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2023-07-31-annual-report

Ulster University

CONTENTS

3 Vice-Chancellor Foreword

2

FOREWORDS

VICE-CHANCELLOR

I am pleased to introduce our review of the 2022-23 academic year. It has been a year of significant transformation and progress for the University as we launched our new University Strategy.

‘People, Place and Partnership’ has been designed to help us unlock our collective potential across the University to deliver sustainable futures for all. With this strategy, we are re-committing to our pan-regional presence and all the opportunities this delivers for those who study with us, work with us, and partner with us.

This year also saw the completion of the move into our new Belfast campus, a facility which entirely reflects the University’s vision and innovation in the delivery of the very best learning and research environments. It stands as a beacon for aspiration, as an engine of innovation and as a symbol of what has been achieved in our collective, recent history. Located between one of the most vibrant parts of the city and an area previously starved of investment, our new campus is transforming the learning experiences of our students. It is also a publicly accessible asset for the city and for the many partners, collaborators and visitors who are now a regular part of campus life and events.

Of course, this year we celebrated a milestone in Northern Ireland’s history: the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement. During this anniversary year, we hosted a full programme of arts and other events, and we were privileged to welcome the President of the United States of America on his visit to Northern Ireland. President Joseph R Biden made his key address to a gathered audience at his only engagement in Northern Ireland, at Ulster University Belfast.

In a wide-ranging speech, he highlighted the future investment of American firms in Northern Ireland and the unprecedented economic opportunity that this presents. He ended his speech by saying: “Let’s celebrate 25 extraordinary years by recommitting to renewal and repair by making this exceptional peace the birth right of every child in Northern Ireland for all the days to come.”

The University’s activity to mark the anniversary had a significant focus on the concept of renewal and it was inspiring to bring together more than 100 partners on our Coleraine campus to explore the future of the Tourism sector in Northern Ireland and the opportunities for collaboration to make the vision of a vibrant north coast a reality.

Throughout the year, our delivery of high-quality teaching, research and professional services support across all faculties, portfolios and departments has been recognised externally as we continued to achieve outstanding results in the NSS and Postgraduate Taught Experience Surveys, as well as achieving our highest ever ranking in the QS World University Rankings: top 35% of global universities and top 40 UK universities in The Sunday Times’ Good University Guide. Our students also voted us number one university in the UK for graduate employability and job prospects in the Student Crowd Survey.

Our undergraduate health sciences students are now benefiting from joining Ulster University’s multi-disciplinary centre of healthcare excellence, as over 900 students and 80 staff made the move from Jordanstown to new specialist learning spaces created at the heart of our campus in Derry~Londonderry. The transfer of health sciences further expands frontline healthcare course provision as these programmes are now delivered alongside the Paramedic Science teaching provision, the School of Medicine and the long-standing and award-winning School of Nursing.

Students across the campus will soon benefit from a new teaching and student services building, following the announcement in June of significant investment from the Irish Government as part of the Shared Island initiative.

Teams across the University continued to win awards: the Residential Life team were awarded Best Student Community (UK & Ireland) at the 2022 Global Student Living Awards; the Student Money Team won ‘Team of the Year’ at the annual NASMA conference; and the Office for Digital Learning (ODL) won Ulster University’s first Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence through Advance HE, all of which you can read about below.

This year was not without its sadness. We were deeply saddened by the loss of Professor Brian Murphy, a much valued and respected colleague who will be missed by so many across Ulster University. Brian’s dedication to widening access to education was inspirational. The ‘Taking Boys Seriously’ research project, designed to understand and address the systemic and personal barriers limiting access to education for young males, is delivering real-world change today and represents a powerful and enduring legacy that we are committed to taking forward.

As you will read below, 2022/23 was a truly memorable year for our entire University community, made possible only through the talent, dedication, and commitment of our colleagues. All of these achievements and the many other successes we have enjoyed this year are testament to the individual and collective commitment of all of our people, not only this year but ongoing. My sincere thanks go to each and everyone.

PROFESSOR PAUL BARTHOLOMEW | VICE-CHANCELLOR

3

FOREWORDS

CHAIR OF COUNCIL

Through this 2022/23 Annual Review, we are reflecting on a milestone year of extraordinary events, inspirational visits and change and growth for Ulster University.

This year, we continued our proud tradition of recognising and celebrating inspirational role models for our students through the awarding of Honorary Doctorates.

