Latest news with #Queen'sUniversityBelfast
Irish Post
17 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Post
Northern Ireland's economy shrinks amid global uncertainty
NORTHERN Ireland's economy contracted by 0.6% in the first quarter of 2025 after a full year of steady growth. This downturn, revealed in the latest Northern Ireland Composite Economic Index (NICEI), marks the first economic reversal since the end of 2023. Construction output dropped by 5.1% quarter-on-quarter, while industrial production, particularly manufacturing, also shrank. The NICEI attributes the quarterly fall to these sectors, though it noted that services - the economy's largest sector - remained flat rather than in decline. Despite the recent contraction, the overall economic picture is more complicated. Year on year, Northern Ireland's economy has grown by 1.6%, outperforming Britain's 1.3% growth. On a rolling four-quarter basis, growth stood at 2.7%, double the British average of 1.3%. Economic output is now 10% above pre-pandemic levels, with private sector output alone 10.5% higher than in late 2019. The services sector, covering everything from hospitality to legal services, has been a key driver of this post-Covid recovery. Richard Ramsey, Professor in Economics at Queen's University Belfast, said the figures point to a 'reversal in fortunes' for the private sector. While public sector jobs and agriculture provided some stability, they were not enough to offset losses elsewhere. Mr Ramsey also raised concerns about global factors. The temporary suspension of US tariffs introduced by Donald Trump is set to expire soon. The uncertainty around potential new tariffs has already led to revisions in growth. 'The local economy is expected to see a growth rate of around one third of last year's figure,' he said, noting that businesses are already grappling with new tax burdens introduced in April. In contrast, agriculture in Northern Ireland is enjoying a remarkable boom. Total income from farming (TIFF) is expected to rise by over 60% this year, reaching £766m - up from £471m in 2023. The increase is driven by reduced input costs and improved prices for dairy, beef and lamb. Average farm business income is projected to more than double, thanks to falling prices for feed, fertiliser, and machinery. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said in a public statement: 'My department is focused on helping farmers mitigate cost and price pressures while improving productivity and sustainability."
RTÉ News
a day ago
- Science
- RTÉ News
Is your cat loud or quiet? It could be in their genes
Analysis: Research suggests cats don't have a single temperament, but rather various traits that prove useful under different domestic conditions By Grace Carroll, Queen's University Belfast If you've ever shared your home with more than one cat, you'll know how different their personalities can be. One might chirp for food, purr loudly on your lap and greet visitors at the door. Another might prefer quiet observation from a distance. So why do some cats become chatty companions while others seem more reserved? A recent study led by wildlife researcher Yume Okamoto and their colleagues at Kyoto University suggests that part of the answer may lie in cat genes. From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, the relationship between humans and cats Cat owners from across Japan were asked to complete a questionnaire about their cat (the Feline Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire), and to take a cheek swab from their pet to provide a DNA sample. The survey included questions about a range of cat behaviour, including purring and vocalisations directed at people. The researchers in the recent Japanese study focused on the cats' androgen receptor (AR) gene, located on the X chromosome. This gene helps regulate the body's response to hormones such as testosterone and contains a section where a DNA sequence is repeated. AR is an essential part of vertebrate biology. The most ancient form of AR appeared in the common ancestor of all jawed vertebrates, over 450 million years ago. AR controls the formation of male reproductive organs, secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive behaviour. The number of these sequences alters how responsive the gene is. Shorter repeats make the receptor more sensitive to androgens. In other species, including humans and dogs, shorter repeats in the AR gene have been linked with increased aggression and extraversion. Among 280 spayed or neutered cats, those with the short AR gene variant purred more often. Males with the variant also scored higher for directed vocalisations such as meowing to be fed or let out. Females with the same genotype, however, were more aggressive towards strangers. Meanwhile, cats with the longer, less active version of the gene tended to be quieter. This variant was more common in pedigree breeds, which are typically bred for docility. Domestication is generally thought to have increased vocal behaviour in cats, so it may seem odd that the version of the gene linked to increased communication and assertiveness is the one also found in wild species such as lynx. But this study doesn't tell a straightforward narrative about how cat domestication selects for sociable traits. Instead, it points to a more complex picture. One where certain ancestral traits like aggression may still be useful, especially in high-stress or resource-scarce domestic environments. From RTÉ Radio 1's Ray D'Arcy Show, should all cats be indoor cats? Some animals spend a lot of time around humans because they are attracted by our resources rather than bred as companion animals or farmed. Urban gulls offer an interesting example of how close proximity to humans doesn't always make animals more docile. In cities, herring and lesser black-backed gulls (both often referred to as seagulls) have become bolder and more aggressive. Researchers at Liverpool John Moores University found that urban gulls were less fearful of humans and more prone to squabbling compared to their rural counterparts. In urban areas, where food is highly contested, being assertive gets results. Gulls are often vilified in the UK press during breeding season as urban villains, swooping down to snatch your lunch or chase pedestrians. This suggests that life alongside humans can sometimes favour more confrontational behaviour. From cats to gulls, life alongside humans doesn't always produce gentler animals The parallels with cats raise broader questions about how environment and genes shape behaviour. Okamoto and colleagues' findings may reflect a trade-off. Traits linked to the short AR variant, such as greater vocalisation or assertiveness, might offer advantages in gaining human attention in uncertain or competitive settings. But these same traits may also manifest as aggression, suggesting that domestication can produce a mix of desirable and challenging traits. It's worth bearing in mind that this kind of variation between individuals is fundamental to the evolution of species. Without variation in behaviour, species would struggle to adapt to changing environments. For cats, this means there may be no single ideal temperament, but rather a range of traits that prove useful under different domestic conditions. From cats to gulls, life alongside humans doesn't always produce gentler animals. Sometimes, a little pushiness pays off.
