. (2007) 'The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS): The need for more dialogue with designated disadvantaged schools ?' In: Beyond Educational Disadvantage. Dublin : Institute of Public Administration (IPA).
	2007	Downes, P. (2007) 'Why SMART outcomes ain’t always so smart…' In: Beyond Educational Disadvantage. Dublin : Institute of Public Administration.
	2007	Downes, P. & Gilligan, A-L (2007) 'Beyond Disadvantage: Some conclusions' In: Beyond Educational Disadvantage. Dublin : Institute of Public Administration (IPA).
	2007	Downes, P., Maunsell, C. & Ivers, J. (2007) 'The ‘jolt in climate’ between primary and post-primary' In: Beyond Educational Disadvantage. Dublin : Institute of Public Administration (IPA).
	2003	Downes, P. (2003) 'The Estonian and Latvian Integration Programmes: A Recipe for Significant Early School Dropping-out amongst their Russian-speaking Minorities' In: Delivering Public Services in CEE Countries: Trends and Developments. Bratislava, Slovakia : The Network of Institutes and Schools of Public Administration in Central and Eastern Europe (NISPAc.
	2003	Downes, P. (2003) 'The relevance of early Heidegger’s radical conception of transcendence to choice, freedom and technology' In: Technology & Transcendence. Dublin : Columba Press.

Conference Publication

	Year	Publication
	2022	Downes, P. (2022) Ten Years of Investing in People and Skills *Promoting Inclusive Systems for Early School Leaving Prevention in Europe and Beyond*
	2020	Downes Paul (2020) Early Leaving from Education and Training – The Way Forward . In: Malta Education Ministry eds. From Early Leaving from Education and Training (ELET) Prevention to Promoting Inclusive Systems as Concentric Relational Space: Future Steps for a Holistic, Differentiated Systemic Vision Across Europe Malta Education Ministry Conference, Verdala Palace, Malta,
	2019	Xhomaqi, B., Downes, P. & Psifidou, I. (2019) What role for Community Lifelong Learning Centres: the potential of one-stop-shops for preventing youth at risk from disconnecting . In: Cedefop & Lifelong Learning Platform eds. *Implementing a holistic approach to lifelong learning: Community Lifelong Learning Centres as a gateway to multidisciplinary support teams* Brussels,
	2018	Downes Paul (2018) International EMPAQT EU Project Conference on Early School Leaving, Istanbul *From Early School Leaving Prevention to Promoting Inclusive Systems of Concentric Spatial Relations of Assumed Connection* Maltepe University, Istanbul,
	2016	Nic Chraith, D. & Downes, P. Eds. (2016) Joint Conference, INTO (Irish National Teachers Organisation) and Educational Disadvantage Centre, St. Patrick’s College: Review of DEIS: Poverty and Social Inclusion in Education *Review of DEIS: Poverty and Social Inclusion in Education*
	2015	Downes, P. (2015) NESET II Seminar for European Commission Officials across its Directorate General Education and Culture *Quality labels and structural indicators for social inclusion in schools and higher education institutions* Brussels,
	2015	Downes, P. (2015) Symposium on Early School Leaving, Austrian Ministry for Education, Ene, mene, muh, und raus bist du …Pädagogische, soziale und strukturelle Dimensionen von Bildungsbenachteiligung und Schulabbruch *The neglected shadow: European perspectives on emotional support for early school leaving prevention* Pädagogische Hochschule Salzburg, Austria, 19/01/2015- [Link]
	2015	Nunan, S. & Downes, P. (2015) Review of DEIS: Poverty and Social Inclusion in Education *Foreword, ‘Introduction to Conference’* St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin, 05/12/2015-
	2014	Downes, P. (2014) Working Group on the Quality of Childhood at the European Parliament (QoC), 48th Session (Established 2006) . In: M.Matthes, L.Pulkinnen, B.Heys, C.Clouder & L.M. Pinto eds. *Developing inclusive systems across Education, Health and Social sectors for early school leaving prevention* Brussels,
	2013	Downes, P. (2013) European Network of Education Councils (EUNEC) conference on Early School Leaving, in conjunction with the European Commission and the Lithuanian Government (Ministry of Education and Science) in the context of its EU Presidency . In: Keynote address reproduced in Early School Leaving: Report of the Conference of the European Network of Education Councils (EUNEC), Vilnius, 18-20 November 2013, with the support of the European Commission Directorate-General, Education and Culture eds. *A holistic approach to early school leaving prevention in Europe: Key strategic priorities for system level development* Lithuanian Parliament (Seimas), Vilnius, 18/11/2013- 20/11/2013 [Link]
	2013	Downes, P. (2013) European Commission, European Social Fund (ESF) Conference, Tackling Youth Unemployment in Europe: Building a Better Future for Young People *Giving early school leavers fresh opportunities: Prevention and second chance measures* Vilnius, Lithuania, 14/11/2013-

