The University of Liverpool’s Institute of Irish Studies celebrated its 25th anniversary with a reception hosted by the Irish Embassy in London.
The Institute of Irish Studies was established at the University of Liverpool in 1988. It was the outcome of a report commissioned by the British Government in the aftermath of the Anglo-Irish Agreement and was endorsed by a national meeting of scholars involved in Irish research and teaching throughout the UK Higher Education Sector. Today it is the only such Irish Studies Institute in the world.
Teaching and research
It has delivered Undergraduate, Masters and PhD programmes to over 8000 students. As well as teaching and research, the Institute has undertaken a considerable public outreach programme and has worked with Irish cultural, charitable and professional bodies in both the North West and the UK.
A number of high-profile speakers from around the world have delivered lectures for the Institute including US Senator George Mitchell, the late Seamus Heaney, Roddy Doyle, three Irish Presidents: Mary Robinson, Mary McAleese and Michael D Higgins and UK government ministers John Reid, Peter Mandelson and the late Mo Mowlan.
More recently, the Institute has appointed BBC Correspondent, Fergal Keane, as a Professorial Fellow and Jonathan Powell, principal negotiator in the Irish peace process, as an Honorary Visiting Professor and they are contributing to teaching programmes on understanding conflict.
Professor Marianne Elliott, Director of the Institute of Irish Studies, said: “We celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Institute of Irish Studies at the University of Liverpool at a reception at the Irish Embassy in London. The Institute has thrived since its establishment, teaching nearly 400 students per year, training academics and professionals for the future and altering opinion through its research.
A new idea
“It was a new idea, sponsored by the Governments of both countries, and a symbol of the need to promote greater understanding between the two countries. Today the Institute is the only one of its kind in the world and can take some credit for assisting in the excellent relations which exist today between the two countries. Successive Irish Ambassadors in London and their teams have helped us attain such goals. This event will be a joint celebration.”
HE Daniel Mulhall, the Irish Ambassador in London, said: “I congratulate the staff of the Institute of Irish Studies on their 25th anniversary. The Embassy has always been a strong supporter of the Institute and I look forward to continuing these positive and productive ties during my time as Ambassador in London. The Institute’s outstanding programme of teaching and external activities, which have the support of the Irish Government, provide a unique forum in which to understand our shared history and to enhance British-Irish relations.”
