I set up Susie Donnelly Research (SDR) in 2025 after 15+ years working across research, policy, and practice. 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 social change.
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.
Qualifications & Training I hold a MSocSc and PhD in sociology from University College Dublin (UCD). My professional certification / training spans project management (QQI Level 6), Theory of Change (UK Evaluation Society), Rapid evaluation with the RREAL: Rapid Research, Evaluation and Appraisal Lab at University College London, qualitative evidence synthesis with Evidence Synthesis Ireland, and various courses in qualitative and quantitative social research methods through the London School of Economics and the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research at the University of Michigan. I have also trained in AI Essentials and AI-enhanced Qualitative Research.
Professional associations I am a member of the UK Evaluation Society and the Sociological Association of Ireland, and an appointed member of the Ethics Subcommittee at the Centre for Effective Services.
Susie Donnelly Research 