Dr John Regan is the CEO of the Educational Research Centre.

John holds a PhD in Economics from University College Dublin, Ireland. Prior to joining the ERC as CEO, John Regan was Senior Manager with responsibility for Strategy & Research at the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), which he joined in 2013. John has also previously worked as a Special Advisor to the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and lectured in microeconomics at the University of Birmingham (UK).

John was appointed CEO in late 2023.

The role of a Chief Executive of the ERC is to provide strategic leadership, ensure efficient operations, and uphold the Centre’s mission in alignment with legislation and Government policy. The CEO is responsible for overseeing daily activities, managing personnel, and ensuring that the Centre meets its goals and objectives. This involves creating and implementing policies, managing budgets, and coordinating with other government bodies. The CEO also acts as a liaison between the Centre and stakeholders, including the public, government officials, and other partners.

Rachel is Head of Research at the ERC. She was previously Research Fellow with responsibility for TIMSS at Eight grade and PISA 2022. She ‎was also National Project Manager for TALIS in 2008 and PISA in 2009 and 2012. Rachel has an ‎M.Psych.Sc. in Health Psychology from the National University of Ireland, Galway and a Ph.D. from Dublin City University. Her doctoral research examined academic resilience among children experiencing poverty in Ireland.

Damian Downes is Head of Governance and Corporate Services at the ERC. He was previously Director of Corporate Services at the Medical Council (2019 – 2021) and College Secretary and Registrar at the National College of Art and Design (2011 – 2019). Prior to that he was the Chief Executive at Kilkenny Arts Festival (2007 to 2011). He previously worked at the National University of Ireland as Head of Finance and Administration (2007). Damian has an MA in Communication and Cultural Studies from DCU, an MBA from the Smurfit Business School at UCD and at Post Graduate Diploma in Corporate Governance, also from UCD.

Anne is Senior Manager in the ERC, responsible for all HR and Governance matters. She joined the ERC in 2015 ‎after working for the French Embassy and the Planning and Transport sector as an Accounts and HR ‎Manager. She has a Masters Degree in European and Public Law from the University of Le Havre ‎‎(France). ‎

Mary Delaney is a Research Associate at the ERC, involved in the data management of TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) at primary level. She has also worked on the administration of PISA 2018 (Programme for International Student Assessment), and on analysis of PIRLS 2016 (Progress in International Reading Literacy) data. Prior to joining the ERC in 2017, Mary worked as a researcher in the areas of health psychology and health services provision and policy.  She has a B.A. in Psychology from University College Dublin and an M.Sc. in Applied Social Research from Trinity College Dublin.

Sylvia is a Research Associate and the National Research Coordinator (NRC) for TIMSS 2023 at Eighth Grade (Second Year in Ireland). Since joining the ERC in 2013 she has worked on the evaluation of DEIS (Delivering Equality of ‎Opportunity in Schools) and on PISA (Programme of International ‎Student Assessment). ‎Sylvia previously worked in the ESRI as a research analyst in the survey unit. She has received an ‎M.Soc.Sc (Sociology) from University College Dublin and a PhD (Education) from Dublin City University.

Aífe Hopkins-Doyle is a Research Associate at the ERC who is currently Project Manager for the National Assessments of Mathematics and English Reading (NAMER). Aife holds a B.Sc. in Psychology from the Maynooth University, Ireland, an M.Sc. in Social and Applied Psychology, and Ph.D. in Social Psychology both from University of Kent, Canterbury, England. Before joining the ERC in November 2024, Aífe was an Assistant Professor/Lecturer at the Universities of Surrey and Kent in England. Her research interests include equality and diversity in education, prejudice and stereotyping, and how to reduce these, and the influence of group identities (including gender group) on life outcomes. Aífe has published papers in peer-reviewed academic journals and presented at various international conferences.

