In this episode of the podcast, Finbarr and Erin are delighted to welcome Dr Eva Devaney, who serves as the Substance Use and Gambling Support Officer at Healthy UL. Dr Devaney sheds light on the challenges university students encounter, her pivotal role within the institution, and the perils associated with substance and gambling use.

Dr Devaney is presently engaged in the University of Limerick, dedicating her efforts to providing support around substance use and gambling. As a devoted social researcher, she boasts an impressive track record of work and publications in areas such as alcohol, other drugs, health promotion, and higher education, underpinned by a staunch commitment to social justice. Holding a PhD in sociology with a focus on drug policy, her expertise is both broad and deep.

Throughout her career, Dr Devaney has collaborated with a diverse array of stakeholders on various initiatives, encompassing both governmental health and education entities as well as non-governmental organizations. Her research interests are primarily oriented toward policymaking and its enactment, the nexus between drug treatment and prevention and gender, as well as the relationship between drug use and crime. Additionally, Dr Devaney brings valuable experience as a lecturer in sociology and health promotion, further enriching her contributions to the field.

This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala