The Institute of Irish Studies hosts an annual International Irish Studies Lecture given by a distinguished academic or figure in public service. 

Brian O’Dwyer is from O’Dwyer & Bernstien, a law firm in New York which concentrates on personal injury, immigration rights, labour relations, disability rights and commercial litigation.  

As a son of Irish immigrants, he has been especially influential and active in America's Irish community, focusing on immigration rights and reform as well as supporting investment and development throughout Ireland as Chair of the Irish Chamber of Commerce, USA. In 2019 he was Grand Marshall of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  

He has long been involved with the Democratic Party, was a founding member of the National Democratic Ethnic Coordinating Committee and of the Irish American Democrats. He was part of the delegation that accompanied President Bill Clinton to Ireland on each of his three trips and served as an advisor to the White House on Irish issues including the peace process. In June 2011, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appointed him as Commissioner of the United States National Commission for UNESCO.  

He has served as International Chair of Ireland West Airport and holds Honorary Degrees from DCU (D.Phil) and Middlebury College (DHL). He has been chosen by Irish America magazine on numerous occasions as a member of the ‘Top 100’ Irish in the United States. 

In June 2012, O'Dwyer was honoured as one of the top 25 Irish who have made a difference by Irish Voice Magazine. The award recognised him as one of the top leaders of the Irish Community in the New York area, and as someone who has had a significant positive impact in changing the community.  

Previous lecturers to speak at the Irish Studies International Lecture have included Professor Pat Palmer (Maynooth), Professor David Lloyd (University of California, Riverside), Professor Richard Kearney (Boston College), Professor Joe Lee (New York University), Professor Joep Leerssen (University of Amsterdam), Professor Elizabeth Malcolm (University of Melbourne) and Professor Marianne Elliott (University of Liverpool). 

The lecture is free and open to the public and will be held in the Emeleus Lecture Theatre at Queen's University Belfast on Tuesday 7 June at 5pm.  

Registration is required via Eventbrite. 

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