Michael Duffy

Dr Michael Duffy is a Senior Lecturer at Queen's University Belfast, affiliated with the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work and the Senator George J Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice. His expertise focuses on trauma-related mental health, PTSD, and prolonged grief disorder, particularly in conflict and disaster contexts. He co-led trauma recovery efforts after the Omagh bombing and has advised on global tragedies like 9/11 and the Manchester Arena attack.

Research Interests: Mental health linked to trauma, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for PTSD, prolonged grief disorder, and conflict-related psychological impacts. Current projects include an NIHR-funded trial on complex PTSD treatments and collaborations on grief interventions.

Key Contributions:

• Developed the Specialist MSc in Trauma Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at Queen’s.
• Co-designed CBT training programs for mental health staff in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
• Authored over 40 research outputs, including studies on trauma recovery and grief maintenance factors.
• Advisory roles with UK Trauma Council and National Emergencies Trust.

Awards:

• Fellow of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies
• Finalist in QUB Excellence Awards 2022
• International Association for Cognitive Psychotherapy Recognition

Labs/Teams: Leads the Trauma Team at Queen’s and collaborates with Oxford University and global institutions on PTSD and grief research.