Ulster University Supercharges Research and Innovation with Launch of New Five Year Strategy

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Ulster University has today unveiled a brand new Research and Innovation strategy which aims to focus its contribution to global challenges such as climate change, inequality and social deprivation and ensure its research aligns to societal needs – both locally, here on the Island of Ireland and on a global scale.

Five new strategic research themes have been established to enable the University to carry out world-class research that has a transformative impact on societies: challenging inequality and division; building the sustainable world; accelerating data futures; transforming health; and inspiring creativity and innovation.

As well as setting out these new research themes, the new strategy aims to focus on the people behind the research: to develop the researchers and research community, increasing the excellence, intensity and value of research and impact.

It also lays out plans to develop and promote an open, diverse, supportive and sustainable research culture, which fosters increased collaboration between researchers and industry or sectoral partners. It promises to invest in partnerships and on infrastructure to ensure research can thrive.

This Research Strategy builds on the University’s already significant research success – it is in the 10% of UK universities for research impact, 97% of its research has been deemed as having ‘outstanding or very considerable impacts in reach and significance’ and 80% of its research outputs have been deemed ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

Ulster University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholomew said: “Linking to The University Strategy: People, Place and Partnership; the Research Strategy seeks to unlock the University’s collective potential to deliver Sustainable Futures for All. Research and innovation remain at the heart of the strategic direction of the University, founded on the core values: Collaboration, Enhancing Potential, Inclusion and Integrity. 

“Our last research strategy from 2017-22 delivered unprecedented growth in our research and innovation performance. Building on this work and the University’s highest ever performance in the Research Excellence Framework 2021, we are excited to continue to advance our vision for research excellence.”

Professor Liam Maguire, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research added: “People are at the heart of this University, so the strategy is focused on the development of Ulster University’s research community and culture, providing a supportive environment for all our researchers and investing in the infrastructure to optimise research. 

“Co-developed with over 300 staff and post PhD researchers at Ulster University, our strategy focuses on four strategic research goals: to conduct world-class research that has a transformative impact on societies locally and globally, to develop our researchers and our research community, increasing the excellence, intensity and value of our research and impact; to develop and promote an open, diverse, supportive and sustainable research culture, promoting cooperation and collaboration between researchers and partners; and to place research and innovation at the heart of Ulster’s strategic direction, investing in partnerships and the infrastructure upon which research can thrive.”

Tim Brundle, Director of Research and Impact at Ulster University spoke of the research community of the future that the new strategy will enable: “We are committed to developing the very best and most sustainable research culture, fostering cooperation and collaboration between researchers and our partners and nurturing interdisciplinary between research groups.

“Our desired research environment will be one in which people and ideas move freely, co-creating innovation and opportunity, shortening the distance between insight and value creation in society. This approach will be essential to Ulster’s programme of City and Growth Deals, in our response to the climate crisis and to global grand challenges. 

“We are building a research and innovation environment that is open and supportive of our researchers, our partnerships and our focus on transformative impact locally and globally.”

About the five strategic research themes:

Challenging inequality and division: Ulster’s multi-disciplinary research will help shape our world for the better by informing social, economic and political thinking and decision-making to create an equal, cohesive, safe and sustainable society. One such example includes the ‘Every Voice Matters! Violence Against Women in Northern Ireland’ report from Ulster University which uncovered eye-watering levels of violence against women in NI and was commissioned by The Executive Office and launched by the Head of the Civil Service, Jayne Brady. This report was commissioned to inform an important strategy: the ‘End Violence Against Women and Girls’ strategy, which is currently out to consultation.

Building the sustainable world: The University’s research-led approach to understanding the environment will enable us to inform colleagues, communities, policy-makers and businesses on ways we can make the best use of our resources and tackle major societal challenges such as climate change, energy, food and water security; social inclusion and deprivation. We will research and develop new technologies and solutions to build the sustainable world. We’re already contributing to major Governmental projects: we are part of a consortium creating a new £21.3million national research hub to decarbonise the UK’s maritime sector, we are part of another group which is shaping eco-friendly waste management culture through design and we have just mapped, for the very first time, changes to Northern Ireland’s coastline over 190 years as a result of coastal erosion and advancement. This work will shape policy and decision making for sustainable coastal and waste management and for sectoral decarbonisation.

