Queen’s Policy Engagement is the ‘front door’ for public policy engagement at Queen’s University Belfast
Supporting academics and policymakers in sharing evidence-based research and ideas on the major social, cultural and economic challenges facing society regionally, nationally and beyond. Our over-arching vision is to share the University’s independent expertise with policymakers so they can make informed decisions about the most effective and sustainable ways to tackle these challenges, now and in the future.
Latest news and views…
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From declarations of climate emergencies to climate action: narratives and strategies of wartime and citizen mobilisations for rapid and just transitions
Governments across the world have declared a climate emergency. In this long read, Dr Noel Healy of Salem State University and Professor John Barry explore how these declarations and citizen mobilisations can open up opportunities for a ‘just transition’ beyond carbon.
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Why we need a just energy transition to address our climate emergency
What structural and collective changes are required to address the climate emergency? Professor John Barry calls for a just energy transition that leaves no community behind.
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Harland & Wolff: why the UK needs to keep historic Belfast shipyard – and heavy industry – afloat
With the threatened closure of Harland and Wolff, Pete Hodson calls for urgent political intervention before key skills and capacity are irretrievably lost.
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The problem with women’s prisons – and why they do more harm than good
Northern Ireland has seen a recent increase in women prisoners. Research by Dr Gillian McNaull highlights the need for better mental health, addiction and housing services to prevent the criminalisation of vulnerable and marginalised women.
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The British-Irish centre ground in a British-Irish crisis
One hundred years on from its formation, can Northern Ireland become a ‘normal’ society? Dr Katy Hayward explores the potential for a centre ground and the meaning of normality in Northern Ireland.
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The historical basis for unionist fears of a united Ireland
A recent report has identified seven main concerns held by unionists regarding the prospect of a united Ireland. Dr Marie Coleman explores historical precedents and the basis of these concerns.
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Public believe banks have yet to atone for the past
Public attitudes to the banking sector in Ireland since 2008 reflect very high levels of distrust and cynicism. Dr Muiris MacCarthaigh explores attitudes towards apologies from the banking sector
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Scotland and the Northern Ireland Troubles
In light of the historical close ties between Scotland and Northern Ireland, Professor Graham Walker looks at how “The Troubles” were viewed in Scotland.
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As marching season begins, a new political force is on the rise in Northern Ireland
A new political force, which stretches beyond the legacy issues of The Troubles, is emerging in Northern Ireland. Dr Drew Mikhael and Dr Timofey Agarin ask whether it can break the stranglehold of the main sectarian parties.
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No-deal Brexit moves from fantasy machismo into stark reality
With 40,000 jobs at risk in Northern Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit, Dr Katy Hayward argues that there is an urgent need for political leadership at the devolved regional level