The Observer Effect: Conversations with Researchers
Shane Bergin | Shaun and Maurice

Latest episode
9 episodes
Midlands Science: Jackie Gorman on what poetry can teach us about community engagement
01/07/2026 | 37 mins.Shane speaks with Jackie Gorman about how her background in local development and education led her to set up Midlands Science to engage communities in Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath with STEM.
Produced by Shaun & Maurice.This episode is funded by Research Ireland, with series support from University College Dublin.
You can read more about the Research Ireland Consensus Public Engagement Project at researchireland.ieResearch with Impact: Fergus McAuliffe talks about the relationship between universities and the public
01/07/2026 | 36 mins.Shane speaks with Fergus McAuliffe about his work across two very different aspects of science communication: one as a television presenter on science programmes, and the other supporting researchers at Trinity College Dublin to make sure their findings have an impact beyond the university.
Produced by Shaun & Maurice.
This episode is funded by Research Ireland, with series support from University College Dublin.
You can read more about the Research Ireland Consensus Public Engagement Project at researchireland.ie- Shane speaks with Niamh Moore-Cherry about her research on urban development. Niamh is Dean of Social Sciences and College Principal in the UCD College of Social Sciences and Law, and a Professor in the UCD School of Geography. Her research is focused on collaborating with communities to understand the governance and impacts of urban development and redevelopment. The Observer Effect is supported by ReCLAIM - UCD Research Culture - Local Actions, Initiatives and Measures, and produced by Shaun & Maurice.
- Shane speaks with Aidan Regan about his work on inequality and democracy. Aidan a professor of political economy at the school of politics and international relations at UCD, where he looks at corporate tax avoidance, and how it fuels the wealth inequalities that undermine democracy. The Observer Effect is supported by ReCLAIM - UCD Research Culture - Local Actions, Initiatives and Measures, and produced by Shaun & Maurice.
- Shane speaks with Declan Fahie about his research on on workplace bullying in schools, and how it has been informed by his former career as a primary school teacher. Declan is a Lecturer in the School of Education at UCD, where he uses qualitative research methods to explore teacher effectiveness, queer issues in education, and toxic leadership in Higher Education. The Observer Effect is supported by ReCLAIM - UCD Research Culture - Local Actions, Initiatives and Measures, and produced by Shaun & Maurice.
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About The Observer Effect: Conversations with Researchers
What happens when we listen to what motivates a researcher, and how their life beyond the university shapes the work they do? Shane Bergin speaks with researchers about why they do research.
Produced by Shaun & Maurice.
Supported by Wellcome Institutional Funding for Research Culture & ReCLAIM - UCD Research Culture - Local Actions, Initiatives and Measures.
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