• Exhibition Launch: 'Avant Gardener'. Thursday 16 April, 5.30pm to 8.00pm, Naughton Gallery, Lanyon Building.
• Sound and performance: 'Climate | Sound | Action 2: Climate, ecology, and sustainability'. Friday 17 April, 12.00pm to 1.30pm, Queen's CaptureLab.
• Short film screening: 'Plight of the Bumble Bee'. Friday 17 April, 4.15pm to 5.15pm, Queen's CaptureLab.
• Upcycling workshop: From Waste to Wardrobe. Tuesday 21 April, 12.00pm (light lunch) to 1.45pm, One Elmwood.

More information

• 'An Acoustic Common...'

  This free event explores how we share urban space with wild migratory songbirds, including endangered swallows, swifts and house martins, whose long journeys along the East Atlantic Flyway bring them to Belfast each April.

  Blending critical environmental themes with an inclusive and playful approach, this performance invites participants to reflect on how bird voices, like our own, adapt to changing landscapes. No singing or mimicry skills are required.

  This event is presented as part of the Sonorities 2026 Climate | Sound | Action series in collaboration with Reach'26, Queen’s Arts and Sustainability Festival, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature, sound, and place.

• 'Avant Gardener'

  Showcasing local and international artists, this exhibition explores our changing relationship with nature through humour, pop culture and cinematic storytelling.

  From lush landscapes to imaginative post-apocalyptic scenes, the works invite us to consider how we inhabit, shape and sometimes harm the natural world, highlighting themes of connection, care, activism and resilience.

• Climate | Sound | Action 2

  Experience an afternoon of innovative sound and performance with Climate | Sound | Action, a special event co‑produced by Sonorities and Reach'26, Queen’s Arts and Sustainability Festival.

  Featuring four boundary‑pushing works by international artists, the programme explores environmental challenges, the climate crisis, and sustainable approaches to artistic practice through experimental music, film, and audio‑visual performance.

  Blending themes of air, memory, landscape, and imagined futures, the event invites audiences to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and the urgent need for change.

  The one‑hour performance will be followed by a 30‑minute panel discussion.

• 'Plight of the Bumble Bee'
  'Plight of the Bumble Bee' is a captivating short film that explores the deep connections between bees and Irish religion, folklore, and biodiversity.

  Blending moments of sadness, humour, and hope, the documentary highlights the urgent need to protect biodiversity through heartfelt interviews with bee experts and community champions, from Kilkenny’s 81‑year‑old Peter Walsh, who has counted bees in the same spot since 1959, to Skerries locals who created a 5km biodiversity corridor.

  Beautiful animations bring to life the stories of Irish saints linked to bees, and the film is accompanied by a unique live soundtrack of traditional Irish music composed and performed by Brenda Castles with Tony Byrne and Erin Hennessey.

  A celebration of nature, community, and resilience.

• 'From Waste to Wardrobe'

  Led by Professor Alison Gault (Ulster University) and Dr Kunning Ding (Queen’s University Belfast), this fun, relaxed and hands‑on lunchtime upcycling workshop invites staff, students and the public to explore creative reuse, circular fashion and simple techniques for transforming old textiles into something new.

  With guidance from expert facilitators, participants can experiment, learn repair and upcycling skills, and connect with others who care about sustainable style.

  This event is free to attend, with a light lunch served from 12.00pm before the workshop begins at 12.15pm.

Course categories range from Creative Writing and Cultural Studies to Personal Development and Science. The courses are scheduled for daytime, evening and weekends, and the style is informal and accessible. Concession rates are also available for people in receipt of benefits.

For more information and the full programme, please visit www.qub.ac.uk/ol or email openlearning.education@qub.ac.uk.

