Professor Fiona Kilkelly joins Ulster University from Royal Holloway University of London where she is Professor of Creative Industries and Head of Enterprise and Commercialisation programmes at CoSTAR National Lab, a national network of labs focusing on research and development in TV, film, performance and digital entertainment. Ulster University officially launched its CoSTAR Screen Lab in February 2025, as part of Studio Ulster.
Professor Kilkelly has worked at the nexus of innovation, technology, and the creative industries for more than 25 years in the UK and Ireland, primarily leading on government-funded innovation, research and development, training, and development programmes spanning the screen and creative industries.
Prior to her work on CoSTAR, Professor Kilkelly was Head of Immersive at the National Film and Television School where she led on the strategic development and delivery of large-scale training and research and development schemes.
Her previous roles include Head of Creative Industries at Innovate UK Business Connect, and Head of Interactive at Creative Skillset. Professor Kilkelly has authored numerous creative industry reports and founded Immerse UK in 2016, triggering significant public research and development funding and industry engagement in new and emerging technology in the UK.
Speaking about her new role, Professor Fiona Kilkelly said:
“I am thrilled to be taking on the role of Director at Ulster Screen Academy. This opportunity is particularly exciting for me given the tremendous growth opportunity within Northern Ireland’s screen sector. With Ulster University’s world leading position, the Screen Academy’s reputation for nurturing emerging talent, the development of Studio Ulster, a rich mix of young talent and fast-growing businesses that are looking to scale, there's a palpable sense of momentum and possibility.
“The unique position the region holds presents an extraordinary opportunity to accelerate growth and create opportunities across the entire screen sector ecosystem on the island of Ireland. I look forward to working with colleagues and local, national, and international partners in advancing Northern Irelands position as a major player in the global screen industries.”
Professor Paul Connolly, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences commented:
“To have attracted someone of the calibre of Fiona as the next Director of our Ulster Screen Academy is testament to the leading position we are taking in the sector. We are very proud of our extensive links with industry, and the contribution we are making through our research and education programmes to preparing the next generation of skilled professionals to work in the creative and screen industries. Fiona has immense experience to bring as the next Director of the Ulster Screen Academy and we are very excited to see how the Academy develops further over the coming years under her leadership.”
Professor Kilkelly will take up her new post on 3 November 2025.
