AHSS nominees

Research award

Emma Humphries

School of Arts, English and Languages - Nominated on behalf of 3 individuals

"We are nominating Dr Humphries for the exceptional quality of her research and for its impact.

A specialist in language attitudes and ideologies, Emma began her prestigious Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship in October 2024.  Her first monograph (‘Linguistic Insecurities and Authorities: 19^th- and 21^st-Century Language Commentary on French’) was published in April 2025.  Described by referees as both ‘original’ and ‘convincing’, it involved the creation of an innovative dataset of texts and electronic media, through which Dr Humphries offered new perspectives on language attitudes in two critical periods of change for French. 

Emma is also leading a major impact project based on her research on Home, Heritage and Community Languages (HHCLs) which are often undervalued in wider society.  An invitation to publish a policy-facing co-authored article - ‘Strengthening Provision for Home, Heritage and Community Language Qualifications’ (LSP 26/11/2024) - cemented her idea of building a Toolkit for University Admissions Offices to provide best-practice guidance on recognising the value of HHCL qualifications in applicants’ A-level profiles, thereby improving access to university. In 24/25, she has worked with partners such as UCAS, Million+, AQA, Edexcel (and many others) to design this new Toolkit which will be piloted in the 25-26 Admissions cycle."

Citizenship and Outreach award (joint winners)

Joanne O'Keeffe

School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work

"Joanne has done some amazing work undertaking outreach and impact work both here in Northern Ireland, and also in Scotland.  She has obtained funding from the Civic Contribution Fund here at QUB and delivered a world class project, improving mental health outcomes for children. 

Joanne spends one day per week seconded to the Widening Participation Unit (WPU) here at QUB.  It would be fair to say that her impact on the activities of the WPU have been transformational.  She has changed WPU’s planning to include the use of theories of change and logic modelling, and helped them change their interventions and practices to use evidence-informed interventions.  This is all alongside her day job as a Research Fellow in SSESW.  Modest, and incredibly skilled at her job, Joanne is an ideal candidate for this award."

Johnny Hanson

School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work - Nominated on behalf of 3 individuals

"Joining ARK (Northern Ireland’s social policy hub) in 2024, Jonny recognised that environmental issues were missing from ARK’s portfolio.  He has filled this gap and developed ARK’s profile in this area in an exceptional manner.  He has done this with passion and clarity, raising the issues in ways and language accessible for different audiences.  Furthermore, he has highlighted the interconnectedness between environmental, social and policy challenges and solutions. 

He organised events highlighting the contribution that social and community farming can make to good relations, and the elements of the Northern Ireland (NI) Climate Change Act (2022) Act’s Just Transition elements.  His recognition that ethnic diversity and environmental leadership are rarely discussed led to a separate event.  These events provided safe spaces for discussion among policy and third sector participants.  His analysis of public attitudes to climate change received much media attention, being cited in the Northern Ireland Assembly by the Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, and the House of Commons Committee on Energy Security and Net Zero."

Research

Daniela Suárez Vargas

School of Law

"I would like to nominate Daniela Suárez Vargas for the ‘research’ prize in recognition of her outstanding achievements and contributions over the past academic year. Daniela’s ongoing research on Transitional Justice (TJ), with a particular focus on gender-based violence (GBV) within armed groups in Colombia and across jurisdictions, is especially noteworthy.

Daniela has written an impressive body of scholarly work, including single-authored and co-authored publications with leading publishers. These outputs demonstrate her ability to extend academic debates, while sustaining academic partnerships (international and those from QUB). She has done this alongside her excellent ongoing research in Colombia with a range of participants impacted by conflict and GBV.

Daniela has played a key role in shaping interdisciplinary and cross-sector conversations. She has both organised and been invited to contribute to high-profile events on TJ, gender justice, victimology and conflict, demonstrating leadership, a collaborative ethos and growing recognition as a respected voice in the field.

Daniela’s research is grounded in trauma-informed, victim-centred approaches, ensuring that marginalised voices are not only included but engaged with in ways that are both sensitive and methodologically rigorous.

Daniela is a highly capable and collaborative colleague, whose contributions are of exceptional value to the School of Law."

Research Award

Daniela Suarez Vargas, School of Law

Emma Humphries, School of Arts, English and Languages (Nominated by 3 individuals)

Citizenship and Outreach Award

Erika Jiménez, School of Law

Joanne O'Keeffe, School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work 

Jonny Hanson, School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work (Nominated by 3 individuals)