Accelerating data futures: Technological innovation is revolutionising the ways in which societies function at all levels with digital prediction and data insights transforming decision-making in all sectors, for example, in food, health, art & heritage, industry, energy and finance. We are already leading major AI research projects as part of a network established by the Alan Turing Institute to build and share knowledge around digital twin research, we hosted a major AI summit where we and international experts explored the future of AI for the education sector and we partner with KAINOS, hosting an AI Research Centre on our Belfast campus.

Transforming health: Ulster’s multidisciplinary researchers have a combined aim of improving lives on a global scale as well as informing major policy changes. They are making new discoveries and using new innovative materials, methods and technologies to provide cutting-edge solutions to make a real-world impact on health in the wider context of communities and society. For example, researchers are working to improve dementia diagnosis and on novel treatments for Alzheimer’s and on drug-gene testing to alleviate healthcare waiting times, through personalised medicine. There are also research projects into multiple other long-term conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, blood cancers, vision, neurodegenerative disorders and arthritis.

Inspiring creativity and innovation: The University’s creative and artistic research spans a variety of disciplines and stretches beyond time-honoured research methods, incorporating practice-based research and the digital tools which enable us to better understand and adapt to our rapidly changing environment. Studio Ulster is one such example: a large-scale virtual production campus at Belfast Harbour Studios which will host a state-of-the-art research and development facility to help drive the next generation of visual effects technologies that will revolutionise the UK’s film, TV and performing arts industries.

To find out more, visit: ulster.ac.uk/research/strategy

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Northern Ireland’s largest 5G testbed in Derry-Londonderry set to supercharge smart manufacturing

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Local technology consortium Smart Nano NI, formed to further the development of smart manufacturing in Northern Ireland, has today launched the largest 5G testbed in Northern Ireland in Derry-Londonderry, marking a significant step in a five-year plan to accelerate smart manufacturing in the country. 

Led by consortium partner Digital Catapult, the UK authority on advanced digital technology, the 5G testbed is the organisation’s latest innovation activity to bolster economic growth and investment opportunity in Northern Ireland. The investment by the Smart Nano NI consortium will create a valuable, open access facility and provide expert technical support to local start-ups and businesses through the Digital Catapult Smart Nano Accelerator Programme.

The ground-breaking testbed facilities will be delivered by the global IT and business consulting services firm CGI, in partnership with Digital Catapult Northern Ireland. The cutting-edge 5G and 4G private network is a first-of-its-kind smart manufacturing and education setting in Northern Ireland, providing access to the latest network technologies including 5G and NarrowBand-Internet of Things (NB-IoT), and will be instrumental in upskilling the next generation of innovators and experts across the country. 

William Revels, Managing Director at Digital Catapult Northern Ireland, said, “This is an exciting milestone for the project as we bring access to the latest 5G technology to both industry and academia and enable businesses to take advantage of the substantial market opportunities offered by 5G. Derry-Londonderry will be the ninth 5G testbed in Digital Catapult’s nationwide network and we’ve seen the opportunities that can be opened up from providing the equipment and in turn de-risking innovation.” 

RELATED: Smart Nano NI launches Smart Manufacturing accelerator programme to empower Northern Ireland manufacturers

The development of these facilities follows CGI’s opening of a new delivery centre in Northern Ireland as part of its commitment to developing skills and talent in the region. Volkan Pakoglu, Director Consulting Services at CGI, added, “The integration of this new 5G platform will demonstrate the value of creating mobile private networks within business by taking full advantage of the power, performance, and connectivity of 5G. We are committed to working together with Smart Nano NI and its partners to support and facilitate innovation, sustainable solutions and use technology for good.” 

The smart education site at the Industry 4.0 Centre in the Northwest Regional College’s Springtown Campus, will give both students and industry access to test and explore new use cases of the 5G private network, while the manufacturing site, hosted at Seagate’s manufacturing facility, will give businesses the opportunity to test the technology in a live manufacturing setting.

Dr Fergal Tuffy, Business Support Centre Manager at North West Regional College, said, “We are delighted to have the 5G testbed installed at our Springtown Campus, adding to our automation and robotics equipment at the Industry 4.0 Centre. This exciting collaboration will allow us to support students and businesses to gain skills and knowledge to take advantage of the opportunities that these cutting-edge technologies present.”

As part of today’s announcement, Digital Catapult have also launched an open call for the latest Smart Nano Accelerator Programme, giving businesses access to the 5G testbed for the first time. The Manufacturing Innovation Challenge is inviting innovative Northern Ireland start-ups and SMEs to join the programme and submit ideas for new technology solutions to solve manufacturing challenges.

