The Wellbeing, Interculturalism, Spirituality and Education Research Consortium (WISER) was established with the support of the Office of the Vice President for Research in Dublin City University (DCU) and the Australian Catholic University (ACU) under the co-ordination of Dr. James O’Higgins-Norman (DCU) and Dr. Marian de Souza (ACU).

Goal:

WISER was established to provide academics and high level practitioners with an opportunity to work with each other on issues related to the role of interculturalism and spirituality in promoting the wellbeing of learners through the design of educational programs and environments.

Objectives:

It is envisaged that WISER will:

• Identify academics and high level practitioners who are working and researching in the field of interculturalism, spirituality and wellbeing in education and invite a number of these to join and/or contribute to the network.
• Raise awareness and promote understanding of the relationship between interculturalism and spirituality in promoting wellbeing in education
• Provide a forum for critical engagement between educational researchers and practitioners on how the wellbeing of the human person can be promoted within education.
• Support members in applying for funding to engage in research on issues related to interculturalism, spirituality and wellbeing in education.
• Establish an international journal: Interculturalism, Spirituality and Wellbeing in Education. [This will be negotiated with either Taylor & Francis or Springer. Initial discussions have already begun.]
• Publish members' research on issues pertinent to the respective elements of of interculturalism and spirituality which contribute to and promote students' wellbeing in education.

Membership:

WISER Members:

1. Recognisze that education addresses the human person in his/her totality.
2. Engage with emerging intercultural, spiritual and wellbeing issues in society as they impact on educational communities.
3. Contribute to international networks and conferences to enhance and promote good practice in education particularly in relation to spiritual, intercultural and wellbeing issues.
4. Ensure that educational practice is informed by learning and research that promotes inclusivity, social cohesion, spiritual capital and wellbeing.

Initial membership will be by invitation. Subsequently, new members will be proposed and seconded by existing members. However, the international dimension will remain a consideration when extending membership.

WISER will aim to meet on a biennial basis to:

1. Present members' research.
2. Engage in reflection on current issues related to spirituality and wellbeing in education.
3. Establish collaborative partnerships for future projects.

Funding:

Initially, the Co-ordinators of WISER will apply for funding towards the operation of WISER including the biennial meeting. Otherwise, individual collaborations will seek funding as appropriate under the banner of the research group.

Administration:

WISER will be located at the School of Education Studies in Dublin City University and will be co-ordinated by Dr. Marian de Souza (ACU) and Dr. James O’Higgins-Norman who will liaise with each other in seeking funding for the work of the research group.

Founding Members 2009/10
Dr. Marian de Souza (ACU) Australia
Dr. James O'Higgins-Norman (DCU) Ireland
Dr. Carmel Mulcahy (DCU) Ireland

Others to be added by invitation