Barbara Dooley
Why focus on student mental health
Barbara Dooley is an Emeritus Professor of Psychology with a distinguished career at UCD. Over the years, she has held several senior leadership positions, including Dean of Graduate Studies & Deputy Registrar from 2014 to 2022 and again in 2024, Acting Registrar & Deputy President from 2022 to 2023, Vice-Principal for Teaching and Learning in the College of Human Sciences from 2009 to 2014, and Head of the School of Psychology between 2005 and 2009.
Professor Dooley’s research focuses on youth mental health, examining both risk and protective factors, and she has published extensively in the field. Her work on the My World Survey (myworldsurvey.ie) has directly influenced mental health policy in Ireland. She also co-led Section 1 of the Lancet Psychiatry Commission on Youth Mental Health (2024), a seminal publication in the field.
In addition to her research, Professor Dooley plays an active role in professional and advisory organizations. She serves as President of the International Association for Youth Mental Health, is a member of the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention Evaluation Advisory Group, participates in the Health Research Board (HRB) National Drugs Strategy Research Subcommittee, and previously contributed as a member of the HRB National Mental Health Research Strategy Expert Group.
High rates of mental health disorders are observed in young people, beginning in adolescence or early adulthood and are rising globally. Mental health disorders are the principal cause of burden disease in young people. This presentation will consider the changing landscape of youth mental health globally and underlying megatrends. Data on student mental health within the context of risk and protective factors will be explored. In addition, why it is important for educational institutions to focus on student mental health will be presented and some recommendations to enhance student wellbeing will be outlined.
Matthew Wemyss
Directing Intelligence: Responsible AI in Education
Matthew Wemyss is an international school leader, author, and keynote speaker specialising in the practical and ethical use of AI in education. He works with schools and educational institutions across Europe and internationally, supporting educators and leaders to make informed decisions about AI that strengthen learning, assessment, and student support rather than undermine them. Matthew holds the Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) qualification and is known for translating complex AI concepts into clear, grounded guidance for educators. He is the author of AI in Education: An Educator’s Handbook and regularly speaks at conferences on assessment redesign, academic integrity, and human-centred approaches to educational change. His work focuses on helping educators move beyond fear and hype towards thoughtful, values-led practice.
AI can generate information, ideas, and feedback in seconds, but education still depends on human judgement. The real risk is not student use of AI, but students handing over decisions that learning, assessment, and professional responsibility require. This keynote will explore how educators can design learning activities, assessments, and feedback processes where AI supports thinking rather than replaces it. Drawing on practical examples, the session will focus on responsible use of AI to improve student support while maintaining academic integrity and ethical standards. The aim is to help educators design for AI deliberately, so students remain accountable, reflective, and capable of directing their own intelligence.