Societal Impact at heart of new Partnership between Queen’s University and Hillsborough Castle
Queen’s University Belfast and Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) at Hillsborough Castle have announced a new strategic partnership harnessing expertise from two leading institutions in Northern Ireland, with the shared ambition to inspire positive change.
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The partnership, which spans several areas including collaborative research, student placements, and joint programming, will build on the existing relationship between the two institutions.
A signing ceremony to mark the partnership took place during a special event held at Hillsborough Castle with leading political and business leaders in attendance, including special guest Senator George Mitchell and Queen’s Chancellor Emeritus, who chaired negotiations that led to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
The Good Friday Agreement, which brought peace to Northern Ireland after decades of conflict, continues to serve as a beacon of hope for conflict resolution worldwide. Senator Mitchell’s involvement in the event underscores the importance of Northern Ireland’s peace process as a valuable model for other regions recovering from conflict.
The new partnership aims to foster dialogues that result in tangible, positive outcomes for communities in Northern Ireland and beyond.
Professor Sir Ian Greer, Queen’s President and Vice-Chancellor said: “Queen’s University values the importance of partnership work and collaboration to drive positive change. We have enjoyed a strong working relationship with Hillsborough Castle, and we are delighted to formalise our commitment to pursue joint outcomes in areas including collaborative research; cultural promotion and exchange; as well as building deep dialogues that support societal change.
“By bringing together academic excellence and a rich cultural history, we hope to not only create a stronger understanding of Northern Ireland but also provide a platform for other societies around the world to learn from our experiences.”
John Barnes, Chief Executive of Historic Royal Palaces, added: “This collaboration represents a unique opportunity to transform how we engage with history. It’s about expanding our narratives, creating spaces for difficult conversations, and fostering an environment of learning that empowers communities to heal and grow.”
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