Ulster University Brexit Leadership

Professor Paddy Nixon

Vice-Chancellor and President Close

In this time of change, challenge and opportunity, Ulster University is committed to playing our full part in developing and delivering the research, knowledge and ultimately the solutions that will help all of us find the best way forward.

Of course, as a global institution, we are undertaking our own review of the potential implications of Brexit for Ulster University and higher education in general. You can read more about this in the ‘contributions’ section of this website.

Our Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Professor Cathy-Gormley Heenan, is a member of the High Level Forum on EU Exit set up by the UK Government’s Universities Minister, Jo Johnson MP, ensuring our voice is heard in the Government’s considerations and negotiations.

More broadly, colleagues from across the University are providing vital analysis and thought leadership in a number of key areas, ranging from politics and devolution to business and the economy.

Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre, led by Professor Neil Gibson, are already providing analysis and expertise on potential implications and opportunities both for the regional, Northern Ireland economy, and more local economies, such as the North West.

We have also established a Brexit research forum, led by Dr Robert Porter and bringing together researchers from all Faculties and Research Institutes across the University.

This forum will allow the University to identify and quickly respond to opportunities to undertake research that will help inform our understanding of Brexit and what it means for various sectors, ultimately delivering evidence to support policy direction and decisions.

I encourage you to explore and regularly return to this website to understand who within this institution has the expertise and experience in areas of importance to you and take advantage of the analysis, news and events that we will update regularly.

I would also encourage you to get in touch with us to explore how we might be able to help you, your business, your group or your sector navigate this journey.

Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Impact) Close

At Ulster University, we believe strongly in playing a full and active role in informing, supporting and contributing to considerations about and processes involved in the UK’s exit from the European Union.

Through our membership of the recently created high level working group on EU exit, universities, research and innovation at Westminster, established and chaired by the Universities Minister, Jo Johnson, we are making sure that the voice of higher education in Northern Ireland is heard. This important forum explores the development of future policy on research and innovation and allows its members to share information about changes to the wider research and innovation landscape that are, or are likely to become, relevant following Brexit.

This is particularly important for Ulster University as an institution as we strive to secure access to research funding post-Brexit and resolve issues such as attracting international, talented staff and students.

It is also important from a Northern Ireland perspective, given the on-going uncertainty of our devolved political institutions and the urgency of the issues we must address, that we take every opportunity to engage with the UK government and outline our thoughts and ideas. We have engaged with the Irish government in a similar fashion, represented Ulster University in keynote panel sessions at the first two plenary meetings of the All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit, by invitation of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

This can and must be further enhanced by academic, business leaders and civic society coming together to share these ideas and identify opportunities for partnerships and collaborative working that can help make these ideas a reality.

In addition to meeting those within the University who are providing valuable analysis and thought leadership on Brexit matters, this website will also keep you up to date with events involving Ulster University staff and students to discuss key topics. I would encourage you to attend and participate in these events, where appropriate, to help develop the strong relationships and communications that will be necessary in order to deliver relevant actions and solutions, for the benefit of all.