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.


In the looming shadow of Brexit, it is the potential loss of the EU’s accommodation of nationalism, not its transcendence, that will be most missed, says Dr Katy Hayward.

In the run-up to the US presidential election, Professor Yvonne Galligan takes a look at gender equality in political leadership across the world and asks what can be done to tackle the cultural bias towards males in such leadership roles and bring about a greater level of gender balance.

Following yesterday’s High Court ruling on the UK and Article 50, Professor Dagmar Schiek takes a look at the legal complexities behind the ruling and the reasons for the decision.

With a week to go before the US election, Dr Christopher Raymond reflects on a presidential race that has been devoid of policy but dominated by personality.

Following the recent referendum on UK membership of the EU, negotiators aim to avoid a new “hard border” between Northern Ireland and Ireland. However, as Dr Katy Hayward suggests, their efforts will inevitably be shaped by a wider trend that has seen a tightening of border security around and within the EU.

Given the UN’s focus on gathering data on girls across the world, Dr Yassin Brunger looks at how in Africa, girl-focused and girl-relevant data is a critical tool for identifying the challenges that continue to disadvantage girls.

Dr Eneko Larrañeta Landa looks at how the ability of hydrogels to absorb and retain large quantities of water could be used to revolutionise medicine.

Article first appeared on the Brookings Blog where Professor Beverley Milton-Edwards looks at the fall-out of the recent gas deal between Jordan and an Israeli supplier.

The NI Prison Service has been in the spotlight recently over its handling of serious incidents of self-harm and the potential for overdoses to occur through the use of prescription medication. Dr Michelle Butler highlights that less attention has been paid to the role of the health service in these events despite significant failings on…

Article first appeared on the Brookings Blog where Professor Beverley Milton-Edwards looks at the twin issues of territory and sovereignty with reference to the ongoing battle over Mosul.