We celebrated key figures from across sport, broadcasting, peacebuilding and community work, business, health and social work, and the arts, including Michael Longley, one of Northern Ireland’s foremost contemporary poets and James Martin, who starred in the history making, Academy Award, BAFTA and Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) winning short film, An Irish Goodbye.

Speaker Emerita of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, Receives Honorary Doctorate From Ulster University.

In the 25th anniversary year of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, we also recognised the Speaker Emerita of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, for the outstanding contribution she has made to the promotion of human rights and protection of people, and her unwavering support for peace making.

Our global vision has continued to be recognised externally by the 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings which are the main global ranking system that assesses universities on their commitment to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It placed the University within the top 13% of participating institutions, from over 1,500 universities worldwide. Additionally, the University was ranked in the 101-200 range for a second consecutive year, scoring 85.4% overall and ranking in the Top 100 Worldwide for four SDG categories. The global ranking, which comes as the University undertakes a wider assessment of its sustainability priorities, was based on teaching, research, outreach and stewardship.

This year saw the appointment of two new external Ulster University Council members in February: John Healy OBE, former Managing Director of Allstate and Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive of Translink. Both bring their considerable industry experience and knowledge to these roles and offer us invaluable insight and advice, as we work collaboratively to provide oversight of strategy, stewardship, and overall governance of the University.

The teaching excellence and research prowess of our teams has seen us go from strength to strength in UK and Global rankings, and most importantly, delivery of a rewarding and innovative learning experience for our students.

In this review you will be able to read more about our pioneering research projects from healthcare to AI and beyond, and distinguished colleagues within our community who are leading their fields, driving real impact and earning recognition on national and international levels. Some of these are through lifetime achievement awards, appointments to Research Societies, King’s Honours, National Teaching Fellowships and more.

Our students continue to excel and inspire us, winning Global Undergraduate, Study USA and Student Television Awards, Research Fellowships and many more of which you can read in the stories which follow. Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to highlight the impact they are making during their time at university with us.

This is an academic year I will look back on with huge pride in the innovation and commitment of the staff and student community at Ulster University. Thank you to my University Council colleagues for their continued support and dedication to good governance across all areas of the University.

On behalf of Council, I would like to formally thank and congratulate the entire University community for their individual impact and collective efforts in delivering such a momentous and outstanding year in the life of the University.

DR JENNY PYPER PRO-CHANCELLOR AND CHAIR OF COUNCIL

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1NI
STUDENT
EXPERIENCE
TIMES GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE
(2024)
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STUDENT EXPERIENCE

At Ulster University, unwavering support for every student's unique journey is not just a promise but a guiding principle.

86 Community Scholarships Awarded, Helping Students Access Higher Education

In September Ulster University awarded a further 47 Community Scholarships (in addition to 39 in 2021) to students starting at the university, removing the financial barriers that prevent many from accessing higher education. These scholarships aim to address inequality by supporting those students who have faced challenges on their educational journey who may be discouraged from going to university due to financial barriers.

Final phase of Ulster University enhanced Belfast campus completed

The final phase of Ulster University’s enhanced Belfast campus opened its doors in September, welcoming staff and students to this inspiring city centre space. Taking its architectural design inspiration from the shape of the surrounding Belfast hills, the new 75,000m[2] addition to the campus is one of the largest higher education capital builds in Europe and is transforming higher education in the city and playing a vital role in supporting the ambitions for North Belfast as well as the wider city and region, with an estimated investment regeneration impact of circa £1.4bn.

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Ulster University wins Best Student Community (UK and Ireland) award at Global Student Living Awards

Virtual Campus project named winner in Digital Construction Live Awards 2023

This project was named winner of the ‘Excellence in Workplace Health and Wellbeing’ award at the Digital Construction Live Awards. It allows applicants, students, staff, and visitors to explore Ulster University like never before using Virtual Reality helping to reduce feelings of anxiety before visiting new spaces on campus.

The Residential Life team won the prestigious Best Student Community (UK and Ireland) award at the 2022 Global Student Living Awards. This recognition was particularly significant because the awards were based entirely on feedback from students.

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Graduate Attributes Framework launched

This new Framework seeks to encourage a university-wide commitment to the development of a vibrant and enhanced student learning experience. It will enhance a coherent and skills-focused curriculum across all modes of study at Ulster University and develop a shared identity and a language to describe the distinct features of the Ulster learning experience and institutional values.

