Established with the aim of building capacity in children’s social care research and as befits a research institute in a Russell Group University, the Institute has established an international profile, reflecting the importance of scientific rigour, and the need to achieve research excellence, as well as contributing to the shaping of policy and practice in Northern Ireland and beyond.  

The ICCR is a key institution of Childwatch International, and has strong links with the Chapin Hall Centre for Children at the University of Chicago, and with research centres in Norway, Spain, Brazil, South Africa, Israel, Jordan, Britain and Ireland.