• Programme Details*

  Class	Day	Time	Studio	Instructor	Dates	Duration	Price
  Zumba	Monday	1.10pm	PEC Studio 1	Heather	13 April to 29 June (no class on 4 May)	11 weeks	£66
  Pilates	Tuesday	1.00pm	PEC Studio 3	Jacqui	14 April to 23 June	11 weeks	£66
  Strength for All	Tuesday	1.00pm	PEC GTZ	Paul	14 April to 23 June	11 weeks	£66
  Yoga Express	Wednesday	12.00pm	PEC Studio 3	Treasa	15 April to 24 June	11 weeks	£66
  Yoga	Wednesday	1.00pm	PEC Studio 3	Treasa	15 April to 24 June	11 weeks	£66
  Tone 'n' Trim Hybrid	Thursday	1.10pm	Studio 1 and online	Heather	16 April to 25 June	11 weeks	£66

  • Zumba: fuses aerobic, conditioning and dance training exercises to a mixture of Latin and International music. This is an exciting, high energy class which is suitable for all fitness levels. You will have so much fun, you won't believe it's a workout!
  • Pilates: for everyone wanting to build up core, back and glute strength with control and without impact. With moves that will focus on posture alignment and engagement of the muscles.
  • Strength for All: provides the perfect platform for you to achieve your fitness goals. This class includes using Dumbbells, Barbells & bodyweight to challenge all major muscle groups to become stronger.
  • Yoga: you will be led through progressive Hatha Yoga with modifications for all. It will challenge and increase your strength and flexibility, while focusing on relaxation and mindfulness.
  • Tone 'n' Trim: a progressive class using resistance and stretching exercises for precision firming and muscle conditioning, it provides an intense, non-cardio workout that targets all the major muscle groups. This class can be joined in person or online, depending on what best suits you that day.

  If possible please bring your own exercise mat for the classes at Queen’s Sport.

  Changing facilities and showers are provided at Queen’s Sport.

* Please note, places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

You will be asked to complete a short health questionnaire when making your payment. This must be completed before taking part in the classes.

You will receive an email confirming the venue for the classes the week before the classes begin. The link to the hybrid Tone 'n' Trim classes will be circulated on 15 April.

More information

Under the University’s dental policy cover, staff can choose from a variety of discounted dental plans within MyLifestyle, offering different treatment plan options.

• How to access the offer
  1. To take advantage of the dental care discount, simply log in to your My Lifestyle account via: qub.rewardgateway.co.uk;
  2. Once logged in, you'll find the discounted dental care under a separate tab at the top of the page, titled ‘Dental Insurance’;
  3. Click on the enrolment page;
  4. Enter the following details:
  • Enrolment Code: C350F5/3400 (Please note: codes must be entered manually and cannot be copied and pasted);
  • Your employee ID;
  • Your date of birth.
  5. Choose the level of cover from the available plans;
  6. Complete the application and create your username and password to access the online claim portal.
• Enrolment period

  These discounted services are only available during the enrolment period (23 March to 20 April 2026) or within 30 days of joining the University if you are a new member of staff.

  Existing users of the dental plan offer will be contacted around 30 days before their current policy expires, with guidance on renewing or updating their coverage.

• Eligibility

  This offer is available to all University employees on permanent or fixed-term contracts, paid monthly through the University payroll and subject to income tax and National Insurance (NIC), with the exception of Q-Work staff.

For additional queries on the new dental care discount offer, please visit the FAQs page or email: reward@qub.ac.uk.

Queen’s pension schemes provide staff with long-term financial security and stability.

Key benefits include:

• Financial security: a guaranteed monthly income upon retirement;
• Provision for loved ones: support for your family should circumstances change;
• Long-term value: assisting staff with confident planning and future financial wellbeing.

Learn more here about the University's Pension Schemes and how they can support future planning.

These Awards recognise excellence in learning, teaching and support, and highlight the positive impact our staff have on student success and engagement.

More information

The Queen’s University Teaching Awards are your chance to showcase the learning, teaching and support that make a real difference for our students.

Successful applicants will receive a certificate and pin badge, along with support to progress to national recognition schemes such as the Advance HE National Teaching Fellowship Scheme and Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence.

The achievements of this year's award recipients will be marked at a celebration event in September.

For any queries, please contact: teachingawards@qub.ac.uk.

