19th December 2002

Email this Page |

Jane Kennedy MP, Minister for Employment and Learning, visited the University’s Coleraine campus today to gain first hand insight into the UU's research programme.

She was greeted by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Chris Barnett, and Provost, Professor Peter Roebuck.

The Minister toured the Science Park, where she talked with researchers involved in pioneering projects including biometric security, drug delivery systems, and diabetes research.

The VIP party then moved to the main campus building, where Ms Kennedy met senior academics and officers of the University, and was given an in-depth briefing on the work of the University by the Vice-Chancellor.

Following the briefing, the Vice-Chancellor presented the Minister with some souvenirs of her visit, including a piece of Tyrone crystal, a silver necklace designed at UU Belfast, and a copy of the Guide to the Millennium Arboretum.

Commenting on the work she had seen, the Minister said:

“The importance of research to a region like Northern Ireland cannot be overstated, and the excellent work carried out by research teams like those in University’s Centre for Molecular Biosciences in this area is to be commended

“I am particularly pleased that DEL, under the SPUR programme, was able to provide £7.25m – half the total cost of the new Centre for Molecular Biosciences.

“In addition, I am also pleased that my Department has been able to provide £11m towards the University’s mainstream research activity”.

The visit concluded with a hot finger buffet in the Bannview.

For further information, please contact:

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