KCETB Leadership Attend Strategic EU EDU-WELL Meeting in Brussels
On April 7th and 8th, Dr Pauline Egan, Director of Schools and Dr Lindsay Malone, Chief Executive, visited Brussels to attend a strategic meeting for the EU-funded project EDU-WELL: Advancing Educational Well-being through Ethical Data Innovation. Their attendance at this meeting marked a significant milestone for Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) and the wider South-East region.
Joining international partners from Greece, Austria, and Belgium, alongside colleagues from Dublin City University (DCU), the meeting focused on advancing innovative and ethical approaches to educational data across Europe. 
Coordinated by the KMOP Policy Centre, EDU‑WELL will introduce a multidimensional educational welfare index that will complement traditional academic indicators. The EDU-WELL project is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of educational data practices at both national and European levels.
Speaking of the visit, Dr. Pauline Egan, Director of Schools at KCETB said “Kilkenny and Carlow ETB is delighted to engage in this EU funded research project with our European Partners in advancing educational well-being through ethical data innovation in working to create a safe and easy way for schools across Europe to share and use education data. The outcomes of which will give teachers and policymakers clear, useful insights to make education more equal and based on real evidence across the EU.”
This innovative framework will incorporate a range of forward-looking measures, including student and teacher well-being, equity and inclusion, infrastructure quality, digital readiness, and environmental conditions. The project’s outcomes are anticipated to significantly influence how educational data is collected, interpreted, and applied by policymakers across EU member states in the years ahead.
Being at the table, ensured strategic representation at EU Level while also strengthening KCETB’s leadership role in educational innovation. The meeting provided insight into the tools, methodologies, and comparative datasets that will emerge from EDU-WELL, enabling KCETB to prepare effectively for future implementation, ensuring that schools benefit fully from enhanced data systems and evidence-based planning.
Attendance in Brussels also strengthened KCETB’s presence within EU education networks. This engagement opens up future opportunities for collaboration and access to further research and innovation funding aligned with our strategic priorities. KCETB’s participation will help align the outcomes of EDU-WELL with existing strategic plans, digital infrastructures, and regional development objectives.