Our Core Mission and Objectives

Core Mission/Aim: To connect research managers and administrators across the island of Ireland to address mutually relevant issues and challenges, and to capitalise on opportunities to complement existing research support professional networks.

Strategic Objectives:

🔗 Professional Connectivity

🌍 Network Development & Partnerships

🚀 Professional Development & Career Support

Our Journey

2021-2023: Launched through the InterTradeIreland (ITI) Synergy Programme, establishing the foundation for cross-border research collaboration.

2022 Milestone: Our inaugural conference “Research for the Future” brought together 157 delegates at Belfast’s historic Titanic Hotel, with ministerial support from both jurisdictions.

2023-Present: Renewed funding from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) has enabled expansion of membership and activities.

2025 Achievement: Our latest conference “Looking Ahead: The Future of Research Management” attracted 180 delegates to Dublin’s Convention Centre, delivered in partnership with the Irish Research Managers & Professionals Association (IRMPA) and Northern Ireland Research Professionals Network (NIRPN).

Our Vision

To be the definitive voice for research management excellence across the island of Ireland, fostering collaboration that transcends borders and accelerates innovation in an era of rapid change and disruption.

📚Knowledge &Best Practice Sharing

  • Share research management best practice and knowledge through webinars, trainings/workshops and conferences
  • Address gaps in professional development and training provisions
  • Enhance the professional service and support provided to the academic community and industry

💰Funding & Collaboration Support
      AIREN aims to:

  • Raise awareness of research funding opportunities available to support cross-border and all-island collaboration
  • Identify and keep members informed of funding programmes supporting all-island partnerships
  • Maximise opportunities for collaborative research across jurisdictions (PEACE PLUS, HEA North-South Research Programme, Horizon Europe, InterTradeIreland)
  • Facilitate introductions to seed new research collaborations and partnerships

🌍Network Development & Partnerships

  • Build relationships with other networks of research support professionals (IRMPA, EARMA, ARMA, CARDEA, NIRPN)
  • Engage with relevant funding bodies and stakeholders on collaborative opportunities
  • Establish AIREN as a recognised voice in the international research management community
  • Grow and diversify network membership across all sectors of the research ecosystem
  • Provide a forum for engagement with stakeholders, government bodies, and international initiatives
  • Contribute to policy development and best practice in research management across the Island of Ireland