Dame Sara appointed Honorary Professor in Modern Slavery at the University of Liverpool

Dame Sara has been appointed to the post of Honorary Professor in Modern Slavery at the University of Liverpool. She will work to support the activities of the Centre for the Study of International Slavery (CSIS) and partners at Liverpool’s International Slavery Museum.  

Dame Sara, Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, said:

“I am delighted to have been appointed Honorary Professor in Modern Slavery at the University of Liverpool.

As the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, I have been encouraged by the passion, rigour and critical insight demonstrated by the research community as they seek to better understand – and therefore tackle – contemporary slavery.

I am committed to building bridges between research, policy and practice and welcome this exciting opportunity to work more closely with academics and experts at the University of Liverpool.”

Dr Laura Sandy, Co-Director of the Centre for the Study for International Slavery, said: 

“The University is very conscious of the legacy of the slave trade, which has shaped the institution and the city, and of the continuing global problem of contemporary slavery and trafficking.

I’m thrilled to be working with Dame Sara and for the opportunity for the Centre to not merely research slavery, but to help fight all of its modern manifestations.”

Dr Richard Benjamin, Head of the International Slavery Museum, said: 

“National Museums Liverpool’s partnership with the CSIS is of great importance to us as a museums service.

Together, we share a responsibility for responding to and educating people in the painful subject of slavery in a historical sense, but also in raising awareness of contemporary slavery as we partner in our campaigning for human rights and equality.

We are at a crucial moment and we look forward to working closely with Dame Thornton in her new role to ensure our shared experience in this area has a valuable impact in highlighting the plight of those who have suffered and continue to suffer at the hands of slavery and human trafficking.”

You can read the University of Liverpool's announcement here.