Queen’s University Belfast has launched the Sir Peter Gregson Doctoral Programme, designed to support doctoral researchers working in collaboration with external organisations to extend the impact of their research.
More than 150 doctoral researchers at Queen’s are working with over 100 industry partners and public bodies across Northern Ireland and beyond, tackling issues ranging from science and technology to agriculture, biodiversity, health, education and community.
This programme brings these collaborations together, creating opportunities for researchers and external partners to share knowledge, explore new approaches and develop solutions to challenges facing organisations and wider society.
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External partners highlight practical challenges they are facing, and researchers bring evidence, critical thinking and new approaches that encourage organisations to look at their problems differently. The programme spans a wide range of disciplines, with researchers working alongside external organisations on issues affecting individuals, families, wider communities and the economy.
Currently, projects are underway with organisations such as Save the Children NI, the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care, Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland, NI Water and the Department of Health. These projects are supported with funding from the Department for the Economy, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and external partner organisations.
One such project was led by Dr Michelle Stowell, School of Nursing and Midwifery, who worked with the Mae Murray Foundation to explore how children and young people with complex support needs could be meaningfully included in research and community life.
The Foundation’s strong connections with disabled people, families and support networks helped Michelle’s research to reach a wider and more diverse range of voices, to ensure that lived experience remained at its heart.
Katie Douglas, a young person who supported Michelle’s work with the Foundation through the advisory panel, said:
“As a wheelchair user, I have always faced barriers to taking part in community life. I was delighted to bring my lived experience of social exclusion – and the impact it had on my whole family – to this important research as a member of the advisory panel. I hope the findings help improve the lives of disabled children, reducing the barriers they face in making friends, enjoying community activities, and experiencing good health.”
Dr June Faccini, Head of Higher Education Research and Knowledge Exchange, Department for the Economy said:
“Collaborative research studentships, such as those supported by the Sir Peter Gregson Doctoral Programme, are a powerful way of connecting the knowledge and expertise in our universities with businesses, government and wider society. They give organisations access to new thinking and research capability, while helping doctoral researchers to build the skills, networks and experience to work across sectors. That combination is important for developing a sustainable talent pipeline and turning excellent research into innovation and wider economic and societal benefit.”
The programme is named in honour of the late Sir Peter Gregson, former President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, who championed collaboration between academia and industry during his tenure. Under Sir Peter’s leadership, Queen’s joined the Russell Group in 2006, strengthening its position as one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities. The launch was attended by Sir Peter’s widow, Lady Gregson, who reflected on her late husband’s commitment to research, collaboration and the wider civic role of universities.
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Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor said:
"The Sir Peter Gregson Doctoral Programme reflects Queen’s commitment to connecting research with the needs of society. By bringing together doctoral researchers and partners across industry, government and the community sector, we are creating opportunities to develop solutions to real-world challenges and deliver meaningful impact. It is a fitting tribute to Sir Peter’s vision of partnership between universities and the organisations and communities they serve.”
The Sir Peter Gregson Doctoral Programme is designed to meet the distinct needs of collaborative PhD study, offering tailored events, workshops, professional development and networking opportunities for researchers. It brings doctoral scholars together to share best practice and strengthen connections with organisations beyond academia.
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