I set up Susie Donnelly Research (SDR) in 2025 after twenty years working across research, policy, and practice mostly in Ireland. As a social researcher – and sociologist by background – my work has always been driven by the same question: what actually makes a difference, for whom, and why?
Before establishing SDR, I held roles at the Centre for Effective Services, the Health Information and Quality Authority, University College Dublin, the University of Edinburgh and Technological University Dublin. I’ve led research and evaluation on national programmes and supported organisations to build their own research and evaluation capacity across Ireland and the UK.
I work with a wide range of clients — government departments, statutory agencies, charities, and community organisations — but I’m particularly drawn to work that is values-aligned: where the goal is meaningful change, not just compliance.
How I work I work as a sole practitioner, which means you’ll work directly with me throughout — from scoping to final report. I take on a small number of projects at a time to make sure each one gets the attention it deserves.
Methodological expertise Social research | Participatory methods including Photovoice | Qualitative methods | Mixed methods and survey design | Implementation science | Ethical research design, particularly with marginalised groups | Public and patient involvement | Facilitation and training
Professional associations I am a member of the UK Evaluation Society and an appointed member of the Ethics Subcommittee at the Centre for Effective Services.
Qualifications & Training I hold a MSocSc and PhD in sociology from University College Dublin (UCD). My methods training spans project management (QQI Level 6), rapid evaluation with the RREAL: Rapid Research, Evaluation and Appraisal Lab at University College London, qualitative evidence synthesis with Evidence Synthesis Ireland, and social research methods through the London School of Economics and the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research at the University of Michigan.
Susie Donnelly Research (SDR) 