About the Whitaker Institute

The Whitaker Institute for Innovation and Societal Change applies a multi-perspective research approach to business and social issues, with an impact-led focus at the core of its endeavours. One of its key values is the promotion of a sustainable and inclusive society, influenced by the broad dissemination of rigorous and relevant research. Furthermore, the Whitaker Institute seeks to continue the tradition at NUI Galway of critically pursuing knowledge discovery that stimulates academic debates and opens public conversation to advance the greater good.

The Institute is named in honour of eminent economist and former Secretary of the Department of Finance, Dr. T.K. Whitaker, who played a central role in devising the economic plan that set Ireland on the road to regeneration in the early 1960s. Drawing inspiration from his unparalleled service to Ireland, the newly formed Whitaker Institute has over 200 members and serves as the country’s largest research body focused on contemporary and relevant business, social and policy issues.

Dr. T.K. Whitaker

Dr. T.K. Whitaker is regarded as a pivotal figure in the economic and social development of modern Ireland. During his long and illustrious career, he was Secretary of the Department of Finance, Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, and founder of the Economic and Social Research Institute. He was also a member of Seanad Éireann from 1977 to 1982 and Chancellor of the National University of Ireland from 1976 to 1996.

The Institute houses twelve Research Clusters grouped under six Priority Research Themes:

Business Performance, Agility and Governance

• Enterprise Agility
• Performance Management
• Work, Society and Governance

Conflict and Collective Action

• Conflict, Rights, and Security
• Group Decision Making

Environment, Development and Sustainability

• Environment, Development, and Sustainability

Gender, Equality and the Knowledge Society

• Gender and Public Policy

Health and Well-Being

• Health and Well-Being

Innovation: People, Place and Society

• Innovation and Structural Change
• Creative, Liveable and Sustainable Communities
• Population and Migration
• Social Innovation and Policy

For more information on the Clusters, please click on the Cluster name, or visit our Research Themes and Clusters section.

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