# Berni Kelly
**Source**: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/
**Parent**: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/social-work-bsw-l500/
[View Scopus Profile](https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=18836024300)
# Berni Kelly
Professor
- Professor, [School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/organisations/school-of-social-sciences-education-and-social-work/)
- [Centre for Inclusion, Transformation and Equality (CITE)](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/organisations/centre-for-inclusion-transformation-and-equality-cite/)
[https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4204-6694](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4204-6694 "Orcid")
- Phone+44 (0)28 9097 1486
- Email[b.r.kelly@qub.ac.uk](#)
- Room 02.018 - Sociology and Social Work
United Kingdom
Accepting PhD Students
PhD projects
I am open to PhD applications in the fields of:\
- Disability studies\
- Transitions to Adult Life\
- Children and young people in care\
- Care leavers
1999 …Research output 2002: 3Research output 2003: 2Research output 2004: 1Research output 2005: 4Research output 2007: 2Projects 2008: 1Research output 2008: 1Research output 2009: 3Research output 2010: 3Projects 2011: 2Projects 2012: 1Research output 2012: 2Research output 2013: 3Research output 2014: 3Research output 2015: 7Research output 2016: 8Projects 2017: 1Research output 2017: 4Research output 2018: 2Research output 2019: 1Research output 2020: 12Research output 2021: 6Research output 2022: 6Research output 2023: 5Research output 2024: 1Research output 2025: 5Research output 2026: 22026
Research activity per year
## Personal profile
### Research Interests
Professor Berni Kelly is Director of the Disability Research Network (DRN) and Centre for Inclusion, Transformation and Equality (CITE) at Queen’s University Belfast. Her main research interests are in the areas of disability studies, care leaving and participatory research. She has conducted major studies of disabled children and young people living in and leaving care, safeguarding disabled children and adults and supported decision making. She recently led on a feasibility study of leaving care in Africa, including a focus on the intersections of gender, culture and disability and a study of the impact of Covid-19 on the lived of young people leaving care in Northern Ireland.
Further details of the Disability Research Network can be found at:
<http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/DisabilityResearchNetwork/>.
Further details of the Centre for Inclusion, Transformation and Equality (CITE) can be found at:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/centre-for-inclusion-transformation-and-equality/
### Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global [Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)](https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
1. SDG 1
No Poverty
2. SDG 3
Good Health and Well-being
3. SDG 4
Quality Education
4. SDG 5
Gender Equality
5. SDG 10
Reduced Inequalities
6. SDG 16
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
## Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics where Berni Kelly is active. These topic labels come from the works of this person. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
- [7](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/similar/)
Similar Profiles
- Children
Psychology
- Research
Psychology
- UK
Social Sciences
- Young People
Nursing and Health Professions
- Disabled Children
Social Sciences
- Disability
Nursing and Health Professions
- Decision Making
Psychology
- Researcher
Nursing and Health Professions
[View full fingerprint](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/fingerprints/)
## Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or Select a country/territory from the list\
# Dive into details
Select a country/territory to view shared publications and projects
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[Explore network further](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/network/)
## Projects
- [1](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/projects/?status=RUNNING)
Active
- [2](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/projects/?status=FINISHED)
Finished
- ### [R3340SWK: Meeting the needs of disabled children and young people in public care - Northern Ireland](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/projects/ofmdfm-addressing-the-over-representation/)
[Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (PI) & [Winter, K.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/karen-winter/) (CoI)
01/08/2011 → …
Project: Research
- ### [R3842SES: Development of quality of life measurement for PFG indicator 42](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/projects/department-for-communities-dac20316/)
[Davidson, G.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/gavin-davidson/) (PI), Corman, M. (CoI), [Kee, F.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/frank-kee/) (CoI), [Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (CoI) & [McNamee, C.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/catherine-mcnamee/) (CoI)
13/01/2017 → 08/04/2017
Project: Research
- ### [R4605SWK: Transitions and outcomes for care leavers with mental health and/or intellectual disabilities](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/projects/hsc-rd-office-com465512-transitions-and-outcomes/)
[Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (PI), [Davidson, G.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/gavin-davidson/) (CoI) & [Pinkerton, J.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/john-pinkerton/) (CoI)
01/08/2012 → 31/12/2016
Project: Research
- ### [R6788CHC: National Disability Authority Evidence Papers on Disability Policy & Practice](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/projects/national-disability-authority/)
Macdonald, G. (PI), Anand, J. (CoI), [Davidson, G.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/gavin-davidson/) (CoI) & [Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (CoI)
01/08/2011 → 31/10/2011
Project: Research
- ### [R1979SWK: What a difference a decade makes: exploring disability and identity in young adulthood](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/projects/the-british-academy-sg-52417/)
[Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (PI)
01/08/2008 → 20/01/2011
Project: Research
## Research output
- [25](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/publications/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Fresearchoutput%2Fresearchoutputtypes%2Fcontributiontojournal%2Farticle)
Article