Edited Book

	Year	Publication
	2008	Downes, P., Zule-Lapima., Ivanchenko, L. & Blumberg, S (Ed.). (2008) Not One Victim More: Human Trafficking in the Baltic States. Tallinn, Estonia: Living for Tomorrow,
	2007	Downes, P. & Gilligan, A-L (Ed.). (2007) Beyond Educational Disadvantage. Dublin: Institute of Public Administration (IPA), [Link]
	2024	Downes, P., van Praag, L, Anderson, J., Behtoui,A (Ed.). (2024) Promoting Inclusive Systems for Migrants in Education. London: Routledge, https://doi.org/10.54517/ssd.v2i3.250

Peer Reviewed Journal

	Year	Publication
	2021	Gilligan, C. & Downes, P. (2021) 'Reconfiguring Relational Space: A Qualitative Study of the Benefits of Caring for Hens for the Socio-Emotional Development of 5 – 9- year-old Children in an Urban Junior School context of High Socio-Economic Exclusion'. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 21 (DOI: 10.1080/147296).
	2020	Downes Paul (2020) 'A Living Spatial Movement of Relation – Reconceptualising Ricoeur’s Oneself as Another and Heidegger’s Being and Time'. Ricoeur Studies, 11 (2):111-132.
	2020	Downes Paul (2020) 'A spatial turn for constructivism: Concentric and diametric spatial systems framing systems and meaning for exclusion and inclusion to challenge failure identity'. Constructivist Foundations, .
	2019	Downes, P. (2019) 'Transition as a displacement from more fundamental system concerns: Distinguishing four different meanings of transition in education'. Educational Philosophy and Theory, https://doi.org/10.1080/00131857.2018.1561366 .
	2019	Downes, P. & Cefai, C. (2019) 'Strategic Clarity on Different Prevention Levels of School Bullying and Violence: Rethinking Peer Defenders and Selected Prevention'. Journal of School Violence, doi: 10.1080/15388220.2019.1566915 .
	2019	Hargadon, C. & Downes, P. (2019) 'The neglected issue of sleep: A curricular and home-based intervention for improving sleep patterns among sixth-class children in an Irish urban school with high levels of poverty'. Irish Educational Studies, https://doi.org/10.1080/03323315.2019.1576537 .
	2018	Downes, P. (2018) 'Beyond the ‘diminished self’: Challenging an array of objections to emotional well-being in education'. International Journal of Emotional Education, .
	2018	Downes, P. (2018) 'Postscript - The Emotional-Relational Turn for Early School Leaving Prevention: Building on The Neglected Shadow for Inclusive Systems in and around Schools'. International Journal of Emotional Education, 10 :122-130.
	2018	Downes, P.; Anderson, J.; Nairz-Wirth, E. (2018) 'Conclusion: Developing conceptual understandings of transitions and policy implications'. European Journal of Education, 53 . [Link] [DOI]
	2018	Downes, P., Nairz-Wirth E., Anderson, J. (2018) 'Editorial: Reconceptualising system transitions in education for marginalised and vulnerable groups'. European Journal of Education, 53 :441-446.
	2018	Downes, P. (2018) 'Bringing Space to the Fore: Beyond Postmodernism to Interrogating Fundamental Malleable Spatial Preconditions for Language and Experience'. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 10.1080/00131857.2018.1462519 .
	2018	Creighton, K. & Downes, P. (2018) 'A Phenomenology of ‘Blending in’: Beyond Emotional Regulation'. Interpersona: International Journal on Personal Relationships, 11 (2):156-170.