Following the completion of the programme, the participating Northern Ireland-based companies will have the opportunity to compete for a £75,000 grant from Techstart Ventures to continue to develop their business idea. Funded through Techstart’s Proof of Concept Grant Fund, this pre-commercial grant awarding fund supports entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland with grants to explore the viability and commercial potential of an innovative concept. 

Kathleen Garrett from Techstart Ventures said, “We are delighted to have partnered with Digital Catapult, Seagate and the Smart Nano NI consortium on this Manufacturing Innovation Challenge. We look forward to seeing the innovations develop through the accelerator programme and have no doubt that some exciting businesses will be formed during this process with the support & guidance of the accelerator and the £75k grant funding from ourselves.”

Jason Wiggins, Programme Manager for Smart Nano NI, added: “The combined investment in infrastructure, the Smart Nano Accelerator programme and the Techstart competition creates a supportive environment for companies to develop and test new technologies. This collaboration will deliver new business resources to Northern Ireland and will drive growth and innovation across many sectors”.

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City of Derry Airport Birmingham Bound with Ryanair NEW Service Launching April 2024!

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After a hugely successful year at City of Derry Airport in 2023, the Airport is starting 2024 on a high following Ryanair’s announcement that the airline will be operating a new year round service from the Gateway of the Northwest to Birmingham twice weekly from April 2024.

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, expressed his delight on the new Birmingham service: “We are thrilled to expand our route map with Ryanair and provide a much-needed service for our local catchment area across Derry City and Strabane, the Causeway Coast and Glens, Donegal and beyond.

“A direct connection to Birmingham has been in demand for a number of years, particularly for those commuting to work, study or visit family and friends, and we are delighted that Ryanair will be taking to the skies to provide this.”

Mr. Frazer added: “As part of our long-term commitment to support and develop the Northwest economy and tourism sector, we hope this new service will help bring new inbound investment opportunities and a new tourism market from the UK midlands area into the Walled City and surrounding areas.”

This news follows the launch of new international connectivity to 119 destinations across 56 countries from City of Derry Airport via London Heathrow, with increased frequency from January 2024, the release of Travel Solutions summer holidays to Faro and Palma for 2024, the take-off of Joe Walsh Tours summer pilgrimages to Lourdes, and a sold-out Topflight school ski programme to Verona which is taking to the skies for the first time this month, marking a new era for the Airport.

The new Ryanair service between City of Derry Airport and Birmingham will commence from April 2024, and flights are available to book now via the Ryanair website.

Visit www.ryanair.com for more information.

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NW Strategic Growth Partnership celebrates its cross border collaboration success with education MOU

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Members of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership met at the An Grianan Hotel in Burt Co. Donegal this week for a winter plenary session to celebrate and raise awareness of the hugely important work of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership, the North West Development Group and the North West Development Fund.

This high-level meeting was held between senior Government officials from both the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government and civic leaders and partners and officials from Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council.

A key element of the meeting was the launch of the North West Tertiary Education Cluster’s Memorandum of Understanding, showcasing the important vision of further and higher level education provision in the North West. This unique and innovative partnership between ATU, Ulster University, the NWRC and Donegal ETB assists with the growth of third level education places across the region. It emanates from the strong cross border working relationship over the years and the excellent work done to develop each institution’s capacities to achieve their respective missions through enhanced cooperation.

Members attending the meeting received a comprehensive overview on the achievements of the North West Strategic Partnership and the positive impact it has on the North West City Region.

There also was a series of detailed discussions by panels made up of key partners and representatives. Among the topics discussed were the Territorial co-operation of the North West City Region; Infrastructure and spatial growth and how to achieve Net Zero by 2045 and the potential of green growth with the Regional Energy Agency Investment Concept.

Delegates were also given the opportunity to hear at first-hand about the joint cross border Colmcille Arts and Culture Project from Donegal County Council project officer, Deirdre Harte.

The North West Strategic Growth Partnership is a unique structure that was first established in 2016 through the North South Ministerial Council, to provide support and discussion to the North West City Region.

Jointly led by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council, and chaired by the two Mayors, the meeting is supported by the International Centre for Local and Regional Development (ICLRD). The Partnership is established in conjunction with and supported by The Executive Office and The Irish Government.