5

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Award Winning TV Chef and Broadcaster Andi Oliver Inspires Culinary Arts Students

Award-winning TV chef and broadcaster Andi Oliver inspired culinary arts students during a Culinary Salon event in the Academy Restaurant. Held in partnership with the Oxford Cultural Collective and made possible by a grant from the Savoy Educational Trust, this sold-out event marked the 8th in a series celebrating cultural diversity in the contemporary hospitality scene.

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Student Money Team wins ‘Team of the Year’ at the annual NASMA conference

Our Student Money team won the ‘Team of the Year’ award at the annual National Association of Student Money Advisers (NAMSA) conference for excelling in their service delivery to students. Supporting students in one-to-one interventions or in group workshops, face to face, via teams or on the telephone, they deliver inclusive, holistic support with integrity and compassion for our students and their respective situations and challenges.

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Ulster University opens Mo Mowlam Studio on its Derry~Londonderry campus

The official opening of the newly-refurbished cinematic arts studio at Ulster University’s Derry~Londonderry campus, named after former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the late Mo Mowlam marked 25 years since she oversaw the signing of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement. The studio and a new mural within it is a celebration of Mo Mowlam’s lasting impact and legacy and was the first in a year-long series of events at Ulster University to mark the 25th anniversary.

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Ulster University gains White Ribbon and NI Diversity Mark Accreditations and Athena Swan UK Silver Award for Gender Equality

White Ribbon Accreditation underlines our commitment to our students, staff and whole university community, that the university will continue to work towards achieving gender equality and ending violence against women and girls. The University was also awarded Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation in recognition of its commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. Finally, Ulster University has been highly committed to the principles that underpin the Athena Swan Charter for many years and is delighted to have that commitment recognised by this institution-wide Athena Swan Silver.

~~READ MORE ABOUT THE ATHENA SWAN CHARTER >>~~

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97%
OUTSTANDING OR
VERY CONSIDERABLE
RESEARCH
IMPACT
ULSTER UNIVERSITY
(REF 2021)
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PIONEERING RESEARCH AND IMPACT

Our university is at the forefront of pioneering research and innovation, making a profound impact that shapes and delivers sustainable futures.

Pioneering drug-gene testing to alleviate healthcare waiting times

Led by the Personalised Medicine Centre in the School of Medicine, drug-gene testing will reduce the likelihood of ineffective or inappropriate drug treatments being prescribed, while minimising the risk of serious side effects for patients taking prescription medication. It could improve the safety and effectiveness of nearly one million prescriptions each year and reduce the frequency of admissions to hospital and repeat visits to doctors, alleviating pressure on the health service and reducing the cost of medicine.

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Partnership with Action Mental Health delivers 24/7 service to those in need

A three-year Ulster University research project has created a new means of delivering 24/7 mental health support, which has been adopted by leading mental health charity Action Mental Health. By developing a multilingual mental wellbeing chat bot, Ulster University has enabled around-the-clock access to mental health and wellbeing support using engaging dialogue and psycho-education. Adopted by Action Mental Health in a KTP, the ChatPal chat bot is available for use in four languages and is now freely available for organisations to integrate into their current service offering.

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School of Sport appointed as a BASES outreach hub

Ulster’s School of Sport is the only facility on the island of Ireland to be appointed as a BASES (British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences) hub for 2023-24. One of only 10 in UK universities, the hub is working to enrich learning and understanding of sport and exercise science in NI, while also encouraging the development of the next generation of sports scientists. The funding award is being used to deliver sport science workshops across all four campuses of the University, with pupils studying GCSE, A-level and BTEC sport-related subjects invited.

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Taking Boys Seriously Summit Aims to Stop Boys Falling Behind in Education

This summit brought together more than 200 young men who participated in an initial trial in 2021, alongside educators, teachers, and youth workers. The project aims to tackle boys' educational underachievement in NI by actively engaging with the students to understand their concerns. The TBS research project was recognised for its Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community at the 2022 THE Awards.

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PIONEERING RESEARCH AND IMPACT

Two Ulster University Early Career Researchers awarded 1851 Research Fellowships

Two Ulster University Early Career Researchers were awarded prestigious 1851 Research Fellowships to support their research into workplace mental health and dementia treatment. Gillian Cameron will use the funding to advance her research into the role of digital interventions in supporting workplace mental health and wellbeing, in partnership with Inspire Wellbeing. The second funding award will further Kate Turley’s research into the creation of personalised indoor lighting to support the wellbeing of those living with dementia.