Joanne is a Research Associate specialising in Reading Literacy and Assessment Development. Having contributed to many projects in the ERC, including the 2009 and 2014 National Assessments, Joanne is project manager for the 2020 National Assessments. Joanne’s principal research interests lie in the area of reading comprehension and assessment construction. In tandem with her work in the ERC, Joanne is a doctoral student at Leiden University’s Department of Education and Child studies, were she studies the cognitive basis of reading comprehension in children using large scale assessment. Joanne holds a BA in Applied Psychology from University College Cork and a Masters in Global Health from Trinity College, Dublin.

Sarah McAteer is a Research Associate at the ERC and is currently Data Manager for PIRLS 2026 (Progress in International Reading Literacy). Sarah has previously worked as part of the national team conducting PISA 2018 (Programme for International Student Assessment), and on analysis and reporting of PIRLS 2016 data. Sarah has a B.Sc. in Applied Psychology from the University of Ulster, a PG Cert in Media Psychology from the University of Salford and an M.Res. in Social Research Methods from Queens University Belfast.

Órla is a research assistant working on an Scéim Aitheantas Scoileanna Gaeltachta (The Gaeltacht Schools Recognition Scheme) since May 2024. Prior to working with the ERC, Órla was involved with Irish language community development research in Belfast. Órla holds a B.A. undergraduate degree in Irish and Celtic Studies and a M.Ed degree in Special Educational Needs and Inclusion from Queen’s University, Belfast. Órla was in receipt of a Department for Economy scholarship which enabled her to complete a PhD at Queen’s University, Belfast based on Educational Inequality in the Irish-medium Education Sector in the North of Ireland, using a Bourdieusian theoretical framework. Órla has also completed a Postgraduate Diploma from Fiontar Scoil na Gaeilge at DCU in Management and Digital Business. Órla is a fluent Irish language speaker and her research interests include Irish-medium and indigenous language education, educational philosophy and the promotion of educational and social justice.

Gráinne is a Research Associate and the National Research Coordinator (NRC) for TIMSS 2023 at Fourth Grade (Fourth Class in Ireland).  Since joining the ERC in May 2020, her work has also included PISA 2018 reporting, the administration and reporting on PIRLS 2021, and reporting on TIMSS 2019. Prior to joining the ERC, she worked as a post-primary mathematics and music teacher. She holds a BA in Mathematics and Music from NUI Maynooth, a Professional Masters in Education from NUI Galway and more recently, a Higher Diploma in Data Analytics from the National College of Ireland.

Sharon joined the ERC in May 2019 and will contribute to the research strand on educational disadvantage and the evaluation of the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) programme. She has a background in randomised controlled trials and observational / cohort studies in ageing and dementia.

Adrian works as a Research Associate at the Educational Research Centre (ERC). His work focusses on aspects of the computer-based testing system DOTS (Drumcondra Online Testing System), mainly around test development and new DOTS system functionalities. His primary research interests are development and delivery of online assessments, and he was part of a team that oversaw the development of the ERC DOTS online testing platform, which was made available to Irish schools in 2021 and was nominated for numerous eAssessment Awards. Adrian has previously worked on several international projects (PISA and TIMSS), and also on an evaluation study of a national school support programme (DEIS – Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) aimed at addressing educational disadvantage in Irish schools. He is a member of the FLIP+ international e-assessment community, which is currently developing a shared online library of test items.

Brendan is a Research Associate, and is currently the national project manager for PIRLS 2026.He has a B.A. in International Marketing & Languages (German & French) from DCU, as well as a Higher Diploma in Social Policy from UCD, where he has also lectured in social policy. He is currently researching a PhD on early childhood education and care policy in Ireland. His research interests include educational disadvantage, childhood literacy and research methodologies.

