Professor Byrne’s research expertise is focused on the implementation of disability rights and of children’s rights. Through her work with the Centre for Children’s Rights and the Disability Research Network she adopts participatory and rights-based approaches to research.

This research has included working with international partners to research children with disabilities’ views and experiences of their rights online for the Council of Europe. Nationally, Bronagh has worked with Laura Lundy to inform the development of the Children’s Services Co-Operation Act (2015) which places a duty on certain public authorities to work together to improve the well-being of children and young people.

Currently, Bronagh is working with the British Deaf Association and academic partners from the U.S to examine access to justice for deaf people.

The objective of the research activity is to develop an evidence base on children and young people, and disabled people’s experiences of their rights by bringing their voices to the fore, and using this evidence to inform law, policy and practice both internationally and nationally.