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Economic Forum

The Economic Forum at Queen’s will convene a global network of academic, industry and policy leaders to explore the potential of AI as a driver for economic development through collaborative research and investment.

The event will focus on the opportunities presented by the application of AI on four key themes where Queen’s has internationally renowned expertise and global impact.

The Forum will highlight the economic opportunity and elucidate the present-day policy challenges necessary to realise the vision across the themes of Cyber Security and Finance, Health, Biotechnology, The Green Transition and Business and Technology.

Date: Tuesday 15 July 2025   Venue: Queen’s University Business School 

Programme  Steering Group and Speakers


PROGRAMME

11.45

QUEEN'S BUSINESS SCHOOL
DOWNSTAIRS FOYER

ARRIVAL

Buffet lunch, networking and exhibitors including:

12.35

HARVARD LECTURE THEATRE

OPENING REMARKS

Hosted by Donna Traynor

Professor Sir Ian Greer KB, President and Vice Chancellor, Queen's University Belfast

Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland

Minister for the Economy

 

13.00

HARVARD LECTURE THEATRE

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Dr Joseph Patrick Kennedy III, Honorary Professor of Practice in International Relations and Global Leadership, Queen's University Belfast 

Followed by a panel discussion, hosted by Dr Garrett Curran, Chair, Queen’s University of Belfast Foundation Board.

Panellists:   

13.45

HARVARD LECTURE THEATRE

KEYNOTE SPEAKER 

Dr Pippa Malmgren, Technology Entrepreneur and Economist  

‘How AI is shifting Geopolitics and its impact on the Local Economy’

Q&A with Pippa Malmgren, hosted by Donna Traynor  

14.35

HARVARD LECTURE THEATRE

PANEL DISCUSSION

'AI, Cybersecurity and Finance: Collaborating for Economic Growth' 

Keynote Speaker: James Donovan – Head of Moonshots, Open AI

Followed by a panel discussion hosted by Gillian Colan-O'Leary, NI Cyber

Panellists:

15.30

DOWNSTAIRS FOYER

BREAK

  • View exhibition stands
  • Engage with Spinouts 

15.55

HARVARD LECTURE THEATRE

PANEL DISCUSSION

‘Framing the Future: AI, Business, and Standardisation’ 

Keynote Speaker: Mick Costigan, VP Salesforce Futures, Salesforce

Followed by a panel discussion hosted by David Crozier CBE, Director, Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre.

Panellists:

16.50

HARVARD LECTURE THEATRE

PANEL DISCUSSION

‘AI at the Crossroads of Academia and Industry: Powering the Future of Health, Biotech and Diagnostics’

Panel discussion hosted by Dan West, Northern Ireland Lead, Accenture  

Panellists:

17.25

HARVARD LECTURE THEATRE

PANEL DISCUSSION

‘Towards Net-Zero: How AI, Academic Innovation, and Policy Shape Green Business’ 

Panel discussion hosted by Roisin Finnegan, Independent Consultant

Panellists:

18.10

RIDDEL HALL

DRINKS RECEPTION

18.30

RIDDEL HALL

WELCOME ADDRESS

Dr Len O’Hagan CBE, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Senate, Queen's University Belfast  

18.40

RIDDEL HALL

FIRESIDE CHAT WITH DERMOT DESMOND

Hosted by Donna Traynor   

19.15

ISDELL COURTYARD
RIDDEL HALL

DINNER

21.00

RIDDEL HALL

CLOSING REMARKS

Professor Sir Ian Greer KB, President and Vice Chancellor, Queen's University Belfast