Erin O'Brien

Dr Erin O'Brien is an Associate Professor and ARC DECRA Fellow in the School of Justice at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Her research focuses on political activism, advocacy, and participation, particularly in areas like ethical consumerism and modern slavery. She holds a PhD from the University of Queensland and an MA from Durham University. O'Brien co-leads the Activism and Politics Research Group and is a Chief Investigator in QUT's Centres for Justice and Decent Work. She has supervised PhD projects on modern slavery narratives, youth social movements, and narrative politics.

Education:

• PhD in Political Science, University of Queensland
• MA in Social Policy, University of Durham (UK)
• BA (Honours) in International Relations, University of Queensland

Research Interests:

• Political activism, advocacy, and resistance
• Ethical consumerism and shareholder activism
• Modern slavery and human trafficking
• Political narratives and storytelling
• Global justice and human security

Awards:

• ARC DECRA Fellowship (2021–2024)
• Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching and Research Excellence (2020)

Grants & Projects:

• Australian Civil Society Combating Modern Slavery with Ethical Consumerism (ARC DECRA)
• Strategies for Improving Labour Conditions in the Australian Cotton Value Chain (QUT-funded)

Labs/Teams: QUT Centre for Justice, QUT Centre for Decent Work and Industry, Activism and Politics Research Group.