Long Gallery Showcase
Queen’s took its higher education funding campaign to the heart of government when it showcased some of the outstanding work being carried out at the University and the impact which it is having both locally and internationally, at a special event in the Long Gallery, in Stormont.
MLAs, MPs, policy advisers and political party staffers, met with some of the very best student and staff talent from across the University, selected from areas related to health, science, agriculture, entrepreneurship, law, engineering, poetry, music and pharmacy. Those attending the event were able to learn at first-hand about the innovative and, in many cases, life-changing projects with which Queen’s staff and students are involved.
The event, which took place on 27 June, was part of the University’s campaign around higher education funding aimed at achieving a decision by the Northern Ireland Assembly to find the £40m necessary to fill the funding gap in the DEL budget.
The timing of the showcase event was important. During the afternoon of the 27 June, a debate took place in the Assembly on HE funding. The Motion for Debate was tabled by the Committee for Employment and Learning and called on the Minister for Employment and Learning to:“ensure funding is available to maintain the excellence of Northern Ireland higher education and that it is consistent with our aim of maximising educational opportunities for all”.
Prior to the afternoon debate the Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Stephen Farry, spoke at the event in the Long Gallery, along with the Chair of the Committee for Employment and Learning, Basil McCrea MLA, and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Peter Gregson.
Both the Minister and the Chairperson acknowledged the vital role higher education plays in Northern Ireland and paid tribute to Queen’s contribution to the region through its high-quality teaching, research and innovation.