Queen’s University Belfast has been in London this week, showcasing its world-leading research to politicians and policymakers at Westminster.
 
Today marked the third in a series of parliamentary events highlighting the University’s research excellence and exploring its unique position to harness its strengths to deliver economic growth and policy priorities, with the right support. This follows similar showcases at Stormont and the Houses of the Oireachtas earlier this year.
 
Attended by over 100 politicians and policymakers, including Parliamentary Under Secretary for Northern Ireland Matthew Patrick, Junior Ministers Joanne Bunting and Aisling Reilly, and Chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Tonia Antoniazzi, the Westminster event had a clear focus on the UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, with elected representatives and government officials engaging with Queen’s experts in Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy, Digital Technologies, and Life Sciences.
 
Queen’s President and Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer said:

“As we mark our 180th year, we continue to focus on maximising the real-world impact we can have on both a local and global scale. 
 
“Northern Ireland offers a unique testbed for innovation and is exceptionally well placed to advance government priorities across these islands. Our region’s interconnectedness accelerates the spread and impact of new ideas, creating scalable models for others to follow. Through our Westminster engagement, we’ve demonstrated how Queen’s can directly support the UK Government Growth Mission including as a field leader in digital technology and advanced manufacturing.”

The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan spanning 2025–35 to make the UK the most attractive place for businesses to invest, innovate, and grow. 

Liam Conlon, Labour MP for Beckenham and Penge and event sponsor, said:

“Strong partnerships between universities and government are essential to turning research into real-world solutions whether that’s driving innovation in clean energy or creating high-value jobs through advanced manufacturing. Universities are engines of economic growth and make a huge contribution to the fabric of our society.  
  
“It is only through working together that we can unlock the full potential of research to tackle the big challenges facing society.  I am delighted to sponsor this event today, showcasing the incredible work of Queen’s University Belfast and the wider sector in this space, whilst encouraging further collaboration and partnership working.”
 
The government Strategy also aims to renew partnerships in the devolved nations, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, with its mission-driven framework honing in on specific areas including economic growth, breaking down barriers to opportunity, and making the UK a clean energy superpower.

Claire Hanna, MP for South Belfast and Mid Down, added:

“Queen’s University has played a critical role in my constituency for 180 years and its strengths in areas including advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and digital technologies continues to drive economic growth and prosperity for all.
 
“Events like this are hugely important as linking academic expertise with government priorities will better enable us to create practical solutions to the challenges we all face.”

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