Research into violently divided societies will be in focus at the University of Ulster this week as a team of international researchers, practitioners and policy makers gather at Magee. 

Participants from Sri Lanka, Canada and South Africa as well as from Ireland and the United Kingdom will take part in a workshop hosted by INCORE, the International Conflict Research Centre, at Magee and supported by the International Development Research Centre, Canada.

Issues surrounding ethical dilemmas, political challenges and evaluating the impact of research into violently divided societies will be on the agenda and will form the basis of a new book entitled >Evaluating Research In and On Violently Divided Societies, edited by Dr Kenneth Bush and Professor Brandon Hamber, INCORE and Colleen Duggan, IDRC.Event organiser, Dr Kenneth Bush, INCORE, said: “This research is breaking new and important ground. In many ways we are still in the dark ages of understanding the societal and political impacts of research in violently divided societies.

“Evaluation is the key to understanding the link between research and impact. This work will be invaluable for research funders, development agencies and universities, as well as researchers, evaluators, and policy makers.  It will also contribute the University of Ulster’s  reputation as a world-class centre of excellence for research in the area of peace and conflict studies.” Evaluating Research In and On Violently Divided Societies will take place on 3 – 4 February 2010 at the University of Ulster, Magee. For further information contact Dr Kenneth Bush at: k.bush@ulster.ac.uk .

This workshop is jointly supported by INCORE and the International Development Research Centre, Canada.