Queen’s University Belfast has launched a new £2.5m MediaLab to help support screen industries and further upskill the creative sector.
They said the new MediaLab draws together existing strengths in film, drama, storytelling, and immersive sound alongside expertise in computer science and engineering at Queen’s, to explore new possibilities in storytelling, production, and digital content creation.
Queen’s are hopeful the new MediaLab will support economic growth, generate high-value jobs, and drive cutting-edge applications while advancing gaming and technology to address real-world challenges.
Queen’s University Belfast launch £2.5m MediaLab to boost screen industries in Northern Ireland
As part of its commitment to meeting the growing demand for talent in the gaming industry, Queen’s has also revealed plans to launch undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Gaming Technologies in 2025/26, building on the existing PgCert in Introduction to Games Technologies.
(L-R): Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen; Donal Phillips, Business Development Manager for the Creative Industries at Queen’s; Professor Michael Alcorn, Director of the MediaLab at Queen’s; and Deborah Colville, Director of the UK Digital Twin Centre, delivered by Digital Catapult, and Honorary Professor of Practice at Queen’s.
Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast said: “The launch of the MediaLab at Queen’s is a milestone for our University and Northern Ireland’s vibrant screen industry.
“This innovative facility will serve as a hub for training, development, and applied research, equipping our students, researchers, and industry professionals with the state-of-the-art tools to lead the future of storytelling.
“The MediaLab highlights our commitment to nurturing talent and advancing the creative economy, positioning Northern Ireland as a global leader in the creative industries.”
(L-R): Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen; Dr Len O’Hagan, Senior Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Senate at Queen’s; Deborah Colville, Director of the UK Digital Twin Centre, delivered by Digital Catapult, and Honorary Professor of Practice at Queen’s; Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s; Professor Michael Alcorn, Director of the MediaLab at Queen’s; and Donal Phillips, Business Development Manager for the Creative Industries at Queen’s.
Professor Michael Alcorn, Director of the MediaLab at Queen’s University Belfast added: “The new facility at Queen’s provides researchers and industry with access to advanced media production tools and techniques.
“The media sector in Northern Ireland is experiencing considerable growth, particularly with the establishment of Studio Ulster. The MediaLab allows Queen’s to make its own specific contribution to this area, drawing on deep engineering and creative expertise at the University and in providing lucrative skill sets for future graduates working in this area.”