Universities Ireland Conference 2025

Senior political and higher education figures from across the island gathered at Queen’s University Belfast on 10 October for the 2025 Universities Ireland Conference on the theme ‘Collaborating for Change’ which focused on strengthening cross-border collaboration between universities across Ireland

Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, said: “We are proud to host this conference at a time when cross-border partnership has never been more vital. Universities Ireland and this conference in particular provide a unique forum to unify our efforts, exchange knowledge and show the value of higher education and its role as a driver of inclusive economic impact.

“The discussions over the conference will spark new collaborations that make a tangible difference to our students, society and all-island economy that will have a long-lasting impacting beyond the two-day event.”

Professor Eeva Leinonen, President of Maynooth University and Chair of Universities Ireland, said: “The aim of this conference is to reinvigorate Universities Ireland as the central platform for dialogue, partnership and innovation across the island. Collaboration is what turns intention into impact, and by working together we can deliver more collectively than any one university can achieve alone.

“Universities Ireland provides the living infrastructure for that partnership, linking ideas, people and possibilities to deliver real benefits for our students, our communities and our society.”

The conference began with a leadership roundtable and dinner at Queen’s University Belfast, addressed by former Tánaiste and Fine Gael TD, Simon Coveney.

Mr Coveney said: “Cross-border collaboration between our universities is critical for academic excellence as well as for the prosperity and resilience of this island. By working together, institutions north and south can help drive innovation, economic growth and social progress. I am delighted to be part of these important conversations at Queen’s.”

The opening sessions set the tone with a clear call for stronger cooperation between institutions north and south.

Speakers underlined the importance of deeper cross-border partnerships in tackling shared challenges, with delegates discussing student mobility, research funding, inclusive economic growth and the role of higher education in responding to geopolitical and societal challenges.

Joint Communique

Universities Ireland held its first-ever all-island conference at Queen’s University Belfast on Friday 10th October, marking a historic
milestone in cross-border collaboration in higher education and research.

The event brought together university leaders from across the island, including the two Technological Universities that are members of Universities Ireland: TU Dublin and Atlantic Technological University.

The conference highlighted the vital role of higher education in driving social, cultural, and economic progress across the island of Ireland, north and south.

Delegates shared insights on research collaboration, student mobility, skills development, and innovation, reaffirming the sector’s collective commitment to partnership and progress.

Universities Ireland has confirmed its intention to establish an annual two-day conference, to be hosted each year in the Autumn by a member institution, ensuring sustained cooperation and dialogue between universities across the island.

Following the conference, Universities Ireland has committed to:

1.  Confirming that Universities Ireland will focus on the pursuit and delivery of strategic all-island initiatives to support education, research, and innovation.
2. Inviting all Technological Universities to become full members, expanding the collective voice of higher education.
3. Hosting an annual two-day conference, rotating among member universities.
4. Enhancing student mobility and academic exchange, north and south.
5. Expanding collaborative research and innovation initiatives tackling shared challenges such as skills, climate, AI, health, and digital transformation.
6. Developing agreed responses to regional and social needs, maximising universities’ civic impact.
7. Strengthening the forum’s strategic role in shaping higher education policy across the island.

The member universities jointly call on both the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to:

1. Remove financial and structural barriers to all-island student mobility.
2. Establish a formal mechanism for government cooperation within the North-South Ministerial Council on higher and further education policy, research, and innovation.
3. Enhance cross-border collaboration in research, innovation, and skills through shared investment and planning.
4. Lift the student number cap in Northern Ireland, enabling universities to meet demand and support economic growth.
5. Enhance the island’s potential as a destination of first choice for international students.
6. Support large-scale joint research and doctoral training infrastructure.
7. Create a shared vision for higher and further education as a cornerstone of social and economic prosperity.

Watch the conference highlights video: