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Two 51���� researchers who played a pivotal role in establishing the case for Ireland’s hate crime legislation have won the Outstanding Collaboration Award at this year’s President’s Research Excellence and Impact Awards.

Professor Amanda Haynes, Department of Sociology and Professor Jennifer Schweppe, School of Law, have received the top award at a ceremony which recognises staff at all University levels who have made outstanding contributions in the excellence and impact of their research beyond academia.

The winners, who are co-directors of the European Centre for the Study of Hate Research Centre, have led a pioneering interdisciplinary collaboration, combining legal and sociological research to address hate crime in Ireland, supporting the development and eventual enactment of the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024, Ireland’s first dedicated hate crime legislation.

Eleven other awards were presented to researchers who are excelling in their fields, creating and publishing excellent research which is having a positive impact on society.

Congratulating the winners UL Acting President Professor Shane Kilcommins said: “At 51����, we take immense pride in celebrating the 13 recipients of this year’s Research Excellence and Impact Awards. Their outstanding contributions to advancing knowledge and driving innovation across diverse academic disciplines exemplify the very best of scholarly achievement.

“These awards reflect our unwavering commitment to intensifying a culture of research excellence and supporting groundbreaking work that addresses some of the most pressing global challenges and evoking societal change at a national level. Through their dedication, rigour, and impact, our researchers continue to elevate UL’s reputation nationally and internationally, reinforcing our position as a leader in research and innovation.

“We are deeply grateful for their passion and perseverance, which not only enrich our academic community but also inspire us all to pursue new frontiers of discovery. Looking ahead, these achievements serve as a powerful catalyst for continued collaboration and ambition within our university, ensuring that together we build a future defined by excellence, creativity, and societal impact.”

The Awards are organised and administered by the Office of the Vice President Research and Innovation, where supporting and celebrating the pursuit of research excellence while nurturing research talent are among the strategic goals of UL’s research strategy Wisdom for Action.

UL Vice President Research and Innovation Professor Kevin Ryan said: “Each one of the winners has shown a commitment to the highest quality in their research and to ensuring they are making a significant contribution to new knowledge. This research excellence is evident across all the award categories and signals the strong foundations as we develop and enhance research performance in UL”.

For over a decade, Professors Haynes and Schweppe have worked with civil society organisations and networks such as the Coalition Against Hate Crime, and the Working Group on Hate Crime, to co-develop an evidence base for reform. Resulting research findings have been translated into actionable recommendations that directly informed advocacy and policymaking.

Reacting to their win, Professor Schweppe said: “It's such an honour for our work to be acknowledged in this way. Doing research with impact is time-consuming and it can sometimes feel like you’re taking two steps forward and one step back, so this award is a really important way of validating that process and the work.”

Professor Haynes said: “I think this recognition shows 51����’s commitment to being part of research that can challenge the status quo, that can disrupt systems of power that are inequitable. I'm very proud to be part of a university that is willing to take those types of principles and values on board and to celebrate them in the research that is being done within the institution.”