This year marks the 20^th anniversary of ARK, Northern Ireland’s social policy hub. ARK is a joint initiative of Queen’s University and Ulster University and has been to the fore in recording the changing social and political landscape in Northern Ireland. The primary goal of ARK is to increase the accessibility and use of academic data and research, in order to support critical policy debate and informed policy making. Researchers, policymakers, journalists, community and other voluntary groups, schoolchildren and their teachers are all users of ARK resources.

A series of activities will celebrate the 20th anniversary and the impact of ARK, beginning with ‘Is the UK Stronger or Weaker after 20 Years of Devolution?’ on 19th February. Professor John Curtice (University of Strathclyde and political commentator) will assess how the constitutional preferences and sense of national identity of people living in England, Scotland and Wales have evolved since devolution began in 1999. Dr Katy Hayward (Queen's University Belfast) will explore the changing patterns of devolution and identity in Northern Ireland during this time.

Full details of ARK activities and events, and how to register for them, are available on the ARK website www.ark.ac.uk