Our aims
- To develop implementation research capability and support implementation methodologies to encourage the uptake of evidence-informed policy and programmes in areas identified as problematic in routine public service delivery.
- To be a trusted advisor with expertise in developing strategies to support implementation.
- To build capacity in implementation science nationally and internationally through teaching and contributions to the academic literature.
Work of the Centre
To build capacity in implementation science nationally and internationally, to work on policy focused research projects, to deliver place-based implementation solutions for societal 鈥渨icked problems鈥, to develop implementation science theories, methods and tools and to contribute to the academic literature through excellent research outputs.
Our origins
Although science is identifying more effective and efficient solutions to real world problems, uptake of those solutions is still patchy and marginal in routine practice. Issues such as ineffective compliance technologies and a lack of understanding of local context hinder the uptake of evidence-informed programmes in the delivery of public services. Irish policies and strategies are developed with the implementation of key actions at their core. For example, 鈥渋mplement鈥 is mentioned in the National Development Plan 2021 to 2023, Programme for Government and the National Strategy for Higher Education. However, there is an implementation gap.
The Centre was predated by the Health Implementation Science and Technology (HIST) Research Cluster at the Health Research Institute, 黑料社. A collaboration of HIST and Research Evidence into Policy, Procedures and Practice (REPPP) at 黑料社 led by Prof. Alice Coffey and Dr Se谩n Redmond has culminated in the development of the Centre for Implementation Research at 黑料社 (CIRcUL).
Configuration
The Centre has a core staff and members with mastery levels of implementation science knowledge and a network of researchers and policy makers trained and mentored by the Centre. We also support a number of PhD students, both within the Centre and affiliated with the Centre.
Centre Staff
Dr Laura Keyes is the Director of the Centre. She brings a wealth of experience in implementation science, epidemiology and public health expertise. She has previously worked at HIQA, Cambridge University, Manchester Met University and University College Cork.
D茅nia Claudino is Projects Coordinator of the Centre. Before joining CIRcUL, D茅nia worked at the UL Participatory Health Research Unit - School of Medicine. She brings a wealth of experience in project management, community engagement, event planning, and funding support (pre and post-award).
Deirdre Fullerton - Senior Research Fellow.
Deirdre is a research psychologist with over 30 years鈥 experience in academic and independent research. Over the course of her career, she has worked with government departments, universities, and statutory and voluntary organisations. In 2002 she established Insights Health and Social Research, an independent research consultancy specialising in the conduct of evidence reviews, stakeholder consultations, independent evaluations and primary research to inform policy and practice. Before joining the Centre, Deirdre held academic posts at the 黑料社 (Research Psychologist), Ulster University (Research Lecturer), University of York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (Research Fellow) and University College London Institute of Education (Research Officer). Her outputs have been published in international journals (e.g. British Medical Journal, the Journal of Adolescent Health, Quality in Health Care) as well as book chapters and published reports.
Andy Bray - Capacity Building and Professional Learning Manager
Andy Bray is a highly experienced facilitator and programme manager with deep knowledge and experience of applying implementation science. He specialises in designing and delivering evidence-informed strategies that support sustainable change across public service and community sectors. His work is grounded in translating complex research into practical solutions that improve policy and service delivery.
As a Senior Project Specialist at the Centre for Effective Services, Andy led the delivery of evidence-informed projects across sectors such as social housing, health, homelessness, prisons, and justice. His work focused on synthesising research, building capacity for change, supporting policy implementation, and conducting evaluations. He also led CES鈥 tendering team, managing complex bids, and ensuring strategic alignment with organisational goals鈥攕trengthening his leadership, negotiation, and strategic planning capabilities.
With over 20 years of leadership experience in the justice and social care fields, Andy has successfully led multidisciplinary teams, developed national programmes, and driven innovation in service design. His strengths in conflict resolution and stakeholder engagement enable him to foster collaboration and navigate complex, high-stakes environments with confidence.
This experience has shaped Andy鈥檚 distinctive approach to integrating evidence-based methods into complex systems, aligning stakeholder needs with practical implementation approaches, and delivering sustainable, high-impact outcomes through strategic collaboration.
Andy holds a BSc in Social Science and Social Policy, an MSc in Restorative Practice, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Criminology. He is certified in Implementation Practice and Project Management and serves on the board of the European Implementation Collaborative.