	2018	Foody, M., Downes, P., O’Higgins Norman, J. (2018) 'Anti-Bullying Procedures for Schools in Ireland: Principals Responses and Perceptions'. Pastoral Care in Education, .
	2017	Downes, P. (2017) 'At the Threshold of Ricoeur’s Concerns in La Métaphor Vive: A Spatial Discourse of Diametric and Concentric Structures of Relation Building on Lévi-Strauss'. Ricoeur Studies, .
	2017	Downes, P. (2017) 'An Emerging Paradigm of Structural Indicators to Examine System Supports for Children’s and Adolescents’ Education and Wellbeing'. Child Indicators Research, doi:10.1007/s12187-017-9474-7 .
	2017	Downes, P. (2017) 'Reconceptualising Schopenhauer’s Compassion through Diametric and Concentric Spatial Structures of Relation'. Enrahonar: An international journal of theoretical and practical reason, .
	2017	Downes, P. (2017) 'Reconceptualising foundational assumptions of resilience: A cross-cultural, spatial systems domain of relevance for agency and phenomenology in resilience'. International Journal of Emotional Education, 9 (1).
	2016	Downes, P. (2016) 'Towards A Relational Paradigm for the Concept of Law: Uncovering Implications of Hart’s Rule of Recognition to Develop a Relational Foundationalism, as Expressed in Preliminary Terms through the UN Right to Health'. Queen Mary Human Rights Law Review, 3 (1):33-58.
	2016	Downes, Paul (2016) 'Developing a Framework of System Change between Diametric and Concentric Spaces for Early School Leaving Prevention'. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 48 (9). [DOI]
	2016	Cefai, C.; Downes, P.; Cavioni, V. (2016) 'Breaking the cycle: a phenomenological approach to broadening access to post-secondary education'. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 31 . [Link] [DOI]
	2016	Downes, Paul (2016) 'Concentric and Diametric Spatial Structures of Relation: Exploring a Neutral Bridge Language between Quantum Physics and Neuropsychology'. NeuroQuantology, 14 (3). [DOI]
	2016	Downes, P (2016) 'Access to Education for Prisoners in Europe: An Agenda of Structural Indicators for System Change'. Journal of Prison Education and Reentry, 3 :8-25. [DOI]
	2015	Downes, P. (2015) 'Diametric and Concentric Spatial Structures Framing Belief Systems'. Cybernetics and Systems, 46 . [Link] [DOI]
	2015	Kazmierczak-Murray, S.; Downes, P. (2015) 'Classroom sound field amplification systems for language development during early school years in contexts of socio-economic exclusion: The neglected role of classroom contextual dimensions'. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education, 7 . [Link]
	2015	Downes, P. (2015) 'Opening spatial preunderstandings at the roots of constructivism'. Constructivist Foundations, 11 (1):167-169.
	2014	Downes, P. (2014) 'Moving beyond diametric structured myths for recovery in Irish society'. IRISH JOURNAL OF ANTHROPOLOGY, 17 (1):13-20.
	2013	Downes, P. (2013) 'And the building stood in its stillness'. Wallace Stevens Journal, 37 (2).
	2013	Downes, P. (2013) 'Developing Derrida’s psychoanalytic graphology: Diametric and concentric spatial movements'. Derrida Today, 6 (2):197-221.
	2013	Downes, P. (2013) 'Developing a framework and agenda for students’ voices in the school system across Europe: From diametric to concentric relational spaces for early school leaving prevention'. European Journal of Education, 48 (3):346-362.
