This special issue of The Irish Journal of Psychology is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Elizabeth Dunne, our friend and colleague, and especially to her commitment to the application of psychology. It celebrates her particular contribution by surveying the variety of ways in which psychology is applied through, for example, practical problem solving, education, and advocacy. Applying psychology is a complex and often controversial practice; complex because most real world problems are multi-dimensional and intersubjectively defined; controversial because psychologists, like other professionals, carry with them their own values and perspectives. In this editorial, we sketch out some of the contributions Liz made in her working life, and present an overview of the 12 articles comprised within this special issue, and how they touch on Liz's interests and engage with the complexity of applying psychology.