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Ulster University awarded £80k by Longitude Prize on Dementia for AI model that will detect, prevent, and monitor agitation in people living with dementia

Ulster University was named a semi-finalist, and awarded an £80k funding grant, from the Longitude Prize on Dementia for the creation of an AI model that will detect, prevent, and monitor agitation in people living with the disease. The funding was granted for CLEAR-AI, an intelligent platform developed in collaboration with partners to better understand the behaviour of individuals living with dementia, to enable them to maintain independence. The CLEAR-AI project was awarded one of 24 Discovery Award grants totalling £1.9m, funded by the Alzheimer’s Society and Innovate UK.

Research finds alcohol and drug use in NI increased by 60% during COVID pandemic

Ulster research revealed that alcohol and drug consumption in NI increased by 60% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioned by the Northern Ireland Alcohol and Drug Alliance (NIADA), the study uncovered the most commonly used drugs in Northern Ireland throughout the pandemic and the reasons for their consumption, including boredom, feelings of anxiety or depression and social isolation. Launched at Parliament Buildings, the study provided the evidence required to tackle the continued impacts of drug-related activity in NI.

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Future Schools Project wins 2022 BERA Public Engagement and Impact Award

Ulster University’s ‘Future Schools’ project has been named team winner of the 2022 BERA Public Engagement and Impact Award, which recognises and celebrates the impact of research and practice in the education community and how both have demonstrably engaged the public.

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EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

We place our students and their experience and ambitions at the heart of everything we do, fostering a learning environment where students thrive and reach their fullest potential.

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SHORTLISTED
UNIVERSITY
OF THE YEAR
DAILY MAIL
UNIVERSITY
GUIDE
(2024)
ULSTER
UNIVERSITY
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Members of the Office for Digital Learning who won Ulster University’s first Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence through Advance HE.

Lauren Kelso, a final year Illustration student, who won the Ulster Orchestra competition to design merchandise in partnership with Ulster University's Belfast School of Art.

Outstanding Academic Impact recognised with the announcement of three new National Teaching Fellowships and a CATE Award

Awarded a National Teaching Fellowship for 2022 were Richard Beggs, who works to enhance student experiences and outcomes through technology; Professor Ruth Fee, Professor of Public Services Education who has driven key educational partnerships within the criminal justice sector; and Dr Colm Murphy, who works to transform journalism education. Ulster University’s ODL also for the first time secured a Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) for Teaching Excellence through Advance HE, bringing the number of national awards received for learning and teaching excellence in 2022 to four, the maximum any institution can receive in a year.

~~READ MORE ABOUT NATIONAL TEACHING FELLOWSHIPS >> READ MORE ABOUT CATE FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE >>~~

Ulster University sweeps the board at Student Television Awards

In the 2023 Student Television Awards, Ulster Screen Academy received a remarkable 16 nominations and 5 wins. These nominations covered Screen Production, Cinematic Arts, and Animation courses offered at in Derry~Londonderry and Belfast.

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Vice Chancellor Paul Bartholomew pictured with staff members of the Campus Life and Sports departments, alongside some student athletes at the Ulster University Sports Village - Jordanstown.

Final Year Illustration Student Wins Ulster Orchestra Competition to Design New Merchandise

Lauren Kelso, a final year Illustration student, won the Ulster Orchestra competition to design merchandise in partnership with Ulster University's Belfast School of Art. Lauren's winning design features on the new range of goods and gifts.

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Ulster University to invest £10m in Jordanstown Sports Village

An investment of £10million is being made in the Ulster University Sports Village - Jordanstown. Following a two-storey extension, the indoor facility will house a gym, fitness suites, a physio room, student sports clubhouse, teaching and event space, making it a state-of-the-art, multi-sport facility for the use of students, staff, and the local community.

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EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

The first cohort of students to graduate from the MSc in Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector, a Masters programme jointly delivered and awarded by UUBS and Atlantic Technological University.

Kate O'Connor, one of a number of high profile Performance Sport Scholars recognised by Ulster University.

Ulster University marks important milestone as its topclass sporting talent is celebrated

Ulster University’s Sports Services team has achieved the Sport Ireland Institute Accreditation for Student Athlete Support (ASAS), which recognised good practice in ‘dual career’ support for student athletes, which allows them to combine their education with their sporting career. The news comes as the university announced its 2022 Performance Sport Scholars, a cohort of 42 who come from a variety of 17 team and individual sports, including European, World, Olympic and Commonwealth athletes.

