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President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer:

As 2024 draws to a close, I want to thank you for your unique personal contribution as members of our wonderful and diverse campus community.

Queen’s is a great place to study, to live and to work. And as we close out this semester and look ahead to the New Year, we have much to feel proud of.

With so many highlights this year, I can only mention a few.

To start the year, we were proud to have achieved an institutional Athena Swan Gold Award, making Queen’s the second university in the UK and the first in Ireland to be recognised with this award for our work to improve gender equality.

We were delighted to receive the largest ever in-kind donation from US computer software company Alteryx, worth an estimated value of 15 million dollars.

In the spring, the University and the Student’s Union completed an agreement leading to an enhanced student representation on overall decision making and a new responsible investment policy.

A record number of Queen’s students and alumni took part in the Summer 2024 Olympics, showcasing the impact of Queen’s sport.

We proudly launched our Civic Mission this year by pledging to become a Civic University and a University of Sanctuary. This builds upon recent support measures introduced in response to the Conflict in the Middle East, such as increasing provision of fellowships for at-risk academics and the Copty Scholarships for Palestinian students.

And just last month, we hosted another major conference at Queen’s, with the Global Innovation Summit (GIS) 2024. This brought together world leaders to discuss pressing issues around global sustainability and economic inclusion.

In short, this year has shown that the Queen’s community truly lives up to its historic motto, ‘What shall we give in return for so much?’ And we will continue to press ahead with our drive to make a real difference.

2025 will see us celebrate the 180th anniversary of our establishment as Queen's College Belfast. You will have the opportunity to take part in an exciting programme of events and celebrations that we'll update you on our plans in early 2025.

As we close this year, let us pause to reflect on the many reasons we have to be thankful. From the achievements of our students and staff to the resilience and support of our university community. We have much to celebrate.

Yet, as we enjoy this season of togetherness and goodwill, let us not forget those around the world whose lives are marked by conflict and hardship. Their struggles remind us of the importance of compassion, peace and solidarity. Let us carry with us the hope that brighter days lie ahead for them.

I wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year filled with hope and possibility.