A member of the Queen’s team coordinating the entries will then be in touch.

Further information on the THE Awards is available at: https://the-awards.co.uk/2026.

Key themes include:

• Sustainability in Campus Activities
• Research and Sustainable Solutions
• Sustainability in our Education, Outreach and Partnerships
• Engaging our Community on Sustainability

Further features are currently in the final stages of configuration and testing and will be added over the coming months.

In addition, please note that the Car parking functionality for Visitor Parking and Annual Parking Permits will now be available on the general Planon Staff homepage via the Planon Staff Homepage icon on QOL.

We will continue to share updates, including launch timelines and any supporting guidance. In the meantime, please contact the Estates Service Desk with any queries on 028 9097 5152 (or extension 5152), or email estates.helpdesk@qub.ac.uk.

• More information

  Sharing equipment across research teams and Schools is a key part of our approach to making research practice more sustainable. This supports the principles of the sector-wide Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation, to which UKRI is a signatory and active supporter, and is increasingly reflected in expectations within future research grant applications.

  By maximising the use of existing assets, this initiative improves value for money, reduces avoidable capital expenditure, and supports the University’s long term financial sustainability, while also minimising unnecessary purchasing and environmental impact.

  This approach is aligned with UKRI requirements to consider existing equipment before purchasing new capital assets, and with Research England’s expectations around institutional stewardship, shared use of infrastructure, and avoidance of unnecessary duplication.

  About the Database

  The Equipment Sharing Database contains details of major equipment held across the University, enabling users to search, identify, and request access to items quickly and easily. Equipment includes items such as Eye Tracking Kit, Microscopes, Mass Spectrometer, Laser Unit, Particle Sizer, and Autoclaves.

  With increasing focus on sustainability and the University’s ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040, it is more important than ever to make efficient use of resources. Sharing equipment is an integral part of this process.

  Reuse at Queen’s

  We have many other ways to support Reuse at Queen’s which include:

  • Core Technology Units
  • Warp It homepage for Queen's University Belfast
  • Ewald Microscopy Facilities, School of Mathematics and Physics
  • Northern Ireland High Performance Computing

  For queries, please contact the Equipment team at equipment@qub.ac.uk.

  Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle at Queen’s.

As with projects of this nature, there is a risk of service interruption or intermittent downtime during implementation. However, this is expected to be minimal due to the collaborative work already undertaken, and continuing throughout the implementation phase, between Digital and Information Services staff and Terminalfour.

The Web Support Team will provide updates via the project information page and other established communication channels.

Once complete, all websites and content published through the Web CMS to https://www.qub.ac.uk will be hosted in the cloud with Terminalfour. This includes websites published from the Web CMS to dedicated domain names.

If you have any queries regarding a website or resource hosted under https://www.qub.ac.uk, or about the migration more generally, please contact the Web Support Team via the IT Service Desk.

If you have any queries, please contact the tax team by emailing tax@qub.ac.uk, or the sales invoicing team at sorequests@qub.ac.uk.

These awards recognise the outstanding contributions of technical colleagues who support excellence across research, teaching, public engagement, sustainability, and leadership, along with a special category for outstanding new colleagues.

The winners will be announced on Thursday 21 May at the Queen’s Technician Showcase. This event is open to technicians only.

• Please register here to attend the event.
• Submit details of your Showcase demonstration or poster here.

Award categories

Awards are available in the following categories:

• Technician Award for Contribution to Outreach
• Technician Award for Contribution to Sustainability
• Technician Award for Contribution to Research
• Technician Award for Contribution to Education
• Technician Award for Outstanding Leadership
• Technician Award for Best Newcomer

* Please note, places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

• If possible please bring your own exercise mat for the classes at Queen’s Sport.
• Changing facilities and showers are provided at Queen’s Sport.
• You will be asked to complete a short health questionnaire when making your payment. This must be completed before taking part in the classes.

Course categories range from Creative Writing and Cultural Studies to Personal Development and Science. The courses are scheduled for daytime, evening and weekends, and the style is informal and accessible. Concession rates are also available for people in receipt of benefits.

