​How can Northern Ireland’s scientific and technical leaders connect with ARIA, shape ambitious new R&D programmes and help turn breakthrough ideas into reality?

​Join the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA), in partnership with Ormeau Labs, to explore how we can strengthen the connections between bold ideas, exceptional people and breakthrough funding in Northern Ireland.

​Created by an Act of Parliament, ARIA backs research that is too speculative, difficult or interdisciplinary to be funded through conventional routes. Its focus is high-risk, high-reward science and engineering with the potential to change what is possible for the UK and beyond.

​Central to ARIA’s model are its Programme Directors: ambitious scientific and technical leaders who identify important opportunities, shape and lead multi-year R&D programmes, and build communities capable of delivering breakthroughs.

​This event offers a direct opportunity to learn what the role involves, what ARIA looks for in a Programme Director, and whether you — or someone you know within Northern Ireland’s research and innovation community — could help lead its next generation of programmes.

​ARIA CEO Kathleen Fisher will join leaders from across Northern Ireland’s ecosystem for an open conversation about:

• ​How ARIA identifies and develops new R&D programmes

• ​What makes a compelling Programme Director and programme thesis

• ​How Programme Directors turn ambitious ideas into funded portfolios

• ​How ARIA funds R&D across the UK and internationally

• ​How researchers, founders and technical leaders from Northern Ireland can engage

• ​What deeper collaboration between ARIA and the region could look like

​ARIA welcomes people and ideas from across the R&D ecosystem — not only universities, but start-ups and scale-ups, established companies, research institutions and individual researchers.

​Northern Ireland has a deep and growing talent base spanning AI and digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, offshore renewable energy, space and the creative industries. This evening is about connecting that talent with ARIA’s mission: helping potential applicants understand where they might fit, encouraging prospective Programme Directors to step forward, and creating routes for more ambitious ideas from the region to secure support.

​Applications for ARIA’s third cohort of Programme Directors open on 17 August 2026 and close on 28 September 2026, for a May 2027 start.

​Think you could shape and lead a breakthrough R&D programme? Learn more and register your interest in becoming an ARIA Programme Director.

​Expect a relaxed evening of insight, conversation and connection, with plenty of time to meet others from across Northern Ireland’s innovation community.

​Agenda

​17:30 | Doors open

​18:00 | Opening remarks, talks and panel discussion

​18:45 | Refreshments and networking

​20:30 | Event ends

​Who’s it for?

​This event is for anyone interested in ambitious science and technology, breakthrough R&D, and strengthening the North-East’s role in the UK innovation ecosystem.

​We especially encourage people from across academia, startups, industry, government, venture capital, non-profits, charities, and civic institutions to attend — particularly those working with ambitious ideas, overlooked opportunities, or exceptional people who could shape the future.