BreakingNews.ie
4 days ago
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Funding awarded for project to improve air quality across island of Ireland
A cross-border partnership aimed at tackling air pollution challenges across the island of Ireland has been awarded 6.5 million euro of funding. The impact of agricultural ammonia emissions on health and ecosystems will be among the subjects investigated by the Peace-Air partnership, which aims to improve air quality through engagement, research and activities supporting policies and actions. Advertisement It has been awarded €6,499,957 of Peaceplus funding. 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐋𝐔𝐒 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐆 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐬, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 €𝟑.𝟑𝟗𝐛𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝟐𝟑,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬. These funding programmes… — SEUPB (@SEUPB) June 23, 2025 Peaceplus is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and represents a funding partnership between the European Union, the UK and Irish governments and the Northern Ireland Executive. It has a total value of 1.14 billion euro. Partners in Peace-Air include Donegal County Council, Queen's University Belfast, University College Cork, Technological University Dublin, University of Galway, Ulster University, Institute of Public Health, Trinity College Dublin and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. The partnership aims to provide scientific evidence on air pollution sources to inform emission reduction policies and to raise awareness on the detrimental health effects of air pollution and its causes. Advertisement The project will be structured into three main areas of work: – Solid fuel burning will be tackled through cross-border monitoring campaigns, community surveys and the establishment of an all-island solid fuel testing laboratory. – Transport-related air pollution in cross-border towns will be monitored using low-cost sensor networks and chemical speciation techniques, with citizen scientists engaged to raise awareness. – The impact of agricultural ammonia emissions on health and ecosystems will be investigated through field studies, and the current monitoring networks will be assessed in a cross-border context. Advertisement 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐋𝐔𝐒 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝟗𝟎% 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 €𝟏.𝟏𝟒𝐛𝐧 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞-𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬. PEACEPLUS is a partnership between… — SEUPB (@SEUPB) June 20, 2025 Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers said the Environmental Protection Agency has reported that 1,600 premature deaths annually can be attributed to poor air quality in Ireland. He said: 'The cross-border 6.5 million euro Peace-Air project will bring new strategic engagement to improve air quality right across the island. 'Focusing on collaboration and research across both jurisdictions, Peace-Air will develop an evidence base to inform policy development and lead to better health outcomes. Stormont Finance Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the funding boost. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. Stormont Minister of Finance John O'Dowd said: 'This initiative is a positive example of cross-border co-operation, and it will work to improve air quality through strategic engagement, research and resultant actions across the island of Ireland. Advertisement 'The project will inform the work of policymakers in both jurisdictions in promoting more effective ways to address air pollution to improve health and wellbeing.' SEUPB chief executive Gina McIntyre said: 'Peace-Air will be the first cross-border collaboration of its kind to tackle common air pollution challenges. 'It delivers unique scientific capability from across the island of Ireland, ensuring inclusive geographic coverage of Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.' 'This funding demonstrates Peaceplus in action, bringing experts together to work on delivering positive change which will benefit the lives of so many people across our programme area by protecting and enhancing our natural environment.' Advertisement
Indian Express
20-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Queen's University Belfast appoints Professor M Satish Kumar first Dean of India campus
Queen's University Belfast (QUB) has announced the appointment of Professor M Satish Kumar as the first Dean of its upcoming international campus in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), India. Prof Kumar will assume his role in July 2025 and will be based in GIFT City, where he will provide academic leadership across disciplines as the university prepares to launch its India campus. The GIFT City campus is expected to welcome its first cohort of students in early 2026. As the first UK Russell Group university to establish a presence in GIFT City, QUB's expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance global engagement and foster long-term partnerships with Indian academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and government bodies. According to a statement from the university, Prof Kumar has been associated with QUB for over 25 years, having served in the School of Natural and Built Environment. He also led Queen's Academy India and held the position of Director of Internationalisation, where he contributed to strengthening the university's outreach and collaborations in South Asia. He has previously held visiting professorships at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, and the University of Calcutta in Kolkata. The GIFT City campus will begin with a portfolio of five postgraduate programmes aligned with the demands of the Indian economy. These programmes are being designed to cater to sector-specific skills and will form the core academic offering during the initial phase of operations. QUB will announce the names of academic staff responsible for programme delivery in the coming months. Queen's University Belfast's expansion into India reflects a broader trend in transnational education, with increasing academic and institutional collaborations between the UK and India. The establishment of the GIFT City campus aligns with national policies encouraging international branch campuses and is expected to contribute to both educational and economic development in the region.