For more information and the full programme, please visit www.qub.ac.uk/ol or email openlearning.education@qub.ac.uk.

• Text-to-Speech: Reads on-screen text aloud with visual highlighting to support understanding and boost retention;
• Screen Masking: Reduces visual stress with customisable colour overlays and a focused reading pane – helpful for anyone sensitive to colour or light;
• Check It: Provides an advanced, dyslexia-friendly spelling and grammar checker that includes word suggestions and dictionary definitions to support clear, confident writing;
• Dictation: Converts speech to text, making it ideal for hands-free writing or note-taking. Great for multitasking, saving time, and reducing screen fatigue;
• Scan and PDF Reader: Converts paper documents or inaccessible PDFs into editable, accessible formats for easier use. 

Designed to bring Queen’s climate action to life, the tour invites participants to explore how sustainability is taking shape across campus in the spaces people use every day. With short stops, clear examples, and space for conversation, it offers a fresh way to look at buildings, green space, travel, waste, and the everyday choices that shape campus life.

1. Jog for 22 minutes, then walk for one-and-a-half minutes for recovery (x2).
2. Jog for 25 minutes, then walk for two minutes for recovery (x2).
3. Jog for 30 minutes.

• Researchers in EPS should send an expression of interest to Dr Cristina Lagunas (c.lagunas@qub.ac.uk).
• Researchers in MHLS should send an expression of interest to Dr Donna Rogers (d.rogers@qub.ac.uk).

* Everyone from PhD students to Professors, from early career researchers to entrepreneurs, science teachers and students is invited to participate in this grassroots science outreach project.

Training and financial support for props and interactives will be provided.

Soapbox Science NI will take place in the People’s Park Pavilion Building in Ballymena on Friday 12 June between 11.00am and 2.00pm.

* Please note:

• Allocation will be on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
• Requests will be accommodated within reason, so that stock is shared fairly.
• Anyone who has requested equipment will then be contacted with details about when and where to collect it.
• Collection will be the responsibility of the requesting staff member(s).

PC specifications:

• Dell OptiPlex 7490 AIO
• 8GB RAM
• 512GB SSD/NVMe
• Intel Core i5 3.1GHz

Our recent AI Lightning Talks event brought together colleagues from across the University to showcase how AI is being used in teaching, research, and professional services. From AI-powered avatars to using GenAI to create bespoke tools, the presentations offered a wide-ranging look at AI in action at Queen’s.

• AI for Educators Course: Self-paced Canvas course for student-facing staff to build confidence using AI in education. Explore four modules (Basics, Teaching & Learning, Assessment & Feedback, and Research), with practical AI Skills Build activities and discussion. Complete what’s most relevant to you, or finish all four to earn a Digital Certificate of Completion, signed by Professor Judy Williams (PVC Education and Students).

Please contact the team at AI-Hub@qub.ac.uk with any queries.

Every 14 minutes, someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer such as leukaemia or lymphoma, and for many patients, a stem cell transplant is their only chance of survival. Yet finding a matching donor can be incredibly difficult, especially for those from diverse ethnic backgrounds and making it vital to grow the register.

To contribute an article to Queen's Policy Engagement, please email Kevin at qpol@qub.ac.uk.

• 'Protected' seagrass meadows aren't necessarily healthy – because pollution doesn't stop at the shoreline, by Heidi McIlvenny
• Israel's campaign against Hezbollah is raising sectarian tensions in Lebanon / Campagne contre le Hezbollah : Israël attise les tensions sectaires au Liban, by Dr Tarek Abou Jaoude
• What's behind Pakistan's war with Afghanistan's Taliban government?, by Professor Michael Semple

• Queen’s continues 175-year-old tradition of offering learning open to all
• Queen's wins global award for commitment to inclusive careers support
• Queen’s researchers receive prestigious NIHR Senior Investigator Award
• Queen’s sees continued rise in global subject rankings
• Two Queen’s University academics selected as members of the Young Academy Ireland

About Professor Miller

Professor Sarah Miller is a Chartered Psychologist and Professor of Education at Queen's University Belfast. Her research uses randomised controlled trials and evidence synthesis to advance the 'what works' agenda in education across the UK and Ireland. She focuses on social and emotional development, literacy and numeracy, and the evaluation of school- and community-based interventions, with particular interest in how early childhood programmes contribute to social cohesion in conflict-affected contexts. She is Principal Investigator of METIUS, leading a consortium of over 20 partner institutions to explore how Al can transform evidence synthesis for policy and decision-making.

