Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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ESRC’s Executive Chair, Stian Westlake, shares his reflections and the key themes from our recent engagement event at Invest Northern Ireland. This event brought together stakeholders from across the region to discuss UKRI’s strategy and how we can better support innovation in Northern Ireland to help drive benefits for everyone.

Highlights from the day’s conversations include:
- The importance of building a deep understanding of what makes Northern Ireland’s research and innovation system distinctive
- Ensuring we respond with the right kind of support so the research and innovation ecosystem in Northern Ireland continues to flourish
- Making sure we continue to communicate with our partners there and build on the effective relationship developed over the years between us

Find out more in this video.

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