Jointly chairing the meeting was Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Councillor Patricia Logue, who welcomed the innovative cross border work being taken forward by all partners.

She said: “This is a significant meeting that is attended by very senior officers from government across the island of Ireland who are doing a tremendous amount of work to look at the growth needs of the region. I was very impressed with the level of work that is taking place on important issues relating to further and higher education and was delighted to welcome the Teritary Education Partnership to the meeting to hear at first-hand about their ambitious and forward thinking vision for third level education provision across the North West City Region. The signing of an updated Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their existing relationship will allow all four institutions to continue with their work in capitalising opportunities to improve third level education provision for all.”

Referring to the panel discussions, the Mayor said they highlighted the joined up approach being taken across all our partners to really develop and address the regional priorities for the growth and development across this North West City Region.

“It was also positive to hear about the achievements of the North West Strategic Partnership and about the success of the Colmcille project in creating greater awareness and appreciation of the life of St Colmcille. I was also glad to hear about the commitment to achieving Net Zero and putting green growth top of our agenda going forward.”

An Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Martin Harley welcomed all participants to the meeting and highlighted the significance of this unique partnership.  He said that by working together the partners had successfully linked local and central government to work collectively to address regional growth and development.

Welcoming the signing of the updated MOU, he said: “The signing of the updated MOU formalises the existing strong working relationship between the four institutions to work together to enhance opportunities for students in research, innovation, education and training. Through this collaborative approach they can ensure the student pathway is enhanced to provide a quality further and higher education experience for all.”

He said: “It is also important that we acknowledge the achievements of these partnerships and the fund and how since 2016 we have been working collectively as a unique partnership to support the region’s commitment to growth.   I am proud of what we have achieved since this time and the leadership role we have taken to ensure there is a joined-up approach to everything that we do. It is important that we continue to focus on a collaborative cross border vision for the region in terms of spatial planning, transport connectivity, education provision and green transformation.

Extending a sincere thanks to everyone participating in the meeting, Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie said it was more important than ever that these strong links with senior government officials are retained and re-emphasised the importance of collaboration.

John G. McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council also thanked all participants saying the partnerships were hugely beneficial in further strengthening links between the two Councils, its partners and the two governments. Referencing the signing of the MOU between the education partners, he reiterated how collaboration is key to successfully develop a City Region that is thriving, sustainable and prosperous.

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New Lord Mayor of City of London renews ties with Derry and Strabane

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The newly inaugurated Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Michael Mainelli, was in Derry and Strabane last week to explore the challenges and the opportunities for advancing trade, investment and civic connections for the two cities.

The 695th Lord Mayor and his delegation were welcomed to the Guildhall by Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, who was joined by Council Chief Executive John Kelpie and senior officers to discuss priorities for the City Region.

Northern Ireland is his first visit as Lord Mayor, and Alderman Mainelli took part in a number of local engagements including a visit to Foyle College and lunch with local business leaders hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. He also took the opportunity to meet with representatives of the International Regulatory Innovation Supercluster (IRIS) including Atlantic Technological University, Catalyst, Donegal County Council, Ulster University and the Council. 

Elected annually, the Lord Mayor of the City of London is an international ambassador leading overseas business delegations to key international markets on behalf of the UK’s financial and professional services industry. He also heads up the City of London Corporation, the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City.

Derry and Strabane retains strong connections with the City of London and London Corporation, developed over recent years, with shared interests in the areas of Financial and Professional Services, technology, tourism and culture.

Welcoming the new Lord Mayor to the City, Mayor Logue said their meeting had been an opportunity to discuss building the ties that can generate growth in both our regions.

“The meeting with Ald. Mainelli was a great chance to discuss progress to date and our priorities going forwards,” she declared.

“The City of London is a global leader in the Financial and Professional Services sector. Our meeting today offered a platform to discuss some of our recent success stories, including the announcement by one of Ireland’s fastest growing fintech companies, FinTrU of plans to invest over £20m creating an additional 300 new jobs in Derry.

“As a Council we are committed to developing strong international business links, and will continue to explore opportunities for future investment and growth, building on the fantastic work that has already been done to develop our key industries, the emerging fintech cluster here, as well as shared interests in innovation, education and climate action.

During his term in office, Ald. Mainelli had pledged to promote his Theme of Connect To Prosper. This initiative is focused on harnessing the City of London’s vast knowledge ecosystem and will bring together thought leaders from the scientific, academic and business worlds to demonstrate the City’s strengths in solving global challenges.

