International correspondent Sally Hayden visits the Victoria Gallery & Museum for a special ‘In Conversation’ event on 24th September, marking a year since the University of Liverpool was awarded ‘University of Sanctuary’ status.
The University of Sanctuary award reflects the University’s dedication to creating opportunities for students and scholars facing displacement, ensuring that education remains a pathway to hope, belonging and opportunity.
Hosted by Dr Seán Columb, School of Law and Social Justice, and Dr Gemma Bird, Department of Politics, Sally will discuss her latest book This is Also a Love Story: Searching for Good in a Divided World and reflect on her distinguished career as an international correspondent reporting on global events for the Irish Times, BBC, the New York Times, the Guardian and more.
Her latest book examines nine countries facing crises, through the prism of love stories. Her first book, My Fourth Time, We Drowned: Seeking Refuge on the World’s Deadliest Migration Route (2022), details crimes against humanity taking place against refugees at Europe’s borders and won several prestigious awards.
Sally was named ‘journalist of the year’ at the Irish Journalism Awards in 2023 and 2025. She is an adjunct professor at the UCD Sutherland School of Law.
University of Liverpool researchers join the conversation
Dr Seán Columb is a Reader in Transnational Crime, where his research focuses on human trafficking, illegal markets, and organised crime. His investigative reporting for The Guardian has twice received the Best Investigative News Article award at the Human Trafficking Foundation Anti-Slavery Awards. His forthcoming book, Red Lines: A Journey into the Black Market in Organs, will be published by Faber in early 2027.
Dr Gemma Bird is a Reader in Politics and International Relations, and Deputy Head of the Department of Politics. As an activist-scholar, her research sits at the intersection of political theory, human geography, and international relations, focusing recently on migration, solidarity and advocating for a radically different approach to global borders and displacement. She has recently published in the journals New Political Economy, Journal of International Relations and Development, Geopolitics and Global Policy.
Becoming a University of Sanctuary
The University’s sanctuary journey began in 2009 when it became a member of the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA), helping scholars fleeing persecution continue their academic work in safety.
In 2017, the University strengthened its commitment by establishing a structured Sanctuary Scholarship Programme, embedding sanctuary within institutional policy, staffing, and budgets. Today, the University invests annually in dedicated pathways that provide safe, legal, and dignified routes into higher education. These include Asylum Seeker Scholarships for UK-based undergraduate students and Humanitarian Scholarships for postgraduate students displaced worldwide, covering tuition fees, living costs, visas, and travel.
Dozens of sanctuary scholars have studied at Liverpool across disciplines including Law, Engineering, Medicine, Architecture and Business. Most recently, working closely with the UK Government, the University welcomed five scholars from Gaza to begin their programmes at Liverpool as part of a wider national initiative that has seen 100+ students leave Gaza and take up scholarships at UK universities.
Sanctuary scholarships are supported by a comprehensive package of guidance and care, including specialist support, accommodation assistance, wellbeing services, language provision, and opportunities for community integration. This holistic approach helps students develop a genuine sense of belonging and thrive both academically and personally.
Thursday 24th September 2026, 6pm
Victoria Gallery & Museum
Click here to book a place: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/events/event/?eventid=112799