The Research Forum for the Child was established in 2005.  It has over 180 members in twelve disciplines across the University.  It aims to promote high quality, interdisciplinary research that provides a better understanding of the issues that affect children and young people in order to improve their life chances and experiences. The research conducted by the Forum:

• Encompasses the issues affecting children and young people at all stages of life from foetal development, through infancy and early childhood to young adulthood;
• Employs a wide range of research methods, but places particular emphasis on methods that promote the active participation of children and young people;
• Is underpinned by a commitment to the principles in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child;
• Seeks to influence academic debates, professional practice and policy-making locally, nationally and internationally.

The Forum's objectives are:

• To publicise research at Queen's relating to children and young people;
• To promote collaborative, interdisciplinary research activity;
• To enhance and develop links with international researchers in this field;
• To share experience and develop capacity for research relating to children and young people.