On his visit he said he would continue to explore new avenues to collaborate with Derry and Strabane and opportunities for closer alignment between the City Region and City of London.

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US Envoy leads delegation to North West

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A senior business delegation led by US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joseph P. Kennedy, III, visited the North West in October 2023 as part of their wider Northern Ireland itinerary.

Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 26th October 2023 Photo by Phil Magowan / Press Eye

They were hosted by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Patricia Logue to a Business Lunch at the Guildhall that was attended by over 40 delegates from the U.S., local partners and stakeholders including representatives from Ulster University, the North West Regional College, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, City Centre Initiative and the neighbouring Donegal County Council.

A significant number of globally focused local businesses and international investors who are located in the NorthWest region were also in attendance alongside Jayne Brady, Head of the Civil Service and representatives from the U.S. Department of State and Invest NI.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Patricia Logue said she was delighted to welcome the delegation to the Guildhall. She said the visit was an important occasion for the North West region to promote and sell its compelling and unique investment opportunity.

She said: “This high-profile delegation offered us an opportunity to promote the NorthWest region’s unique location as a cross border city region with access to both the EU and UK markets, with a dynamic talent and skilful population thanks to our strong university and further and higher education provision and our unique approach to developing a skilled workforce for business. We were also able to promote the flexibility of our people, our rich culture and heritage and the quality of life for people living here.

“The focus of the business lunch was for U.S. investors and local NorthWest businesses to engage in ideas and experiences and to showcase our rich tourism, culture and heritage and unique business offering. The delegation was impressed by the strong collaboration and partnership that exists between all our business sectors and the supportive environment that is available here for investors.”

The event was an opportunity for companies from a diverse range of sectors including Fintech, digital, creative, advanced manufacturing and life and health sciences to network and engage with one another.

In addition to getting an update on the region’s City and Growth Deal and wider strategic projects from Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Chief Executive, the delegation heard contributions from a range of US companies who have invested in the area such as Seagate and Allstate NI, as well as from local leading businesses like NuPrint, FAST Technologies, Alchemy and Access Elemental, before taking a tour of the Guildhall and viewing the John Hume Nobel Peace Prize and a walking tour of the historic City Walls and the Peace Bridge.

The Mayor concluded that the visit reflected the continued commitment of Special Envoy Joseph P. Kennedy III to showcasing the North West as an attractive location for US investors

The delegation arrived in Northern Ireland on October 24 for a number of days to meet local business leaders, established US investors and politicians and took time visit key tourist attractions.

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Ulster University’s Talent Hub Grand Finale Showcases Next Generation of North West Leaders in Style

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Over 100 students and employers took part, pitched for placements and event featured a live podcast hosted by Caroline O’Neill, founder of DiggforSuccess with FinTrU’s Executive Director, Greg McCann.

Ulster University Business School celebrates the next generation of North West leaders who successfully completed the 2023 Talent Hub, concluding the programme in style with a Grand Finale event at the Great Hall at Derry~Londonderry campus this week.

‘Talent Hub’ is an innovative initiative, co-designed with key industry partner FinTrU and in collaboration with The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, aimed to connect talented students with local employers to help them foster professional networks, whilst committing future talent to the North West region.

Nearly 100 Global Business and Enterprise students participated in a series of four co-designed workshops, collaboratively created between Ulster University Business School and North West businesses. These workshops equipped students with essential skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities, enhancing their potential employability and ensuring skill alignment with employer needs in the working world.

As part of the event, the ‘Pitch for Placement’ segment saw the business students showcasing their talents to a captivated audience of over 20 local employers and business leaders such as FinTrU, Alchemy, Fujitsu, Kainos, Deloitte and Bio Ledger, from the North West region and beyond, all contending for the opportunity to secure a 12-month work placement within these organisations.

Throughout the Talent Hub series, students honed their personal and organisational awareness. The workshops emphasised active learning and applied skills, encouraging authentic engagement with business leaders to meet the agile demands of today’s working world. Students also had the chance to visit FinTrU’s newly renovated Patrick Street office, gaining first-hand experience of corporate culture, and developed communication skills during an interactive round table networking event.

At the event, Caroline O’Neill, founder of DiggforSuccess, hosted a live podcast with FinTrU’s Executive Director, Greg McCann, discussing company culture, collaboration in the North West, and ways businesses can elevate the profile of the next generation of leaders.

