Dr Mary Quirke is a researcher, educator, and advocate with a deep commitment to inclusive education, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and equitable career and work transitions. With a PhD from Trinity College Dublin (TCD), her research explores learner voice, inclusive learning, career transitions, and inclusive pathways into employment, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
Mary’s career spans policy, practice, and research, with extensive experience in Further and Higher Education, vocational training, and workplace inclusion. As Assistant Director of AHEAD, she played a pivotal role in shaping Willing, Able and Mentoring (WAM), a pioneering employment initiative supporting graduates with disabilities. She has also contributed to national and European-level projects promoting inclusive learning and employment strategies.
Currently a Research Fellow at TCD, Mary has led multiple SOLAS-commissioned studies, including national research on specialist training provision for people with disabilities and ESOL learning in Ireland, engaging with learners and their voice. She actively collaborates with educators, policymakers, and advocacy groups to ensure evidence-based, learner-centred approaches to education and career development.
A dynamic speaker and champion of Universal Design for Guidance (UDG), Mary’s work emphasises the importance of designing for diversity from the outset, highlighting the role we all can play. Her expertise in lifelong learning, disability inclusion, and policy development continues to shape more accessible and sustainable pathways for all learners.
At AHEAD 2025, Mary will deliver a keynote on navigating transitions and adopting a UDL attitude, drawing from her recently published book with Routledge “Adopting a UDL attitude within Academia”. Dr. Quirke will offer insights from research, practice, and real-world case studies. Expect an engaging, thought-provoking session with plenty of humour, real-life examples, and practical takeaways!
