As we approach the conclusion of yet another academic year, it's a fitting moment to pause and reflect on the achievements of our School of Law. We take immense pride in having hosted over 100 events and producing over 32 engaging podcast episodes. A shout-out to our Law Pod Editors, Richard Summerville and Dr Lauren Dempster! Their tireless efforts throughout the year resulted in high-quality content—genuinely exceptional work. Highlight episodes include “Modern Slavery, Business and Remedy” with Dr Fiona McGaughey and Dr. Cheryl Lawther’s episode with Dr. Brianne Mc Gonigle Leyh from Utrecht University to discuss her research on transitional justice in the United States. You can view a complete list of their episodes at this link.

Before we review our year of events in The School of Law, a heartfelt shout-out goes to our exceptional events officer, Deaglan Coyle, whose seamless and efficient organisation made all these events possible. His valuable contribution to our team is dearly appreciated.

Our calendar was brimming with memorable occasions, making selecting highlights for our year-in-review challenging. You can explore the link for a comprehensive list of this year's events. But beyond the numbers, let's reaffirm our unwavering commitment: our students remain at the heart of everything we do.

Throughout the year, we fostered meaningful connections with our student community. From lively informal meetups to grand events, we ensured that staff at all levels could engage with students in a relaxed setting. And yes, our cherished tradition of pizza lunches continued—a delightful space where conversations flowed freely.

As educators, we recognise our role in dismantling barriers to entry. We embrace every chance to strengthen bonds and build lasting relationships with our diverse student cohort. Together, we forge a path toward excellence—one event, one conversation, and one slice of pizza at a time!

We take great pride in hosting esteemed annual lecture events at the School of Law, including the renowned Livingstone and MacDermott lectures. Beyond that, there were other memorable events throughout the year.

On 20 September, Victims and Survivors Commissioner Ian Jeffers delivered a compelling talk titled ‘Compensation for the Bereaved of the Troubles.' During this event, the legal framework for compensating those impacted by the Troubles was explored, encompassing historical context and current legal measures.

On 23 October, Professor Tom Hadden delivered an enlightening lecture titled 'Freedom of Movement for those fleeing from Conflict.' During this thought-provoking event, he explored the legal rights and formidable challenges encountered by individuals escaping conflict. The spotlight was on international law and the compassionate considerations that shape our responses.

On 23 November, the Stephen Livingstone lecture—an eagerly anticipated tradition—delved into the pressing issues surrounding human rights. Professor Colm O'Cinneide shared his insights, making it a thought-provoking and relevant gathering to question whether human rights are obsolete.

On 5 December, an enlightening lecture titled ‘Contemporary Human Rights Issues in War’ featured distinguished speakers: Professor Luke Moffett, Dr Alice Panepinto, Dr Conall Mallory, and Ms Tamara Tamini. The discussion delved into critical legal and ethical considerations within conflict zones.

On 23 January, Red Washburn presented a captivating talk titled 'Voices from Behind Bars: Irish Women's Prison Writing.’ During this event, the spotlight shone on the narratives and literary expressions of Irish women incarcerated from the 1960s to the 2010s. Through an exploration of political communiqués, news coverage, prison files, personal letters, poetry, short prose, and memoirs, the rich tapestry of their experiences emerged. We delved into their correspondence and autobiographical narratives—a testament to resilience and creativity within confinement.

On 14 February, Dr Amanda Kramer and Allely Albert, Postdoctoral Researcher at TU Dublin School of Social Sciences, Law, and Education, delivered an insightful seminar titled ‘Navigating the Post-Brexit Security Landscape on the Island of Ireland.' During this engaging session, they explored the implications of Brexit for Northern Ireland and cross-border relations. Employing a case study approach, the talk delved into ‘everyday’ security dynamics at two specific sites on the Island of Ireland, shedding light on the vital contributions of informal actors.

On 14 March, Horia Mosadiq—an Afghan Woman Human Rights Defender—delivered the Front Line Defenders Annual Lecture titled ‘How Afghan Women are Defying the Taliban.’ During this powerful talk, the spotlight illuminated the unwavering resilience of Afghan women, who continue to fight for their rights and freedom even in the face of Taliban rule.

On 18 April 2024, Professor Katja Franko of the University of Oslo graced the stage for the 2024 ICCJ Annual Lecture. Her captivating talk, titled ‘Hierarchies of Citizenship: Criminology, Global Inequality, and the Injustice of Membership,’ delved into the intricate concept of citizenship hierarchies. By examining socio-legal inequality from a global perspective, Professor Franko challenged our understanding of membership and explored its practical implications in an empirical context.

On 25 June, Dr. Meghan O'Neil delved into a critical topic: 'Opioids, Housing Insecurity, and Health Disparities among Justice System Involved Patients.' Her insightful discussion explored the complex interplay between opioid addiction, housing instability, and health inequities within the US justice system.

One standout moment shines brightly as we reflect on the year gone by: our unforgettable prize-giving night in November. The room abuzz with excitement as students, faculty, and guests gathered—a true celebration of achievement. We're bursting with pride for our talented students! A heartfelt thank-you to Dame Keegan and Professor Loughrey, who graced the stage and presented awards to over 50 exceptional students. These awards, while monetary in value, serve to recognise hard work, dedication, and brilliance. To our winners: your success is well-deserved—keep soaring!

And let's raise a virtual toast to our sponsors and supporters—the unsung heroes behind these prizes. Their generosity fuels dreams and inspires greatness. For more details, check out this link.

At Queen's University Belfast School of Law, our vibrant academic environment comes alive through various events. These gatherings explore a broad spectrum of legal and societal issues, sparking engaging conversations within our academic community. For a glimpse into our past and upcoming events, explore the QUB School of Law Events page—it's a gem of knowledge and dialogue!