Childlight Global Child Safety Institute has been formally recognised as a research centre within Moray House School of Education and Sport at the University of Edinburgh. ChildlightChildlight Global Child Safety Institute is academically led by Professor Deborah Fry and is now the sixth research centre based within Moray House School of Education and Sport.It is a leading global research entity in the field of child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA), distinctive from other research centres in the University, as it focuses on understanding the prevalence and nature of CSEA to improve prevention globally.Childlight works around three core themes:Making online environments safer for childrenImproving responsible AI for children's safetyEvidence-based child protection system strengthening for CSEA Professor Deborah Fry "... working towards a shared goal of protecting children"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. Zoe Lambourne 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."Collaborative contributionsProfessor 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."This closer collaboration between Moray House and Childlight is an exciting step for both partners as each continues to support work and research for the future of children and young people.Related information:ChildlightChildren and Young People Childlight news story Tags Our community Research centres, groups and networks Children and young people Technology and AI Research news Publication date 16 Mar, 2026
