Projects
Our scholars regularly collaborate on research projects, including joint research applications and important public engagement activities.
Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy
Professor Billy Melo Araujo, Dr Viviane Gravey and Dr Lisa-Claire Whitten are investigators in the ESRC-funded Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy, conducting work on the influence of devolved administrations on UK trade policy, whose interests are heard in UK trade policy making, and whether and how policy coherence between trade policy and other policies (environment, agriculture, health etc.) is pursued.
Agricultural Pesticides Vs Food Sustainability
Dr Alessandra Guida organised an international conference on “Agricultural Pesticides Vs Food Sustainability: A Need to Produce Ground-Breaking Knowledge from an Interdisciplinary and Dialoguing Perspective” with the aim of exploring the complexity surrounding the regulation of ag-pests. The conference, which was held on 3-5 July 2024, was funded by the European Society of International Law and will lead to the publication of an edited book on the subject.
Q-IEL members Dr Alessandra Guida, Dr Regis Simo and Prof Blly Melo Araujo are co-investigators in the UKRI funded project "‘ReImagining Supply Chains Network Plus (RiSC+)’" which is being led by the QUB Business School. The project is intended to understand and develop resilient supply chains in the areas of fashion, critical mineral, and food supply chains.
This project led to the publication of a comprehensive report assessing current human rights practices of NI-based businesses co-authored by Q-IEL Member, Dr Marisa McVey. This assessment consists of a review of publicly available corporate information using the Corporate Human Rights Benchmark to produce the first in-depth analysis of the current implementation of human rights by NI businesses. Until now, there had been no analysis of corporate alignment with the UNGPs in NI, and it is hoped that this report and pilot assessment can provide a robust evidence base on how companies understand and implement human rights policies and practices into their operations. In addition, this report highlighted where targeted support is needed for small, medium and micro-businesses that make up much of NI’s economy. In the long-term, the partnership between NIHRC and QUB on business and human rights will aim to continue to track the progress of companies, foster constructive dialogue, and facilitate peer learning over the coming years. Finally, the report provided clarity for policymakers and regulators on future areas of action in relation to business and human rights.