- [13](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/publications/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Fresearchoutput%2Fresearchoutputtypes%2Fbookanthology%2Fcommissioned)
Commissioned report
- [5](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/publications/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Fresearchoutput%2Fresearchoutputtypes%2Fcontributiontobookanthology%2Fpeerreviewedchapter)
Chapter (peer-reviewed)
- [3](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/publications/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Fresearchoutput%2Fresearchoutputtypes%2Fbookanthology%2Fother)
Other report
- 6
More
- [**4** Book](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/publications/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Fresearchoutput%2Fresearchoutputtypes%2Fbookanthology%2Fbook)
- [**3** Editorial](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/publications/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Fresearchoutput%2Fresearchoutputtypes%2Fcontributiontojournal%2Feditorial)
- [**1** Paper](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/publications/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Fresearchoutput%2Fresearchoutputtypes%2Fcontributiontoconference%2Fpaper)
- [**1** Special issue](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/publications/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Fresearchoutput%2Fresearchoutputtypes%2Fcontributiontojournal%2Fspecial)
- [**1** Review article](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/publications/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Fresearchoutput%2Fresearchoutputtypes%2Fcontributiontojournal%2Fsystematicreview)
- ### [A Review of Literature on Disabled Care Leavers and Care Leavers with Mental Health Needs](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/publications/a-review-of-literature-on-disabled-care-leavers-and-care-leavers-/)
[Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/), McShane, T., [Davidson, G.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/gavin-davidson/) & [Pinkerton, J.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/john-pinkerton/), 2014, [Queen's University Belfast](#).
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
File
511
Downloads
(Pure)
- ### [Disabled Children and Young People who are Looked After. A Literature Review.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/publications/disabled-children-and-young-people-who-are-looked-after-a-literat/)
[Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/), Dowling, S. & [Winter, K.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/karen-winter/), 2012, [OFMDFM & QUB](#). 137 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
Open Access
File
8595
Downloads
(Pure)
- ### [Care leaving and social capital: reflections on findings from an exploratory intercountry African study](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/publications/care-leaving-and-social-capital-reflections-on-findings-from-an-e/)
Frimpong-Manso, K., [Pinkerton, J.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/john-pinkerton/), [Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) & van Breda, A., Feb 2026, In: [Child & Family Social Work.](#) 31, 1, p. 459-468 10 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access
File
- African Studies
- Social Capital
- Thematic Analysis
- Mixed Methods
- Social Capital Theory
[3](https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105001642868#tab=citedBy)
Citations
(Scopus)
37
Downloads
(Pure)
- ### [Exploring the meaning and experience of family for youth leaving care: a scoping review](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/publications/exploring-the-meaning-and-experience-of-family-for-youth-leaving-/)
[MacDonald, M.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/mandi-macdonald/), Oterholm, I., [Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/), Höjer, I. & Brænne Bennwik, I.-H., Feb 2026, In: [Child & Family Social Work.](#) 31, 1, p. 636-646 11 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open Access
File
- Home Care
- Scoping Review
[1](https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105004345671#tab=citedBy)
Citation
(Scopus)
57
Downloads
(Pure)
- ### [Disabled youth transitioning from care: an international policy analysis](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/publications/disabled-youth-transitioning-from-care-an-international-policy-an/)
[Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/), Gimm, G., Inger, O., Venables, J., Baker, C., Bennwik, I.-H., Ellem, K., Lee, J. S. & Cheatham, L. P., 22 Nov 2025, (Early online date) In: [Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal.](#) 16 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access
File
- Normativity
- Policy Analysis
- UK
- Interdependence
- Australia
4
Downloads
(Pure)
[View all 88 research outputs](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/publications/)
## Prizes
- ### [Chair of the Training Social Workers' Consultative Group (TSWCG)](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/prizes/chair-of-the-training-social-workers-consultative-group-tswcg/)
[Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (Recipient), 2010
Prize: Appointment
- Groups
- Consumers
- Service Industries
- Social Workers Training
- Service
- ### [Chair of the Training Social Workers' Consultative Group at QUB](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/prizes/chair-of-the-training-social-workers-consultative-group-at-qub/)
[Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (Recipient), 2005
Prize: Appointment
- Groups
- Consumers
- Service Industries
- Social Workers Training
- Service
- ### [Elected member of Executive Committee of International Research Network on Transitions to Adulthood from Care (INTRAC)](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/prizes/elected-member-of-executive-committee-of-international-research-n/)
[Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (Recipient), 2022
Prize: Election to learned society
- ### [Elected to Executive Committee of International Research Network on Transitions to Adulthood from Care (INTRAC)](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/prizes/elected-to-executive-committee-of-international-research-network-/)
[Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (Recipient), 12 Oct 2022
Prize: Election to learned society
- ### [Invited member of Steering Group for a study on ‘Inequality and Poverty’ led by Queen's Business School](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/prizes/invited-member-of-steering-group-for-a-study-on-inequality-and-po/)
[Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (Recipient), 01 Oct 2025
Prize: Appointment