The winners will be announced on Thursday 21 May at the Queen’s Technician Showcase. This event is open to technicians only.

• Please register here to attend the event.

Award categories

Awards are available in the following categories:

• Technician Award for Contribution to Outreach
• Technician Award for Contribution to Sustainability
• Technician Award for Contribution to Research
• Technician Award for Contribution to Education
• Technician Award for Outstanding Leadership
• Technician Award for Best Newcomer

1. Jog for 18 minutes, then walk for two minutes for recovery (x2).
2. Jog for 20 minutes, then walk for two minutes for recovery (x2).
3. Jog for 22 minutes, then walk for two minutes for recovery (x2).

Designed to bring Queen’s climate action to life, the tour invites participants to explore how sustainability is taking shape across campus in the spaces people use every day. With short stops, clear examples, and space for conversation, it offers a fresh way to look at buildings, green space, travel, waste, and the everyday choices that shape campus life.

Please note: The Staff Forum is not for raising individual issues.

More information

Highlights from the March Staff Forum Meeting.

Recent discussions included:

• Revised PDR Policy and digitisation of PS form
• Pulse Survey institutional areas for action
• EDI Strategy Consultation
• Professional Services Review
• Travel provider and staff safety
• Improving Staff Forum engagement

Queen’s Staff Forum aims to:

• ensure staff views are heard and represented through nominated representatives from across the University;
• create an open and inclusive space for dialogue between staff and senior leadership, including the Vice‑Chancellor;
• provide structured feedback on workplace issues that affect the employee experience;
• support collaborative action planning and contribute to positive, institution‑wide change.

Microsoft Teams Phone integrates calling into the existing Teams platform, reducing reliance on physical desk phones, and supporting the University’s sustainability objectives through lower energy usage and reduced electronic waste.

• Further information and guidance are available on the Telecoms SharePoint page.
• If you have any queries regarding the migration, please contact teamstelephony@qub.ac.uk.

• AI for Educators Course: Self-paced Canvas course for student-facing staff to build confidence using AI in education. Explore four modules (Basics, Teaching & Learning, Assessment & Feedback, and Research), with practical AI Skills Build activities and discussion. Complete what’s most relevant to you, or finish all four to earn a Digital Certificate of Completion, signed by Professor Judy Williams (PVC Education and Students).
   
• Webinar: What's new in AI in 2026 (webinar recording). Staff can also view the session resources here.

More information

Webinar: What's new in AI in 2026. The Digital Learning Institute recently hosted a webinar exploring new developments and trends in AI in 2026, facilitated by Joe Houghton, unpacking how AI is changing how we design, deliver and manage learning.

Please contact the team at AI-Hub@qub.ac.uk with any queries.

To contribute an article to Queen's Policy Engagement, please email Kevin at qpol@qub.ac.uk.

• What's behind Pakistan's war with Afghanistan's Taliban government?, by Professor Michael Semple
• How big data is transforming what we know about the universe, by Professor Muiris MacCarthaigh and Joshua Weston

• Queen’s researchers receive prestigious NIHR Senior Investigator Award
• Queen’s sees continued rise in global subject rankings
• Two Queen’s University academics selected as members of the Young Academy Ireland
• Queen’s strengthens student and research partnership with the George Washington University
• Two Queen’s academics selected as members of the UK Young Academy
• Queen’s hosts Green Dot Bystander drop-in event
• Queen’s launches active bystander initiative to promote safety and respect

Find out more: De Chastelain Scholarship Programme.

The deadline for submissions is Monday 11 May at 11.00pm GMT (6.00pm EST).

• The Stranger
• Stand By Me
• LUMI Presents: Donnie Darko
• NT Live: All My Sons
• California Schemin'
• Reach '26 x Docs Ireland: Preview: How Deep is Your Love + Discussion
• Reach '26: Plight of the Bumble Bee
• Rebuilding
• The Blue Trail
• Bridget Jones's Diary

Staff tickets are priced at £8.50. Staff and students aged 26 and under can join LUMI to get tickets for £6.00 every day, all year round.

