Projects
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support and Transitional Justice |
|
 |
In recent years, I have focused on linking Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) with Transitional Justice. I have collaborated with the UN, government officials, and civil society to enhance MHPSS at an international level, contributing to various reports, including the new UN Guidance Note on Transitional Justice. I am currently consulting in this field across multiple countries. |
The Peace Summit |
|
 |
The Peace Summit Partnership was formed to review the peace process 25 years post-Agreement, involving various organisations led by the Hume Foundation and Community Dialogue. Over 8 months, the group consulted 800 individuals in 30 events. A Youth Peace Summit took place in April 2024, engaging 100 young people. I have focused on drafting reports and youth issues for the Summit. |
Screening Violence: A Transnational Study of Post-Conflict Imaginaries |
|
 |
"Screening Violence" started in April 2018 sponsored by the AHRC based in Newcastle, Bristol and Ulster University with partners in Algeria, Argentina, Colombia, Northern Ireland and Indonesia. It aims to understand how social imaginaries shape conflicts and transitions to peace by engaging communities that have experienced violence through cinema |
Masculinities in Conflict and Transition |
|
 |
Masculinities in conflict explores the changing nature of masculinities in conflict, its relationship to transitional justice and how the Women, Peace and Security Agenda addresses issues of masculinity (or not). I have published numerous articles on masculinities. To explore all my posts on this ongoing project |
Transformative Memory Network |
|
 |
The Transformative Memory Network, initiated at The University of British Colombia (UBC), seeks to create an international network of scholars, artists, and community-based memory workers to co-create and exchange knowledge and practice on how memory is employed to address the aftermath of mass violence. Study visits have taken place in Uganda, Northern Ireland and Colombia. |
Conflict Textiles |
|
 |
Conflict Textiles, curated by Roberta Bacic, showcases a collection of international textiles that highlight conflict and human rights abuses, including around several hundred arpilleras—appliqué picture textiles made from scraps of material orginating in Chile. As a Trustee of the collection, I actively participate in related events, symposia, and activities. |
Dealing with the Past in Northern Ireland
|
|
 |
In 1998 I published "Past Imperfect" that explored dealing with the past in Northern Ireland. I have published numerous pieces since then, made a range of submissions to government, run seminars and events, and worked with Healing Through Remembering on the issue. I regularly update Since the online Dealing with the Past in Northern Ireland: Resources. To explore all my posts on this ongoing project |
Recently Completed |
|
Historical Urbanism |
|
 |
Historical Urbanism is an AHRC-funded
interdisciplinary research project that aims to
understand how urban design influenced by historical
and heritage data can be used to address issues such
as ethnic/religious/class segregation in cities, as
well as contributing to environmental sustainability
and better public health |
Cartographies of Conflict: Belfast, 1969-1994 |
|
 |
"Cartographies of Conflict: Belfast, 1969-1994", funded by the AHRC from May 2015 for 3 years, assesses the impact that the Troubles on the architecture of Belfast’s communities. The project looks beyond the visible such as 'peace walls' to divisive architecture in housing, roads, landscaping and other structures completed during the Troubles that continue to divide communities |
Advocacy Services Northern Ireland |
|
 |
The Commission for Victims and Survivors commissioned Dr Maire Braniff, Dr Catherine O'Rourke and Professor Brandon Hamber from Ulster University to undertake a research project focusing on Advocacy Services to victim and survivors. To explore all my posts on this ongoing project |