Pip Peakman has been appointed as the University of Nottingham’s new Director of Research & Innovation, taking up the role from 23 September 2019, to deliver the University’s research, impact and business engagement strategy.

Reporting into the Chief Financial Officer, Margaret Monckton, Pip will lead the research support, business engagement, enterprise and graduate services functions including oversight of the Innovation Park (UNIP).

In particular, Pip will lead operations to support research bidding, the development of postgraduate, postdoctoral and early career Researchers, knowledge exchange, spin-outs, licensing, and regional innovation programmes. She will also support the development and provision of alternative programmes, for example online and higher apprenticeships.

Confirming the appointment, Chief Financial Officer, Margaret Monckton said:

“I am delighted to have secured someone of Pip’s calibre for this vital role. Her insights and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to develop our research and knowledge exchange aspirations for the future as part of the next University Strategy.”

Looking ahead to her role, Pip said:

“In the current environment, all Russell Group universities face challenges to maintain sustainable, broad-based research programmes at scale and are looking to enhance their existing activity to increase research income as well as looking new opportunities to further their research ambitions.

“The University of Nottingham, with its established research base and reputation, its international presence and strong links to industry and innovation is well-positioned to thrive in this environment. I am looking forward to working in such an exciting organisation with such potential for ever greater success.”

A Biochemistry graduate from the University of Birmingham, Pip is currently Director of Research Operations and Strategy at the renowned Manchester Cancer Research Centre, a partnership founded by Cancer Research UK, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Manchester. She has worked for the University since 2012. Prior to this she had a career in industry.