Staff Testimonial

Julianne Flynn

Communications & Dissemination Manager

I studied Sociology and Social Policy at Trinity College Dublin. My first university lecture was delivered by an ESRI researcher, and throughout my time at university, ESRI research was frequently mentioned for its academic rigour and policy relevance. Following university, I completed a research internship and then worked in the NGO sector for three years. During this time, I also pursued a part-time Master's in Political Communication at DCU. Joining the ESRI in 2021 felt like a full-circle moment for me. I barely needed an introduction to many of my colleagues because I had so frequently cited their work during my studies.

It offers a front-row seat to observe how these various forces interact, sometimes even shaping the agenda. It isn’t just research for research’s sake: you can see how the research contributes to the policy arena and public debate.

Given the ESRI’s unique position in Irish society, our research must be communicated in an accessible, factual, and effective manner. That’s where my colleagues and I in the Information, Communication and Publications (ICP) team come in. I manage a team responsible for all communications and publications’ outputs, ensuring complex research findings reach diverse audiences.

What does this really mean? A typical day might involve meeting with funders to discuss the communications plan for a report, shooting a video for social media or providing feedback on a Press Release. It’s a busy job: we published 36 major reports in 2023 and were referenced in the media 5,600 times. Nonetheless, it is deeply rewarding. Every day, I see how communications makes a difference: the same report can go from gathering dust on a (digital) shelf to being discussed at the Oireachtas. 

There is a focus on professional development and testing new approaches. It is a unique place where curiosity, trust, and knowledge seamlessly combine to foster a challenging yet supportive environment.