Part 4: Memorialising the Troubles Section 52: Academic research
This section makes provision for an academic ‘themes and patterns’ research initiative relating to the Troubles, taking forward measures proposed in the Stormont House Agreement.
	Subsection (1) requires that the designated persons (see section 56) must secure that terms of reference are set out for an academic research initiative relating to the Troubles. These terms must be set within one year (beginning with a date specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State under subsection 56). The designated persons must also secure that the academic research initiative is carried out in accordance with those terms of reference, and that a report on the outcome of the academic research is produced and published, with a copy given to the Secretary of State, before the end of the seventh year of the period of operation of the ICRIR.
	Subsection (2) requires the designated persons to seek to work with a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) council, for example the Arts and Humanities Research Council, in complying with the duties under subsection (1). This may involve the UKRI delivering parts of this work on behalf of the designated persons, or in partnership with the designated persons.
	Subsection (3) requires that the academic research provided for in subsection (1) be carried out independently and in such a way as to secure public confidence in the endeavour.
	Subsection (4) provides that the terms of reference may allow researchers to consider relevant events and conduct that took place before or after the Troubles as part of the academic research, and may make provision about the criteria for identifying the kinds of events and conduct before or after the Troubles into which academic research is to be carried out.
	Subsection (5) provides that provision must be made in the terms of reference for researchers to take account of ICRIR family reports.
	Subsection (6) provides that the terms of reference for the academic research must require the production of an analysis or analyses of overarching themes and patterns relating to the Troubles While a list of specific themes to be studied is not included, under paragraph (b) of the subsection the terms of reference may include provision about criteria for identifying the kinds of themes or subject areas to be taken into account. The terms of reference must require that the thematic research include an analysis of women and girls’ experiences during the Troubles
	Subsections (7) and (8) require that the terms of reference provide for a statistical analysis of all ICRIR reports relating to a death, as well as the historical record (see sections 2(5)(f), 28 and 29). This analysis must set out, to the extent possible, t the number of deaths recorded in those reports and that record, an overview of the biographical attributes of the deceased, and an overview of the circumstances of the deaths.
	Subsection (9) defines various terms used in this section, such as ‘proscribed organisation’ and ‘ICRIR reports’.