Published Monday, 27 June 2011
With MLAs set to debate the issue in the Assembly later, leading lights from Queen's are to give a demonstration of the role the university plays in the lives of people in Northern Ireland.
Representatives will showcase how research undertaken at the campus impacts on business, industry and community in the region, work which they say "improves lives".
Minister for employment and learning Stephen Farry has already warned about the effects of university underfunding, and has called on colleagues to shoulder the shortfall across departments.
One option up for discussion to help balance the books is raising the cap on tuition fees from £3,290 to £4,500 per year.
Vice-Chancellor of Queen's, Professor Sir Peter Gregson, who is spearheading their unique visit to Parliamant Buildings, said it's "critical" the shortfall is addressed.
"It is critical that our elected representatives fully recognise the role, impact and benefit of higher education to Northern Ireland's social, political and economic well-being," he said.
"Following Queen's showcase at Stormont I hope our elected representatives will be in no doubt of the opportunity higher education provides for our young people, the impact it has on our economy and the importance to everyone that we maintain a world-class education provision in Northern Ireland.
"It is essential that the Executive and the Assembly reduce the current 40% real terms disinvestment in Higher Education to the 12% cash cuts that the universities are already addressing."
Their call is echoed by heads at the University of Ulster, who have urged the Executive to "do the right thing" by investing in higher education.
"Northern Ireland would be disinvesting when almost every other country is investing," said UU vice-chancellor Professor Richard Barnett.
"And in four years or so one in five or perhaps even one in four seats in this hall where the graduation class of 2011 are sitting today would be empty.
"Investment in education is an obligation that we have for the next generation."