Queen’s University Belfast
As 2024 draws to a close and Queen’s looks to its 180th year, we remain a cornerstone of progress and innovation for Belfast, Northern Ireland, and beyond.
This was another incredible year for Queen’s University – one in which our students, staff and alumni continued to inspire and make a positive impact, locally, nationally and internationally.
Some highlights in the last year include being the first university across the island of Ireland and the second in the UK to receive an Athena Swan Gold Award for our work on gender equality. Other key highlights include launching our civic mission, significant progress made on the Queen’s-led innovation centres as part of Belfast Region City Deal, and a continued drive forward in pursuit of our Net Zero ambitions. We increased our student positivity levels, recorded our best performance to date in research awards, and enhanced our global reach and reputation.
We consistently lead transformative change and this was recognised this year when we were ranked 117th worldwide for research quality and 6th in the world for international outlook (THE World University Rankings 2025) out of more than 2,000 universities. Our pioneering work addresses the challenges of our time, from cancer breakthroughs to climate resilience.
The last 12 months saw the University advance our expertise in secure, connected digital technologies with a £230 million programme of innovation centres. This will create 4,000 jobs in Northern Ireland, reaffirming our position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing, clinical research, and cyber security, and cement our reputation as a key economic driver in the region.
Overall, the University’s economic contribution exceeds £3.2 billion annually, with our spinout companies employing more than 3,500 people and driving growth across key sectors. We have helped launch over 100 companies with a combined turnover of £500 million and today stand as one of the UK’s top universities for entrepreneurial impact.
The Seamus Heaney Centre, a beacon for global literature, is entering a dynamic new phase in its stunning new home, amplifying the voices of our next generation of poets and writers. At the same time, our civic mission continues to flourish, with over 11,000 students contributing to their communities through volunteering and outreach initiatives.
As an anchor institution here in Belfast, Queen’s remains a vital force in regional renewal. From fostering young talent in underrepresented areas through our widening participation programmes, to hosting historic global gatherings such as the 2024 Global Innovation Summit, in partnership with the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils and the Centre for Competitiveness, we are shaping a future built on equality, opportunity, and shared ambition.
Our 180th year is not just a moment of reflection but a launchpad for what lies ahead. Queen’s is a place of momentum, ambition, and action. Together with our partners, we are proud to serve as a driving force for innovation, culture, and prosperity, ensuring Northern Ireland thrives on the world stage.
I want to express my deep gratitude to our students, staff and our alumni, for the incredible work they do to shape a better world – thank you.
President and Vice-Chancellor at Queen’s, Professor Sir Ian Greer
E: vc.ea@qub.ac.uk
T: 028 9097 5130
Vice-President (Governance and External Affairs) and Registrar, Dr Ryan Feeney
E: r.feeney@qub.ac.uk
T: 028 9097 5331
