Professor Richard Graham has taken up a new position as Interim Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (APVC) for the Researcher Academy and Researcher Career Development.

This strategic role is integral to steering the academic direction for the Researcher Academy, developing and delivering of strategic initiatives in relation to researchers and researcher career development, and in providing institutional leadership in the PGR space.

Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange said: “Richard has been a participant on the Researcher Academy’s Nottingham Researcher Leadership Programme so it’s fantastic to see he is now part of the programme he was on and is now strategically leading! It’s a great testament to the value of the Researcher Academy.

Richard brings not only a great energy but also an excellent skill set and invaluable insight and experience thanks to his previous roles – I know he believes deeply in the importance of the experience of our research students and staff receive whilst at Nottingham.”

Richard joined the School of Mathematical Sciences at the university in 2007, having previously worked at the Universities of Leeds and Michigan. Promoted to professor in 2018, his research interests are centred around understanding how molecular motion leads to fluid properties in both simple and complex fluids.

As the new Interim APVC, Richard brings a wealth of experience, having served as a Researcher Academy Faculty Lead (RAFL) for the Faculty of Science since 2018.

As RAFL, Richard collaborated closely with staff in the Researcher Academy and in academic departments to support development and training of researchers and help them to reach their full potential.

Now, as the Interim APVC, Richard extends his leadership across the university, through his work on pivotal projects, including the Research Super-Vision Project and the REC-HURDLES project that addresses precarious employment in research, particularly its impact on under-represented groups.

Richard’s leadership also includes the upcoming Research Culture Conference and Researcher Leadership Programmes, underscoring his commitment to shaping a thriving research ecosystem.

His vision aligns seamlessly with the Researcher Academy’s mission to empower researchers, unlock their potential, and foster a dynamic an inclusive researcher community.

Professor Graham commented: “Ensuring the voices of researchers and academics across the university are heard is something I am passionate about, and my new role provides many opportunities to grow my understanding and to find solutions.

Through the Researcher Academy, I’m involved in institutional and national projects that are important for both PGRs and research-focussed staff. I’m excited about the opportunities these will provide.”