	2012	Ivers, J.H.; Downes, P. (2012) 'A phenomenological reinterpretation of Horner's fear of success in terms of social class'. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 27 . [Link] [DOI]
	2011	Downes, P. (2011) 'The neglected shadow: Some European perspectives on emotional supports for early school leaving prevention'. International Journal of Emotional Education, 3 (2):3-39.
	2011	Downes, P. (2011) 'Concentric and diametric structures in yin/yang and the mandala symbol: A new wave of eastern frames for psychology'. Psychology and Developing Societies, 23 . [Link] [DOI]
	2010	Downes, P. (2010) 'Schema structure-content relativity: Part I, Deconstructing the absolute space assumptions underlying the schema concept founding cognitive science'. Cybernetics and Human Knowing, 17 (3):7-25.
	2010	Downes, P. (2010) 'Schema structure-content relativity: Part II, From image schemata to background spatial schemata of diametric and concentric relation'. Cybernetics and Human Knowing, 17 (3).
	2010	Downes, P. (2010) 'Newtonian Space in Newell and Simon: Reply to Kinsella’s (2008) response to Downes (2006)'. Cybernetics and Human Knowing, 17 (1):191-200.
	2009	Downes, P. (2009) 'Cultural conformity within Vygotsky’s paradigm for education: A critique from the perspective of early Heidegger'. KWARTALNIK PADAGOGICZNY, 212 (2):97-114.
	2007	Downes, P. (2007) 'Intravenous drug use and HIV in Estonia: Socio-economic integration and development of indicators regarding the right to health for its Russian-speaking population'. Liverpool Law Review, 28 (2):271-317.
	2006	Downes, P. (2006) 'Newtonian space: The ‘blind spot’ in Newell and Simon’s information processing paradigm'. Cybernetics and Human Knowing, 13 (3), 25-55 (3):25-55.
	2006	Downes, P., Maunsell, C., McLoughlin, V., Taljunaite, M. (2006) 'Lifelong learning in Ireland and Lithuania: Some examples of Irish policy and practice for Lithuania to consider ?'. Filosofija.Sociologija, 4 :29-36.
	2004	Downes, P. (2004) 'School promoted beauty contests in Poland and Estonia: A risk factor for anorexia and bulimia nervosa, and contrary to the UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of discrimination against Women ?'. KWARTALNIK PADAGOGICZNY, 193 (3):125-143.
	2003	Downes, P. (2003) 'The new curriculum of Social, Personal and Health Education in Irish primary schools: Self-awareness, introversion and the role of the teacher'. KWARTALNIK PADAGOGICZNY, 190 (4):93-112.
	2003	Downes, P. (2003) 'Cross-cultural structures of concentric and diametric dualism in Lévi-Strauss’ structural anthropology: Structures of relation underlying the self and ego relation ?'. Journal of Analytical Psychology, 48 (1):47-81.
	2021	O'Reilly Cullen, S., Fagan, B. Downes, P. (2021) 'The emotional impact of parental imprisonment on children in primary schools: Developing an agenda for reform'. Irish Teachers' Journal, 9 .
	2024	Downes, P. (2024) 'An Emerging Concentric Spatial Turn for Sustainable Systems: Beyond the Diametric Spatial Frame in Bacon’s View of Humans as Apart from and above the Natural World towards Being-Alongside Nature'. Sustainability (MDPI), 16 . [DOI]
	2022	McNally, S., Downes, P., O'Halloran, L., Kent, G., & O'Neill, S. (2022) ''The whole world was lifted off me': The importance of relational supports and peer mentoring for under-represented students accessing university in Ireland'. Journal of Further and Higher Education, .

