Conference Speakers
John Field, Professor of Lifelong Learning and Co-Director of the Centre for Research in Lifelong Learning, University of Stirling
John has a long-standing background of interest and involvement in lifelong learning. Much of his work throughout his career has involved developing second chance opportunities for non-traditional learners, as well as researching a range of aspects of adult learning. He teaches introductory sociology as part of the Adult Learning and Teaching programme, and serves as course director for the Master/Diploma in Educational Research. Externally, he serves as a Visiting Professor of Birkbeck College, University of London. He currently chairs the Advisory Board for the ESRC Research Centre on Learning and Life Chances in Knowledge Economies and Societies (LLAKES), University of London. He served as a commissioner of the National Commission of Inquiry on the Future of Lifelong Learning.
Britten Manssn Wallin, Secretary General of The Swedish National Council of Adult Education
Britten Mansson-Wallin has been the Secretary General of The Swedish National Council of Adult Education (Folkbildningsrådet) since 1994. The National Adult Education Council is a non-profit organization with national responsibility for government grants to study associations and folk high schools and for the monitoring and evaluation of activities. She is also a board member of the International Programme Office in charge of EU programs in Sweden and a member of the Längmanska CulturalFoundation, which provides support to the publication of books and research papers.
Senator Katherine Zappone
Dr Katherine Zappone is an Independent Senator, appointed by Taoiseach Enda Kenny to the 24th Seanad. She is a Director of the Centre for Progressive Change, Ltd. and was appointed by the Minister for Justice to serve as a Commissioner on the Irish Human Rights Commission from 2001 to the present. Katherine is an educator and a passionate advocate for human rights. She taught ethics and practical theology for a decade in Trinity College, Dublin, has lectured widely throughout Europe, Canada, Australia and the United States and has written extensively on matters related to ethics, spirituality, education, equality and human rights. She is a Co-Founder of An Cosan, a large, community organisation committed to eradicating poverty through education. Katherine is a former Chief Executive of the National Women's Council of Ireland. She has published memoirs, 'Our Lives Out Loud: In Pursuit of Justice and Equality' (Dublin: O'Brien Press) with her married partner, Dr. Ann Louise Gilligan. Katherine holds a PhD in Education and Religious Studies from Boston College.
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