George is a Research Associate, working on test development. He joined the ERC in July 2020 where he worked on the new online testing system for primary and post-primary schools, the Drumcondra Online Testing System (DOTS). George has also worked on the Digital Learning Framework (DLF) evaluation and the administration of PISA 2022. He previously worked as an ESL teacher in Ireland and abroad. He holds a B.A. in English and Psychology from UCC and an M.Sc. in Applied Psychology from DBS.​

Vasiliki is a Research Associate at the ERC, specialising in quantitative research methodology and statistical analysis techniques. She is involved in national and international large-scale assessments, including the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), and the National Assessments of Mathematics and English Reading (NAMER). Additionally, she is an Associate Editor of the Irish Journal of Education and contributes to the international FLIP+ IRT and Psychometrics working group. Vasiliki has acquired a broad range of research experience through her roles as a researcher, data analyst, and psychometrician on various projects in Ireland and Greece, and as a consultant at the World Bank Group. She also has extensive teaching experience, delivering lectures on research methodology, statistics, measurement, and assessment to postgraduate students and staff at academic institutions across Europe and workshops on statistics within the ERC. Her research has attracted grants, including the Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship, and awards, such as the AEA-Europe Kathleen Tattersall New Assessment Researcher Award, and it has been published in peer-reviewed academic journals and presented at national and international conferences. Vasiliki holds a BEd in Primary Education from the University of Ioannina, Greece, an MSc in Quantitative Methods and Statistical Analysis in Education from Queen’s University Belfast, and a PhD in Educational Assessment from Dublin City University. Her research interests and areas of expertise include research methodology, statistical analysis, psychometrics, measurement, and assessment.

Theresa Walsh has worked at the ERC since February 2018. Her responsibilities include training and technical support for DOTS (Drumcondra Online Testing System), standardisation of the Spatial Abstract Reasoning Test, and preparation of both online and paper-based standardised tests. Prior to joining the ERC, she worked in the CSO and in Inland Fisheries Ireland. She has a B.A. (Mod.), Postgraduate Diploma in Statistics and M.Sc. by research from Trinity College, Dublin, a H.Dip. in Education and a H.Dip. in Data Science and Analytics from NUI Maynooth.

John started in the ERC as a computer support person in 1995, then in 1999 he became Systems Administrator, his current role is Data Manager. As well as looking after the data, he also helps with IT issues. He previously worked in IT for the National Rehabilitation Board. He completed a B.Sc. in Maynooth as well as post graduate diplomas in statistics and computer programming and administration.

Gemma is a Data Manager at the ERC and is currently working on PISA (Programme of International Student Assessment). Gemma previously worked at Queen’s University Belfast as a Lecturer in Sociology and Quantitative Methods. Her research interests include assessment, educational inequalities, psychometrics and advanced Quantitative Methods. Gemma has published papers in peer-reviewed academic journals and has presented at various international conferences.

Muireann is a Research Associate in the ERC. She has a B.A. in Modern Irish and French from University College Dublin (UCD), and an M.A. in Early and Medieval Irish from University College Cork (UCC).

Eva works on the evaluation of the Digital Learning Framework.  A member of staff since 2008, she has previously worked on the evaluation of the SSP (Schools Support Programme) under DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools). She holds a B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Ulster, and a M.Sc. in Evidence based Social Intervention from the University of Oxford.

Keishia joined the ERC as a Research Assistant in October 2022. She holds a M.Sc. in Applied Social Research from Trinity College Dublin and has studied at the Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London.

Her research interests include disadvantage, youth wellbeing, spatial inequalities, health behaviours, and life course studies.

Natasha joined the ERC as a research assistant in March 2021 to work on the new online testing system for primary and post- primary schools. She holds a B.A. in Psychology & Sociology from the University of Limerick and a M.Sc. in Government and Politics from University College Cork.

Jasmine joined the ERC as a Research Assistant in April 2024. She is currently working on the Progress in International Reading and Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2026, which examines reading achievement in 4^th class pupils. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology, and an M.A. in Psychology, both from the University of Limerick.

