Dr Cahill-Ripley is an expert in international human rights law, with a specialism in economic, social and cultural rights. Her current research explores the intersections between economic and social rights and  peacebuilding (including transitional justice) , sustainable development (including the SDGs), poverty and social justice and human security. Dr Cahill-Ripley is also interested in the rights of women; human rights and public law in the UK and Ireland and methods of human rights research. She is currently working on her second monograph to be published with CUP  entitled 'Peacebuilding and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Enhancing Human Security'.

International human rights, in particular, economic, social and cultural rights; human rights and development; human rights, conflict and transitional justice.