Caroline spoke of her collaboration with The Talent Hub:

“It is so exciting to work with the Talent Hub and see first hand how a difference is being made in the lives of students by training them with the skills needed to nurture their talents and improve their confidence and self belief. I truly believe the impact that the Talent Hub has will have a ripple effect for years to come as students embark on life outside of university in the world of work.”

Dr Aisling Reid, Lecturer in Business Enterprise at Ulster University and founder of The Talent Hub, said:

“I am so proud of what the Talent Hub has become through co-design and support from local employers. It plays a core role in the North West talent pipeline, connecting future talent with established leaders. By building strong partnerships with North West businesses, we are aligning to business needs to develop agile students with professional confidence. The Talent Hub has become a community with a sense of belonging. Together we are celebrating and harvesting talent in the North West region. We have exciting plans to develop the concept further.“

Ulster University student Aoife McCloskey shared her thoughts following completing Talent Hub:

“I am so grateful to have had this opportunity. It has given me a hands-on approach, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone whilst remaining in a safe environment. It opened my horizons to various businesses I wouldn’t have previously been familiar with and at the same time allowed me and other students the opportunity to make some incredible networking connections that will help us when gaining placements- an invaluable experience and opportunity.”

Greg McCann, FinTrU Executive Director said:

“FinTrU are delighted with the work of the Talent Hub and the partnership with UU. The nurturing of graduate talent is essential for FinTrU’s growth plans and it is fantastic to be involved with this innovative initiative in the North West. It is a great example of what University/Business partnerships can deliver to help grow the NW economy.”

Senior Talent Partners at FinTrU, Keith Toland and Erin King added:

“The Talent Hub has provided FinTrU a platform to foster an interest for Financial Services in the North West region whilst positively influencing and supporting the employability of local graduate talent at Ulster University. We commend the students on their ambition, enthusiasm, and participation throughout the workshops and have welcomed their applications for our 2024 Placement Programme. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Ulster University and the Talent Hub.”

Anna Doherty, CEO of The Derry/L~Derry Chamber of Commerce said:

“The Derry Chamber is delighted to work so closely with Aisling and her team on the development of Talent Hub, especially at a time when growing skills and a sustainable talent pipeline has never been more important for business. The Talent Hub is a key initiative from UBS which brings businesses and students together to learn from each other. We look forward to continuing this collaboration to support a thriving Northwest economy.”

Local businesses are encouraged to get in touch with Dr Aisling Reid, Ulster University  to get involved in the next ‘Talent Hub’ taking place in 2024 as we grow our reach and impact in the North West region.

Email ar.reid@ulster.ac.uk to find out more.

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New Open University office at North West Regional College’s Strand Road campus

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North West Regional College (NWRC) has officially cut the ribbon on a brand new Open University (OU) office at their Strand Road campus in Derry~Londonderry.

The office, adjacent to NWRC’s Careers Academy, is the OU’s first official premises in the North West and strengthens a partnership between the two organisations which saw the validation of two OU higher education level courses in September 2023.

During the official opening on Thursday, Dr Catherine O’ Mullan, NWRC Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards, handed over keys for the new office to John D’Arcy, Director of The Open University in Ireland.

Dr O’ Mullan said: “Today is another exciting chapter in this unique educational partnership. We are delighted to welcome The Open University to our Strand Road Campus with its own office and base in the North West.

“NWRC is committed to growing and developing our curriculum, offering something really different and much needed within the North West region.

“Our partnership with The Open University is the culmination of extensive diligence and hard work from both organisations, as well as significant consultation with employers, over the past two years. It complements the existing partnerships we have with other Higher Education Institutions in the region and has allowed us to add to our portfolio of courses, providing a more diverse offer related to areas of skills gaps .

“But this is just the beginning. We intend to grow our Higher Education curriculum offer at NWRC and hope to announce details of further developments in specialist subject areas with The Open University in the future.”

John D’Arcy, OU, added: ”The Open University is proud to officially move into our new office at NWRC allowing us to work even closer with staff and students. We have worked hard with NWRC Senior Management to provide this level of choice and provision of higher education and I am delighted to see the students on our Foundation Degree in Cyber Security and Level 4 Certificate in Healthcare Practice courses performing so well since they first began in September 2023. This partnership will continue to grow, and we look forward to seeing what 2024 will bring to the North West region and further afield.”