Andrew joined the ERC in April 2024. Andrew joined to help with the implementation of the Programme for International Student Assessment 2025. He holds a B.Sc in Chemistry and a H.Dip in Psychology from University College Dublin

Peggy is a research assistant at the ERC since September 2024. She is currently working on the NAMER (National Assessments of Mathematics and English Reading) project. Peggy has previously worked as a second-level mathematics teacher for 15 years, as a mathematics education lecturer at the University of Adelaide and was National Coordinator of the PDMT (Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching) working in EPI*STEM at the University of Limerick. She is a member of both the Teaching Council and the Irish Mathematics Teachers’ Association (IMTA).

Kervin Soobrayen is a Research Assistant at the Educational Research Centre since April 2024. He is currently working on the mathematical domain of PISA 2022. In addition, he previously worked on the Cultivating Creativity report. Kervin holds a BA in History and Linguistics from University College Dublin. He then went on to study psychology in UCD. Having graduated, Kervin went on to complete his MSc in Psychology at the same institution.

Róisín joined the ERC as a Research Assistant in December 2024. She holds a B.Sc. in Sociology & Social Justice and an M.A. in Gender Studies, both from University College Dublin. Her interests include gendered analyses, feminism(s), feminist research and the Irish language.

Thosaigh Róisín ag obair mar Chúntóir Taighde leis an FTO i mí na Nollag 2024. Tá B.Sc bainte amach aici sa tSocheolaíocht agus sa Chóir Shóisialta agus tá Máistreacht bainte amach aici sa Staidéar Inscne. Bhain sí an dá chéim seo amach i gColáiste na hOllscoile, Baile Átha Cliath. Tá an-suim aici san anailís inscneach, san fheimineachas, sa taighde feimineach agus sa Ghaeilge.

Peter joined the ERC after working in finance and administration in the City of Dublin ETB, where he was responsible for varying finance functions including financial reporting to schools and colleges under the CDETB umbrella, and to external funding bodies such as the Department of Education, SOLAS and TUSLA. Prior to joining the ETB, he worked in the private sector, where he gained a multitude of experience in varying finance and non-finance roles. He graduated from the Technological University Dublin with an honours degree in business and is currently working towards accounting qualification [ACCA]. Outside of work and studies, he enjoys all things sports and fitness, from playing rugby, the gym and triathlons.

Niamh is a Higher Executive Officer in the HR Department of the ERC and oversees all aspects of the unit. Niamh holds an MA (Assoc. CIPD) in Human Resource Management from the National College of Ireland in addition to a BA in Sociology and Anthropology from Maynooth University and the University of Duisburg-Essen. Niamh joins us from St Michael’s Hospital, Dun Laoghaire and previously the Royal College of Physicians. Outside of work, Niamh is the treasurer of Kodály Ireland and is a member of both the National Symphony Chorus and Saint Bartholomew’s Church Choir.

Hertz was appointed as an Executive Officer to the ERC in April 2022. He is responsible for general administration in the HR Department and provides support to senior management and staff members across the organisation. With over 10 years’ experience in the area, he has a B.A. in Human Resources, Dip. in Organisational Psychology, Certificate in GDPR compliance, as well as other HR-related qualifications. He is CIPD Associate. Before to joining the ERC, he worked in various roles for the Irish Public Sector, including for the Department of Justice / An Garda Síochána and most recently for the National Library of Ireland. Hertz has also, prior HR experience in the private sector including Financial Markets, Law Firms, Outsourcing, and Property Management.

Katya joined the ERC in March 2023 after working in accountancy practice, finance, and administration since 2017, where she was responsible for accounts functions including; preparation of accounts and corporate financial statements as well as for partnerships and sole-traders; audit of the accounts; cash, bank and credit/debtor reconciliations; tax returns. Before working in accountancy practice, she also worked for a number of years in the wholesales sector as a deputy store manager for a renowned food wholesale’s brand. She studied a Bachelor degree in Foreign Languages and Linguistics (English, French and Rhetoric) at the Minsk State Linguistic University, Minsk, Belarus, and is fully qualified as an accounting technician in Ireland. Katya is interested in reading, history, music, volunteering – having co-operated with the Chernobyl Kids Organisation by translating from Russia into English and Interpreting in Russia and English, and taking part in social functions.