2026 PROGRAMME (April - June 2026)
The 2026 KESS Programme features eight themed seminars across 22 April – 24 June 2026.
Seminars are free and held on Wednesdays (dates above) starting at 1.30pm in Parliament Buildings on the Stormont Estate.
Places are limited, so REGISTER NOW via Eventbrite using the links above.
We look forward to welcoming you.
KESS: Frequently Asked Questions
What is KESS?
Aiming to promote evidence-informed policy and law-making, KESS seminars seek to present policy relevant academic research findings in a lay accessible format, helping to inform Assembly debate and scrutiny – in particular, Assembly scrutiny of Executive and non-Executive Bills. KESS seeks to facilitate discussion, foster improved understanding and enable ongoing opportunities for in-depth engagement between academics and those developing and shaping law and public policy.
KESS seminars seek to bring together local university academics; Assembly Committee Chairs and Members; and Assembly (RaISe) Researchers with a broad spectrum of attendees – including MLA and political party staff; Assembly and Departmental officials; others from the public, private and community sectors; and members of the public.
How do I sign up for updates
To keep up to date with all the latest KESS information, sign up receive the KESS email newsletter:
Seminar Scheduling
Seminars are held on specified Wednesdays starting at 1.30pm in Parliament Buildings on the Stormont Estate. On occasion, Assembly business may require scheduling to be altered.
Venue and Accessibility
You can find out more about visiting Parliament Buildings, including how to get here at www.niassembly.gov.uk/visit-and-learning/planning-your-visit/. When attending, please allow time to pass through Assembly Security before entering Parliament Buildings.
Once registered to attend, attendees will have the opportunity to make requests for reasonable adjustments. The Assembly is committed to fulfilling its equality-related roles and responsibilities and will take reasonable efforts to meet requests relating to them.
Recording
Photography, filming and recording occurs in the public spaces of Parliament Buildings. At KESS seminars, the academic presentations are filmed and made available online. Any discussion following presentations is NOT recorded. Reserved seating, away from cameras, can be made available to registered attendees if requested in advance.
Who organises and delivers KESS?
The Research and Information Service (RaISe) of the Northern Ireland Assembly delivers KESS in partnership with Queen’s University of Belfast, Ulster University, The Open University, Stranmillis University College and St Mary’s University College.
Evidence-Based Academic Research
Academics are asked to ensure that their briefing materials and presentations are evidence-based, robust, non-partisan and relevant to Assembly business. Views expressed by presenting academics are those of the academics and not of the KESS partnership organisers.
Opportunities to present at KESS?
With the resumption of KESS in 2026, KESS open call(s) will be issued each year via the KESS university partners. Academics employed at KESS university partners may apply for consideration via those calls.