Michael Bourne

Dr. Michael Bourne is an Associate Professor and Reader at Queen's University Belfast, affiliated with the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics. He is a core member of the Senator George J Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice. His research focuses on critical security theories, materiality of violence, arms control (from small arms to nuclear weapons), border control, and the intersections of sensor technologies with security practices. He actively engages in interdisciplinary projects combining new materialism, science and technology studies, and post-humanist philosophies.

• Research Leadership: Principal Investigator/Co-Investigator on RCUK-funded projects and European collaborations.
• Key Projects: Leverhulme Networks on Algorithmic Solutions (LINAS) and Cybersecurity and Society (LINCS), and projects like HANDHOLD (2012–2014) and Treating People as Objects? (2014–2016).

His work bridges theoretical frameworks and empirical analysis, addressing topics such as security technology politics, illicit trafficking, and ethical governance of mobility. Recent publications include studies on disarmament ontologies, border automation, and small arms control. Bourne is open to PhD supervision in critical security studies, arms control, and interdisciplinary technology ethics.

Awards & Activities: Active in peer review, conference participation, and international advisory roles. Recent activities include invited talks on 'Process and Technicity' (2025) and contributions to the British International Studies Association (BISA) conference (2024).