Book Review

	Year	Publication
	2021	Paul Downes (2021) Review of Patrick Aidan Heelan’s The observable: Heisenberg’s philosophy of quantum mechanics. BREV
	2019	Paul Downes (2019) Seeds of a Primordial Spatial Phenomenology: Chrétien’s Spacious Joy. BREV
	2018	Paul Downes (2018) Review of ‘Complexity in social work’ by R. Hood. BREV

Discussion Paper

	Year	Publication
	2021	Naiperala, J., Carretero-Gomez, S. & Downes, P. (2021) Developing social and emotional skills through non-formal learning. Brussels: DP
	2019	Downes, P. (2019) Tackling school bullying and violence: key approaches for schools to consider. School Education Gateway: DP
	2018	Downes, P. (2018) Six ways to improve prisoners’ access to education in Europe. DP
	2017	Downes, P. (2017) Bridging the credibility gap: The need for an ‘assertive outreach’ strategy to engage adult early school leavers. DP
	2017	Downes, P. (2017) The distinctive contribution of non-formal education to engaging marginalized groups: Some European perspectives on community lifelong learning centres. DP
	2017	Downes, P. (2017) New DEIS Action Plan: Strengths, weaknesses, issues for consideration. DP
	2016	Downes, P. (2016) 4 Contexts where SMART outcomes are not so clever in adult education. DP
	2015	Downes, P. (2015) How can we develop a European approach to quality development of community and family learning for social inclusion in education ?. DP
	2015	Downes, P. (2015) Developing inclusive systems across Education, Health and Social sectors for early school leaving prevention. DP
	2015	Downes, P. (2015) Building bridges for relational democratic school systems: Fostering dialogue between key stakeholders, students, teachers and parents. Paris: DP
	2015	Downes, P. (2015) Targeting the needs of children and young people in a holistic way for early school leaving prevention. Paris: DP
	2015	Downes, P. (2015) Developing Multidisciplinary Teams for Early School Leaving Prevention. Paris: DP
	2015	Downes, P. (2015) Structural indicators: A bridge between top-down strategic direction and bottom-up creativity ?. DP
	2014	Downes, P. (2014) Poverty and Social Inclusion in Primary Education in 2014: Points of Light and an Array of Policy Silences. Galway, Ireland: DP
	2013	Downes, P. (2013) Key Emerging Features of a Mental Health Focus for Early School Leaving Prevention – illustrations from Ireland. DP

Guidelines for Practice

	Year	Publication
	2018	Downes, P., Nairz-Wirth, E., Rusinaite, V. (2018) Structural indicators tool for inclusive systems in and around schools – for policy makers and schools in Europe. School Education Gateway: GFP
	2017	Downes, P. (2017) Structural Indicators Self-Reflection Tool for Policy Makers to Tackle Early Leaving from VET. Thessaloniki, Greece: GFP
	2017	Downes, P. (2017) Structural Indicators Tool for Preventing Early Leaving from Vocational Education and Training. Thessaloniki, Greece: GFP

Publications letters

	Year	Publication
	2015	Downes, P, Whyte, G., O'Toole, L., Gilligan, A-L, Carmody, P. et al. (2015) Open Letter on Recognising Traveller Ethnicity. LETT [Link]
	2021	Downes, P.; Hartigan, N.; O Cuanachain, C.,; Ryan, E.; Brady, S.; Kelleher, D.; Leydon, M.; Howard, A.; O (2021) Key Dimensions of a National Strategic Commitment to the Arts for Social Inclusion, involving Afterschool Services for Marginalised Groups: The Case for a National Strategy for the Arts and Social Inclusion in Education? Discussion Document Submission to Minister Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (July 2021). LETT

Newspaper

	Year	Publication
	2021	Carl O'Brien (2021) After a year of disruption, there are concerns over long-term impact of school closures. NEWSA
	2020	Carl O'Brien (2020) Closing schools over Covid 19 is set to cause lasting harm, particularly for children with special needs and those from disadvantaged background. NEWSA
	2020	Paul Downes & Niamh Murray (2020) New government must urgently face up to the crisis of pupils' needs in Deis schools. NEWSA
	2018	Unattributed (2018) EU adopts DCU tool on teacher training. NEWSA
	2018	Unattributed (2018) Richard Bruton publishes wellbeing policy for schools. NEWSA
	2018	Niall Murray (2018) Richard Bruton’s student wellbeing plan ‘risks being sticking plaster’. NEWSA
	2018	Katherine Donnelly (2018) Breaking the mould for entry to teaching. NEWSA
	2017	Katherine Donnelly (2017) Hens help pupils to crack life's code A school project in a highly-populated, disadvantaged area shows the benefits of access to nature and animal care. NEWSA
	2017	Niall Murray (2017) Schools ‘must play bigger role in tackling hunger and inadequate sleep. NEWSA

