180 | Queen's University Belfast

Source: https://qub.ac.uk/home/180

Archived: 2026-04-23 17:11

180 | Queen's University Belfast
Share
Facebook
Linkedin
Email
180
Timeline
This year we are celebrating the real-world impact of our research, education and partnerships- told through the voices of those we've helped.
Our case studies demonstrate the impact we've had on the health and wellbeing of our society, our dedication to innovation and technology and our commitment to sustainability. They prove the social value we add and showcase our growing community partnerships.
John's Story
“All these years later, that invention saved me on a Belfast road. That is the legacy we carry forward. That is hope and history there.”
Nicole's Story
For much of her life, Nicole Adams, 34, lived with an unspoken sense that time might be limited.
Máirín's Story
In the heart of the Conamara Gaeltacht, community development manager Máirín Ní Choisdealbha-Seoige has been turning local ambition into lasting action.
Fiona's Story
“For many victims and survivors, not being seen and not being heard was part of their life journey … it is about making sure victims and survivors are heard and seen.”
Alan's Story
When Bishop Alan Abernethy first walked the halls of Queen’s University Belfast in the 1970s, he never imagined that decades later, the same institution would help save his life.
Pierce's Story
From a teenager finding direction in Ardoyne to a youth leader helping others see their potential, Pierce McConnell’s story shows how belief, opportunity and partnership can transform lives.
Ken's Story
When Ken Brown exploded with anger in a chip shop over a wrong order, he knew something was deeply wrong.
Robin's Story
“I asked for a prostate test, just because of my age. That small act probably saved my life.”
Ken's Story
When Ken McBride was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 55, he could never have imagined the journey that diagnosis would set him on.
Trevor's Story
"Queen's gave me a lift when I had nothing left in the tank."
Marie Therese's Story
“For us, it’s about knowing someone is listening, that we’re not on our own. And that we’re being given the tools to help ourselves.”
Paul's Story
"The John Crawford Process proves that truth recovery is possible when the political will is absent. It holds everyone to account."
Thomas' Story
"The trip was more than just a family holiday, it was a symbol of what’s possible when the right support is in place."
Tim's Story
"Had it not been for the research that was done 15 years before I hit the operating theatre and the post treatment that I got, I simply would not be here."
Colin's Story
"What we have is a gold standard community garden which is designed to be as accessible as it can be."
Donovan's Story
"The time with lecturers, staff, and students builds and enhances relationships and makes young people believe in themselves."
Israel's Story
"I think the sanctuary movement has made a huge difference. Personally, sanctuary to me is where you feel safe, where you feel heard, and where you feel valued."
View all stories
Join an event
Take a campus tour
Support Queen's
Strategy 2030
Making a Difference
From medical breakthroughs and improving cancer care, to protecting the online security of internet users and transforming the education sector in Northern Ireland, Queen's touches the lives of thousands of people every day.
Since the biennial prizes were first awarded in 1994, Queen's has been the recipient of seven awards, underlining our status as an outstanding UK educational institution and a centre of excellence.
Recognised Awards
“For 180 years, Queen’s University Belfast has been at the heart of progress, transforming lives through education, research, and innovation. As we celebrate this milestone, we honour our past and look forward to shaping a brighter future for all.”
Professor Sir Ian Greer
Vice-Chancellor and President
Through the years
From Queen's, To the world
Over the last 180 years, we have welcomed and produced some of the world's most influential figures.
From Nobel-Prize winning poet Seamus Heaney and former President of Ireland Mary McAleese to Professor Frank Pantridge who invented the portable defibrillator, our halls have been home to leaders in literature, politics, science, engineering and beyond.
As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the people who have shaped and been shaped by Queen's.
Research that shapes the future
We joined the prestigious, research-intensive Russell Group in 2007, making us one of the UK's 24 leading research-intensive universities.
Today, we are particularly well known for our research into agri-food, sustainable energy, medical research and our innovative cybersecurity work. In REF 2021, 99% of our research environment was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Research themes
A legacy of teaching excellence
We have been recognised for our innovating teaching methods and commitment to student satisfaction, receiving accolades such as the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.
Since the biennial prizes were first awarded in 1994, Queen's has been the recipient of seven awards, underlining our status as an outstanding UK educational institution and a centre of excellence.
View our timeline
Our Campus
From the day we opened our doors 180 years ago to the present, our university has continued to evolve to meet the needs of each new generation.
Our once-modest institution has transformed into a world-class centre for education and research, allowing staff and students to push the boundaries of knowledge.
Through a
£700m, 20-year capital development programme
, Queen's has carefully preserved its heritage while embracing innovation, creating one of the finest campuses in the UK and Ireland. Explore how our facilities have changed, blending history with cutting-edge advancements.
Our Facilities
Then
Now
Queen's Leaders 18-45
Inspiring positive change for 180 years
The Women of Queen's
Celebrating them women from Queen's Past, Present and Future
Strategy 2030
Learn more about how we plan to continue Queen's success now and into the future
Close Search