For 180 years, Queen's University Belfast has shaped lives, driven innovation, and strengthened communities.
In 2025, we will celebrate the real-world impact of our research, education, and partnerships - told through the voices of those we've helped, and focused on the following key themes:
- Health and Wellbeing
- Social Value
- Community Partnerships
- Innovation & Technology
- Sustainability
Making a Difference
From medical breakthroughs and improving cancer care, to protecting the online security of internet users and transforming the education sector in Northern Ireland, Queen's touches the lives of thousands of people every day.
Since the biennial prizes were first awarded in 1994, Queen's has been the recipient of seven awards, underlining our status as an outstanding UK educational institution and a centre of excellence.
Recognised Awards
“For 180 years, Queen’s University Belfast has been at the heart of progress, transforming lives through education, research, and innovation. As we celebrate this milestone, we honour our past and look forward to shaping a brighter future for all.”
Professor Sir Ian Greer
Vice-Chancellor and President
Through the years
From Queen's, To the world
Over the last 180 years, we have welcomed and produced some of the world's most influential figures.
From Nobel-Prize winning poet Seamus Heaney and former President of Ireland Mary McAleese to Professor Franklin Pantridge who invented the portable defibrillator, our halls have been home to leaders in literature, politics, science, engineering and beyond.
As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the people who have shaped and been shaped by Queen's.
Research that shapes the future
We joined the prestigious, research-intensive Russell Group in 2007, making us one of the UK's 24 leading research-intensive universities.
Today, we are particularly well known for our research into agri-food, sustainable energy, medical research and our innovative cybersecurity work. In REF 2021, 99% of our research environment was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Research themes
A legacy of teaching excellence
We have been recognised for our innovating teaching methods and commitment to student satisfaction, receiving accolades such as the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.
Since the biennial prizes were first awarded in 1994, Queen's has been the recipient of seven awards, underlining our status as an outstanding UK educational institution and a centre of excellence.
Our Campus
From the day we opened our doors 180 years ago to the present, our university has continued to evolve to meet the needs of each new generation.
Our once-modest institution has transformed into a world-class centre for education and research, allowing staff and students to push the boundaries of knowledge.
Through a £700m, 20-year capital development programme, Queen's has carefully preserved its heritage while embracing innovation, creating one of the finest campuses in the UK and Ireland. Explore how our facilities have changed, blending history with cutting-edge advancements.
Then
Now
