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Queen's University's Institute of Irish Studies is not to close ("Irish institute could close", THES , June 7). It is to be reinvigorated with significant extra resources that will allow it to draw on a wider fund of expertise from inside and outside the university. This university is a major player in Irish studies, and the changes planned for the institute will ensure that Queen's enhances its reputation further.

Byzantine studies, which recently won a ?1 million grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Board, is not under threat, either, and ancient history and philosophy will remain part of the Queen's portfolio of subjects for teaching and research.

George Bain
Vice-chancellor
Queen's University, Belfast