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Empowering rural communities to act for change

University College Dublin

University College Dublin is one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities; an environment where undergraduate education, masters and PhD training, research, innovation and community engagement form a dynamic spectrum of activity.

Since its foundation, the University has made a unique contribution to the creation of modern Ireland, based on successful engagement with Irish society on every level and across every sphere of activity. The international standing of University College Dublin has grown in recent years; it is currently ranked within the top 1% of higher education institutions world-wide. UCD is also Ireland’s most globally engaged university with over 38,000 students from 152 countries, including over 5,000 students based at locations outside of Ireland.

Role within RURACTIVE

University College Dublin is leading the work on smart and community-led solutions implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Its team is also involved in the co-development of solutions in rural innovation ecosystems for inclusive community- led development.

Main contacts

Photo of Francesco Pilla
Francesco Pilla

Full professor

Photo of Lasith Kottawa Hewamanage
Lasith Kottawa Hewamanage

Postdoctoral Fellow