March 17 / 2026 / Reading Time: 2 minutes
Childlight designated as University of Edinburgh Research Centre
Childlight Global Child Safety Institute, a leading global research entity in the field of child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA), has been formally recognised as a research centre within the University of Edinburgh.
Welcoming the development, Childlight COO Zoe Lambourne said it marks an important step in the organisation’s evolution and strengthens its foundations within a world class university.
She said: “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.”
In a message to others within the University, she 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 at Childlight@ed.ac.uk.
“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."
Professor Carol Campbell, Head of Moray House School of Education and Sport, “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 Professor Deborah Fry, Professor of International Child Protection Research at the University of Edinburgh. It is a leading global research entity in the field of child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) and uses the illuminating power of data to shine a light on the hidden pandemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse – and to catalyse action to safeguard children all over the world.
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 was established in 2021 as a partnership between Human Dignity Foundation and the University of Edinburgh, and works closely with major global partners including the World Health Organization, United Nations and UNICEF among others.