It was an historic day on campus as Ulster University welcomed Ireland’s newly elected President, Catherine Connolly, during the first day of her official engagements in Northern Ireland.
President Connolly, who was elected as Ireland’s 10th President on 25 October 2025, visited Ulster University as part of her first official programme of engagements, delivering an address to more than 100 invited guests from academia, industry and civic life.
President Connolly addressed the audience, saying:
“This superb new campus here in Belfast, one of Europe’s largest higher education campuses, is symbolic of Ulster University’s ethos and mission – a centre for innovation, providing a range of courses with an emphasis on holistic education. Ulster University plays an important role in regional development and urban regeneration.
"Clearly this is a special place designed to foster community – both within the nearly 30,000-strong student and staff body, and across three campuses – Belfast, Coleraine and Derry. I congratulate all those involved in the development of the campus and those who have contributed to the University being awarded the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2024, a momentous achievement.”
Reflecting on Northern Ireland's journey, President Connolly said:
“Northern Ireland now represents a beacon of light to the world in how decades-long conflict can be resolved and reconciliation fostered.”
During her visit to the University’s Belfast campus, the President met with students, staff and partners and took part in a programme reflecting Ulster University’s academic, civic and cultural contribution across Northern Ireland.
The visit included a tour of the campus which began with the campus mall, where President Connolly encountered live musicians, some of who are Ulster alumni, performing in advance of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for which Ulster University is one of the host venues. She also visited the Moot Court where she met with law students, researchers and staff before continuing to the seventh-floor sky bridge overlooking North Belfast, where she heard about the campus as a catalyst for change in an area of the city which includes some of the most socially disadvantaged wards in the country.
Speaking just after the visit, Ulster University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew said:
“It was an historic moment for Ulster University as we welcomed President Connolly on the first day of her official engagements. The President’s public life has been defined by thoughtful engagement, and a strong belief in democratic participation and she has consistently demonstrated the value of inclusive dialogue and the importance of ensuring that institutions remain connected to the people and communities they serve. As a University with a unique multi-campus model, this closely aligns with our strategy and this visit provided an opportunity to reflect on our work across Northern Ireland, while giving students, staff and partners the chance to hear from and engage with Ireland’s new President.”
Ulster University Chancellor Colin Davidson said:
“Visits such as this matter because they reflect the role Ulster University plays within the life of the city and beyond. Our Belfast campus sits at the heart of the city, close to its cultural quarter and working communities, and today’s visit highlighted how education, culture and civic life intersect in a very real and meaningful way.”
