This year, the Queen's University Belfast saw 17 of its leading academics come together on the Leading Researchers Programme to identify new collaborations, broaden their ambitions, and develop innovative ideas and practice beyond their existing research. This highly regarded training programme runs for 7 months, culminating in an Ideas Summit in October, and is designed to support those whose track record in research leadership means they are on the brink of significant, strategic research - which is often externally funded.

On the day of the Summit, these 17 academics will be sharing insights and proposals with potential collaborators, colleagues, funders, students, and networks. There will be a series of short pitches showcasing innovative ideas from across the University, followed by Q&A and time to network, identify opportunities and contacts for collaboration, and explore new ideas and thinking from across the Queen's University Belfast.