The Centre for Cross Border Studies (CCBS), based in Armagh, Northern Ireland, has a specific and unique role in contributing to a stronger social, economic and territorial cohesion of the island of Ireland in :
– Addressing information gaps and overcoming barriers to cross-border mobility and cooperation through research and the provision of resources, tools and other practical support;
– Promoting and improving the quality of cross-border cooperation between public institutions/bodies, the economic sector and civil society; and
– By improving the capacity of the actors involved in the economic and social development of the island to engage in mutually beneficial cross-border cooperation.   
CCBS is an independent body set up in 1999 by Queen’s University Belfast, Dublin City University and the Workers Educational Association, and currently consists of a team of eight people. Its Scientific Council (Board) includes representation from universities on both sides of the Irish border, including Queen’s University Belfast and University College Cork.

A diverse and highly qualified research portfolio forms the core of the centre’s activities, providing a solid basis for the promotion of cross-border and transnational cooperation. Cutting-edge research and analysis, with a growing focus on applied research and policy continue to be at the heart of the Centre’s activities. This research and analysis informs and supports the Centre’s advocacy for and promotion of cross-border cooperation on the island of Ireland and increasingly the work within the EU and a wider international context. As a partner in the Transfrontier Euro Institute Network (TEIN), CCBS has already worked with partners in other EU border regions to develop specific toolkits for cross-border cooperation and for the intercultural management of cross-border projects. CCBS is also working towards the resolution of the Irish conflict through the application of the PEACE programmes to cross-border cooperation.