100th anniversary of the Partition of Ireland

Queen’s University Belfast will host a series of online public talks entitled “The Partition of Ireland: Causes and Consequences” which will take place during 2021 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Partition of Ireland.

The series is supported by the UK and Irish governments, and by the Royal Irish Academy and the British Academy.

In each online talk a leading academic will address a major theme. Subjects covered in the series include the complex origins and legacies of partition, the experience of minorities, the Irish border in literature, the global dynamics of Irish partition, and class-based and gender-based dimensions.

The talks reflect expert analysis from a variety of perspectives, reflecting the inclusive approach adopted toward the marking of this important anniversary. Contributors include: Alvin Jackson, Mary Daly, Marianne Elliott, Diarmaid Ferriter, Roy Foster, Brendan O'Leary, Fearghal McGarry, Jennifer Todd, Paul Bew, Graham  Walker, Marie Coleman, Margaret O'Callaghan, Henry Patterson and Diane Urquhart.

The first talk will be aired in April 2021.

Professor Richard English, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation and Engagement at Queen’s said: 'Queen's University is  delighted to be hosting  this major  series of talks about  such an important historical subject. The support of the Irish and UK governments, and of  the British and Royal Irish Academies, reflects the inclusive approach adopted here to the understanding of partition's causes and consequences.'

Professor Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, commented: 'Queen’s is delighted to lead this collaborative initiative to mark the 100th anniversary of the Partition of Ireland. This is an important milestone in Irish history and this informative series of talks will allow for open and transparent debate on this historic event which will be accessible online.'

The series will be recorded and produced by the BBC and will feature a wide range of expert speakers and perspectives. The series will be available via the University website and BBC platforms.