Queen’s University Belfast has today released its Annual Report for 2023–24, celebrating a year of transformative achievements in education, research, and civic engagement. 

Some of the University’s key highlights include: 

• Becoming the first university on the island of Ireland and only the second in the UK to achieve the Athena Swan Gold Award for advancing gender equality;
  

• Securing the highest value of external research awards to date (£123.4m) – reinforcing Queen's as a global research powerhouse, with its research recently ranked 117 in the world;
  

• Unveiling the Net Zero Plan, committing to carbon neutrality by 2040, alongside eco-friendly initiatives like Passivhaus-standard student accommodation – the first in Northern Ireland;
  

• Opening the new landmark Seamus Heaney Centre, beginning a new chapter where the Nobel Laureate’s memory will live on through the poetry and creative writing flowing out of Queen’s;
  

• Increasing the score in the 2024 National Student Survey (NSS) – achieving an overall positivity of 81%;
  

• Launching the Civic Mission and reinforcing the University’s commitment to supporting local communities and becoming a University of Sanctuary.
  

The report acknowledges a financial deficit for 2023–24, which included a one-off payment to secure a landmark three-year pay deal for staff and which also reflects the ongoing challenges in the Higher Education sector.  

Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University, said: 
"This has been a transformative year for Queen’s University Belfast. We have achieved significant milestones and these accomplishments reflect our commitment to making a positive impact locally and globally. 

“We remain committed to investing in the future of our University, our students and staff, this region and the wider community. We are required to ensure the university is financially stable and that we operate within our means, and we are currently reviewing our expenditure to ensure that we meet our fiscal obligations. But it is important to understand these are measures to address short-term challenges to ensure that we are able to achieve our longer-term goals of investment and growth for generations to come.   

“As we approach our 180th anniversary, we are proud of our role as a civic university and anchor institution, shaping a better world through education, research, and sustainability. Together, our students, staff, and alumni are creating a brighter future here and beyond and this report showcases this exceptional work." 

The Annual Report reflects the University’s success in continuing its work towards its Strategy 2030 ambitions, including expanding global partnerships, driving innovation, and contributing significantly to Northern Ireland’s social and economic development. 

You can read the full report here. 

Media

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