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Ulster University celebrates inaugural medical education scholarships and welcomes second cohort of scholars

In November 2022, Ulster University celebrated our inaugural Medical Education Scholars by thanking donors and partners with a celebratory event, before also welcoming a second cohort of 10 medical student scholars. With £380,000 secured from alumni and partners to date, these scholarships aim to help remove financial barriers for those from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds and widen access to medical education. The University has also been able to provide 50 students with their first stethoscope through donations from donors and partners from across the private sector, as well as enhance the School of Medicine’s teaching and learning environment with an investment of £1.25million in the Randox Professor of Medicine.

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Ulster University collects gongs at Education, Grad Ireland and AHECS Awards

Ulster University was named winner of the Best Research Project Award for the Student Psychological Intervention Trial (SPIT), held in collaboration with ATU Donegal. The SPIT study helped identify the factors influencing mental health and wellbeing in students and trialled a novel way to provide support through online CBT-intervention. A second Education Award was won for the University’s Graduate Leadership Programme which won the Best Internship Programme Award. Finally, at the Grad Ireland and AHECS Awards, the Employability and Careers team was named winner of the Strategic Innovation Award for the Enterprise Placement Year.

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Key milestone in cross-border partnership with Atlantic Technological University

The first 15 students from the MSc in Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector, a cross-border programme jointly delivered by UUBS and Atlantic Technological University (ATU), have graduated. Designed to empower senior public servants to develop their knowledge, understanding and applied leadership skills to implement transformational change in public services, the programme was designed with input from both the Office of An Taoiseach and the Department of Finance, with a focus on delivering transformational change in the North West region.

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INSPIRING PEOPLE

At Ulster University, you'll find a vibrant community of inspiring people who are passionate about learning, creating, and making a positive impact on the world.

Speaker Emerita of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, receives Honorary Doctorate

On the eve of St. Patrick’s Day at a ceremony in Washington D.C., the Speaker Emerita of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, received an Honorary Doctorate. The honour recognised the remarkable contribution Speaker Emerita Pelosi has made to her country through the promotion of human rights and protection of people, and her unwavering support for peace making. It was bestowed as the University marked the 25th Anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement through a programme of events in NI and US.

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Ulster University announces this year’s inspiring and accomplished honorary graduates

Ulster University recognised 11 key figures including Oscar Winner, James Martin; World Champion gymnast, Rhys McClenaghan; prize-winning poet, Michael Longley; Ford’s UK Managing Director, Lisa Brankin; BBC Radio 3 broadcaster, Sean Rafferty; leader in women’s football, Sara Booth MBE; and experts in peace-building and health and social care.

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Ulster University students awarded at Global Undergraduate Summit

Kenna White, a student at Ulster University, originally from the US, won the Global Undergraduate Award at the 2022 Summit for her work titled ‘Can aquatic plant Lemna Minor facilitate the emergence of Enterococci faecalis superbugs?’ Each year thousands of students worldwide submit their undergraduate research projects and 500 academics pick just 25 Global Winners.

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Three Ulster University Academics admitted to the RIA

Peace and equality champion, Emeritus Professor Monica McWilliams, Professor Andrew Cooper, one of the world's top ten coastal management researchers, and linguist and former Provost of Ulster University’s Jordanstown campus, Professor Raffaella Folli, are being recognised for their extraordinary contributions to the sciences, humanities and social sciences, as well as to public service.

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Ulster University PhD Researcher Yasna Najmi named winner of the 2022 UK 3MT[®] People’s Choice Award

Yasna, from the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, won the National 3MT People’s Choice Award after presenting her research on ‘A Herbal Alternative to Treating Dental Implant Disease.’ The competition saw 1,000 competitors from over 70 UK and Ireland Universities.

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INSPIRING PEOPLE

Belfast School of Art welcomes its first Freelands Foundation Fellow, Ciarraí MacCormac

The Belfast School of Art’s BA and MFA Fine Art courses were delighted to welcome their first Freelands Foundation Fellow, Ciarraí MacCormac, who will work as an Artist-in-Residence alongside our undergraduate and postgraduate students. As a Fellow, Ciarraí will have a studio in the department to engage with current students, support staff to undertake workshops, crits, and tutorials as well as having the opportunity to deliver an artist’s talk.

