The Mitchell Institute responds to the unprecedented global challenge of building a peaceful, inclusive and secure world by bringing together the unparalleled expertise at Queen’s University Belfast, on these issues.

Under the leadership of Professor Richard English, the Institute brings together researchers, practitioners, policy-makers and peace-builders from diverse backgrounds and international locations who share their multiple perspectives and work collaboratively to solve specific problems associated with the GRI’s priority themes:

Since 1995, the Senator has been active in the Northern Ireland peace process, having served as the United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland under President Bill Clinton.

As Chairman of the Peace Negotiations, he established the principles on non-violence to which all parties in Northern Ireland had to adhere.  His personal intervention with the parties was crucial to the success of the talks.

From 2009 to 2011, Senator Mitchell was the United States Special Envoy to the Middle East.

In recognition of his work in Northern Ireland, Senator Mitchell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Truman Institute Peace Prize and the United Nations (UNESCO) Peace Prize.  On the 20^th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, Senator Mitchell was awarded the Freedom of Belfast City.

On 24 June 2016, Senator Mitchell formally launched the Global Research Institute that bears his names, at Queen’s University Belfast.