30th March 1998

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A conference on the implications of the Government's Green Paper on the Learning Society was hosted by the University of Ulster on Friday 3 April. The Paper, which follows from the radical recommendations of the Dearing Report (published last July), has implications for everyone involved in further and higher education. The conference enabled influential speakers to come together to discuss the future and shape of learning in Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

Those recommendations were especially far-reaching for Northern Ireland, in regard to the numbers being refused entry to our universities and the low level of funding being given to research with implications for jobs and economic recovery.

Two important aspects of the future in Northern Ireland, both of which will touch the lives of everyone in our community were emphasised. They are: the fact that everyone is now a potential university student, either by open door access or part-time study or another avenue of entry; and also the principle that the Learning Society will be based on a partnership between universities and the community.

This is of crucial importance for the future of local businesses, local councils, health trusts, the professions and other major groupings in society.

The conference was organised by Professor Roger Ellis, strategic adviser to the Vice-Chancellor. Arrangements were made for radio and television interview access to major speakers and these were opportunities for reporters to have details of what was seen by some as controversial views.

This was amongst the most important gatherings of influential opinion in recent years and was of widespread interest.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk