Postgraduates’ importance recognised on either side of Atlantic

Postgraduates have a key role to play if Northern Ireland is to compete in the global marketplace, according to Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey.

Speaking following a meeting with Dr Debra Stewart, President of the Council of Graduate Schools in the USA, the Minister highlighted how important postgraduates are in driving forward innovation and enterprise, both here and in the United States.

He said: “We must recognise and appreciate that postgraduates will help determine the rate of economic recovery that we experience in the near future. Our universities have an excellent track-record in promoting postgraduate research and in building relationships with universities and businesses in the United States. However, there is potential for further increasing this collaboration and I will be encouraging our universities to explore this option fully.

“In order to maximise the postgraduate potential, through the Executive’s Programme for Government, I have committed my Department to increasing by 300 the number of PhDs in local universities by 2010. I have also appointed a Workforce Development Officer, based in Washington, to develop collaborative international partnerships and to foster cooperation across all levels in higher and further education and research sectors.”

The Minister was also keen to hear how universities in the United States work with businesses to ensure that postgraduate research is tailored to economic needs. Sir Reg said: “The close co-operation between universities, businesses and government in the United States is intended to ensure that their postgraduate research increases US global competitiveness. We should learn from this and encourage stronger working relationships between Queen’s, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland businesses and the Executive.”

The Minister met with Dr Stewart as part of his week long visit to the US. His visit includes meetings with key US business and political figures to promote business and educational opportunities in Northern Ireland.

Notes to editors:

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