Quaker Peace Studies Trust

13/07/2026

One of the activities QPST supports is the University of Bradford students' annual peacebuilding study trip to the north of Ireland, to learn how the 1998 Good Friday/Belfast Agreement was reached, to what extent peace prevails and the ongoing work to further build peace. In May 2026 QPST supported 12 students and 2 staff on an intensive weeklong trip to Belfast and Derry.

Sadly, although the violence has largely ceased, there is not complete peace. Education is still mostly segregated. So-called 'peace walls' still stand and in Belfast the gates between the sectarian communities are locked each night. Memorialisation and murals embed each sectarian narrative. Feelings still run high.

Much peacebuilding work goes on, however (not least by Quaker Service). Some militaristic murals have been painted over with peace messages. Skilled mediators from the north of Ireland have been asked to advise on conflicts elsewhere. The message time and time again was that, for peace to last, all parties have to be at the table for any talks and listening to, and understanding, each others' positions is key.
Peace Studies and International Development, University of Bradford

04/07/2026

How do we make decisions when AI, uncertainty and crisis collide?

We are seeking 25 brilliant academic and sector leaders to take part in RAPID Response: Interdisciplinary Rapid Emergency Scenario Systems. Examining governance, accountability and decision-making under crisis conditions generated by disruptive technologies through a range of learning activities.

Workshop 1: Interdisciplinary Design Workshop and Hackathon, Wednesday 22nd July 2026.

Workshop 2: Peace-Game Simulation, Thursday 23rd July 2026

Symposium: Decision-Making for Disruptive Technologies in Crisis, Friday August 28th 2026

Lunch and Light refreshment provided, with limited funding available for external guests requiring financial support to attend.

📣 Please note: We've extended the sign-up deadline to 10 July to give anyone who hasn't yet registered a little more time.

Please see the attached flyer for further details. To register your interest or find out more about the study, please contact one of the organisers: Dr Becky Alexis-Martin [email protected], Professor Christoph Bluth [email protected], or Dr Viktor Doychinov [email protected] to register your interest and find out more about the study.

30/06/2026

Congratulations Tom Woodhouse, a well deserved recognition of all your work for peace studies

17/06/2026

Set up over 50 years ago with Quaker support and still so relevant today

In a world of conflict and uncertainty, Peace Studies remains as pertinent as ever, offering valuable insights into some of the most urgent issues of our time.

Despite—or perhaps because of—what is currently happening in the world, it provides us with critical tools for understanding and responding to complex conflicts, and for exploring how societies can resolve them, heal, reconcile, and transform.

In yesterday's article in Times Higher Education, our Head of Department, Dr Rhys Kelly, reflects on why Peace Studies remains vital in an era of conflict, division, and uncertainty. He highlights that Peace Studies is not a niche academic area whose relevance is confined to history. As always, he skilfully links the rich intellectual heritage and complex history of Peace Studies to the global challenges underscoring the enduring relevance of peacebuilding, dialogue, and critical engagement in the pursuit of more peaceful societies.

Read the full article: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/can-peace-studies-thrive-era-strongmen-leaders

Learn more about Dr Rhys Kelly and his work:
https://www.bradford.ac.uk/staff/rhskelly2/

Explore our Peace Studies and International Development programmes:
https://www.bradford.ac.uk/courses/pg/?query=peace

22/05/2026

Trustees are meeting today in Bradford to plan our fundraising and future projects. Watch this space!

22/05/2026

18/05/2026

Great to read Andrew's story

A University of Bradford student has recalled being a child refugee sleeping next to dead bodies on board a ship while fleeing a war 30 years ago.

13/05/2026

Supported by QPST students are having a very interesting week over in Northern Ireland learning about the peace process there