University of Liverpool Law Researcher Receives Philip Leverhulme Award for Migration Research

Dr Seán Columb, Senior Lecturer at the Liverpool Law School, has been awarded £100k from Leverhulme Trust as part of the Phillip Leverhulme Prize for his project entitled Gatekeeping Asylum: The Convergence of People Smuggling and the Illicit Organ Removal along the Central Mediterranean Route.

Increasingly organ sale is being presented as a gateway to asylum, which has resulted in a need for further examination, and explanation, of global responses to crime and immigration.

Providing a conceptual reflection on how law generates violence, Seán’s research is set to provide much needed further insight into how crime and immigration controls shape the illicit organ trade developed around migrant populations.

Thanks to the Leverhulme Trust funding award, Seán is able to conduct further research in this area, in a bid to understand the nature and extent of organ trafficking within Europe. These findings will inform assessments of the impact caused by legislative measures developed in response to the organ trade and human trafficking in the UK.

Seán attended a prestigious gala dinner in recognition of the award where Vice Chancellor, Professor Tim Jones was also in attendance.

The prize winners for the Philip Leverhulme Prize 2023

Speaking of the funding award, Dr Seán Columb, said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity to significantly develop the scope of my research, taking into account the global connections and extra-legal partnerships that intersect and overlap with the organ trade, people smuggling, and human trafficking. In sharing the narratives and experiences of people whose lives have been impacted by these issues, I hope to inform and improve policy in this area to ensure the necessary actions are taken.”

Professor Helen Stalford, Head of the Liverpool Law School, shared: “The structure of Dr Columb’s research is well placed to inform the development of more effective responses from policymakers in this area, acknowledging the structural inequalities and existing policy decisions that render people vulnerable to exploitation in illicit markets. Congratulations Seán on this funding achievement!”

Since its foundation in 1925, the Leverhulme Trust has provided grants and scholarships for research and education, funding research projects, fellowships, studentships, bursaries and prizes; it operates across all the academic disciplines, the intention being to support talented individuals as they realise their personal vision in research and professional training. Today, it is one of the largest all-subject providers of research funding in the UK, distributing approximately £100 million a year.