Dr Elaine Byrnes

Elaine Byrnes is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the School of Psychology, Dublin City University.

She completed her PhD at the University of Galway. It is the first in Ireland in the communication of sexual consent. Her current research focus is an End Violence against Children (EVAC) and Technology Coalition-funded project to combat the facilitation of OSAEC in the Philippines. ‘Understanding OSAEC Trafficking in the Philippines: Analysis and recommendations for better detection, deterrence and prevention’, is a collaboration between Dublin City University, De La Salle University, Manila, Justice and Care International and the International Justice Mission.

Elaine was the 2019 recipient of the Higher Education Authority Making an Impact Award for her research. She has also been nominated for the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching at the University of Galway. Appointed by the Department of Justice, she has been an Academic Advisor and member of the expert Scoping Group on the content of a national survey of sexual violence with the Central Statistics Office. As a TEDx speaker her key message is that we can reduce the risk of sexual assault and violence globally through comprehensive sexuality education – with consent at its core – for all young people.