Review Articles

	Year	Publication
	2020	Paul Downes (2020) A Revitalisation Point for Adult and Community Education in National Policy? Review of Houses of the Oireachtas, Joint Committee on Education and Skills Report on Education Inequality and Disadvantage and Barriers to Education (2019). REV
	2020	Paul Downes and Niamh Murray (2020) Child Poverty and Mental Health in the Covid-19 Pandemic: Supports in DEIS schools and the need for a national strategic response. REV

Video recording / TV

	Year	Publication
	2020	European Commission (2020) Early School Leaving Interview. VID [Link]
	2019	European Commission (2019) Tackling Early School Leaving in Europe. VID [Link]

Book

	Year	Publication
	2021	Cefai, C. Downes, P. Cavioni.,V. (2021) A formative, inclusive, whole school approach to the assessment of social and emotional education in the EU. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union/EU bookshop.
	2020	Downes, P. (2020) Concentric Space as a Life Principle Beyond Schopenhauer, Nietzsche and Ricoeur: Inclusion of the Other. London/New York/New Delhi: Routledge.
	2020	Downes, P. (2020) Reconstructing agency in developmental and educational psychology: Inclusive Systems as Concentric Space. London/New York/New Delhi: Routledge.
	2018	Cefai, C., Bartolo, P., Cavioni, v. & Downes, P. (2018) Strengthening Social and Emotional Education as core curricular area across the EU. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.
	2017	Downes, P., Nairz-Wirth, E., Rusinaite, V. (2017) Structural Indicators for Developing Inclusive Systems in and around Schools in Europe. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.
	2016	Downes, P. & Cefai, C. (2016) How to tackle bullying and prevent school violence in Europe: Evidence and practices for strategies for inclusive and safe schools. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. [Link] [DOI]
	2015	Downes, P. (2015) Early School Leaving Prevention and Engaging Parents from Ethnic Minority and Migrant Backgrounds: Key Issues and Guiding Principles Across 9 European City Municipalities. Paris: European Union, European Regional Development Fund, Urbact Secretariat.
	2014	Downes, P. (2014) Towards a Differentiated, Holistic and Systemic Approach to Parental Involvement in Europe for Early School Leaving Prevention. Paris: European Union, European Regional Development Fund, Urbact Secretariat.
	2014	Downes, P. (2014) Access to education in Europe: A framework and agenda for system change. [Link] [DOI]
	2013	Edwards, A. & Downes, P. (2013) Alliances for Inclusion: Developing Cross-sector Synergies and Inter-Professional Collaboration in and around Education. Brussels: European Commission, Directorate General, Education and Culture.
	2012	Downes, P. (2012) The Primordial Dance: Diametric and Concentric Spaces in the Unconscious World. Oxford/Bern: Peter Lang. [Link] http://dx.doi.org/10.3726/978-3-0353-0393-3
	2003	Downes, P. (2003) Living with heroin: HIV, Identity and Social Exclusion among the Russian-speaking minorities in Estonia and Latvia. Estonia: Legal Information Centre for Human Rights.
	2003	Downes, P. (2003) Elu heroiiniga: Identiteet, sotsiaalne tõrjutus ja HIV Eesti ja Läti venekeelsete vähemuste seas. Tallinn, Estonia: Legal Information Centre for Human Rights, Tallinn/AIDS Information and Support Centre.
	2003	Downes, P. (2003) Жизнь с героином: Идентичность, социальное отторжение и распространение ВИЧ среди русскоязычного меньшинства в Эстонии и Латвии. Tallinn, Estonia: Legal Information Centre for Human Rights, Tallinn/AIDS Information and Support Centre.
	2024	Downes, P.; Li, G.; Van Praag, L.; Lamb, S. (2024) THE ROUTLEDGE INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOK OF EQUITY AND INCLUSION IN EDUCATION. [Link] [DOI]

