New research hub for global conflict

An exciting new multidisciplinary hub dedicated to the study of conflict will cement Essex’s global reputation as a leader in international humanitarian law.

The Essex Armed Conflict and Crisis Hub, formed under the umbrella of our pioneering Human Rights Centre, brings together researchers and external partners all working in the field of armed conflict and acute crisis.

It aims to foster development and multidisciplinary collaboration on humanitarian concerns and to continue to maximise the practical impact of Essex’s work in this area.

Writing for our Vice-Chancellor’s blog, the new Hub’s Director, Professor Noam Lubell said: “For decades, experts in our Human Rights Centre have been working together on issues of conflict and crisis, but 2019 marks step-change.

“The Essex Armed Conflict and Crisis Hub embodies the Essex spirit of combining theory and practice, and we are extremely excited about the further activities that can be generated through this collective endeavour.”

The Hub’s expertise crosses disciplinary boundaries and includes experts in international law (the law of armed conflict, international refugee law, international criminal law), social work, media studies, history of conflict, and more.

“It has one of the largest collections in the world of experts working in this field. Through research, teaching and practice we can make a global difference,” added Professor Lubell.

The Hub is also the intellectual home of a new LLM International Humanitarian Law, one of very few such programmes in the world focused on the international legal protections offered during armed conflict and acute crisis.

In offering not only an excellent education but also unrivalled opportunities for students to put into practice what they learn in the classroom, the new LLM will ensure “Essex graduates will affect change for decades to come” added Professor Lubell.

The new Hub welcomes new members from across the University’s staff and PhD community.