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Professor Paul McCarron named Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland

Professor McCarron, Head of School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, was named Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of NI. He received recognition for his outstanding contribution to pharmacy, at an award ceremony hosted by the leadership body, Pharmacy Forum NI.

Ulster Lecturer receives the Ronny Pieters Award

Jerome Marley, Lecturer in Nursing, and Faculty Partnership Manager in the School of Nursing and Paramedic Science, has received the Ronny Pieters Award in recognition of an outstanding and enduring contribution to the development of Urological Nursing in Europe.

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Professors Ruth Fee, Sonja McIlfatrick and Frank Casey recognised in Birthday and New Year’s Honours

Professor Fee was awarded an MBE for services to Higher Education and Public Services in NI, Professor McIlfatrick received an MBE for services to Higher Education and Public Health and Professor Casey received an OBE for services to Healthcare in NI.

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Professor Cherith Semple awarded Lifetime Achievement Award to Head and Neck Cancer Services

Cherith, Professor of Nursing was awarded the British Association of Head and Neck Oncologists (BAHNO) Lifetime Achievement Award. Over the past 20 years, she has focused her clinical academic career supporting patients and families with head and neck cancer, with a key focus on promoting posttreatment quality of life.

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GLOBAL VISION

We foster a global vision that transcends borders and embraces diverse perspectives, promoting a strong, internationally relevant curriculum which prepares our students to thrive and lead in an interconnected world.

President Joseph R. Biden makes key address at Ulster University

April 2023 brought a landmark moment for the University as we welcomed President Joseph R. Biden to Belfast. In one of his only engagements during a visit to Northern Ireland marking the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, President Biden was welcomed to the University by Vice Chancellor Paul Bartholomew and Ulster University student Gabrielle

Feenan. President Biden gave a wide-ranging speech in which he welcomed the enhancement and expansion of the Belfast campus and highlighted the continued investment of American firms in Northern Ireland and the unprecedented opportunity this presents.

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Taoiseach announces €44.5 million Shared Island cross-border funding to expand the Derry~Londonderry campus

This major investment will fund a new teaching and student services building at the campus, expanding higher education provision both sides of the border with additional lecture and seminar spaces, computer labs, and on-campus student services. The investment, announced by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tánaiste Micheál Martin in June 2023 underpins existing teaching and research cooperation between Ulster University and ATU Donegal.

Ulster University to strengthen education provision in border communities with new partnership

Ulster University, in partnership with Educate Together and the Integrated Education Fund, launched a new and innovative project to develop and strengthen the sustainability of primary education provision in border communities. Aimed towards gaining a better understanding of the educational challenges and opportunities facing those living in border areas, the project will examine two cross-border rural communities and is supported by International Fund for Ireland (IFI).

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Belfast Good Friday Agreement@25 - Year Long Programme of Events

This year saw the beginning of a year-long arts and events programme to commemorate the pivotal moment in time, 25 years ago. It included new, exclusive arts commissions such as AGREEMENT by Amanda Dunsmore and After the Rain; 25@25: a new leadership programme to support and develop 25 leaders of tomorrow from a host of different sectors; and a major Tourism Summit.

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GLOBAL VISION

Ulster University to strengthen education provision in border communities with new partnership

Ulster University, in partnership with Educate Together and the Integrated Education Fund, launched a new and innovative project to develop and strengthen the sustainability of primary education provision in border communities. Aimed towards gaining a better understanding of the educational challenges and opportunities facing those living in border areas, the project will examine two cross-border rural communities and is supported by International Fund for Ireland (IFI).

~~READ MORE >>~~

Ulster University student Ryan named Study USA student of the Year Ulster University student Ryan Higgins was named Study USA Student of the Year in 2022. An Architectural Engineering student, Ryan spent a year at the University of Indianapolis and achieved top academic marks for an essay highlighting how the experience has helped further his employability.

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Atlantic Futures: Major €4million CrossBorder Research Partnership Launches In January 2023 a major €4million, four-year crossborder research partnership between the University, ATU and the Universities of Galway and Limerick launched to address structural and societal imbalances across the North West Atlantic Innovation Corridor. A research team is co-located across three hubs in Derry~Londonderry, Galway and Limerick and will work to understand issues in the region including slow economic growth, low levels of female entrepreneurship and higher rates of mental health difficulties among young people.

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OUR VALUES

Our Values set the tone for our University, where we are and where we want to get to.

