Hello from Belfast – and welcome to the September edition of The eGraduate.

How can we help young people build resilience and prepare them for the early years post-university? Should Northern Ireland go global? What impact will the Belfast City Deal really have? How can you access the latest thinking and expertise on the biggest issues of the day? Here at Queen's, our community of researchers, students and alumni engage with some of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Reporting on what they - and you - are thinking, discovering and creating will be Queen's new alumni magazine, Lanyon. The first issue is due to land in October, and it is packed with everything from Queen's Honorary Graduate Carl Frampton to sonic arts, traybakes and space science. Find out more about Lanyon and update your contact details so you can receive future issues.

One Elmwood, the new Student Centre and Students’ Union building, is open. More than just a building, the new hub will revolutionise Queen’s student experience, bringing together essential University services alongside all the ingredients necessary for an excellent night out. Why? Because in 2022, anything less just won’t cut it.

What does the Belfast Region City Deal have to do with cancer care? Professors Stuart Elborn and Judy Bradley say that patients are already feeling the impact of partnerships and funding – but that the real prize will be early access to innovative and potentially life-saving treatment for Northern Ireland.

Why does Northern Ireland need a global university? Professor Richard English says that from cybersecurity to poetry, and from heart surgery to community relations, diversity of voices and thought allows you to go further, faster. So, can Queen’s really help bring the world to NI – and take NI to the world? 

On these topics – and on all things Queen’s related – we look forward to your thoughts, reminisces and contribution to the debate: email us at editor@qub.ac.uk.

Annoucing the 2022 Allstate NI Alumni Volunteer of the Year

Ed Vernon OBE

Ed Vernon has been named Alumni Volunteer of the Year 2022 in recognition of the commitment and service that he has given to Queen’s for more than 40 years through mentorship, ingenuity and fundraising support. 

DJS Survey - last chance to complete

Survey deadline extended to Friday 7 October

Don’t miss your opportunity to shape the future of the alumni programme at Queen’s. We want to hear your thoughts and opinions on the benefits and support available to you as a graduate – and what more you feel could be offered. Search 'DJS Research' in your email inbox to access the survey.

The Annual Senator George J. Mitchell Peace Lecture 2022

Human Rights. Justice & Negotiating Peace with Terrorists: The case of Afghanistan

4pm - 5.30pm, Thursday 13 October

Canada Room and Council Chamber, Queen's University Belfast

The Senator George J. Mitchell Peace Lecture Series celebrates and recognises Senator Mitchell's contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process. This year's lecture, chaired by Professor Richard English, will feature speaker Nader Nadery (Asser Institute, Center for International and European Law).