Childlight Global Child Safety Institute, a leading global research entity that sits within Edinburgh Futures Institute’s research hub, has been formally recognised as a research centre within the University of Edinburgh.
Welcoming the development, Childlight Chief Operating Officer (COO) Zoe Lambourne said it marks an important step in the organisation’s evolution and strengthens its foundations within a world class university.
Childlight was established in 2021 as a partnership between Human Dignity Foundation and the University of Edinburgh, and uses the illuminating power of data to shine a light on what it describes as the hidden pandemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) – and to catalyse action to safeguard children around the world.
Shining a light on the global scale of abuse
Its 2024 Into the Light Index produced the world’s first global estimates on technology-facilitated child sexual abuse and exploitation, indicating that more than 300 million children around the world are affected.
Commenting on the new designation, Zoe explained:
“This gives us a really strong base in – and with – the University of Edinburgh to bring together people working towards a shared goal of protecting children. It’s a fantastic platform for future success and growth.
“It’s also an important recognition of the work we’re doing and the impact we’re having. We want to connect with others working in related areas – for joint thinking, shared insights and collaboration, including grant activity.”
A platform for collaboration across the University
In a message to colleagues across the University, Zoe added:
“Please don’t assume that we know about your work – we’d love to hear from you. Colleagues with related research or interests are encouraged to get in touch.
“We look forward to building on the partnerships we have developed over the past few years – through our Global Data Fellows programme, youth engagement initiatives and close collaboration with frontline practitioners – by establishing a formal affiliates network. We welcome opportunities to collaborate with researchers and practitioners working in the CSEA field.”
As part of the Edinburgh Futures Institute community, Childlight also contributes to the Institute’s wider research priorities by helping to foster a culture of research and innovation focused on real-world challenges.
Through initiatives such as the Into the Light Index, its Searchlight publications, the Global Data Fellows programme and its growing network of international partners, Childlight is developing flagship research projects that generate new insight and evidence while helping to scale impact in policy and practice.
Turning research into global impact
Carol Campbell, Head of Moray House School of Education and Sport, said:
“We are delighted that the Childlight Global Safety Institute has achieved University of Edinburgh official research centre status and will be based at Moray House School of Education and Sport.“This is an important milestone in Childlight’s development and testament to the excellence of their research with major contributions to impact in policy and practice to advance child protection.”
Childlight is academically led by Deborah Fry, Professor of International Child Protection Research at the University of Edinburgh.
Its vision is a world where child sexual exploitation and abuse is treated as a global public health issue that can be – and is – prevented. Its mission is to generate insight that illuminates the prevalence and nature of child sexual abuse and exploitation so that it can be prevented.
Childlight works closely with major global partners including the World Health Organization, the United Nations and UNICEF, helping translate research evidence into action to better protect children worldwide.
For further information contact Childlight@ed.ac.uk