UU VALUES AT THE CORE OF THIS NEW CHAPTER

At Ulster University we are embarking on organisational change that will affect individuals and teams across each of our campuses, both now and in the years to come.

Our core values of Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration and Enhancing Potential will help to underpin the work of those who have a role in supporting the University’s transformation and help to keep the needs of colleagues at the very heart of our thinking, planning and delivery.

Ulster University’s values

Achieving Excellence Together

The co-created nature of our Ulster University Values provides an indication of the culture within our community. They give us direction on how we can Achieve Excellence Together, to enhance our employee and student experience, now and in the future.

We continue to work together to help facilitate and embed values driven activities and further colleague engagement at Ulster University.

Integrity

At Ulster University, we are open and honest, allowing us to develop professional and positive trusting relationships. We strive to make sound judgements, recognise each other’s contribution and understand the impact our actions can have on colleagues and students.

Collaboration

Working together, we can continually build trust between individuals and teams and commit to actively listening and communicating with each other. As a University we support cross-team working and creating a transparent environment that promotes connectedness and partnerships internally and externally.

Enhancing Potential

This year we have worked to enhance potential and are pioneering in our teaching, research and professional practice. We nurture our strengths and ambitions, empowering each person to become their ‘best self’, and as a University we have recognised and rewarded excellence.

Inclusion

We are an inclusive University community which celebrates individual differences and encourages inter-cultural respect always. We treat each other fairly, behaving with respect and dignity in our language and actions.

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FINANCIAL REVIEW

This past year has been very exciting for the University with the official opening of the new Belfast campus by the US President Joe Biden, ongoing growth in Derry/ Londonderry and further refurbishment at Coleraine. The financial results for 2022/23 were very positive, with strong growth in international recruitment and significant diversification of income with partners, with a reduced reliance on government funding.

Financial performance during the year shows a surplus of £38.3m (2022 surplus £13.4m). This includes a net credit of £25.2m (2022: charge £5.1m) due to pension funds activity in the USS and NILGOSC pension schemes. The balance sheet has strengthened with total net assets increasing to £362m (2022 £323m) reflecting an increase in capital assets and cash surpluses generated during the year.

The outlook for the 2023/24 financial year and beyond is encouraging, however future challenges and an increasingly complex changing operating environment cannot be underestimated particularly upon the public finances.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements comprise the financial results of the University consolidated with the results of its subsidiary company. The University is an independent educational charity whose legal status is derived from a Royal Charter granted in 1984. The distinctiveness of the University within the higher education sector places it within a small group of institutions that are research engaged and business focussed with significant commercialisation of research, major knowledge transfer relationships. It has a focus on contributing to economic, social and cultural development in Northern Ireland and its global standing.

FINANCIAL HEALTH

Key performance indicators are set out below with an assessment on progress against the financial strategy target with red meaning action required, amber more work required and green on track. When taken together these measures reflect the strong governance and effective management of the University’s resources in sustaining financial health in the short, medium and long term.

Financial Sustainability 2023 2022 Status Comments
Indicators Actual Actual
Surplus as a % of income after 4.7% 7.1% This indicates the level of return necessary for
deducting pension provision investment in capital.
movement
Earnings before Interest, Tax, £27.8m £31.5m This is a measure of operating surplus excluding
Depreciation and Amortisation accounting adjustments and finance charges.
(EBITDA) It is a good indicator of financial capability to
service debt and/or capital expenditure from
internally generated cash.
Liquidity ratio 176 days 136 days This measures our ability to fund short term cash
requirements.
Current assets to current liabilities 2.3:1 2.5:1 An indicator of financial strength to meet short

An indicator of financial strength to meet short term liabilities

16

Summary of Financial Position

Key Performance Indicators from the financial statements

Year Ended 31 July 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
£m £m £m £m £m
Total income 281.4 259.5 239.2 214.6 218.3
Surplus/(Deficit) before Gains and Losses 12.5 (41.0) 16.4 18.0 (32.2)
EBITDA 27.8 31.5 37.3 14.4 24.9
Net assets 361.8 323.4 310.0 255.7 262.3

Treasury, Borrowings and Investments

Net cash increased £18.7m during the year. The movement in funds is summarised below:

2023 2022 Change
£m £m £m
Investments and short term deposits 102.2 82.2 20.0
Cash at bank and in hand 27.7 29.4 (1.7)
Bank and other loans (160.7) (161.1) 0.4
Net cash (30.8) (49.5) 18.7

During the year £18.2m cash was spent on acquiring fixed assets against which £2.5m of capital grants were received.