Published Report

	Year	Publication
	2021	Downes, P. & Cefai, C. (2021) Report on School Bullying and the Impact on Mental Health. Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Scie, .
	2020	Downes, P., Pike, S., Murphy, S. & NEIC Fellows (2020) Marginalised students in Primary and Post Primary DEIS Schools and other settings: System Gaps in Policy and Practice and the Priority Issues for consideration, with reference to the impact of Covid 19. Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Scie, . [Link]
	2019	Donlevy, V., Day, L., Andriescu, M., Downes, P. (2019) Assessment of the Implementation of the 2011 Council Recommendation on Policies to Reduce Early School Leaving. Publications Office of the European Union, .
	2019	Murphy, S., McKenna, G. & Downes, P. (2019) Educational Gaps and Future Solutions: A study of the holistic educational needs and experiences of a sample of homeless men in Dublin aged 18-38 Years. McVerry Trust, .
	2019	Downes, P. (2019) Evaluation of the 11 country ImplOED project on Outreach, Empowerment and Diversity for Nonformal Education for Adults, focusing on marginalised groups. European Adult Education Association (EAEA), .
	2017	Murphy, H., Downes, P., & O’Higgins-Norman, J. (2017) Anti-bullying procedures for primary and post-primary schools: A survey of implementation among school principals. DCU AntiBullying Centre, .
	2016	McNally, S. & Downes, P. (2016) Evaluation of University College Dublin’s ‘Future You’ Peer Support Access Initiative: A Relational, Community Development Systemic Outreach Approach. University College Dublin, .
	2011	Downes, P. (2011) A Systems Level Focus on Access to Education for Traditionally Marginalised Groups: Comparing Policy and Practice in Twelve European Countries. Institute of International and Social Studies, Tallinn University, LLL2010 Project Consortium, .
	2011	Downes, P. (2011) Promotion of Access to and Participation in Higher Education and the Teaching Profession for Non-Majority Ethnic Groups in Kosovo: Opportunities, Barriers and Future Horizons. OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe), UN Mission in Kosovo, .
	2011	Downes, P. (2011) Community Based Lifelong Learning Centres: Developing a European Strategy Informed by International Evidence and Research. European Commission Network of Experts on the Social Aspects of Education and Training (NESET I), .
	2011	Downes, P. (2011) Multi/Interdisciplinary Teams for Early School Leaving Prevention: Developing a European Strategy Informed by International Evidence and Research. European Commission Network of Experts on the Social Aspects of Education and Training (NESET I), .
	2010	Dooley, C., Downes, P., Maunsell, C., & McLoughlin, V. (2010) Promoting social inclusion: The access of adults to formal and non-formal education in Ireland. Irish National Report for Subproject 5 of EU Framework Six Project ‘Towards a lifelong learning society: The contribution of the education system’. Educational Disadvantage Centre, St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, .
	2010	Carrigan, J. & Downes, P., (with Byrne, I.) (2010) Is there more than what’s the score? Exploring needs and skills checking for literacy as part of a holistic initial assessment process in a lifelong learning society. Educational Disadvantage Centre, St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, .
	2010	Ivers, J., McLoughlin, V. and Downes, P. (2010) Current Steps and Future Horizons for CASPr: Review of CASPr North-East Inner City After Schools Project. North Inner City Dublin: Community After Schools Project (CASPR), .
	2008	Maunsell, C., Downes, P., & McLoughlin, V. (2008) National Report on Lifelong Learning in Ireland. Educational Disadvantage Centre, St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, .
	2007	Downes, P. & Maunsell, C. (2007) Count us in: Tackling early school leaving in South West Inner City Dublin, An integrated response. South Inner City Community Development Association (SICCDA) & South Inner City Drugs Task Force, .
	2006	Downes, P. (2006) Quality Development of Out of School Services (QDOSS): An agenda for development. QDOSS (Quality Development of Out of School Services) National Network, .
	2006	Downes, P., Maunsell, C., & Ivers, J. (2006) A holistic approach to early school leaving and school retention in Blanchardstown: Current issues and future steps for services and schools. Blanchardstown Area Partnership, .
	2004	Downes, P. (2004) Psychological support services for Ballyfermot: Present and future. URBAN, Ballyfermot,& Ballyfermot Drugs Task Force, .
	2004	Downes, P. (2004) Voices of Children: St. Raphaels Primary School, Ballyfermot. URBAN, Ballyfermot, .
	2002	Downes, P. & Murray, S. (2002) Evaluation of the Ana Liffey Drug Project, Children’s Project. Ana Liffey Drug Project, .

