Brendan has been a research assistant in the ERC since December 2021, and is currently working on data analysis and reporting for PIRLS 2021. 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.