The Network aims to connect research support professionals to share experiences, discuss common challenges, share best practice and innovate, and develop stronger working relationships.

Join a community of dedicated research professionals making a difference in Northern Ireland.

What We Offer:

  • Networking: Connect with peers at events, share insights and explore collaboration opportunities.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Stay updated on industry trends and access shared resources

The Northern Ireland Research Professionals Network aims to provide improved recognition and identity for research and innovation professionals across Northern Ireland.

The Network enables members to influence institutional and external policies and practices relevant to research and innovation activities, and provides a platform for engagement with other internal and external parties, networks, forums and partnerships relevant to the research and innovation landscape. Additionally the Network identifies and supports common training and professional development requirements.

Organisational Insight Exchange Programme

NIRPN is excited to pilot the new Organisational Insight Exchange Programme.

This pilot initiative is designed to connect research and innovation professionals across organisations and sectors. By promoting knowledge exchange, sharing best practice, and enhancing sector-wide understanding, the programme aims to support career growth and mobility within Northern Ireland’s research and innovation landscape.

Open to expressions of interest from 31 January 2025 to 28 February 2025.

Upcoming Events

Summer 2025

Our next event will take place in the Summer, further details to follow in due course.
If you haven’t already, join the network to be one of the first to hear.

Previous Events

  • Regional Meeting of Research and Innovation Professionals in NI

    16th June 2023

    This inaugural event provided attendees with opportunities to network with their peers, and featured contextual talks and case studies that offered valuable local and national perspectives on research and innovation.

  • Research Bureaucracy: Implementing the Tickell Review

    8th December 2023

    Attendees heard from policy leaders and university representatives, discussed reducing research bureaucracy and enhancing innovation. The agenda featured talks, a case study, breakout discussions on local challenges, and networking opportunities.

  • Enabling Impact and Innovation from Research in NI and beyond

    20th September 2024

    Experienced research professionals shared their experiences of collaborating with stakeholders to drive impact and innovation in NI. Attendees heard from the Department for the Economy as well as peers working in policy, knowledge exchange, innovation and culture.

  • Regional Balance and Connectivity


    31st January 2025

    Our January event in Derry/Londonderry —our first time meeting outside Belfast—brought together research professionals to explore how interconnected networks across Northern Ireland can drive impactful R&I.

NIRPN Organising Committee

  • Dr Sarah Baccianti, Research Manager, National Museums NI

  • Chris Browne, Head of Research Strategy and Engagement, Queen’s University Belfast

  • Oisin Cahill, Enterprise and Design Manager, Invest NI

  • Freda Casey, Research Culture Manager, Ulster University

  • Dr Alex Chacko, Head of innovation and Impact, Ulster University

  • Dr Alice Dubois, Research Culture Manager, Queen’s University Belfast

  • Glenda Fleming, Deputy Director, Medicines Optimisation and Innovation Centre, HSCNI

  • Dr Imelda Haran, Knowledge Exchange Manager, Open University

  • Orlaith Hurley, Head of Research Management, Ulster University

  • Dr Nikki Kernaghan, Head of Global Research Partnerships, Queen’s University Belfast

  • Lynda Mahon, Centre for Doctoral Training Operations Manager, Queen’s University Belfast

  • Fiona McElroy, Head of Research Support, AFBI