The current role of Director of Research and Innovation will be replaced by two roles; Director of Research & Innovation Strategy and Director of Research & Innovation Operations.

Both of these roles will report directly to Margaret Monckton, Chief Financial Officer.

Research & Innovation has an important role to play in the delivery of the university strategy and we have been keen to ensure that we have the right leadership structure in place to give the team the best opportunity to play its role.

Niall O’Loughlin, currently Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange Excellence & Strategy will be taking up the new role as Director of Research & Innovation Strategy with effect from 1 October 2023.

Rachel Brereton will continue in her role as Director of Research & Innovation Operations.

This structural change to the leadership team means that Niall and Rachel will jointly be leading the Research & Innovation team.

Chief Financial Officer at the university Margaret Monckton said:

“I’m very pleased to welcome Niall into the new role of Director of Research & Innovation Strategy and very much look forward to working closely with both Neil and Rachel as they pull together a transition plan over the coming weeks.

“I am sure the university joins me in wishing Niall the best of luck with his new role.”