Migration, race and ethnicity, majority-minority dynamics are established areas ofacademic enquiry in many contexts around the world. While that may be the case,in one devolved region of the United Kingdom (UK), that of Northern Ireland (NI), these are significantly under-studied when it comes to local populations and issues. This study sought to comprehend how such localised research enquiry is constructed, perceived and impacted by the various stakeholders who influence that contexts’ higher education ecology. Collected data about relevant research outputs (n=200) were analysed, in addition to qualitative insights generated from questionnaire responses and semi-structured interviews with the participation of the authors (n=32); institutional research developers; and members of non-governmental bodies with relation to universities and to the underserved populations. This enabled comprehending the complexities of the internal and external factors which shape research structures and cultures, and their relation to enabling or constraining the agency and practice of academic actors.The project was led by Dr Belluigi and supported through the research assistance of Yvonne Moynihan. Financial support included grants from The British Academy and Leverhulme Trust, and The ESRC Impact Acceleration Account. The project partner was the Migrant and Minority Ethnic ThinkTank of Northern Ireland.