Queen’s University was awarded the top prize at the annual ceremony held in Grosvenor House, London. Paul Hannon presented the prestigious award to Professor Gerry McCormac Pro-Vice Chancellor for Planning and External Relations at Queen’s.

BY SIOBHAN KEARNEY

Hannon went on to state that Queen’s depicts the essential characteristics of an entrepreneurial university. Various aspects of Queen’s entrepreneurial successes convinced the judges that Queen’s was the deserved winner – the University’s Knowledge Transfer Unit facilitates partnerships between academic groups and companies and is presently the UK’s principal member in Knowledge Transfer Partnership. Further, Queen’s commitment to enterprise is apparent in its revolutionary model of entrepreneurship education which runs through its core curriculum. The award not only reaffirms the University’s continuing dedication to nurture future business leaders, but is also certain to have a positive impact on Northern Ireland enterprise as a whole. Indeed the award compliments the focus given to economic development in Northern Ireland that was emphasised by the recent and momentous visit of US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton. Whilst the award clearly reflects the outstanding commitment of staff and management to enterprise, SDLP Employment and Learning spokesperson Pat Ramsey, MLA, noted the significant role of students “who are recognised for their outstanding research and innovation and for their very important connections with industry which is resulting in new investment, business growth and jobs.”