Academic Staff Nominees for Election to Membership of Senate

Details of the candidates nominated within the Academic Staff constituency of Senate, along with their supporting statements are listed below: 

Merav Amir

I am a Reader in Human Geography in the School of Natural and Built Environment. Since joining Queen’s in 2013, I have established a strong record of representing staff and campaigning for a better working environment. As UCU Branch President (2018–2020), Vice President (2020–2022), and Members’ Secretary (2016–2018), I led negotiations on academic progression, the gender pay gap, IP agreement, improving employment conditions for staff on casual contracts and managing the transition to home working during COVID-19. By supporting dozens of colleagues through individual casework, I further gained a thorough understanding of staff concerns across the University.

Rose Byrne

Rose Byrne brings extensive senior management experience and consistent performance in governance and public appointments. She has served seven years as an Independent Assessor for the Commissioner for Public Appointments Northern Ireland, ensuring fair and transparent recruitment processes. Rose previously served eight years on the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (four years as Chair of Finance).

She is currently a Governing Body member of Belfast Metropolitan College, sitting on Audit & Risk and Human Resources Committees. Rose offers expertise in regulatory oversight and is committed to supporting QUB Senate in shaping the University’s future strategy and governance excellence.

Mark Lawler

National/international standing makes me ideal candidate, representing academic voice/enhancing Queen’s reputation. Professor of Digital Health at Queen’s, significantly contributed to strategic development (FMHLS Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (2-terms); Dean of Education (one-term)). Internationally regarded: Chair International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership, Director UK’s Cancer Data Research Hub, President Cancer Drug Development Forum amongst many leadership roles. Cross-faculty commitment through Health Strand Momentum-One-Zero BRCD Innovation Centre leadership; policy and health economics work with Centre Public Policy and Administration and Queen’s Business School. Cross-border leadership (e.g. All-Island Cancer Research Institute, Peace-Plus One Health Innovation Hub)). Substantial political nous, regularly presenting in Stormont, Leinster House, Westminster.

Panagiotis Manesiotis

Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis is Head of School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Professor of Analytical Chemistry. As an academic leader, he drives strategic initiatives that align with Queen’s Strategy 2030, including research and innovation with national and global impact, promotion of inclusive STEM education and widening participation, and investment in state-of-the-art analytical infrastructure.

Committed to excellence, integrity, and innovation, he champions a collaborative, data-driven approach to decision-making that empowers staff and enhances student experience. His vision is for a future-ready, globally connected university that integrates education, research, and civic impact through strong governance and bold, values-led leadership.

Sean O’Connell

In my twenty years at Queen’s, I have served on numerous major committees, such as Planning and Finance Committee, Academic Council. I have taken on many of the most demanding School administrative roles, such as Director of Education and Director of Research. All these roles bring great experience and knowledge of how the university works. In addition, I worked in the best interests of all staff and of the University when as UCU Branch President (2022-2024), I played a key role in securing the 13.5% pay rise (rolling out over three years 2024-2026) at QUB.

The proposers of each candidate are available here.

** Please note only members of the Academic Staff constituency may vote for Academic Staff nominees. **

Voting

Voting will take place electronically, through the ‘Online Voting’ section on Queen’s Online and will commence at 00:00:00 on Monday, 1 December 2025.

Each member of the electorate will have a single transferable vote in the relevant constituency. Voting will close on Sunday, 14 December 2025 at 23:59:59.

For any further enquiries on this process, please contact Mr Damien Corridan, Returning Officer at d.corridan@qub.ac.uk