SPUR was a partnership between the Department for Employment and Learning and The Atlantic Philanthropies and invested almost £94million over six years into the university research infrastructure. Funding was focused on areas of research where the universities had the potential to compete with the very best in the world.

Sir Reg said: “The report highlights the success of this programme and the investment, through SPUR, has paid dividends as reflected in our Universities’ success in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise. In the current economic climate, the importance of our Higher Education research sector to Northern Ireland cannot be overstated in its role in establishing a modern, dynamic economy.”

Other significant benefits derived from this investment included the ability to attract and retain international researchers and students to Northern Ireland, as well as the creation of around 290 high quality jobs and additional leveraged investment of £140million.

The Minister added: “The research centres established by SPUR are now integrated into the Universities’ structures and all are competing on the international stage. These centres will enable us to move forward with confidence into a future where society, industry and business are increasingly aware of the importance of a strong and innovative knowledge base.”