Key stakeholder groups delivering the project (2024-2026)

Project Team:

  • Chris Browne, Head of Research Strategy and Engagement, Queen’s University Belfast

  • Freda Casey, Research Culture Manager, Ulster University

  • Holly Clawson, Research Culture Assistant, Queen’s University Belfast

  • Dr Alice Dubois, Research Culture Manager, Queen’s University Belfast

  • Jill Wright, Research Careers and Employability Officer, Queen’s University Belfast

Steering Group:

  • Professor Archie Clements, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Enterprise, Queens University, Belfast (Chair)

  • Professor Liam Maguire, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research, Ulster University, Derry~Londonderry (Deputy Chair)

  • Mr Chris Browne, Head of Research Strategy and Engagement, Queen’s University Belfast

  • Mr Tim Brundle, Director of Research and Impact, Ulster University, Belfast

  • Dr Alice Dubois, Research Culture Manager, Queen’s University Belfast

  • Dr June Faccini, Head of Higher Education Research & Knowledge Exchange, Department for the Economy NI

  • Professor Victor Gault, Professor of Experimental Medicine and Associate Dean for Research and Impact (Life and Health Sciences),
    Ulster University – representing Derry & Strabane City Deal

  • Professor Elizabeth Magowan, Deputy CEO, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute

  • Professor Helen McCarthy, Chief Scientific and Technology Adviser, NI Civil Service

  • Dr Wendy McLoone, Acting Director, Research and Enterprise, Queen’s University Belfast

  • Mr David Quinn, Executive Director, Belfast Region City Deal, Queen’s University Belfast

Advisory Group

  • Dr Sarah Baccianti, Research Manager, NMNI (National Museums NI)

  • Andrew Cheung, DoH Science Champion

  • Dr Kathryn Clarke, DAERA Science Champion

  • Keith Forster, DfE Science Champion

  • Gillian Gregg, Head of Regional Engagement, Royal Academy of Engineering

  • Patrick McIlveen, Innovation Lead, Catalyst

  • Dr Imelda Haran, Knowledge Exchange Manager, Open University

  • Rob Hill, Chair, MATRIX

  • Neil Hutcheson, CEO, NI Software Alliance

  • Adrian Johnston, Innovation Commissioner, Innovation City Belfast

  • Sarah Jones, Director, NI Science Festival

  • Dr Vicky Kell, Director of Innovation, Research & Development, Invest NI

  • Paul Malcolmson, Regional Manager for Northern Ireland, Innovate UK

  • Johanne McCullough HE Research and Knowledge Exchange, Department for the Economy NI

  • Fiona McElroy, Head of Research Support, AFBI

  • Phil Murray, People & Skills Lead, NI Chamber of Commerce

  • Professor Karl O'Connor, Professor of Public Administration and Public Policy, Ulster University

  • Dr Sean O'Connor, Cluster Lead, HIRANI (Health Innovation Research Alliance)

  • Ciarán Prunty, Head of Project Delivery AMIC, Belfast Region City Deal

  • Dr Javier Stanziola, Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships, Arts Council NI

  • Róisín Wood, CEO, Community Foundation NI

  • Julie Taylor, Science and Innovation Network Officer, British Embassy Dublin 

Northern Ireland Research Professionals Network (NIRPN)

Organising Committee:

  • Dr Sarah Baccianti, Research Manager, National Museums NI

  • Dr Sarah Whalley, Acting Head of Research Strategy and Policy, Queen’s University Belfast

  • Oisin Cahill, Enterprise and Design Manager, Invest NI

  • Freda Casey, Research Culture Manager, Ulster University

  • Dr Alex Chacko, Head of innovation and Impact, Ulster University

  • Dr Alice Dubois, Research Culture Manager, Queen’s University Belfast

  • Glenda Fleming, Deputy Director, Medicines Optimisation and Innovation Centre, HSCNI

  • Dr Imelda Haran, Knowledge Exchange Manager, Open University

  • Orlaith Hurley, Head of Research Management, Ulster University

  • Dr Nikki Kernaghan, Head of Global Research Partnerships, Queen’s University Belfast

  • Lynda Mahon, Centre for Doctoral Training Operations Manager, Queen’s University Belfast

  • Fiona McElroy, Head of Research Support, AFBI