The Journal
19-06-2025
- The Journal
Former Queen's University Belfast student jailed for life in the UK for raping 10 women
A CHINESE STUDENT who studied at Queen's University Belfast PhD, described as 'one of the most prolific predators' in the UK, has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 24 years. PhD student Zhenhao Zou, 28, drugged and raped 10 women in London and China. He kept a trophy box of women's belongings and filmed nine of the rapes on women as they lost consciousness. Three of the 10 victims have been identified, prosecutors say, but Metropolitan Police detectives fear he could have targeted dozens more women. Sentencing Zou at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, Judge Rosina Cottage told him he would serve 22 years and 227 days before he was eligible for parole, taking into account time spent on remand. The judge said the defendant is a 'very bright young man' who used a manipulative 'charming mask' to hide that he is a 'sexual predator'. She said that Zou 'planned and executed a campaign of rape', treating the women 'callously' and as 'sex toys' for his own pleasure, which had 'devastating and long-term effects'. The judge told the court that Zou has a 'sexual interest' in 'asserting power and control over women', adding that the victims were 'pieces in an elaborate game' for the defendant, who has 'no understanding of the meaning of consent'. Detective inspector Richard Mackenzie told reporters outside the court: 'The sheer scale of his offending, which spanned two countries, makes him one of the most prolific predators we have ever seen.' Elizabeth Cook / PA Elizabeth Cook / PA / PA After a month-long trial, Zou, who was most recently living in Elephant and Castle, south-east London, was found guilty of raping three women in London and another seven in China between September 2019 and May 2023. He was convicted of 11 counts of rape, with two of the offences relating to one victim. Zou was also convicted of three counts of voyeurism, 10 of possession of an extreme pornographic image, one of false imprisonment and three of possession of a controlled drug with intent to commit a sexual offence, namely butanediol. Prosecutors said Zou appeared to be 'a smart and charming young man', but was in fact 'a persistent sexual predator, a voyeur and a rapist'. He comes from a wealthy family, affording a Rolex, a wardrobe of designer clothes, cosmetic procedures such as a hair transplant and facial surgery, and thousands in monthly rent while living in London as an international engineering student. Zou, who also used the name Pakho online, befriended fellow Chinese students on WeChat and dating apps before inviting them for drinks and drugging them at his flats in London or an unknown location in China. The student first moved to Belfast in 2017 to study mechanical engineering at Queen's University before heading to London in 2019 to do a master's degree and then a PhD at University College London (UCL). Advertisement His crimes began to be uncovered in November 2023, when a woman went to police to allege she had been attacked by Zou. There was not enough evidence to bring a criminal charge over the claim, but when Zou's phone was seized, officers found disturbing videos of him raping unconscious women, and pipettes and sedating drugs were discovered in his flat. One of the identified women was raped after Zou pushed her to drink excessive amounts of alcohol and would not let her leave his flat in Elephant and Castle in May 2023. She said in her victim impact statement: 'I have lost faith in human beings, I have no trust in others. Before this incident, I was not aware that a human could do such evil things. When I meet with strangers, I get flashbacks of what he did.' A second identified woman, who is now living in China, was also raped by Zou in his student flat near Russell Square in October 2021 when she was unconscious, the court heard. She said: 'I know words will never fully convey the depth of this wound. But one thing is certain, what happened that night is etched into my soul forever. 'His face, his expression – they will never leave me. I will never forgive him.' Scotland Yard said 24 women came forward following publicity in the media around Zou's trial to say they think they may have been attacked by him. Prosecutors say among them was a victim in China, known as Female D. In her statement, she wrote of being 'trapped in self-blame', 'gagged by shame' and being 'haunted' by nightmares of what happened. Commander Kevin Southworth, of the Metropolitan Police said: 'I hope the fact Zou can no longer harm others serves as a small amount of comfort to the women who have suffered immeasurably. 'I would also like to take this opportunity to stress that our investigation remains open and we continue to appeal to anyone who may think they have been a victim of Zou. 'Please come forward and speak with our team – we will treat you with empathy, kindness and respect.' Saira Pike, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said that Zou is a 'serial rapist and a danger to women'. She added: 'I'd like to take this opportunity to once again express my heartfelt thanks to the courageous women who came forward to report Zou's horrific crimes. 'They have been incredibly strong and brave – there is no doubt that their evidence helped us to secure his conviction, and the life sentence handed to him today.' Zou's case has chilling parallels with Reynhard Sinaga, 41, who was jailed for life in January 2020 at Manchester Crown Court after being found guilty of 159 counts of sexual offences against 48 different men. He also befriended his victims and invited them back to his flat, before drugging and sexually assaulting them. There was also the case of serial killer Stephen Port, who received a whole life term after raping and murdering four men with overdoses of the sedative drug GHB, and drugging and sexually assaulting seven others who survived.
