Professor Sarah Hainsworth OBE FREng, our Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Enterprise), will be leaving the University of Bath and will take up the role of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Durham in February 2026.
Professor Hainsworth joined the University of Bath in December 2021 and has made significant contributions to the University during her time with us. Under Sarah’s leadership, Bath has seen a substantial increase in research awards, improved research services support, a new framework for Research Institutes and Centres, and the launch of new Institutes aligned to global grand challenges.
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Phil Taylor said: “I would like to thank Professor Hainsworth for all her hard work and dedication, and the wide range of positive impacts she has made as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Enterprise). Sarah has worked with colleagues to enhance our readiness for the next Research Excellence Framework and to help revitalise our doctoral community and celebrate its impact and successes. The strides Sarah has taken leave us in a strong position to build from these foundations and to continue our focus on excellence and impact. I’m really grateful to Sarah for her excellent work and wish her every success in her exciting new role.”
Sarah said: “I am really proud of the progress we’ve made in research and innovation at Bath, and I’m grateful to all those colleagues who have helped to boost research awards, and establish new Institutes, Centres and Beacons. The work we have done to enhance our research and innovation services, to launch a Researcher Academy, and develop our Research Culture Strategy, stand Bath in good stead for the future.”
Arrangements for recruiting a successor will be put in place over the weeks to come.