by pulseprni | May 5, 2026 | Clients, News
Northern Ireland’s science, technology and education sectors will take centre stage at this year’s ESB Science Blast Belfast showcase, with a strong line-up of organisations demonstrating how STEM is driving innovation across the economy.
Taking place on Tuesday 5 May at ICC Belfast, the event will feature interactive exhibits from the Ulster Museum, Marble Arch Caves, Kainos, Armagh Planetarium, W5, NI Water and NI Fire & Rescue – highlighting the breadth of STEM capability across heritage, environmental science and digital technology.
The showcase forms part of one of Ireland’s largest STEM engagement programmes, which will welcome more than 17,000 students this year and surpassed the milestone of 100,000 participants since its launch.
Paul Kelly, CEO at the RDS said: “The RDS was founded almost 300 years ago with a mission to see Ireland thrive, and there is no better way to advance that mission than by sparking curiosity in the next generation. As we surpass the significant milestone of 100,000 participants, we are proud to provide a platform that builds the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to support innovation for decades to come.”
Paddy Hayes, ESB Chief Executive added “ESB Science Blast encourages students to ask questions about the world around them and to explore innovative possibilities. At ESB, we are proud to be partnering with the RDS on this unique programme, empowering young people to be curious, to think critically, and to interact positively with STEM – for future us!”
Since launching in 2010 as the RDS Primary Science Fair, and evolving into ESB Science Blast in 2019, the initiative has engaged pupils from across all 32 counties, connecting classroom learning with real-world industry.
Amy Harrington, Science and Technology Programme Manager, RDS said “By supporting teachers to move beyond teaching the answer to ‘teaching the method’ we are future-proofing Ireland. We are also ensuring that children from all 32 counties, including DEIS schools, Gaelscoileanna and students with special educational needs, are equipped with the critical thinking skills that every CEO, doctor, solicitor and citizen will need by 2040.”
Distinct from traditional science competitions, ESB Science Blast is non-competitive, with every participating class receiving feedback and recognition. The programme maintains near gender parity and supports DEIS schools and Irish-medium education, widening participation in STEM.
With global industries increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, climate innovation and advanced technologies, the Belfast showcase underlines Northern Ireland’s role in nurturing the next generation of talent and strengthening the future skills pipeline.
//ENDS
by pulseprni | Apr 27, 2026 | Clients
eComm Live, Ireland’s premier event for eCommerce retailers, agencies, entrepreneurs, and software providers, returns to The Assembly Buildings Conference Centre in Belfast on 28 and 29 April 2026.
The two-day event is expected to bring together over 400 eCommerce professionals from across Ireland and the UK for insight, inspiration, and networking opportunities.
The conference will explore the most pressing topics in eCommerce today, including scaling direct-to-consumer brands in competitive global markets, cross-border logistics and delivery, the practical application of AI and automation, and strategies for building long-term customer loyalty through community, personalisation, and data-driven decision-making.
The conference is headlined by Noel Mack, Chief Brand Officer at Gymshark, with additional speakers from Moonpig, Brown Thomas Arnotts, Kukoon, and Dubarry of Ireland sharing their expertise and real-world experiences.
Kevin Traynor, eComm Live Founder said, “Bringing eComm Live back to Belfast is always special for us. What’s grown here over the years is more than an event, it’s a genuinely engaged community of founders and leaders who are open about their experiences and generous with what they’ve learned. That willingness to share real insight is what gives the event its edge.”
Complementing the main conference, day one will feature the eComm Founders Sessions, offering in-depth interviews with Irish founders, including Connor Martin from the JAQ Group and Linda Stinson from Bellamianta. Caroline O’Neill, founder of DIGG – a growing brand family that includes Diggmama and Digg Podcast – will host this session, providing delegates with exclusive insights from the pioneers behind some of Ireland’s most successful brands.
Alongside the sessions, eComm Live offers a variety of social and networking opportunities, giving attendees the chance to connect with peers, industry leaders, and brand innovators. Event sponsors include DHL Express, Autoaddress, eDesk, GoKwik, Zipchat, Core Optimisation, Columbus, Octane AI and Global Ocean Logistics NI.
For more information and to register, visit https://ecomm.live.
by pulseprni | Oct 15, 2025 | Clients
Grainne McGarvey | Pulse PR Director
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how we tell stories and in public relations, storytelling is everything. In recent months, many major newsrooms and photo desks have begun using software to detect whether images have been created or altered by AI before they’re published. That shift says a lot about where the communications industry is headed: we’re entering an era where the authenticity of content both written and visual is under closer scrutiny than ever.
AI’s Benefits for PR Professionals
For busy PR teams, AI offers both efficiency and insight. Tools can analyse data to show how messages are landing, or draft first versions of media content, freeing up time for strategy and creativity. When used well, AI doesn’t replace human thinking, it amplifies it.
The same goes for visual content. AI can help edit press pictures, improve lighting, or remove background distractions, ensuring the images we share are professional and consistent with brand standards. In a media landscape driven by first impressions, a well-edited image can be as crucial as the headline.
