Browse all the articles published on the Research Matters blog, with the most recent articles appearing at the top.
The European Commission (the Commission) has proposed extending two ‘adequacy’ decisions that facilitate the free flow of personal data between the EU and the UK.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming career guidance and is reshaping how students, professionals and employers navigate an increasingly complex job market. In Northern Ireland, this
“A changing world” and “a generational challenge” – that is how the Chancellor described the global political and economic landscape when delivering her Spring Statement
It seems ages since the Chancellor delivered her Spring Statement on 26 March 2025. And now the Chancellor has significantly more factors to address in
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) provides an indication of the economic health of a country, but examining happiness can give a clearer picture of the experiences
Sign Language (Northern Ireland) Bill 2025 A Sign Language Bill was introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly on 10 February 2025. This blog post provides
This blog article is part of a series from the Assembly Research and Information Service to mark International Women’s Day 2025. In Northern Ireland, new
As part of a series of blog posts from the Assembly Research and Information Service to mark International Women’s Day 2025, we have put together
This blog article is part of a series from the Assembly Research and Information Service to mark International Women’s Day 2025. On average, men earn
This blog article focuses on legal aid available for criminal matters, highlighting ongoing challenges like industrial action by criminal barristers in the Crown Court. It
On 11 February 2025, the European Commission (the Commission) will present its Work Programme (CWP) for the year ahead during the European Parliament’s plenary session.
Legislative background International agreements In the past three decades, governments around the world have set out to decarbonise electricity and heat generation, industrial processes, and
The purpose of this blog article is threefold. First, we consider the important role which school governors play in the education system in Northern Ireland.
On 26 November, the Assembly discussed 16 Days of Activism, a global campaign against gender-based violence which highlights how violence against women endangers our societies
This blog article will consider two main issues. First, it will examine the financial pressures facing parents in supporting their children through the school system.
Engagement with the academic community can be helpful for fostering informed discussions and decisions within the Northern Ireland Assembly. Academic research is typically robust and
The Assembly’s Research and Information Service (RaISe) partners with academia and other academic institutions under its ‘Programme of Academic Engagement’. Knowledge Exchange (KE) activities play
Understanding the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill: key issues and implications On 4 September 2024, the UK Government introduced the Product Regulation and Metrology (PRM)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that can significantly impact daily functioning. The
Northern Ireland faces a dual challenge of declining biodiversity and diminishing childhood engagement with nature. Forest Schools have emerged as a potential innovative solution, with
Every year, World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the state of mental health services globally. In Northern Ireland (NI), the intersection
Introduction Tourism in Northern Ireland accounted for £2.3 billion or 5% of the region’s Gross Value Added in 2019. The sector supported 70,200 jobs in
In recent years, algal blooms have drawn large-scale notoriety and attention. We take a look at their global impact on areas of natural beauty.
We take a look at the economic and environmental impact of zebra mussels, an invasive aquatic species, across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
This dashboard has been prepared by the Assembly Research and Information Service to visualise data describing the spread of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland.
This visualisation provides a snapshot of £11.1 million in emergency funding provided to over 2824 individual artists in Northern Ireland.
This visualisation based on analysis published by Ulster Bank, Danske Bank, NISRA, PSNI and Google Mobility Reports, looks at the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland.
This visualisation provides a series of interactive graphs which offer a snapshot of funding to address key challenges arising from the effects of the COVID-19.
This Interactive Timeline illustrates the complexity of the situation surrounding the formation of the draft Executive Budget 2021-22.
This visualisation provides a snapshot of emergency funding provided to the arts and culture sectors in Northern Ireland.
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