Research
World-class researchers delivering meaningful, impactful research
In the Research Excellence Framework 2021, the school ranked joint 8th in the U.K. for Law and achieved the maximum 4-star rating for each of our four Impact Case Studies which detail how particular research has produced demonstrable real-world social, economic or cultural benefits or change to wider society beyond academia.
The School of Law at Queen’s (QUB Law) has a long tradition of producing world-leading research with local, national and international dimensions. Our unique position as a major law school in Northern Ireland gives us close links to the legal profession, devolved government and a wide range of NGOs, fostering distinct opportunities to deliver research and impact that is dynamic, responsive and world-leading. Links to other academic institutions, scholars and organisations enable us to shape a range of national and international debates, showcasing the breadth and reach of our expertise and interdisciplinary strengths.
Staff research interests are aligned across six thematic areas: 1. Human Rights and Public Law; 2. Criminology and Criminal Justice; 3. Private and Commercial Law; 4. European and Transnational Studies; 5. Transitional Justice; and 6. Law, Innovation and Technology as a newly emerging area. Embracing a diverse range of research traditions, these thematic areas are vibrant hubs for internal collaboration. Our scholarship also supports three external-facing research centres: the Human Rights Centre (HRC) (incorporating a Health and Human Rights Unit); the Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice (ICCJ); and a more recently established Centre for European and Transnational Studies (CETS).
The School is widely acknowledged as one of the leading centres of legal scholarship and research in the UK. Our research activities have impacted nationally and internationally through a diverse range of projects ranging from legacy and post-conflict peacebuilding to the Hillsborough disaster, international grooming and sexual offences legislation, and judicial appointments in Northern Ireland.
Staff have also made valuable contributions to vital public policy discussions in Northern Ireland in areas such as socio-economic rights, reform of criminal justice and policing, and amnesties and truth and prosecution models. Due to the devolved nature of government in Northern Ireland, we offer unique opportunities for study and research.
Impact and Engagement
Shaping debates at the local, national and international level.
Our research seeks to engage directly with and reach a wider audience beyond academia.
Explore our Impact and Engagement
Research Centres
THE HUMAN RIGHTS CENTRE
Over 30 Years Of Human Rights At Queen's
The Human Rights Centre aims to support human rights in the local and global community. We aim to support academic and human rights organisations, in the promotion of human rights. The Human Rights Centre at Queen’s University, Belfast was established in 1990 to provide a focus for research and education on human rights. The Centre continues to draw on the considerable human rights expertise and experience in the School of Law, such as the Health and Human Rights Unit, and more widely with in Queen's University Belfast.
INSTITUTE OF CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Exploring The Future Of Justice
The Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice was established at Queen's in 1994 after a general consensus had emerged amongst policy makers and academics that a centre for criminology and criminal justice was required to develop criminological and criminal justice research and teaching in Northern Ireland. In 1998 the Institute came under the rubric of the School of Law, formalising existing research and teaching relationships and broadening the Institute's membership and the range of courses at Masters level provided.
CENTRE FOR EUROPEAN AND TRANSNATIONAL LEGAL STUDIES
A Critical Approach To The European Union
The Centre for European and Transnational Studies brings together researchers interested in the study of the European Union and European integration as well as the study of transnational law, policy and society within and beyond the European Union. CETS research will be based on thorough understanding of European and transnational integration from legal, political, sociological and economic perspectives, with a focus on the socio-economic and civic consequences of such integration.
Lawpod
LawPod is a weekly podcast, based in the Law School at Queen's University Belfast, that provides a platform to explore law and legal research in an engaging and scholarly way. It provides reflective commentary on current events, insights into the current research being conducted within the school, and a forum for staff and students to share ideas and learn from each other. Staff and students collaborate in its creation, with students taking the leading roles.