Dr Ilias Trispiotis’ research into banning ‘Conversion Therapy’ nominated for SLSA Impact Prize 2023

This annual prize is awarded to recognise and celebrate excellence in non-academic impact arising from socio-legal research.

A project led by School of Law Associate Professor in Human Rights Law Dr Ilias Trispiotis has been nominated for the Socio-Legal Studies Association (SLSA) Annual Impact Prize 2023.  

The project ‘Banning LGBTQ+ “Conversion Therapy”: Engaging with Policy makers and LGBTQ+ Organisations to Change UK Law’ aims to lead to effective legal protection of LGBTQ+ persons from the harms of so-called ‘conversion therapy’. Working with policymakers and LGBTQ+ organisations, the ongoing research project led by Dr Trispiotis involves impact and engagement activities designed to enable legal change – specifically, an effective legal ban on so-called ‘conversion therapy’ in the UK and abroad. 

It is one of just three projects shortlisted for the Impact Prize, and the results will be announced at the SLSA Annual Conference 4–6 April 2023, held at Ulster University. 

The project also won the first prize at the inaugural University of Leeds Research Culture and Engaged for Impact Awards in 2022 in the category ‘making a positive difference to society’. 

At the end of 2021, Dr Trispiotis was invited by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee to give oral evidence on the Government's proposed legislation against conversion therapy in the UK.