Professor Shinton brings more than two decades of experience in research leadership, talent development, and culture change across the higher education sector.

A physical chemist by training, Sara's early experiences as a postdoctoral researcher inspired a lifelong commitment to improving the environments in which researchers work and thrive. Her work included designing and delivering a range of innovative leadership initiatives, notably the highly regarded Crucible programmes in Scotland, Wales and across the GW4 Alliance.

More recently at the University of Edinburgh, Sara provided strategic oversight of support for research staff and doctoral students across the University and played a leading role in strengthening professional development opportunities for technicians and embedding inclusive leadership practices. Sara has successfully leveraged external funding to drive innovation, equity, culture and leadership with a combined value of almost £15 million.

Most recently, Sara has served as Director of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellows Development Network, a unique four-nation partnership providing tailored leadership development for more than 700 of the UK's most promising research and innovation leaders. The network was also recently recognised with the 2026 Association of Research Managers and Administrators (ARMA) Award for Research Culture in Research Management.

This year has brought further recognition of Sara's contributions to the sector, including her election as a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales. She is widely recognised for combining strategic vision with a practical approach to building resilient, high-performing and inclusive research communities.

Professor Sara Shinton said:

I'm excited to work with new colleagues at Bath to develop research leadership capacity and support a positive, high-performing research culture.

My goal is to ensure that all researchers at the University feel equipped not only to excel in their disciplines, but also to lead the systemic changes required in modern research environments.

Professor Emma Carmel said:

I am delighted that we are welcoming Sara to the University of Bath. Sara is exceptionally well respected nationally for her work in research leadership and culture change.

Her work strengthens our strategic commitment to increasing the ambition, quality and impact of our research and to create an environment in which researchers at all career stages can thrive, collaborate and advance globally excellent, impactful research.