[View all 15 prizes](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/prizes/)
## Activities
- [12](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Ftalk%2Foral_presentation)
Oral presentation
- [11](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Ftalk%2Finvited_or_keynote_talk_at_national_or_international_conference)
Invited or keynote talk at national or international conference
- [7](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Fattendance%2Fconferenceparticipation)
Participation in conference
- [7](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Fotheractivity%2Fother_activity)
Other
- 41
More
- [**10** Participation in workshop, seminar, course](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Fattendance%2Fworkshopseminarcourseparticipation)
- [**7** Work on advisory panel to industry or government or non-government organisation](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Fconsultancy%2Fwork_on_advisory_panel_to_industry_or_government_or_non_government_organisation_)
- [**6** Publication peer-review](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Feditorialwork%2Fpublicationpeerreview)
- [**6** PhD external examination](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Fexamination%2Fexamination)
- [**6** Membership of external research organisation](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Fmembership%2Fcouncil)
- [**5** Membership of peer review panel or committee](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Fmembership%2Fcommittee)
- [**5** Membership of public/government advisory/policy group or panel](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Fmembership%2Fmembership_of_public_government_advisory_policy_group_or_panel)
- [**5** Invited talk](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Ftalk%2Finvited_talk)
- [**5** Public lecture/debate/seminar](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Ftalk%2Fpublic_lecture_debate_seminar)
- [**3** Hosting an academic visitor](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Fhostvisitor%2Fhostvisitor)
- [**2** Contribution to the work of national or international committees and working groups](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Fconsultancy%2Fcontribution_to_the_work_of_national_or_international_committees_and_working_groups)
- [**2** Editorial activity](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Feditorialwork%2Feditorial)
- [**2** UG external examination](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Fexamination%2Fug_external_examination)
- [**2** Membership of network](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Fmembership%2Fnetwork)
- [**2** Research and Teaching at External Organisation](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Fvisitother%2Fresearch_and_teaching_at_external_organisation)
- [**1** Membership of board](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Factivity%2Factivitytypes%2Fmembership%2Fboard)
- ### [Invited presentation 'Amplifying the Voices of Care-Experienced Youth' presented at VOYPIC's Annual Conference: 'Thrive not Just Survive'](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/activities/invited-presentation-amplifying-the-voices-of-care-experienced-yo/)
[MacDonald, M.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/mandi-macdonald/) (Invited speaker) & [Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (Invited speaker)
01 Oct 2025
Activity: Talk or presentation types › Invited or keynote talk at national or international conference
- ### [Key note presentation at ICCRP Conference: “We are one another’s strength”: Exploring a Peer Research Approach to Researching Youth Transitions from Care in Africa."](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/activities/key-note-presentation-at-iccrp-conference-we-are-one-anothers-str/)
[Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (Advisor)
18 Nov 2024
Activity: Talk or presentation types › Invited or keynote talk at national or international conference
- ### [PhD External Examiner at University of Edinburgh](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/activities/phd-external-examiner-at-university-of-edinburgh/)
[Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (Examiner)
13 Sept 2024
Activity: Examination types › PhD external examination
- ### [A Precondition for a Better Future – Facing and Repairing the Past](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/activities/a-precondition-for-a-better-future-facing-and-repairing-the-past/)
Steele, L. (Invited speaker), [Davidson, G.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/gavin-davidson/) (Organiser) & [Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (Organiser)
30 Nov 2023
Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in workshop, seminar, course
File
- ### [17th European Scientific Association on Residential and Family Care for Children and Adolescents Conference](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/activities/17th-european-scientific-association-on-residential-and-family-ca-2/)
[Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (Presenter)
13 Sept 2023 → 15 Sept 2023
Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in conference
[View all 129 activities](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/activities/)
## Impacts
- ### [Changing the Narrative: Improving Outcomes for Disabled Children and Young People in Care and Leaving Care](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/impacts/changing-the-narrative-improving-outcomes-for-disabled-children-a/)
[Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (Participant)
Impact: Public Service Impact
- ### [Just Us: Getting the right support for victims of sexual violence who have a learning disability.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/impacts/just-us-getting-the-right-support-for-victims-of-sexual-violence-/)
[Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (Participant)
Impact: Health Impact, Public Service Impact
- ### [Promoting Respect for Ethnic Diversity in Preschool Children](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/impacts/promoting-respect-for-ethnic-diversity-in-preschool-children/)
Connolly, P. (Participant), [Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (Participant) & [Gallagher, A.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/tony-gallagher/) (Participant)
Impact: Cultural Impact, Societial Impact
- ### [Transitions & Outcomes for Disabled Care Leavers in Northern Ireland](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/impacts/transitions-outcomes-for-disabled-care-leavers-in-northern-irelan/)
[Kelly, B.](https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/berni-kelly/) (Participant)
Impact: Public Service Impact