A Joint Research Centre (JRC) platform offering accessible, relevant knowledge for European policymakers and researchers
Sharon Shannon
A Joint Research Centre (JRC) platform offering accessible, relevant knowledge for European policymakers and researchers
Joined 27/09/2026
Dr. Sharon Shannon
An educator and researcher specialising in inclusive STEAM education, co-creation, student voice, public engagement and interdisciplinary learning.
I am an educator, researcher and STEAM specialist at University College Dublin, working at the intersection of science, education, creativity and public engagement. My work focuses on inclusive and interdisciplinary approaches to learning, particularly co-creation, student voice and widening participation in STEAM. I am interested in how young people can move beyond being audiences or consultees to become active contributors to educational resources, programmes and decision-making. I am Principal Investigator of Chorus, a national creative STEAM and public-engagement initiative led by UCD School of Physics and funded by Research Ireland through the Discover Programme. Chorus brings together young people, educators, artists, researchers, libraries, cultural organisations and community partners to explore and communicate STEAM through creative and participatory approaches. Young people develop accessible learning resources for younger learners, including contributions to an illustrated STEAM book for primary schools. My wider interests include Universal Design for Learning, participatory and deliberative approaches, education for sustainability, climate literacy, science communication, inclusive curriculum design and evidence-informed educational practice. I am particularly interested in connecting with researchers, policymakers and practitioners working across education, culture, youth participation, public engagement and inclusion, and in developing European collaborations that translate participatory research and practice into meaningful educational and societal impact.