AVANT GARDENER examines how contemporary artists are tending to new growth – cultivating visions of connection, care, and resistance. Bringing together local and international practitioners, the exhibition explores the intersections of art, activism, and sustainability, asking how we continue to find meaning, pleasure, and purpose in our relationship with the living world.

AVANT GARDENER forms part of REACH'26, Queen’s University Belfast’s annual Arts and Sustainability Festival, and continues the Naughton Gallery’s commitment to presenting bold, thought-provoking work that speaks to the world we share.

The Sonorities Festival is a biennial festival of sound and music, which has been making a joyful commotion in Belfast since 1981.

Spectrum.Life Wellbeing Series

Spectrum.Life, Queen's new EAP provider, has a range of wellbeing webinars and eLearning modules on their wellbeing hub. Access Spectrum.Life courses here using the Organisation Code QUBSTAFF.

Available courses

• The Impact of AI on your Mental Wellbeing – eLearning programme.
• Understanding, support and resources for domestic violence – eLearning programme.

In Case You Missed It

• It's Just Period Pain...Or is it?
• Body Image - Letting go of labels
• Dermot Whelan's Practical Tools for Smart Living
• Raising Kids in an AI World
• Simple Practices for Gratitude and Self
• How We Break the Cycle: Stress

Anyone can experience domestic abuse, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexuality, social class, or location.

What the session will cover:

• Key statistics on domestic abuse
• Current strategies and the legislative context
• Signs and symptoms of abuse – how to recognise them
• The impact of domestic abuse on children and young people
• Pathways to support and available services

Who is it for?

This session is suitable for anyone wanting to build awareness and understanding of domestic abuse and its effects. 

Staff can contact eqdiv@qub.ac.uk with any queries.

In each of these sessions colleagues will hear practical examples from across Queen’s and explore approaches that can support student learning, employability, and real-world engagement.

All sessions take place from 12.15pm to 1.30pm in the Geography Building, room OG/033.

• Wednesday 15 April: Preparing Students for a Changing World: Sustainability, Skills and Graduate Futures. Presented by Dionne Alexander, School of Biological Sciences.
• Thursday 21 May: The Activist Educator: Authentic Assessment for Sustainable Development. Presented by Dr Sean Roe and Dr Mary McGahon, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences.
• Wednesday 17 June: Living Labs at Queen’s: Turning Campus Challenges into Student Learning. Presented by Natalie Le Seelleur, Queen's Sustainability Team.

Book your place here.
 

More information

• Wednesday 15 April: Preparing Students for a Changing World: Sustainability, Skills and Graduate Futures

  Explore how sustainability-related challenges are shaping organisations across many sectors, and what that means for student learning, employability, and graduate futures. Drawing on experience from placement activity in the School of Biological Sciences, Dionne will share how students encountered these issues in practice, what they gained from the experience, and why this matters across disciplines.

• Thursday 21 May: The Activist Educator: Authentic Assessment for Sustainable Development

  Explore an innovative physiology assessment that connects the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals with authentic, discipline-based learning. Sean Roe and Mary McGahon will share how the assessment has developed over the past two years, what students produced, and what emerged in terms of engagement, advocacy, and meaningful learning.

• Wednesday 17 June: Living Labs at Queen’s: Turning Campus Challenges into Student Learning

  Learn how Queen’s Living Labs connects real sustainability challenges on campus and across Belfast with student learning, research, and partnership projects. The session will introduce the Living Labs approach, show what kinds of projects work well, and outline practical routes for bringing opportunities into modules, placements, dissertations, and co-curricular activity.

This session will be delivered by the Quality Assurance and Regulations Team in Academic Affairs, hosted via Microsoft Teams, and is open to all relevant School staff. The session will be recorded so it can be made available to staff who are unable to attend on the scheduled date.

* Completion of the training is mandatory for all Chairs of Boards of Examiners on an annual basis.

Please feel free to contact the University Safety Service at safety@qub.ac.uk or 028 9097 4613 should you have any queries or training requirements.