The Research Culture Northern Ireland (RCNI) project will enhance collaboration across Northern Ireland’s research community. The initiative, funded by the Wellcome Trust, will address shared priorities aimed at developing and promoting an open, diverse, and sustainable research culture that will attract research and innovation talent and activity to the region. These will include; 

• Engaging with the entire research and innovation community to gain a deeper understanding of the current research culture beyond higher education institutions  
• Establishing a partnership-led approach to develop and embed a positive research culture across the region, with a view to co-developing an evidence-based regional action plan, 
• Delivering a series of interventions to address known issues in the regional research culture including initiatives to promote the career mobility of postdoctoral researchers, the interactions between research professionals, and the experience of ‘Practice-As-Research' researchers 
• Raising awareness of research culture priorities within the region and beyond, including in the wider UK and Ireland ecosystem, notably through participation in a new All-Island Research Culture Network.

Professor Helen McCarthy, Chief Scientific and Technology Adviser for Northern Ireland said: "The Research Culture Initiative between Queen's University and Ulster represents an exciting step forward in our approach to scientific collaboration and innovation. By fostering a supportive and inclusive research environment, this partnership will not only enhance the quality of our scientific endeavours but also ensure that our academic community thrives. Together, we are setting a new standard for research excellence in Northern Ireland and beyond.” 

Dr June Faccini, Head of Higher Education Research & Knowledge Exchange, Department for the Economy NI commented: “A thriving research and innovation environment is central to the Economy Minister’s economic vision of a regionally balanced, net zero economy which supports good jobs and higher productivity.” She continued “This initiative underlines the role that Northern Ireland’s universities play in contributing to the delivery of the Minister’s strategic priorities by fostering a vibrant and inclusive research environment, driving innovation and collaboration across the region.” 

Professor Archie Clements, Vice-Chancellor of Research and Enterprise at Queen's expressed excitement about the potential impact of the initiative stating: "This initiative is testament to the commitment of both Queen's and Ulster University to cultivating a positive and collaborative research culture. By investing in our research community, we aim to further develop an environment that nurtures creativity, innovation, and excellence." 

Professor Liam Maguire, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research at Ulster University added: "We are thrilled to partner with Queen's University Belfast on this transformative Research Culture Initiative and we would like to express our gratitude to Wellcome for funding that will enable us to implement measures that will not only provide an enhanced experience for the research community working in Northern Ireland but also contribute to the broader research landscape across these Islands."

Media

Media enquires to Maire Mullin on email: m.mullin@qub.ac.uk