The Honourable The Irish Society was proud to host a special evening at the House of Commons last week, in partnership with Ulster University, bringing together alumni, partners and stakeholders from across London and Northern Ireland.
Held in the Churchill Room, the event created an important space to reconnect established networks while showcasing the depth and impact of Ulster University’s work. The Vice-Chancellor opened proceedings by setting out how the University’s research is being applied to address real-world challenges — demonstrating clearly how academic expertise is translating into meaningful outcomes for society.
The panel discussion, expertly chaired by Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, explored the intersection of health science, artificial intelligence and creative technologies — each grounded in work already delivering tangible benefits.
David Crozier CBE opened the discussion with a focus on the practical application of artificial intelligence in addressing societal and economic challenges. In particular, he highlighted how AI is being used to support social housing providers in working more effectively with tenants on energy usage — demonstrating how advanced technologies can deliver direct benefits for individuals, households and communities.
Professor Bridgeen Callan then outlined pioneering developments in health research, particularly in the field of cancer treatment. Her work focuses on developing innovative approaches to targeted therapies, including photodynamic techniques that offer the potential for more effective and less invasive treatment options for patients.
Professor Declan Keeney concluded the panel by setting out how creative and digital technologies are transforming the production and consumption of content. Through Studio Ulster, a £72 million investment in virtual production and creative technology, Northern Ireland is being positioned at the forefront of global innovation in the screen industries, combining cutting-edge technologies with research and skills development.
For the Society, hosting the event was a clear expression of its role as a convenor — bringing together people, institutions and networks across London and Northern Ireland to support long-term, community-led progress. This role sits at the heart of the Society’s strategy: enabling collaboration, strengthening connections and supporting work that delivers lasting benefit to communities.
The evening was concluded by the Society’s Governor, Alderman Vincent Keaveny, whose remarks framed the event not simply as a showcase of academic excellence, but as a demonstration of excellence applied with purpose. He emphasised that the work highlighted throughout the evening reflects a shared commitment to delivering real and lasting impact for people and communities.
The Governor reinforced the Society’s role in enabling such progress — acting as a trusted, neutral convenor that brings together diverse groups across sectors and geographies to support long-term outcomes. He underscored the importance of collaboration, mutual respect and long-term thinking, particularly in a context where strong leadership and shared purpose are essential.
In reflecting on the wider significance of the evening, he also highlighted the enduring connection between London and Northern Ireland — and the opportunity that exists when those networks are actively brought together. By strengthening these relationships, there is clear potential to support economic opportunity, innovation and community development.
He concluded by setting a forward-looking tone, noting that this event represents not an endpoint but a continuation — part of an ongoing effort to deepen relationships, build partnerships and contribute to future progress.
This event demonstrated what can be achieved when strong institutions work together with clarity of purpose — combining research excellence, civic leadership and community focus. Through its partnership with Ulster University, The Honourable The Irish Society remains committed to enabling those connections and supporting work that makes a lasting difference.