QUBIS has announced the appointment of Marina Donohoe as Chief Executive Officer, marking an important new chapter for the organisation as we build on more than a decade of growth and continue strengthening the commercialisation of research emerging from Queen’s University Belfast.
Marina will officially take up the role on 2 February 2026, bringing extensive experience across research, innovation and international business. Her appointment signals the next phase for QUBIS as we continue supporting the creation and growth of companies emerging from Queen’s research and driving economic and societal impact across Northern Ireland and beyond.
The appointment follows the departure of long-serving CEO Brian McCaul, whose ten years of leadership saw significant growth in both the number and scale of Queen’s spin-out companies and strengthened QUBIS’ role within Northern Ireland’s innovation landscape.
Marina joins QUBIS from Enterprise Ireland, where she most recently led the agency’s Research, Innovation and Infrastructure Division. During the last three years, she worked closely with universities and partners across the research and innovation ecosystem to maximise societal and economic impact from public investment.
Her wider career spans research, innovation and international business, with leadership experience across Ireland, Europe and the United States. Marina also brings significant experience supporting high-potential start-ups and helping businesses expand internationally, further strengthening the pathway from research excellence to commercial success.
Welcoming the appointment, Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen's, said:
“Marina brings an exceptional blend of global experience, strategic vision and deep commitment to innovation. Her leadership at Enterprise Ireland, across research, investment and international markets, will be invaluable as QUBIS continues to scale Queen’s commercialisation ambitions and strengthen the University’s contribution to economic growth in Northern Ireland.
“As the first woman to lead QUBIS, Marina’s appointment marks an important moment for the organisation. We look forward to working closely with her as she builds on the strong foundation established by Brian McCaul over many years of dedicated service.”
Chair of the QUBIS Board, Paul Terrington, added:
“I am delighted to welcome Marina to QUBIS. Her experience leading high-performing teams makes her ideally placed to guide QUBIS into its next phase of growth. I would also like to acknowledge the significant contribution made by Brian McCaul, whose leadership has been central to strengthening QUBIS’ reputation and impact. Marina will inherit a strong and committed team, and I am confident she will bring fresh energy and ambition as QUBIS continues to support Queen’s University and Northern Ireland’s wider innovation ecosystem.”
Commenting on her appointment, Marina Donohoe said:
“It is an honour to be appointed CEO of QUBIS, an organisation with a proud history of delivering real impact for Queen’s University and for Northern Ireland. Queen’s has an outstanding reputation for research excellence, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to build on this legacy; helping translate research innovation into economic and societal benefit for Northern Ireland.
“I look forward to working with the talented QUBIS team and their partners to support the next generation of innovative companies emerging from the world leading research at Queen’s.”
As we enter this next phase of growth, Marina’s appointment reinforces our continued focus on translating world-leading research into commercial opportunities and delivering meaningful economic and societal impact.