The OU - participant experience

Written By Holly Clawson

Case Study: The Open University in Ireland – participant experience 

The Insight Exchange programme gave Alice Byrne, Knowledge Exchange Manager at The Open University in Ireland (the OU), an invaluable opportunity to learn directly from a peer institution, build confidence in a new area of responsibility, and develop a lasting professional connection. Through tailored one-to-one sessions with Queen’s University Belfast, she was able to demystify the complexities of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and translate learning into practice straight away. 
 
About The Open University in Ireland 

The OU is a world leader in flexible part-time higher education, with a mission to make higher education accessible to all. In Northern Ireland, the OU works across sectors to widen participation, support lifelong learning, and contribute to research and innovation. Alice’s role as Knowledge Exchange Manager involves managing the Connected programme and supporting funding applications, as well as developing the OU’s capacity to deliver KTPs locally. 
 
Why Alice Took Part 

Alice saw the programme as an opportunity to: 

  • Share knowledge and learn from another higher education institution’s practice 

  • Strengthen her understanding of KTPs, a new area within her portfolio 

  • Build a peer-to-peer relationship with colleagues at Queen’s University Belfast 

  • Increase confidence in supporting future KTP opportunities 

Programme Highlights 

Alice was hosted by Karen McGeough, Knowledge Exchange Manager, Queen’s University Belfast, who tailored the exchange to her goals. Activities included: 

  • Introductory meeting – an online check-in to agree objectives. 

  • Detailed KTP sessions – reviewing resources and processes, with discussion on context, updates, and examples from practice. 

  • Follow-up discussion – a final session, to round off the exchange and cover any outstanding points. 

Benefits and Impact 

The exchange provided Alice with: 

  • Enhanced understanding of KTP processes – greater clarity of processes, from online portals and documentation to business engagement and recruitment. 

  • Increased confidence – enabling her to progress new opportunities, with one KTP in the pipeline and additional possibilities being explored. 

  • Stronger peer network – an ongoing professional connection with Queen’s University Belfast. 

Reflections 

Alice highlighted three main takeaways: 

  • Demystification of a complex area of work 

  • Confidence building  

  • Meaningful networking  

Looking ahead, Alice would be keen to take part in the programme again, exploring topics beyond her immediate workload to broaden her learning further. 
 
Wider Impact 

Alice emphasises that the exchange helps strengthen Northern Ireland’s research and innovation ecosystem. By sharing and comparing practice, she believes institutions across the region can deliver better outcomes for businesses, charities, and communities.  
 
“Sharing best practice benefits the whole region… it creates a better experience for partners and strengthens Northern Ireland’s reputation for collaboration.” – Alice 

Holly Clawson
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