We use this blog to think out loud, share our knowledge and experiences and build a connected University community
"I would encourage anyone within the university community to nominate a staff member they notice making a difference".
"Knowing that my work in empowering craftswomen in Zanzibar through improved eyesight was recognised at this level reinforced my belief in the power of community-centred, impactful projects".
“These updates are more than just procedural tweaks – they’re a bold step towards ensuring that all students at Queen’s feel empowered to seek the support they deserve.”
"Being somewhat of an outpost of Queen’s University Belfast, public outreach is an incredibly important part of what we do."
"Officially seeking University of Sanctuary recognition will allow Queen’s University to consolidate its commitment to embed values of safety, solidarity and empowerment within our communities and educational frameworks."
“CONNECT [carers network] is all set up to be supportive; it's fun, and the people are all nice, so I'd say to anyone that you'd be glad you've joined.”
“There’s an amazing relief that comes from speaking to someone about challenges you’re having, and hearing that they’ve been through it and come out the other side.”
“Caring can be lonely, but CONNECT is an opportunity to take a break from work and caring and to connect with others who have something in common.”
"All staff can avail of support for different aspects of their home life."
"When I heard there was a 'Guinness World Record for Fastest Marathon Dressed as a Scientist', I immediately decided I would do it."
“We trace the rich chemical heritage of Queen’s to Thomas Andrews.”
“I would encourage anyone who has a colleague whose work may not be getting much recognition locally within the university to consider nominating them.”
“I would really encourage people to check out the award categories and consider nominating a colleague.”
“To realise you are thought well of by your colleagues, past and present, is such a confidence booster.”
“Now is the time for you to tell us, through the Staff Survey, what you would like to see happen as part of our next Institutional Action Plan.”
“Our new building will be a place to bring people together – students, staff, business, and the community. It promises to be a vibrant hub for making new connections.”
“These topics, which for too long have been taboo and associated with stigma, are now becoming mainstreamed in conversations about workplace, wellbeing and culture.”
“Our new building will be a place to bring people together – students, staff, business, and the community. It promises to be a vibrant hub for making new connections.”
“When we started talking about the events for Agreement 25, it struck me that the one group of people who had not been celebrated were those in the media.”
"In the midst of all of the change the University has witnessed, there has remained, for us, one constant: positive contribution, genuine impact and understanding the needs of society have formed the backbone of who we are and what we do."
"We are delighted to offer our University campus as a public space for debate and dialogue of immense importance to the local and global challenge of building, maintaining and strengthening peace."
"Inspired by Senator Mitchell and by all those who helped bring peace to Northern Ireland, the Mitchell Institute reflects Queen's University's commitment to try to secure a more peaceful world."
"As scholars with expertise in international human rights law and transitional justice processes in other post-conflict societies, we have for many years tried to use that knowledge to help Northern Ireland address its past."
"The arts play a significant role in conflict zones for diverting attention from the horrors of war and in redirecting post-conflict strategies towards social rebuilding."
"Criminal Irish girls and women in North America might not fit accepted views of trailblazing women but to ignore their experiences would be to overlook an important aspect of Irish gender history and the history of migration from this island."
"We are definitely on the road to embrace Diamond OA, but there is still a lot of work to do. First and foremost, we need to convince ourselves that it's possible to do it on our own turf."
"Your priorities, concerns and ideas will help shape the new strategy."
"Tackling climate change is a truly colossal task that requires engagement from every member of society, including students."
"I’m really excited to see Queen’s begin the process of developing a new Net-Zero strategy and making Climate Action a central priority going forward."
"The next phase in our journey to net zero carbon will require a step change in ambition, investment and behaviour change."
“As an anchor institution, we take pride in social and civic responsibility, supporting progressive social change and economic growth in an environmentally sustainable way.”
“At a time of economic downturn, it is even more important to invest in research and innovation to see long term growth and secure people’s future.”
“We can already see that working closely with our City Deal partners will pay rich dividends for Northern Ireland.”
"One thing I have learnt over the years is that all carers value support and, particularly, respite. A break from caring. For some, work is respite."
"At Queen’s Sport, we believe sport can have a transformational impact on the student and staff experience."
"We want to support our students and staff in any way we can."
"Try to be specific and focused in your idea: think of something that you actually care about and are likely to be inspired by once it takes off."
"It is great to be part of an organisation that values outdoor space and is committed to ensuring it provides for staff, students, the local community and, importantly, our local wildlife."
"The Queen's Student Mentors over the last few years have been brilliant and I am so grateful for all of their hard work."
"The creation of One Elmwood presents a unique opportunity to enhance the student experience at Queen's."
"I have no doubt that the opening of One Elmwood will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our Clubs and Societies."
"This is a living building that we know will be a hive of activity."
"Our new One Elmwood building provides an opportunity to further ensure that sustainability continues to be at the core of the University."
"Student evaluations indicate that they like quizzing as a means of gauging their progress, revision and ongoing study."
"What we, as individuals and as a community, do now has a huge impact on future generations."
“I started working as a plumber at Queen’s in 1964... I am happy to have contributed in some small way to the success of the University.”
Speaking at the memorial service for Ashish Vats, Isabel Jennings (MRCI) and Heather Taylor (MRCI) paid tribute to our Regional Manager in South Asia, who passed away suddenly in August 2021.
"I will be very happy if we fall just short of the eyebrows!"
"Ultimately, HD is trial and error and the mantra we now live by is to take one day at a time."
“I have used my position as a senior academic to promote innovation, to encourage collaboration, to support peers and promote excellent teaching within the university.”
"It would have been beyond my imaginings in September 1979 that I would still be working at Queen's in 2021 and in a different discipline from Sociology where I started work."
"My big wish for Anna Rose is she will live in a world where negative and outdated perceptions of Down syndrome are a thing of the past."
"There is always something we can do to improve our well-being and happiness. Health and wellness goals are a great place to start."
"You can never be too prepared when it comes to a big meal like this."
"Everyone contributes something and that only emphasises the sense of community we have in our School."
"It's not the quality of my voice that matters, it's the joy that singing brings."
"As Head of Reward and Wellbeing, a key part of my role involves looking ahead and planning the right interventions at the right time."
"I wanted to let colleagues and families in similar situations know that you are not alone and we are in this together."
"It is ironic that while we are unable to venture into a multiplex, we are currently living through a scenario usually contained to the silver screen."
"As Co-Chairs of PRISM LGBT+ Staff Network at Queen’s, we have been reflecting on the challenges faced by LGBT people during the COVID-19 pandemic and looking at ways to help."
"I’ve learned that humanity cannot be suppressed even by this overwhelming public health crisis."
"If you are feeling stressed, anxious, scared or even frustrated right now, then you aren’t alone."