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Death of Professor Christopher Whelan

It is with regret that the School of Sociology shares the sad news of the death of Professor Christopher Whelan, a former Head of School and a dear colleague.  Deepest sympathies are extended to his family.

After a distinguished career in the Economic and Social Research Institute, Chris joined UCD as a Professor of Sociology and Head of School in 2009 and stayed with us until 2012. He remained very active following his retirement from UCD, holding a position at Queen’s University Belfast, and playing key roles in numerous international academic organisations. He was also an Associate Member of Nuffield College, Oxford, and a Member of the Royal Irish Academy. However, he always remained attached to the School as an Emeritus Professor of Sociology and Senior Research Fellow in the Geary Institute for Public Policy. 

Chris was an internationally renowned scholar for his work on class, poverty, quality of life and inequality. He is an author or co-author of several influential books including Poverty and Deprivation in Europe (2012), Day in Day Out: The Dynamics of Child Poverty in Ireland (2006), Thee Spatial Distribution of Poverty in IrelandLoading the Dice? A Study of Cumulative Disadvantage (1999), Where are Poor Households? (1998) Resources, Deprivation and Poverty (1996) and Social Mobility and Social Class in Ireland (1996).

However, he will be most fondly remembered as a kind and thoughtful colleague who helped the School develop and prosper during his time as Head of School. He will be sorely missed by all of us.

His (opens in a new window)funeral will take place on Friday, 9th September at 4pm at Mount Jerome Crematorium.  The School Office will be closed on Friday as a mark of respect.

UCD School of Sociology

Newman Building (Room D401), University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 8263