Meet the Researcher Series - Dr. Mary Curtin

What inspired you to pursue research on gender equality in farming?

While I was studying for my degree in Law and accounting, I was working for an Agricultural Solicitor and Tax Consultant where I witnessed the barriers women face in farm ownership and decision-making. This motivated me to investigate the structural and cultural factors that limit female participation in farming.

What are some key findings from your research on women in agriculture?

One major finding is that land ownership remains heavily patriarchal in Ireland. Financial barriers, inheritance laws, and social expectations limit women's access to farmland. However, there's growing awareness and policy interest in addressing these issues.

How does your research contribute to real-world policy and practice?

Public engagement ensures research doesn’t just stay in academic circles. I write for platforms like RTE Brainstorm and The Currency to make topics accessible and to influence public discourse. I also contribute to radio discussions and conferences to reach a broader audience. Public engagement is important to me because it ensures my research has impact beyond academia.

How does sustainability feature in your research?

Sustainability is at the heart of my research across different projects. I focus on how economic, social, and environmental sustainability intersect whether it's investigating gendered land ownership in agriculture, workforce planning in the equine sector or developing financial models for biodiversity. My work contributes to policy and practice by identifying sustainable solutions for employment, land use, and resource management in rural industries. I am also a member of the Accountability Research Cluster in the Business School - This cluster brings together researchers working on issues such as corporate social responsibility, gender equity, and sustainability reporting.

Can you share some examples of sustainability-focused projects you're involved in?

I am engaged in a number of European commissions funded projects and teams.

For example, BioFin (led by Dr John Garvey UL) which is Horizon Europe funded project, it’s examining ways to unlock private finance to support biodiversity. My role is investigating farmer custodianship—how farmers see themselves as stewards of the land—and how financial incentives like Results-Based Payment Schemes (RBPS) can encourage sustainable farming practices. I have also contributed to the design of Results-Based Payment Schemes (RBPS), which reward farmers based on ecological outcomes.

Another project I am involved in is called ReNu2Cycle. It focuses on circular economy principles in agriculture. My role involves hosting the ‘Fields of Change’ podcast which is on Spotify, the show brings together experts to discuss the future of sustainable farming. We cover topics such as circular economy in agriculture, innovative nutrient management, and the role of policy in shaping farm sustainability. This research aims to support policy and practical solutions. A lot of vital discussions on sustainability and biodiversity happen in academic circles and they need to reach the people making day-to-day decisions in agriculture. By sharing research findings in an engaging format, the podcast helps drive awareness and action on key sustainability issues. It also allows me to gather real-world perspectives from farmers and stakeholders, which enriches my research.

I’m also investigating new farming methods. Agroecology is all about integrating ecological principles into farming. I am assessing the socioeconomic impact of these methods—how they affect farmers' incomes, gender equity in agriculture, and long-term environmental resilience. Sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it has to make economic and social sense for farmers too.

What’s one key sustainability challenge in your research?

A major challenge is aligning policy, financial incentives, and practical on-the-ground action. Many farmers want to adopt sustainable practices however they face financial and regulatory barriers. That’s why my research focuses on bridging these gaps, ensuring sustainability is both achievable and beneficial.

In what other ways does sustainability influence your work?

Sustainability influences my work in multiple ways, both in research and in education.

My background includes a Certificate in Sustainability & Climate Risk from the Global Association of Risk Professionals and a QQI Level 5 qualification in Environmental Sustainability Awareness in the Workplace. I am also currently completing the National Forum Digital Badge in Education for Sustainable Development. These credentials guide my approach to integrating sustainability into both my research and teaching. For example, I actively engage in sustainability education. I am a trained FRESK facilitator, I help students understand the science of climate change and empower them to take action. I lead the Children's Leadership Academy in the Business School, where I have certified over 300 primary school students in the Junior Climate FRESK, helping the next generation develop a strong foundation in sustainability to empower them with knowledge and skills that will help them become future leaders in their communities.

Ultimately, sustainability is woven into every aspect of my work, from research that drives policy and innovation to education that fosters awareness and action at all levels.

Why is this area important for research?

This area is important for research because farming is undergoing significant changes due to environmental, economic, and social pressures. Understanding how sustainable practices impact farmers’ incomes, gender equity, and long-term resilience helps shape policies that balance productivity with environmental stewardship. Research in this area fills gaps in knowledge about financial barriers, land ownership disparities, and the real-world effectiveness of sustainability incentives. By engaging with farmers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, this work ensures that sustainability efforts are practical, beneficial, and widely adopted.