Research and Technology
Innovation, creating and commercializing new knowledge, fostering enterprise and improving our infrastructure and our skill base are key to the competitiveness and future success of the Northern Ireland economy.
Research and Technology in Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Bureau can help you explore areas of collaboration and partnership. We can provide you with information and advice about organizations with potential for real growth, to the practical benefit of Northern Ireland and the United States.
Queen’s University, Belfast
Queen’s University, established in Belfast in 1845, is today regarded as one of the top universities within the United Kingdom.
In the 2001 National Research Assessments Exercise Queen’s was awarded in a number of subject areas a grade 5, marking research of international quality.
High-technology base is a magnet for major international companies.
A very significant beneficiary of the work of Queen’s research is the wider community of Northern Ireland.
- Graded internationally in research in Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering Departments by the UK National Research Assessments Exercise.
- Queen’s is one of the leading UK universities in transferring its expertise to the marketplace. It has established almost 50 companies, employing over 600 people, with 95% of total sales in export markets.
- Specialist areas in Information and Communication including High Performance Computing, Software Engineering, Image and Vision Systems, DSP and Telecommunications, High Frequency Electronics, Intelligent Systems and Control, Microelectronics.
For more information on Queen's University Belfast please visit their website at the link below.
The University of Ulster
The University of Ulster is the largest university on the island of Ireland. With over 750 research-active staff and over 22,000 students, it has strong relationships with universities across the US.
- Leading edge research strengths and bio-medical science, information technologies, engineering and international business have established the University as an “internationally recognized center of excellence”.
- Accredited world class centers for Information and Biotechnology, Energy Research Technology, Bioengineering, Health Informatics, e-Business and the Northern Ireland Knowledge Engineering Center.
For more information on The Univeristy of Ulster please visit their website at the link below.
Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI)
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), is a leading provider of scientific research and services to government, non-governmental and commercial organisations.
With its unique breadth of facilities and scientific capability in agriculture, animal health, food, environment, biosciences and economics AFBI conducts a wide range of valuable projects for both the public and private sectors.
AFBI's Research aims are to:
- work to the highest quality standards and, where appropriate, achieve formal quality assurance certification;
- maximise interaction in order to achieve value for money and to ensure that, where possible, multiple objectives are addressed simultaneously;
- ensure that both short and long term goals can be achieved and delivered effectively;
- develop relevant national and international collaboration;
- protect and manage any intellectual property that arises.
AFBI recognises that the need for multi- and inter-disciplinary approaches to the design of research projects requires co-ordination and collaboration. Hence AFBI continues to form and extend partnership links with relevant Funding bodies and Universities, and participates in the work of appropriate national and international research bodies.
For more information on AFBI please visit their website at the link below.
Northern Ireland Science Parks (NISP)
Northern Ireland Science Parks (NISP), which are situated at separate locations throughout the region, offer a range of sites and facilities for high tech companies that have close links to both Queen’s University and the University of Ulster.
The Science Park Foundation (NISPF) was established in March 1999 to take forward the Government’s vision for a science park in Northern Ireland. It is a partnership between government, the two universities and the private sector.
For more information on the NISP please visit their website at the link below.