Peace Studies and International Development, University of Bradford

15/05/2026

On the way back now from our study visit to Northern Ireland. We were lucky to be able to meet with peacebuilders, storytellers, academics and changemakers from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives and to complicate and deepen our understandings of what working towards peace can look, sound and feel like. Many of the people we met commented on the diversity of our group too - bringing experiences and questions from twelve different countries really enriched our conversations!

10/05/2026

Our Department’s annual Study Visit to Northern Ireland set off to a promising start as our students dove head-first into two of Belfast's foundational points of interest. Thanks to the insight of our tour guides, Gerard and Jake, our students embarked on a journey through history, legacy, and memory as they walked the curbs of the Shankill and Falls Roads, taking in centuries’ worth of events and allowing themselves to be overwhelmed by the contradictions and complexity, while also appreciating the nuance and hope that emerged through the dualistic storytelling of our guides and their communities’ murals, artworks, memorials, and local points of interest.

One participant commented: 'As the questions mount and the answers still seem few and far between, we look forward to learning more about Northern Ireland — a visit that is already shaping up to be a meaningful and thought-provoking journey once more'...

01/05/2026

It is with great sorrow that we learned of the passing of Hamid Khalafallah, our former MA International Development student and Chevening Scholar. Moments like this remind us how closely connected the global community of peace and development changemakers truly is. The loss of such an energetic, exceptionally talented, caring and considerate researcher and activist is deeply felt across Sudan, Africa and beyond.

Hamid’s work on participatory governance, democratisation, citizen–state engagement, and inclusive development reflected his commitment to meaningful and lasting change. He embodied a powerful combination of peace-oriented academic insight and principled activism, values that lie close to the heart of our community.

You can read more about Hamid's work here: https://thesudanist.com/sudan-mourns-sudden-death-of-analyst-and-activist-hamid-khalafallah/

We, in the Department of Peace Studies and International Development, join colleagues and partners around the world in expressing our heartfelt condolences and honouring Hamid's legacy.

Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and all those whose lives he touched.

30/04/2026

Our PSID Team had a strong presence at last week's Bradford Impact Festival, which highlighted projects that have made a real difference in the community over the past year. Bradford’s UK City of Culture 2025 has clearly injected new energy into community celebration and engagement.

Highlighting and building on this positive momentum, our colleagues were visible throughout the festival, from poster presentations to panel discussions:

- Four poster presentations were on display: one led by Prof Fiona Macaulay, one by Dr Maria Ambrozy (https://www.notmyhero.co.uk/), and two by Dr Sudhir Selvaraj.

- Dr Ute Kelly and Prof PB Anand participated in a thought-provoking panel discussion on how arts can be incorporated into research impact (the panel was chaired by Prof Macaulay).

- Notably, Dr Selvaraj's work on co-producing a board game with sanctuary seekers in Bradford was featured in multiple sessions throughout the day.

Thank you to the Research, Innovation and Business Engagement team at the University of Bradford for running the Festival, and a special shout-out to Alyx Mattison for putting it all together.

24/04/2026

This week, students on our Creative Practice module shared their learning from collaborative group projects. The themes they'd explored together included home, anger and rage, social media, leadership and hope, and they found creative and thought-provoking ways to present their insights and provoke further reflection. And then we went for a picnic in the sunshine to celebrate the end of a long and intense semester!

17/04/2026

Some pictures from the 6 Decades Later: 'Has the Peace Studies Problem been solved yet?' event as part of the University of Bradford 60th anniversary special. For those who don't know this quote is famously attributed to Margaret Thatcher who at one point tried to shut down the department. Over a bit more than 5 decades the department has weathered many storms to become a vital centre of peace research and education.

We had over 200 participants gather online and in person on campus. Thank you to all our alumni, colleagues and well-wishers. We are proud of all that we have been able to accomplish and realise that our work is more essential now than ever before

15/04/2026

What are you doing this evening?

We will be tuning in to a special panel discussion, hosted by Professor Paul Rogers, where we will explore the continuing relevance of Peace Studies in an increasingly turbulent world.

There is still time to book for this in-person and online event: https://www.bradford.ac.uk/events/whats-on/has-that-peace-studies-problem-been-dealt-with-yet/

Steeped in history and founded with support from figures including Harold Wilson, JB Priestley and the Quakers, Bradford’s Peace Studies department has gone on to help shape global thinking on conflict and security. Over the past five decades it has contributed expertise to the UK Government, Unit...

08/04/2026

This year's annual Study Visit began yesterday, on a significant date in the Rwandan calendar - 7th April 2026.

While the safe arrival of all our participants in Kigali was certainly cause for celebration, our students chose instead to stand in solidarity with Rwandans during this solemn period of remembrance.

We were privileged to have a unique opportunity to participate in one of the key events of the Kwibuka32 Commemorations in Kigali - the annual 'Walk of Remembrance'.

A Few Notes of Thanks:
Our safe and successful arrivals were supported by staff from the Rwanda High Commission UK - thank you; we recognise that without your last-minute assistance, provided outside of office hours, we would not all be here.

Special thanks to Prof. Denis Bikesha who, at the very last minute, helped us to attend 'The Walk of Remembrance'.

31/03/2026

We are really looking forward to this important discussion. The work of Peace Studies and International Development feels especially urgent and timely right now.

If you are interested in global security, peacebuilding, international development, and understanding conflict and meaningful responses to it, this is well worth joining.

Steeped in history and founded with support from figures including Harold Wilson, JB Priestley and the Quakers, Bradford’s Peace Studies department has gone on to help shape global thinking on conflict and security. Over the past five decades it has contributed expertise to the UK Government, Unit...