Race and Ethnicity Research in Northern Ireland: Challenges and Opportunities

Socio-demographic and migration shifts over the past two decades in Northern Ireland (NI) have disrupted the markers of identity of its dominant majority.  In contrast to other European countries and parts of the United Kingdom (UK), public legislation and strategies in NI have not yet responded adequately to such change, with the needs, protections and concerns raised by the new populations neither prioritised nor addressed (NI Affairs Committee, 2022). This was also reflected in the research portfolio of universities in Northern Ireland (Belluigi, 2024; Belluigi and Moynihan, 2023), with local migration, ‘race’/ethnicity and majority–minority dynamics under-studied. 

A symposium held at Queen’s University Belfast in June 2024 brought together people whose research and work focuses on ‘race’, ethnicity and migration in Northern Ireland to share and discuss research-related issues. Participants came from academic, statutory and non-governmental organisation (NGO) sectors. This document highlights key discussion points and recommendations arising from the four themed sessions.  The event was held under Chatham House Rules, and as such, content shared in this document is not attributed to individual contributors.