Applications are now open for all Higher Education courses beginning at NWRC in September 2024, including the OU Foundation Degree in Cyber Security (full and part-time), OU Level 4 Higher Education Certificate in Healthcare Practice, and OU Foundation Degree in Housing Practice. Further details of additional courses presently being approved by OU will be made available in due course.

For more information visit www.nwrc.ac.uk/higher-education

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Ulster University hosts prestigious European Parliament John Hume exhibition

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To mark the twenty-fifth anniversary year of the Belfast Good Friday agreement, Ulster University welcomes an exhibition for the first time to Northern Ireland, to celebrate one of the occasion’s principal architects, John Hume. In partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in the UK and The John and Pat Hume Foundation, the exhibit which launched yesterday evening in Derry~Londonderry, will embark on a year-long tour across the university campuses including Coleraine and Belfast.

The display also honours twenty-five years since Hume was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with David Trimble for their efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Northern Ireland. The exhibition, “He made hope and history rhyme” takes inspiration from the words of fellow Nobel prize winner and friend, Seamus Heaney.

Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, Provost Ulster University expresses:

“As our year long programme of events reflecting on the Belfast Good Friday agreement draws to a close, its only right that we return again to the architects of change that were instrumental in bringing about the peaceful times that we live in– with all the opportunities and potential they created. We are delighted to partner with the European Parliament Liaison Office UK and The John and Pat Hume Foundation to host this prestigious exhibition at Ulster University. As a son of the city, it is fitting that the exhibition launches its 2024 tour of all our campuses across the region in his home of Derry~Londonderry”  

“An MEP for quarter of a century and European of the Year, Hume worked tirelessly to broker peace and reconciliation in his native land. The everyday injustices of life in the north and especially in his divided hometown led Hume to join the civil rights movement in the 1960s and to forge a philosophy encapsulated in this quote: “Difference is of the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace: respect for diversity.”

Susanne Oberhauser, Director of the European Parliament Liaison Office in the UK comments;

“John Hume never tired of reminding us how the peace process in Northern Ireland has been so heavily inspired by the example of the European Parliament and the European project. As he liked to recall: “The union of Europe was the inspiration for our [Good Friday] agreement. The first time I went to Strasbourg in 1979 as a Member of the European Parliament, and I went to neighbouring Germany, I thought that if, in 1945, someone had said that these two countries would be reunited in Europe and that Strasbourg would be the symbol city of this hope, they would have been sent to the psychiatrist. The European Union is the best example of conflict resolution in the history of the world. All the regions at war must study the way in which Europe was built.” Thus, this project is particularly dear to our hearts and we are honoured to contribute to the remembrance of his legacy.”

Tim Attwood, Foundation Secretary, John and Pat Hume Foundation states:

“The John and Pat Hume Foundation welcome this excellent opportunity to partner with the European Parliament Liaison Office UK and Ulster University to showcase John Hume’s work as a Member of the European Parliament and the fact that the mission of the European Union inspired his courageous journey to build peace and reconciliation in Ireland through dialogue, partnership and bridge-building.  

“Two days short of John Hume’s eighty seventh birthday and fifty years after Ireland officially became a member of the European Economic Community (EEC), it is our duty to keep faith with the Hume principles, keep his dream of peace and non-violence alive and inspire current and emerging courageous leaders for peaceful change, at home and in conflicts internationally, who will chart a better way forward and build a more just and prosperous future for all  our children.”

The exhibition features panels with highlights of Hume’s role in the peace process alongside a bronze bust, one of only five specially commissioned pieces created by Ballymena born sculptor, Liz O’Kane. The remaining busts are installed at the Irish embassies in Washington DC, London, the European Parliament in Strasbourg and Leinster House in Dublin. After the tour of Ulster University’s campuses this piece will take up residence in the Guildhall in December 2024. Alongside the exhibition is a creation by Dublin tapestry artist, Catherine O’Connor whose grandparents hail from Derry~Londonderry. The tapestry, commissioned by friends of John and Pat Hume shines a light on Pat and the strength of her relationship with John and her integral role in the peace process.

The exhibition is free and open to the public from Wednesday 17 January – Friday 29 March and is located on the ground floor lobby of the MU building, Derry~Londonderry campus.

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Ireland’s North West City Region showcased in the Irish Embassy, London

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On 4th December 2023 at the invitation of Ambassador of Ireland to Great Britain, Mr. Martin Fraser, an event was held in the Irish Embassy in London to showcase Ireland’s North West City Region as an innovative and attractive compelling destination to live, work, study, invest, explore and do business.

