We are delighted that Dr Sophie Collet has joined us as Director of Research and Innovation Services (RIS) at the University of Bath.

The role is instrumental for University ambitions to grow our international, national, and civic reputation for research, alongside ambitious plans for improved research income by growing the number of research awards.

Welcome to Bath! Tell us a bit about yourself?

If you had asked me as a 10-year-old what I wanted to be when I grew up, it would definitely have had something to do with animals! I studied Psychology and Zoology as an undergraduate student and then completed a PhD at the University of Bristol in behavioural ecology, working with Australian parrots. I loved research and I still do – the chance to read, to learn, to discover something new, to be creative, to solve problems, and to collaborate with others as part of a global research community.

After my PhD I started on a career path in research support and have worked in research and innovation services for over 20 years now. Most recently I was Director of Strategy, Information and Operations at the University of Bristol, where I was responsible for leading the delivery of large scale institutional strategic initiatives as well as internal culture and change programmes. My portfolio included research and innovation strategy and operations, the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), evaluation and systems, research culture and Bristol Doctoral College.

I live in Bristol with my husband, two boys (12 and 14) and an ex-racing greyhound called Willa, who we rescued from Ireland in 2020 and who definitely lives up to the greyhound reputation as a 40mph couch potato!

What are you looking forward to in your first few weeks?

I’m excited to start working with Professor Sarah Hainsworth OBE, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), colleagues across RIS and the wider University to deliver on the research pillar of the University Strategy. I can’t wait to get out and about and meet as many people as possible, and to learn about the breadth of research and innovation happening within the University.

Over the next few weeks, I will be taking time to learn about the successes, the challenges and the opportunities, and to listen to your perspectives and ideas. Please do pop by to say hello, or reach out by email, I’d love to hear from you.

What motivates you in your work?

Supporting, enabling, connecting and developing people has always been a key part of my role and is something I am very committed to. I want to build inclusive and values-led cultures, and to ensure I understand what people need to feel safe, empowered, and resilient during times of change – to feel like they are part of a community with a common purpose, a shared ambition and a sense of belonging. One of the most important parts of my role as a leader is to create the kind of environment and culture in which people can thrive.

I have also just started in my new role as Deputy Chair of the Association of Research Managers and Administrators (ARMA). This is an opportunity for me to give something back to a profession that I have been a really proud part of for the last 20+ years. The role ARMA plays is more important now than ever, advocating for and supporting the development of the research management profession, sharing our knowledge and best practice, our ideas and innovations, building connections and communities, and shaping sector policy and practice.

How do you like to spend time outside of work?

My parents were musicians and music has always been an important part of my life. I play the ‘cello in a local orchestra in Bristol, and we regularly perform concerts for children, making classical music accessible, fun and interactive. Music has enormous power to bring communities together and give our children a voice. To quote our new PM, “…we want the arts to be for everyone, everywhere…Kids sing and dance. They love music…They will build a kingdom out of pots and pans”.