The Centre for Cross Border Studies – itself a unique expression of cross-border cooperation arising out of the Northern Irish peace process – provides an objective setting for policy research into and practical implementation of such cooperation.
The Centre is a policy research think tank, whose purpose is to:
- Identify gaps in cross-border information, research and mutual learning in Ireland and Europe;
- Commission and publish research on issues related to cross-border cooperation in all fields of society and the economy in Ireland and Europe;
- Host events at which research findings can be discussed and disseminated, and at which cross-border policy formation in Ireland and Europe can be developed;
- Present the findings of such research and development to the European Commission, the Irish and British governments, the Northern Ireland Executive, social partnership bodies and the public;
- Manage and provide administrative support for cross-border networks in research, training and higher education: notably the International Centre for Local and Regional Development (ICLRD); the Standing Conference on Teacher Education North and South (SCoTENS) and Universities Ireland;
- Provide sources of comprehensive and accurate information about cross-border cooperation in Ireland and Europe, particularly information of use to citizens wishing to cross borders to live, work or study (notably through the websites www.borderpeople.info and www.borderireland.info)