On 4th December 2023 at the invitation of Ambassador of Ireland to Great Britain, Mr. Martin Fraser, an event was held in the Irish Embassy in London to showcase Ireland’s North West City Region as an innovative and attractive compelling destination to live, work, study, invest, explore and do business. Ireland’s North West City Region is a collaborative initiative between Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council. The event was also supported by North West Regional Development Group.

The objective of this event was to promote Ireland’s North West City Region in relation to trade and investment and to demonstrate the competitive advantages of doing business in the North West City Region. This was an opportunity to continue to develop a strong partnership between the North West City Region and the City of London and wider UK and to engage with the Irish diaspora in London, further expanding the region’s reach.

Cllr Martin Harley, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council was keen to showcase the city region to a London audience saying that “we are delighted to showcase our regional offer to important players in the London business and wider community today. The North West is ready for growth, and we have invested significant sums in infrastructure, networks and facilities to ensure we’re investor ready as a city region. The fact that so many high caliber businesses have now located in the region have invested here highlights the high quality of our investment proposition. On behalf of Donegal County Council, I would like to thank Ambassador Fraser for hosting our delegation at this wonderful event in the Irish Embassy.”

Cllr Patricia Logue, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council highlighted that place and proximity to talent has played a huge role in company success across the North West City Region, stating “We pride ourselves in our people and the role our universities and colleges play in molding that talent. Combined with a superb quality of life, the North West City Region offers a work life balance that attracts and retains the best employees. With the Common Travel Area, an exceptional talent pool can be drawn across the region.  Living and working across two jurisdictions on a day-to-day basis. We have the right kind of infrastructure, logistics and proximity to London. This is a region of untapped potential. We are already providing important and valuable support to companies such as FinTrU who have grown and prospered in this region. We are ready to capitalise on our strengths to drive economic growth and foster innovation, for our mutual benefit. With our close proximity to London. And, and by sharing the only land border between the EU and UK. We are an ideal gateway location to both these markets”.

Chief Executive with Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie said it was hugely important for the North West City Region to showcase its attributes and to engage directly with key stakeholders and influencers. “It is very important for us to strengthen our links with London and to do all we can to showcase out offerings to this audience. It’s an opportunity for us to develop strong international business links and build on the existing good work that is being done to develop our key industries, the emerging fintech cluster in our region and to collaborate on shared interests in innovation, education and climate action.”

Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John McLaughlin stated that “Ireland’s North West City Region is an excellent location for investors as it straddles two jurisdictions which provides businesses, multi-nationals and entrepreneurs the benefits of having access to both the EU and UK markets. The North West City region has established strong political, economic, and cultural linkages with London and this event further strengthens these connections. “

The event included a lively panel discussion focused on Ireland’s North West City Region, a gateway to global growth moderated by Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award 2023 recipient Caroline McLaughlin, Executive Director at Morgan Stanley, UK. Panelists included Denis Curran, Head of Regions, Property and Enterprise Development at the IDA and Darragh McCarthy, CEO at FinTrU.

The event is also a fitting way to mark the 25-year anniversary of the Good Friday agreement and to share success stories of how the region has evolved since from an economic development perspective.  It also highlighted the benefit to businesses of locating in this region which can provide seamless market access to both the EU and UK.

Leading blue chip and fast-growing businesses, along with public and private sector representatives and key influencers based in and around London attended the event as well as stakeholders from across the region to provide a holistic overview of the benefits of locating in Ireland’s North West City Region.

The North West City region has a varied talent pool including a workforce which is not just highly educated but innovative, creative and loyal with Centres of Excellence in Big Data & Analytics, Health & Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing and the Blue Economy.

Ireland’s North West City region has a proven track record in hosting international companies such as PGIM, TCS, Seagate, DuPont, Allstate, Optum, Zeus, FinTrU, Abbot and Terex Corporation. These companies are already reaping the benefits and gaining competitive advantages provided by operating in the North West City Region. Talent is also driving investment decisions and the North West City Region provides a unique location for businesses seeking competitive advantage.

The event was also supported by stakeholders including the IDA Ireland, Invest NI, Enterprise Ireland, Atlantic Technological University, Ulster University, Donegal ETB and the North West Regional College along with businesses operating in the region. The event provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas, sharing insights, and building relationships on a cross-border basis.

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