More information

This event is an opportunity to share and reflect on work related to the scholarship of teaching and learning across Queen's – whether that’s empirical research, pedagogical initiatives, reflective practice, or curriculum development.

In addition to showcasing some of the recent work of the EPIC lab members, applications for oral presentations are welcome from colleagues across the University, as are applications from students for poster presentations. Presentations do not need to be the finished research project – ideas in progress, pilot data, and practice-based insights are all very welcome, providing they are related to the scholarship of teaching and learning, and align with one of the four themes of the conference, which are:

1. Deliver a transformative student experience.
2. Provide an education for societal impact.
3. Broaden access to Higher Education.
4. Innovate our teaching and learning.

Please email Dr Paddy O’Connor (EPIC Lead) if you have any questions or would like to discuss a presentation idea.

* ORAHS is an annual conference of the EURO Working Group of the International Federation of Operational Research Societies, IFORS.

This year’s conference will focus on the transformative potential of digital innovation and artificial intelligence to enhance decision-making, optimise healthcare delivery, and improve patient outcomes across complex health systems. Attendees have an opportunity to give an oral or poster presentation, along with networking opportunities.

Thursday 23 July will be practitioner focused and is available for one-day registration.

Keynote speakers:

• Professor Christine Currie (University of Southampton)
• Professor Sally McClean (Ulster University)
• Dr Peter Cosgrove (Consultant Physician in Paediatric Emergency Medicine)

This initiative is jointly delivered by the Research and Information Service (RaISe) in Parliament Buildings and the five local university partners (Queen's University Belfast, Ulster University, St Mary's University College, Open University and Stranmillis University College). 

During this session the rationale of collaborative research programme (Clusters, Missions, New EU Bauhaus) will be explained, and guidance on how to prepare a competitive application will be provided as tips to develop your professional network in Europe. A previous applicant will be there to share their experience in applying.

Find out more: De Chastelain Scholarship Programme.

The deadline for submissions is Monday 11 May at 11.00pm GMT (6.00pm EST).

• The Drama
• The Stranger
• Bridget Jones's Diary
• Rose of Nevada
• Exit 8
• Mother Mary
• The Room + Greg Sestero Q&A
• Akira
• Frederick Wiseman: High School

Staff tickets are priced at £8.50. Staff and students aged 26 and under can join LUMI to get tickets for £6.00 every day, all year round.

AVANT GARDENER examines how contemporary artists are tending to new growth – cultivating visions of connection, care, and resistance. From lush landscapes to post-apocalyptic dreamscapes, the works consider how the human body and experience are shaped by their surroundings – at once embedded within them and set apart. Through pop cultural references, mythological allusions, and cinematic echoes, the exhibition invites us to look anew at the environments we inhabit, shape, and sometimes destroy.

AVANT GARDENER forms part of REACH '26, Queen’s University Belfast’s annual Arts and Sustainability Festival, and continues the Naughton Gallery’s commitment to presenting bold, thought-provoking work that speaks to the world we share. Read more about the REACH 26 programme here.

Spectrum.Life Wellbeing Series

Spectrum.Life, Queen's new EAP provider, has a range of wellbeing webinars and eLearning modules on their wellbeing hub. Access Spectrum.Life courses here using the Organisation Code QUBSTAFF.

Available courses

• The Impact of AI on your Mental Wellbeing – eLearning programme.
• Understanding, support and resources for domestic violence – eLearning programme.