Where the Ethical Line Lies
But here’s the challenge: when does editing cross the line into manipulation? AI makes it easy to retouch faces, alter settings, or even generate people and places that don’t exist. While some of this might be harmless in marketing, it raises serious questions in PR, an industry built on trust and authenticity.
As detection tools become more sophisticated, transparency around how we use AI will become essential. If a photo is AI-generated or heavily altered, that should be disclosed. If AI assists in writing or analysis, human oversight must remain central.
Striking the Right Balance
AI can make PR more inclusive, creative, and efficient, but only if we use it with care. It’s about striking the right balance between innovation and integrity. By helping us analyse diverse perspectives and voices, AI can make our campaigns more inclusive and representative of the audiences we serve. It can also spark new levels of creativity by uncovering insights and trends that inspire fresh ideas and storytelling approaches. And by automating routine tasks, AI allows PR professionals to work more efficiently, freeing up time for meaningful strategy and authentic human connection.
At Pulse PR, we see AI not as a replacement for human creativity, but as a support system that helps us communicate more effectively while staying true to our values of honesty and transparency.
Get in touch if Pulse PR can help your business: info@pulseprni.com
by pulseprni | Aug 28, 2025 | Clients, News
ARC Regulatory, a leading regulatory affairs and clinical research consultancy has announced the opening of a new office hub in Derry~Londonderry representing an investment of £250,000. This expansion marks another milestone in the company’s growth, following the recent launch of its £3 million state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in Belfast earlier this year.
The office in Ebrington Square will launch with an initial wave of recruitment for new roles in regulatory affairs and clinical research experts. These hires will join members of ARC Regulatory’s Belfast team who are originally from the Derry area and wish to work closer to home.
This first recruitment phase marks the start of ARC’s expansion in the North West, with plans to grow headcount further as the local talent pool develops and the right candidates are identified. The long-term vision includes moving into a larger office in the city and creating a significant number of high-value jobs, supporting both the company’s strategic growth and the region’s economic development.
The decision to open in Derry~Londonderry is further strengthened by ARC’s collaboration with the Personalised Medicine Centre, part of the Ulster University School of Medicine, which is based at Altnagelvin Hospital. This partnership provides access to an established life sciences network, world-class research, and a strong talent pipeline from Ulster University’s life sciences and personalised medicine courses at the Derry~Londonderry campus, all of which directly support ARC’s specialist skills needs.
The new office opening is further strengthening ARC Regulatory’s presence across Northern Ireland and its capacity to serve clients globally.
Seamus Kearney, CEO and Founder of ARC Regulatory, said: “Derry has an incredible pool of talent, a strong sense of community, and a growing reputation in life sciences. By opening our new office here, we’re creating opportunities for local people to build rewarding careers without having to leave the North West. With the support of Ulster University and its partners, we see a clear pathway from education and research into meaningful, high-impact work, and that’s exciting for both ARC Regulatory and the region as a whole.”
Professor David Gibson, Research Group Leader, Personalised Medicine Centre, School of Medicine, Ulster University, said: “ARC Regulatory’s expertise in regulatory affairs and clinical research is a welcome addition to the expanding life sciences cluster in the North West. Their presence demonstrates how collaboration in education and research between Ulster University and the life and health science sector can create the right conditions for innovative companies to flourish, while offering exciting career opportunities with global impact for our graduates in the region.”
by pulseprni | Jul 28, 2025 | Clients, News
Pulse PR was delighted to support Trainor Stone & Tile Limited in highlighting its largest project to date – a multi-million pound tiling contract at 20 Ropemaker Street, a landmark development in central London that will become the new headquarters of a prestigious international law.
The high-profile contract was secured earlier this year following a competitive tender process, with completion due in September 2025. Trainor Stone and Tile was selected for its competitive pricing, sustainable delivery model, and its track record of managing complex, high-end commercial projects with consistency and care.
The 20 Ropemaker project also marks the 60th project delivered by Trainor Stone and Tile in 2025 alone -a milestone that reflects the company’s rapid growth and expanding market share. With a strong operational base in London and a dedicated team headquartered at the Gasworks in Belfast, the company continues to build its reputation as one of the UK’s leading specialist sub-contractors.
Michael Halliday, Senior Quantity Surveyor at Trainor Stone and Tile, said: “As one of London’s most anticipated new office developments, 20 Ropemaker sets a new standard for design and sustainability. This is the biggest contract we’ve secured, and we’re absolutely delighted to be part of such a significant project. It’s a major boost for our team and a real reflection of the quality, consistency, and expertise we bring to every job. We’re proud to showcase our capabilities on a scheme of this scale.”
Originally founded by Peter Trainor as Trainor Contracts in 2012, the company was re-incorporated as Trainor Stone and Tile in 2015 – making 2025 the official 10-year anniversary of Trainor Stone and Tile. Since then, it has grown to become one of the most recognisable names in the sector, delivering standout projects including Netflix, Sony Music, Amazon, Estee Lauder, Harrods, Selfridges, and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
With a full order book and multiple large-scale projects in the pipeline, the company is now strengthening its Belfast-based team to support continued expansion.
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