Parental pressures in education
18th December 2024
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.
Latest Articles
Browse all the articles published on the Research Matters blog, with the most recent articles appearing at the top.
Moving beyond the ‘usual suspects’ in academic engagement
11th December 2024
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
Effective Knowledge Exchange activities in the Northern Ireland Assembly – facilitating access and use of academic research findings and expertise
10th December 2024
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
Navigating the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill: balancing regulatory alignment, devolution, and global trade ambitions
9th December 2024
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)
Addressing the complexities of ADHD care: challenges and opportunities
4th December 2024
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
Forest Schools: inside nature’s classroom
25th November 2024
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
From custody to community: mental health and criminal justice in Northern Ireland
10th October 2024
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
Tourism update: 2024
3rd October 2024
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
Algal Blooms and Lough Neagh
27th June 2024
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.
Zebra mussels: the invasive alien species in Irish Loughs
3rd April 2024
We take a look at the economic and environmental impact of zebra mussels, an invasive aquatic species, across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Visualisation of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland
7th October 2022
This dashboard has been prepared by the Assembly Research and Information Service to visualise data describing the spread of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland.
How has COVID-19 emergency funding for individual artists been distributed in Northern Ireland?
7th October 2022
This visualisation provides a snapshot of £11.1 million in emergency funding provided to over 2824 individual artists in Northern Ireland.
The impact of COVID-19 on Northern Ireland
7th October 2022
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.
Snapshot of COVID-19 Funding: Department for Communities
7th October 2022
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.
Executive Budget 2021-22
7th October 2022
This Interactive Timeline illustrates the complexity of the situation surrounding the formation of the draft Executive Budget 2021-22.
How has COVID-19 Emergency Funding for the arts and culture Sectors in Northern Ireland been distributed?
7th October 2022
This visualisation provides a snapshot of emergency funding provided to the arts and culture sectors in Northern Ireland.
A snapshot of COVID-19 funding (updated November 2020)
7th October 2022
This visualisation provides a series of interactive graphs compiled by RaISe, offering a snapshot of funding allocated to address key challenges arising from the effects of the pandemic.
Foodbank distribution in Northern Ireland
7th October 2022
Foodbanks are an increasingly useful resource for many. This interactive mapping application provides the location and contact details of all currently operational foodbanks, as of December 2020.
A snapshot of COVID-19 funding
7th October 2022
This visualisation provides a series of interactive graphs compiled by RaISe, offering a snapshot of government funding allocated to address key challenges arising from the effects of the pandemic.
Spring Statement 2022: Blossoming prospects for NI?
25th March 2022
By Nathan Mulholland and Eileen Regan On 23 March 2022, the United Kingdom (UK) Chancellor delivered his 2022 Spring Statement, which this article considers from
The misuse of prescription drugs in Northern Ireland
15th March 2022
by Max Larkinson & James Bamford Earlier this year the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) published a report on Addiction Services in Northern Ireland (NI), highlighting
Visualisation of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland
14th January 2022
By Aaron McMurray & James Bamford This dashboard has been prepared by the Assembly Research and Information Service (RaISe) to visualise data describing the spread
Women’s gynaecological health in Northern Ireland
21st December 2021
Women’s gynaecological health refers to, menstruation, sexual health, fertility and menopause. Health inequalities experienced by women have long been apparent, often described by campaigners as
Climate change risks to transport infrastructure
16th December 2021
The condition and quality of transport infrastructure is critical to the economic and social wellbeing of Northern Ireland (NI). There can be huge costs where
Cancer in Northern Ireland: Strategy and beyond
16th December 2021
The World Health Organisation recommends that every country should have a cancer strategy regardless of resource constraints. The proposed 10-year Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland
Addressing the Digital Divide in Northern Ireland
9th December 2021
This blog article focuses on key UK Government, Northern Ireland Executive and Departmental initiatives which are currently in place to address the digital divide in
Transport trends during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland
3rd December 2021
In March 2020, the lockdown imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a collapse in the use of all modes of transportation in Northern
Abortion and safe access zones
30th November 2021
In September 2021, Clare Bailey MLA introduced the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill to the Assembly. The Bill passed Second Stage on 12 October
An overview of the Digital Divide in Northern Ireland
16th November 2021
This blog article provides a brief overview of the ‘Digital Divide’. Drawing on the Northern Ireland experience, it explores key characteristics of the Digital Divide,
Are electric cars a realistic alternative to petrol and diesel in Northern Ireland today?
2nd November 2021
The UK Government has a vision where almost all cars and vans on UK roads will be electric by 2050. Encouragingly, the market for electric