Professor Mike Brogden, a Queen's University academic known for his contentious nature, found himself in a protracted dispute with civil servants at Stormont. His research on domestic violence, particularly focusing on the often-overlooked subject of men experiencing abuse, faced significant pushback. When asked to modify his findings to suit political agendas, Brogden's refusal to compromise highlights the tension between academic integrity and governmental influence. The controversy surrounding his report ultimately reflects broader issues of societal perceptions about domestic violence.
The declassified files from the Public Record Office in Belfast reveal the extent of the conflict, with civil servants commissioning Brogden's £30,000 research yet subsequently demanding revisions to his conclusions. Brogden's response, reportedly telling them 'where to go' when pressed to change his findings, underscores his defiance and commitment to presenting his research as it was intended. This incident raises important questions about the autonomy of researchers and the integrity of academic work when faced with external pressures.
Collection
[
|
...
]