Lab: The Innovator's Studio

Date: Thursday 22 June, 10.00am – 5.00pm

Location: Richmond Barracks, Dublin 8


The next session in our Innovation Series 2023, is our Lab “The Innovator's Studio”, 22 June, Richmond Barracks, Dublin 8, 10.00am – 5.00pm. This is a one day deep-dive laboratory where your ideas can come to life.

 

Facilitated by UCD Innovation Academy, the day will focus on  Design Thinking  and aims to provide you with the skills, tools and mindset you need to innovate your practice. This will also be an opportunity to connect and collaborate with like-minded practitioners.


You will work through the five stages of Design Thinking in a fast-paced day designed to generate ideas and advance them to the point where they can be tested. Design Thinking is a human centred problem solving methodology used by changemakers around the world. You’ll leave with tangible outputs that are ready to be applied within your own work context.


Founded in 2010, UCD Innovation Academy specialises in innovation, creativity, leadership, entrepreneurship and design thinking. It aims to be a catalyst for positive change in individuals, organisations and our society overall. 


Join us and be inspired by stories of innovation, strengthen your ability to innovate and expand your creative skills. If this is your first time taking part in IDEA’s Innovation Series this year, you'll get a chance to familiarise yourself with the Innovator's Toolkit beforehand. The Studio will be a space where you can share experiences, explore, and gain support. It is also a great opportunity to do some hands-on experimenting.

 

This lab fits into the wider series of innovation activities organised by IDEA in 2023. The in-depth Knowledge and Skills workshop “The Innovator’s Toolkit”, and the topics explored in IDEA’s 2023 Annual Conference compliment the Innovator’s Studio Lab. All of these can also be attended as stand-alone events.


We will be providing accommodation for those attending this event, if you sign up by 31 May.

 

Cost:

  • IDEA Members: €90.00
  • Non Members: €120.00
  • Unwaged ( (refugees, asylum seekers, students, others): €5.00 - this can be paid in person


Design Thinking and Innovation sprints usually costs up to €2,000 per person. So, don’t miss out this great opportunity!


The fee includes breakfast, lunch, participation in a whole day of innovative project design and the chance for one-to-one support with design thinking specialists, as well as templates and tools to take away for each participant.


Registration for this event is now closed. If you would like to be added to a waiting list please contact please contact Anya Sparynska.

Code Network Meeting November 2025

September 17, 2025
Date: Wednesday 26 November, 10.00am – 3.30pm Location: Richmond Barracks, Inchicore, Dublin 8, D08 YY05 IDEA is looking forward to welcoming all members of the Code of Good Practice for Development Education to our next Code network meeting on Wednesday, 26 November, in Richmond Barracks in Inchicore, Dublin. There are places for two representatives (staff, volunteers, etc.) from each Code member. One of the commitments in joining the Code is to contribute to the Community of Practice for this Code, including sharing successes and learning with other Code members and attending at least one of two Code network meetings annually. Register below!

Global Citizenship Education in Ireland to 2030 - Launch of IDEA´s new vision document

September 12, 2025
Date: Tuesday 21 October, 12 noon – 12.45pm Location: Georgian Suite of Buswells Hotel, 23-27 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 Over the past few months, IDEA and its members co-created a new strategic vision and roadmap for GCE in Ireland for the next five years. This is the successor to Vision 2025 and is called Vision 2030. We are delighted to announce that we will launch the publication of Vision 2030 on Tuesday 21 October 2025 in the Georgian Suite of Buswells Hotel, 23-27 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, 12 noon – 12.45pm. Refreshments will be provided. Please save the date and register below for the event. Please note that there is limited space at this event and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Once capacity has been reached, a waiting list will be opened.

We’re Hiring - Capacity Development Programme Manager

September 12, 2025
We’re Hiring - Capacity Development Programme Manager The Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) is looking for a Capacity Development Programme Manager to join our team. This is a unique leadership opportunity to help shape the future of Global Citizenship Education (GCE) in Ireland and beyond. At IDEA, we work with over 100 members, from large NGOs like Trócaire and Concern to smaller organisations and individual educators, all committed to building a more just, equal, and sustainable world. The Capacity Development Programme Manager role is central to this mission. Key role responsibilities: Lead IDEA’s capacity development programme , ensuring our members and the wider sector have access to high-quality training, workshops, and networking opportunities. Design and deliver flagship events , including our annual conference, webinars, and seminars that strengthen skills, knowledge, and collaboration. Drive innovation and impact , ensuring our programmes respond to members’ needs, emerging challenges, and international best practice. Champion impact measurement and research , supporting our members to demonstrate the transformative power of Development and Global Citizenship Education. Collaborate across IDEA teams on policy, advocacy, and communications, ensuring capacity-building directly contributes to systemic change. Represent IDEA nationally and internationally , ensuring Ireland continues to be seen as a leader in the global conversation on education, equality, and sustainability. The role offers: A permanent contract (subject to funding) Hybrid working based in Dublin city centre Competitive salary, employer pension contribution and 25 days annual leave The opportunity to work at the heart of a dynamic national network with strong international links If you are an experienced leader with a passion for education, social justice, and building the capacity of civil society, this could be the role for you. Deadline for applications is Monday, 13 October, 5.00pm. Interviewees will be invited to interview on October 15th . Interviews will be held in the IDEA office on Monday October 20th. For the full role description and application process, please download the Job Specification here