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• Dermot Whelan's Practical Tools for Smart Living
• Raising Kids in an AI World
• Simple Practices for Gratitude and Self
• How We Break the Cycle: Stress

Anyone can experience domestic abuse, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexuality, social class, or location.

What the session will cover:

• Key statistics on domestic abuse
• Current strategies and the legislative context
• Signs and symptoms of abuse – how to recognise them
• The impact of domestic abuse on children and young people
• Pathways to support and available services

Who is it for?

This session is suitable for anyone wanting to build awareness and understanding of domestic abuse and its effects. 

Staff can contact eqdiv@qub.ac.uk with any queries.

These Awards recognise excellence in learning, teaching and support, and highlight the positive impact our staff have on student success and engagement.

More information

The Queen’s University Teaching Awards are your chance to showcase the learning, teaching and support that make a real difference for our students.

Successful applicants will receive a certificate and pin badge, along with support to progress to national recognition schemes such as the Advance HE National Teaching Fellowship Scheme and Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence.

The achievements of this year's award recipients will be marked at a celebration event in September.

For any queries, please contact: teachingawards@qub.ac.uk.

More information

Micro-credentials are short, credit-bearing units of learning aligned to the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) that are designed to be flexible, targeted and time-efficient. They are industry-relevant, focused on upskilling and reskilling to meet immediate skills needs in the workforce.

At Queen’s, the development of micro‑credentials supports the University’s commitment to Education for the Future by enabling more flexible, inclusive and future‑focused learning opportunities that enhance student engagement, attainment and achievement.

Through this rewarding voluntary role, successful applicants will:

• meet new people from their course and School;
• be eligible for a Queen’s Future-Ready Award;
• gain leadership, teamwork, and communication skills;
• improve the experience for current and future students.

* This toolkit includes a PowerPoint slide that can be displayed at the beginning of a lecture, social media graphics and copy, text for an email that can be sent to students, and more.

This replaces the former Psychological Therapies and Counselling Support service, which was previously delivered through Lena by Inspire.

This transition is expected to be seamless, with no disruption to existing support for our students.

• More information
  

   

  Services available:

  Through Spectrum.Life’s Student Counselling and Support, students will have access to:

  • 24/7 confidential mental health and wellbeing support from a qualified clinician via the same helpline number at no cost: 0808 800 0016;
  • A clinical assessment and, if appropriate, in-person counselling sessions, close to campus (online sessions are available on request);
  • Access to a dedicated online wellbeing platform, BeWell Hub, designed to support student mental and physical wellbeing.

  How you can support the transition

  • Please ensure that any references to Inspire or Lena by Inspire, such as out-of-office messages or digital resources, are updated as appropriate.
  • Please remove and dispose of any outdated resources, posters and leaflets in your area that refer to Student Counselling through Inspire.
  • The Student Wellbeing team will be sharing physical assets from Spectrum.Life across Schools and shared student spaces.
  • If you, your School, or service would benefit from additional updated physical assets (posters, leaflets, etc), or digital graphics (such as PowerPoint slides, digital screen graphics or out-of-office templates), please submit a request using this form.

  Further information and support

  • For any additional questions regarding the new Student Counselling provider or the transition, please email: studentwellbeing@qub.ac.uk 

Please feel free to contact the University Safety Service at safety@qub.ac.uk or 028 9097 4613 should you have any queries or training requirements.

• If you are interested or have any questions, please contact DEFI-GDM@qub.ac.uk or phone 07823 368446. Participants will receive a £200 voucher reimbursement.

What’s involved?

• Two study visits (one x 3.5 hour and one x 2.5 hour) at the Centre for Public Health, Belfast
• Consuming study breakfast (scrambled eggs and toast)
• Weight and height measurement
• Appetite questionnaire
• Blood glucose measurements
• Two blood samples at each visit
• Completing two food diaries
• Voucher reimbursement

* You may be suitable to take part if you are:

• aged 18-50 years old;
• between 24-37 weeks pregnant and have GDM;
• not using antiemetic (anti-sickness) medication;
• not experiencing Hyperemesis Gravidarium (severe nausea and vomiting)
• have no history of Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus