NI has secured one of 14 prestigious MRC doctoral awards across the UK, bringing a multimillion-pound investment to the region to train scientists who will drive next generation drug discovery, pharmaceutical innovation and clinical translation.
The Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University Northern Ireland Advanced Drug and Pharmaceutical Translation Programme (NI-ADAPT) MRC Doctoral Landscape Award will be led by Queen’s University Belfast in partnership with Ulster University.
NI-ADAPT will train PhD researchers, with the first students joining the four-year programme in October 2027.
The award forms part of a £90m MRC investment supporting more than 200 doctoral researchers annually across the UK for the next three years.
Bridge critical gap
NI-ADAPT will equip researchers to bridge a critical gap between scientific discovery and clinical application. Students will combine disease biology and pharmaceutical science with artificial intelligence, advanced drug delivery, data analytics, regulation and commercialisation, preparing them to work across research, healthcare and industry.
Their research will target four major areas of unmet health need: cancer, infection and antimicrobial resistance, lung disease and vision loss. Students will also undertake placements with a series of partners, gaining direct experience of translating laboratory discoveries into practical solutions.
The programme will connect Northern Ireland’s academic expertise with major regional investments and draw on a network of more than 30 industry, clinical, charitable and innovation partners.
By developing scientists with advanced digital, translational and commercial skills, NI-ADAPT will address critical workforce shortages, strengthen productivity and help Northern Ireland attract further life-sciences investment. The programme will support the UK Life Sciences Sector Plan by creating the talent needed to move promising discoveries more rapidly towards new treatments, technologies and businesses.
Professor Gavin Andrews, director of NI-ADAPT MRC Doctoral Landscape Award and head of the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast, said: “This is a landmark investment by the MRC in Northern Ireland’s scientific capability and economic future. Securing this multi-million-pound investment is a tremendous endorsement of the strength and ambition of life and health sciences across Northern Ireland
"NI-ADAPT will train outstanding doctoral researchers who understand not only the science of disease, but how to translate discovery into new medicines and treatments. By bringing together the strengths of Queen’s, Ulster University, industry and healthcare, we will create the talent needed to drive innovation, increase productivity and place Northern Ireland at the heart of the UK’s global life-sciences ambition.”
Dr Vicky Kett, NI-ADAPT MRC Doctoral Landscape Award deputy director, said: “NI-ADAPT will be a hub of excellence, recruiting the most talented researchers into an inclusive and supportive research culture where they can thrive. Access to unique additional training and placements with our external partners will ensure NI-ADAPT graduates emerge as confident, versatile researchers, prepared for impactful careers across research, innovation and the wider life‑sciences sector.”
Professor Sir Ian Greer, president and vice-chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, said: “This is a major and welcome investment for Northern Ireland, and we are proud to be leading its delivery in partnership with Ulster University. By creating opportunities for aspiring medical researchers, this programme will build the talent, expertise, and leadership needed to address global health challenges.
“At Queen’s, we are committed to translating research into real-world impact through collaboration across disciplines and sectors. We look forward to supporting the next generation of medical research leaders whose discoveries will improve patient care, drive innovation and deliver lasting benefits for society.”
'Develop deep scientific expertise'
Dr Joanna Robinson, director of Research Talent, Skills and Careers at the Medical Research Council, said: “Medical research depends on talented people. These awards will support doctoral researchers to develop deep scientific expertise alongside the broader capabilities needed for successful and rewarding careers across research, healthcare, industry and policy.
“By investing in researchers at the start of their careers, we are helping to strengthen the UK's medical research workforce and enable discoveries that improve lives.”
Professor Chris McConville, deputy director of NI-ADAPT MRC Doctoral Landscape Award and Professor of Biomedical Innovation at Ulster University, said: “This investment gives Ulster and Queen’s a valuable opportunity to train researchers together, strengthen Northern Ireland’s life-sciences workforce and help more research reach patients.
“Working alongside Queen’s, healthcare and industry partners, we will develop researchers with the scientific ambition and practical skills to tackle pressing health challenges and strengthen Northern Ireland’s growing life-sciences sector.”
Professor Liam Maguire, pro vice-chancellor for research at Ulster University, said: “This significant investment represents an important opportunity to build on Northern Ireland’s strengths in life sciences and further enhance our research capability. At Ulster University, we are committed to advancing research that addresses major health challenges and delivers meaningful benefits for patients, communities, and society.
“NI-ADAPT will help strengthen the region’s research and innovation ecosystem, creating new opportunities for scientific advancement and supporting Northern Ireland’s ambition to become a leading centre for life sciences research and innovation.”