Other Publication

	Year	Publication
	2023	Downes, Paul (2023) The observable: Heisenberg's philosophy of quantum mechanics. [DOI]

Professional Associations

Association	Function	From / To
European Commission Network of Experts on the Social Aspects of Education and Training (NESET I & II)	Member	01/01/2011 -
European Commission Network of Experts on the Social Aspects of Education and Training (NESET II)	Member of Coordinating Committee	-
Grangegorman Area-based Childhood (ABC) Programme (Dublin 1 and 7), funded by Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Atlantic Philanthropies.	Chairperson of the Steering Committee	-
Expert Advisory Group on early school leaving to Oireachtas (Irish Parliament and Senate) Joint Committee on Education and Science	Invited member	01/02/2010 -
Nederlands Centrum Onderwijs en Jeugdzorg / NCOJ in Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Netherlands Centre on Education and Youth Care	International Member of Research and Policy Advisory Board	-
EPALE (European Commission Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe) Quality Theme Experts’ Group	Member	-
European Centre for Resilience and Socio-Emotional Health, University of Malta	Member of the Board	-
Comhairle na nÓg National Executive (The National Executive is supported by officials from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs).	Member of Steering Committee of Experts	-
Ana Liffey Drug Project, Dublin	Member of Board of Directors	-
European Institute of Education and Social Policy, Paris	Associated Expert	-

Honors and Awards

Date	Title	Awarding Body
01/01/1994	Graduate Memorial Prize for Psychology, Trinity College Dublin	Trinity College Dublin
01/01/2018	Ambassador Tackling Early Leaving from VET	Cedefop
01/01/1995	Postgraduate Award for Psychology, Trinity College Dublin	Trinity College Dublin
01/09/2011	Visiting Research Fellow	University of Cambridge, England, Lauterpacht Centre for International Law
01/04/2017	Visiting Research Fellow	University of British Columbia, Vancouver
01/01/1988	Trinity College, Dublin, Entrance Exhibition Award for Leaving Certificate Results	Trinity College Dublin
01/01/1989	Butterworth (Ireland) Prize for Law, Trinity College, Dublin	Trinity College Dublin
01/01/1990	Trinity College, Dublin, Foundation Scholarship Exam Award for Law	Trinity College Dublin

Committees

	Committee	Function	From / To
	Humanities and Social Sciences Panel of the Research Grants Council under the University Grants Committee, Hong Kong, China		-
	Interpersona: International Journal on Personal Relationships (Brazil/Germany)		-
	Journal of Prison Education and Reentry (Norway)		-
	Queen Mary Human Rights Law Review (UK)		-
	British Educational Research Journal (BERJ)		-
	Journal of School Violence (USA)		-
	International Journal of Emotional Education (the journal of the European Network for Social and Emotional Competence, ENSEC)		-
	Journal of Open Review of Educational Research (New Zealand/USA)		-

Research Interests

A.
Inclusive Systems in Education and Society (Early school leaving; Access to higher education and lifelong learning; Bullying and aggression; Parental involvement and family support; Mental health and wellbeing; Voices of children and young people, especially marginalised groups and ethnic minorities; Evaluation frameworks based on structural indicators; Multidisciplinary teams in schools, cross-sectoral working; Community development and outreach approaches; International right to health and its interplay with education)

B.
Conceptual Foundations of Inclusive Systems of Relation (Intersections between Phenomenology, Structuralism, Psychoanalytic and Analytic Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Poststructuralism)