About
At Queen’s University Belfast, innovation is at the heart of everything we do, building on nearly two centuries of academic excellence since our founding in 1845. As we celebrate Queen’s 180, we continue to honour our rich heritage while embracing the opportunities of the modern age.
Renowned for our pioneering research, transformative education, and forward-thinking partnerships, we continually push boundaries to shape a brighter, more connected future. From our state-of-the-art digital infrastructure to impactful collaborations with industry and the public sector, Queen’s is a vibrant hub where the legacy of historic achievement meets the drive for contemporary innovation. Here, ideas flourish and technology drives real-world change, all within the unique setting of our historic campus that stands as a testament to both tradition and transformation.
Queen’s will proudly host the “IgnitED: Accelerating Innovation & Collaboration in Digital Transformation” event in partnership with Jisc. This dynamic gathering will bring together thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners from across the UK and beyond, all with a shared passion for driving progress in digital transformation within higher education. The event promises a unique platform for exchanging insights, showcasing cutting-edge projects, and exploring new ways to harness technology for the benefit of students, staff, and wider society - all against the inspiring backdrop of our University’s historic yet ever-evolving environment.
Our collaboration with Jisc underscores our commitment to fostering an open, collaborative environment where the brightest minds can connect, learn, and inspire one another. Attendees can expect interactive workshops, keynote sessions from sector leaders, and opportunities to network in the historic surroundings of our Belfast campus - where Queen’s storied past meets its ambitious future. We look forward to welcoming you to Queen’s University Belfast for this event.
There will be an opportunity to attend all three breakout sessions.
Programme
Welcome from Jisc and Queen's University Belfast
Setting the context for the day and alignment to the Jisc Framework for digital transformation.
Keynote 1: Elizabeth Newall (Jisc) and Prof Nola Hewitt-Dundas (QUB)
Jisc will share the headlines from its latest Global education and technology report about the digital experiences of transnational (TNE) students and staff. You’ll also learn how Queen’s emerging international collaborations are enhancing its global standing and creating a significant impact in higher education.
Keynote 2: Prof Phil Hanna
Queen’s University has been at the forefront of strategic educational reform, integrating Beyond Blended learning, AI in Education, and student wellbeing into a unified approach for meaningful progress. Professor Phil Hanna will discuss how collaborative efforts have been instrumental in driving these advancements.
Breakout 1: Inspiring case studies
Join us across three interactive rooms for lively discussions and Q&A sessions, each spotlighting a groundbreaking project shaping the future of education. Attendees will be able to choose one room to attend:
- Beyond Blended at Queen’s University Belfast: Stef Savage-Campbell discusses how Queen’s University Belfast has expanded upon the beyond blended framework to establish a robust curriculum framework and design process
- AI in Education: Professor Phil Hanna demonstrates how cutting-edge AI tools are revolutionising the student journey, both inside the classroom and beyond
- Transnational Education: Jisc will unpack its latest transnational education (TNE) report, inviting you to consider the lived digital experiences of TNE students and staff, and the implications for your institutional delivery of global education
Lunch
Design sprint
Take part in our Design Sprint challenge by joining one of three interactive rooms as we tackle major issues in higher education collaboratively and proactively.
- Curriculum and assessment reform
- AI in education
- Transnational Education
1:45pm – 2:30pm: Action Sprint 1 (Discover and Define)
Kick off your innovation journey in this dynamic, expertly guided session, where we’ll boldly explore the boundaries of our challenge themes. Together, we’ll ask the big questions - “How might we tackle this?” - and set the stage for breakthrough thinking. Dive in, collaborate, and help shape the mission that will drive our solutions forward.
2:30pm – 3:15pm: Action Sprint 2 (Ideation and Creation)
Now, it’s time to spark creativity and bring ideas to life. In this hands-on session, you’ll roll up your sleeves and start prototyping fresh, testable solutions. What can we tangibly achieve in just 90 days? Together, we’ll refine our boldest concepts and transform intention into action.
3:30pm – 4:00pm: Action Sprint 3 (Commitments and Action Planning)
We reconvene as a full group to share insights, celebrate progress, and turn inspiration into tangible commitments. Leave empowered and energised, with a clear action plan and a shared determination to make a lasting impact beyond the event.
Who should attend
Our 2025-2026 series of demonstrating digital transformation events will bring together senior leaders with responsibility for taking forward digital transformation within their university, including senior executive/director roles in:
- Student experience
- Education
- Digital and IT services
- Libraries, estates and facilities management
- Registry and data management
- Learning, teaching, research and innovation
Contact
For further information, please contact events@jisc.ac.uk.