Cashflow Statement 2022-23

----- Start of picture text -----
£29.4m £29.1m £27.7m
Cash inflow
Opening Cash
from Closing Cash
1 August 2022
operating 31 July 2023
activity
Financing
Activites
Other investing
activities -£0.7m
----- End of picture text -----

-£30.1m

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Sources of Income 2022-23

35.2% 7.1% £99m £19.9m Funding Body Grants Other Income 43.3% £122m 1.8% 12.6% Tuition Fees £5.1m and Education £35.4m Investment Income, Contracts Research Grants and other Contracts Donations and Endowments

How We Allocated Our Resources 2022-23

Academic Departments £99.8m Staff costs: £86.7m Other: £13.1m Research Grants and Contracts £28m Staff costs: £12.6m Other: £15.4m Premises £49.4m Staff costs: £4.2m Other: £45.2m

Administrative and Central Services £40m Staff costs: £20m Other: £20m Residences, Catering and Conferences £6.2m Staff costs: £1.5m Other: £4.7m Academic Services £48m

Academic Services Staff costs: £23.4m Other: £24.6m

Total Staff Costs £140.3m

Pension Adjustment

Staff costs: (£10.7m) Other: £2.9m

(£7.8m)

Total Other £128.7m

Other Spend

Staff costs: £2.6m Other: £2.8m _including income-generating operations_

£5.4m

Total

£269.0m

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GOVERNANCE 2022-23

Council and the Committees of Council

COUNCIL COMPOSITION

Ex-Officio Members

Pro-Chancellors

Dr J Pyper Dr E Way

Vice-Chancellor

Professor P Bartholomew

Honorary Treasurer

Mr D Clements

President of the Students’ Union

Ms G Boyle

Appointed Members

Eight persons not being members of staff or students of the University Mr C Conway (from 01/03/23) Mr J Healy (from 01/03/23) Mrs M Lindsay Mr P Lobban Mr A Moore Dr P M[c] Naney Mr P Sheridan Mr R Sloan Dr J Stuart Ms J Taggart

Elected Members

COUNCIL COMMITTEE

Audit and Risk Committee

Committee Composition Ex-Officio Members

Dr E Way (Chair)

Appointed Members

Mr C Conway (from 01/03/23) Mr P Sheridan (until 16/04/23) Mr R Sloan Mrs M Lindsay (from 17/04/23) Ms J Taggart (from 17/04/23)

Elected Member

Mr E Friel (until 16/04/23)

External Independent Members Mr A Bing (from 01/03/23)

COUNCIL COMMITTEE

People Committee

Committee Composition Ex-Officio Members

Dr J Pyper (Chair) Professor P Bartholomew (Vice-Chancellor) Mr D Clements Dr E Way

Two members of Academic Staff

Professor A Gallagher Ms G Horgan One member of Academic-Related Staff Mr E Friel

Appointed Member

Dr J Stuart (until 16/04/23)

External Independent Members

Mr D Bingham Mr A Hunter Ms G M[c] Auley

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COUNCIL COMMITTEE

Resources Committee

Committee Composition Ex-Officio Members

Mr D Clements (Chair) Professor P Bartholomew (Vice-Chancellor) Dr J Pyper Ms G Boyle

Appointed Members

Mr J Healy (from 01/03/23) Mrs M Lindsay (until 16/04/23) Mr P Lobban Dr P M[c] Naney

Elected Members

Ms G Horgan (until 16/04/23) Professor A Gallagher

External Independent Members Mr C Trotter (from 01/03/23)

COUNCIL COMMITTEE

Belfast Campus Development Committee

Committee Composition

Dr P M[c] Naney (Chair) Mr D Clements (Deputy Chair) Professor P Bartholomew (Vice-Chancellor) Mr P Lobban Mr A Moore Professor P Gray

Co-opted Independent Members

Mr D Gregory Mr J Cole

COUNCIL COMMITTEE

City Deals and Special Projects Committee

Committee Composition

Mr P Sheridan (Chair) Mr E Friel Ms G Horgan (from 17/04/23) Mr R Sloan Dr J Stuart

Statement of Primary Responsibilities

The Council has adopted a statement of primary responsibilities which is available for download at:

~~ULSTER.AC.UK/STATEMENTOFPRIMARYRESPONSIBILITIES~~

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