A blog by Dr Len O'Hagan, Senior Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Queen’s University Belfast’s Senate.  

As a proud Queen’s University Belfast alumnus, I am honoured to take up the position of Chair of Senate. In this role, I am responsible for the leadership and effective operation of the university’s governing body – both a privilege and a responsibility.

Queen’s has a remarkable legacy – built by generations of leaders, educators, researchers and students who have shaped not just this institution, but society itself. As a university community, we believe that education is about empowerment, opportunity, and impact. It’s about shaping a fairer, more just and more equal society. As Chair of Senate, I intend to honour that legacy while bringing my own vision and passion to the role.

One of the things I like most about this university is our deep commitment to widening participation, civic engagement, human rights, and social justice. We don’t just observe the world – we actively work to change it for the better. Our groundbreaking research tackles issues in health, engineering and the cyber sector, alongside pressing global matters such equality, peacebuilding and human rights.

Through the university’s Social Charter, we partner with communities, policymakers, and businesses to address social inequalities and create opportunities for those who need them most. And we are committed to sustainability, ensuring that our research and actions contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for Northern Ireland and beyond.

We are proud to be at the heart of civic and economic life, working alongside local communities, businesses, and policymakers to build a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous society. We know that a strong university means a strong regional economy. That’s why Queen’s is:

• leading in cybersecurity, net zero, fintech, and life sciences—helping shape the industries of the future;
• creating jobs, driving investment, and supporting economic growth through our new Belfast Regional City Deal innovation centres, including iREACH Health, the Advanced Manufacturing Centre, and Momentum One Zero;
• and, through QUBIS, now employing over 3,500 people through our 42 spinout companies – and we’re committed to growing that even further.

Like all universities, we face challenges at present, ranging from funding pressures to shifts in global education. But Queen’s has always been a place that adapts, innovates, and leads. And under the leadership of our excellent Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, the student experience and staff job security will remain paramount in all that we do, aligned to Strategy 2030.

To this end, we are focused on:

• expanding our international reach while keeping the improvement of our city and region central to all that we do;
• harnessing AI and technology to enhance learning and research;
• and strengthening our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion to ensure Queen’s is a place where everyone belongs.

It is truly an honour to take up this position as we enter Queen’s 180th year. I look forward to working together with all of our extended community – our students, staff, alumni and stakeholders across the city, region and beyond – to support Queen’s ambitious mission to make a real difference and shape a better world

 

About the Senate

Senate is responsible for the ongoing strategic direction of the University, the management and administration of its revenue and property, and the general conduct of its affairs. Members of Senate are drawn from the academic staff, support staff and student body of the University and it includes a number of appointed external lay members. It normally meets four times a year and receives reports from a range of committees.

 

About Dr Len O'Hagan CBE DL DSC FIoD

Dr O'Hagan is a leading business figure in Ireland, with extensive national and international governance and directorial experience in both the private and public sectors.

Len graduated in Economics from Queen's University and is a Director of Mediahuis Group Ireland, a member of the Global Advisory Board of the private equity group, VentureWave Capital and a Director of QUBIS.

He is a Board Member of Hillsborough Castle and is also a Patron of Horatio’s Garden. A Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Dr O'Hagan's previous appointments include Chair of Northern Ireland Water; Chair of the All-Island Congenital Heart Disease Network; Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners; Chair of the Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC); CEO of the Royal College of Physicians, Director of the College of Anaesthesiologists and a member of the marketing committee of The Ireland Funds.

He has held senior positions in a number of international public companies and continues to be a Director in a number of private companies.

In 2014 Len was awarded an Honorary Degree from Trinity College Dublin and in 2013, was awarded an Honorary Degree by Queen's University Belfast for exceptional services to Business and Commerce, and in 2011 was awarded an Honorary Degree in Economics from Ulster University. In 2014, Dr O’Hagan was awarded a CBE for his services to tourism and the economy in Northern Ireland.

Dr Len O'Hagan

Senior Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Queen’s University Belfast’s Senate